Abstract:
A vehicle trim component is disclosed. The vehicle trim component includes a latch lockout assembly that comprises a latch lockout, a pivot member, and a housing. The latch lockout and pivot member are pivotally secured to the housing and permits physical engagement of the latch lockout against a latch member affixed to the vehicle trim component due to gravitational force when the vehicle trim component is pivoted at a predetermined pivot angle. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to interior trim components of a vehicle, and in particular to a latch lockout for a vehicular trim component, for example, a rotating armrest storage bin. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Typically, vehicular trim components, such as a rotating armrest assembly, may comprise a storage bin that rotates from a generally horizontal, in-use position to a generally vertical, stowed position. For example, the armrest assembly may be rotated from approximately 0° at the horizontal position to a position greater than or equal to approximately 90° at the vertical position. The storage bin typically comprises a decorative top cover that functions as a pivotal lid for the storage bin. When the armrest assembly is rotated to the generally vertical, stowed position, a latch assembly that retains the top cover to the storage bin may be undesirably triggered, resulting in the pivotal deployment of the top cover and the evacuation of items that are stored in the storage bin. 
   In order to overcome this problem, conventional gravity-actuated mechanisms have been proposed. Essentially, the gravity-actuated mechanisms “lockout” the latch assembly when the armrest assembly is positioned towards a vertical orientation as explained above. For example, two known approaches that have been previously employed include either a “free part,” such as a locking ball or barrel, or a pivoting mechanism, such as a pendulum. 
   Although adequate for most situations, the conventional free part mechanisms inherently include undesirable noise and rattle problems when rocked in a free part housing. In addition, the conventional free part mechanisms may not engage and lockout the latch assembly until the armrest assembly is in a nearly vertical position at approximately 90°. Further, if the free part or the associated free part housing includes design imperfections on its respective surface, the free part may be hindered from properly engaging the latch assembly. Even further, if the free part does not properly sit in its optimally designed locked position, the latch assembly may not be engaged until the armrest assembly is pivoted past approximately 90° at the generally vertical, stowed position. 
   Although adequate for most situations, the conventional pivoting pendulum mechanism requires the addition of several parts, such as, at least a pushbutton actuator, a latch plate, a latch, a bias spring, a locking post, and a latch slide that includes the pendulum, resulting in increased design issues, production time, and cost. 
   Thus, a need exists for an improved latch lockout that reduces production time, cost, and parts, while also reducing noise and providing an early engagement of the latch assembly associated with the top cover as the armrest assembly is orientated from the generally horizontal, in-use position to the generally vertical, stowed position. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The inventors of the present invention have recognized these and other problems associated with conventional latch lockout structures for vehicular trim components. To this end, the inventors have developed a vehicle trim component comprising a latch lockout assembly including a latch lockout assembly including a latch lockout, a pivot member, and a housing, the latch lockout and pivot member being pivotally mounted to the housing to permit physical engagement of the latch lockout and a latch member due to a gravitational force, G, when the vehicle trim component is pivoted to a predetermined pivot angle. 
   In another aspect of the invention, a pivoting armrest and latch lockout assembly comprises a pivot member; a latch lockout including a locking finger defined by a first notch and a second notch that each extends to and terminates at a latch member engagement surface; a latch member affixed to a top cover of the armrest; and a housing affixed to an interior structure the armrest, wherein the latch lockout and pivot member are pivotally mounted to the housing to permit physical engagement of the latch lockout and the latch member engagement surface, and wherein the latch lockout freely rests at a distance away from the latch member when the armrest is positioned in a generally horizontal position, and wherein the latch member engagement surface physically engages the latch member when the armrest is pivoted at a predetermined pivot angle, and wherein a force, F, applied to the latch member is directly translated to the latch lockout, thereby preventing the latch member from unlatching and deploying the top cover of the armrest. 
