Adjustable Stowage Compartment

Abstract

An adjustable stowage compartment that can be maneuvered from a closed to various open positions, for use in a vehicle that provides a temporary easily accessible stowage compartment that functions to provide stowage space, secure and reduce the jostling or shifting of personal items, food and liquids, by a person or the motions of a moving vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/115,315, filed Nov. 17, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant invention is related to an adjustable stowage compartment that functions to provide a stowage area, for example in the cockpit area of an automotive vehicle, that can be adjusted from a closed position to various open positions dependent upon the size of the stowage area desired by a user.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle cockpits employ a number of stowage compartments, most typically at least a glove box, a center console armrest/stowage box, and one or more cubby holes. In upscale vehicles, the cockpit may also employ additional stowage compartments built into the instrument panel and/or center console. To keep the cost of manufacture low for lower scale and/or entry-level vehicles, automakers typically provide cockpits that are sparse and lack many of the typical stowage compartments. Thus, a user of the lower scale and/or entry-level vehicle typically must endure a spartan console that lacks desirable amenities.

Additionally, users usually differ on the amount of stowage space they desire. For example, users that do not normally have many items to stow may prefer a more spacious passenger cabin such as additional leg room. However, these same users may at some point desire additional temporary stowage space on those occasions when they have more than their typical amount of items to be stored. Alternatively, users may find that they always prefer additional stowage compartments over leg room and would prefer a cockpit with more stowage space.

Furthermore, providing sufficient easily accessible stowage compartments are important for effective and comfortable user interaction within the vehicle. Awkward and uncomfortable movements of the user required to reach or grab items that are loose in the vehicle can result in inefficient operation, and can place a driver and passengers into distracting, unsafe situations, which can result in accidents, injury, or the like.

Normally, a driver places his or her personal items such as a purse or business bag on the empty passenger seat or on the floor of the passenger side foot well. This is usually done because it is convenient and the driver can gain quick access to an item in the purse or business bag. Often the purse or business bag will have shifted out of the driver's reach during travel and may result in the driver having to bend and stretch in an unsafe manner (during operation of the vehicle) in order to retrieve the purse or business bag.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a console that is cost-effective for the manufacturer and provides adaptable ergonomic characteristics and preferences to a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally described, a user of embodiments of the instant invention is provided with an adjustable stowage compartment that is easily accessible and allows the user to adapt the stowage space according to the user's needs. Additionally, the embodiments of the instant invention are cost effective because they may be formed from soft flexible materials that are lighter in weight than typical manufactured molded hard plastic or metal forms thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle.

One or more embodiments of the present invention employs an adjustable stowage compartment that provides a compartment that may open and unfold to form a stowage area that can store an item between the adjustable stowage compartment and the vehicle architecture. The compartment may be situated in a location, such as the passenger side foot well, that provides for safe stowage that does not obstruct the driver, but at the same time, is easily accessed with little or no unsafe movement required by the driver. When the user desires to remove the item from the collapsible compartment, it can be folded back to lay flush with the center console to allow for passenger leg room.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an adjustable stowage compartment includes a compartment that may be attached to an object, such as a portion of a vehicle cockpit, by an anchoring apparatus. The adjustable stowage compartment may include a plurality of surfaces including a stationary surface, an opposing moveable surface, a peripheral surface and a lower surface. The surfaces may be in such orientation to one another that they form a stowage area. The stowage compartment may be maneuvered through a series of positions including a closed position and one or more open positions, each open position set to a particular stowage area size. It is contemplated that a user may position the compartment to the stowage area size that is desired.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention the surfaces of the compartment may include a frame optionally enclosed by a cover. It is contemplated that the cover may either be a soft flexible covering or a semi-rigid or rigid molded covering.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the frame may include a stationary panel, an outer panel, and at least one lower pivoting bracket arms. It is contemplated that the panels are connected by the pivoting brackets through a plurality of joints having a hinge mechanism. The joints may connect the ends of the brackets to a stationary ledge member extending transversely from the stationary panel and an outer ledge member extending transversely from the outer panel. It is contemplated that the frame is operative to move from the closed position to one or more open positions by rotating about a pivot shaft of the hinge mechanism.

