HINGED CONSOLE STORAGE COMPARTMENT

A console for a motor vehicle includes a console compartment formed in the console and having first, second, third, and fourth sides connected to a bottom side and enclosing a first volume, and a movable lid disposed overtop the console compartment and articulating through a first range of motion, a storage compartment including first, second, third, and fourth walls connected to a base portion and enclosing a second volume, a hinge mechanism pivotably connecting the storage compartment to the console compartment and having a hinge arm rotatably connected to the storage compartment at a first pivot and rotatably connected to the console compartment at a second pivot and allowing the storage compartment to articulate through a second range of motion from a first position to a second position.

INTRODUCTION

The statements in this section merely provide background information relating to the present disclosure, and may not constitute prior art.

The present disclosure generally relates to motor vehicles, and more specifically to storage within center consoles of motor vehicles. Motor vehicles commonly include center consoles disposed between the front driver and passenger seats. Center consoles typically include a console compartment having pockets, holders, and slots for storing various items, such as cups, pens, coins, etc. Center consoles also often include storage compartments for storing larger items, such as compact disc jewel cases, road maps, and sunglasses. The storage compartments are covered by hinged lids that serve as armrests for the front occupants. Conventional center console designs are, however, usually substantially box-shaped and lack dividers or other similar features for organizing the contents of the storage compartment. Additionally, conventional center console designs often offer limited storage solutions beneath the armrest itself. Such limited storage solutions can manifest in disorganization within the storage compartment, and result in user or driver distraction or frustration when handling the storage compartment. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for new and improved center console storage compartment that provide a low-cost, relatively simple construction, improved organization, decreased frustration and distraction, and increased safety for users of storage space within motor vehicle center consoles.

