Abstract:
A console assembly includes: a storage module ( 16 ) having an interior compartment for holding items, an upper module ( 12 ) for storing items and a lower module ( 14 ) having a recess for holding items. The lower module ( 14 ) is connected to the storage module ( 16 ) in a track and translates across the opening into the interior compartment of the storage module ( 16 ) to selectively allow access to a portion thereof. The upper module ( 12 ) includes a storage area having a beverage holder and an ashtray. The upper module ( 12 ) is also connected to the storage module ( 16 ) in a track and translates independently and over the lower module ( 14 ) such that the upper module ( 12 ) can be located above the lower module ( 14 ) to provide an access to the interior compartment of the storage module ( 16 ) or the upper module ( 12 ) can be located away from the lower module ( 14 ) such that the upper module ( 12 ) and lower module ( 14 ) close the access to the interior compartment of the storage module ( 16 ). A latch module disposed in the upper module ( 12 ) holds the upper module ( 12 ) in position with respect to the storage module ( 16 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a console for storing or containing various items in a vehicle. More particular, the present invention relates to a reconfigurable, modular storage console having an easily operable latch mechanism.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
         [0002]    Various types of storage containers are well known for use in a vehicle including as a center console. Vehicle storage containers and organizers continue to be very popular in all types of vehicles. One reason for the increase in popularity is that storage containers afford a vehicle driver or passenger increased organization and utilization of interior space. Additionally, a storage console can add to driver and passenger convenience and comfort since they can hold beverage cups, cans and bottles as well as numerous other types of objects, equipment, tools, gear and items. However, despite being aware of the above, vehicle designers and manufacturers continue to provide very simple and basic storage compartments.  
           [0003]    It is common for a vehicle to have a single storage compartment, typically located in a center console positioned on the floor, and having a single door for accessing the interior of the storage container. These types of console systems are relatively inaccessible or unusable, thereby undesirably preventing access to the items stored in the containers by a driver or passenger within the passenger compartment. Thus, a driver or passenger seeking a particular item must use one entry into a single compartment storage container where items are stored one on top of another with little organization. Further, if any item is set on top of the entry door, it must be moved before entry may be made into the storage container&#39;s interior.  
           [0004]    The above attributes of existing storage containers increase the likelihood of not easily finding a particular item as well as the likelihood of items in the container shifting during travel, which can lead to damage. While some solutions have provided for the inclusion of a separately located cup-holder feature or pocket or even multiple compartment consoles, these additions add to the size of the footprint of the storage container.  
         FEATURES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    It is an object of the present invention to improve a console assembly for a vehicle and to provide a console assembly that includes convenient and accessible storage compartments as well as a place to hold a beverage container and a useable work surface which all can be reconfigured to obtain advantageous results. The present invention provides a console assembly with a lower storage module and a tray mounted within a track in the lower storage module and movable thereon.  
           [0006]    The present invention further provides a console assembly with an upper storage module mounted within a separate track in the lower storage module and movable with respect to the lower module and the tray which includes a latch member mounted on the upper module for selectively moving the upper module with respect to the lower module and the tray.  
           [0007]    Additionally, the present invention provides a console assembly having the above advantages, and is capable of having an attractive, integrated appearance within the vehicle interior.  
           [0008]    The console assembly accordingly to the present invention includes a lower module for storing items, a tray mounted within a track in the lower module and movable thereon, an upper module mounted within a second track and movable with respect to the lower module and the tray, and a latch member mounted on the upper module for selectively moving the upper module with respect to the lower module and the tray.  
           [0009]    The console assembly of the present invention has the advantage of providing multiple storage containers within a confined footprint while allowing easy access and reconfiguration of the storage compartments and the tray. The tray and upper module are selectively positionable to provide access to the storage interior of the lower module. Further, the upper module is provided with storage area as well as beverage container holder and a separate cover for the upper module. The cover for the upper module is also usable as a work surface when the upper module is located proximal the rear of the console. This provide closer and more convenient access to the items to a driver or passenger of the vehicle as well as occupants of the rear of the vehicle. The console assembly can be produced using known materials and processes.  