Additionally, the frame may also include a peripheral panel that corresponds to the peripheral surface. It is contemplated that when the frame is used in combination with the flexible cover the peripheral surface may be soft and flexible (e.g., without a frame) or rigid (e.g., with a frame) to provide strength and shape to the collapsible compartment.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the joints may include a variety of movement retarding mechanisms that operate to lock and hold the compartment in the closed and various open positions. A small to medium amount of force would be needed to maneuver the compartment through the different positions. Such movement retarding mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a detent apparatus or a ratchet apparatus.

It is contemplated that the various panels of the frame are rigid such that it maintains its shape, and is resistant to breaking or snapping. The panels may include cut-outs of various shapes and sizes that are dispersed amongst structural supports and function to maintain rigidity while reducing the overall weight of the panels. In another example, the panels may be solid throughout and serve as the walls of the collapsible compartment.

It is contemplated that a portion of one or more of the panels and brackets of the frame, and optionally a section of the vehicle cockpit may be covered with the flexible cover that operates to provide a soft and secure stowage area and provide an aesthetically pleasing cockpit. It is contemplated that the flexible cover may be adhered or attached to the panels at specific connection points that function to allow the flexible cover to fold and separate from the frame panels when opening or closing the collapsible compartment. As the compartment is maneuvered from the closed to open positions, it is contemplated that the flexible cover may fold and unfold along foldable crease lines that operate to fold the flexible cover in a flat and flush orientation. It is contemplated that the flexible cover may be removable and thus provides the user with the option to use the adjustable stowage compartment without the flexible cover.

It is also contemplated that one or more of the panels and brackets may be covered with a semi-rigid or rigid covering. Each panel having the rigid covering may be connected to another panel through various mechanisms including but not limited to a joint apparatus or a hinged mechanism as is known to the skilled artisan.

It is also contemplated that a combination of flexible covers and semi-rigid or rigid coverings may be used for a collapsible compartment. For example, a rigid covering may be used to cover the lower pivoting brackets while a flexible cover may be used to cover the outer panel and peripheral panel.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the anchoring apparatus for coupling the compartment to the vehicle may include at least one fastening mechanism disposed on the stationary panel. The fastening mechanism may securely attach to corresponding apertures on the stationary panel and vehicle. For example, it is contemplated that a shaft, such as a screw or bolt may be inserted through apertures disposed on the stationary surface and corresponding apertures on the center console of a vehicle interior.

In another embodiment, the fastening mechanism may permit permanent or removable connection of the compartment to the vehicle. The ability to remove the adjustable stowage compartment allows the user to reduce any bulk that the adjustable stowage compartment may create, and allows the user the option to position the adjustable stowage compartment at a plurality of positions in the vehicle cockpit capable of attaching the adjustable stowage compartment. For example, the fastening mechanism may be in the form of a push-nut assembly and operates by fastening the stationary surface and the vehicle together by a shaft, the shaft having a first deformable stop member and a second stop member. When the compartment is placed on the vehicle, the shaft and first deformable stop member may be forced through an aperture on the vehicle such that the stationary panel may be held snugly in place by the first deformable stop member and the second stop member. When the user desires to detach the compartment the user may do so by pulling loose the compartment by providing sufficient force to pull the shaft and the first deformable stop member back through the aperture.

In another embodiment, the adjustable stowage compartment may include one or more of a power connection, a signal connection and a docking station for electronic devices. Through the use of conductors and terminals, the power and/or signal connection may be located in the compartment or on the console portion directly in contact with the adjustable stowage compartment. For example, a portable music device may be connected to a vehicle sound system and charged via a docking station (having both a power and signal connection) within the compartment. Other electronic devices that may be connected in this manner include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, GPS navigation devices, notebook computers, portable data storage devices, electronic books and digital cameras.