SUMMARY

According to several aspects of the present disclosure a console for a motor vehicle includes a console compartment formed in the console and including a first side extending towards and connected at an angle to a second side, the second side extending from the first side towards and connected at an angle to a third side, the third side extending from the second side towards and connected at an angle to a fourth side, the fourth side extending towards and connected at an angle to the first side, each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides extending from and connected at an angle to a bottom side, the first, a second, third, and fourth sides and the bottom side partially enclosing a first volume, and a movable lid disposed overtop the console compartment and articulating through a first range of motion. The console further includes a storage compartment having a first wall extending towards and connected at an angle to a second wall, the second wall extending from the first wall towards and connected at an angle to a third wall, the third wall extending from the second wall towards and connected at an angle to a fourth wall, the fourth wall extending from the third wall towards and connected at an angle to the first wall, each of the first, second, third, and fourth walls extending from and connected at an angle to a base portion, the first, second, third, and fourth walls, and the base portion partially enclosing a second volume. The console compartment further includes a hinge mechanism pivotably connecting the storage compartment to the console compartment and having a hinge arm rotatably connected to the storage compartment at a first pivot and rotatably connected to the console compartment at a second pivot, the hinge arm allowing the storage compartment to articulate through a second range of motion from a first position to a second position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure the first pivot further includes a first pivot pin rotatably connecting the hinge arm to the storage compartment and the second pivot further includes a second pivot pin rotatably connecting the hinge arm to the console compartment.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the first pivot and the second pivot are formed unitarily with the hinge arm, and the first pivot pin is assembled with the storage compartment via a press-fit engagement with a first receiving orifice and the second pivot pin is assembled with the console compartment via a press-fit engagement with a second receiving orifice.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the storage compartment further includes an outwardly extending flange.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the outwardly extending flange of the storage compartment supports the storage compartment on an upper limit of the console compartment when the storage compartment is in the first position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the console compartment further includes a shelf portion.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the base portion of the storage compartment is supported on the shelf portion when the storage compartment is in the second position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure when the movable lid is in an open position, the hinge mechanism is free to articulate through the second range of motion between the first position and the second position, and when the movable lid is in a closed position, the hinge mechanism is prevented from articulating through the second range of motion.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the storage compartment is disposed entirely outside of the first volume when the storage compartment is in the second position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure when the storage compartment is in the second position, the hinge arm is disposed in a recess in at least one of the at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver sides of the console compartment, and the compartment lid is free to articulate through the first range of motion.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the console further includes a pad, the pad is disposed at a predetermined location on the console and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics of the console.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure a console for a motor vehicle includes a console compartment formed in the console and including a first side extending towards and connected at an angle to a second side, the second side extending from the first side towards and connected at an angle to a third side, the third side extending from the second side towards and connected at an angle to a fourth side, the fourth side extending towards and connected at an angle to the first side, each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides extending from and connected at an angle to a bottom side, the first, a second, third, and fourth sides and the bottom side partially enclosing a first volume, a movable lid is disposed overtop the console compartment and articulates through a first range of motion from a closed position to an open position. The console further includes a storage compartment having a first wall extending towards and connected at an angle to a second wall, the second wall extending from the first wall towards and connected at an angle to a third wall, the third wall extending from the second wall towards and connected at an angle to a fourth wall, the fourth wall extending from the third wall towards and connected at an angle to the first wall, each of the first, second, third, and fourth walls extending from and connected at an angle to a base portion, the first, second, third, and fourth walls, and the base portion partially enclosing a second volume. The console further includes a hinge mechanism pivotably connecting the storage compartment to the console compartment and including a hinge arm rotatably connected to the storage compartment at a first pivot and rotatably connected to the console compartment at a second pivot, the hinge arm allowing the storage compartment to articulate through a second range of motion from a first position to a second position. The console further includes a pad, the pad is disposed at a predetermined location on the console and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics of the console.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the first pivot further includes a first pivot pin rotatably connecting the hinge arm to the storage compartment and the second pivot further includes a second pivot pin rotatably connecting the hinge arm to the console compartment.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are formed unitarily with the hinge arm, and the first pivot pin is assembled with the storage compartment via a press-fit engagement with a first receiving orifice and the second pivot pin is assembled with the console compartment via a press-fit engagement with a second receiving orifice.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the first pivot pin is formed unitarily with the storage compartment and the second pivot pin is formed unitarily with the console compartment, and the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are assembled with the hinge arm via a press-fit engagement.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the storage compartment further includes an outwardly extending flange supporting the storage compartment on an upper limit of the console compartment when the storage compartment is in the first position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the console compartment further includes a shelf portion, the base portion of the storage compartment is supported on the shelf portion when the storage compartment is in the second position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure when the movable lid is in an open position, the hinge mechanism is free to articulate through the second range of motion between the first position and the second position, and when the movable lid is in a closed position, the hinge mechanism is prevented from articulating through the second range of motion.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the storage compartment is disposed entirely outside of the first volume when the storage compartment is in the second position, and when the storage compartment is in the second position, the hinge arm is disposed in a recess in at least one of the at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver sides of the console compartment, and the compartment lid is free to articulate through the first range of motion.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure a console for a motor vehicle includes a console compartment formed in the console and includes: a plurality of sides connected at an angle to a bottom side, the plurality of sides and the bottom side partially enclosing a first volume, a movable lid is disposed overtop the console compartment fully enclosing the first volume, the movable lid articulating through a first range of motion from a closed position to an open position. The console for a motor vehicle further includes a storage compartment selectively disposed within the first volume and including a plurality of walls connected at an angle to a base portion, the plurality of walls and the base portion partially enclosing a second volume; and an outwardly extending flange. The console further includes a hinge mechanism pivotably connecting the storage compartment to the console compartment and includes: a hinge arm rotatably connected to the storage compartment at a first pivot and rotatably connected to the console compartment at a second pivot, the hinge arm allowing the storage compartment to articulate through a second range of motion from a first position to a second position, the first pivot includes a first pivot pin rotatably connecting the hinge arm to the storage compartment and the second pivot includes a second pivot pin rotatably connecting the hinge arm to the console compartment. The console further includes a pad, the pad is disposed at a predetermined location on the console and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics of the console. When the movable lid is in an open position the hinge mechanism is free to articulate through the second range of motion between the first position and the second position, when the movable lid is in a closed position the hinge mechanism is prevented from articulating through the second range of motion, and the outwardly extending flange supports the storage compartment on an upper limit of the console compartment when the compartment is in the first position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the disclosure that are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, may be used with respect to the drawings. Likewise, the terms “forward”, “rear”, “inner”, “inwardly”, “outer”, “outwardly”, “above”, and “below” are terms used relative to the orientation of the motor vehicle as shown in the drawings of the present application. Thus, “forward” refers to a direction toward a front of a motor vehicle, “rearward” refers to a direction toward a rear of a motor vehicle, “passenger” refers to a direction towards a passenger side of the motor vehicle (right-hand side in the context of this particular application), “driver” or “driver side” refers to a direction towards the driver's side of the motor vehicle (right-hand side in the context of this particular application), “inner” and “inwardly” refers to a direction towards the interior of a motor vehicle, and “outer” and “outwardly” refers to a direction towards the exterior of a motor vehicle, “below” refers to a direction towards the bottom of the motor vehicle, and “above” refers to a direction towards a top of the motor vehicle. These and similar directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The term “vehicle” as described herein can be construed broadly to include not only a passenger automobile, but any other vehicle including, but not limited to, rail systems, planes, off-road sport vehicles, robotic vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), marine vessels, aircraft, farming vehicles, construction vehicles, and the like.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a motor vehicle is shown and generally indicated by reference number10. While the motor vehicle10illustrated is a car, it should be appreciated that the motor vehicle10may be any type of vehicle, including a car, a van, a truck, a motor home, rail vehicle such as a train a tram, or the like, or any other such vehicle without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The motor vehicle10includes a passenger compartment12having a plurality of seats14. A center console16is disposed between a driver seat18and a passenger seat20. While the center console16has been described as being between the driver seat18and the passenger seat20additional center consoles16may be placed elsewhere throughout the passenger compartment12. For example, an additional center console16may be disposed between the rear seats22of the passenger compartment12without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The center console16serves several functions. In some aspects, the center console16provides a driver, a passenger, or rear seat passengers, or all of the above, a resting place for an arm. In other aspects, the center console16defines a console compartment22.

