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Title:
STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR VEHICLE INTERIOR
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/176692
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A storage compartment for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The present invention relates to a console for a vehicle interior. The console may comprise a base comprising an opening; and a door configured to cover the opening of the base and to (a) move from an open position to a closed position and (b) move from the closed position to the open position. The door may be configured to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base. The storage compartment for a vehicle interior may comprise one or more of the inventive concepts and features shown and described in the FIGURES and specification.

Inventors:
ANDERSON RICK ALAN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2017/025865
Publication Date:
October 12, 2017
Filing Date:
April 04, 2017
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
SHANGHAI YANFENG JINQIAO AUTOMOTIVE TRIM SYSTEMS CO LTD (US)
International Classes:
B60R7/04; B60K37/00; B60N3/00; B60R7/06; E05C9/04
Domestic Patent References:
WO2015120034A12015-08-13
Foreign References:
US20040080173A12004-04-29
US4893522A1990-01-16
Other References:
See also references of EP 3439922A4
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PAVLIK, George, S. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A console for a vehicle interior comprising:

a base comprising an opening; and

a door configured to cover the opening of the base and to (a) move from an open position to a closed position and (b) move from the closed position to the open position;

wherein the door is configured to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base.

2. The console of Claim 1 wherein the door comprises a set of opposed walls; wherein the door is configured to center itself between the walls of the base.

3. The console of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the door comprises a spring, a first arm and a second arm; wherein the spring forces the first arm and the second arm against the base to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base and center the door between walls of the base.

4. The console of Claim 3 wherein the door comprises a gear configured to couple the first arm and the second arm.

5. The console of Claim 4 wherein the first arm comprises a first rack and the second arm comprises a second rack; wherein the first rack and the second rack are configured to engage the gear.

6. The console of Claim 4 wherein the door comprises a substrate and a cover; wherein the first arm, the second arm and the spring are coupled to the substrate; wherein the cover is configured to cover the spring and the gear; wherein the first arm and the second arm extend from the cover and the substrate to contact the base.

7. The console of Claim 3 wherein the base comprises a first track and a second track and wherein the first arm is configured to slide along the first track and the second arm is configured to slide along the second track to guide movement of the door relative to the base.

8. The console of Claims 1 to 7 comprising a mechanism configured to move the door from the open position to the closed position.

9. The console of Claim 8 wherein the mechanism is configured to resist movement of the door from the closed position to the open position.

10. The console of Claim 8 wherein the mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base.

11. The console of Claim 8 wherein the mechanism comprises at least one gear and the base comprises at least one rack, wherein the at least one gear is configured to rotate along the at least one rack to move the door relative to the base.

12. The console of Claim 11 wherein the mechanism further comprises a spring and a shaft, wherein the spring is coupled to the shaft; the shaft is coupled to the at least one gear; and the spring is configured to provide torque to the shaft to rotate the at least one gear along the at least one rack to move the door relative to the base.

13. The console of Claim 12 wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring.

14. The console of Claim 11 wherein the at least one rack is molded in the base.

15. The console of Claims 1 to 14 further comprising a latch configured to (a) prevent movement of the door from the open position to the closed position and (b) release the door from the base to allow movement of the door from the open position to the closed position.

16. The console of Claims 1 to 15 further comprising a damper configured to resist movement of the door from the open position to the closed position.

17. The console of Claims 1 to 16 wherein movement of the door comprises sliding.

18. The console of Claims 1 to 17 wherein the door is free to move from the closed position to the open position without actuation of at least one of (a) a latching device, (b) a handle, (c) a locking device.

19. A console for a vehicle interior comprising:

a base comprising an opening;

a door configured to move relative to the base from an open position to a closed position; and

a mechanism configured to move the door from the open position to the closed position;

wherein the door is configured to cover the opening of the base in the closed position; wherein the door comprises the mechanism.

20. The console of Claim 19 wherein the mechanism is configured to (a) resist movement of the door from the closed position to the open position and (b) prevent rotation of the door relative to the base.

21. The console of Claims 19 or 20 wherein the mechanism comprises at least one gear and the base comprises at least one rack, wherein the at least one gear is configured to rotate along the at least one rack to move the door relative to the base.

22. The console of Claim 21 wherein the mechanism further comprises a spring and a shaft, wherein the spring is coupled to the shaft; the shaft is coupled to the at least one gear; and the spring is configured to provide torque to the shaft to rotate the at least one gear along the at least one rack to move the door relative to the base.