Other aspects, features, advantages, etc. will become apparent to one skilled in the art when the description of the invention herein is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of illustration, there are forms shown in the drawings that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an adjustable stowage compartment in an open position attached to a vehicle console in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the adjustable stowage compartment of FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the adjustable stowage compartment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a frame, shown in an open position, that is suitable for use with one or more embodiments herein in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 4 in a closed position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a frame having an alternative configuration in accordance with at least one further aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a frame having a further alternative configuration in accordance with at least one further aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a partial front view of the frame of FIG. 7 in the open position;

FIG. 8B top view of a stationary ledge of the frame of FIG. 8A, where the frame includes a detent apparatus in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an adjustable stowage compartment having a soft covering in closed and open positions in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adjustable stowage compartment having a semi-rigid or rigid molded cover in closed and open positions in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adjustable stowage compartment having a soft covering in a closed position and integrated with a vehicle console in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In this document, for the purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art, that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

For the purposes of describing various aspects of the present invention, reference may be made to using an adjustable stowage compartment in a center console of a vehicle. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the various embodiments of the adjustable stowage compartment described and claimed herein may have application to many other areas, including the center section of the rear passenger seats, various consoles located in other vehicles including trucks, vans, semi-truck, buses, boats, motor vehicle, or the like.

In particular, the adjustable stowage compartment of the present invention is directed to providing a user with additional temporary stowage space on the vehicle console according to his or her preference.

In one embodiment, the compartment is situated in a location that provides for safe stowage that does not obstruct the driver, but at the same time, is easily accessed with little or no physical movement required by the driver. FIGS. 1-3 are interior views of an automotive vehicle showing a center console of the instrument panel/cockpit employing an adjustable stowage compartment 20. For example, the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may be positioned and attached to a portion of the center console 10 adjacent to the passenger side foot well.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3 the adjustable stowage compartment 20 includes a stationary surface 210, an opposing moveable surface 220, and an anchoring apparatus 300. As shown, the stationary surface 210 may be spaced apart and substantially parallel to the opposing moveable surface 220, the stationary surface 210 and the opposing moveable surface 220 are connected by a coupling mechanism having one or more pivoting bracket arms 640A and 640B and one or more hinge mechanisms at joints 650A, 650B, 650C and 650D. The adjustable stowage compartment 20 may further include a peripheral surface 230 extending between and in communication with the stationary surface 210 and opposing moveable surface 220, and a lower surface 240.

The adjustable stowage compartment 20 may be positioned in various open and closed positions. For example, when the adjustable stowage compartment 20 is in a closed position (e.g., little or no stowage capability), the opposing moveable surface 220 lays in a substantially flat and flush parallel orientation to the stationary surface 210 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment when closed, the lower surface 240 may be folded and also lay in a substantially flat and flush orientation disposed between the stationary surface 210, the opposing moveable surface 220 and the peripheral surface 230. When a user desires to stow an item in the adjustable stowage compartment 20, the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may be positioned in a number of open positions. In an open position, various sized stowage areas 40 may be created by moving the opposing moveable surface 220 in a direction away from the stationary surface 210 to a spaced apart position while still maintaining a parallel orientation (FIG. 3). As the distance increases between the stationary surface 210 and opposing moveable surface 220, the peripheral surface 230 and lower surface 240 become transversely oriented to the stationary surface 210 and opposing moveable surface 220, thereby forming the stowage area 40. When the stowage area 40 is no longer desired, the opposing moveable surface 220 may be moved back towards the stationary surface 210 to a flat and flush parallel orientation.

As depicted in FIGS. 4-6, the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may include a frame 600. The illustrations of the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1-3 do not show the frame 600 because, if employed, the frame 600 is hidden by at least of the stationary surface 210, opposing moveable surface 220, peripheral surface 230 and lower surface 240. For example, in FIGS. 1-3, the frame 600 may be enclosed by a cover. If such cover is employed, it may be a soft flexible covering or a semi-rigid or rigid molded covering as will be discussed later in this description. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, however, the frame 600 is not covered. The frame 600 may include a stationary panel 610 and a moveable panel 620. The stationary panel 610 and moveable panel 620 may be parallel to one another and connected by one or more pivoting brackets 640A, 640B, each having first and second terminal ends, 642 and 644, respectively. The stationary panel 610 may include a transversely extending stationary ledge member 612. The moveable panel 620 may include a transversely extending outer ledge member 622. In one embodiment, the stationary ledge 612 and the outer ledge 622 may be disposed along an entire length of, or a portion of, a corresponding bottom edge 614 and 624 of the respective stationary panel 610 and moveable panel 620. It is contemplated that the stationary panel 610 and the moveable panel 620 are oriented with respect to one another such that the stationary ledge 612 and outer ledge 622 are directed towards each other.

As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, communication between the lower pivoting brackets 640A and 640B and the stationary panel 610 or moveable panel 620 may be made at one of a plurality of joints 650A, 650B, 650C and 650D, each joint having a hinge mechanism. Preferably, the joints 650 may be established via connection of the first and second terminal ends 642 and 644 of the brackets 640A and 640B to pre-determined positions on the stationary ledge 612 and the outer ledge 622, respectively. As the frame 600 is maneuvered between the closed and various open positions, the brackets 640A and 640B and outer ledge 622 rotate about the joints 650 and the stationary ledge 612. The length of the outer ledge 622 and stationary ledge 612 extending from their respective panels may be sized and shaped such that the brackets 640 are sandwiched in a substantially flush orientation with the panels 610 and 620 when the frame 600 is in the closed position. The terminal ends 642 and 644 of the brackets 640 are sized and shaped such that the brackets 640 can freely rotate about the joints 650 from the closed to the various open positions. For example, the terminal ends 642 and 644 may be angled or curved to provide sufficient clearance between the brackets 640 and the stationary panel 610 and moveable panel 620.

It is contemplated that the various panels of the frame 600 are rigid and may be formed of metal, plastic, wood or any suitable material that maintains its shape, and is resistant to breaking or snapping. The panels 610, 620 may be formed in sheets, mesh, or other suitable configurations, as will be apparent to a skilled artisan. In one example, the panel 620 may include cut-outs 602A, 602B and 602C of various shapes and sizes that function to maintain rigidity while reducing the overall weight of the panel.

In another embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, the frame 600 may include a peripheral panel 630. The stationary panel 610 and moveable panel 620 may be connected by the peripheral panel 630 such that in the closed position the peripheral panel 630 is in a flush and flat orientation with the stationary panel 610 and moveable panel 620. In the open position, the peripheral panel 630 is transverse to the stationary panel 610 and moveable panel 620 (in a similar orientation as surface 230 in FIG. 3). It is contemplated that the stationary panel 610 and/or the moveable panel 620 may be connected to the peripheral panel 630 by fasteners 632 such as but not limited to a hinge mechanism, or any other mechanism that is well known to a skilled artisan. Such fasteners may be formed of metal, plastic, flexible material or any suitable material that maintains its shape and is resistant to tearing, ripping, breaking or snapping.

FIGS. 7 and 8A illustrate a frame 600A having an alternative configuration. FIG. 7 illustrates the frame 600A in an exploded view, while FIG. 8A shows a partial front view thereof. The joints 650 may include an aperture sized and shaped to receive a pivot shaft that may be held in place by a nut or the like, about which the moveable panel 620 and lower pivoting brackets 640 may rotate relative to the stationary panel 610. The adjustable stowage compartment 20 may further include a movement retarding mechanism 660 adjacent to the joints 650, which are operative to hold the panels 610 and 620 and the lower pivoting brackets 640 in the closed or various pre-determined open positions. As shown, the pivoting brackets 640 are bent in such a way as to allow the pivoting brackets 640 to be oriented in a flush configuration when in the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 7, the movement retarding mechanism 660 may be a snap over detent apparatus. The snap over detent apparatus may include mechanisms and techniques known to one skilled in the art. The snap over detent may be positioned adjacent to one or more joints 650. In this example, the snap over detent may lock and hold the frame 600A in the closed position such that when the snap over detent is released, the frame 600 may freely open to any open position.

Now referring to FIGS. 8A-8B the movement retarding mechanism 660 may be a spring-loaded detent apparatus. The detent apparatus may include mechanisms and techniques known to one skilled in the art. In one example, the detent apparatus may include a plurality of spaced apart receptacles 672 disposed on one or more of the stationary ledge 612 and/or outer ledge 622, that are sized and shaped to receive a protrusion 673. As is known in the art, the protrusion 673 may be spring loaded such that it is biased toward and, engages the receptacle 672 to create a locked holding orientation. A plurality of locked holding orientations are preferably provided when the adjustable stowage compartment 20 is in the closed position and one of a plurality of the pre-determined open positions. Thus, the receptacles 672 are preferably disposed along respective paths over which the protrusions 673 travel as the brackets 640A, 640B pivot. Maneuvering the adjustable stowage compartment 20 to different positions requires applying sufficient force to disengage the protrusions 673 from given receptacles 672, pivoting the brackets 640A, 640B to a new position such that the protrusions 673 engage different receptacles 672 and snap into a new locked holding orientation.