   In yet another embodiment of the invention, a pivoting armrest and latch lockout assembly comprises a pivot member; a latch member affixed to a top cover of the armrest; a latch lockout including means for physically engaging the latch member; and a housing affixed to an interior structure the armrest, the latch lockout and pivot member being pivotally mounted to the housing, wherein the latch lockout freely rests at a distance away from an engagement surface of the latch member when the armrest is positioned in a generally horizontal position, and wherein the latch member physically engages the engagement surface of the latch member at a predetermined pivot angle when the armrest is pivoted to a predetermined pivot angle, and wherein a force, F, applied to the latch member is directly translated to the latch lockout, thereby preventing the latch member from unlatching when the armrest is pivoted to the predetermined pivot angle. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a latch lockout assembly and latch lockout according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a vehicle interior illustrating a pair of seats and an armrest assembly in a generally horizontal, in-use position; 
       FIG. 2B  is another perspective view of the vehicle interior illustrating a pair of seats and an armrest assembly in a generally vertical, stowed position; 
       FIG. 3A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the armrest assembly taken along line  3 — 3  of  FIG. 2A ; 
       FIG. 3B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the armrest assembly taken along line  3 — 3  when the armrest assembly is in a generally vertical position; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the latch lockout of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the latch lockout of FIG.  1 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a latch lockout assembly, shown generally at  11 , includes a latch lockout, shown generally at  10 , according to an embodiment of the invention. The latch lockout  10  may be formed using any desirable method, such as injection molding, or the like. The latch lockout  10  may be made of any desirable thermoplastic resin, such as, for example, Polypropylene (PP), Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymere (ABS), Polycarbonate-Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymere (PC/ABS), Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The inventive feature and utility of the latch lockout  10  is described in more detail below. 
   The latch lockout assembly  11  generally comprises the latch lockout  10 , a pivot member  12 , and a housing  14 . The latch lockout assembly  11  is assembled by inserting the pivot member  12  through a passage  16 , having a diameter, D 1 , that is integrally formed and extends through a first side  18  to a second side  20  of the latch lockout  10 . The latch lockout  10  is further defined by a length, L 1 , that extends from the first side  18  to the second side  20 . The pivot member  12  is defined by a diameter, D 2 , and a length, L 2 . 
   In order to permit insertion of the pivot member  12  through the passage  16 , the diameter, D 2 , of the pivot member  12  is sized such that it is slightly less than the diameter, D 1 , of the latch lockout  10 . Similarly, in order to permit reception of the pivot member  12  about the housing  14 , the length, L 2 , of the pivot  12  is sized such that it is slightly larger than the length, L 1 , of the latch lockout  10 ; thus, a first portion  22  and a second portion  24  of the pivot member  12  protrudes from the first end  18  and second end  20  of the latch lockout  10 , respectively. The first portion  22  and second portion  24  each are defined by a length, L 3 , which has a total length equal to the length, L 2 , of the pivot  12  less the length, L 1 , of the latch lockout  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first and second portions  22 ,  24  are approximately equal in length. However, the invention can be practiced with the first and second portions  22 ,  24  having different lengths. The pivot member  12  may comprise any desirable metal and may be coated with any desirable material that permits the latch lockout  10  to pivot about the housing  14 . For example, one such material for permitting the latch lockout  10  to pivot about the housing  14  can be in the form of an abrasion-resistant thermoplastic resin that is sold under trade name SANTOPRENE®. 
   Once the pivot member  12  is inserted through the passage  16  of the latch lockout  10 , the first portion  22  and second portion  24  are inserted into symmetrically formed cradles  26  that are integrally formed in an upper plane  28  of the housing  14 . The housing  14  may also include arms  30  and detents  32 . The arms  30  are spaced at a distance slightly greater than the length, L 1 , of the latch lockout  10  in order to permit reception of the latch lockout  10  and provide additional support for the pivot member  12 , respectively. Upon fully inserting the first portion  22  and the second portion  24  into the cradles  26  and the detents  32  (if provided), the pivot member  12  enables pivotal movement of the latch lockout  10  within an open area or cavity  34  of the housing  14 . 
   One possible implementation of the latch lockout assembly  11  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . After the latch lockout assembly  11  is fully assembled, the housing  14  is affixed to an interior structure  36  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of a vehicular trim component, such as an armrest  38  that is shown positioned between two vehicle front seats  40 . As illustrated, the interior structure  36  is located near a front portion  42  of an armrest base  44 . The housing  14  may be screwed, heat-staked, glued, welded, or attached to the interior structure  36  with by desirable method. If the housing  14  is screwed or heat-staked to the interior structure  36 , the housing  14  may also include passages  46  ( FIG. 1 ) that permit the passage of a screw (not shown) or heatstake (not shown). Accordingly, once the latch lockout assembly  11  is affixed to the interior structure  36  of the armrest base  44 , the latch lockout  10  may operate as described below. 
