Patent Publication Number: US-2011068597-A1

Title: Dual access vehicle storage assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,688, entitled “Dual Access Vehicle Storage Assembly,” filed on Feb. 14, 2008, which is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/901,471, entitled “Dual Access Vehicle Console Lid,” filed on Feb. 14, 2007. 
     The above-referenced U.S. Provisional Patent Application and U.S. Patent Application are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and made a part of the present specification. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This application relates to storage compartments, more specifically to vehicle consoles having lids. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Vehicles typically include a storage space in a console between the front driver and passenger seats. In many vehicles, the console has a cover to protect the interior of the space or conceal items stored therein. In some cars, the storage space can have a rectangular perimeter at the top, though the storage space might have a different cross-sectional shape beneath the top perimeter. For this reason, it can sometimes be difficult to pass objects correctly-sized for the storage space through the top perimeter, particularly when the cover attachments can further narrow the perimeter. Some covers are comfortably padded on top to act as an armrest for the driver or passenger. Some covers instead have a flat surface, attempting to help the console storage lid match the typically smooth and featureless console of some vehicles. 
     Some console covers open by lifting the front of the cover, relative to the vehicle, to rotate the cover on hinges disposed at the rear of the cover. The hinges at the rear of the cover rotatably couple the cover to the console. When in an opened configuration, the cover is rotated upwards, to an approximately vertical position at the rear of the storage console. Thus, the storage compartment is difficult to access from the rear seats. 
     Additionally, some covers are constructed with hinges on the passenger side of the top perimeter, resulting in a console storage cover that is lifted by the driver on the driver&#39;s side, rotating the cover to a position that inhibits access to the storage space from the passenger side 
     Attempts have been made to develop a storage console that can be opened from either side. However, these attempts have resulted in certain mechanisms that fail to operate smoothly and complex mechanisms which are difficult and expensive to manufacture and assemble. 
     Thus, there is a need for a console storage space cover that allows access without necessarily inhibiting access to a vehicle occupant in an open position. Additionally, a need exists for a cover which can permit objects to enter the storage space without constricting the opening. Additionally, a need exists for a simple, easy to manufacture mechanism that provides reliable access to a vehicle storage compartment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various embodiments, vehicle storage assemblies are described herein that can overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. 
     In some embodiments, a vehicle storage assembly can comprise a base, a first engagement rod, a second engagement rod, and a lid. The base defines a storage space. The base defines a first side and a second side. The first engagement rod is disposed along the first side of the base and defines a generally cylindrical first pivot surface. The first pivot surface defines an axis and at least one release surface recessed from the first pivot surface. The second engagement rod is disposed along the second side of the base and defines a generally cylindrical second pivot surface. The second pivot surface defines an axis and at least one release surface recessed from the second pivot surface. The lid comprises at least a first side and a second side. Each of said first side and said second side of the lid comprise at least one pivot defining a generally cylindrical pivot surface. Each of said pivots defines an opening which cooperates with said release surface of one of said engagement rods to permit said engagement rod to disengage from said pivot through said opening, so that the lid is disengagable from the first side of the base through rotation about the axis of the first engagement rod and disengagable from the second side of the base through rotation about the axis of the second pivot rod. In some embodiments, the release surface is configured such that the engagement rod is disengageable through the opening without bending said pivot. In some embodiments, the first side of said base and said second side of said base are parallel. In some embodiments, the lid is disengagable simultaneously from the first engagement rod and the second engagement rod. 
     In some embodiments, vehicle storage assembly comprises a base, a first engagement rod, a second engagement rod, and a cover. The base defines a storage space, a first side, and a second side. The first engagement rod is disposed along said first side of said base and defines a generally cylindrical first pivot surface defining an axis and at least one release surface recessed from said first pivot surface. The second engagement rod is disposed along said second side of said base and defines a generally cylindrical second pivot surface defining an axis and at least one release surface recessed from said second pivot surface. The cover comprises at least a first side and a second side. Each of said first side and said second side comprise at least one pivot defining a generally cylindrical second pivot surface. Each of said pivot defines an opening which cooperates with said release surface of one of said engagement rods to permit said engagement rod to disengage from said pivot through said opening, so that said cover is disengagable from said first side of said base through rotation about said axis of said first engagement rod and disengagable from said second side of said base through rotation about said axis of said second pivot rod. 
