U.S. patent application number 09/746378 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for removable console assembly for a motor vehicle.
Invention is credited to Kifer, Harlan E., Miner, Mark C., Modick, Thomas W..
Application Number | 20010030436 09/746378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26870817 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010030436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kifer, Harlan E. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Removable console assembly for a motor vehicle
Abstract
A removable console assembly is provided that includes an
upwardly extending main body defining an inner cavity. The main
body has an open upper side and first and second panels pivotally
attached to the main body for providing access to the inner cavity.
A locking mechanism selectively locks both the first and second
panels to the main body to prevent access to the inner cavity. A
mounting assembly is attached to the floor for releasably receiving
the main body. A latching arrangement includes a latch extending
from a bottom surface of the main body and a handle disposed within
the inner cavity for manually operating the latch. An electrical
connector is provided and includes a first and second portions. The
first portion is carried by the mounting assembly and electrically
interconnected to a battery of the motor vehicle. The second
portion in selective electrical communication with the first
portion for providing power to various components of the console
assembly.
Inventors: |
Kifer, Harlan E.;
(Bloomfield Hills, MI) ; Miner, Mark C.; (Oxford,
MI) ; Modick, Thomas W.; (Novi, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark P Calcaterra
DaimlerChrysler Intellectual Capital Corporation
CIMS 483-02-19
800 Chrysler Drive
Auburn Hills
MI
48326-2757
US
|
Family ID: |
26870817 |
Appl. No.: |
09/746378 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60175054 |
Jan 7, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/24.34 ;
224/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 7/04 20130101; B60N
2/773 20180201; B60N 2/793 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/24.1 ;
224/400 |
International
Class: |
B60R 007/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A removable console assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor,
the removable console assembly comprising: a main body defining a
cavity, the main body having at least one open side; at least one
panel providing access to the inner cavity; a latching arrangement
including a handle for manually operating the latching arrangement,
the handle disposed within the inner cavity; and a bracket assembly
for attachment to the floor, the bracket assembly releasably
receiving the main body and including: an electrical connection
mechanism having a first member for permanent electrical connection
with a battery of the motor vehicle and a second member selectively
in electrical engagement with the first member; at least one
mounting point for receiving the latching arrangement for holding
the removable console assembly in position on the bracket assembly;
and an electrical connector for selective electrical contact with
said second member; wherein the console assembly is selectively
releasable from the bracket, for one of either repositioning or
removing the console assembly by operating the handle.
2. The removable console assembly of claim 1, wherein the second
member of the electrical connection mechanism is slidably engaged
with the first member and the electrical connection mechanism
further includes: a first set of connection tabs disposed within
the first member, the first set of connection tabs for permanent
connection with the battery; a second set of connection tabs
disposed on the second member; and at least one spring for biasing
the second member in a first disengaged position such that the
second set of tabs are out of electrical connection with the first
set of connection tabs; wherein the second member is movable to a
second engaged position such that the second set of tabs are in
electrical connection with the first set of connection tabs.
3. The removable console assembly of claim 2, wherein the main body
further includes at least one engagement post for positioning the
second member in the second engaged position when the main body is
received by the mounting bracket.
4. The removable console assembly of claim 1, further including a
light disposed within the inner cavity.
5. The removable console assembly of claim 4, further including an
electrical switch for selectively operating the light.
6. The removable console assembly of claim 1, further including a
cellular phone holder disposed within the inner cavity.
7. The removable console assembly of claim 1, further including a
tissue holder disposed within the inner cavity.
8. The removable console assembly of claim 1, further including a
removable tray disposed within the inner cavity.
9. The removable console assembly of claim 1, further including a
separation wall within the inner cavity, thus defining first and
second sub-cavities within the inner cavity.
10. The removable console assembly of claim 1, further including an
electrical connector disposed within the inner cavity.
11. The removable console assembly of claim 10, wherein the
electrical connector is a 12-volt cigarette type connector.
