Abstract:
A method and apparatus for repositioning a display device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes securing the display device to a console assembly, the console assembly configured to deploy the display device for viewing and to stow the display device when not in use. The console assembly is mounted to a movement assembly. The movement assembly is configured to allow translation of the console assembly within the passenger compartment between a front and a rear portion of the passenger compartment, wherein the display device is viewable from the front and rear portions. The console assembly comprises at least two sections being movable and slidable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle independent of each other. One of the two sections includes a pivotally retractable armrest.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    Vehicle interiors typically include front passenger seats and rear passenger seats positioned behind the front seats. These passenger seats can either be individual bucket type seats or bench type seats. A number of other interior components are usually mounted directly or in close proximity to these seats. The components can include pivotal and stationary armrests, seat belts, headrests, cup holders, and storage console assemblies.  
           [0002]    The storage console assemblies are typically positioned in the center of the bench type seats or between a pair of bucket type seats. Accordingly, these console assemblies are typically called center console assemblies. The consoles usually have at lease one storage compartment with a pivotal lid for opening and closing the compartment. The pivotal lid can also act as an armrest. The storage compartment is utilized for storing any number of items such as portable phones, compact discs, pens, note pads, or the like. The center console assemblies known in the art are either pivotally mounted to the bench type seats or fixedly secured to a floor of the vehicle interior between the bucket type seats.  
           [0003]    Most commonly, the center consoles are part of a modular unit which also includes a transmission shift lever, parking brake, mirror controls, and the like. Hence, the center consoles are normally and fixedly deployed within a vehicle and, more particularly, are typically deployed in close proximity to the driver&#39;s “position” or seat. The consoles are adapted to removably contain and/or store items and/or goods and are further adapted to allow the goods to be selectively utilized within the vehicle. Typically, these consoles occupy one or more vehicle areas or regions which normally contain and/or include a passenger seat. While it is desirable to have or provide a relatively large amount of console type storage space within the vehicle, it is not usually or typically desirable to reduce the amount of vehicle seating space, since the amount of such seating space limits the number of passengers that may comfortably reside within the vehicle. The amount of storage space and/or the size of the provided console is therefore typically limited by the amount of passenger seating space which is desired to be relinquished or “sacrificed” in order to provide such storage space.  
           [0004]    Moreover, since the vehicle storage consoles are typically fixed within or stationarilly positioned within the vehicle, the consoles require a user to be seated or positioned in close proximity to the console in order to access or utilize the console. Hence, passengers residing within the “back seat” or the rear of the passenger compartment do not have ready access to the console. The stationary positioning of the console within the vehicle thereby limits the overall utility of the console.  
           [0005]    Therefore it may be desirable to provide a storage console in a vehicle having modular accessory compartments that can be easily moved, repositioned or rearranged by the occupants of the vehicle for greater access to the storage console.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0006]    A console assembly for a vehicle having at least a pair of front seats comprising: a movement assembly extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle between the front seats and extending to a position behind the front seats. A center console assembly comprises at least two sections mounted on the movement assembly, wherein at least one of the two sections is movable and slidable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle independent of the other of section. The center console assembly is adapted to receive a first display device viewable from the front seats and the position behind the front seats. The center console assembly also includes a pivotally retractable armrest.  
