ARM REST TRASH COMPARTMENT

The present application relates to an arm rest trash compartment. An arm rest assembly includes an arm rest body having an A-surface with a trash cavity defined therethrough; and a trash compartment corresponding to the trash cavity. The trash compartment includes a movable member releasably secured at the A-surface, and a flexible member which forms the trash cavity. The trash compartment has a stored position and an extended position, where, in the stored position, the movable member is flush with the A-surface, and in the extended position, at least a portion of the flexible member is positioned below the A-surface such that a trash cavity volume in the extended position is greater than a trash cavity volume in the stored position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is directed to an arm rest assembly, and more particularly an arm rest assembly with a trash compartment.

BACKGROUND

Conventional seats include seat bottoms and seat backs, with each including a foam cushion with a respective trim cover disposed over the foam cushion. Conventional seats may also include arm rest assemblies cooperating with the seatbacks. The arm rest assembly may be a fixed console or be configured to be stored in a seat back assembly. Conventional arm rest assemblies include various features for occupant convenience, such as compartments, cup holders, and the like.

SUMMARY

According to one or more embodiments, an arm rest assembly includes an arm rest body having an A-surface with a trash cavity defined therethrough, and a trash compartment corresponding to the trash cavity. The trash compartment includes a movable member releasably secured at the A-surface, and a flexible member which forms the trash cavity. The trash compartment has a stored position and an extended position, where, in the stored position, the movable member is flush with the A-surface, and in the extended position, at least a portion of the flexible member is positioned below the A-surface such that a trash cavity volume in the extended position is greater than a trash cavity volume in the stored position. The arm rest assembly may include other features that cooperate with the trash compartment or features of the trash compartment, such as cupholders and storage compartments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Moreover, except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description and in the claims are to be understood as modified by the word “about” in describing the broader scope of this invention. The term “substantially,” “generally,” or “about” may be used herein and may modify a value or relative characteristic disclosed or claimed. In such instances, “substantially,” “generally,” or “about” may signify that the value or relative characteristic it modifies is within ±0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% or 10% of the value or relative characteristic. Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the description of a group or class of materials by suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connection with the invention implies that mixtures of any two or more members of the group or class may be equally suitable or preferred.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an arm rest assembly with a trash compartment is provided. The trash compartment may be concealed and revealed by a cupholder panel, a storage compartment door, storage in the arm rest body, or combinations thereof. The trash compartment includes a frame and a movable member that allows for the volume of the trash cavity to be increased when the movable member is in an extended position from the frame. The trash compartment also includes a flexible member (e.g., a trash bag already secured with the frame that moves with the movable member to the extended position, or a disposable bag releasably securable on the frame). The movable member can be biased to the extended position and released by engaging a button to release the movable member, or may be pushed manually to the extended position upon accessing the trash compartment (e.g., for a disposable bag or a scissor-wire mechanism in the flexible member).

Referring toFIG.1, an embodiment of a seat assembly100is shown. While the vehicle seat assembly100is illustrated inFIG.1to be a bench seat assembly, it should be understood that the principles of the present disclosure are applicable to other types of seat assemblies that include seats and an arm rest that pivots between a stowed position, where the arm rest is positioned in an arm rest storage cavity150defined in the seatback A-surface, and a deployed position for use. Still further, it should also be understood that the principles of this disclosure are applicable to all types of vehicle seat assemblies as well as non-vehicle seat assemblies, and discussion of a vehicle seat is not intended to be limiting. The seat assembly100can be configured for use in a vehicle, such as motor vehicle like a car or truck, or for use in non-vehicular applications.

