Patent Publication Number: US-2011068598-A1

Title: Sliding console with lock assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a sliding console assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates generally to a sliding console assembly having a lock assembly operable to engage and disengage the console assembly from a rail system so as to selectively position the console assembly between a forward and a rear position. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Sliding console assemblies are currently known and used in the art. Console assemblies are generally secured to the floor of the vehicle and are often found disposed between the driver and front passenger seats. Thus, the size and dimensions of the console assembly are often dictated by the space available between the driver and front passenger seats. 
     Current sliding console assemblies may include a lock assembly having a retainer. The retainer is configured to engage a rail system. Such sliding console assemblies include a storage bin for containing articles such as maps, and a handle operable to actuate the lock assembly. The lock assembly is operatively connected to the retainer so as to engage and disengage the console assembly from a rail system. Thus, the storage space of current console assemblies are limited by the packaging space required to house the lock assembly. 
     Current lock assemblies utilize components such as levers, cams, and pawls to actuate the retainer between an engaged and disengaged position. Such components are operatively connected to each other, and each component must be fixed relative to the other component so as to ensure that the action between the components remains consistent. Maintaining the position of these components in a fixed relationship helps ensure that the retainer is operable to engage and disengage the rail. Current lock assembly configurations may become inoperable over time as the action of one component may cause another to become displaced. Furthermore, the components are typically made of a durable and dense material such as steel because the components are constantly placing a load upon each other in order to actuate the retainer. 
     Accordingly, it remains desirable to have a sliding console assembly that reduces the packaging space required to house the locking assembly. It also remains desirable to have a locking assembly that reduces the use of heavy materials such as steel so as to reduce the cost and weight of the vehicle thereby increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing production costs. Furthermore, it remains desirable to have a lock assembly wherein the components may remain in an operative relationship with each other so as to prolong the life of the lock assembly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES 
     The present invention provides for a sliding console assembly maximizing storage space by minimizing the packaging requirements of the lock assembly. Additionally, the present invention minimizes the use of dense materials such as steel while maintaining a long operational life by housing the lock assembly components under one housing so as to maintain the components in an operative relationship with each other. 
     The sliding console assembly includes a base mounted to the vehicle floor. The base includes a pair of rails. Each of the pair of rails is spaced apart and generally parallel to the other. The base and the pair of rails extend along a first longitudinal axis. 
     The sliding console assembly includes a bin for storing articles. The bin includes a pair of opposing side walls, and a front wall opposite a rear wall. The bin is fixedly mounted to the base. The console assembly further includes a slidable storage compartment. The slidable storage compartment may be slid in and out of the bin. The console assembly further includes a pair of handles and a cable. The pair of handles is mounted on the slidable storage compartment, and one of the pair of handles is spaced apart from the other. The cable has a first split end and a second split end. Each end of the first split end of the cable is operatively connected to a corresponding handle so as to connect both handles to the first split end of the cable. 
     The console assembly also includes a lock assembly housing. The lock assembly housing has an inner wall surface. The lock assembly housing is fixedly mounted to the slidable storage compartment and disposed between the pair of rails. The lock assembly housing is configured to house a lock assembly. 
     The lock assembly is disposed within the lock assembly housing. The lock assembly has a plate slidably disposed within the lock assembly housing. Each end of the second split end is attached to the plate. The handles are individually operable to slide the plate within the lock assembly housing between a first position and a second position. The plate is in sliding engagement with a portion of the inner wall surface of the lock assembly housing and is slidable along a second longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the second longitudinal axis is generally normal to the first longitudinal axis. The plate also includes a pair of operative surfaces. The operative surfaces are spaced apart from each other, and are generally symmetrical to the other. The operative surfaces are disposed at an angle relative to the first axis. 
     The lock assembly also includes a pair of retainers and a first biasing member. The retainers are slidably disposed within the lock assembly housing along a third longitudinal axis. The lock assembly housing is configured to control the movement of the retainers along the third longitudinal axis. The third longitudinal axis is generally normal to both the first and second longitudinal axis. Each of the pair of retainers includes a pin configured to slidably engaged the operative surface. Each pin is fixedly attached to a respective retainer. Each pin is operatively engaged with a corresponding operative surface of the plate. Thus, the retainers may slide along the plate so as to move between an engaged and disengage position. 