The console compartment22has a front side24extending towards and connected at an angle to a passenger side26. The passenger side26extends towards and is connected at an angle to a rear side28. The rear side28extends towards and is connected at an angle to a driver side30, and the driver side30extends towards and is connected at an angle to the front side24. The console compartment22also has a bottom side32. The bottom side32is connected at an angle to each of the front, passenger, rear, and driver sides24,26,28,30. The front, passenger, rear, and driver sides24,26,28,30, and the bottom side32define a first volume “V1” within the center console16. A movable compartment lid34covers the console compartment22. In several aspects, the compartment lid34has a substantially planar underside36and a padded top38. The padded top38provides a soft and forgiving surface on which it is comfortable for an occupant of the motor vehicle10to rest an arm or other extremity. The lid34may take any of a variety of forms without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the lid34is rotatably connected to the center console16at a hinge40. In other aspects, the lid34is slidably connected to the center console16along a racetrack (not specifically shown). In still further examples, the lid34may both slidably and rotatably connected to the center console16. The hinge40of some examples may also be located at other locations around the center console16without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In one example, the hinge40is located along the front side26of the console compartment providing a front-hinged console lid34. In another example, the hinge40is located along the passenger or driver side28,32of the center console16thereby providing a side-hinged lid34.

The hinge40of some examples is selectively engageable. That is, in some examples, a center console16of the present disclosure includes a plurality of hinges42disposed at various locations around the center console16and connecting the lid34to the center console16. The hinges42may each be actuated separately when used with a monolithic lid34. When one of the plurality of hinges40is actuated, the others of the plurality of hinges40are de-coupled from either the lid34or the center console16, thereby allowing free movement of the lid34relative to the console compartment24about the axis of rotation for the actuated hinge. Once the lid34is closed, the others of the plurality of hinges40are re-coupled with either the lid34or the center console16.