           [0010]    The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention, any application of the invention or its uses. Accordingly, alternatives to the features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the present application, such alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following discussion and accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the console assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the console assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a second configuration;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the console assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a third configuration;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the console assembly of a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the console assembly of a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the latch module of a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the console assembly of a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the track of a preferred embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a side view of the release member of the latch module of a preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is a partial, sectional side view of the console assembly of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]    As generally shown in the FIG. 1 through  11  and as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and  11 , the console assembly  10  of the preferred embodiment of the invention includes an upper module  12 , a lower module  14 , a storage module  16 , and a guide track  18 . Although the console assembly  10  of the invention is preferably located between a driver-side seat  20  and a passenger-side seat  22  of a vehicle interior  24 , the console assembly  10  may alternatively be located in other suitable locations within the vehicle interior  24 .  
         [0023]    As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper module  12 , which functions to provide an armrest surface and to contain particular objects, preferably includes a substrate member  26 , an exterior member  28 , and a slide member  30 . The substrate member  26 , which functions as a base for the upper module  12 , preferably includes a cupholder  32  and an ashtray  34 . The substrate member  26  may alternatively include other cargo compartments, such as a coin slot or a cell phone slot. The substrate member  26  is preferably made from a stiff material, such as a plastic material and from conventional methods, but may alternatively be made with other suitable materials and from other suitable methods.  
         [0024]    The exterior member  28  of the upper module  12 , which functions to cover and decorate the substrate member  26 , is preferably fastened to the substrate member  26  with multiple screws, but may alternatively be fastened with other suitable devices, such as adhesives or snap-together parts. In the preferred embodiment, the exterior member  28  includes a cupholder lid  36  and an ashtray lid  38  and functions as a writing surface when the cupholder lid  36  is in the closed position. The cupholder lid  36  and the ashtry lid  38  are preferably moveable from a closed position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and an open position (shown in FIG. 3). In the closed position, the cupholder lid  36  and ashtray lid  38  effectively covers the cupholder  32  and the ashtray  34 , while in the open position, the cupholder lid  36  and ashtray lid  38  allow access through the exterior member  28  to the cupholder  32  and the ashtray  34 . In an, alternative embodiment, the exterior member  28  may include other devices, such as a coin slot lid or a cell phone slot lid. The exterior member  28  is preferably made from a material pleasing to the eye and the hand, such as a fabric or leather material, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable material and with other suitable methods. Further, the exterior member  28  may be integrally formed with the substrate member  26 .  
         [0025]    The slide member  30  of the upper module  12  functions to allow sliding of the upper module  12  on the guide track  18  relative to the storage module  16 . The slide member  30  is preferably fastened to the substrate member  26  with multiple screws, but may alternatively be fastened with other suitable devices, such as adhesive or snap-together parts. Further, the slide member  30  may be integrally formed with the upper module  12 . In the preferred embodiment, the slide member  30  extends outwardly from the substrate member  26  to engage the guide track  18 . In an alternative embodiment, the slide member  30  may extend inwardly towards the substrate member  26  to engage a differently configured guide track. The slide member  30  is preferably made from a material with an appropriate surface friction, such as a plastic material, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.  
         [0026]    The lower module  14 , which functions to cradle thin objects such as loose change, sunglasses and portable phones or other similar items, preferably includes a recessed portion  40 , a slide portion  42 , and a simple latch  44 . The recessed portion  40  functions to prevent these particular objects from rolling out of or falling from the lower module  14  during operation of the vehicle. The slide portion  42 , like the slide member  30  of the upper module  12 , functions to allow sliding of the lower module  14  on the guide track  18  relative to the storage module  16 . The slide portion  42  is preferably made from a material with an appropriate surface friction, such as a plastic material, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials and with other suitable methods. The simple latch  44  functions to engage a portion of the storage module  16  and hold the lower module  14  in the rearward position. The simple latch  44  is preferably made from conventional materials and with conventional methods but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.  