The seat assembly100includes a seat bottom110and a seatback120pivotally disposed on the seat bottom110. The seat bottom110is mountable to a surface such as a vehicle floor. For example, the seat bottom110may be mounted on a seat frame (not shown) which can be removably secured to the vehicle floor. The seat assembly100is shown as a bench inFIG.1, comprising individual seats, each having individual seat bottoms and seatbacks that collectively form the seat assembly100. As such, reference to a seat bottom110and seatback120may refer to the seats collectively (i.e., the bench), or individually. The individual seatbacks120may be movable relative to other seatbacks of the seat assembly100. For example, the seat assembly100may have a split seatback construction, a 40/20/40 seatback construction, an evenly spaced seatback 3-seat construction, or other suitable construction of splitting the bench into individual seats as based on the desired aesthetic and function of the bench. In some embodiments, the seatback120may include a corresponding head restraint105. AlthoughFIG.1shows a vehicle seat assembly includes the head restraint105, however, seat assembly designs may be constructed without the head restraint105, or the head restraint105may be removable attached or pivotably attached based on design considerations of the vehicle interior, and each head restraint105may be constructed differently as based on the position on the seat assembly100. Generally, the head restraint105is located at an upper end of the seatback120, as defined along the axis Y over the height of the seatback120, as shown inFIG.1.

The seat bottom110and seatback120each include a foam cushion (not shown) having a trim cover assembly140disposed thereon. The foam cushions can be conventionally secured to a seat frame by any method generally known in the art. Each foam cushion may be one or more foam parts, joined together to form the seating component. For example, the seatback120foam cushion may include side bolster portions, or any other components to meet a selected design. The trim cover assembly140is disposed on the foam cushion, and secured to the foam cushion via any suitable attachment mechanism. The foam cushions can have any suitable size and configuration, based on the selected design for the vehicle seating arrangement, and particular the rear seats. The foam material of the cushions may be any suitable comfort foam material that provides soft resilience during use, such as, but not limited to, a suitable resilient polymer (e.g., polyurethane foam, soy-based foam, silicone, thermoplastic olefins, thermoplastic urethanes, polymer fibers, non-woven polyester pads, natural oil-based expanded polyurethanes, latex foams, and the like) and may be formed in any suitable manner.

The trim cover assembly140forms an exterior seating surface, also known as the A-surface125, which can be an occupant support surface for the seat assembly100. The trim cover assembly140includes a trim cover145that is made of at least one suitable material, such as, but not limited to, leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, fabric, synthetic suede, non-woven fabric, or combinations thereof (fabric-to-fabric, leather-to-leather, fabric-to-leather, leather-to-fabric, etc.). It should be understood that different portions of the seatback120and the seat bottom110may have a different trim cover portions forming the trim cover assembly140as based on the desired aesthetics for the seat assembly100. Moreover, the trim cover assembly140can differ from the seat bottom110to the seatback120, in addition to varying between the side bolsters and the upper regions. In at least one embodiment, as shown inFIG.1, the trim cover assembly140comprises a plurality of trim cover panels that are secured together that form different regions of the seatback120. For example, a top panel portion122and a central panel portion124are stitched, or otherwise secured, together, to the peripheral trim panels126(i.e., side bolsters) via stitching or seams. The trim cover assembly140on the inner side (i.e., B-surface, opposite to the A-surface), can have other conventional layers such as a thin foam layer (not shown) and various trim to secure the trim cover assembly140to the frame and/or foam cushions.

As shown inFIG.1, the seat assembly100includes an arm rest assembly200pivotally disposed with respect to the seatback120. The arm rest assembly200includes a cushion with a trim cover as part of the trim cover assembly140disposed thereon. As will be described hereinafter, the arm rest assembly200may be a center console including various features for occupant convenience, such as cup holders or compartments or other features typically included in the arm rests. Although shown as a center arm rest assembly, the arm rest assembly200may be any suitable arm rest, and depiction of the arm rest assembly200in the center of the seat100is not intended to be limiting.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the arm rest assembly200is pivotally attached relative to the seatback120such that it can be stored upright in a corresponding arm rest storage cavity150in the seatback120, and deployed to a use position by pivoting about a pivot axis205. The arm rest assembly200may pivot relative to the pivot axis205, such that when pivoted forward (e.g., away from the front surface (A-surface125) of the seatback120, as defined along the axis X shown inFIG.1) the arm rest assembly200is positioned above the seat bottom110and extending away from the seatback120in the deployed position. Although shown as a pivoting arm rest assembly200, the depiction of a pivoting arm rest assembly200is not intended to be limiting, and the features described in the present embodiments are similarly applicable to fixed arm rest assemblies and consoles. The arm rest assembly200is secured to the seat back120in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, mounting plates, a mounting frame, or similar attachment structure.