     The first biasing member is operatively connected to the plate. More specifically, the first biasing member is disposed between the plate and the inner wall surface of the lock assembly housing so as to urge the plate into the first position. In the first position, the pins of both of the pair of retainers are urged to a first end of the corresponding pair of operative surfaces. As the pins are moved to the first end of the operative surface, each of the pair of retainers are displace away from each other into engagement with the pair of rails. Actuation of either of the pair of handles overcomes the force of the first biasing member so as to urge the plate into the second position. In the second position, the pins of both of the pair of retainers are moved to the second end of the operative surfaces so as to displace the pair of retainers closer towards each other wherein the retainers are disengaged from the pair of rails. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a view of an embodiment of the sliding console assembly of the present invention wherein the console assembly is in the rear position; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of  FIG. 1  wherein the console assembly is in the forward position; 
         FIG. 3  is of the rail system of the sliding console assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the base, lock assembly housing, and the bin, wherein the console assemble has one cable; 
         FIG. 4   a  is an isolated view of the pair of cables attached to the pair of handles and the plate; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the lock assembly housing, and the lock assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the lock assembly in the first position wherein the retainers are displaced away from each other so as to engage the rails; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the lock assembly in the second position wherein the retainers are displaced closer to each other with respect to  FIG. 6  so as to disengage the rails; 
         FIG. 8  is a view of the base, lock assembly housing, and the bin, wherein the console assemble has a pair of cables; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the base showing the carriage, and the lock assembly housing; and 
         FIG. 10  is a view of the sliding console assembly wherein the entire console assembly is slidable along the rail system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a sliding console assembly  10  for use in an automotive vehicle (not shown) is provided. With reference specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the console assembly  10  is mounted to the base  12 . The base  12  may be mounted to the floor of an automotive vehicle. The console assembly  10  may also include a bin  14  fixedly mounted to the base  12 , and a slidable storage compartment  16 . The bin  14  further includes a top wall  18  opposite a bottom wall  20 , a pair of opposing side walls  22 , and a front wall  24  opposite a rear wall  26 . The top and bottom walls  18 ,  20  extend between the opposing side walls  22 , and the front and rear walls  24 ,  26  extend between both the pair of opposing side walls  22  and the top and bottom walls  18 ,  20 . The top wall  18  may be configured to receive articles.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show one portion of the top wall  18  is configured to receive two beverage containers, and another portion of the top wall  18  is shaped into a tray. However, it is anticipated that the top wall  18  may be configured in other ways currently known in the art. The bin  14  further includes an opening  28  disposed on the rear wall  26 , and a storage compartment  16 . Though it is anticipated that the opening  28  may be disposed on front wall  24  or both the front and rear walls  24 ,  26 . The opening  28  of the bin  14  is configured to slidingly receive the slidable storage compartment  16 . 