23. The console of Claim 22 wherein the base comprises a latch configured to provide a force to overcome torque provided by the spring to prevent movement of the door from the open position to the closed position.

24. The console of Claim 22 further comprising a damper coupled to the shaft configured to resist movement of the door from the open position to the closed position.

25. A console for a vehicle interior comprising:

a base; and

a cover coupled to the base configured to move relative to the base (a) from a first position to a second position and (b) from the second position to the first position; wherein the cover comprises a drive mechanism configured to move the cover from the first position to the second position;

wherein the cover comprises a centering mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the cover relative to the base.

26. The console of Claim 25 wherein the drive mechanism comprises a torsion spring and a damper coupled to a shaft; wherein the shaft comprises at least one wheel configured move the cover relative to the base.

27. The console of Claim 25 wherein the centering mechanism comprises a spring and a first arm coupled to a second arm; wherein the spring provides force to the first arm and the second arm to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base and center the door between walls of the base.

Description:
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component. The present invention also relates to a storage compartment for a vehicle interior.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/318,576 filed April 5, 2016 entitled "Storage Compartment for Vehicle Interior." The entirety of this application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known in motor vehicles to provide storage compartments for the vehicle interior. It is also known to provide a storage compartment in or adjacent to a floor console or instrument panel. It is further known to provide a movable door to cover and expose one or more openings in the storage compartments. A door that is large may require a guide for door travel so as to prevent side to side movement of the door and to correct for a loose uneven feel.

[0004] It would be advantageous to provide an improved storage compartment for a vehicle interior with a door intended to provide a smooth and straight motion for the door with a more even and smooth feel. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention relates to a console for a vehicle interior. The console may comprise a base comprising an opening, and a door configured to cover the opening of the base and to (a) move from an open position to a closed position and (b) move from the closed position to the open position. The door may be configured to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base. The door may comprise a set of opposed walls; the door may be configured to center itself between the walls of the base. The door may comprise a spring, a first arm and a second arm, the spring may force the first arm and the second arm against the base to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base and center the door between walls of the base. The door may comprise a gear configured to couple the first arm and the second arm. The first arm may comprise a first rack and the second arm may comprise a second rack; the first rack and the second rack may be configured to engage the gear. The door may comprise a substrate and a cover. The first arm, the second arm and the spring may be coupled to the substrate; the cover may be configured to cover the spring and the gear. The first arm and the second arm may extend from the cover and the substrate to contact the base. The base may comprise a first track and a second track; the first arm may be configured to slide along the first track and the second arm may be configured to slide along the second track to guide movement of the door relative to the base. The console may comprise a mechanism configured to move the door from the open position to the closed position. The mechanism may be configured to resist movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. The mechanism may be configured to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base. The mechanism may compri se at least one gear and the base may comprise at least one rack; the at least one gear may be configured to rotate along the at least one rack to move the door relative to the base. The mechanism may comprise a spring and a shaft; the spring may be coupled to the shaft; the shaft may be coupled to the at least one gear. The spring may be configured to provide torque to the shaft to rotate the at least one gear along the at least one rack to move the door relative to the base. The spring may comprise a torsion spring. The at least one rack may be molded in the base. The console may comprise a latch configured to (a) prevent movement of the door from the open position to the closed position and (b) release the door from the base to allow movement of the door from the open position to the closed position. The console may comprise a damper configured to resist movement of the door from the open position to the closed position, movement of the door may comprise sliding. The door may be free to move from the closed position to the open position without actuation of at least one of (a) a latching device, (b) a handle, (c) a locking device.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a console for a vehicle interior. The console may comprise a base comprising an opening, a door configured to move relative to the base from an open position to a closed position; and a mechanism configured to move the door from the open position to the closed position. The door may be configured to cover the opening of the base in the closed position; the door may comprise the mechanism. The mechanism may be configured to (a) resist movement of the door from the closed position to the open position and (b) prevent rotation of the door relative to the base. The mechanism may comprise at least one gear and the base comprises at least one rack; the at least one gear may be configured to rotate along the at least one rack to move the door relative to the base. The mechanism may comprise a spring and a shaft; the spring may be coupled to the shaft, the shaft may be coupled to the at least one gear; the spring may be configured to provide torque to the shaft to rotate the at least one gear along the at least one rack to move the door relative to the base. The base may comprise a latch configured to provide a force to overcome torque provided by the spring to prevent movement of the door from the open position to the closed position. The console may comprise a damper coupled to the shaft configured to resist movement of the door from the open position to the closed position.