With reference toFIGS.2-13, various embodiments of the arm rest assembly200are shown.

Referring again toFIG.1, as like numerals will be used throughout the Figures for the same components across various embodiments, the arm rest assembly200includes an arm rest body210secured to the seat back120. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the arm rest body210is sized to be stored in the seatback120in the storage cavity150in the stored position such that an A-surface215of the arm rest body210(when in the stored position) is generally consistent with the A-surface of the seat back120. To reach the use position (as shown inFIGS.2-13), the arm rest body210is deployed from the storage cavity150and pivoted about the pivot axis205. Although shown as a pivoting arm rest assembly200, the arm rest assembly200may also be fixed in the use position, in other embodiments not illustrated, and similarly include the features described herein. In at least one embodiment, as shown inFIG.1, the arm rest assembly200includes a movable member220corresponding to a trash compartment, with the movable member220generally flush with the A-surface215of the arm rest body210when in the stored position. Details regarding the movable member220will be discussed in further detail with reference toFIGS.2-13. Although the movable member220is shown as a rectangular shape and positioned at a certain vertical height along the Y-axis (at distal end250of the arm rest body210), this is not intended to be limiting, and the movable member220may have any suitable shape, dimension, and location as based on the shape, dimension, and location of the trash compartment, as will be described in further detail below. For example, in another embodiment, the movable member220may have a different shape as based on the trash compartment ofFIGS.11-13.

Referring toFIG.2, the arm rest assembly200is shown, according to an embodiment. InFIG.2, the arm rest body210is shown in the use position, with the arm rest body210pivoted forward in the X-direction, such that the A-surface215is facing and positioned above the seat bottom110. The arm rest body210is pivoted forward via mounting plates, a mounting frame, or similar attachment structure (not shown). The trim cover assembly140includes a trim close out142for the storage cavity150, which may be any suitable material for closing out the storage cavity150for the arm rest body210. As such, the trim close out142may be the same material as the trim cover145, or be a different suitable material for closing out the storage cavity150.

The arm rest assembly200includes a storage compartment230, with a storage compartment cavity235defined in the arm rest body210, with storage compartment doors232a,232bconcealing the storage compartment cavity235. In the embodiment ofFIG.2, the storage compartment230is shown closed with the storage compartment doors232a,232bconcealing the storage compartment cavity235. The storage compartment doors232a,232bmay include any suitable features for opening the storage compartment doors232a,232b.For example, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG.2, the storage compartment doors232a,232bmay be biased in an open position (for revealing the storage compartment cavity235), and released via pushing on buttons234a,234b,respectively. Although shown as two buttons234a,234b,the storage compartment doors232a,232bmay be simultaneously released by a single button. In other embodiments, not shown, the storage compartment doors232a,232bmay be opened and closed in any suitable manner, and may not be biased to being open. Furthermore, although shown with two doors opening in the middle between the doors and hinged at outer points on the arm rest body210such that the doors open in the Z-direction of the vehicle, the compartment may be concealed in any suitable manner, and depiction of French-door style concealment is not intended to be limiting. InFIGS.3-4, the storage compartment230is shown with one storage compartment door232ain the open position, revealing a portion of the storage compartment cavity235.

Referring again toFIG.2, the distal end250of the arm rest body210includes a cupholder panel240on the inner side of the arm rest body210, opposite to the A-surface215. The cupholder panel240has a stored position (as shown inFIG.2) and a deployed position (as shown inFIGS.3-4). The cupholder panel240includes a bottom surface242that is facing upward in the Y-direction when in the stored position, and is facing the seat bottom when in the deployed position. The cupholder panel240may be biased to the deployed position, and released via pushing on a cupholder button244. In other embodiments, the cupholder panel240may be deployed and stored in any suitable manner, including not being biased to the deployed position. The cupholder panel240may be hinged at the distal end250of the arm rest body210such that it flips up (in the Y-direction) and forward (in the X-direction) to the deployed position, as is shown inFIGS.3-4.

