Package and article carriers – Vehicle attached – Complementary to vehicle
Utility Patent
1998-09-25
2001-01-02
Newhouse, Nathan J. (Department: 3727)
Package and article carriers
Vehicle attached
Complementary to vehicle
C220S505000, C220S525000, C220S345500, C296S037800
Utility Patent
active
06168059
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a storage compartment with a displaceable lid arrangement as known, for example, from German patent document DE 196 46 809 A1.
An object of the present invention is to improve the functionality and external appearance of a storage compartment of this kind.
This and other objects and advantages are achieved by the storage compartments with a displaceable lid arrangement, where instead of the cover shutter of the known storage compartment, an arrangement of two sliding lids is provided. To open or close the storage compartment, the sliding lids are simultaneously moved away from one another or toward one another. In this way, the storage compartment (starting with the two lids in the closed position) is initially exposed in its middle area and then to the edge areas. As a result, an advantageous access to objects inside the storage compartment is achieved. In addition, the storage compartment according to the invention has an attractive external appearance. This pleasing appearance is further enhanced by the original movement pattern of the lids when the storage compartment is opened.
The term “lid” includes all types of covers, for example rigid lids, flexible lids, shutters, etc.
In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the storage compartment has a “surprise effect.” In essence, depending on the choice of the movement direction of the handle, two different storage compartments are opened to the user. This is achieved by connecting a small additional compartment to the handle, so that in one direction of movement of the handle the storage compartment is displaced together with the lid on top of it to open the compartment so that the other storage compartment does not appear. By moving the handle in the other direction, on the other hand, the additional compartment is pushed beneath and over the entire width of the storage compartment. In this way, with one handle that can be moved in various directions, two different compartments can be opened which subsequently appears to the customer to be located in the same place.
In addition to the surprise effect of this storage compartment according to the invention, an expanded usability is also achieved, since on the one hand the additional compartment can be used for small objects such as coins, keys, etc. and on the other hand the larger storage compartment located beneath can be used for larger objects space requirement. The additional compartment can also hold operating elements that do not control primary vehicle functions (for example, a keypad for a telephone).
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the handle is coupled to the two lids by a rocker that is guided in guide paths which are staggered vertically and as a result is pivoted accordingly. Access to the driving elements of the corresponding lid is gained by pivoting the handle.
In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, the lid can also be magnetically coupled to the handle.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the simultaneous movement of the two lids is effected by a cable that reverses the direction of movement by an intersecting path.
In still another embodiment according to the invention, the lids are coupled together by a gear that produces a movement of the two lids in opposite directions. Instead of pinion coupling by the gear, it is also possible to have frictional coupling by a roller, or the like.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 698558 (1902-04-01), Rosenbaum
patent: 1265148 (1918-05-01), Warren
patent: 2097480 (1937-11-01), Visser
patent: 3022107 (1962-02-01), Daniels
patent: 3481506 (1969-12-01), Vevirit et al.
patent: 4512503 (1985-04-01), Gioso
patent: 4809897 (1989-03-01), Wright, Jr.
patent: 4854632 (1989-08-01), Kreuze et al.
patent: 5884799 (1999-03-01), Korber et al.
patent: 196 46 809 A1 (1998-05-01), None
patent: 19646809A1 (1998-05-01), None
patent: 0659970A2 (1995-06-01), None
patent: 2549787 (1985-02-01), None
patent: 59-102637 (1984-06-01), None
patent: 95/00361 (1995-01-01), None
German Search Report, Aug. 23, 1999.
Kazaks Alex
Klatt Alexander
Raff John
Salenbauch Hermann Juergen
Segal Leon
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Evenson, McKeown, Edwards & Lenahan P.L.L.C.
Newhouse Nathan J.
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