Modular overhead console assembly

• US 6,926,333 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2003
• Issued: 08/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Sturt, Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): MORROW, JASON S
• Application Number:
  US10/745,063
• Publication Number:
  US 20050134072A1
• Time in Patent Office: 596 Days
• Field of Search: 296/37.7, 296/37.1, 296/214, 296/37.8, 296/193.04
• US Class Current: 296/37.8
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/04 in driver or passenger space , e.g. using racks B60R7/005, B60R7/08 take precedence

Abstract

A modular overhead console assembly is provided on a headliner in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An overhead console housing is configured for securement in a elongated channel of the headliner. The overhead console housing includes an accessory module receiving area including a plurality of slots adapted to receive one or more accessory modules. Each accessory module includes a first console divider, an opposing second console divider and a storage area defined therebetween. A door is pivotally mounted to the first console divider and releasably secured to the second console divider. At least one retainer clip extends from a top surface of each of the first and second console dividers to engage the slots in the accessory module receiving area.

Claims

1. A modular overhead console assembly and headliner combination for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the combination comprising:

a headliner comprising a structural member having an upper surface attachable to a vehicle roof and a lower surface;

an elongated channel formed through the structural member of the headliner;

an overhead console housing configured for securement in the elongated channel in the headliner, the console housing having an upper wall including a plurality of slots, opposing sidewalls extending vertically from the upper wall, a plurality of opposing rails disposed on the sidewalls adjacent the plurality of slots and a lower surface opening to an accessory module receiving area; and

at least one accessory module selectively positionable and removably attachable to the overhead console housing, the at least one accessory module including opposing first and second console dividers mountable between the plurality of opposing rails and defining a storage area therebetween, each having at least one retainer clip extending from a top surface of the console divider to engage the slots in the accessory module receiving area, a door pivotally mounted to the first console divider and releasably secured to the second console divider.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the console divider further comprises a generally vertical sidewall, a horizontal bottom surface, a top surface and at least one retainer clip having one more arms extending from the top surface of the console divider.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the console divider further comprises a handle portion in the generally vertical sidewall to releasably engage the door.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein the door includes a receiving portion adapted to engage the handle portion mounted on the console divider.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein a pair of opposing retainer clips extend upward from the top surface of the console divider to engage a pair of slots in the module receiving area.

6. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a bezel configured to receive one or more vehicle control components secured to the headliner adjacent a forward portion of the console housing.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the bezel is formed as part of the overhead console housing.

8. A modular overhead console assembly for use with a passenger compartment of a vehicle having a headliner, the headliner having an upper surface, a lower surface and an elongated channel formed therein, the assembly comprising:

an overhead console housing configured for securement in the elongated channel in the headliner, the console housing having an upper wall including a plurality of slots, opposing sidewalls extending vertically from the upper wall, a plurality of opposing rails disposed on the sidewalls adjacent the plurality of slots and a lower surface opening to an accessory module receiving area; and

at least one accessory module selectively positionable and removably attachable to the overhead console housing, the at least one accessory module including opposing first and second console dividers mountable between the plurality of opposing rails and defining a storage area therebetween, each having at least one retainer clip extending from a top surface of the console divider to engage the slots in the accessory module receiving area, a door pivotally mounted to the first console divider and releasably secured to the second console divider.

9. The modular overhead console assembly of claim 8 wherein the console divider further comprises a generally vertical sidewall, a horizontal bottom surface, a top surface and at least one retainer clip having one more arms extending from the top surface of the console divider.

10. The modular overhead console assembly of claim 9 wherein the console divider further comprises a handle portion in the generally vertical sidewall to releasably engage the door.

11. The modular overhead console assembly of claim 10 wherein the door includes a receiving portion adapted to engage the handle portion mounted on the console divider.

12. The modular overhead console assembly of claim 8 wherein a pair of opposing retainer clips extend upward from the top surface of the console divider to engage a pair of slots in the module receiving area.

13. The modular overhead console assembly of claim 8 further comprising a bezel configured to receive one or more vehicle control components secured to the headliner adjacent a forward portion of the console housing.

14. The modular overhead console assembly of claim 8 wherein the bezel is formed as part of the overhead console housing.

15. A method of assembling a modular overhead console assembly and headliner combination, the method comprising:

providing a headliner having a structural member including an elongated channel formed therein;

providing an overhead console housing having an upper wall including a plurality of slots, opposing sidewalls extending vertically from the upper wall, a plurality of opposing rails disposed on the sidewalls adjacent the plurality of slots and a lower surface opening to an accessory module receiving area;

securing the overhead console housing in the elongated channel in the headliner;

providing first and second console dividers having a generally vertical sidewall, a horizontal bottom surface, a top surface and at least one retainer clip having one more arms extending from the top surface of the console divider;

mounting the first and second console dividers between the plurality of opposing rails;

securing the at least one retainer clip of the first and second console dividers to the plurality of slots in the module receiving area to define a storage area between the console dividers; and

mounting a door between the first and second console dividers to enclose the storage area.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of mounting a bezel configured to receive one or more vehicle control components adjacent a forward portion of the console housing.