Referring toFIGS.3-4, the cupholder panel240is shown in the deployed position, revealing cupholder cavities245defined in the cupholder panel240, on a side opposite to the bottom surface242. Thus, the cupholder panel240extends forward in the X-direction from the distal end250of the arm rest body210when deployed. When the cupholder panel240is in the deployed position, as shown inFIGS.3-4, the trash compartment260is revealed in the distal end250. The trash compartment260includes a trash cavity265defined through at least a portion of the thickness of the arm rest body210, with the movable member220defining the bottom of the trash cavity265. The movable member220is supported within an opening defined in the A-side215of the armrest body210. The movable member220may be releasably attached to the armrest body210in any suitable manner, such as, for example, via magnets.

The trash compartment260also includes a flexible member222defining the periphery of the trash cavity265, as will be discussed in further detail below. The trash compartment260may include a frame (not shown inFIGS.3-4) for supporting a top end of the flexible member222thereon, and which may include the connection feature (e.g., magnets) for releasably securing the movable member220thereon. The flexible member222may be any suitable material for allowing the flexible member222to form the trash cavity265therein such that the depth of the trash cavity265can be altered via manipulation of the flexible member222. For example, the flexible member222may be a plastic bag (for example, a disposable bag that can be removed from the frame and trash compartment260), or be a pre-installed fabric forming the trash box with sufficient flexibility and mechanism for expanding and contracting the flexible member222(e.g., a scissor wire mechanism within the material) to change the volume of the trash cavity265upon release of the movable member220. In various embodiments, the movable member220can be released to allow for the trash cavity265to be expanded. In at least one embodiment, the movable member220is secured to the frame via a spring-forced scissor wire mechanism in the trash compartment260, which allows the movable member220to snap out when the cupholder panel240is released. In other embodiments, the movable panel220may be moved via a spring-loaded side plate that can be manually released or via a push-button to move the movable member220to expand the trash cavity265. As such, an occupant can manipulate the flexible member222based on the malleability of the flexible member222, such that the depth of the trash cavity265can be increased when the trash compartment260is deployed.

When the trash compartment260is used, but not full, the movable member220can be manually or mechanistically returned to being flush with the A-surface215(e.g., the scissor wire). If trash within the trash cavity265obstructs the return of the movable member220, the flexible member222must be emptied (for a pre-installed bag), or removed/replaced (for a disposable bag). When the trash cavity265is expanded, the movable member220may temporarily be stored in the storage compartment230until the armrest assembly is returned to the folded position (e.g., in embodiments where the bag is disposable), or may be fixed to the bottom of the flexible member222in embodiments where the flexible member222is pre-installed (e.g., not disposable).

In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, the trash compartment260includes a cover262. Although shown as a retractable cover262(having a closed position as shown inFIG.3and an open position inFIG.4), the cover262may be any suitable cover with appropriate mechanisms for revealing the trash cavity265, or may be omitted such that deploying the cupholder panel240reveals the trash cavity265.