     In some embodiments, a storage compartment comprises a base, and a cover. The base comprises at least two engagement rods. The cover comprises a first latch, a first guide, a second latch, a second guide, and a lock mechanism. The first latch is configured to selectively engage one of the plurality of engagement rods. The first guide is linearly displaced from the first latch and configured to rotatably couple to one of the plurality of engagement rods. The second latch is configured to selectively engage another of the plurality of engagement rods. The second guide is linearly displaced from the second latch and configured to rotatably couple the other of the plurality of engagement rods. The lock mechanism is configured to selectively engage both the first latch and the second latch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle console storage cover. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle console storage cover of  FIG. 1  from a reverse angle. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a base of the vehicle console storage cover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a top side of an embodiment of a lid of the vehicle console storage cover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the lid of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates perspective view of another a top side of an embodiment of a lid of a vehicle console storage cover. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the lid of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an accessory holder. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of bridging tray. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle console storage cover. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle console storage cover of  FIG. 10  from a reverse angle. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of a base of the vehicle console storage cover of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a top side of an embodiment of a lid of the vehicle console storage cover of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the lid of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid of  FIG. 13  with the lock in a locked position. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid of  FIG. 13  with the lock in an unlocked position. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a cross sectional view of the lid of  FIG. 13  in an open position. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid of  FIG. 13  in a partially open position. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle console cover. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Cover for a Vehicle Storage Assembly 
       FIGS. 1-5  illustrate an embodiment of a cover  10  for a vehicle storage space. The cover  10  can be mounted on an upper perimeter of a storage space. The cover  10  can comprise a base  30  and a lid  50 . When positioned in a vehicle, the base  30  can be secured to the upper perimeter of the console storage space. For example, the base  30  can be secured with fasteners such as screws, tacks, rivets, secured with adhesive glue, epoxy, or tape, or secured through interference fit of mating features of the base  30  and storage console. The lid  50  can be coupled to the base  30 . While the console is discussed in certain embodiments in the context of a storage console within an automobile, such as for example, a storage console between two seats in an automobile, in other embodiments, the cover  10  can be used in conjunction with other storage boxes for vehicles, such as, for example cargo boxes for pick-up trucks. 
     Base of the Cover 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the base  30  can comprise a support perimeter  32 . In some embodiments, the support perimeter comprises a substantially rectangular frame. In some embodiments, the support perimeter  32  can comprise an assembly of four beams to form a rectangular frame. In other embodiments, the support perimeter  32  can comprise a unitary rectangular frame. While the illustrated embodiments include a generally rectangular support frame, in some embodiments, the support frame can have a different configuration, such as, for example, a trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the support perimeter  32  can be mountable to a vehicle storage console as noted above with respect to the base  30 . In other embodiments, the support perimeter can be integrally formed with the storage console. In about the opening to the storage space of whatever material is used for the console. In some embodiments, the support perimeter  32  can be shaped separately from any appropriate material, such as a plastic, wood, metal, composite, or ceramic. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the base  30  can include a plurality of mounting rods  34 ,  36 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base  30  comprises a first mounting rod  34  and a second mounting rod  36 . In some embodiments, the mounting rods can be coupled to the support perimeter  32 , such as with brackets  38 . In some embodiments, the mounting rods  34 ,  36  can be supported by integrally-formed portions of the perimeter  32  configured to receive the mounting rods  34 ,  36 . In other embodiments, the mounting rods can be integrally formed with the support perimeter  32 . In some embodiments, the mounting rods  34 ,  36  can be constructed of a metal or metal alloy. In other embodiments, the mounting rods  34 ,  36  can be constructed of other materials, including without limitation, plastic materials, polymeric materials, composites, or ceramics. Desirably, the mounting rods  34 ,  36  can comprise a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction. Thus, it can be desirable for metallic mounting rods  34 ,  36  to have a relatively smooth surface finish over at least a portion of the rods  34 ,  36 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the mounting rods  34 ,  36  can define axes of rotation of the lid  50  of the vehicle storage console cover  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting rods  34 ,  36  are disposed along the lateral sides  56 ,  58  of the perimeter  32 . Thus, as further described below, the lid  50  can be opened from either side, allowing easy access to an interior space of the storage compartment by the driver, front seat passenger, or rear seat passengers. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the rods  34 ,  36  are sized to extend along substantially the entire lengths of lateral sides  56 ,  58  of the perimeter  32 . In other embodiments, the rods can be placed as smaller separate rod segments positioned at particular locations along the lateral sides  56 ,  58 . 