   Referring also to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the latch lockout  10  may be further be defined by a “mitten shape” ( FIG. 5 ) including means, such as a locking finger  48 , for restricting travel and preventing rattle, increasing locking strength of the latch lockout  10 , and physically engaging a latch member  60  (FIGS.  2 A- 3 B). The locking finger  48  is further defined by a first cutout or notch  54  and a second cutout or notch  56  that each extends to and terminates at a latch member engagement surface  58 . The first and second notches  54 ,  56  allow the latch lockout  10  to be located very close to the latch  60 , which minimizes the amount of swing and rattles caused by the latch lockout  10 . In addition, the shape of the locking finger  48  of the latch lockout  10  is designed to draw the latch lockout  10  into the latch  60 , thereby causing the latch lockout  10  to activate earlier (at a lower angle, θ) than conventional structures. Thus, the locking finger  48  permits early engagement of a latch member  60  attached to a top cover  62  of the armrest  38 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , the armrest  38  may be initially positioned in a generally horizontal, in-use position. When the armrest  38  is in the generally horizontal position, the latch lockout  10  freely rests at a distance, D (FIG.  3 A), away from the latch member  60 . According to the design of the inventive latch lockout  10 , the distance, D, is minimized because the engagement surface  58  is designed to extend near the latch member  60 . Therefore, by minimizing the distance, D, when the armrest  38  is pivoted, the latch lockout  10  may engage the latch member  60  when the armrest  38  is pivoted at a relatively low pivot angle, θ (FIG.  2 B). For example, latch lockout  10  may engage the latch member  60  when the angle, θ, is approximately equal to 30°. 
   Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 3B , when the armrest  38  is pivoted to the generally vertical, stowed position, the latch lockout  10  physically engages the latch member  60  by pivoting about the pivot member  12 . As seen more clearly in  FIG. 3B , the gravitational force in the direction of the arrow, G, causes the latch lockout  10  to cam into position, and thereby abuts the engagement surface  58  against the latch member  60 . Essentially, the latch lockout  10  acts as a gravity-actuated pendulum and an undesirable force applied to the latch member  60  in the direction of the arrow, F, is translated directly to the latch lockout  10  in order to prevent the latch member  60  from unlatching the top cover  62 . Accordingly, the top cover  62  is prevented from pivotally deploying and thereby retains items that are stored in a storage bin  64  of the armrest  38 . 
   Because the latch lockout  10  is actuated by gravity in the direction of the arrow, G, the center of gravity of the latch lockout  10  causes the latch lockout  10  to cam into a locked position against the latch member  60 , and accordingly, the angle, θ, at which the latch lockout  10  cams into a locked position is determined by the center of gravity of the latch lockout  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a lower portion  66 , which comprises approximately one-third to one-half of the mass of the entire latch lockout  10 , is illustrated as a generally cylindrical member that integrally extends from the first side  18  and second side  20 . Accordingly, if the density of the mass of the lower portion  66  were to be changed, then the angle, θ, at which the latch lockout  10  cams into a locked position can be reduced due to a shift in the center of gravity of the latch lockout  10 . Therefore, changing the density of the mass of the lower portion  66  may be accomplished by either molding the lower portion  66  with a denser material, or, by selectively providing extra mass in the lower portion  66  of the latch lockout  10 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lower portion  66  of the latch lockout  10  may include extra mass, such as a weighted slug  68 . Essentially, the weighted slug  68  may assist the latch lockout  10  in camming to a locked position. In one possible implementation, the weighted slug  68  may be selectively offset in the lower portion  66  that is closer to the second notch  56 , and thereby shifts the center of gravity, C 1 , of the lower portion  66 , to a location approximately near the center of gravity, C 2 , of the weighted slug  68 . For example, if the weighted slug  68  is located near the second notch  56  as explained above, the latch lockout  10  may engage at a angle, θ, such as approximately 15°. 
   The embodiments of the latch lockout  10  described above reduces production time, cost, and parts, while also providing an early engagement of the latch member  60  as the armrest  38  is orientated from the generally horizontal, in-use position ( FIG. 2A ) to the generally vertical, stowed position (FIG.  2 B). In summary, the latch lockout  10  prevents the top cover  62  from pivotally deploying and ejecting items in the storage bin  64  when an undesirable force is applied in the direction of the arrow, F, to the latch member  60  as a result of the armrest  38  being positioned in the generally vertical, stowed position. 
   It should be understood that the aforementioned and other various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.