To use the adjustable stowage compartment 20 a user maneuvers the frame 600 or 600A from the closed to an open position, or vice versa, by applying sufficient force to release the detent apparatus movement retarding mechanism 660 from the locked holding orientation such that the outer panel 620, peripheral panel 630 and pivoting brackets 640 rotate about the joints 650 relative to the stationary panel 610. During maneuvering, the spring-loaded detent apparatus urges the protrusion 673 to engage one of the receptacles 672. Once in the locked holding position, the detent apparatus functions to hold the frame 600 or 600A in the held position until the user desires to change such position. The stowage area 40 is thus created so the user may insert any item the user wishes to safely stow and have easy access to.

It is also contemplated that the movement retarding mechanism 660 as depicted in FIG. 7 may include a ratchet apparatus having a first and second opposing set of teeth that operates to maneuver the frame 600A through a closed position to a series of open positions corresponding to the sized teeth of the ratchet apparatus. For example, the first set of teeth may be disposed on the stationary ledge 612 around the joint 650 and the opposing second set of teeth disposed on the pivoting bracket 640 around the joint 650. The first and second opposing set of teeth engage each other when the pivoting bracket 640 is connected to the stationary ledge 612 at the joint 650. The movement retarding mechanism 660 further includes a ratchet release mechanism that operates to disengage the teeth and allow the ratchet to reset the frame 600A to the open or closed position.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the apparatus may include a soft flexible cover 400 that encloses one or more of the panels and brackets of the frame 600. For example, the flexible cover 400 may enclose the moveable panel 620 and the peripheral panel 630. Alternatively, when the adjustable stowage compartment 20 does not include the peripheral panel 630, the flexible cover 400 may be employed to provide the peripheral surface 230. The flexible cover 400 may be sized and shaped to slip over the panels and brackets to a snug orientation. It is also contemplated that the flexible cover 400 may be attached to the various panels by cover connectors (not shown) that operate to hold the flexible cover 400 in place during movement of the moveable panel 620, the brackets 640, and in some instances the peripheral panel 630, in order to allow the necessary movement of the parts to result in the desired folding pattern. The flexible cover 400 may further include foldable creases 420 that may be positioned along the flexible cover 400, for example, at locations corresponding to where the various panels and brackets meet and move relative to one another. For example, as the frame 600 is maneuvered between the closed and various open positions, the flexible cover 400 is guided by the moving frame 600 and the foldable creases 420 and further separates from the frame 600 to fold or bend in the desired folding pattern such that the flexible cover 400 lays flat. The specific folding pattern of the flexible cover 400 results in a flat orientation that does not obstruct the passenger leg room. When the frame 600 is maneuvered to the open position, the flexible cover 400 is guided by the moving frame 600 and the foldable creases 420 and unfolds into the open orientation.

The pre-positioned cover connectors may take various forms. For example, the cover connectors may be an adhesive holding one of the panels and flexible cover 400 together. In another example, the cover connectors may include any fastener known to a skilled artisan such as hook and loop fasteners, stitching, buttons, clips, pins or the like.

The flexible cover 400 may be formed from a flexible material, such as fabric of vinyl, cotton canvas, laminated cotton, leather, carbon fiber, nylon, or other synthetic fiber, all of which may be coated, waterproofed, impregnated with fire-retardant material or the like.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, the cover may be a rigid molded surface covering 500 disposed around one or a combination of the stationary panel 610, moveable panel 620, peripheral panel 630 and pivoting brackets 640. It is contemplated that the molded surface covering 500 may be attached to the frame 600 by a plurality of the cover connectors (not shown). The molded surface 500 may be formed of rigid structured material, such as metal, plastic, wood or any material that maintains its shape, and is resistant to breaking or snapping. The suitable material is formed in sheets, mesh, or other suitable configuration, as will be apparent to a skilled artisan.

In another embodiment, the frame 600 may include a combination of the flexible cover 400 and the rigid molded surface covering 500. For example, the lower pivoting brackets 640, moveable panel 620 and peripheral panel 630 may be enclosed by the flexible cover 400, and the stationary panel 610 may be enclosed by the rigid molded surface 500. A variety of combinations are available to suit a particular application.

Now referring back to FIGS. 7 and 8A the anchoring apparatus 300 includes one or more fastening devices that operate to securely and snugly attach one or more panels of the frame 600A to an object, for example, a portion of the center console 10. For example, the fastening device may include a shaft, such as a screw, that is sized and shaped to engage corresponding apertures on the frame 600A and center console 10. The anchoring apparatus 300 may be disposed on the stationary panel 610 which then may be attached to the center console 10 such that the fastening device creates a flush and secure connection. As depicted in FIG. 7, the stationary panel 610 includes at least two fastening devices.

The adjustable stowage compartment 20 may be attached to the center console 10 at various locations. For example, the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may be attached to the center console 10 near the passenger leg well such that it opens into the passenger leg well. When in the open position, the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may be in communication, and flush, with the floor of the passenger leg well so that as items are placed in the stowage area 40, the frame 600A is supported by passenger leg well floor. In another example, it is contemplated that the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may be in a position away from the passenger cabin floor such that items in the stowage area 40 may be more easily accessible.

In another embodiment, it is contemplated that a portion of the center console 10 operates as a stationary panel to which the outer panel 620, pivoting brackets 640 and peripheral panel 630 are mounted, and about which such elements are rotated. In such embodiment, the center console 10 would also include an edge on which joints are disposed that function to connect to the brackets 640.

In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the fastening device may be removable such that the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may be removed from the cockpit when desired. It is also contemplated that the center console 10 may be modified to include a plurality of locations where the frame 600 may be attached.

Now referring to FIG. 8A, the removable fastening device may include one or more of: a push-nut assembly, a screw assembly such as a quarter turn screw, a snap closure assembly, a buckle assembly, or other suitable assembly known to a skilled artisan. For example, the push-nut assembly as depicted in FIG. 8A includes a shaft 310 which further includes a flexible first stop member 312 and a second stop member 314. The stationary panel 610 includes a fastening aperture 320 sized and shaped to receive the push-nut assembly shaft 310 such that the second stop member 314 cannot travel through the fastening aperture 320. The apertures 330 of the center console 10 are sized and shaped to snugly engage the push-nut assembly shaft 310. The push-nut assembly shaft 310 and the flexible first stop member 312 are sized to fit through the fastening apertures 320 and 330, while the second stop member 314 cannot. The flexible first stop member 312 fits through the apertures 320 and 330 by way of being temporarily deformed. A moderate pushing force is applied to temporarily deform the flexible first stop member 312. The second stop member 314 and flexible first stop member 312 are situated on the push-nut assembly shaft 310 such that, as the flexible first stop member 312 is forced through the fastening apertures 320 and 330, the second stop member 314 prevents the push-nut assembly shaft 310 from traveling completely through. The distance between the flexible first stop member 312 and the second stop member 314 along the push-nut assembly shaft 310 is adjusted so that a tight and snug fit between the stationary panel 610 and the center console 10 is maintained.

In another embodiment, the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may further include fasteners (not shown) that may attach a portion of the adjustable stowage compartment 20 to the center console 10 when in the open position operative to enhance the rigidity of the open position. Alternatively, the fasteners may be attached when in the closed position operative to reinforce the closed position and prevent inadvertent opening of the adjustable stowage compartment 20. Based on the disclosure herein, a skilled artisan would understand how to implement an attachment/anchoring system design suitable to achieve the desired added strength to the adjustable stowage compartment 20. For example, any one of the fasteners may be applied in a similar fashion.

In another embodiment, the adjustable stowage compartment 20 may include an electrical connection, a signal connection and a docking station for electronic devices. It is contemplated that adjustable stowage compartment 20 may include plug receptacles that are connected to various electronic systems of the vehicle. For example, a portable music device may be connected to a vehicle sound system and charged by docking the portable music device in the adjustable stowage compartment 20 docking station having both a power and signal connection. Other electronic devices that may be connected in this manner include, but are not limited to cellular telephones, GPS navigation devices, notebook computers, portable data storage devices, electronic books and digital cameras.