As shown inFIGS.1-4, the trash cavity265has a varying volume as based on the expansion/movement of the flexible member222and the position of the movable member220in the Y-direction, which acts as a false floor for the trash cavity265when shown aligned with the A-surface215of the arm rest body210, in embodiments where the flexible member222is a pre-installed bag with the movable member220fixed on the bottom. In some embodiments, the movable member220is attached to the arm rest body210by the flexible member222, which defines the periphery of the trash cavity265of the trash compartment260. In other embodiments (not shown), the movable member220may be independently connected to the arm rest body210, with the flexible member222defining the trash cavity265, with the movable member220releasably secured to the arm rest body210. The flexible member222may be supported on a frame of the trash compartment260, and in some embodiments, may be releasably secured to the frame. The flexible member222may be any suitable reusable and cleanable material that is fixed in the trash compartment260(e.g., polyethylene fabric that may be ultrasonically welded, stitched leather, textile, or imitation leather) or may be disposable, such as plastic bags that can be secured to the frame and movable member220and removed from the trash compartment260for disposal. Although the flexible member222is shown as a singular component, the flexible member222may include any suitable number of flexible portions to allow the flexible member222to open in the Y-direction to expand and contract the trash cavity265. In the embodiments shown inFIGS.3-4, the flexible member222is a different material from the movable panel220, but in other embodiments, the materials may be the same or similar, such that the flexible member222can allow movement of the movable member220(e.g., the flexible member may be articulated or elastic to allow vertical movement of the movable member220) in embodiments where the flexible member222is pre-installed. Thus, the trash compartment260with the movable member220can form a trash cavity265of greater volume when the flexible member222is extended to drop the movable panel220lower than the arm rest body210in the Y-direction, than compared to a trash cavity265when the movable panel220is flush with the A-surface215. In at least one embodiment, the depth of the trash cavity265in the extended position is just above the A-side of the seat surface to avoid soiling or damage to the seat. For example, in some embodiments, the movable member220may hover 5 to 20 mm from the A-surface of the seat bottom, in other embodiments 5 to 15 mm from the A-surface, and in yet further embodiments, 5 to 10 mm from the A-surface.

Referring toFIG.5, an arm rest assembly300is shown according to another embodiment. As previously noted, like numerals will be used to reflect like components of the arm rest assembly300of the shown embodiment. The arm rest assembly300includes an arm rest body310shown in the use position, as comparable withFIG.2.

The arm rest assembly300includes a storage compartment330with a storage compartment cavity335defined within the arm rest body310, with a storage compartment door332concealing the storage compartment cavity335. In the embodiment ofFIG.5, the storage compartment330is shown closed with the storage compartment door332concealing the storage compartment cavity335. The storage compartment door332is shown as a single door in the embodiment ofFIG.5, with the storage compartment door332being hinged on an end of the arm rest body310, opposite to the distal end250such that the storage compartment door332opens upward (in the Y-direction) and pivots toward the seatback120based on the hinge. The storage compartment door332may include any suitable feature for opening the storage compartment door332. For example, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG.5, the storage compartment door332may be biased to an open position (revealing the storage compartment cavity335), and released via pushing on the release button334. However, in other embodiments, not shown, the storage compartment door332may be opened and closed in any suitable manner, and may not be biased to being open. InFIG.6, the storage compartment330is shown with the storage compartment door332in an open position, revealing the storage compartment cavity335.

Referring again toFIGS.5-6, the arm rest assembly300includes a similar cupholder panel240as the cupholder panel shown inFIGS.2-4, and a trash compartment260, as shown inFIGS.2-4. The cupholder panel240is on the inner side of the arm rest body310, opposite to the A-surface215. The cupholder panel240has a stored position (as shown inFIG.5) and a deployed position (as shown inFIG.6). The cupholder panel240includes a bottom surface242that is facing upward in the Y-direction when in the stored position, and is facing the seat bottom when in the deployed position. The cupholder panel240may be biased to the deployed position, and released via pushing on a cupholder button244. In other embodiments, the cupholder panel240may be deployed and stored in any suitable manner, including not being biased to the deployed position. The cupholder panel240may be hinged at the distal end250of the arm rest body210such that it flips up (in the Y-direction) and forward (in the X-direction) to the deployed position, as is shown inFIG.6.

Referring toFIG.6, the cupholder panel240is shown in the deployed position, revealing cupholder cavities245defined in the cupholder panel240, on a side opposite to the bottom surface242. Thus, the cupholder panel240extends forward in the X-direction from the distal end250of the arm rest body310when deployed. When the cupholder panel240is in the deployed position, as shown inFIG.6, the trash compartment260is revealed in the distal end250. The trash compartment260includes a trash cavity265defined through at least a portion of the thickness of the arm rest body310, with the movable member220defining the bottom of the trash cavity265(in embodiments where the movable member220is on a preinstalled bag), or may be temporarily removed (in embodiments where the bag is disposable). The trash compartment260also includes a flexible member222defining the periphery of the trash cavity265, as will be discussed in further detail below with respect to particular embodiments. Although not shown inFIGS.5-6, the trash compartment260may include a cover (not shown) as previously discussed with respect toFIG.3.