     Lid of the Vehicle Console Cover 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-5  one embodiment of a lid  50  for the vehicle console cover  10  is illustrated. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the lid  50  can have a substantially rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the lid  50  can be a generally rectangular shape having slightly curved sides. In other embodiments, the lid  50  can have other geometric configurations, such as, for example, a generally trapezoidal shape. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 4-5 , in some embodiments, the lid  50  can be formed to have a recessed surface underside, as in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the lid  50  can present a substantially uniform surface on each side. In some embodiments, an upper surface of the lid can be curved or contoured. Such a curved or contoured surface can be desirable for use as an armrest. 
     In some embodiments, the lid  50  can be upholstered or otherwise covered with a fabric, leather, vinyl, or other covering. In some embodiments, the lid  50  can include foam or other padding to form a cushion. The lid  50  can desirably be covered a material that coordinates with the upholstery of a vehicle. 
     In certain embodiments, the lid  50  can have accessories integrated therewith. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cupholders can be formed in the lid. In other embodiments, electronic accessories, such as a speakerphone device with an attachment for a mobile phone or calculator can be integrated into the lid  50 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-5 , the lid  50  can comprise one or more rotation members  60  along the underside. The rotation members  60  can be integrally formed with the lid  50 . In other embodiments, the rotation members  60  can be mounted to the lid  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation members  60  extend downward from a lower surface of the lid  50 . The rotation members can be shaped to receive a portion of the mounting rod  34 ,  36  such that the lid  50  can be removably coupled to the mounting rods  34 ,  36 . The rotation members  60  can desirably be configured to rotatably couple the lid  50  to the mounting rods, such that the mounting rods  34 ,  36  each define an axis of rotation of the lid  50  with respect to the base  30  of the storage console cover  10 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, the rotation members  60  can be shaped to partially encircle a mounting rod  34 ,  36 . Each rotation member  60  can have an opening sized to permit the mounting rods  34 ,  36  to couple and decouple from the rotation members  60 . In some embodiments, the rotation members  60  and mounting rods  34 ,  36  are configured such that the rotation members can only decouple from the mounting rods in a particular relative rotational position. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, portions of the mounting rods  34 ,  36 , for example, the brackets  38 , where the rotation members  60  couple and decouple are substantially cylindrical with a flat surface  37  oriented vertically with respect to the base  30 . The flat surfaces  37  are recessed from the projection of the generally cylindrical surface of the mounting rods  34 ,  36  and brackets  38 . Thus, when the lid  50  is in a closed position, either side of the lid  50  can be raised, separating rotation members from one of the mounting rods  34 ,  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, as one side is lifted, the rotation members  60  on the opposite side will rotate from the flat surface of the mounting rod  34 ,  36  onto the substantially cylindrical portion, and are no longer releasable from the mounting rod  34 ,  36 . Accordingly, once the lid is initially opened, one lateral edge of the lid can be securely retained by a mounting rod. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 4-5 , the lid  50  can further comprise one or more latches  52 ,  54 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latches are disposed along the lateral sides of the lid  50  such that the lid  50  can be opened from either side. The latches  52 ,  54  can be configured to selectively engage the mounting rods  34 ,  36  to selectively secure a side of the lid  50  to the base  30 . For example, when the lid  50  is in a closed position, both latches  52 ,  54  can engage a corresponding mounting rod  34 ,  36 . When a user desires to open the lid  50 , the user can release one latch  52 , by, for example, depressing a catch member to release the latch  52  from the mounting rod  36 . The user can then pivot the lid  50  about the opposite latch  54  and rotation members  60  with respect to the base  30  on a mounting rod  34 . The lid  50  can be opened from either side by selecting a latch  52 ,  54  to open. The latches  52 ,  54  are desirably biased, such as with springs or flexible biasing members, to engage the mounting rods  34 ,  36 . Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the lid  50  can only be opened once a latch  52 ,  54  is released by overcoming the bias. 