           [0007]    In an alternative embodiment, a method is disclosed for repositioning a display device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The method includes securing the display device to a console assembly configured to deploy the display device for viewing and to stow the display device. The console assembly also includes a pivotally retractable armrest. The method further includes mounting the console assembly to a movement assembly configured to allow translation of the console assembly within the passenger compartment between a front and a rear portion of the passenger compartment, wherein the display device is viewable from the front and rear portions. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a passenger area of a vehicle seat structure having three rows of seats with a console assembly slidable therebetween;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of another vehicle seat structure having two rows of seats with three sections of the console assembly of FIG. 1 disposed in three different positions in the passenger area;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a side view of the console assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 on a movement assembly disposed in the passenger area;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary console assembly having a first display device incorporated in a pivotally retractable armrest and in operable communication with a computer;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the console assembly in FIG. 4 illustrating the armrest in an extended position;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the console assembly in FIG. 4 illustrating the pivoting armrest in the extended position and a position usable as an armrest with the first display device retractably disposed therein;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a console box section of the console assembly illustrating a second display device incorporated therein;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 is a side view of the console assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 disposed in a front passenger area;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9 is a side view of the console assembly of FIG. 8 disposed in a rear passenger area;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is a side view of the console assembly of FIG. 8 with the console box section of the console assembly disposed in the rear passenger area; and  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 is a side view of the console assembly of FIG. 9 with a first section thereof shown removed and disposed in the front passenger area.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0019]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or uses. In the following description, the terms, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper” and “lower,” denote respective directions as viewed from a vehicle operator or driver in the vehicle traveling direction. Likewise, use of the terms “first” and “second” are only identifiers and not intended to illustrate a sequence, position, etc.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of vehicle seating  10  according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which comprises a front left seat  12 , a front right seat  13  for the vehicle driver, a rear left seat  14  and a rear right seat  15 . Two parallel rails  17  are disposed through the front and rear seat rows between the left seats  12 ,  14  and the right seats  13 ,  15 , and a center console assembly  20  is provided for sliding movement on and along the rails  17 . Console assembly  20  comprises a forward first section  21 , a center second section  22 , and a rearward third section  23 . Sections  21 - 23  are modular fitting sections that slide on rails  17  in unison or individually independent of each other as described hereinafter. Reference numeral  18  denotes a steering wheel. FIG. 1 also illustrates rails  17  extending rearward between a second rear row behind the rear seat row. In this manner, console assembly may be translated to the rear of the vehicle or at least proximate seats  25  and  27  as illustrated in FIG. 1. It will be recognized that the vehicle seat  10  in FIG. 1 may be representative of the seating structure found in many minivans, sport utility vehicles and the like.  
         [0021]    The front left seat  12  includes a seat part  12   a , a back  12   b  pivotably attached to the seat part  12   a , and a headrest  12   c  attached to the top of the back  2   b  for vertical movement relative thereto. The front right seat  13 , rear left seat  14  and rear right seat  15  are constructed similarly to the front left seat  12 ; reference numerals  13   a ,  14   a  and  5   a  denote their respective seat parts,  13   b ,  14   b  and  15   b  denote their respective backs, and  13   c ,  14   c  and  15   c  denote their respective headrests. It will be understood that seats  25  and  27  in the second rear row may also include respective seat parts as in the above-mentioned front and rear seats.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of vehicle seating  10  according to an another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which comprises a front left seat  12 , a front right seat  13  for the vehicle driver, a rear left seat  14 , rear right seat  15 , and a rear middle seat  16  forming a rear bench seat  26 . It will be recognized that this vehicle seating is very common among many passenger vehicles. Two parallel rails  17  are disposed through the front and rear seat rows and generally extend to rear bench seat  26  between the left seats  12 ,  14 . Console assembly  20  is shown with each section  21 - 23  separated from one another and disposed over rails  17 .  
         [0023]    As best seen referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, first section  21  of console assembly optionally includes at least one cup holder  30 , a cavity  32  configured therein for storage of articles such as, for example, sun glasses or change for roadway tolls. First section  21  of console assembly  20  further comprises a first storage area  34  for additional articles described later herein. Second section  22  may also include at least one cup holder (not shown). Second section  22  of console assembly further includes a pivotally retractable armrest  36  for use by an occupant seated either in the front row or any of the rear rows. Second section  22  optionally includes a second storage area  38  below armrest  36  described later herein. Third section  23  of console assembly optionally includes a third storage area  40  wherein a retractable drawer  42  is disposed therein for storing articles such as, for example, multi media games and media associated with such games or similar devices.  