Now referring to FIG. 11, the flexible cover 400 may extend beyond the adjustable stowage compartment 20 as a cover extension 430 and attach to and/or integrate with a portion of the center console 10. As shown, the flexible cover 400 extends from the peripheral surface 230 and extends rearward along the length of the center console 10. Additionally, the flexible cover 400 may be in parts such that one part of the flexible cover 400 operates to cover the stationary panel 610 while another part of the flexible cover 400 operates to cover the moveable panel 620 and the peripheral panel 630 (and optionally, the pivoting brackets 640).

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable stowage compartment, comprising:

a stationary panel;

an anchoring apparatus that couples the stationary panel to an object;

a moveable panel in an opposing, spaced apart, and substantially parallel relationship with respect to the stationary panel; and

a coupling mechanism operating to move the moveable panel between: (i) a closed position at which a distance between the stationary panel and the moveable panel is at a substantial minimum, and (ii) one or more open positions at which the distance between the stationary panel and the moveable panel increases to form a compartment for storing items.

2. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism includes:

one or more bracket arms, each being coupled to, and pivoting, at one end to the stationary panel and at an opposite end to the moveable panel,

wherein the bracket arms maintain the substantially parallel orientation of the stationary panel and the moveable panel through the closed and open positions.

3. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 2, wherein:

the bracket arms pivot to a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the stationary panel and the moveable panel at the closed position; and

the bracket arms pivot to a transverse orientation with respect to the stationary panel and the moveable panel at the one or more open positions.

4. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism includes at least one of:

a respective hinge mechanism for coupling each end of the respective bracket arms to the stationary panel; and

a respective hinge mechanism for coupling each end of the respective bracket arms to the moveable panel.

5. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 4, wherein at least one of the hinge mechanisms include:

a ledge member extending transversely from one of the stationary panel and the moveable panel; and

a pivot shaft extending from one of the ledge member and the respective bracket arm, and rotationally engaging an aperture located in the other of the ledge member and the respective bracket arm.

6. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 5, wherein the ledge member extends from a lower edge of the one of the stationary panel and the moveable panel.

7. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 2, further comprising a movement retarding mechanism that operates to resist movement of the moveable panel from the closed position and the one or more open positions.

8. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 7, wherein the movement retarding mechanism includes at least one detent apparatus located at one or more of the ends of the bracket arms.

9. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 8, wherein the detent apparatus is selected from the group consisting of a spring-loaded detent and a snap closure detent.

10. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 9, wherein the movement retarding mechanism includes at least one ratchet apparatus located at one or more of the ends of the bracket arms.

11. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

a peripheral panel coupled along an edge thereof to an edge of the stationary panel, and coupled along an opposite edge thereof to an edge of the moveable panel; and

a lower panel coupled along an edge thereof to an edge of the stationary panel, and coupled along an opposite edge thereof to an edge of the moveable panel.

12. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 11, wherein at least one of the peripheral panel and the lower panel pivot at the respective edges thereof as the moveable panel moves between the closed and open positions.

13. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 11, further comprising a flexible cover overlying at least portions of one or more of the stationary panel, the moveable panel, the peripheral panel, and the lower panel.

14. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 13, wherein respective portions of the flexible cover itself form at least one of the peripheral panel and the lower panel.

15. The adjustable stowage compartment of claim 1, wherein the anchoring apparatus operates to removably couple the stationary panel to the object.

16. The adjustable stowage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the object is a center console of a vehicle.

17. An adjustable stowage compartment, comprising:

a stationary panel;

an anchoring apparatus that couples the stationary panel to an object;

a moveable panel in an opposing, spaced apart, and substantially parallel relationship with respect to the stationary panel; and

a coupling mechanism operating to move the moveable panel between: (i) a closed position at which a distance between the stationary panel and the moveable panel is at a substantial minimum, and (ii) one or more open positions at which the distance between the stationary panel and the moveable panel increases to form a compartment for storing items.