12. The removable console assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket
assembly functions as a tray when said main body is detached.
13. A removable console assembly for a motor vehicle having a
floor, the removable console assembly comprising: a main body
defining a cavity, the main body having at least one open side; at
least one panel providing access to the inner cavity; a latching
arrangement including a handle for manually operating the latching
arrangement, the handle disposed within the inner cavity; a bracket
assembly for attachment to the floor, the bracket assembly
releasably receiving the main body, the bracket assembly including
at least one mounting point for receiving the latching arrangement
for holding the removable console assembly in position on the
bracket assembly; and wherein the console assembly is selectively
releasable from the bracket by operating the handle, for one of
either repositioning or removing the console assembly.
14. The removable console assembly of claim 13, further including a
cellular phone holder disposed within the inner cavity.
15. The removable console assembly of claim 13, further including a
tissue holder disposed within the inner cavity.
16. The removable console assembly of claim 13, further including a
removable tray disposed within the inner cavity.
17. The removable console assembly of claim 13, further including a
separation wall within the inner cavity, thus defining first and
second sub-cavities within the inner cavity.
18. The removable console assembly of claim 13 further including an
electrical connector disposed within the inner cavity.
19. The removable console assembly of claim 18 wherein the
electrical connector is a 12-volt cigarette type connector.
20. The removable console assembly of claim 13 wherein the bracket
assembly functions as a tray when said main body is detached.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to a provisional
application filed Jan. 7, 2000, and assigned U.S. Ser. No.
60/175,054.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention generally pertains to motor vehicles.
More particular, the present invention pertains to a removable
console for a motor vehicle.
[0004] 2. Discussion
[0005] The comfort and convenience of passenger vehicles has been a
continuous goal of automakers. Significant features available in
vehicles distinguish them from those produced by other automakers,
making them more attractive for purchase by the general public. In
adding such features, automakers must ensure that the overall level
of product safety is maintained.
[0006] One concern for vehicle owners is the storage space
available within a vehicle. To achieve added storage space,
automakers have developed various consoles and other devices and
methods for storage of items. However, consoles and other storage
devices traditionally remain fixed to one location of a vehicle.
This could limit potential interior configurations and offer the
vehicle as an easier target for thieves.
[0007] By way of a non-limiting example, minivans typically have a
second row of seats for additional occupants. Not only would
storage space be required between the driver and the front seat
passenger but also between two additional passengers in the second
row of seats. As is well known, minivans are not only used as
passenger vehicles but also as cargo vehicles. The rear row of
seats are typically removable in order to provide space for larger
cargo items. If a traditional console were to be introduced between
the rear passenger seats, use of the vehicle for large cargo items
would be limited, as the console is not removable. By introducing a
removable console, this problem could be overcome.
[0008] By way of a second, non-limiting example, vehicle security
is a concern for all vehicle owners. Particularly, vehicles with
soft, convertible style tops are more susceptible to break-in, as
the top can be easily torn open. Traditional storage consoles which
are fixed in place, even though locked, are easily broken open once
a thief has entered the vehicle. If a removable console were to be
introduced, vehicle owners could take the complete console and its
contents with them or temporarily locate the console in the vehicle
trunk, effectively removing its access from potential thieves.
[0009] In light of the above examples and in an effort to increase
comfort and convenience for vehicle occupants, it would therefore
be desirable to have a storage console which is not only removable
from but also re-locatable within a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a
removable console for a motor vehicle.