Additionally, the lid34may be monolithic or, as is shown inFIGS. 2-5, the lid34may have a plurality of movable components. That is, in some examples, the lid34operates as a single rotatable or slidable piece in relation to the center console16itself, while in other examples, the lid34may have multiple selectively independently movable sections such as a first panel or driver side panel42and a second panel or passenger side panel44, each of which is independently movable relative to the center console16and/or to each other. In one example the first panel42is in hinged connection with the center console16substantially proximate to and parallel with the driver side30of the center console16. The second panel44is in hinged connection with the center console16substantially proximate to and parallel with the passenger side26of the center console16. In another example not specifically shown in the figures, the lid34has a first panel42in hinged connection with the center console16substantially proximate to and parallel with the front side24of the center console16and a second panel44in hinged connection with the center console16substantially proximate to and parallel with the rear side28of the center console16. While in the foregoing description, the console compartment22has been described as having four (front, passenger, rear, driver24,26,28,30) sides, a bottom side32, and a lid34, it should be appreciated that the console compartment22is defined by the vehicle platform. Accordingly, the console compartment22may have more or fewer than four sides, and the bottom side32may have a substantially non-planar surface. Additionally, the lid34has been described as having either a monolithic or a two-part structure, however it should be appreciated that the lid34may take other forms and have a structure that has more than two selectively independently movable component parts.

Dimensions of the console compartment22vary in accordance with space constraints within the passenger compartment12of the motor vehicle10. Thus, in a relatively large motor vehicle10such as a full-sized pickup truck the center console16, and therefore, the console compartment22each have dimension substantially larger than an equivalent center console16and console compartment22in a relatively small vehicle such as a sub-compact motor vehicle10.

Turning now toFIGS. 2-5, and with continuing reference toFIG. 1, the console compartment22is equipped with a storage compartment46. The storage compartment46is shaped and sized to fit within the console compartment22of the motor vehicle10. The storage compartment46can be constructed in any of a variety of different manners and from a variety of different materials in accordance with the production specifications and production volume requirements of the application. That is, in some aspects, the storage compartment46is constructed of a plastic material, a vinyl material, a metal material, or any other such material that meets predetermined structural characteristics and/or production specification and/or production volume requirements inherent to the application. In some aspects, the storage compartment46is formed by rapid prototyping processes such as 3-D printing, directed light fabrication, direct-shell production casting, ballistic particle manufacturing, selected laser sintering, or the like. In other aspects, the storage compartment46is formed by injection molding, rotational (roto) molding, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, vacuum casting, thermoforming, compression molding, or the like.

The storage compartment46has a plurality of side walls including at least a first or front wall48substantially parallel to the front side24of the console compartment22. The front wall48extends towards and is connected at an angle to a second or passenger wall50. The passenger wall50runs substantially parallel to the passenger side26of the storage compartment. The passenger wall50extends from the front wall48to a third or rear wall52to which the passenger wall50is connected at an angle. The rear wall52runs substantially parallel to the rear side28of the console compartment22. The rear wall52extends from the passenger wall46to a fourth or driver wall54. The driver wall54runs substantially parallel to the driver side30of the console compartment22. The driver wall50extends from the rear wall52to the front wall48. The front wall48is connected at an angle to the driver wall50. Each of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54are connected at an angle to a base portion56. The front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54and the base portion56define a second volume “V2”, smaller than the first volume “V1”. In several aspects, the base portion56forms a substantially planar bottom portion of each of the storage compartment46. The base portion and the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54and the base portion56are sized and shaped to fit concentrically within the console compartment22. More specifically, the base portion56is shaped and contoured to fit within the architecture of the console compartment22of a given vehicle application. Moreover, each of the storage compartment46is shaped and sized to maximize utility, including maximizing storage capacity of the console compartment22and of the storage compartment46. In several aspects, as a means of maximizing storage capacity, each of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54is angled slightly so that a top portion56of each is outside the footprint of the base portion56. That is, at the top portion56each of the storage compartment46is wider than at locations proximate the base portion56. Put another way, the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54flare outwardly from the footprint of the base portion56as they extend upward from the base portion56.

