Vehicle interior component

• US 10,077,003 B2
• Filed: 08/19/2016
• Issued: 09/18/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Bozio, Ronald, Flowerday, Craig D, Hansen, Scott, Hipshier, Jason M
• Primary Examiner(s): Morrow, Jason S
• Application Number:
  US15/242,137
• Publication Number:
  US 20160355110A1
• Time in Patent Office: 760 Days
• Field of Search: 296 2434, 296 378, 296 3715
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/773 Longitudinal adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/793 for use as storage compartments
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/04 in driver or passenger space , e.g. using racks B60R7/005, B60R7/08 take precedence

Abstract

A vehicle interior component providing a support structure such as an adjustable vehicle armrest may be configured to allow for sliding movement between a retracted position and an extended position to adjust armrest length as desired by the vehicle occupant. A cover such as a tambour door may be provided over at least part of the support structure/armrest and may be opened and closed to allow access to storage within the armrest/support structure. The armrest may be supported by structure such as rails (e.g. sliding/translating rails); a set of tracks may be provided to facilitate movement and provide support for the cover (e.g. tambour door) as the armrest is moved between the retracted position and extended position.

Claims

1. A console for a vehicle interior comprising:

a base comprising a support structure; and

an armrest comprising a stationary portion fixed to the support structure of the base and a moveable portion;

wherein the armrest comprises a tambour door; and

wherein the moveable portion is configured to move relative to the support structure of the base to increase the length of the armrest.

2. The console of claim 1 wherein the moveable portion of the armrest slides with respect to the stationary portion.

3. The console of claim 2 wherein the tambour door is configured to slide with the moveable portion.

4. The console of claim 3 wherein the tambour door is further configured to slide with respect to the moveable portion.

5. The console of claim 4 wherein the tambour door is at least partially hidden within the stationary portion.

6. The console of claim 4 wherein the tambour door is configured to pass through or into the stationary portion when it slides with respect to the moveable 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:

(a) a support structure;

(b) a tambour door; and

(c) an armrest comprising a storage volume;

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;

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; and

wherein the tambour door is configured to cover the storage volume in the first state and the second state.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. The console of claim 13 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.

17. The console of claim 16 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.

18. A console for a vehicle interior comprising:

(a) a support structure;

(b) a tambour door; and

(c) an armrest comprising a storage volume;

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;

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; and

wherein the tambour door is releasably fastened to the armrest by at least one of a mechanically engaging detent;

a magnet.

19. The console of claim 18 wherein the tambour door is configured to cover the storage volume in the first state and the second state.

20. The console of claim 18 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.