VEHICLE INTERIOR COMPONENT FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component. The present invention also relates to a console for a vehicle interior. The present invention further relates to a console assembly with a cover.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/435,428 filed December 16, 2016 entitled "Vehicle Interior Component." The entirety of this application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to provide a vehicle interior component such as a console for a vehicle interior. It is also known to provide a console with a bin to provide a storage compartment for articles and items. It is further known to provide a vehicle interior component that can be configured to secure handheld device (e.g. a mobile phone, portable electronic device, smart phone, media player, navigation device, electronic tablet, etc.) to the vehicle interior.

[0004] It would be advantageous to provide an improved vehicle interior component including an improved mechanism for unlocking a cover from a base and a blocker for locking and unlocking the cover from the base which together are configured to facilitate improved convenient use/interaction with an electronic device. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior. The component may comprise a base, a bin coupled to the base, a cover configured to move between (a) a closed position to cover the bin (b) an intermediate position and (c) an open position to uncover the bin and a mechanism configured to lock the cover to the base in the closed position. The base may comprise an opening. The mechanism may comprise a button configured to unlock the cover from the base. The button may extend through the opening of the base. The component may comprise a spring; the spring may be configured to retain an electronic, mobile or handheld device when the cover is in the intermediate position. The spring may be configured to clamp the handheld device between the cover and the base. The cover may comprise a ledge; the base may comprise an edge. The spring may be configured to clamp the handheld device between the ledge of the cover and the edge of the base. The cover may be configured to move from the open position to the closed position when the handheld device is pressed against the ledge of the cover. The cover may be configured to move toward the closed position when an external force is applied to the ledge and wherein the spring may be configured to move the cover toward the open position when the external force is removed. The spring may be configured to bias the cover toward the open position.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a component for a vehicle interior. The component may comprise a base, a bin coupled to the base, a cover configured to move between (a) a closed position to cover the bin (b) an intermediate position and (c) an open position to uncover the bin and a mechanism configured to lock the cover to the base in the closed position. The mechanism may comprise a blocker coupled to the cover. The blocker may be configured to move from (a) a blocking position to lock the cover to the base to (b) an actuated position to unlock the cover from the base. The mechanism may comprise a spring; the spring may be configured to bias the blocker toward the blocking position. The base may be configured to contact the blocker to hold the cover in the closed position. The blocker may be configured to slide relative to the base to move between the blocking position and the actuated position. The blocker may comprise a surface configured to slide against the base to move the blocker from the blocking position toward the actuated position as the cover moves toward the closed position. The mechanism may comprise a button; the button may be configured to move from an extended position to a retracted position to move the blocker from the blocking position to the actuated position. The mechanism may comprise a spring; the spring may be configured to bias the button toward the extended position. The blocker may comprise at least one of (a) a latch, (b) an arm, (c) a lever, (d) a bar, (e) a slider, (f) a plunger.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a component for a vehicle interior. The component may comprise a base, a bin coupled to the base, a cover configured to move between (a) a closed position to cover the bin (b) an intermediate position and (c) an open position to uncover the bin and a mechanism configured to lock the cover to the base in the closed position. The mechanism may comprise a blocker configured to retain the cover in the closed position and a button configured to operate a spring release to move the cover from the closed position toward the open position. The component may comprise a spring configured to clamp a device between the cover and the base. The component may comprise a spring configured to retain the cover in the open position. The mechanism may comprise a spring coupled to the button configured to retain the cover in the closed position.

[0008] The present invention further relates to a component for a vehicle interior. The component may comprise a base, a bin coupled to the base, a cover configured to move between (a) a closed position to cover the bin (b) an intermediate position and (c) an open position to uncover the bin and a mechanism configured to lock the cover to the base in the closed position. The cover may comprise an exposed portion and a hidden portion. The base may cover the hidden portion of the cover when the cover is in the closed position and the open position. The mechanism may be coupled to the hidden portion of the cover. The mechanism may comprise a blocker; the blocker may be configured to move from (a) a blocking position to lock the cover to the base to (b) an actuated position to unlock the cover from the base. The exposed portion of the cover may comprise a ledge; the cover may be configured to move toward the closed position when an external force is applied to the ledge. The cover may be configured to move toward the open position when the external force is removed.