         [0027]    The storage module  16 , which functions to hold larger objects, preferably includes an interior compartment  46  and an exterior panel  48 . The interior compartment  46  preferably includes a front section  50  and a rear section  52 . In the preferred embodiment, the interior compartment  46  includes a storage partition  54  between the front section  50  and the rear section  52  to divide the interior compartment  46  into distinct sections. In an alternative embodiment, the interior compartment  46  may include multiple storage partitions, or may not include any storage partitions. The interior compartment  46  preferably includes multiple slots  56  for compact discs or cassettes, but may alternatively include other suitable devices. The interior compartment  46  is preferably made from a stiff material, such as a plastic material, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.  
         [0028]    The exterior panel  48  of the storage module  16 , which functions to cover and decorate the interior compartment  46 , is preferably fastened to the interior compartment  46  with multiple screws, but may alternatively be fastened with other suitable devices, such as adhesives or snap-together parts. The exterior panel  48  preferably includes a left section  58  facing the driver-side seat, a right-section  60  facing the passenger-side seat, and an end extension  62  facing in a rear direction. Preferably, the left section  58  and the right section  60  include map pockets  64  and the end section  62  includes a vent  66  and an electrical outlet  68 . Alternatively, the exterior panel  48  may include other suitable devices. The exterior panel  48  is preferably made from a material pleasing to the eye and the hand, such as a fabric or leather material, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.  
         [0029]    The guide track  18  functions to allow independent sliding of the upper module  12  and the lower module  14  relative to the storage module  16 . The guide track  18  preferably includes a left track  70  and a right track  71  shown in FIG. 8. Both the left track  70  and the right track are preferably fastened to the storage module  16  with multiple screws, but may alternatively be fastened with other suitable devices, such as adhesives or snap-together parts. Both the left track  70  and the right track preferably include an upper rail  72  and a lower rail  74 . The upper rail  72  preferably engages the slide member  30  of the upper module  12 , while the lower rail  74  preferably engages the slide portion  42  of the lower module  14 . In this manner, the upper module  12  is slidable between a forward position (shown in FIG. 1) and a rearward position (shown in FIG. 2), while the lower module  14  is slidable between a rearward position (shown in FIG. 1) and a forward position (shown in FIG. 2). Because the upper module  12  extends substantially upward from the slide member  30  and because of the distance between the upper rail  72  and the lower rail  74 , the upper module  12  and the lower module  14  are slidable relative to each other. The guide track  18  is preferably made from a stiff material, such as a plastic material, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.  
         [0030]    With the upper module  12  in the forward position and the lower module  14  in the rearward position (shown in FIG. 1) or with the upper module  12  in the rearward position and the lower module  14  in the forward position (shown in FIG. 2), the rear section  52  and the front section  50  of the storage module  16  are concealed. To access the rear section  52  of the storage module  16 , both the upper module  12  and the lower module (hidden under the upper module) are moved to the forward position, as shown in FIG. 5. Likewise, to access the front section  50  of the storage module  16 , both the upper module  12  and the lower module  14  are moved to the rearward position, as substantially shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0031]    As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 through  10 , the console assembly  10  of the preferred embodiment of the invention also includes a latch module  76 . The latch module  76  functions to selectively hold the upper module  12  in a particular position along the guide track  18 . The latch module  76  preferably includes a latch member  80 , and a release member  82 . Alternatively, the left track  70  may be integrally formed with the right track. The guide track  18  is preferably made from a strong material, such as a metallic material, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.  