     The latches  52 ,  54  can be of any type suitable to engage the mounting rod  34 ,  36  or a portion of a mounting rod  34 ,  36 . In some embodiments, the latches  52 ,  54  do not couple directly to the mounting rod  34 ,  36  or portion thereof, but engage a portion of the perimeter  32  appropriately shaped to receive the latch  52 ,  54 . 
     The lid  50  can be rotated open once a latch  52 ,  54  is released. The lid  50  can rotate about either mounting rod  34 ,  36  at the location of the rotation members  60  and one of the latches  52 ,  54 . Accordingly, when the first latch  52  is released, the lid  50  can be rotated open around the first mounting rod  34 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first lateral side  56  of the lid  50  containing the first latch  52  can be raised, thus allowing access to the storage compartment by a user. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the second latch  54 , disposed in the second lateral side  58  of the lid  50  can be released, and the lid rotated around the second mounting rod  36 . Thus, either lateral side  56 ,  58  of the lid  50  can be opened, allowing access to the console storage space from either the driver or passenger side of a vehicle. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the lid  50  is not rotated towards the back of the vehicle. Thus, advantageously access from the rear seats to the storage space is not inhibited. 
     In some embodiments, the lid  50  can be completely removed from the base  30  by decoupling the latches  52 ,  54  from the mounting rods  34 ,  36  when. For example, from the closed position, both latches  52 ,  54  can be released and the lid moved upwards away from the perimeter  32 . Advantageously, with the lid  50  removed, a user can use the storage console to store oversized items or can have enhanced access to clean the storage console, base  30 , and lid  50 . The rotation members  60  and the rods  34 ,  36  can be shaped to allow the rods  34 ,  36  to decouple from the encircling portion of the members  60  when the lid  50  is positioned level across the base  30 . For example, the rods  34 ,  36  can include flat surfaces  37  that are recessed from the projection of the generally cylindrical surface to allow the rotation members  60  to decouple at certain orientations (see  FIG. 18 ). Thus, from a closed position, the lid  50  can be completely decoupled from the base  30  by disengaging the latches  52 ,  54  and lifting upwards. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , in some embodiments, the lid  50  can include at least one substantially flat surface  80 . The flat surface  80  can occupy a portion of the lid  50  top, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, or the entire lid  50  can have a flat surface, (as shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). When decoupled from the base  30 , the lid  50  can desirably serve various functions including a writing tablet or as a flat surface for supporting objects. 
     In some embodiments, a portion of the lid  50  can be detached from the lid. In some embodiments, the detachable portion can include an accessory, such as a microphone or speakerphone portion for use with a mobile phone. 
     While the embodiment of vehicle storage console cover  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  depicts a lid having two axes of rotation, each generally parallel to a lateral edge of the lid  50 , other embodiments can have other opening configurations. For example, in other embodiments, additional mounting rods can be mounted along the front and/or rear sides of the perimeter  32 , and additional latches disposed in the lid  50 , permitting the lid  50  to be disengaged from any of mounting rods and rotated about an opposite mounting rod. Accordingly, the lid  50  can be rotated around any of the four sides of the perimeter  32 , and the storage space can be easily accessed from any location in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the mounting rods can be located on at least two adjacent sides of the base  30  rather than on opposing sides of the perimeter  32  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 ). In these embodiments, the configuration of mounting rods permits the lid  50  to be opened in at least two directions, ninety degrees apart. In one non-limiting example, the lid  50  can be adapted to open from a vehicle&#39;s driver&#39;s side of the console and the front of the console. In some embodiments, the mounting rods are positioned such that the lid  50  can be opened from any of three directions. In one non-limiting example, the lid  50  can be opened from a vehicle&#39;s driver&#39;s side, passenger side, and the front side. It may be desirable, in some embodiments of console cover, that one or more latches engage the perimeter  32  of the base  30  rather than a mounting rod. For example, a console cover as described above which can be opened from any of three directions can include three mounting rods. In this embodiment, a latch opposite one of the mounting rods does not have an underlying mounting rod to engage, and can be configured to engage the support perimeter. 