     The base  12  has a pair of rails  30 . Each of the pair of rails  30  is spaced apart and parallel to the other. The base  12  and the pair of rails  30  extend along a first longitudinal axis  32 . The slidable storage compartment  16  is slidable between a front and rear position. With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the slidable storage compartment  16  is shown in the rear position, wherein a portion of the slidable storage compartment  16  is slid away from the opening  28  of the bin  14 . Thus the slidable storage compartment  16  is accessible and ready for receiving articles for storage. With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the slidable storage compartment  16  is shown in the forward position, wherein the slidable storage compartment  16  is substantially housed within the bin  14 . Thus articles placed within the slidable storage compartment  16  are secured within the bin  14  of the console assembly  10 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 3 , the base  12  is shown having the pair of rails  30  integrally formed to the base  12 . The base  12  is configured to mount onto the floor of an automotive vehicle (not shown). The rails  30  may include a plurality of rail slots  34 . Each of the rail slots  34  is evenly spaced apart from the other and disposed each of the rails  30  in the first longitudinal axis  32 . Preferably, each of the rail slots  34  of one rail  30  is spaced apart and opposite a corresponding rail slot  34  of the other rail  30 . Thus each of the rail slots  34  from one of the rails  30  is axially aligned to an opposing rail slot  34  from the other of the rails  30 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 4   a , the console assembly  10  further includes a cable  36 . The cable  36  includes a first split end  38  and a second split end  40 . Each end of the first split end  38  of the cable  36  is operatively connected to a corresponding handle  42  of the pair of handles  42 . The other ends of the second split ends  40  are operatively connected to the lock assembly  44  so as to engage and disengaged the bin  14  from the rails  30 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the console assembly  10  further includes a lock assembly housing  46 . The lock assembly housing  46  includes an inner wall surface  48 . The lock assembly housing  46  is fixedly mounted to the slidable storage compartment  16  and is disposed between the pair of rails  30 . The lock assembly housing  46  is configured to house the lock assembly  44  and control the movements of the components of the lock assembly  44  in a predetermined manner as described in more detail below. Preferably the lock assembly housing  46  is made of a polymer such as plastic, or other polymer composites currently known and used in the art. 
     The lock assembly  44  is mounted within the lock assembly housing  46 . The lock assembly  44  includes a plate  50  slidably disposed within the lock assembly housing  46 . The lock assembly housing  46  also includes a first chamber  52  configured to guide the plate  50  along the second longitudinal axis  54 . The locking assembly further includes a first biasing member  56 . The first biasing member  56  is disposed between the outer surface of the plate  50  and the inner wall surface  48  of the lock assembly housing  46 . The plate  50  is slidably engaged with the inner wall surface  48  of the lock assembly housing  46  and slides along a second longitudinal axis  54  between a first position  58  and a second position  60 . The second longitudinal axis  54  may be normal to the first longitudinal axis  32 . 
     The plate  50  includes a pair of operative surfaces  62  spaced apart from each other. Each of the operative surfaces  62  is generally symmetrical to the other, and each of the pair operative surfaces  62  is disposed along an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis  32 . Each operative surface  62  includes a first end  64  opposite a second end  66 . The first ends  64  of each operative surface  62  are further away from each other than the second ends  66  of each of the operative surfaces  62 . Each end of the second split end  40  is attached to the plate  50 . Either handle  42  is operable to pull the cable  36  so as to overcome the biasing force of the first biasing member  56  and move the plate  50  along the first longitudinal axis  32  from the first position  58  to the second position  60 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the lock assembly  44  further includes a pair of retainers  68  slidably disposed within the lock assembly housing  46  along a third longitudinal axis  70 . The third longitudinal axis  70  is generally normal to both the first and second longitudinal axes  32 ,  54 . The lock assembly housing  46  further includes a second chamber  72 . The second chamber  72  is in communication with the first chamber  52  and is configured so as to guide the retainers  68  along the third longitudinal axis  70 . More specifically, the second chamber  72  is generally normal to the first chamber  52  so as to give the lock assembly housing  46  a generally “T” shaped body. 