         [0024]    It will also be recognized by one skilled in the pertinent art that although two rails  17  have been shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an interface to employ mounting and slidable engagement between within the vehicle passenger area, many other movement assemblies may be employed for mounting and providing slidable engagement between the console assembly and the vehicle passenger area. For example a single track may be mounted within the passenger area and the console assembly may have rollers depending from a lower surface thereof that engage the track for mounting and sliding within the track affixed to the vehicle.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a console assembly comprising four sections  21 - 23  and  42  slidably mounted to a movement assembly  44  discussed above. Movement assembly  44  may include a pair of tracks or grooves  45  which are disposed upon the floor of the passenger compartment, substantially along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the vehicle, and which movably receive wheels or roller members which are disposed upon the lower surface of each section  21 - 23  and  42 . Particularly, the rollers are movably disposed within track  45  while the rollers are movably disposed within track  45 . In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the rollers are substantially identical and tracks or grooves  45  are substantially identical. Roller members or wheels cooperate with tracks  45  to allow the console assembly  20  to be selectively moved within the vehicle in the direction which is indicated by arrow  47 , thereby allowing the console assembly  20  to be selectively used by passengers within the front portion and/or the rear portion of the passenger compartment and increasing the overall utility of the console assembly  20 . A releasable locking mechanism  49  is incorporated with each section  21 - 23  and  42  for engagement with at least one of a plurality of stopper holes  51  arranged in the longitudinal direction of at least one track  45  at equal intervals. Locking mechanism  49  may take the form of a pin (not shown) that is biased to engage track  45  and configured such that when the pin is aligned with a stopper hole  51 , the pin slides through the hole locking a corresponding section  21 - 23 ,  42  in place. Locking mechanism may be configured in a number ways with a corresponding engagement means disposed on track  45  as known in the pertinent art, such as a biased lever to engage a corresponding tooth or slot disposed on the track  45 . In other non-limiting embodiments, tracks  45  may comprise conventional seat type tracks or some other type of slide out receptacle  44  or mechanism which allows console  20  to be movably disposed within vehicle and which is generally and longitudinally disposed within the passenger compartment and which extends between the front portion and the rear portion.  
         [0026]    Still referring to FIG. 3, first section  21  includes first storage area  34  having a slide out receptacle  43  for use as a first storage bin. In an exemplary embodiment, receptacle  43  is adapted as a tissue receptacle that may be slidably removed from the front of first section  21  for access thereof. Access is granted to receptacle  43  for retrieval or replacement of tissue therein. A rear of first section  21  optionally includes a docking/charging station  46  for a personal digital assistant (PDA) or navigational system (handheld/portable global positioning system GPS)  48  (FIG. 5) or other similar device. In an alternative embodiment, station  46  may be configured for receiving a flip out display device  50  that is in operable communication with a vehicle installed navigation system or mobile productivity center (MPC) (not shown). A MPC is commercially available from Delphi Automotive and allows a cell phone, PDA and other electronic communication devices to be installed and interfaced with vehicle installed computers for allowing hands free communication and navigation allowing the driver to concentrate on driving with both hands on steering wheel  18 .  
         [0027]    First section  21  may operatively connect with second section  22  of console assembly  20  having a section  24  intermediate section  21  and  22 . As shown, section  24  is independent of sections  21  and  22 . However, it will be recognized that section  24  may be part of section  21  having at least one cup holder  30  disposed therein that allows suitable access thereto when armrest  36  is in a horizontal position to allow an occupant to use the armrest  36  as intended without denying access to a cup disposed in a cup holder  30 . Alternatively, section  24  may be incorporated with second section  22  having armrest  36 . In this manner, when arm rest is shown substantially in the vertical position and a seat cushion  54  is disposed on an upper surface  56  of section  24 , second section  22  and section  24  provide center seating for an occupant. Seat cushion  54  is shown removed in FIG. 3 exemplifying second storage area  38  beneath seat cushion  54 . When armrest  36  is pivotally extended upright to provide center seating, it is preferable that padding is disposed on the armrest where the back of an occupant would rest. Armrest  36  is attached to a armrest support member  58  for pivotal movement relative thereto in the front-rear direction. In addition, it is preferred that armrest  36  pivotally extends from an armrest support member  58  comprising two legs  60  and  62  that create an obtuse angle therebetween for adding strength to the armrest support  58  when a moment is applied at the pivot point  59  via armrest  36 . This moment is contemplated with the weight of an occupant resting their back against the armrest  36  when extended.  