     Another embodiment of the lid  50 ′ is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Except for prime marks (′), the component numerals refer to similar components as those described in  FIGS. 1-5 . As can be seen, the lid  50 ′ can be shaped to have a flat surface  57  across a large portion of the upper side. In some embodiments, the flat surface  57  can be a solid portion, and the lid  50 ′ can have a flat underside  59  as well. In those embodiments where padding or other fabric are attached to at least a portion of the top of the lid  50 ′, the flat underside  59  can be used when the lid  50 ′ is detached from the base  30  for those functions in which the flat surface  57  might otherwise be used. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  8 , and  9 , additional components, such as an accessory clip  82  or bridging tray  90  can be disposed in the cover  10 . The clip  82  can be mounted on a rod  34 ,  36 . Similarly, the bridging tray  90  can be coupled with at least one mounting rod  34 ,  36 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , an embodiment of the accessory clip  82  can include a hook member  84  shaped to couple with a mounting rod  34 ,  36 . The hook member  84  can have an interference fit, permitting the clip  82  to remain engaged with the rod  34 ,  36  once attached. Additionally, the hook member  84  can be shaped similar to the rotation member  60 , permitting the clip  82  to rotate around the mounting rod  34 ,  36 . 
     The hook member  84  can support a holster or clip support member  86 . In some embodiments, the support member  86  can be adapted to receive, for example, a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a mobile email device, a PDA, or a portable music player. In other non-limiting examples, the accessory clip  82  can be adapted to receive one or more writing instruments or a disposable tissue dispenser. Advantageously, one or more accessory clips  82  can be positioned in various locations in the storage console cover  10 , allowing the storage console to be used efficiently to store various items. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a bridging tray  90 . The tray  90  can have engagement members  92  to releasably engage the mounting rods  34 ,  36 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The engagement members  92  can be similar to the rotation members  60 , permitting them to be of an appropriate shape to engage a mounting rod  34 ,  36 . Accordingly, the tray  90  can be disposed across the interior of the cover  10 , spanning between the first mounting rod  34  to the second mounting rod  36 . The engagement members  92  can be releasably coupled to mounting rods  34 ,  36 , allowing for repositioning of or removal of the tray  90  if desired. The tray  90  can comprise at least one storage portion  94 . The storage portion  94  can be at least partially surrounded by the walls of the tray  90 , inhibiting items placed in the tray  90  from falling into the storage space below. In some embodiments, a second storage portion  96  can created when a partition  98  is formed in the tray  90 . In some embodiments, the partition  98  can be removable, desirably allowing the tray to be selectively configured to have a single relatively large storage portion or two smaller storage portions. 
     Vehicle Console Cover with Locking Lid 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10-19 , an embodiment of dual access vehicle console cover with a locking lid is illustrated.  FIGS. 10-18  illustrate an embodiment of a cover  10 ′ for a vehicle console storage space. The cover  10 ′ can be mounted on an upper perimeter of a storage space. The cover  10 ′ can be similar to the embodiment of cover  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , but include a lock mechanism  100 . The cover  10 ′ can comprise a base  30  and a lid  50 ″. When positioned in a vehicle, the base  30  can be secured to the upper perimeter of the console storage space. For example, the base  30  can be secured with fasteners such as screws, tacks, rivets, secured with adhesive glue, epoxy, or tape, or secured through interference fit of mating features of the base  30  and storage console. The lid  50 ″ can be coupled to the base  30 . With reference to  FIGS. 10-12 , the base  30  can be substantially similar to the base  30  described above with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 . In other embodiments, a cover  10 ′ with a locking lid  50 ″ can have a base with a different configuration. For example, other shapes or heights of base can be used with a locking lid  50 ″. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10-11  and  13 - 16 , the lid  50 ″ can include a locking mechanism  100  that can be configured to actuate both latches  52 ″,  54 ″. Advantageously, a locking lid for a vehicle storage console can provide additional security for items stored in a vehicle&#39;s storage console. In addition, a locking console cover can be desirable for a storage console such as a pick-up truck bed cargo box. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism  100  can be configured to lock and unlock both latches  52 ″,  54 ″ simultaneously. In other embodiments, the lock mechanism  100  can be configured to selectively unlock one of the latches  52 ″,  54 ″, thus allowing the dual access console cover  10 ′ to be locked into a single axis operation mode. In other embodiments, each latch  52 ,  52 ′,  54 ,  54 ′ ( FIGS. 1-2 ,  4 - 7 ) can include a lock mechanism that can include none, some, or all of the aspects described herein with respect to the illustrated lock mechanism  100 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 10-11  and  13 - 16 , in the illustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism  100  comprises a lock cylinder  102  and an actuation member  104 . A key receiving unit  106  can be coupled to the lock cylinder  102 . The lock can be configured such that when a key is inserted into the key receiving unit  106 , the key can be rotated to rotate the lock cylinder  102 . The lock cylinder  102  is coupled to the actuation member  104 , which is likewise rotated as the lock cylinder  102  is rotated. As illustrated, the actuation member  104  has a substantially U shape comprising a base portion to which the lock cylinder is coupled and two lateral extensions. As the lock cylinder is rotated, the actuation member can be rotated between a locked position in which the lateral extensions are oriented towards the lateral edges of the lid  50 ″ (see, e.g.,  FIG. 15 ) and an unlocked position in which the lateral extensions are oriented substantially longitudinally with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the lid  50 ″. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism  100  can be a pin-tumbler lock such that insertion of a properly-cut key into the key receiving unit  106  rotationally frees the lock cylinder  102 . In other embodiments, other types of lock mechanism can be used, including other mechanical locks or electronically actuated locks. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 10-11  and  13 - 16 , the lock mechanism  100  can be rotated to a locked position ( FIG. 15 ) in which both latches  52 ″,  24 ″ are latched about the mounting rods  34 ,  36  to prevent the lid  50 ″ from rotating about either axis. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , in the locked position, the actuation member  104  is positioned such that the lateral extensions are oriented towards lateral edges of the lid  50 ″. Rotation of the lateral extensions into this outward orientation advances retention members  108  over the mounting rods  34 ,  36  of the base  30 . The lock mechanism  100  can further comprise pushrods  112  to couple the actuation member  104  to the retention members  108 . In some embodiments, the pushrods  112  can be integrally formed with the retention members  108 , for example, by a molding process. In other embodiments, the pushrods  112  can be separate from the retention members  108  and can be formed of different materials. 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , with the lock mechanism  100  in the locked position, the retention members  108  are positioned at least partially around the mounting rods  34 ,  36 , and interfere with rotation of the lid  50 ″ about either of the rotational axes. Desirably, the retention members  108  are configured to extend sufficiently around the mounting rods  34 ,  36  in a locked position to prevent undesired opening of the lid  50 ″, but are retractable from the mounting rods  34 ,  36  in an open position to allow easy opening of the lid  50 ″. Also, desirably, the retention members  108  are configured to allow locking of the lid  50 ″ even when the lid may be slightly open or out of alignment with the base  30 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 15-16 , in some embodiments, an angle, a formed between a plane of the lid  50 ″ and the retention member  108  can be between approximately 15-65 degrees, desirably, the angle, a can be between 24 and 45 degrees, more desirably, between 30-40 degrees. While various configurations of retention members  108  are discussed herein in the context of a locking lid  50 ″, it is contemplated that the geometries and configurations discussed with respect to these embodiments can be used in latches  52 ,  52 ′,  54 ,  54 ′ as discussed herein with respect to other embodiments of lid  50 ,  50 ′. 
     To provide additional security to the lock mechanism  100 , the lid  50 ″ can comprise at least one rod support  110  positioned adjacent one of the latches  52 ″,  54 ″ to prevent the mounting rods  34 ,  36  from flexing or bowing if an attempt is made to open the lid  50 ″ when the storage console cover  10 ′ is locked. In some embodiments, the rod support  110  can comprise a protrusion that is integrally formed with the lid  50 ″, such as by molding. In other embodiments, the rod support  110  can be coupled to the lid  50 ″ such as by a fastener, welding operation, or adhesive, and can be constructed of a different material than the lid  50 ″. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , the lid  50 ″ is illustrated with the lock cylinder  102  rotated into an unlocked position. As illustrated, rotating the lock cylinder  102  rotates the actuation member  104  into an unlocked position such that the lateral extensions thereof are positioned substantially longitudinally with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the lid  50 ″. Desirably, the lock mechanism can include a biasing member such as a spring to bias the retention members  108  and pushrods  112  into the unlocked position such that the retention members retract from the mounting rods  34 ,  36  when the lock mechanism is unlocked. Once the retention members  108  have been withdrawn from the mounting rods  34 ,  36 , either side of the lid  50 ″ can be lifted to open the lid about an axis. 