[0011] In one exemplary form, the present invention provides a
removable console assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor. The
removable console assembly includes an upwardly extending main body
portion defining an inner cavity. The main body portion has an open
upper side. The removable console assembly further includes first
and second panels providing access to the inner cavity. The first
panel is pivotally attached to the main body portion adjacent a
forward upper edge of the main body portion The second panel is
pivotally attached to the main body portion adjacent a rear upper
edge of the main body portion. A single locking mechanism is
carried by the main body for selective locking of both of the first
and second panels to the main body portion to prevent access to the
inner cavity. A mounting assembly is attached to the floor
releasably receiving the main body portion. A latching arrangement
includes a latch extending from a bottom surface of the main body
portion and a handle for manually operating the latch. The handle
is disposed within the inner cavity. An electrical connector is
provided including a first portion and a second portion. The first
portion is carried by the mounting assembly and electrically
interconnected to a battery of the motor vehicle. The second
portion releasably and electrically engages the first portion. The
first portion extends from the bottom side of the main body
portion. A 12 volt outlet is disposed within the inner cavity and
electrically connected to the first portion. A lamp is disposed
within the inner cavity and electrically connected to the first
portion.
[0012] Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this
invention relates from a reading of the subsequent description of
the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top view of a vehicle passenger compartment
including a removable console assembly constructed in accordance
with the teachings of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the console assembly shown operatively mounted in a
first position within the passenger compartment of the vehicle;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating the
console assembly operatively mounted in a second position within
the passenger compartment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the console assembly of the
present invention illustrated with first and second panels
articulated to closed positions;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating the inside of the
console assembly having the first and second panels articulated to
open positions;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partially cut away side view of the console
assembly detailing the internal structure of the console
assembly;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the console assembly;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a mounting bracket;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 7
having a bracket cover attached thereto;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a top view of the mounting bracket and mounting
bracket cover of FIG. 8, further illustrating a removable mat for
use when the console assembly is not 10 connected to the mounting
bracket;
[0022] FIGS. 10a and 10b are front and rear perspective views,
respectively, of the console assembly;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a removable tray for
setting in the inner cavity of the console assembly; and
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a removable bracket for
holding a cellular telephone within the console assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Referring generally to the figures, a removable console
assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally
identified at reference numeral 10. As shown in the environmental
views of FIGS. 1 and 2, console assembly 10 is particularly
intended to be removably attached to a floor 24 of a motor vehicle
12.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle 12 is shown to
include a passenger compartment 14 having first and second rows of
vehicle seats. The first row includes a driver seat 16 and a
passenger seat 18. The second row of vehicle seats is located
rearward of the passenger compartment and similarly includes a pair
of seats 20 and 22. In the embodiment illustrated, the seats 16-22
are conventional bucket seats which are conventionally
interconnected to a floor 24 of the motor vehicle 12.
[0027] In the environmental view of FIG. 1, the console assembly 10
is shown operatively attached to the floor 24 between the driver
and passenger seats 16 and 18. In the environmental view of FIG. 2,
the console assembly 10 is alternatively shown attached to the
floor 24 between the seats 20 and 22 of the second row of
seats.
[0028] A base unit 11 is fixedly attached to the floor 24. The base
unit 11 enables selective attachment of the console assembly 10
thereto. As seen in each of FIGS. 1 and 2, the base unit 11 is
accessible when the console assembly 10 is not attached thereto.
Without attachment of the console assembly, the base unit 11 acts
as a simple tray, described in greater detail hereinbelow.
[0029] In one application, the motor vehicle 12 is a minivan.
However, it will become understood by those skilled in the art that
the teachings of the present invention are applicable to various
other motor vehicles including but not limited to trucks and the
like.
[0030] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the console assembly
10. The console 10 includes a main body 30, a first panel 36 and a
second panel 40 for accessing the interior of the console assembly
10. Additionally, the first panel 36 has a latch handle 38 as well
as the second panel 40 having a similar latch handle 42, each
usable for opening the respective panel. The second panel 40 also
forms a recessed area 44 for holding items. The console 10 is
latched on top of the base unit 11 which includes a base plate 32
and a base plate cover 34 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Base plate 32 and
base plate cover 34 will be described in greater detail below.