[0007] The present invention further relates to a console for a vehicle interior. The console may comprise a base; and a cover coupled to the base configured to move relative to the base (a) from a first position to a second position and (b) from the second position to the first position. The cover may comprise a drive mechanism configured to move the cover from the first position to the second position; the cover may comprise a centering mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the cover relative to the base. The drive mechanism may comprise a torsion spring and a damper coupled to a shaft; the shaft may comprise at least one wheel configured move the cover relative to the base. The centering mechanism may comprise a spring and a first arm coupled to a second arm; the spring may provide force to the first arm and the second arm to prevent rotation of the door relative to the base and center the door between walls of the base.

[0008] FIGURE 1A is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0009] FIGURE, IB is a schematic perspective cut-away view of a vehicle showing the interior of the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0010] FIGURE, 2A and 2B are schematic front perspective views of an interior of a vehicle showing a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0011] FIGURE, 3 is a schematic exploded view of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0012] FIGURE, 4 is a schematic exploded view of a door of the storage compartment according to an exemplar}' embodiment.

[0013] FIGURES 5 A to 5D are schematic perspective views of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0014] FIGURES 6A to 6C are schematic perspective views of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0015] FIGURES 7A to 7C are schematic cross-section views of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0016] FIGURES 7D and 7E are schemati c detail views of a latch mechani sm for a storage compartment according to an exemplar}' embodiment.

[0017] FIGURES 8A to 8C are schematic cross-section views of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0018] FIGURES 9A and 9B are schematic exploded side views of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment. [0019] FIGURES 10A and 10B are schematic side views showing a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIGURE 11 is a schematic bottom view of the door for a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIGURE 12A is a schematic perspective view of the shaft for the door of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] FIGURE 12B is a schematic side view of the shaft for the door of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] FIGURES 13 A and 13B are schematic top plan views of the door of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] FIGURES 14A and 14B are schematic top plan views of a drive mechanism of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] FIGURE 15 is a schematic perspective view of a storage compartment according to an exemplary' embodiment.

[0026] FIGURE 16A is a schematic cross-section view of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] FIGURE 16B is a schematic cross-section view of the drive mechanism of a storage compartment according to an exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

[0028] Referring to FIGURES 1 A and IB, a vehicle V is shown including an interior I with instrument panel IP and floor console FC. As shown in FIGURES 2A and 2B according to an exemplary embodiment, a storage compartment or console 10 with a cover 1 0 is provided between the instrument panel IP and floor console FC. As shown in FIGURE 2A, the cover 1 10 is in a first or open position. As shown in FIGURE 2B, the cover 1 10 is in a second or closed position. According to an exemplary embodiment, console 10 may comprise an interior storage compartment configured to store/hold items.

[0029] Referring to FIGURE 3, a storage compartment or console 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. A shown schematically in FIGURE 3, console 10 is comprised of a door 100 and a base 200. As shown schematically, base 200 is comprised of at least one rack, a first track 238 A, a second track 238B, and a catch 260. Base 200 may be configured to support door 100 and allow door 100 to move between open and closed positions. According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one rack may include a first rack 221A and a second rack (See reference number 22 IB in FIGURES 13 A and 13B) on opposite sides of base 200. First and second racks 221 A and 22 IB may be placed on the exterior of base 200 as shown in FIGURES 3, 13 A, and 13B, According to an exemplary embodiment door 100 is configured to center itself between the walls of base 200.