In several aspects, the storage compartment46is movable from at least a first position “P1” to a second position “P2”. To effectuate the movement from the first position “P1” to the second position “P2”, the storage compartment46is connected to a hinge mechanism58. The hinge mechanism58is composed of a hinge arm60connected to the storage compartment46at a first pivot62and extending to a second pivot64. The hinge arm60is connected to the console compartment22or, more generally, to the center console16at the second pivot64. In several aspects, the first and second pivots62,64have substantially cylindrical shapes. An axis of each of the substantially cylindrical first and second pivots62,64is orthogonal to the substantially planar front, passenger, rear, and/or driver sides24,26,28,30of the console compartment22and/or the front, passenger, rear, and/or driver walls48,50,52,54of the storage compartment46to which each of the first and second pivots62,64is attached. Between the first and second pivots62,64, the hinge arm60has a center section65that has a flattened rectangular prism shape having a substantially uniform thickness (not specifically shown). However, it should be appreciated that the center section65of the hinge arm60may have an ovoid, circular, triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, or other like cross-sectional shape without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The hinge arm60center section65is shaped to provide sufficient structural strength, rigidity, and resiliency to the hinge mechanism58while at least partially fitting between the storage compartment46console compartment22and not impeding movement of the storage compartment46and/or the lid34.

The hinge arm60is composed of plastic material, a vinyl material, a metal material, or any other such material that meets predetermined structural characteristics and/or production specification and/or production volume requirements inherent to the application. In some aspects, hinge arm60is formed by rapid prototyping processes such as 3-D printing, directed light fabrication, direct-shell production casting, ballistic particle manufacturing, selected laser sintering, or the like. In other aspects, the hinge arm60is formed by injection molding, rotational (roto) molding, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, vacuum casting, thermoforming, compression molding, or the like.

The first pivot62is composed of a first pivot pin66extending into a socket68in the hinge arm60. The second pivot64Is composed of a second pivot pin70extending into a second socket74in the hinge arm60. In several aspects, the first pivot pin66is unitarily formed with and extends outwardly from the storage compartment46and the second pivot pin70is unitarily formed with and extends outwardly from the console compartment22. In other aspects, the first pivot pin66is a separate and distinct component press-fit inserted into a first receiving orifice (not specifically shown) in the storage compartment46and the second pivot pin70is a separate and distinct component press-fit inserted into a second receiving orifice (not specifically shown) in the console compartment22. In still further aspects, the first and second pivot pins66,70are unitarily formed with the hinge arm60and form a press-fit connection when inserted into the first and second receiving orifices in the storage compartment46and the console compartment22respectively. In one example, the first and second pivot pins66,70are formed of a plastic material having predetermined physical qualities, such as a predetermined strength, coefficient of friction, and vibration reduction qualities. The plastic material of the first and second pivot pins66,70may be a nylon, a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or like materials without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In some examples, the first and second pivot pins66,70may even be constructed of a metallic material, depending on the design constraints for a particular application. While the first and second pivot pins66,70have been described as being unitarily formed with either the storage compartment46and storage compartment66, or with the hinge arm60, or separate and distinct from each of the aforementioned components, it should be appreciated that variations or combinations of the constructions for the first and second pivot pins66,70are intended to be within the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

In some examples a single hinge arm60is used to provide a means of articulation for the storage compartment46from the first position “P1” to the second position “P2”. In other examples a plurality of hinge arms60are used to provide a means of articulation and control movement of the storage compartment46from the first position “P1” to the second position “P2.” That is, while the figures show a storage compartment46in pivoting connection with two hinge arms60, it should be appreciated that fewer than two, or more than two hinge arms60may be used with the storage compartment46without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