         [0032]    The guide track  18  preferably includes a rearward notch  84  and a forward notch  86 , but may alternatively include one or more notches in other suitable locations. The particular location of the rearward notch  84  and the forward notch  86  allow the upper module  12  to be selectively held in the rearward position and the forward position. The latch member  80  of the latch module  76  functions to engage the rearward notch  84  and the forward notch  86  of the guide track  18 . The latch member  80  preferably includes a mounting arm  88 , an engaging arm  90 , a biasing spring  92 , and a large opening  94 . The mounting arm  88  is preferably mounted to the substrate member  26  of the upper module  12  for rotational movement about a peg  89  defining a first pivot axis  96 . The engaging arm  90  preferably extends downward through the upper module  12  towards the guide track  18 . The latch member  80  is rotated about the first pivot axis  96  in direction A, when the pegs  89  are located in the sockets  27 .  
         [0033]    In a preferred embodiment, the biasing spring  92  of the latch module  76  is a torsional spring and is located on the peg  89  adjacent the mounting arm  88  to bias the latch member  80  in direction A. In an alternative embodiment, the biasing spring  92  may be a leaf spring or any other suitable device located adjacent the engaging arm  90  or any other suitable portion of the latch member  80 . The latch member  80  is preferably made from a strong material, such as a plastic material, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.  
         [0034]    The release member  82  of the latch module  76 , which functions to disengage the engaging arm  90  of the latch member  80  from the guide track  18 , preferably includes mounting pegs  98 , a first lever  100 , a second lever  102 , a forward contact  104 , and a rearward contact  106 . The mounting pegs  98  are preferably mounted to the stand-offs  29  of the substrate, member  26  of the upper module  12  for rotational movement about a second pivot axis  108 . The first lever  100  and the second lever  102  preferably extend outward from the release member  82 , one in a forward direction and one in a rearward direction. When the release member  82  and the latch member  80  are mounted to the substrate member  26 , the release member  82  preferably extends through the large opening  94  of the latch member  80  and the first lever  100  and the second lever  102  preferably extend under the latch member  80 . With this arrangement, if the release member  82  is rotated forward about the second pivot axis  108  in direction B, then the second lever  102  moves direction C and raises the latch member  80  and disengages engaging arm  90  from the rearward notch  84  of the guide track  18 . Likewise, if the release member  82  is rotated rearward about the second pivot axis  108  in direction D, then the first lever  100  moves in direction E and raises the latch member  80  and disengages the engaging arm  90  from the notch  86  in guide track  18 .  
         [0035]    The forward contact  104  and the rearward contact  106  of the release member  82  function to provide ergonomic contact surfaces to rotate the release member  82  forward and rearward about the second pivot axis  108  and to slide the upper module  12  into a particular position along the guide track  18 . In this manner, when the upper module  12  is in the rearward position, a vehicle occupant may extend a thumb into the release member  82  and push on the forward contact  104  thereby disengaging the latch member  80  from the guide track  18  and sliding the upper module  12  towards the forward position. Likewise, when the upper module  12  is in the forward position, the vehicle occupant may extend several fingers into the release member  82  and pull on the rearward contact  106  thereby disengaging the latch member  80  from the guide track  18  and sliding the upper module  12  toward the rearward position. This feature allows one-handed operation to disengage the latch module  76  and slide the upper module  12 .  
         [0036]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, both the exterior panel  48  of the storage module  16  and the exterior member  28  of the upper module  12  coordinate with a center protrusion  110  of an instrument panel  112  of the vehicle interior  24 . In this manner, the exterior panel  48  preferably extends to cover a portion of the center protrusion  110  of the instrument panel  112 , while the exterior member  28  provides a smooth transition with the center protrusion  110  of the instrument panel  112 . In other words, the console assembly  10  preferably mates with the instrument panel  112  of the vehicle and acts as an extension of the center protrusion  110  between the driver-side seat  20  and the passenger-side seat  22 . In an alternative embodiment, the console assembly  10  may mate with another suitable component of the vehicle interior  24 .  
         [0037]    The foregoing discloses and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such description, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.