[0030] Referring to FIGURE 4, door 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically, door 100 may be comprised of a cover 1 10, a substrate 140, a drive assembly or mechanism 20, and a centering mechanism 30. According to an exemplary embodiment drive mechanism 20 and centering mechanism 30 may be held between cover 1 10 and the substrate 140. As shown schematically in FIGURE 4, drive mechanism 20 may comprise a first gear 121A, a second gear 121B, a damper 123, a damper housing 124, a shaft 125, a spacer 126, and a spring 127. According to an exemplary embodiment, drive mechanism 20 may comprise a single gear in place of first and second gears 121A and 121B. As show schematically in FIGURES 4 and 12 A spring 127 may comprise a torsion spring. Spring 127 and damper 123 may both be coupled to shaft 125. As shown schematically in FIGURE 4, damper 123 is installed in parallel with spring 127 and is located between first gear 121A and damper housing 124. Spacer 126 is fitted between shaft 125 and spring 127. Spring 127 is configured to provide torque to shaft 125. According to an exemplary embodiment spring 127 is preloaded to provide the torque before assembly of drive mechanism 20. As shown schematically in FIGURE 4, first and second gears 121A and 121B are coupled to opposing ends of the shaft 125.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURE 4, centering mechanism 30 is comprised of a first arm 13 1 , a second arm 132, a spring 133, and a gear 134. According to an exemplar}' embodiment, spring 133 may be a U-spring. According to an exemplary embodiment, gear 134 may be a wheel. As sown schematically in FIGURE 4, first arm 131 comprises an end 138A comprising a pin 139A and second arm 132 comprises an end 138B comprising a pin 139B. Pins 139A and 139B at ends 138A and 138B of first and second arms 131 and 132 may guide door 100 when traveling between the open position and the closed position. As shown schematically in FIGURE 4, first arm 131 and second arm 132 are coupled to spring 133 and gear 134, According to an exemplary embodiment, gear 134 may be configured to couple first and second arms 131 and 132. A portion of first arm 131 includes a first rack 135A and a portion of second arm 132 includes a second rack 135B. First rack 135A and second rack 135B are configured to engage and be driven by gear 134. See FIGURES 13 A, 13B, 14A and 14B. [0032] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURE 4, a latch lever 160 is located on substrate 140. Latch lever 160 may be configured to engage catch 260 on base 200. Cover 1 10 and substrate 140 may be held together by fasteners 150. See FIGURES 4 and 1 1 . According to an exemplar}' embodiment, fasteners 150 may include screws. As shown schematically in FIGURE 4 cover 110 may be configured to cover spring 133 and gear 134 and have first and second arms 131 and 132 extend from cover 1 10 and substrate 140 to contact base 200 when door 100 is supported by base 200. According to other exemplary embodiments, cover 1 10 and substrate 140 may be joined together by other known arrangements.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGURES 3, 13 A, and 13 B, when door 100 is supported by base 200, first gear 121 A on a side of door 100 may engage with first rack 221 A on the side of base 200, and second gear 121 B on the opposite side of door 100 from first gear 121 A may engage with second rack 221B on the opposite side of base 200 from first rack 221 A. According to an exemplary embodiment, cover 110 may partially close of the interior of base 200. According to an exemplary embodiment, pins 139A and 139 B may be respectively fitted into first track 238A and second track 238B on corresponding sides of base 200.

[0034] As shown schematically in FIGURES 5 A to 5D, console 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in FIGURES 5 A to 5D, door 100 including cover 1 0 of console 10 may be unlatched from base 200 and move from an open position to a closed position. In FIGURE 5A, door 100 is shown latched to base 200. A latch mechanism 16 comprising latch lever 160 and catch 260 is shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGURES 7D and 7E. According to an exemplary embodiment, latch mechanism 16 is configured to prevent movement of door 100 from the open position to the closed position and release door 100 from the base 200 to allow automatic movement of door 100 from the open position to the closed position. Latch lever 160 engages catch 260 to counteract the torque provided by spring 127 so as to keep door 100 attached to base 200 relative to an opening 171. As shown schematically in FIGURE 5B, a hand H may push on door 100 in direction A to release latch mechanism 16. The force from hand H may disengage latch lever 160 from catch 260 and allow door 100 to automatically move in direction B from the open position to closed position (e.g. under the force of the spring). According to an exemplary embodiment, latch mechanism 16 may comprise a push/push type latch that alternates between an engaged and disengaged position when latch lever 160 is pushed into catch 260 in direction A.

