CN117002258A - center console for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "center console for a vehicle". A center console for a vehicle includes a base. The base is coupled to the vehicle and includes a container. The center console includes a body coupled to the base and including a shelf. The body is operable to move relative to the base between a retracted position in which the shelf covers the container and an extended position in which the container is exposed.

Description

Center console for vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a center console for a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates generally to a center console having a base and a body movable relative to the base between a retracted position and an extended position.

Background

Vehicles typically include a center console. It may be desirable to have a body that is movable within the vehicle to accommodate both front and rear passengers and to include a center console having a base that has a container that is exposed via movement of the body.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a center console for a vehicle includes a base. The base is fixedly coupled to a floor of the vehicle and includes an open-topped container. A body is coupled to the base and is operable to move rearward of the vehicle relative to the base from a retracted position to an extended position. The main body includes: a door operably coupled to the storage compartment and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which open position access to the storage compartment is provided; and a shelf positioned in front of the vehicle of the storage compartment. In the retracted position of the body, the shelf covers the container. In the extended position of the body, the container is exposed.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

-the shelf comprises at least one cup holder;

-the container comprises a container floor; and a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein in the retracted position of the body, a vehicle forward-most portion of the container rim is positioned below the shelf;

-the body comprising a tray coupled to the shelf and operable to move relative to the shelf between a stowed position forward of the vehicle and a deployed position, wherein the tray is configured to cover the container if the tray is in the deployed position and the body is in the extended position.

-the container comprises a container floor, and a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein a vehicle foremost portion of the container rim is positioned below the tray if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position; and-the shelf comprises an upper surface facing upwards of the vehicle, wherein the upper surface is closer to the floor of the vehicle than the door.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a center console for a vehicle includes a base. The base is coupled to the vehicle and includes a container. The body is operable to move relative to the base between a retracted position and an extended position. The body includes a tray operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The body substantially covers the container in the retracted position. The container is exposed if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the stowed position. The tray substantially covers the container if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

-the body comprises a shelf having at least one cup holder and being operably coupled to the tray such that the tray moves relative to the shelf between the stowed position and the deployed position;

-in the retracted position of the body, the shelf covers the container;

-in the retracted position of the main body, the container is positioned below the at least one cup holder;

-the body comprises a storage compartment, which in the extended position of the body is positioned further from the container than the shelf;

-the main body comprises at least one rear cup holder, wherein the storage compartment is positioned between the shelf and the at least one rear cup holder; and

-the container comprises a container floor, and a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein in the retracted position of the body, a vehicle forwardmost portion of the container rim is positioned below the body and below the tray if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a center console for a vehicle includes a base. The base is coupled to the vehicle and includes a container. A body is coupled to the base and includes a shelf. The body is operable to move relative to the base between a retracted position in which the shelf covers the container and an extended position in which the container is exposed.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

-the body is configured to translate from the retracted position to the extended position towards the rear of the vehicle and from the extended position to the retracted position towards the front of the vehicle;

-the container comprises a container floor; and a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein in the retracted position of the body, a vehicle forward-most portion of the container rim is positioned below the shelf;

-the body comprises a storage compartment positioned behind the shelf in the vehicle;

-the shelf comprises at least one cup holder, wherein in the retracted position of the base, the container is positioned below the at least one cup holder;

-the base is fixedly coupled to a floor of the vehicle; and

-the body comprising a tray coupled to the shelf and operable to move relative to the shelf between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the tray is configured to cover the container if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of a center console showing a base having a container and a body coupled to the base, the body covering the container in a retracted position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of a center console showing the body in an extended position such that the container of the base is exposed, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1C is an upper perspective view of a center console showing the body in an extended position and a tray coupled to the body in a deployed position, thereby substantially covering the container of the base, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the interior of a vehicle showing a center console with a body in a retracted position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a plan view of the interior of a vehicle showing the center console with the body in an extended position such that the receptacle of the base is exposed, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2C is a plan view of the vehicle interior showing the center console with the body in an extended position and the tray coupled to the body in a deployed position such that the tray substantially covers the receptacle of the base, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the center console of FIG. 2A taken through line IIIA-IIIA according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the center console of FIG. 2B taken through line IIIB-IIIB according to one embodiment; and is also provided with

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the center console of FIG. 2C taken through line IIIC-IIIC according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the description which follows, as well as the claims and appended drawings.

As used herein, the term "and/or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any of the listed items can be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if the composition is described as containing components A, B and/or C, the composition may contain: only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of a and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B and C.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all forms thereof: coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are in direct or indirect engagement with each other. Such engagement may be stationary or movable in nature. Such engagement may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and/or any additional intermediate members. Such joining may include the members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another (i.e., integrally coupled), or may refer to joining of two parts. Unless otherwise indicated, such connection may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

The terms "substantially", "essentially" and variations thereof as used herein are intended to mean that the feature being described is equal to or substantially equal to the value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean a planar or near-planar surface. In addition, "substantially" is intended to mean that the two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may mean values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

As used herein, the terms "a," "an," or "the" mean "at least one," and should not be limited to "only one," unless expressly specified to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring now to fig. 1A-3B, a vehicle 10 includes a vehicle console 12. The center console 12 includes a base 14 that is fixedly coupled to a floor 16 of the vehicle 10. The base 14 includes an open-topped container 18. The center console 12 includes a main body 20. The body 20 is coupled to the base 14 and is operable to move rearward of the vehicle relative to the base 14 from a retracted position to an extended position. The main body 20 includes a storage compartment 24, a door 26, and a shelf 28. The door 26 is operably coupled to the storage compartment 24 and is operable between a closed position and an open position, where access to the storage compartment 24 is provided. The shelf 28 is positioned in front of the vehicle in the storage compartment 24. In the retracted position of the body 20, the shelf 28 covers the container 18. In the extended position of the body 20, the container 18 is exposed.

Referring now to fig. 1A-2C, a vehicle 10 includes a vehicle interior 30. The instrument panel 32 is positioned above the vehicle of the floor 16 of the vehicle 10 at the vehicle forward end of the vehicle interior 30. In various embodiments, the vehicle interior 30 may include a seat assembly 34. For example, as shown in fig. 2A-2C, the vehicle interior 30 includes a plurality of seat assemblies 34. At least one of the plurality of seat assemblies 34 may be oriented such that an occupant seated in the at least one seat assembly 34 generally faces the instrument panel 32. In other words, at least one of the plurality of seat assemblies 34 may be oriented such that an occupant seated in the at least one seat assembly 34 faces forward of the vehicle.

The plurality of seat assemblies 34 may be arranged in a plurality of rows of seats 36. In some embodiments, the plurality of seat assemblies 34 may be arranged to form a first row 36A, a second row 36B, and/or a third row 36C. For example, as shown in fig. 2A-2C, the plurality of seat assemblies 34 are arranged in a first row 36A proximate the fascia 32, a second row 36B rearward of the vehicle of the first row 36A, and a third row 36C rearward of the vehicle of the second row 36B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first row 36A includes two seat assemblies 34, depicted as a driver seat and a front passenger seat. The second row 36B includes two seat assemblies 34 arranged as bucket seats separated by an aisle 37. The third row 36C includes three seat assemblies 34 arranged in a bench-type seating configuration. Various types of seat assemblies 34 (e.g., benches, bucket seats, bench seats, etc.) may be implemented in multiple rows of seats 36 in different ways, and more or fewer rows of seats 36 are contemplated in various implementations. For example, the vehicle 10 may include a first row of seats 36A and a second row of seats 36B and omit a third row of seats 36C.

The vehicle interior 30 includes a center console 12. The center console 12 may be positioned proximate to and/or coupled to the dashboard 32. The center console 12 may extend rearward of the vehicle from the dash panel 32. For example, as shown in fig. 2A-2C, the center console 12 may extend from the dash panel 32 rearward of the vehicle between two seat assemblies 34 in the first row of seats 36A. It is contemplated that in various embodiments, the center console 12 may be disposed at various locations within the vehicle interior 30.

Referring now to fig. 1A-3C, the center console 12 may include a base 14 and a body 20. The base 14 may be coupled to a floor 16 of the vehicle 10. For example, the base 14 may be fixedly coupled to a floor 16 of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the base 14 may be coupled to the dash panel 32 and may extend rearward of the vehicle therefrom. The base 14 includes a container 18. The container 18 may be open-topped. Thus, the container 18 may be an open-top container 18. The container 18 may include a container floor 38 and a sidewall 40 extending from the container floor 38 up the vehicle to a container rim 42. The container rim 42 may define an opening 44 to the container 18.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1B, the base 14 includes side panels 46 disposed on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle of the container 18 such that the container 18 is positioned between the side panels 46. In some embodiments, portions of the side panels 46 may form and/or define the container 18. As shown in fig. 1A-1C, the side panels 46 extend outwardly beyond the container 18 generally parallel to one another. As shown in fig. 2A-2C, the side panels 46 extend forward of the vehicle beyond the container 18 and are coupled to the fascia 32 of the vehicle 10. As shown in fig. 2B and 3B, the base 14 may include an auxiliary container 48 positioned forward of the vehicle of the container 18. As shown in fig. 3B, the auxiliary container 48 is smaller than the container 18 and is positioned adjacent to the container 18 such that a portion of the container rim 42 partially defines an opening 50 to the auxiliary container 48. Various types of center console bases 14 are contemplated including containers 18.

Still referring to fig. 1A-3C, the center console 12 includes a main body 20. The body 20 may be coupled to the base 14. The body 20 is operable to move relative to the base 14 between a retracted position and an extended position. The position of the body 20 in the retracted position may be forward of the vehicle in the position of the body 20 in the extended position. In such embodiments, the body 20 is operable to move rearward of the vehicle relative to the base 14 from a retracted position to an extended position. Further, the body 20 is operable to move forward of the vehicle relative to the base 14 from an extended position to a retracted position. In various embodiments, the body 20 is translatable between a retracted position and an extended position. For example, the body 20 may be slidably coupled to the base 14 and/or the floor 16 of the vehicle 10 and configured to slide between a retracted position and an extended position. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, the base 14 is configured to translate rearward of the vehicle from a retracted position (fig. 2A and 3A) to an extended position (fig. 2B and 3B), and is configured to translate forward of the vehicle from the extended position to the retracted position.

Referring now to fig. 1A-1C and 3A-3C, in various embodiments, the body 20 may include a storage compartment 24 and/or a shelf 28. As shown in fig. 1C and 3A-3C, the storage compartment 24 defines a cavity 52 that is accessible at the vehicle-upward end of the storage compartment 24 through an opening 54. The center console body 20 also includes a door 26. The door 26 may be coupled to the body 20. As shown in fig. 1A-1C, the door 26 is operably coupled to the storage chamber 24 and is operable between a closed position (shown in fig. 1A and 1B) and an open position (shown in fig. 1C). In the open position, access to the storage compartment 24 is provided through an opening 54 to the storage chamber 24.

In various embodiments, the center console body 20 includes a shelf 28. The shelf 28 may be positioned in front of the vehicle of the storage compartment 24 as shown in fig. 2A-3C. The shelf 28 may include an upper surface 56. The upper surface 56 may face upwardly of the vehicle. As shown in fig. 3A-3C, the upper surface 56 of the shelf 28 may be closer to the floor 16 of the vehicle 10 than the door 26 of the storage compartment 24. The shelf 28 can include at least one cup holder 58. In some embodiments, at least one cup holder 58 can be defined by the upper surface 56 of the shelf 28. In some embodiments, the at least one cup holder 58 can be a different component (e.g., an insert) coupled to the shelf 28 than the shelf 28. As shown in fig. 1A-3C, in some embodiments, the main body 20 can include at least one rear cup holder 60. The at least one rear cup holder 60 can be coupled to the main body 20 such that the storage compartment 24 is positioned between the shelf 28 and the at least one rear cup holder 60. As shown in fig. 2A-2C, at least one rear cup holder 60 is positioned rearward of the storage compartment 24 and the shelf 28 of the main body 20.

Still referring to fig. 1A-3C, in some embodiments, the body 20 of the center console 12 may include a tray 62. Tray 62 is coupleable to shelf 28 and is operable to move relative to shelf 28 between a stowed position and a deployed position. The position of the tray 62 in the stowed position may be rearward of the vehicle in the position of the tray 62 in the deployed position. Accordingly, the tray 62 is movable from the stowed position to the deployed position toward the front of the vehicle, and is movable from the deployed position to the stowed position toward the rear of the vehicle. In some embodiments, tray 62 may be configured to translate between a stowed position and a deployed position. For example, in some implementations, the tray 62 may be slidably coupled to the shelf 28 such that the tray 62 slides relative to the shelf 28 between the stowed position and the deployed position. When the body 20 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the tray 62 is movable from the stowed position to the deployed position in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the body 20 of the center console 12.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A-3C, the tray 62 is operatively coupled to the shelf 28 of the body 20 below the vehicle of the upper surface 56 of the shelf 28. The tray 62 is operable to slide forward of the vehicle relative to the shelf 28 from a stowed position (fig. 1A, 1B, 3A, and 3B) in which the tray 62 is nested within the shelf 28 to a deployed position (fig. 1C, 2C, and 3C), and from the deployed position to a stowed position relative to the shelf 28. Tray 62 may define a basin 64 facing upward of the vehicle. In such embodiments, the tub 64 of the tray 62 may be configured to receive items stored therein such that the tray 62 may function as a drawer.

Referring now to fig. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, in various embodiments, the body 20 of the center console 12 is configured to cover the container 18 in a retracted position of the body 20 and the container 18 is exposed in an extended position of the body 20. In various embodiments, the shelf 28 of the body 20 may cover the container 18 in the retracted position of the body 20, and movement of the body 20 from the retracted position to the extended position may move the shelf 28 rearward of the vehicle such that the container 18 of the base 14 is exposed. For example, as shown in fig. 1A and 3A, in the retracted position of the body 20, the shelf 28 is positioned above the vehicle of the container 18 such that the shelf 28 conceals the container 18 from passengers within the vehicle interior 30. As shown in fig. 1B and 3B, in the extended position of the base 14, the shelf 28 is positioned further rearward of the vehicle, which exposes the container 18 of the base 14 such that the container 18 is visible and accessible to passengers within the vehicle interior 30.

In some embodiments, the shelf 28 may cover the container 18 by extending over a portion of the opening 44 to the container 18 when the body 20 is in the retracted position. For example, the shelf 28 may cover the container 18 by extending over a majority of the opening 44 of the container 18 in the retracted position of the body 20. In some implementations, the shelf 28 may cover the container 18 in the retracted position of the body 20 by extending above the opening 44 to the container 18 and forward of the vehicle to and/or beyond the vehicle forward-most portion 66 of the container rim 42. In other words, in the retracted position of the body 20, the shelf 28 may extend over the opening 44 of the container 18, and the vehicle forward-most portion 66 of the container rim 42 may be positioned below the shelf 28 of the body 20, as shown in fig. 3A. When the vehicle forward-most portion 66 of the container rim 42 is directly below the vehicle of the shelf 28, the vehicle forward-most portion 66 of the container rim 42 is positioned below the shelf 28. In such embodiments, the shelf 28 may cover the container 18 of the base 14 by extending over the entire opening 44 of the container 18 in the retracted position of the body 20. In some embodiments, the body 20 of the center console 12 may cover the receptacle 18 of the base 14 by extending over a portion of the opening 44 to the receptacle 18 and/or the entire opening 44 of the receptacle 18. In some embodiments, the shelf 28 and another portion of the body 20 may collectively extend over a portion of and/or the entire opening 44 of the container 18 to cover the container 18.

Referring now to fig. 1A-3C, in some embodiments, tray 62 is configured to cover container 18 if tray 62 is in the deployed position and body 20 is in the extended position. For example, as shown in fig. 2B and 2C, in the extended position of the body 20 and the stowed position of the tray 62 (fig. 2B), the container 18 is exposed, and movement of the tray 62 from the stowed position to the deployed position (fig. 2C) positions the tray 62 over the container 18 such that the tray 62 covers the container 18. In some embodiments, the tray 62 may cover the container 18 by extending over a portion of the opening 44 to the container 18 when in the deployed position. For example, in the expanded position of the tray 62 and the extended position of the body 20, the tray 62 may cover the container 18 by extending over a substantial portion of the opening 44 to the container 18. In some embodiments, the tray 62 may cover the container 18 when in the deployed position such that the vehicle forward-most portion 66 of the container rim 42 is positioned below the tray 62 if the body 20 is in the extended position and the tray 62 is in the deployed position. When the vehicle forward-most portion 66 of the container rim 42 is positioned directly under the vehicle of the tray 62, the vehicle forward-most portion 66 of the container rim 42 is positioned under the tray 62. In such embodiments, when the body 20 is in the extended position and the tray 62 is in the deployed position, the tray 62 and/or another component of the body 20 may extend over the entire opening 44 to the container 18. It is contemplated that when the tray 62 is in the deployed position and the body 20 is in the extended position, the tray 62 may cover at least a portion of the opening 50 of the auxiliary container 48. Further, it is contemplated that the shelf 28 and/or another portion of the body 20 may cover at least a portion of the auxiliary container 48 when the body 20 is in the retracted position.

Referring now to fig. 2A-2C, in various embodiments, the center console 12 may be positioned between seat assemblies 34 forming a first row of seats 36A within the vehicle interior 30. In some embodiments, when the body 20 is in the retracted position, the entire body 20 and/or the entire center console 12 may be positioned further forward of the vehicle than at least a portion of at least one seat assembly 34 of the first row seat assemblies 36A, as shown in fig. 2A. Thus, in the retracted position, a passenger seated in at least one seat assembly 34 of the first row of seats 36A may conveniently access the main body 20 of the center console 12. In some embodiments, in the extended position of the body 20, at least a portion of the body 20 may be positioned within a aisle 37 separating the seat assemblies 34 of the second row of seats 36B. For example, as shown in fig. 2B, a portion of the main body 20 is positioned between two seat assemblies 34 of the second row 36B and further rearward of the vehicle than a portion of each of the seat assemblies 34. In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one seat assembly 34 in the second row of seats 36B may be positioned further forward of the vehicle than at least a portion of the body 20 of the center console 12 when the body 20 is in the extended position. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2B, the main body 20 is in the extended position such that at least one rear cup holder 60 coupled to the main body 20 is positioned between the seat bases of the seat assemblies 34 forming the second row 36B. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the body 20 of the center console 12 may be positioned entirely forward of the vehicle of the at least one seat assembly 34 of the second row 36B when in the extended position.

In operation of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the body 20 of the center console 12 may initially be in a retracted position when a first occupant enters the vehicle 10 and occupies the seat assembly 34 in the first row of seats 36A and a second occupant enters the vehicle 10 and occupies the seat assembly 34 in the second row of seats 36B. A first occupant desiring to stow the carry bag slides the body 20 of the center console 12 rearward of the vehicle relative to the base 14 from a retracted position to an extended position to expose the container 18 of the base 14. With the body 20 in the extended position, a first occupant can store the handbag within the exposed container 18 of the base 14 and a second occupant can store the beverage container within the at least one rear cup holder 60 of the body 20 because the body 20 is positioned within the aisle 37 between the seat assemblies 34 of the second row 36B when in the extended position. Next, a third passenger enters the vehicle 10, intending to occupy the seat assembly 34 in the third row of seats 36C. To make room for a third occupant to move to the third row of seats 36C through the aisle 37 between the seat assemblies 34 of the second row 36B, the second occupant slides the main body 20 of the center console 12 forward of the vehicle from the extended position to the retracted position. When the body 20 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the shelf 28 of the body 20 extends over the container 18 and the carrying case stored therein such that the carrying case and the container 18 are covered and substantially hidden by the shelf 28. Once the third occupant has moved between the first and second seat assemblies 34, 34 of the second row 36B to the third row seat 36C, the first occupant moves the main body 20 back to the extended position, exposing the carry bag, and conveniently placing the beverage containers stored in the at least one rear cup holder 60 within reach of the second occupant. Next, the first occupant removes the food from the handbag disposed within the container 18. In the event that it is not desired to spill food onto the tote and a surface is desired to rest the food, the primary passenger slides tray 62 coupled to shelf 28 from the stowed position to the deployed position. In the unfolded position, the shelf 28 covers the container 18 and the handbag positioned therein and provides a surface on which food can be placed. Prior to exiting the vehicle 10, the first occupant moves the tray 62 from the deployed position to the stowed position and removes the bag from the container 18, and the second occupant slides the body 20 from the extended position to the retracted position to cover the container 18 and allow a third occupant in the third row of seats 36C to conveniently exit the vehicle 10 through the aisle 37.

The present disclosure may provide a variety of advantages. First, the body 20 of the center console 12 is operable to move from the retracted position to the extended position may provide access to the container 18 of the base 14 and allow a passenger seated in the second row of seats 36B to more easily access the body 20 of the center console 12. Second, the body 20 of the center console 12 extends above the container rim 42 when in the retracted position and does not pass through the opening 44 to the container 18, allowing for storage of items within the container 18 in the retracted and extended positions of the body 20. Third, the tray 62 is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position, may allow the container 18 to be covered when the body 20 is in the extended position, and may provide a usable surface in place of the shelf 28 of the body 20 when the body 20 is in the extended position.

It will be understood that variations and modifications can be made to the foregoing construction without departing from the concepts of the invention, and it is further to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

According to the present invention, there is provided a center console for a vehicle, the center console having: a base fixedly coupled to a floor of the vehicle and having an open-topped container; and a body coupled to the base and operable to move rearward of the vehicle relative to the base from a retracted position to an extended position, the body comprising: a storage compartment; a door operably coupled to the storage compartment and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which open position access to the storage compartment is provided; and a shelf positioned forward of the vehicle of the storage compartment, wherein in the retracted position of the body, the shelf covers the container and in the extended position of the body, the container is exposed.

According to one embodiment, the shelf comprises: at least one cup holder.

According to one embodiment, the container comprises: a container bottom plate; and a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein in the retracted position of the body, a vehicle forward-most portion of the container rim is positioned below the shelf.

According to one embodiment, wherein the body further comprises: a tray coupled to the shelf and operable to move relative to the shelf between a stowed position forward of the vehicle and a deployed position, wherein the tray is configured to cover the container if the tray is in the deployed position and the body is in the extended position.

According to one embodiment, the container comprises: a container bottom plate; and a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein a vehicle forward-most portion of the container rim is positioned below the tray if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position.

According to one embodiment, the shelf comprises: an upper surface facing upward of the vehicle, wherein the upper surface is closer to the floor of the vehicle than the door.

According to the present invention, there is provided a center console for a vehicle, the center console having: a base coupled to the vehicle and having a container; and a body operable to move relative to the base between a retracted position and an extended position and having a tray operable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the body covers the container in the retracted position, the container is exposed if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the stowed position, and the tray covers the container if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position.

According to one embodiment, the body further comprises: a shelf having at least one cup holder and being operably coupled to the tray such that the tray moves relative to the shelf between the stowed position and the deployed position.

According to one embodiment, in the retracted position of the body, the shelf covers the container.

According to one embodiment, in the retracted position of the body, the container is positioned below the at least one cup holder.

According to one embodiment, the body further comprises: a storage compartment, in the extended position of the body, the storage compartment being positioned further from the container than the shelf.

According to one embodiment, the body further comprises: at least one rear cup holder, wherein the storage compartment is positioned between the shelf and the at least one rear cup holder.

According to one embodiment, the container comprises: a container bottom plate; and a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein in the retracted position of the body, a vehicle forward-most portion of the container rim is positioned below the body and below the tray if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a center console for a vehicle, the center console having: a base coupled to the vehicle and having a container; and a body coupled to the base and having a shelf, wherein the body is operable to move relative to the base between a retracted position in which the shelf covers the container and an extended position in which the container is exposed.

According to one embodiment, the body is configured to translate from the retracted position to the extended position toward the rear of the vehicle and from the extended position to the retracted position toward the front of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the container comprises: a container bottom plate; and a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein in the retracted position of the body, a vehicle forward-most portion of the container rim is positioned below the shelf.

According to one embodiment, the body further comprises: a storage compartment positioned rearward of the shelf vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the shelf comprises:

at least one cup holder, wherein in the retracted position of the base, the container is positioned below the at least one cup holder.

According to one embodiment, the base is fixedly coupled to a floor of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the body further comprises: a tray coupled to the shelf and operable to move relative to the shelf between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the tray is configured to cover the container if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position.

Claims (6)

1. A center console for a vehicle, the center console comprising:

a base fixedly coupled to a floor of the vehicle and having an open-topped container; and

a body coupled to the base and operable to move rearward of the vehicle relative to the base from a retracted position to an extended position, the body comprising:

a storage compartment;

a door operably coupled to the storage compartment and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which open position access to the storage compartment is provided; and

a shelf positioned forward of the vehicle of the storage compartment, wherein in the retracted position of the body, the shelf covers the container and in the extended position of the body, the container is exposed.

2. The center console of claim 1, wherein the shelf comprises:

at least one cup holder.

3. The center console of claims 1 and 2, wherein the container comprises:

a container bottom plate; and

a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein in the retracted position of the body, a vehicle forward-most portion of the container rim is positioned below the shelf.

4. A central console as in claims 1 to 3, wherein the body further comprises:

a tray coupled to the shelf and operable to move relative to the shelf between a stowed position forward of the vehicle and a deployed position, wherein the tray is configured to cover the container if the tray is in the deployed position and the body is in the extended position.

5. The center console of claim 4, wherein the container comprises:

a container bottom plate; and

a side wall extending upwardly of the vehicle from the container floor to a container rim defining an opening to the container, wherein a vehicle forward-most portion of the container rim is positioned below the tray if the body is in the extended position and the tray is in the deployed position.

6. The center console of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shelf comprises:

an upper surface facing upward of the vehicle, wherein the upper surface is closer to the floor of the vehicle than the door.