Similar to the embodiment ofFIGS.2-4, the embodiment ofFIGS.5-6includes the trash cavity265with a varying volume as based on the position of the movable member220in the Y-direction, which acts as a false floor for the trash cavity265when shown aligned with the A-surface215of the arm rest body310. The movable member220may be releasably attached to the arm rest body310at a frame (in embodiments where the flexible member222may be disposable), or may be attached to a bottom of the flexible member222(in embodiments where the flexible member222is pre-installed), which defines the periphery of the trash cavity265of the trash compartment260and allows the flexible member222to extend in the Y-direction to expand and contract the trash cavity265. In other embodiments, for example, where the flexible member222is disposable, the movable member220may be independently attached to the arm rest body310, such that the flexible member222forms the trash cavity265without connection to or corresponding movement with the movable member220.

Referring toFIGS.7-8, an arm rest assembly400is shown according to another embodiment. As previously noted, like numerals will be used to reflect like components of the arm rest assembly400of the shown embodiment. The arm rest assembly400includes an arm rest body410shown in the use position, as comparable withFIG.2. The arm rest assembly400includes a storage compartment defining a storage compartment cavity435defined in the arm rest body410, with storage compartment doors432a,432bconcealing the storage compartment cavity435. In the embodiment ofFIG.7-8, the storage compartment230is shown with one of the storage compartment doors432aof the storage compartment doors432a,432brevealing a portion of the storage compartment cavity435, while the other door432bremains closed concealing another portion of the storage compartment cavity235. The storage compartment doors432a,432bmay include any suitable features for opening the storage compartment doors432a,432b.For example, as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS.7-8, the storage compartment doors432a,432bmay be biased in an open position (for revealing the storage compartment cavity435), and released via pushing on button(s)434a,respectively. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.7-8, the storage compartment includes a cupholder panel440disposed in the storage compartment cavity435. The cupholder panel440may be clipped onto the storage compartment cavity435using plastic hooks, and may be removable in certain embodiments to expose the storage compartment cavity435. Although a cupholder panel440is shown, the storage compartment cavity435may include any suitable features within the arm rest body410as based on occupant comfort and convenience. Furthermore, the storage compartment doors432a,432bmay allow the cupholder panel440to be used when the storage compartment doors432a,432bare closed, such that they are sized only to cover corresponding storage compartment cavities (storage compartment cavity435is shown).

Referring toFIGS.7-8, the arm rest assembly400includes a trash compartment460storable in a distal end450of the arm rest body410in a compartment storage cavity in the arm rest body410. The trash compartment460includes a handle462at the distal end450when the trash compartment460is in a stored position (as inFIG.7). The trash compartment460is pulled out of the arm rest body410via the handle462in the X-direction of the vehicle (i.e., away from the seatback120) to a deployed position (as inFIG.8), to reveal the trash cavity465defined by an inner periphery of a trash compartment frame464. In certain embodiments, the trash compartment460is slidably connected to the arm rest body410such that the trash compartment460translates between the stored position and the deployed position. The trash compartment460includes the movable member220, which may, in some embodiments, define the bottom of the trash cavity465, and a flexible member222defining the periphery of the trash cavity465, and supported by the trash compartment frame464. In other embodiments, the movable member220may be releasably secured such that it can be stored during use of the trash compartment460, for example, in embodiments where the flexible member222is disposable. The trash cavity465has a varying volume as based on the extension of the flexible member222in the Y-direction, where the movable member220, whether attached to the flexible member222or releasably secured to the arm rest body210, acts as a false floor for the trash cavity465when shown aligned with the A-surface215of the arm rest body210.