[0035] As shown schematically in FIGURE 5C, when latch mechanism 16 has been disengaged, door 100 passes through an intermediate position towards the closed position relative openings 171 and 172. According to an exemplary embodiment, first gear 13 1 A and second gear 13 IB (shown schematically in FIGURES Γ3Α and 13B) rotate along first rack 221A and second rack 221B (shown schematically in FIGURES 13 A and 13B) as door 100 moves relative to base 100. The torque provided by spring 127 to shaft 125 may propel and rotate first gear 121 A and second gear 12 IB along the corresponding first and second racks 221 A and 22 IB to automatically move door 100 relative to base 200 when latch mechanism 16 is disengaged. Damper 123 may resist movement of door 100 between the open and closed positions resulting in a dampened (i.e.

smooth) motion for door 100. Spring 127 and damper 123 may be individually selected and combined to provide a specific speed for the door movement. As shown schematically in FIGURE 5D, door 100 may move from the intermediate position to the closed position with actuation from shaft 125. Spring 127 may continue to apply force to door 100 against base 200 when door 100 is in the closed position so as to keep door 100 in the closed position relative to opening 172. See FIGURES 5D, 7C and 10B.

[0036] As shown schematically in FIGURES 6A to 6C, console 10 for a vehicle interior is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in FIGURES 6A to 6D, door 100 of console 10 may be configured to move with respect to opening 171 from the closed position to the open position. As shown in FIGURE 6A, hand H is shown moving door 100 from the closed position in direction A without the actuation of a latching device, a handle, or a locking device. As shown schematically in FIGURE 6B, hand H may exert an external force sufficient to overcome the torque from spring 127. The external force may move door 100 from the closed position through the intermediate position to the open position. As door 100 moves from the closed position towards the open position, spring 127 is rewound to increase the potential energy that is stored in spring 127. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGURE 6C, external force may be required to engage door 100 in the latched position.

[0037] FIGURES 7 A to 7C show door 100 being unlatched and moved from the open position to the closed position according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in FIGURE 7A, hand H is shown pushing on door 100 in direction A to release latch mechanism 16. Latch lever 160 and catch 260 move from an engaged position (FIGURE 7D) to a disengaged position (FIGURE 7E) when hand H pushes door 100 in direction A. As shown schematically in FIGURE 7B, door 100 moves through the intermediate position in direction B as ends 138A (shown schematically in FIGURE 9 A) and 138B move along first track 238 A (shown schematically in FIGURES 9A, 13A and 13B) and second track 238B respectively. As shown schematically in FIGURE 7C, door 100 moves from the intermediate position to the closed position. Ends 138A and 138B reach the end of first and second tracks 238 A and 238B and stop door 100 at the closed position relative to opening 171. According to an exemplary embodiment, an opening 1 72 is exposed when door 100 is in the closed position.

[0038] As shown schematically in FIGURES 8A to 8C according to an exemplary embodiment, hand H may push door 100 from the closed position to the open position relative opening 171. As shown schematically in FIGURE 8 A, hand H is shown pushing door 100 in direction A from the closed position towards the intermediate position by overcoming torque from spring 127 and damper 123 (shown schematically in FIGURE 12A). As shown schematically in FIGURE 8B, hand H is shown continuing to push door 100 towards the open position which may rewind spring 127 on shaft 125 (shown schematically in FIGURE 12 A). End 138A (shown schematically in FIGURE 12 A) and end 138B may follow first track 238 A (shown schematically in FIGURES 9A, 13A and 13B) and second track 238B to provide a smooth motion of door 100. As shown schematically in FIGURE 8C, hand H is shown pushing door 100 to the open position, with door 100 engaging latch mechanism 16 to counteract torque from spring 127 which exposes opening 171 , According to an exemplary embodiment, latch lever 160 engages catch 260 when latch mechanism 16 is engaged.

[0039] As shown schematically in FIGURES 9A and 9B, console 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As show schematically in FIGURES 9A and 9B, console 10 may comprise a door 100 and a base 200 having a first track 238 A on the interior side of base 200 and a first rack 221 A molded to an exterior side of base 200. First rack 221A may also be a separate part assembled to base 200. Door 100 may comprise a first gear 121 A, a cover 110, and pin 139A. As show schematically in FIGURES 9 A and 9B, door 100 maybe fitted to base 200 with first gear 121 A engaging first rack 221 A and pin 139A engaging first track 238 A. As shown in FIGURES 10A and lOB, door 100 may slide along base 200 from the open position, through the intermediate position, and to the closed position. As shown schematically in FIGURES 0A and 10B, first gear 121 A may engage first rack 221 A and drive and guide movement of door 100 along base 200.

