Bin for a vehicle console having orthogonally positioned walls attached at living hinges

• US 10,399,502 B2
• Filed: 01/09/2018
• Issued: 09/03/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Thomas, Gregory
• Primary Examiner(s): Pedder, Dennis H
• Application Number:
  US15/865,470
• Publication Number:
  US 20190210536A1
• Time in Patent Office: 602 Days
• Field of Search: 296 2434, 296 378, 220 6, 220 7, 220 62, 224404, 224432, 312259, 312258, 3122571
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2045/0093 of articles provided with an attaching element
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/0081 of objects with parts connected by a thin section, e.g. hinge, tear line
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2007/00 Flat articles, e.g. films or sheets B29L2024/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/22 Hinges , pivots
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/00 Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0262 Mid-console liners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0007 Mid-console
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0052 using screws, bolts, rivets or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/04 in driver or passenger space , e.g. using racks B60R7/005, B60R7/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/0202 and loosely interengaged by integral complementary shapes
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/2066 Cooperating flaps fixed together by separate mechanical elements, e.g. staples, clips, straps, labels, tape

Abstract

A vehicle console includes a housing having an interior volume. A console bin is disposed within the interior volume. The console bin is an injection molded member having a base and a plurality of bin walls coupled to the base at living hinges, wherein the plurality of bin walls form an interior surface that extends orthogonally from the base.

Claims

1. A vehicle console comprising:

a housing having an interior volume; and

a console bin disposed within the interior volume, the console bin being an injection molded member having a base and a plurality of bin walls coupled to the base at living hinges, wherein the plurality of bin walls form an interior surface that extends orthogonally from the base, wherein outer edges of the plurality of bin walls includes connecting edges that connect to an upper perimeter of the housing, and wherein at least one of the connecting edges includes a clip member that forms an interference engagement with the housing.

2. The vehicle console of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bin walls are rotationally operable relative to the base from a planar position defined by the plurality of bin walls being co-planar with the base, to a container position defined by the plurality of bin walls being rotated upward to a position orthogonal to the base.

3. The vehicle console of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bin walls are retained in the container position by fasteners installed at vertical seams defined between the plurality of bin walls.

4. The vehicle console of claim 2, wherein the console bin is molded in the planar position.

5. The vehicle console of claim 1, wherein the base is secured to a lower member of the housing via fasteners.

6. The vehicle console of claim 1, further comprising:

a lid that selectively encloses the interior volume; and

a clip member formed within one of the connecting edges of the plurality of bin walls, wherein the clip member selectively engages a latch of the lid to define a closed position of the lid.