FIGURES

[0009] FIGURES 1 A and IB are schematic perspective views of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIGURES 2A and 2B are schematic front perspective views of a vehicle interior including an instrument panel and vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIGURES 2C to 2G are schematic front perspective views of a vehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIGURE 3 A is a schematic exploded perspective view of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIGURE 3B is a schematic perspective view of a damper of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIGURES 4A to 4F are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIGURES 5A to 5D are schematic section views of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIGURES 6A to 6C are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIGURES 6D to 6F are schematic section views of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIGURES 6G to 6H are schematic section views of a portion of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment. [0019] FIGURES 7 A to 7C are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIGURES 7D to 7F are schematic cross-section views of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIGURES 7G to 7H are schematic section views of a portion of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] FIGURES 8A to 8B are schematic cutaway perspective views of a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 1 A and IB, a vehicle V is shown including an interior I with a floor console FC and an instrument panel IP. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 2A and 2B, vehicle interior I may comprise an interior component such as a center console adjacent to instrument panel IP. As shown schematically in FIGURES 2A and 2B, the interior component may comprise a cover C and a mechanism M configured to unlock cover C from a base.

According to an exemplary embodiment, cover C may be configured to retain a handheld device HD between cover C and the base. (See FIGURE 2B). As shown schematically in FIGURES 2C to 2G, cover C may be configured to move between a closed position (FIGURE 2C), an intermediate position (FIGURES 2D and 2F), and an open position (FIGURE 2E). As shown schematically in FIGURE 2C, a hand H may actuate mechanism M to unlock cover C from the base. As shown schematically in FIGURES 2D and 2E, when unlocked from the base, cover C may be configured to move from the closed position to the open position. As shown

schematically in FIGURES 2F and 2G, hand H may exert an external force on cover C to move cover C from the open position to the closed position.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURE 3 A, a vehicle interior component 200 may comprise a base 210, a cover 220, a bin 230, and a mechanism 240. Base 210 may comprise a bottom portion 212, a top portion 214, an edge 216, and an opening 218. Cover 220 may comprise a ledge or handle 222, a left side 224, a right side 226, and first and second dampers 228 configured to be coupled to left side 224 and right side 226 respectively. Bin 230 may comprise a cavity or interior storage compartment 232 for holding or storing items, a left side rail 234, and a right side rail 235. Component 200 may comprise a spring 236. Left side rail 234 and right side rail 235 may be coupled to bin 230 by fasteners 237. Mechanism 240 may comprise a spring 242, a button or actuator 244, a blocker 252 (e.g. a latch, an arm, a lever, a bar, a slider, a plunger, etc.), a spring 262, and a guide or latch receptor 272.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, cover 220 may be coupled to base 210 with left side 224 and right side 226 of cover 220 being engaged or received within slots or channels on left side rail 234 and right side rail 235 respectively so that cover 220 may slide along the rails. Mechanism 240 may be coupled to base 210 and cover 220. Spring 242 may be coupled to the inside of top portion 214 (see FIGURES 8 A and 8B) and button 244 may extend through opening 218. Spring 262 and guide 272 may be coupled to the top of cover 220 (see also

FIGURES 8A and 8B). Blocker 252 may be seated inside guide 272 and may be configured to contact the back portion of button 244. As shown schematically in FIGURE 3B, dampers 228 may comprise a mounting bracket 227 and a gear 229. First and second dampers 228 may be configured to reduce the speed with which cover 220 is able to move or slide within right and left side rails 234 and 235.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 4A to 4F, cover 220 of vehicle interior component 200 may be configured to move between a closed position to cover bin 230, an intermediate position, and an open position to uncover bin 230. As shown schematically in FIGURE 4A, cover 220 is shown in the closed position locked to base 210. According to an exemplary embodiment, button 244 may be configured to unlock cover 220 from base 210. As shown schematically in FIGURE 4A, hand H may exert a force to depress button 244 to unlock cover 220 from base 210. Cover 220 may be configured to move toward the open position when unlocked from base 210 (see FIGURE 4B). Button 244 may be configured to operate a spring release to move cover 220 from the closed position to the open position. [0027] As shown schematically in FIGURES 4C and 4E, hand H may press a mobile, electronic or handheld device HD against ledge 222 to apply an external force to move cover 220 from the open position toward the closed position. As shown schematically in FIGURES 4D and 4F, cover 220 is shown with handheld device HD clamped between cover 220 and base 210.