In several aspects, depending on the architecture of the console compartment22, at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54further includes an outwardly extending flange72. The outwardly extending flange72extends outwardly from the storage compartment46and towards and beyond at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver sides24,26,28,30of the console compartment22. The outwardly extending flange72provides a support on which the storage compartment46rests on an upper limit76of the front, passenger, rear, and/or driver sides24,26,28,30of the console compartment22in the first position “P1”. The outwardly extending flange72of the figures has a substantially rectangular shape, however it should be appreciated that the outwardly extending flange72need not have a rectangular shape in order to support the storage compartment46on the upper limit76of the at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver sides24,26,28,30of the console compartment. That is, the outwardly extending flange72may take any of a variety of different shapes including but not limited to: substantially rectangular, ovoid, circular, triangular, or other such shapes. In some aspects, the outwardly extending flange72may be better described as a peg or plurality of pegs (not specifically shown) extending outward from the storage compartment46and supporting the storage compartment46on the upper limit76of the console compartment22in the first position “P1”.

Each of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54and the base portion56have a thickness (not specifically shown) and each of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54have a wall height (not specifically shown). In several aspects, depending on the method of production, the thickness may vary between the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54and the base portion56. In other aspects, some manufacturing methods produce front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54and base portion56having substantially identical thicknesses. In some examples, depending on the architecture of the console compartment22, at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54has a wall height lower than at least one of the other walls. By providing at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54with a lower height than the other walls around it, a user of the console compartment22may effectively route electrical devices such as cellphone power cables, auxiliary input/output cables, USB cables or the like from a given storage compartment46to a power source such as a 12V lighter socket or the like. In some examples, rather than, or in addition to providing at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54with a decreased height relative to the other walls, at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54is formed with a passageway (not specifically shown). The passageway is sized and shaped to allow a cellphone charging cable, auxiliary input/output cables, USB cables, or the like, to pass from within the confines of a given storage compartment46into the first volume “V1” defined by the console compartment22itself. Moreover, in some aspects, at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54is provided with a lip (not specifically shown). Depending on the application, the lip extends either inwardly, outwardly, or both, and provides a user the ability to more easily grab or gain additional purchase of the given storage compartment46with a hand.

The console compartment22further includes a shelf portion78. In several aspects, the shelf portion78is disposed proximate to the rear side28of the console compartment22and extends rearward, in relation to the volume “V1” of the console compartment22. Referring once more to the compartment lid34, the compartment lid34can articulate through a first range of motion “R1” from a closed position “P3” to an open position “P4.” When the compartment lid34is in the closed position “P3”, the occupants of the motor vehicle10can support arms, hands, or the like, as well as objects on the padded top38of the compartment lid34. When the compartment lid34is in the open position “P4”, occupants of the motor vehicle10can access the first and second volumes “V1”, “V2” of the console compartment22and storage compartment46respectively.

In some examples, when the compartment lid34is in a closed position “P3”, the console compartment22, the storage compartment46, and the shelf portion78are hidden from view beneath the compartment lid34. By contrast, in when the compartment lid34is in an open position “P4”, the console compartment22, the storage compartment46, and the shelf portion78are exposed. Furthermore, when the compartment lid34is in the open position “P4”, the hinge mechanism58allows the storage compartment46to articulate from the first position “P1” to the second position “P2.” In the second position “P2” the base portion56of the storage compartment46rests on and is supported by the shelf portion78of the console compartment22. Moreover, when the storage compartment46is in the second position “P2” the entire interior volume “V1” of the console compartment22is accessible to a user of the console compartment22. By utilizing the hinge mechanism58to limit and movement of the storage compartment46, and by providing the storage compartment46with an outwardly extending flange72to support the storage compartment46in the first position “P1” and a shelf portion78to support the storage compartment46in the second position “P2”, a user of the console compartment22does not have to find a place to store the storage compartment46while accessing the rest of the console compartment22. That is, the user is not tasked with removing the storage compartment46entirely from the console compartment22, balancing the storage compartment46in some precarious position such as placing the storage compartment46on the floor, in a lap, or on a seat or other surface within the passenger compartment12of the motor vehicle10. Instead, the hinge mechanism58in conjunction with the outwardly extending flange72and the shelf portion78allow limited and stabilized movement of the storage compartment46while also providing user access to the console compartment22.