         [0028]    Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, third section  23  includes a console box  64  providing third storage area  40  therein. The console box  64  includes a housing  65 , a console door  70  provided on a surface of the housing  65  facing the center rear, drawer  42  is provided below console door  70 , and a receptacle portion  40  provided within the housing  65 . Front facing portion of housing  65  of console box is configured to be received in a cavity formed by legs  60  and  62  of armrest support member  58  creating the obtuse angle. The rear of console box  64  includes the slide out drawer  42  for access to articles stored therein. The rear of console box  64  is to adapted to receive a multimedia player  66 . Multimedia player  66  includes console door  70  pivotably provided on a surface thereof facing rearward to function as a pivotally retractable display  68  when door  70  is opened. Multimedia player  66  includes video player (e.g., DVD) and game players, such as SONY PLAYSTATION (PS2)®, NINTENDO®, SEGA®, and the like. Drawer  42  may be used to store videos (e.g., DVD&#39;s) and game controllers for a corresponding multimedia player  66  employed in console box  64 . In addition, preferred embodiments include adapting either console box  64  or multimedia player  66  to allow removal of the multimedia player  66  from console box  64  for preventing theft thereof.  
         [0029]    Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of a console assembly  20  having armrest  36  adapted to include a pivotally retractable display device  74  is shown. Armrest  36  includes a first section  76  comprising display device  74 , such as a video monitor, on one side and a padded surface  78  on the opposite side suitable for an armrest. First section  76  is pivotally attached to a second section  80  via a pin  82  at one end of section  80  and pivotally attached to armrest support member  58  via a second pin  84  at an opposite end of section  80 . First section  76  is shown with phantom lines in a closed position and with solid lines in an open position exposing display device  74 . Armrest  36  optionally includes a computer (not shown) that is in operable communication with display device  74 . Alternatively, display device  74  may be in operable communication with multimedia player  66  disposed in console box  64 . Furthermore, display device  74  may be in operable communication with a navigation system or MPC employed in the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, second section  80  is configured to receive an input device  86  in operable communication with display device  74 . Input device  86  may include a keyboard  88  and a trackball mouse  89 . Input device may further incorporate a storage cavity  91  therein for additional storage within armrest  36  of, for example, office supplies such as paper clips, pen, or pencil, and the like.  
         [0030]    Referring to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes section  80  of armrest  36  optionally adapted to receive input device  86  that is configured as a personal laptop computer  90 . In this configuration, first section  76  includes display device  74  of laptop computer  90  while second section  80  of armrest  36  includes input device  86  as well as the processing capabilities of computer  90 . Laptop computer  90  is shown with armrest  36  in an upright position with display device proximate the headrests within the passenger area. In this manner, occupants may employ computer  90  for viewing a DVD or surfing the Internet via a wireless connection to computer  90 . Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, first section  21  is optionally configured to receive a printer  92  therein that is in operable communication with computer  90 .  
         [0031]    Referring to FIG. 6, console assembly  20  is shown employing an alternative embodiment of armrest  36  wherein display device  74  is pivotally retractable within an end portion  94  facing the front of armrest  36 . Opposite display device  74  is padded surface  78  that forms a substantially flush surface with a top surface  96  of armrest  36  when display device is in a closed position. When armrest  36  is pivoted up and to the rear about pin  84  and display device  74  is pivotally retracted about pin  82  to an open position, it can be seen that display device  74  is disposed above a belt line in the vehicle indicated by line  98 .  