[0031] Both the first and second panels 36, 40 are pivotaly
attached to the main body 30, by hinges 37,41 respectively, as best
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As depicted, the first and second panels
36, 40 are in an open position. A separation wall 50 runs between
the sides of the main body 30, thus forming a first cavity 52 and a
second cavity 54. Integrated into the top face of the separation
wall 50 is a locking mechanism 56 which is used to selectively lock
the first and second panels 36, 40. A combined map and tissue
holder 58 is integrated into the second panel 40 as well as the
first panel 36 having a detachable cellular phone holder 60. An
electrical connection 67 is disposed within the second cavity 54.
The separation wall 50 also includes a light switch 62 and a
corresponding light 64 that is positioned to light the first cavity
52.
[0032] A latch handle 66 is slidably connected to the separation
wall 50 and is operable to detach the console 10 from the base unit
11. The latch handle 66 is connected to a release mechanism 98 (see
FIG. 6), the details of which will be explained in greater detail
hereinbelow. The latch handle 66 is disposed within a slot 68 and
is biased in a first position. The latch handle 66 can be moved
from the first position (shown) to a second position (shown in
phantom) for activating the release mechanism 98, thus detaching
the console 10 from the base unit 11. Because the latch handle 66
is disposed within the console 10, it is not accessible when the
first and second panels 36,40 are locked.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 6, a first set of interface
connectors 72 extend from a bottom face and are in electrical
communication with other electrical components of the console 10.
Once mounted, the first set of interface connectors 72 mate with a
second set of interface connectors 74 of the base unit 11 (see FIG.
7). Additionally, posts 76 are disposed on either side of the first
set of interface connectors 72 and extend downward from the bottom
face of the console 10. As the console 10 is attached to the base
unit 11, posts 76 act on a connector block 78 (see FIG. 7), sliding
the connector block 78 from a first position to a second position
completing an electrical connection between the base unit 11 and
the console 10.
[0034] The base unit 11 includes a base plate 32 and a base plate
cover 34 as described earlier. The base plate cover 34 is attached
to the base plate 32 via a plurality of screws extending through
apertures 70. FIG. 7 shows the base plate 32 in further detail and
FIG. 8 details the base cover 34. The base plate 32 is attached to
the vehicle floor 24 by way of bolt or screw, through a plurality
of holes 80. The base plate 32 also includes a primary latch
receptor 82 and secondary latch receptors 84. The primary and
secondary latch receptors 82, 84 are accessible through the base
plate cover 34 through corresponding openings 80, 90. Towards a
first end of the base plate 32 is an electrical connection unit 94
that includes an electrical connector 95. It should be noted that
the base plate 32 is preferably in permanent electrical connection
with a vehicle battery (not shown) via the electrical connector
95.
[0035] As best seen in FIG. 6, the bottom of console assembly 10
includes a primary latch 96 and a latch assembly 98 that interface
with the primary latch receptor 82 and secondary latch receptors
84, respectively. The primary latch 96 can be integrally formed
with the bottom of the console assembly 10 or attached thereto
using any one of a number of fastening mechanisms commonly known in
the art. The latch assembly 98 includes a latch plate 100 slidably
attached to the bottom of the console assembly 10. The latch plate
100 includes secondary latches 102 that extend downward from the
console 10. The latch plate 100 is biased in a first direction by
springs 106. The secondary latches 102 each include a sloped face
110. As described previously, the latch assembly 98 is operatively
attached to the latch handle 66. The preferred embodiment of the
present invention includes a cable 114 that operatively
interconnects the latch plate 100 and the latch handle 66. The
biasing force of the springs 106 cause the latch plate 100 to pull
on the cable 114, thus biasing the latch handle 66 in the first
position, as described hereinabove.