[0040] As shown schematically in FIGURE 11, drive mechanism 20 is positioned at the front end of door 100 and ends 138 A and 138B having pins 139A and 39B are positioned at the back end of door 100 between cover 1 10 and substrate 140 such that they extend outward from door 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in FIGURE 12A drive mechanism 20 comprises first gear 121 A, second gear 121 B, damper 123, damper housing 124, shaft 125, spring 127, and spacer 126. In operation of drive mechanism 20, spring 127 provides torque to shaft 25 to automatically move door 100 toward the closed position unless an external force is provided to oppose and overcome to the torque from spring 127.

[0041] As shown schematically in FIGURE 13A, console 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Console 10 may comprise a centering mechanism 30 configured to control rotation of door 100 relative to base 200. As shown schematically in FIGURE 13A, centering mechanism 30 comprises spring 133, a first or driver side arm 131, a second or passenger side arm 132 and gear 134. According to an exemplar}' embodiment, first and second racks 135 A and 135B may engage gear 134. Spring 133 may force first and second arms 131 and 132 against base 200 so as to prevent rotation of door 100 relative to base 200. See FIGURES 13 A, 13B, 14A and 14B. As shown schematically in FIGURE, 13B, an external force applied on the side of door 100 by hand H may be counteracted by the centering mechanism, tending to prevent rotation of door 100 relative to base 200. As shown schematically in FIGURE 13A, a space D having a first distance Dl is established between first arm 131 and second arm 132. As shown schematically in FIGURE 13B, space D between the first arm 131 and the second arm 132 is reduced to a distance D2 when an unbalanced force is exerted on left side of the door 100. The unbalanced force may induce first arm 131 to retract from first track 238 A into the interior of base 200. The retracting of first arm 131 may fully or partially disengage pin 139A from first track 238A forming a gap G between pin 139A and first track 238A. An unbalanced force applied to the right side of door 100 may induce second arm 132 to retract from second track 238B, causing pin 139B to fully or partially disengage from second track 238B forming a gap similar to gap G. See FIGURE 13B. As shown schematically in FIGURES 13 A and Γ3Β, gap G has a distance equal to the difference between distance D l and distance D2. According to an exemplar}' embodiment shown schematically in FIGURES 13A and 13B, first and second arms 13 l and 132 may be moved in coordination toward the center of door 100 by operation of gear 134 and spring 133. The coordinated movement of first and second arms 131 and 132 may shrink or expand space D as necessary to maintain the relative position of door 100 with respect to base 200.

[0042] As shown schematically in FIGURES 14 A and 14B, a force that is applied off-center at door 100 by hand H would not tend to substantially cause twisting or rotational movement of door 100 relative to the base 200 because the force provided by spring 133 on first and second arms 131 and 132 keeps door 100 from moving side to side by driving pins 139A and 139B into first and second tracks 238 A and 238B respectively.

[0043] As shown schematically in FIGURES 15, 16 A, and 16B console 10 may comprise door 100 supported by base 200. According to an exemplary embodiment door 100 may comprise cover 1 10, first arm 131, second arm 132, spring 133, ends 138A and 138B, and pins 139A and 139B. According to an exemplary embodiment, base 200 may comprise first rack 221 A, second rack 22 I B, first track 238 A, and second track 238B. As shown schematically in FIGURE 16A, first gear 121 A and the second gear 121B of door 100 engage with first rack 221 A and the second rack 22 IB of base 200 in a rack and pinion arrangement. According to the exemplar}' embodiment shown schematically in FIGURE 16A, first gear 121 A and the second gear 121B on each side of door 100 mesh with the corresponding first and second racks 221 A and 221B on each side of the base 200. As shown schematically in FIGURE 16B, pins 139A and 139B on ends 138 A and 138B of first and second arms 131 and 132 fit within first and second tracks 238A and 238B of base 200 to guide door 100 as it moves between the open and closed positions relative to opening 171. According to an exemplar}' embodiment, spring 133 pushes first and second arms 131 and 132 outward to retain pins 139A and 139B against the inside wails of the first and second tracks 238A aml 238B.

[0044] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the inventive concepts and inventions as described in this application and as shown in the figures above is illustrative only. Although some embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.

[0045] It is important to note that the system and method of the present inventions can comprise conventional technology (e.g. as implemented in present configuration) or any other applicable technology (present or future) that has the capability to perform the functions and

processes/operations indicated in the FIGURES. All such technology is considered to be within the scope of the present inventions and application.