         [0032]    Characteristic operation of the above-mentioned vehicle seat structure  10  will now be described with reference to FIGS.  8 - 11 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIGS. 8 and 9 are views explanatory of characteristic operation of the vehicle seat structure  10  according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows a case where sections  21 - 23  of console assembly  20  are contiguous and disposed in an extreme forward position. In this position, front seat occupants may use pivotally retractable armrest  36  and view flip out display  50  depending from first section  21  and may view display device  74 , for example, navigational assistance provided thereon. Also, the console assembly provides a throughway  100  in the rear passenger area. In this case, when armrest  36  is pivotally moved to the rear and upright position, occupants in the rear seat row may easily view display device  74 . In addition, it is contemplated that a center seat may be formed between seats  12  and  13  to provide additional seating. Alternatively, seats  12  and  13  having set cushion  54  therebetween together constitute a bench seat to at least prevent objects falling between seats  12  and  13  when console assembly is forwardly positioned having armrest in the upright position.  
         [0034]    In FIG. 9, console assembly  20  is moved from the forward position in FIG. 8 to a rear position. In this case, throughway  100  is possible when armrest  36  is pivoted to the rear upright position. In this rearward position, console box  64  is accessible to rear seat occupants in seats  14  and  15 .  
         [0035]    In FIG. 10, the first and second section  21 ,  22  center seat  10  have been moved between the front left and right seats  12  and  13  from the rear passenger area leaving console box section  23  in the rear passenger area. In this case, it is desirable that the console box section  23  be used in the following manner because a larger empty opening or gap forming throughway  100  is created without second section  22 . Moreover, the rear seat occupants can access console box section  23 , while front seat occupants can use armrest  36  on second section as well as gaining access to first section  21 .  
         [0036]    In FIG. 11, the second section  22  is moved to the rear next to console box section  23  while first section  21  remains between front left and right seats  12  and  13 . The armrest  36  is pivoted forward to the horizontal position so as to narrow throughway  100 . In this manner, a laptop computer  90  incorporated in armrest  36  as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be conveniently used because the console box section  23  and second section  22  provided with the armrest  36  can be moved to and used between the rear left and right seats  14  and  15 .  
         [0037]    As set forth above, the vehicle seat structure  10  according to the exemplary embodiments described herein are arranged to allow the modular console assembly  20  to be freely moved from the front seat row to the rear seat row and vice versa. This arrangement provides for a variety of console combinations that would be suitably used for various cases, such as where two persons are seated on each of the seat rows, where three persons are seated on the front seat row with two persons seated on the rear seat row and where two persons are seated on the front seat row with three persons seated on the rear seat row.  
         [0038]    In the case where two persons are seated on the front seat row, the console assembly  20  can be transformed for use as a retractable armrest or table. In the case where two persons are seated on the rear seat row, the console box section  23  of console assembly  20  can be used as a multimedia center. As a result, this vehicle seat structure  10  provides for an increased space efficiency in the vehicle, thereby improving the convenience, dwelling comfort and space efficiency of the vehicle while providing greater accessibility to components associated with the console assembly.  
         [0039]    Further, by setting the armrest  36  of the console assembly  20  to the raised position for a reduced dimension in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the center seat  10  can be moved to be placed snugly between, and in substantial alignment with, either the front and rear left and right seats  12 - 15  to thereby provide a bench seat for three people. This arrangement also permits a walk-through without requiring an increased distance between the front and rear seat rows, thereby improving the convenience, dwelling comfort and space efficiency of the vehicle.  
         [0040]    So far, the console assembly  20  with the pivotable armrest  36  have been described as movably arranged in a vehicle including a pair of front and rear seat rows. However, the present invention is not so limited; for example, the console assembly may be movably arranged in a vehicle including three seat rows. Furthermore, it is contemplated the console assembly may be movably arranged to extend to a tailgate portion of the vehicle to allow viewing of the display device  74  when armrest  36  is in the upright position. In this manner, display device may be view able outside the vehicle through the rear window or with a tailgate portion open at a function such as a tailgate party or when camping, for example.  
         [0041]    In summary, the present disclosure provides a vehicle seat structure which permits a variety of console combinations and improved convenience, dwelling comfort, accessibility, and space efficiency of the vehicle.  
         [0042]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.