Console

The present invention pertains to consoles, and more specifically to an open framework for holding various convenience compartments, trays, and the like.

Conventional vehicles commonly have consoles between bucket seats since this area is conveniently located, easily accessible, and is otherwise wasted space if not used for accessories. Typically, vehicle manufacturers offer several different console designs for different option levels, and further make major styling changes each year to promote new looks. Such consoles typically are of a shell-like construction in which the outer surface is continuous and is molded of a polymeric material. The potential options with such construction are restricted due to limited interchangeability of parts and the cost of carrying additional consoles with different features in inventory. Thus, a console design which offers modern styling and flexibility in features offered is desirable.

The system of the present invention provides an open framework which is particularly adapted for receiving multiple convenience-type components that can be inserted into the framework and securely and easily fastened thereto. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a framework is provided having a generally curvilinear box-like structure with an open top and sides. The framework includes a front portion having an upwardly facing opening and an upright rear portion spaced a distance rearwardly of said front portion. Rails extend rearwardly from the forward portion in a curvilinear rearwardly direction to the rear structure thus creating open top and sides. Multiple components of varying size and function are insertable into the framework as desired, thus creating an easily alterable convenience center specifically tailored to an individual car buyer's wishes. The system is particularly suited for car dealerships and consumers, allowing insertable components to be easily replaced or inserted as add-ons.

These and other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description thereof together with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the console system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the console system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken thru lines III--III of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a component of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a component of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of another component of FIG. 5.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a console system 10 embodying the present invention and which is particularly adapted for mounting to the floor 14 of vehicle 12 between front vehicle seats 16 and 18. As best shown in FIG. 2, console system 10 comprises an open framework or structure 20 for use in removably supporting multiple insertable components. For such purpose, framework 20 has a generally curvilinear box-like shape with open top and sides, with a widened and somewhat flattened front portion 22. Console framework 20 is comprised generally of a base portion 21, a front portion 22, and a rear end portion 24 having a rear end 26. Upper rails 28 and 30 extend between the front and rear ends while central stabilizers 32 and 33 extend between rails 28 and 30. Base 21 is a pan shaped member having a substantially flat surface 34 which mateably engages vehicle floor 14. Attachment holes 36 are strategically located in base 21 to allow attachment of base 21 to floor 14 by methods commonly known in the art such as by using screws and brackets. The edges of base 21 are curved upwardly forming the front panel sides 38 and front 39 of front portion 22 and lower rails 40 and 42 of rearward portion 24. The rear edge of base 21 is bent upwardly to form rear end 26 extending generally vertically upwardly a distance.

Upper rails 28 and 30 extend rearwardly from the upper rear corners of front portion 22 in a parallel curvilinear fashion generally horizontally and slightly upwardly to the upper edge of rear end 26 where rails 28 and 30 are supported vertically and stably spaced laterally. Extending between upper rails 28 and 30 are stabilizers 32 and 33 which extend perpendicularly from rail 28 to rail 30 dividing the upwardly facing console opening into front, middle and rear generally rectangular windows A, B, and C respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, upper rails 28 and 30 have an upwardly oriented elongated cross-section for increased strength. Said cross-section may vary as needed for strength depending upon functional requirements and the characteristics of the material chosen for the frame. The upper surfaces of front portion 22, upper rails 28, 30 and rear end 26 form a continuous and aesthetically pleasing upper perimeter 43 through which various components can be slidably inserted and to which various components mateably attach. Console 10 can be formed from a number of materials including cast or molded metal or plastic as may be desired.

Various components may be inserted into windows A, B, and C. In FIG. 2 a separate coin tray 44 and cassette holder 46 are shown which mateably fit together and slide into the top of front portion 22 through window A. A continuous lip 48 extends around the perimeter of tray 44 and holder 46 such that as tray 44 and holder 46 are placed within window A, lip 48 fits rests on the perimeter 43 of front portion 22, thus hiding unsightly gaps and mismatches due to normal part variation. Tray 44 and holder 46 may be held in place in a number of ways commonly known in the art such as by screws, adhesive, Velcro, or detents 47 which lock under central stabilizer 32, 33 and rails 28,30.

Another component is shown in FIG. 2 which shows a container 50 with a cushioned lid 52 which doubles as an armrest. Container 50 mateably slides into window C. Container 50 is a box-like structure having either a pivotably opening lid 52 which opens about hinge 53 (FIG. 4) or a slidably opening lid 74 (FIG. 6) to provide access to the interior storage chamber 54. Container 50 is designed similarly to tray 44 and holder 46 in that container 50 is provided with a lip 56 for aesthetics and has a retaining means such as screws, adhesive, Velcro or detents. Storage chamber 54 may be of various depths and have various internal subcompartments for storing a variety of items as is commonly known in the art.

A short side panel 58 (FIG. 2) or an elongated side panel 60 (FIG. 5) can be installed on the side of console 10 below upper rails 28, 30 and above lower rails 40, 42 to improve the appearance of and close-off the open sides portion of console 10. In its installed position, shortened side panel 58 extends along the side of console 10 downwardly from upper rails 28, 30 and rearwardly of central stabilizer 33. Alternatively elongated side panel 60 closes off the full opening along side of console 10. Both panels 58, 60 include attachments means commonly known in the art such as fasteners 62 which snap lock into apertures in upper and lower rails 28, 30, 40 and 42.

Window B can be left open for holding purses and such, or can be filled with components similar to Windows A, and C. In FIG. 2, a cupholder as is commonly known in the art such as cupholder 64 is shown inserted into the middle window B of console 10. In the preferred embodiment, cupholder 64 snaps in place and includes a lip 66 similar to tray 44 and holder 46, to close off unsightly gaps between cupholder 64 and support the cupholder on the rails 28, 30 of container 50.

A second embodiment illustrating the flexibility of console 10 is shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, console 10 includes a combination cupholder and change tray 68 mounted in window A, a roll-top covered container 70 mounted in window B, and a slidingly covered lockable container 72 having a lock 73 mounted in Window C. Each of these components includes a retaining means commonly known in the art and a peripheral lip 48'. Various covering methods may be used such as sliding lids 74 (FIG. 6) and 76 (FIG. 7) or hinged lid 52 (FIG. 4). Further, frame 20' is shown absent a base 21, thus depending upon attachment 36' for rigidity and spacing.

Thus, it is seen with system of the present invention, a highly useful, convenient, and flexible console arrangement is provided for storage of personal items and for convenience of the user. In the preferred embodiment, the system is particularly shaped with curvilinear rails which provide modernistic styling and also open framework functionally to assist in retaining the various insertable components. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the preferred embodiment of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.