In embodiments with a disposable bag, the movable member220may be removed from the A-surface, and temporarily stored in the storage compartment230while the trash compartment460is being used. The movable member220may be releasably attached to the trash compartment frame464via the flexible member222, which defines the periphery of the trash cavity265of the trash compartment260, or may be secured to the bottom of the flexible member222for embodiments where the flexible member222is a pre-installed bag. Thus, the trash compartment460with the movable member220can form a trash cavity465of greater volume when the flexible member222is extended to drop the movable panel220lower than the arm rest body410in the Y-direction. In some embodiments, in the stored position, the movable member220and the flexible member222are stored in an opening formed by the inner periphery of the frame464such that the trash compartment460can be housed in the compartment storage cavity.

Referring toFIGS.9-10, an arm rest assembly500is shown according to another embodiment. As previously noted, like numerals will be used to reflect like components of the arm rest assembly500of the shown embodiment. The arm rest assembly500includes an arm rest body510shown in the use position, as comparable withFIG.2.

The arm rest assembly500includes a cupholder panel540at a distal end550of the arm rest body510, the cupholder panel including cupholder cavities545. The arm rest assembly500also includes a sliding door530that is movable in the X-direction, toward the distal end550to conceal the cupholder panel540when in a forward position (FIG.10) and toward the rear end552of the arm rest body510, opposite to the distal end550, when in a rearward position, revealing the cupholder panel540(FIG.9). When in the forward position, as shown inFIG.10, the sliding door530reveals a trash compartment560in the arm rest assembly500. The trash compartment560includes a trash cavity565defined through at least a portion of the thickness of the arm rest body510, with the movable member220being releasably secured or fixed, per the embodiments previously discussed. The trash compartment560also includes a flexible member222defining the periphery of the trash cavity565, as will be discussed in further detail below. In the embodiment shown inFIG.10, the trash compartment560may be located toward the rear end552of the arm rest body510, as opposed to toward the distal end250as shown in the embodiment ofFIG.1. The movable member220may similarly be flush with the A-surface215as previously discussed.

Referring again toFIG.10, the trash cavity565has a varying volume as based on the extension of the flexible member222in the Y-direction, with the movable member220acting as a false floor for the trash cavity565when shown aligned with the A-surface215of the arm rest body510. The movable member220may be attached to the arm rest body510by the flexible member222(in embodiments where the bag is pre-installed), which defines the periphery of the trash cavity565of the trash compartment560, or may be releasably secured to the arm rest body510for temporary storage during deployment of the flexible member222. Thus, the trash compartment560with the movable member220can form a trash cavity565of greater volume when the flexible member222is extended lower than the arm rest body510in the Y-direction, than compared to a trash cavity565when the movable panel220is flush with the A-surface215.

Referring toFIGS.11-13, an arm rest assembly600is shown according to another embodiment. As previously noted, like numerals will be used to reflect like components of the arm rest assembly600of the shown embodiment. The arm rest assembly600includes an arm rest body610shown in the use position, as comparable withFIG.2.

The arm rest assembly600includes a storage compartment630with a storage compartment cavity635defined within the arm rest body610, with a storage compartment door632concealing the storage compartment cavity635. In the embodiment ofFIG.11, the storage compartment630is shown closed with the storage compartment door632concealing the storage compartment cavity635. The storage compartment door632is shown as a single door in the embodiment ofFIGS.11-13, with the storage compartment door632being hinged on an end652of the arm rest body610, opposite to the distal end650such that the storage compartment door632opens upward (in the Y-direction) and pivots toward the seatback120based on the hinge at the end652, as shown inFIG.12. The storage compartment door632may include any suitable feature for opening the storage compartment door632(e.g., buttons for releasing a biased storage compartment door632, or manual movement). InFIG.12, the storage compartment630is shown with the storage compartment door632in an open position, revealing the storage compartment cavity635.