     Advantageously, the lid  50 ″ illustrated in  FIGS. 10-16  can be opened from either side from the unlocked position. With the lock mechanism  100  in an unlocked position, the lid  50 ″ can be opened without the user releasing an additional latch. Thus, a user could leave the lid  50 ″ in an unlocked configuration and easily access contents of the storage console from either side without having to operate a latch mechanism. This ease of access can enhance the convenience of this storage console cover  10 ′ to a user. Also, since the lid  50 ″ can be operated without the use of user operable latches on each side, the lid can have a sleek, contoured, aesthetically pleasing profile. 
     The lock mechanism can be configured to operate with a minimum of binding or sticking. Desirably, the lateral extensions of the actuation member  104  can include beveled, angled, or radiused edges such that when rotating the actuation member  104 , it smoothly engages the pushrods  112  without binding the extension or retraction of the retention members  108  as the lock mechanism is locked or unlocked. In the illustrated embodiments, the actuation member  104  has radiused edges (see  FIGS. 10 ,  14 ). In other embodiments, other configurations of actuation member  104  can reduce the risk of binding, or the pushrod  112  can be configured with radiused edges to reduce binding. In some embodiments, the retention members  108 , pushrods  112 , and biasing members can be enclosed within a housing ( FIG. 14 ) such that contents of the storage console do not interfere with operation of the lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism can include guide members or passageways, for example formed in a housing ( FIG. 14 ) such that the pushrods  112  and retention members  108  do not bind during locking and unlocking operations. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17-18 , the operation of the rotational members  60  on the rods  34 ,  36  is illustrated in a fully opened and partially position. As indicated, when the lid is initially opened, rotational members  60  can disengage from a mounting rod  34 , due to the size and orientation of the flat portion  37  formed in the projection of the generally cylindrical profile of the rod  34 . Rotational members  60  on an opposite rod  36  are then rotated into a position where they are not able to disengage from the rod  36  due to the orientation of the corresponding flat portion  37  on that rod  36 . While this engagement and disengagement sequence is illustrated with respect to the locking lid  50 ″ illustrated in  FIGS. 10-14 , it is contemplated that similar geometries of mounting rod  34 ,  36  and rotational member  60  are equally applicable to other embodiments of lid described herein. 
     Storage Console Cover Having Locking Lid With Handle 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , an embodiment of storage console cover  10 ″ is illustrated. The storage console cover  10 ″ has a base and a locking lid substantially as described above with respect to  FIGS. 10-16 . The lid of the storage console over  10 ″ can further comprise a handle portion  200  configured to allow easy opening, removal, or replacement of the lid. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 19 , the handle portion  200  can be coupled to an upper surface of the lid. The handle portion  200  can include a gently bowed surface extending between lateral edges of the lid and defining a recess or passage at each lateral edge of the lid between the handle portion  200  and the upper surface of the lid. A user can grasp the handle portion  200  about the recess or passage at one lateral edge of the lid to raise one lateral edge of the lid to open the storage console cover  10 ″. A user can likewise grasp the handle portion  200  about the recess or passage at both lateral edges of the lid and remove the lid by pulling it vertically away from the base. A handle  200  can be useful where the lid is relatively heavy. For example, it can be desirable that a lid for a vehicle bed cargo box include a handle, as a vehicle cargo box can be relatively large and constructed of a metallic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  200  has replaced contoured recesses in the base  30  and lid  50 ″, which can allow a user to grasp the lid. In other embodiments, a vehicle storage assembly can include both a handle  200  and contoured recesses. 
     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while the number of variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to perform varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.