     Each of the pair of retainers  68  includes a pin  74  configured to slidably engaged respective operative surfaces  62  of the plate  50 . The pins  74  are fixedly mounted to the retainers  68  so as to place the retainers  68  in slidable engagement with a corresponding operative surface  62 . As stated above, the first biasing member  56  is operatively connected to the plate  50 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first biasing member  56  urges the plate  50  to the first position  58  so as to urge the pins  74  of both of the pair of retainers  68  to the first end  64  of the corresponding pair of operative surfaces  62 . As the pins  74  slide towards the first end  64  of the operative surfaces  62 , the retainers  68  are displaced further away from each other wherein the retainers  68  are placed into engagement with the pair of rails  30 . Preferably, the retainers  68  and the plate  50  are made of a hardened polymer, or a polymer composite such as plastic. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 7 , actuation of either of the pair of handles  42  overcomes the force of the first biasing member  56  so as to urge the pins  74  of both of the pair of retainers  68  to the second end  66  of the corresponding pair of operative surfaces  62 . As the pins  74  slide toward the second end  66  of the operative surfaces  62 , each of the pair of retainers  68  are displaced towards each other so as to move into the second position  60 . In the second position  60 , the pair of retainers  68  are disengaged from the pair of rails  30  and the slidable storage compartment  16  may be slid to a desired position between the rails  30 . Upon release of the actuated handle  42 , the first biasing member  56  is operative to urge the plate  50  back into the first position  58  wherein the plate  50  is pushed towards the base  12 . As the plate  50  moves towards the base  12 , the pins  74  slide along the operative surfaces  62  to the first end  64  of the operative surfaces  62 . As the pins  74  move towards the first end  64  of the operative surfaces  62 , the retainers  68  are displaced further away from each other along the third longitudinal axis  70  so as to engage a corresponding rail slot  34  and fix the slidable storage compartment  16  between the rails  30 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , and again to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a first preferred embodiment of the console assembly  10  is provided. In the first preferred embodiment, the console assembly  10  includes a pair of cables  36 . One end of each of the pair of cables  36  is connected to a corresponding one of the pair of handles  42  and the other end of each of the pair cables  36  is connected to a corresponding one of the pair of retainers  68 . Thus, each handle  42  is operable to engage and disengage the retainers  68  from the rail  30 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , the console assembly  10  further includes a carriage  76  having a carriage floor  78 , and a pair of opposing rigid supports  80 . The carriage  76  is fixedly mounted to the slidable storage compartment  16  and slidably mounted to the base  12 . The rigid supports  80  may be integrally formed along opposite sides of the carriage floor  78  of the carriage  76 . The rigid supports  80  may be configured to rotatably hold a plurality of rollers  82 . The rollers  82  are configured to roll along the rail  30  so as to position the retainers  68  into engagement with selected corresponding rail slots  34  of the rail  30 . The lock assembly housing  46  is mounted onto the carriage floor  78 . Thus, the carriage  76  provides support for the lock assembly housing  46 . The rail  30  may further include an abutment  84 . The abutment  84  extends outwardly from the outer surface of the rail  30  and is selectively disposed along the rail  30  so as to control the movement of the carriage  76  along the rail  30 . Preferably the carriage  76  and rail  30  are stamped out of a durable material such as steel. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 5 , each of the pair of retainers  68  includes a retainer housing  86  slidably mounted within the lock assembly housing  46 . Each retainer housing  86  has a pair of spaced apart opposing retainer walls  88 . The pair of spaced apart opposing retainer walls  88  define a channel  90 . The channel  90  runs along the third longitudinal axis  70 . Preferably the retainer housing  86  is made from a hardened polymer such as plastic, or a polypropylene composite currently known or used in the art. 
     The retainers  68  further include an elongated member  92 . The elongated members  92  are fixedly mounted between the pair of spaced apart opposing retainer walls  88  so as to extend along the channel  90  in the third longitudinal axis  70 . Each of the elongated members  92  include an end portion  94  configured to engage a corresponding rail  30 . More specifically, the end portions  94  of each elongated member  92  are fittingly received within a rail slot  34 . The end portions  94  may be tapered so as to facilitate the engagement of the end portions  94  into the rail slot  34 . Preferably the elongated members  92  are stamped out of metal. 
     Each of the elongated members  92  has a slotted portion  96  axially aligned along the elongated members  92  in the third longitudinal axis  70 . The locking assembly further includes a stop  98  disposed within each of the slotted portions  96 . The stops  98  are coaxially aligned with the slotted portions  96 . The stops  98  are fixedly mounted to the floor of the carriage  76  and include an outer stop surface  100 . The outer stop surface  100  is spaced apart from an inner peripheral edge  102  of the slotted portion  96  so as to account for manufacturing tolerances. The stops  98  are selectively mounted within the inner peripheral edge  102  of the respective slotted portion  96 . The stops  98  provide support for the lock assembly  44  so as to help prevent the locking assembly from being disengaged from the carriage  76  when experiencing a load. Preferably the stops  98  and the elongated members  92  are formed of a durable material such as steel. 