The arm rest assembly600also includes a cupholder panel640extending toward a distal end650of the arm rest body610. The embodiment ofFIGS.11-13includes the cupholders of the cupholder panel640in an aligned arrangement in the X-direction, as opposed to the Z-direction of the embodiments shown inFIGS.2-6. The cupholder panel640is on the inner side of the arm rest body610, opposite to the A-surface215. The cupholder panel640has a stored position (as shown inFIG.11) and a deployed position (as shown inFIGS.12-13). As will be discussed in further detail below, the trash compartment630is based on the shape of the cupholder panel640, and the movable member220may similarly be shaped.

The cupholder panel640includes a bottom surface642that is facing upward in the Y-direction when in the stored position, and is facing the seat bottom when in the deployed position. The cupholder panel640may be biased to the deployed position, and released via pushing on a cupholder release button (not shown) or via lifting the storage compartment door632, or be manually movable about a hinge646to pivot the cupholder panel640from the stored position to the deployed position. In other embodiments, the cupholder panel640may be deployed and stored in any suitable manner, including where the cupholder panel640may not be biased to the deployed position. The cupholder panel640may be hinged at the distal end650of the arm rest body610such that it flips up (in the Y-direction) and forward (in the X-direction) to the deployed position, as is shown inFIGS.12-13.

Upon deployment to the deployed position, the cupholder panel640reveals cupholder cavities645on a side of the cupholder panel640opposite to the bottom surface642. Upon movement to the deployed position, where the cupholder panel640extends forward in the X-direction from the distal end650of the arm rest body610, a trash compartment660is revealed in the arm rest assembly600. With reference toFIG.13, the storage compartment door630may be closed to conceal the storage compartment cavity635while the cupholder panel640is in the deployed position, thus still exposing the trash compartment660while the storage compartment door630is closed.

Referring again toFIGS.12-13, the trash compartment660includes a trash cavity665defined through at least a portion of the thickness of the arm rest body610, with the movable member220(in embodiments where the movable member220is on a preinstalled bag), or may be temporarily removed (in embodiments where the bag is disposable). The trash compartment660also includes a flexible member222defining the periphery of the trash cavity665, as will be discussed in further detail below. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.12-13, the trash compartment560may be located toward the distal end650of the arm rest body610. The movable member220may similarly be flush with the A-surface215as previously discussed, when the trash compartment660is not in use.

Referring again toFIGS.12-13, the trash cavity665has a varying volume as based on the extension of the flexible member222in the Y-direction, with the movable member220acting as a false floor for the trash cavity665when shown aligned with the A-surface215of the arm rest body610. The movable member220is releasably attached to the arm rest body610, either by the flexible member222(in embodiments where the flexible member222is a preinstalled bag), or temporarily removable (in embodiments where the flexible member222is a disposable bag) to allow movement of the movable member220. Thus, the trash compartment660with the movable member220can form a trash cavity665of greater volume when the flexible member222is extended to drop lower than the arm rest body610in the Y-direction, than compared to a trash cavity665when the movable panel220is flush with the A-surface215.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an arm rest assembly with a trash compartment is provided. The arm rest assembly includes an arm rest body defining a trash cavity there through. The trash compartment has a stored position and an extended position, with a movable member releasably positioned between the stored and extended positions. In the stored position, the movable member may be flush with the A-surface of the arm rest body, or be stored within the arm rest body. In the extended position, the movable member drops below the arm rest body to increase the volume of the trash cavity, via a flexible member connecting the movable member to the arm rest body, or may be removed such that the flexible member extends to form the trash cavity. The trash compartment may be revealed via movement of a cupholder panel, movement of a storage compartment door, or via a handle when stored in the arm rest body. As such, the trash compartment can be hidden and also provide larger volume when being used by an occupant.

As with reference to the Figures, the same reference numerals may be used herein to refer to the same parameters and components or their similar modifications and alternatives. For purposes of description herein, the directional terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left, ” “rear, ” “front, ” “forward,” “rearward,” “vertical, ” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the present disclosure as oriented inFIG.1. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. The drawings referenced herein are schematic and associated views thereof are not necessarily drawn to scale.