Patent Description:
It is known to provide a vehicle interior component including a base and a cover with a first door and/or second door movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position. <CIT> shows a vehicle interior component according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It would be advantageous to provide an improved vehicle interior component comprising a base and a cover comprising a first door and a second door coupled by a link and in which the first door is movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position and the second door is movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position.

It would be advantageous to provide an improved vehicle interior component comprising a base and a cover comprising a first door and a second door coupled by a link mechanism and in which the first door is movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position and the second door is movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position in which the link is configured for a coupled state to couple movement of the first door and the second door and a decoupled state to allow movement of the first door independent of the second door.

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component with the features of claim <NUM>. Other variants are defined in the dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a vehicle V with an interior I comprising components C such a floor console FC and instrument panel IP is shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in <FIG> and 3A-3I, component C shown as floor console FC comprises a base B and a cover T with doors DA and DB moveable relative to base B between a closed position and an open position (i.e. to allow access to a compartment within the base).

As indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, component C may comprise a mechanism/release shown as latch LT actuated by an operator control shown as button BT for a vehicle occupant; when the cover is in a closed state with doors DA and DB in the closed position actuation of button BT (i.e. by a vehicle occupant) may release the latch LT and allow doors DA and DB to move to the open position with the cover in an open state under a force provided by a spring arrangement SP operating to rotate each of doors DA and DB at a pivot joint JT; doors DA and DB may be coupled at a connection point CL by a link mechanism shown as comprising a link LK. See also <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>and TABLE A.

As indicated schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, when cover T is in the open state both doors DA and DB may be moved together from the open position to the closed position to put the cover into the closed state (with both doors in the closed position). See also <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A.

As indicated schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the cover is in the open state each door DA or DB may be moved independently from the open position to the closed position to put the cover into a partially open state (with one door in the open position and one door in the closed position). See also <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A.

As indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in <FIG>, <FIG>, the link mechanism may comprise link LK with a set of link members LM configured to couple door DA to door DB at connection points CL to provide an effective length for link LK (i.e. distance between the connection points to each door). As indicated schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the link mechanism with link LK may comprise a detent mechanism DM (e.g. comprising a projection to engage an indentation such as a notch) to retain the effective length of link LK in a default length DL; link members LM of link LK may be configured to flex and/or move so that the effective length of link LK may be provided in a non-default length comprising an extended length LE and/or a retracted length LR. See also <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A.

As indicated schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, when cover T is in the open state both doors DA and DB may be moved together from the open position to the closed position (e.g. by manual operation of a vehicle operator) with link LK retained at the default length LD to put the cover into the closed state (with both doors in the closed position). See also <FIG> and TABLE A.

As indicated schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, when cover T is in the open state door DA may be moved independently from the open position to the closed position (e.g. by manual operation of a vehicle operator) to put the cover into a first partially open state with door DA in the open position and door DB in the closed position with link LK in a non-default length shown as retracted length LR (e.g. by relative movement of link members LM and disengagement of the detent mechanism DM on the link LK). See also <FIG> and TABLE A. As indicated schematically in the FIGURES and TABLE A, the cover may be transitioned from the first partially open state to the closed state by movement of door DB from the open position to the closed position; link LK is then returned from the retracted length LR to the default length LD with re-engagement of detent mechanism DM. See <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A.

As indicated schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, when cover T is in the open state door DB may be moved independently from the open position to the closed position (e.g. by manual operation of a vehicle occupant) to put the cover into a second partially open state with door DB in the open position and door DA in the closed position with link LK in a non-default length shown as extended length LE (e.g. by relative movement of link members LM and disengagement of the detent mechanism DM on the link LK). See also <FIG> and TABLE A. As indicated schematically in the FIGURES and TABLE A, the cover can be put from the second partially open state to the closed state by movement of door DA from the open position to the closed position (e.g. by manual operation of a vehicle occupant); link LK is returned from extended length LE to default length LD with re-engagement of the detent mechanism DM. See <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a vehicle interior component C/<NUM>/<NUM> may comprise a base B/<NUM>/<NUM> providing a compartment, a cover T movable relative to the base comprising a first door DA/<NUM>/<NUM> movable between a closed position and an open position and a second door DB/<NUM>/<NUM> movable between a closed position and an open position and a link LK/<NUM>/<NUM> comprising a length and configured to couple the first door and the second door.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A, a length of link LK for cover T may comprise an effective length between a coupling CL to first door DA and a coupling CL to second door DB. As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A, the effective length of link LK may comprise a default length LD to couple movement of first door DA with movement of second door DB. As shown schematically in <FIG> and TABLE A, the effective length of link LK may comprise a non-default length shown as an extended length LE when first door DA is moved independently of second door DB; the effective length of link LK may comprise a non-default length shown as a retracted length LR when second door DB is moved independently of first door DA. As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A, the non-default length of the link may comprise an extended length LE longer than the default length; the non-default length of the link may comprise a retracted length LR shorter than the default length.

As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A, movement of the cover relative to the base may comprise (<NUM>) an open state with the first door in the open position and the second door in the open position and (<NUM>) a first partially open state with the first door in the open position and the second door in the closed position and (<NUM>) a second partially open state with the first door in the closed position and the second door in the open position and (<NUM>) a closed state with the first door in the closed position and the second door in the closed position. See also FIGURES 2A-2I, <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG>. As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and TABLE A, the effective length of the link may be the default length when the cover is in the closed state. As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the effective length of the link may be the default length when the cover is in the open state. As shown schematically in <FIG>, the effective length of the link may comprise a retracted length LR when the cover is in the first partially open state. As shown schematically in <FIG>, the effective length of the link may comprise an extended length LE when the cover is in the second partially open state.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, component C may comprise a link mechanism comprising link LK; the link mechanism may comprise a detent mechanism DM configured to retain the default length of link LK. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the component may comprise a spring arrangement SP configured to move cover T from the closed state to the open state; the spring arrangement may comprise a first spring for first door DA and a second spring for second door DB.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, link LK may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the first member. As shown schematically in <FIG>, second member LM may be configured to extend relative to first member LM. As shown schematically in <FIG>, second member LM may be configured to retract relative to first member LM. As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the component may comprise a link mechanism comprising the link; the link mechanism may comprise a mechanism such as a detent mechanism DM comprising a recess <NUM>/<NUM> and a protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>; the link mechanism may comprise an indentation on the link; the link mechanism may comprise a notch shown as recess <NUM>/<NUM> and a projection shown as protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>. As shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, detent mechanism DM may be engaged with the projection seated in the notch when the effective length of the link is the default length LD.

As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, link LK may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the first member; the notch may be on the first member and the projection may be on the second member. See also <FIG> and <FIG>. The link may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the first member; the first member may comprise a notch shown as recess <NUM>/<NUM> and the second member may comprise a projection shown as protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>. As indicated schematically in <FIG> and TABLE A, the projection may be out of the notch when the first door moves relative to the second door; the projection may be configured to move out of the notch to facilitate relative movement of the first door and the second door. As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG>, the projection may be seated in the notch when the effective length of the link is the default length. As indicated schematically in <FIG>, the projection may be unseated from the notch when the effective length of the link is extended to an extended length LE; link LK may be flexed so that the projection is unseated from the notch when the effective length of the link is extended to an extended length LE; the projection may be unseated from the notch when the effective length of the link is retracted to a retracted length LR; the link may be flexed so that the projection is unseated from the notch when the effective length of the link is retracted to a retracted length LR.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, link LK may comprise a first member LM and a second member LM. See also <FIG> and <FIG>. The first member may be a flexible member; the second member may be a flexible member. As shown schematically in <FIG>, the link may comprise a stiffener SF/<NUM>/<NUM>; the stiffener may comprise a spring; the spring may comprise a bar.

As shown schematically in <FIG>, first door DA may be coupled to the base at a first pivot joint PJ and second door DB may be coupled to the base at a second pivot joint PJ; the link mechanism with link LK may comprise a connection to the first door offset from the first pivot joint and a connection to the second door offset from the second pivot joint. As indicated schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, the link may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the first member; the second member may be configured to slide relative to the first member. See also <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. As shown schematically in <FIG>, the component may comprise a link mechanism; the link mechanism may comprise a spring mechanism SM with a wire spring shown as stiffener SF/<NUM>/<NUM>; the wire spring may be configured to stiffen the link; the link may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the first member; the first member may be configured to flex relative to the second member; the link may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the first member; the second member may be configured to flex relative to the first member. See also <FIG>, <FIG>.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, the component comprises a link mechanism comprising link LK; the link mechanism may comprise a cantilever arrangement. As shown schematically in <FIG>, the link mechanism of link LK comprises a tab <NUM> and a retainer RT/<NUM> configured to engage to retain the effective length of the link in the default length. See also <FIG>, <FIG> The tab and the retainer are configured to disengage to allow the effective length of the link to move to a retracted length LR; the tab and the retainer are configured to disengage to allow the effective length of the link to move to an extended length LE. See also <FIG>. The link is configured to flex at the tab and the retainer to disengage to allow the effective length of the link to be moved from the default length. The link may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the first member; the first member may comprise an arm and the second member may comprise an arm. As indicated schematically in <FIG> and TABLE A, the link may be configured to couple movement of the first door from the closed position to the open position and the second door from the closed position to the open position and to decouple movement of the first door from the open position to the closed position and the second door from the open position to the closed position. See also <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a vehicle interior component C/<NUM>/<NUM> may comprise a base B/<NUM>/<NUM> providing a compartment, a cover T movable relative to the base comprising a first door DA/<NUM>/<NUM> movable between a closed position and an open position and a second door DB/<NUM>/<NUM> movable between a closed position and an open position and a link LK/<NUM>/<NUM> configured to couple the first door and the second door. The link may be configured to couple movement of the first door and the second door from the closed position to the open position and to decouple movement of the first door and the second door from the open position to the closed position. The link may comprise a first arm shown as first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second arm shown as second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM>; one of the first arm and the second arm may comprise a depression shown as recess <NUM>/<NUM> and the other of the first arm and the second arm may comprise a protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>; the protrusion may be configured to engage the depression to couple the first arm and the second arm. At least one of the first arm and the second arm may be configured to flex to disengage the protrusion and the depression to enable the first arm and the second arm to move relative to one another.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a vehicle interior component C/<NUM>/<NUM> may comprise a base B/<NUM>/<NUM> providing a compartment, a first door DA/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position, a second door DB/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position and a link LK/<NUM>/<NUM> coupled to the first door and the second door. As shown schematically in <FIG> and TABLE A, the link may be configured for (a) a coupled state to couple movement of the first door and the second door and (b) a decoupled state to de-couple movement of the first door and the second door. See also <FIG> and <FIG>. As shown schematically in <FIG>, link LK may comprise a first arm shown as first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second arm shown as second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM>; the first arm may be coupled to the second arm to link movement of the first door and the second door; the first arm and the second arm may be configured to move relative to one another to de-couple movement of the first door and the second door. One of the first arm and the second arm may comprise a notch shown as recess <NUM>/<NUM> and the other of the first arm and the second arm may comprise a projection shown as protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>; the projection may be configured to engage the notch to couple the first arm and the second arm; when an external force is applied to move the first door from the open position toward the closed position, at least one of the first arm and the second arm may be configured to flex to disengage the protrusion and the depression to enable the first arm and the second arm to move relative to one another.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG> a vehicle interior component C/<NUM>/<NUM> may comprise a base B/<NUM>/<NUM> providing a compartment, a cover T movable relative to the base comprising a first door DA/<NUM>/<NUM> movable between a closed position and an open position and a second door DB/<NUM>/<NUM> movable between a closed position and an open position and a link LK/<NUM>/<NUM> coupled to the first door and the second door. As shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, link LK may be coupled to the first door at a first feature such as at connection CL (e.g. pivot coupling) and coupled to the second door at a second feature such as at connection CL (e.g. pivot coupling); the link may be configured to substantially maintain a distance between the feature of the first door and the feature of the second door as the first door moves from the closed position of the first door to the open position of the first door and the second door moves from the closed position of the second door to the open position of the second door. See <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG>. As shown schematically in <FIG>, link LK may comprise a first arm shown as first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second arm shown as second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM>; the first arm may be coupled to the second arm to maintain the distance between the feature of the first door and the feature of the second door as the first door moves from the closed position of the first door to the open position of the first door and the second door moves from the closed position of the second door to the open position of the second door. The first arm and the second arm may be configured to move relative to one another to de-couple movement of the first door and the second door; one of the first arm and the second arm may comprise a notch shown as recess <NUM>/<NUM> and the other of the first arm and the second arm may comprise a projection shown as protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>; the projection may be configured to engage the notch to couple the first arm and the second arm. As indicated schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, when an external force is applied to move the first door from the open position toward the closed position, at least one of the first arm and the second arm may be configured to flex to disengage the projection and the notch to enable the first arm and the second arm to move relative to one another. See also <FIG> and 15A-15C and TABLE A.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a vehicle interior component C/<NUM>/<NUM> may comprise a base B/<NUM>/<NUM> providing a compartment, a cover T movable relative to the base comprising a first door DA/<NUM>/<NUM> movable between a closed position and an open position and a second door DB/<NUM>/<NUM> movable between a closed position and an open position and a link LK/<NUM>/<NUM> comprising an effective length. As shown schematically in <FIG> and TABLE A, link LK may be configured to maintain the effective length to couple movement of first door DA and second door DB; the link may be configured to change the effective length to decouple movement of first door DA and second door DB. As shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> the component may comprise a link mechanism comprising link LK and a detent mechanism DM configured to engage to maintain the link in a default length LD and to disengage to allow the link to move to a non-default length; the link may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>/<NUM> movable relative to the first member; the non-default length may comprise movement of the second member LM relative to the first member LM to provide link LK in at least one of an extended length LE and/or a retracted length LR.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, vehicle interior component C/<NUM>/<NUM> shown as a floor console FC may comprise a base B/<NUM>/<NUM>, a first door DA and a second door DB. Vehicle interior component FC may be configured to be operated by application of an external force from an occupant shown as a hand. Base B may provide a compartment. First door DA may be movable relative to base B between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> to at least partially cover the compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> to uncover the compartment. Second door DB may be movable relative to base B between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> to at least partially cover the compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG>. First door DA and second door DB may be configured for movement between (a) a first state with first door DA in the open position of first door DA and second door DB in the open position of second door DB as shown schematically in <FIG>; (b) a second state with first door DA in the closed position of first door DA and second door DB in the open position of second door DB as shown schematically in <FIG>; (c) a third state with first door DA in the open position of first door DA and second door DB in the closed position of second door DB as shown schematically in <FIG>; (d) a fourth state with first door DA in the closed position of first door DA and second door DB in the closed position of second door DB as shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>. First door DA may be configured to remain in the open position as second door DB moves from the open position to the closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>. Second door DB may be configured to remain in the open position as first door DA moves from the open position to the closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>. Vehicle interior component FC may be configured for (a) a coupled state to couple movement of first door DA and second door DB as shown schematically in FIGUREC 2A-2B and (b) a decoupled state to de-couple movement of first door DA and second door DB as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in <FIG>, vehicle interior component <NUM> may comprise a base <NUM>, a first door DA/<NUM> and a second door DB/<NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, vehicle interior component <NUM> may comprise a link LK/<NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, vehicle interior component <NUM> may comprise a set of springs SP/<NUM>, an actuator or button BT/<NUM> and a latch LT/<NUM>. Set of springs SP/<NUM> may be configured to move first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> relative to base <NUM> between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG> to at least partially cover the compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG> to uncover the compartment. Button BT/<NUM> may be configured to actuate latch LT/<NUM> to move first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> relative to base <NUM> between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG> to at least partially cover the compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG> to uncover the compartment.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in <FIG>, base <NUM> may comprise a pivot or sleeve <NUM>. First door DA/<NUM> may comprise an attachment feature <NUM> and a pivot member <NUM>. Second door DB/<NUM> may comprise an attachment feature <NUM> and a pivot member <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in <FIG>, link LK/<NUM> may comprise a first member LM/<NUM> and a second member LM/<NUM>. One of first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may comprise a projection <NUM>, a feature or attachment feature <NUM>, a tab <NUM> and a retainer RT/<NUM>. One of first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may comprise a recess or notch <NUM> and a feature or attachment feature <NUM>. Link LK/<NUM> may comprise a spring or wire SF/<NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, first door DA/<NUM> may be movable relative to base <NUM> between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> to at least partially cover a compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> to uncover the compartment. Second door DB/<NUM> may be movable relative to base <NUM> between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> to at least partially cover a compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. First door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> may be configured for movement between (a) a first state with first door DA/<NUM> in an open position and second door DB/<NUM> in an open position as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>; (b) a second state with first door DA/<NUM> in a closed position and second door DB/<NUM> in the open position as shown schematically in <FIG>; (c) a third state with first door DA/<NUM> in the open position and second door DB/<NUM> in a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>; (d) a fourth state with first door DA/<NUM> in the closed position and second door DB/<NUM> in the closed position as shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>. First door DA/<NUM> may be configured to remain in the open position as second door DB/<NUM> moves from the open position to the closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>. Second door DB/<NUM> may be configured to remain in the open position as first door DA/<NUM> moves from the open position to the closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>. Vehicle interior component <NUM> may be configured for (a) a coupled state to couple movement of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG> and (b) a decoupled state to de-couple movement of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, link LK/<NUM> of vehicle interior component <NUM> may be configured to link movement of first door DA/<NUM> and movement of second door DB/<NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG>. First member LM/<NUM> may be configured to move relative to second member LM/<NUM> to enable one of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> to remain in the open position as the other of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> moves from the open position to the closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>. One of first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may comprise a recess <NUM> and the other of first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may comprise a projection <NUM>. Projection <NUM> may be configured to engage recess <NUM> to couple first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG>. At least one of first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may be configured to flex to disengage projection <NUM> and recess <NUM> to enable first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> to move relative to one another as shown schematically in <FIG>. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, first door DA/<NUM> may move from the open position of first door DA/<NUM> to the closed position of first door DA/<NUM> in response to a first external force as second door DB/<NUM> moves from the open position of second door DB/<NUM> to the closed position of second door DB/<NUM> in response to a second external force.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, link LK/<NUM> of vehicle interior component <NUM> may couple to first door DA/<NUM> at a first feature <NUM> and may couple to second door DB/<NUM> at a second feature <NUM>. Link LK/<NUM> may be configured to substantially maintain a distance LD between feature <NUM> of first door DA/<NUM> and feature <NUM> of second door DB/<NUM> as first door DA/<NUM> moves from a closed position to an open position and second door DB/<NUM> moves from a closed position to an open position as shown schematically in <FIG>. First member LM/<NUM> may be coupled to second member LM/<NUM> to maintain distance LD between feature <NUM> of first door DA/<NUM> and feature <NUM> of second door DB/<NUM> as first door DA/<NUM> moves from the closed position to the open position and second door DB/<NUM> moves from the closed position to the open position as shown schematically in <FIG>. First member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may be configured to move relative to one another to de-couple movement of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG>. One of first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may comprise recess <NUM> and the other of first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may comprise projection <NUM>. Projection <NUM> may be configured to engage recess <NUM> to couple first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>. When an external force is applied to move first door DA/<NUM> from the open position toward the closed position, at least one of first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> may be configured to flex to disengage projection <NUM> and recess <NUM> to enable first member LM/<NUM> and second member LM/<NUM> to move relative to one another as shown schematically in <FIG>and <FIG>. As shown schematically in <FIG>, link LK/<NUM> may be configured to increase in length from LD to LE in response to movement of first door DA/<NUM> from the open position toward the closed position to enable second door DB/<NUM> to remain in the open position. As shown schematically in <FIG>, link LK/<NUM> may be configured to decrease in length from LD to LR in response to movement of second door DB/<NUM> from the open position toward the closed position to enable first door DA/<NUM> to remain in the open position.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, link LK/<NUM> may comprise a length LD. Link LK/<NUM> may configured to maintain length LD to couple movement of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> and link LK/<NUM> may be configured to change from length LD to a length LE or a length LR to decouple movement of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in <FIG>, a vehicle interior component <NUM> may comprise a base <NUM>, a first door DA/<NUM> and a second door DB/<NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, vehicle interior component <NUM> may comprise a link LK/<NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, vehicle interior component <NUM> may comprise a set of springs SP/<NUM>. Set of springs SP/<NUM> may be configured to move first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> relative to base <NUM> between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG> to at least partially cover the compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG> to uncover the compartment.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in <FIG>, link LK/<NUM> may comprise a first member LM/<NUM>, a second member <NUM>, a third member <NUM>, a fourth member <NUM> and a spring or wire SF/<NUM>. First member LM/<NUM> may comprise a projection <NUM>. Second member <NUM> may comprise a recess <NUM>. Link LK/<NUM> may comprise a coupling <NUM> configured to link first member LM/<NUM> and third member <NUM>. Coupling <NUM> may be configured to facilitate relative movement or relative rotation of first member LM/<NUM> and third member <NUM>. Link LK/<NUM> may comprise a coupling <NUM> configured to link second member <NUM> and fourth member <NUM>. Coupling <NUM> may be configured to facilitate relative movement or relative rotation of second member <NUM> and fourth member <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, first door DA/<NUM> may be movable relative to base <NUM> between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG> to at least partially cover a compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG> to uncover the compartment. Second door DB/<NUM> may be movable relative to base <NUM> between a closed position as shown schematically in <FIG> to at least partially cover a compartment and an open position as shown schematically in <FIG> to uncover the compartment. First door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> may be configured for movement between (a) a first state with first door DA/<NUM> in an open position and second door DB/<NUM> in an open position as shown schematically in <FIG>; (b) a second state with first door DA/<NUM> in a closed position and second door DB/<NUM> in the open position; (c) a third state with first door DA/<NUM> in the open position and second door DB/<NUM> in a closed position; (d) a fourth state with first door DA/<NUM> in the closed position and second door DB/<NUM> in the closed position as shown schematically in <FIG>. First door DA/<NUM> may be configured to remain in the open position as second door DB/<NUM> moves from the open position to the closed position. Second door DB/<NUM> may be configured to remain in the open position as first door DA/<NUM> moves from the open position to the closed position. Vehicle interior component <NUM> may be configured for (a) a coupled state to couple movement of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG> and (b) a decoupled state to de-couple movement of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>and <FIG>, link LK/<NUM> of vehicle interior component <NUM> may be configured to link movement of first door DA/<NUM> and movement of second door DB/<NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG>. First member LM/<NUM> may be configured to move relative to second member <NUM> to enable one of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> to remain in the open position as the other of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM> moves from the open position to the closed position. One of first member LM/<NUM> and second member <NUM> may comprise a recess and the other of first member LM/<NUM> and second member <NUM> may comprise a projection. The projection may be configured to engage the recess to couple first member LM/<NUM> and second member <NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG>. At least one of first member LM/<NUM> and second member <NUM> may be configured to flex to disengage the projection and the recess to enable first member LM/<NUM> and second member <NUM> to move relative to one another. When an external force is applied to move first door DA/<NUM> from the open position toward the closed position, at least one of first member LM/<NUM> and second member <NUM> may be configured to flex to disengage the projection and the recess to enable first member LM/<NUM> and second member <NUM> to move relative to one another.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, link LK/<NUM> of vehicle interior component <NUM> may couple to first door DA/<NUM> at a first feature <NUM> and may couple to second door DB/<NUM> at a second feature <NUM>. Link LK/<NUM> may be configured to substantially maintain a distance LD between feature <NUM> of first door DA/<NUM> and feature <NUM> of second door DB/<NUM> as first door DA/<NUM> moves from a closed position to an open position and second door DB/<NUM> moves from a closed position to an open position as shown schematically in <FIG>. First member LM/<NUM> and second member <NUM> may be configured to move relative to one another to de-couple movement of first door DA/<NUM> and second door DB/<NUM>.

As indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a vehicle interior component may comprise a base providing a compartment, a first door movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position and a second door movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position. The first door and the second door may be configured for movement between (a) a first state with the first door in the open position of the first door and the second door in the open position of the second door; (b) a second state with the first door in the closed position of the first door and the second door in the open position of the second door; (c) a third state with the first door in the open position of the first door and the second door in the closed position of the second door; (d) a fourth state with the first door in the closed position of the first door and the second door in the closed position of the second door. One of the first door and the second door may be configured to remain in the open position in response to movement of the other of the first door and the second door from the open position to the closed position. The vehicle interior component may comprise a link configured to link movement of the first door and movement of the second door from the closed position to the open position. The link may comprise a link assembly. The link may comprise a first member and a second member. The first member may be configured to move relative to the second member to enable one of the first door and the second door to remain in the open position in response to movement of the other of the first door and the second door from the open position to the closed position. One of the first member and the second member may comprise a recess and the other of the first member and the second member may comprise a projection. The projection may be configured to engage the recess to couple the first member and the second member. At least one of the first member and the second member may be configured to flex to disengage the projection and the recess to enable the first member and the second member to move relative to one another.

Claim 1:
A vehicle interior component (C/<NUM>) comprising:
(a) a base (B/<NUM>) providing a compartment;
(b) a cover (T) movable relative to the base (B/<NUM>) comprising a first door (DA/<NUM>) movable between a closed position and an open position and a second door (DB/<NUM>) movable between a closed position and an open position; and
(c) a link (LK/<NUM>) comprising a length and configured to couple the first door (DA/<NUM>) and the second door (DB/<NUM>)
wherein the length of the link (LK/<NUM>) comprises an effective length between a coupling to the first door (DA/<NUM>) and a coupling to the second door (DB/<NUM>) charactrized in that the effective length of the link (LK/<NUM>) comprises a default length to couple movement of the first door (DA/<NUM>) with movement of the second door (DB/<NUM>),
wherein the effective length of the link (LK/<NUM>) comprises an extended length or a retraced length when the first door (DA/<NUM>) is moved independently of the second door (DB/<NUM>);
wherein the component comprises a link mechanism comprising the link (LK/<NUM>);
wherein the link mechanism comprises a tab (<NUM>) and a retainer (RT/<NUM>) configured to engage to retain the effective length of the link (LK/<NUM>) in the default length;
wherein the tab (<NUM>) and the retainer (RT/<NUM>) are configured to disengage to allow the effective length of the link (LK/<NUM>) to move to a retracted length or the extended length;
wherein the link (LK/<NUM>) is configured to flex at the tab (<NUM>) and the retainer (RT/<NUM>) to disengage to allow the effective length of the link (LK/<NUM>) to be moved from the default length.