[0036] In attaching the console assembly 10 to the base unit 11,
initially, the primary latch 96 is received through opening 88,
into the primary latch receptor 82. The console assembly 10 is then
pivoted downward about the interface between the primary latch 96
and the primary latch receptor 82 until the sloped faces 110 of the
secondary latches 102 rest upon a top surface 116 of the base cover
34, immediately above the openings 90. To finalize attachment, an
operator pushes downward on the console assembly 10, wherein the
downward movement causes the sloped faces 110 of the secondary
latches 102 to ride along the top surface 116 and thus forces the
latch plate 100 to slide against the biasing force of the springs
106. Having slid to a sufficient degree, the secondary latches 102
move downward past the top surface 116 and into the openings 90,
latching with the secondary latch receptors 84. In this manner, the
console assembly 10 is attached to the base unit 11 by the
interface between the primary latch 96, the secondary latches 102
and the primary and secondary latch receptors 82, 84
respectively.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 7, the electrical connection unit 94
will now be described in detail. The electrical connection unit 94
comprises a main body 118, the connector block 78, interface
connectors 74, connector rails 122 and springs 124. The connector
rails 122 are in permanent electrical connection with a vehicle
battery via a connector 95. The interface connectors 74 are in
selective electrical connection with the connector rails 122. The
connector block 78 is slidable within the main body 118 along the
connector rails 122. The springs 124 bias the connector block 78 in
a first position wherein the interface connectors 74 are out of
electrical communication with the connector rails 122. When the
console 10 is attached to the base unit 11, the connector block 78
is slid into a second position wherein the interface connectors 74
contact the connector rails 122. This is achieved by the posts 76,
that extend downward from the console 10, acting on sloped surfaces
126 of the connector block 78, thus pushing the connector block 78
against the biasing force of the springs 124. The second position
enables the connector block 78 to act as a bridge between the
connector rails 122 and the interface connectors 74. The interface
connectors 74 contact the interface connectors 72 extending from
the bottom of the console 10, thus providing power to the console
10. Upon detachment of the console 10, the springs 124 again bias
the connector block 78 to the first position, thus breaking the
bridge between the connector rails 122 and the interface connectors
74.
[0038] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the base plate cover 34 is
configured wherein only the second set of interface connectors 74
remain exposed. As a result of the above described operation of the
electrical connection unit 94 vehicle occupants are safe from an
electrical shock which could occur had the exposed interface
connectors 74 remained in a connected state.
[0039] FIG. 9 depicts the base unit 11 as it would function without
the attached console 10. The base plate cover 34 is selectively
covered by a formed mat 128, made of a material such as a
thermoplastic rubber. A recessed area 130 in the base plate cover
34 functions to hold various items (not shown) during vehicle
operation.
[0040] Front and rear views of the console 10 are shown in FIGS.
10a and 10b, respectively. As shown, the front face of the main
body 30 includes a first recess 132, and the back face of the main
body 30 includes a second recess 134. Used in conjunction, the
first and second recesses 132, 134 serve as handles for holding the
console 10 when not attached to the base unit 11.
[0041] FIG. 11 depicts a holder tray 136 which may be introduced
into the first cavity 52. The holder tray 136 also has several
openings 138 to allow light form the light 64 to pass through.
Implementing the holder tray 136 enables items to be separated
within the first cavity 52. The holder tray 136 is also shown in
phantom in FIG. 5.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows the detachable cellular phone holder 60. The
cellular phone holder 60 comprises two distinct portions which
include a phone holding mechanism 140 and a pen holder 142. The
phone holding mechanism includes first and second flexible
retaining arms 144,146 which flex accordingly to hold varying sizes
of cellular phones. The cellular phone holder 60 can be attached
and removed from the interior of the second cavity 54 using a clip
(not shown) that clips to a bar 61 (see FIG. 4) attached to the
first panel 36.
[0043] While the invention has been described in the specification
and illustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred
embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention
as defined in the claims. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the invention without departing from the essential scope
thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be
limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings
and described in the specification as the best mode presently
contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the
invention will include any embodiments falling within the
description of the appended claims.
* * * * *