     The console assembly  10  further includes a second biasing member  104 . The second biasing member  104  is disposed between each of the pair of retainers  68  so as to interconnect one of the pair of retainers  68  to the other of the pair of retainers  68 . The second biasing member  104  is operable to urge the pair of retainers  68  away from each other. As the retainers  68  are urged away from each other, the pins  74  of each of the retainers  68  are slid along the operative surfaces  62  towards the first end  64  of the operative surfaces  62  so as to move the pair of retainers  68  into the first position  58 . However, actuation of either of the handles  42  moves the pins  74  towards the second end  66  of the operative surface  62  so as to overcome the force of the second biasing member  104  and bring the retainers  68  closer towards the second position  60 . As stated above, in the second position  60  the end portions  94  of the elongated members  92  are disengaged from respective rails  30 . Thus the slidable storage compartment  16  may be slid to a desired position along the base  12 . 
     The retainer housing  86  further includes a plurality of raised portions  106  selectively disposed along the outer surface of the retainer housing  86 . Each of the plurality of raised portions  106  includes a slide surface  108 . The slide surface  108  is configured to be in sliding engagement with the inner wall surface  48  of the lock assembly housing  46  so as to help control the movement of the retainers  68  along the third longitudinal axis  70 . 
     The plate  50  may further include a pair of elongated supports  110 , and the lock assembly housing  46  may further include a pair of apertures  112 . Each aperture  112  is configured to receive a portion of the elongated support  110 . The lock assembly  44  may further include a pair of first biasing members  56 . One of the pair of first biasing members  56  is mounted onto one of the pair of elongated supports  110 , and the other of the pair of first biasing members  56  is mounted onto the other of the pair of elongated supports  110 . The elongated members  92  are then placed within respective apertures  112  so as to place the first biasing members  56  in communication with the outer surface of the plate  50  and the inner wall surface  48  of the lock assembly housing  46 . The first biasing members  56  urge the plate  50  along the second longitudinal axis  54  towards the base  12 . The elongated supports  110  help guide and control the movement of the plate  50  along the second longitudinal axis  54 . Though the Figures show the console assembly  10  having two elongated members  92 , it is anticipated that any number of configurations are possible. For instance, the plate  50  may have just one elongated member  92  extending between the cables  36 . In such an embodiment, the lock assembly housing  46  has just one aperture  112  and the console assembly  10  has only one first biasing member  56 . The lone first biasing member  56  is mounted onto the lone elongated support  110  and operates in the same manner as described above. 
     The plate  50  may further include a pair of elongated slots  114 , each of the pair of elongated slots  114  is spaced apart from the other and extends along the second longitudinal axis  54 . Each elongated slot  114  may include a catch portion  116  disposed on the upper end. Each of the pair of cables  36  may further include a head portion  118  configured to slidingly engage a corresponding elongated slot  114 . The head portion  118  is fixedly mounted to the free end of each one of the pair of cables  36 . Actuation of either of the pair of handles  42  slides the head portion  118  along the elongated slot  114  to the catch portion  116  wherein the head portion  118  urges the plate  50  along the second longitudinal axis  54  away from the base  12 . Thus as shown in  FIG. 7 , actuation of one of the pair of handles  42  does not affect the other. More specifically, the cable  36  of the handle  42  that is not being actuated simply rests within the elongated slot  114  as the actuated handle  42  urges the plate  50  into the second position  60 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of the sliding console is provided. In this embodiment, the handles  42  are positioned on opposite ends of the bin  14 , and the entire bin  14  is slidable between a forward and a rear position. In the forward position, the bin  14  is substantially displaced between the driver and front passenger seats, and in the rear position, the bin  14  is substantially displaced behind the driver and front passenger seats. Thus in the forward position the bin  14  is easily accessible by either the driver or the front passenger of the vehicle. In the rear position, the bin  14  is easily accessible by the rear passengers. Additionally, the lock assembly housing  46  is configured so as to slide the plate  50  along the first longitudinal axis  32 . Thus the first chamber  52  lies along the plane of the first longitudinal axis  32 . 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims.