Dual opening sliding console for use with a vehicle

Details Dual opening sliding console for use with a vehicle Dual opening sliding console for use with a vehicle

1999-09-27

2001-06-26

Wilkens, Janet M. (Department: 3636)

Supports: cabinet structure

With movable components

Plural, oppositely pivoted, parallel axes

C016S323000, C049S326000, C049S193000, C220S812000, C220S813000, C220S817000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06250729

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a console for use with a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dual opening console with a slidable armrest assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to provide a console between the driver and front passenger seats in an automotive vehicle. The console has many functions. It may operate as an armrest, a storage unit, a writing table or a cup holder. Three types of center consoles exist, those that open on one side, those that open on two sides, and those that open from the front. Each type of console has disadvantages.
Consoles that open on one side only, typically open in a manner that limits access only to the driver of the vehicle. Further, those that open on one side only are not suitable in today's global marketplace; i.e., a console suitable for a right-hand drive vehicle would not be suitable for a left-hand drive vehicle. While they provide access to both the driver and passenger in the front seat, they do not allow access to passengers sitting in the rear seats. Finally, consoles that open on two sides typically utilize a complex dual-hinge system, such systems result in increased manufacturing costs.
Additionally, current console assemblies lack user friendliness in a variety of areas. For example, as stated above, drivers and passengers in the front seats often use the console top as an armrest. However, because people are built differently, sit in vehicle seats differently than others, and sit closer to the steering wheel than others, current consoles are unable to provide user armrests that are uniformly comfortable and adjustable in all positions for all people. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an inexpensive console that provides all drivers and passengers of the vehicle with a comfortable weight bearing surface to act as an armrest at little, if any, additional cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a console for use with a vehicle that has an adjustable armrest assembly. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slidable armrest assembly for a dual opening console.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a slidable console assembly that is user friendly and relatively inexpensive.
In accordance with the objects of the present invention, a console for use with an automobile vehicle is provided. The console includes a compartment having a bottom surface, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front end well, and a rear end well. The compartment has a lid connected thereto with the lid being operative to open from any of the first side or the second side. The lid has a padded weight bearing arm support positioned thereon with the lid and the padded weight bearing arm support being operative to move toward and away from the front end wall and the rear end wall. The lid has a slider assembly which affixes the lid to the compartment to allow such movement of the lid away from any of the front end or the rear end walls.
In accordance with a further object of the present invention, a lock assembly hingeably connects the lid with the compartment such that the lid can be opened from more than one side, but only on one side at a time. The lock assembly includes at least one lock bar located on the lid. The at least one lock bar extends between the opposite side walls or end walls of the compartment. The at least one lock arm rides on two parallel pivot pins. The at least one lock arm snaps onto the pivot pins by a respective flange that allows the lid to open in one direction only at a time.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.


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