VEHICLE INTERIOR COMPONENT
An adjustable vehicle armrest and tambour door is disclosed. A vehicle armrest is designed to allow for sliding movement between a retracted position and an extended position to adjust armrest length as desired by the vehicle occupant. A tambour door is disposed over at least part of the armrest and may be moved forward and backward to allow access to storage within the armrest or a support structure. The armrest is supported by sliding structures (e.g. engaged rails, et.) and the tambour door is supported by tracks (fixed or stationary). The tambour door may be fully supported as it moves forward and backward regardless of the retracted position or extended position of the armrest.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/414,605 titled “ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE ARMREST AND TAMBOUR DOOR” filed Jan. 13, 2015.
The present application claims priority from and the benefit of and incorporates by reference in entirety of the following applications: (a) U.S. application Ser. No. 14/414,605 titled “ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE ARMREST AND TAMBOUR DOOR” filed Jan. 13, 2015; (b) International Application No. PCT/US2013/050320 titled “ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE ARMREST AND TAMBOUR DOOR” filed Jul. 12, 2013; (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/671,376 titled “ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE ARMREST AND TAMBOUR DOOR” filed Jul. 13, 2012.
FIELDThe present invention relates to a vehicle interior component. The present invention also relates to a console for a vehicle interior. The present invention further relates to an adjustable armrest with a tambour door.
BACKGROUNDIt is known to provide vehicle interior components. It is also known to provide an armrest for the vehicle interior. It is also known to provide an adjustable armrest with a tambour door.
It would be advantageous to provide an improved adjustable armrest with a tambour door. It would also be advantageous for the improved adjustable armrest to adjust in length. It would also be advantageous for the tambour door to slide into a concealed space when the tambour door is opened to reveal a storage compartment with the armrest.
SUMMARYThe present invention relates to a console for a vehicle interior. The console comprises a support structure, a tambour door and an armrest comprising a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be configured to increase the length of the armrest.
The present invention also relates to a console for a vehicle interior. The console comprises a support structure, a tambour door and an armrest comprising a storage volume. The armrest is configured for adjustment from a first state with the armrest comprising a first length to a second state with the armrest comprising a second length different than the first length.
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment, a central tambour door 28 is provided between or within frame-like sides or edges of the armrest. According to an exemplary embodiment, the armrest system may provide a tambour door that does not extend as far forward or that may cover only a portion of the armrest; tambour door may fit under concealing portions of the armrest elements. The armrest itself (or any or all of the components) may be padded to provide added comfort. The components may be made of an injection moldable plastic material which may be assembled in any suitable conventional manner (via fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc.). Tambour door 28 (which forms part of the armrest) may provide a surface that serves as an armrest; the material and construction of tambour door 28 may provide a comfortable (e.g. cushioned) surface on which the vehicle occupant may rest between seats 14; occupants on either side of the assembly may rest arms on tambour door 28.
According to an exemplary embodiment, certain internal components of the new armrest and tambour door system are in retracted position (see
According to an exemplary embodiment, the support structures shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment, tracks are provided to support tambour door 28. According to an exemplary embodiment, stationary track 42 remains in place in support structure 20 and extends backward from the slidable armrest into support structure 20 (at a non-zero angle) vertically with a smooth bend to accommodate movement of tambour door 28. A sliding or movable track 44 is sliding support of tambour door 28 in the retracted position (see
According to an exemplary embodiment,
According to an exemplary embodiment, stationary track 42 is supported by stationary rail 38; stationary track 42 has a smooth bend to guide tambour door 28 backward into support structure 20 (e.g. the console). Sliding or movable track 44 is supported by sliding rail 40 and is advanced and retracted with sliding rail 40 to provide continuous support of tambour door 28. Each of the track structures forms a channel 56 in which tambour door 28 is received and supported.
According to an exemplary embodiment,
According to an exemplary embodiment,
According to an exemplary embodiment,
According to an exemplary embodiment,
According to an exemplary embodiment,
According to an exemplary embodiment,
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the inventive concepts and inventions as described in this application and as shown in the figures above is illustrative only. Although some embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.
It is important to note that the apparatus of the present inventions can comprise conventional technology (e.g. as implemented in present configuration) or any other applicable technology (present or future) that has the capability to perform the functions and processes/operations indicated in the FIGURES. All such technology is considered to be within the scope of the present inventions and application.
Claims
1. A console for a vehicle interior comprising: wherein the second portion is configured to increase the length of the armrest.
- (a) a support structure;
- (b) a tambour door; and
- (c) an armrest comprising a first portion and a second portion;
2. The console of claim 1 wherein the second portion of the armrest slides with respect to the first portion.
3. The console of claim 2 wherein the tambour door is configured to slide with the second portion.
4. The console of claim 3 wherein the tambour door is further configured to slide with respect to the second portion.
5. The console of claim 4 wherein the tambour door is at least partially hidden within the first portion.
6. The console of claim 4 wherein the tambour door is configured to pass through or into the first portion when it slides with respect to the second portion.
7. The console of claim 4 wherein the tambour door is releasably fastened to the armrest by at least one of (a) a mechanically engaging detent; (b) a magnet.
8. The console of claim 1 wherein the armrest comprises a storage volume.
9. The console of claim 8 wherein the tambour door is configured to cover the storage volume.
10. The console of claim 9 wherein the support structure comprises a first rail configured to support the armrest and wherein the armrest comprises a second rail configured to slide with respect to the first rail to extend the length of the armrest.
11. The console of claim 10 further comprising a first track configured to support the tambour door and a second track configured to slide with respect to the first track to allow the tambour door to slide relative to the support structure and the armrest.
12. The console of claim 11 wherein the first rail supports the first track, the second rail supports the second track and the first track, the second track, the first rail and the second rail are configured to support the tambour door.
13. A console for a vehicle interior comprising: wherein the armrest is configured for adjustment from (a) a first state with the armrest comprising a first length to (b) a second state with the armrest comprising a second length different than the first length.
- (a) a support structure;
- (b) a tambour door; and
- (c) an armrest comprising a storage volume;
14. The console of claim 13 wherein the tambour door is configured to cover the storage volume in the first state and the second state.
15. The console of claim 13 wherein the tambour door is configured to slide with respect to the armrest to uncover the storage volume in the first state and in the second state.
16. The console of claim 13 wherein the tambour door is releasably fastened to the armrest by at least one of (a) a mechanically engaging detent; (b) a magnet.
17. The console of claim 13 wherein the support structure comprises a first rail configured to support the armrest and wherein the armrest comprises a second rail configured to slide with respect to the first rail to extend the length of the armrest.
18. The console of claim 17 further comprising a first track configured to support the tambour door and a second track configured to slide with respect to the first track to allow the tambour door to slide relative to the support structure and the armrest.
19. The console of claim 18 wherein the first rail supports the first track, the second rail supports the second track and the first track, the second track, the first rail and the second rail are configured to support the tambour door.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 19, 2016
Publication Date: Sep 21, 2017
Patent Grant number: 10077003
Inventors: Ronald Bozio (Holland, MI), Craig D. Flowerday (Holland, MI), Scott Hansen (Holland, MI), Jason M. Hipshier (Hudsonville, MI)
Application Number: 15/242,137