As has been shown and described, when the storage compartment46is in the second position “P2”, the storage compartment46has articulated from the first position “P1” rearward so that the storage compartment46is supported on the shelf portion78. However, depending on spatial considerations, ergonomic constraints, and the like, the shelf portion78may in some examples be disposed proximate the front side24of the console compartment22, or on the passenger side26, or on the driver side30. In some examples, the console compartment22may be equipped with a plurality of shelf portions78providing the storage compartment46a plurality of second positions “P2”. That is, in accordance with the location of the shelf portion78relative to the console compartment22, the hinge mechanism58is oriented to provide the storage compartment46with a second position “P2” that is outside of the interior volume “V1” of the console compartment22and in which the storage compartment46rests on the shelf portion78.

In a first example, the hinge mechanism58is disposed towards the front side24of the console compartment22and provides the storage compartment46with a second range of motion “R2” allowing the storage compartment46to move from a first position “P1” resting substantially within the interior volume “V1” of the console compartment22as described hereinabove, to a second position “P2” in which the storage compartment46rests on a shelf portion78disposed proximate the front side24of the console compartment22. In an extension of the first example, in some aspects, the shelf portion78is disposed entirely outside the volume “V1” of the console compartment22and is instead a portion of the center console16not covered by the compartment lid34at all. In other words, in the first example, when the storage compartment46is in the second position “P2” the storage compartment46is entirely outside the console compartment22. Moreover, in the first example the hinge mechanism58is connected to the console compartment22and the storage compartment46in a manner that does not interfere with hinged and/or sliding movement of the compartment lid34. More specifically, in some aspects, when the storage compartment46is in the second position “P2”, the hinge arms60are sandwiched between the compartment lid34and the console compartment22in a manner that does not interfere with movement of the compartment lid34from an open to a closed position. Furthermore, in some aspects, in the second position “P2”, the hinge arms60are disposed in slots or recesses (not shown) formed at least one of the at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver sides24,26,28,30of the console compartment22, thereby preventing the hinge arms60from interfering with movement of the compartment lid34while allowing the storage compartment46to remain outside the volume “V1” of the console compartment22when the compartment lid34is either open or closed.

In a second example, the hinge mechanism58is disposed towards the passenger side26and/or the driver side30of the console compartment22and provides the storage compartment46with the second range of motion “R2” allowing the storage compartment46to move from a first position “P2” resting substantially within the interior volume “V1” of the console compartment22as described hereinabove, to a second position “P2” in which the storage compartment46rests on a shelf portion78disposed proximate the passenger side26and/or the driver side30of the console compartment22. Moreover, the hinge mechanism58is connected to the console compartment22and the storage compartment46in a manner that does not interfere with hinged and/or sliding movement of the compartment lid34. More specifically, in some aspects, when the storage compartment46is in the second position “P2”, the hinge arms60are sandwiched between the compartment lid34and the console compartment22in a manner that does not interfere with movement of the compartment lid34from an open to a closed position. Furthermore, in some aspects, in the second position “P2”, the hinge arms60are disposed in slots or recesses (not shown) formed in the console compartment22, thereby preventing the hinge arms60from interfering with movement of the compartment lid34while allowing the storage compartment46to remain outside the volume “V1” of the console compartment22when the compartment lid34is either open or closed.

