Holder for an electronic device

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component and more particularly to a vehicle console or compartment for an electronic device.

[0002] Center consoles in automotive vehicles are well known in the art. Such consoles may be used as an armrest for the convenience and comfort of the vehicle occupants, and to provide storage for maps, note pads, writing instruments, and other articles. Electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players and handheld GPS navigation units may be stored in the center console to conceal them from sight for security purposes, but when use of the device is desired, the occupant has to fumble through the other contents of the console until device is found, and extract the device for use. The user then has to find a suitable resting place for the device where it is accessible and handy for use, and where it is stable so that the device will not fall between the seats or onto the floor.

[0003] A center console is provided having an armrest that is hinged to provide access to a storage bin, and in addition has a compartment for an electronic device such a cellular phone, MP3 player or a handheld GPS navigation unit. The compartment preferably has a hinged cover that closes to conceal the device from sight. A cradle attached to the cover holds the device and presents the device to a user in a convenient position when the cover is open. The armrest may be slid forward relative to the console to position the device close to the radio, in the field of vision of the driver, and permitting connection of the device to the radio if desired.

[0009] Referring in more detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a center console generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The center console comprises a lower base 12 having one or more recesses 14 to receive a cup or other beverage container. The front portion of the base 12 is formed with a tray 16 to hold miscellaneous items such as coins, chewing gum, and the like. A riser portion 18 is mounted on the base 12 and is hollow to provide a storage bin 20 (shown in phantom on FIGS. 3 and 4) for maps and other items.

[0010] The riser portion 18 supports an armrest 22. The armrest 22 comprises a base block 24 that is attached to the riser portion by a hinge 26 that extends along the back end of the armrest. The hinge 26 allows the armrest to pivot to the rear for access to the storage bin 20 in the riser portion 18. An arm cushion 28 is slidably mounted on the base block 24 so that the position of the arm cushion 28 may be adjusted fore and aft as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The front portion of the arm cushion 28 is formed with a compartment 30 best seen in FIG. 2. A cover 32 is provided for the compartment 30 and is shown in the closed position. The cover 32 is attached to the armrest 22 by a pivot connection 33 shown in FIG. 3 so that the cover pivots forward to the open position as shown in FIG. 2. The upper surface of the cover 32 lies flush with the upper surface of the armrest 22. A recess 35 is formed in the surface of the armrest 22 to provide finger access to the rear edge of the cover 32 allowing it to be easily raised from the closed position to the open position. The recess 35 also provides a passageway to the interior of the compartment 30 allowing cables to pass from the compartment to the exterior of the armrest as more fully explained below.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows the armrest 22 with the cover 32 in the open position. A device holder or cradle 34 is mounted on the inside of the cover 32. The cradle 34 comprises two side portions 36 which extend along the sides of the cover 32 and a front retainer portion 38 that holds a device 40 in place when the cover is opened and closed. The cradle 34 is dimensioned to receive a portable electronic device 40 such as cellular phone, MP3 player, a handheld GPS navigation unit, or the like.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the center console of FIG. 1. The arm cushion 28 is slideable relative to the base block 24 between the rearmost position shown in phantom and the forward position shown in full. A power outlet 42 is provided on the outside surface of the riser portion 18. A power cord 54 from the electronic device 40 may be plugged the power outlet 42 to power or charge the electronic device.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the center console of FIG. 1 with the cover 32 in the closed position. The finger recesses 35 provides a passageway to the interior of the compartment 30 to allow a signal cable 56 fitted with a suitable connector 52 to couple the device 40 in the cradle such as an MP3 player to an auxiliary audio input jack 48 on the radio 50 when the cover is closed. Although not shown, the finger recess 35 may also be used to provide a passageway for a power cable from the electronic device 40 so that the electronic device may coupled to the power outlet 42 when the cover 32 is in the closed position without binding or crimping the cable.

[0014] In use, the storage bin 20 in the center console may be accessed by pivoting the armrest 22 rearward around the rear hinge 26. The arm cushion 28 may be slid forward or back as desired to suit the comfort needs of the user. When the compartment cover 32 is in the closed position, the electronic device 40 in the compartment 30 is hidden from view, providing a certain amount of security for the device. When the cover 32 is closed, the electronic device may be coupled to the power outlet or the radio via cables passed through the finger recess 35.

[0015] When the compartment cover 32 is in the open position, the electronic device is readily accessible to the driver or other vehicle occupant. The device may be removed from the holder 34 for use, or left in the holder for hands-free operation. Sliding the armrest 22 forward positions the device close to the radio, ensuring visibility and convenience for the driver.

[0016] Having thus described the invention, various modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art, which modifications and alterations are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.