According to an exemplary embodiment, handheld device HD may be clamped between ledge 222 and edge 216.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 5 A to 5D, spring 236 may be configured to bias cover 220 toward the open position. Spring 236 may be configured to retain handheld device HD in the intermediate position and clamp handheld device HD between cover 220 and base 210 (see FIGURES 5B and 5D). Spring 236 may be configured to clamp handheld device HD between ledge 222 and edge 216. When an external force applied to ledge 222 by handheld device HD or hand H (see FIGURES 4A to 4D) is removed, spring 236 may be configured to move cover 220 toward the open position. Spring 236 may be configured to retain cover 220 in the open position. Spring 236 may comprise a tape spring.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 6A to 6H, cover 220 may be configured to move between the closed position (FIGURES 6A and 6D) to cover bin 230, an intermediate position (FIGURES 6B and 6E), and an open position to uncover bin 230 (FIGURES 6C and 6F). According to an exemplary embodiment, mechanism 240 may be configured to lock cover 220 to base 210 in the closed position. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 6G and 6H, blocker 252 may be configured to move or slide relative to base 210 from a blocking position (see FIGURE 6G) to an actuated position (see FIGURE 6H). The blocking position may be configured to lock cover 220 to base 210 and the actuated position may be configured to unlock cover 220 from base 210. As shown schematically in FIGURE 6G, base 210 may be configured to contact blocker 252 to hold cover 220 in the closed position. Button 244 may be configured to move from an extended position (see FIGURE 6G) to a retracted position (see FIGURE 6H) to move blocker 252 from the blocking position to the actuated position. Hand H may exert an external force on button 244 to move button 244 from the extended position to the retracted position. A surface of blocker 252 may be configured to slide within guide 272 to move blocker 252 from the blocking position to the extended position. When button 244 is moved to or depressed into the retracted position, button 244 may contact blocker 252 and move blocker 252 toward the actuated position. When in the actuated position (see FIGURE 6H), blocker 252 may disengage from an internal protrusion 219 of base 210 and spring 236 may be configured to expand and actuate movement of cover 220 toward the open position.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGURES 6G and 6H, cover 220 may comprise a hidden portion 280 and an exposed portion 282. (See also FIGURES 7G and 7H). Base 210 may be configured to cover hidden portion 280 when cover 220 is in the closed position and the open position. According to an exemplary embodiment, mechanism 240 may be coupled to hidden portion 280. Exposed portion 282 may comprise ledge 222 (see FIGURES 6D to 6F).

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 7A to 7H, cover 220 may be configured to move between the intermediate position (FIGURES 7A and 7D), to a nearly closed position (FIGURES 7B and 7E), to the closed and locked position (FIGURES 7C and 7F) by exertion of an external force from hand H. As shown schematically in FIGURES 7G and 7H, as hand H moves cover 220 toward the closed position, blocker 252 may contact protrusion 219 of base 210 and slide past protrusion 219 under a bias pressure from spring 262 (see FIGURES 8 A and 8B). According to an exemplary embodiment, protrusion 219 and blocker 252 may comprise opposing angled surfaces configured to allow blocker 252 to slide past protrusion 219 and move toward the blocking position.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 8A and 8B, a mechanism 240 may comprise a spring 242, a button or actuator 244, a blocker 252 (e.g. a latch, an arm, a lever, a bar, a slider, a plunger, etc.), a spring 262, and a guide or latch receptor 272. Spring 242 may be coupled to button 244 and configured to retain cover 220 in the closed position. Spring 242 may be configured to bias button 244 toward the extended position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, spring 262 may be configured to bias blocker 252 toward the blocking position.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGURES 8A and 8B, mechanism 240 may comprise an arm 241 and a catch 250. Arm 241 may be coupled to an interior wall of base 210 and may be configured to freely rotate within the interior of base 210. Arm 241 may be biased against the interior wall of base 210. Catch 250 may be coupled to cover 220 and may be configured to selectively engage a portion of base 210 such as protrusion 219 (see FIGURES 6G and 6H) to lock cover 220 in the closed position. Arm 241 may be configured to engage with catch 250 to disengage catch 250 from the portion of base 210 and thereby allow cover 220 to move to the open position. According to an exemplary embodiment, arm 241 may comprise button 244 and spring 242 and catch 250 may comprise guide 272, blocker 252, and spring 262. Spring 242 may be configured to bias arm 241 against the interior wall of base 210. Arm 241 may engage catch 250 by contacting blocker 252 and overcoming the bias force of spring 262 to move blocker 252 past protrusion 219, which may unlock cover 220 from base 210. * * *

[0034] 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.

[0035] It is important to note that the apparatus 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.