In several aspects, the storage compartment46has a foot portion or pad (not specifically shown). The foot portions or pads of some examples are disposed predetermined locations about the console compartment22, the storage compartment46, and/or the hinge mechanism58to reduce potential noise vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics of the center console16. In one aspect, the foot portions or pads are disposed at intersections of each of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls46,48,50, and52. The foot portion or pad is formed integrally as a part of the base portion56as well as with the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54of the storage compartment46. In some examples, the foot portions or pads are substantially circular protrusions extending from the base portion56, while in other examples the foot portions or pads are substantially rectilinear protrusions extending from the base portion56. In other aspects, the foot portions or pads are made of a pliable or resilient material, such as a foam material, a rubberized plastic material, a silicone material, a rubber material, or other such cushioning and noise isolating materials and adhered to the base portion56with an adhesive. In some examples, the foot portions or pads are disposed along at least a portion of the base portion56along at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54. By locating the foot portions or pads along the base portion56along at least one of the front, passenger, rear, and driver walls48,50,52,54, the foot pads62are optimally placed to support the storage compartment46on the shelf portion78while also insulating and damping vibration between the shelf portion78and the storage compartment46when the storage compartment46is in the second position “P2”. In further aspects, foot portions or pads are disposed on an underside80of the outwardly extending flange72, thereby providing insulation and damping vibration between the outwardly extending flange72and the front, passenger, rear, and/or driver sides24,26,28,30of the console compartment22when the storage compartment46is in the first position “P1”. While in the foregoing description the foot portions or pads have been described as being formed integrally with or attached with adhesive to the base portion56and the outwardly extending flange72, it should be appreciated that the foot portions or pads may also be attached to the shelf portion78and/or the upper limit76of the front, passenger, rear, and/or driver sides24,26,28,30of the console compartment22without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. Moreover, in some examples, the foot portions or pads are also disposed on a contact surface (not specifically shown) of the hinge arms60or on a contact surface (not specifically shown) of the upper limit76of the front, passenger, rear, and/or driver sides24,26,28,30of the console compartment22. By placing the foot portions or pads on the contact surface of the hinge arms60or the contact surface of the of the upper limit76of the front, passenger, rear, and/or driver sides24,26,28,30of the storage compartment, NVH effects are decreased. That is, when the storage compartment46is in the second position “P2” and the contact surface of the hinge arms60is in contact with the contact surface of the upper limit76of the front, passenger, rear, and/or driver sides24,26,28,30of the storage compartment, rattling and/or vibration of the hinge arms60against the console compartment22is reduced by use of the foot portions or pads.

In some examples, the storage compartment46is provided with a divider82. The divider82serves to create divided sub-compartments within the storage compartment46, thereby increasing the utility and organizational capabilities of the storage compartment46and of the console compartment22more broadly. In several aspects, the divider82may be unitarily formed with the storage compartment46, or the divider82may be formed as a separate and distinct component that is assembled with the storage compartment46. In some examples, a plurality of dividers82may be disposed in or formed with the storage compartment46without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In further examples, a divider82or dividers82may also be formed in or assembled with the console compartment22and be entirely separate from the storage compartment46and any dividers82within the storage compartment46.

While the foregoing description and drawings focus primarily on center consoles16having a storage compartment46that articulates up and rearward out of the first volume “V1” of the console compartment22, it should be appreciated that depending on the location of the hinge40for the console lid34, and depending on ergonomic, packaging, and other such constraints, the storage compartment46may instead articulate forward, towards either the driver or passenger side of the passenger compartment12, or in any combination of the above mentioned directions without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

A console compartment22having a hinged storage compartment46of the present disclosure offers several advantages, these include providing the user or operator of the center console compartment22the ability to neatly and efficiently organize belongings within the console compartment22, while increasing the utility of the storage compartment46within the console compartment22and improving safety by reducing the potential for user frustration and/or distraction while using or accessing the contents of the storage compartment46. Moreover, because the storage compartment46of some examples can be articulated to a second position “P2” that is entirely outside the console compartment22, the space within the console compartment22is optimized, while improving the utility of the console lid34and the storage compartment22itself. Additionally, the storage compartment46of the present disclosure has a low-cost, relatively simple construction, and can be retrofitted to some existing motor vehicles10.