GB2523819A

GB2523819A - Multi-functional component and system for a vehicle interior

Info

Publication number: GB2523819A
Application number: GB1404029.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Butler; Ana Zadnik
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-07
Filing date: 2014-03-07
Publication date: 2015-09-09
Also published as: GB201404029D0

Abstract

A component system for a vehicle interior 100 comprises portable container 102 intended to be moved into and out of a vehicle and a detachable mounting means where the container forms part of the vehicle interior when mounted. Typically the container 102 is a bag, suitcase or box which is mechanically or magnetically releasably attached to a vehicle door so that it forms part of the interior door lining such as the armrest. The container 102 may take the form of a detachable glove compartment or a rear seat armrest. The container 102 can be a telescopically expandable bag with retractable wheels 304 and handle 308 where the operation of the handle deploys the wheels.

Description

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT AND SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

INTERIOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is directed to multi-functional components for vehicle interiors, to systems employing the multi-functional components, and to vehicles using the systems.

BACKGROUND

Methods of providing storage, stowing or containing space in vehicles are well known. For example, in common personal passenger vehicles such as family cars, hatchbacks and saloon cars, various areas are provided for storage of items. Trunks or boots are provided for stowing baggage and other bulky items.

Glove compartments store smaller items, and other storage or container areas are accessed via panels in, for example, a dashboard, interior door, or seat portion. Beverage holders are provided in some models. Other vehicles provide storage areas, such as an under-seat compartment in a motorcycle, a large luggage hold in a coach, or standalone areas such as the rear loading and storage portion of a van.

However, in many vehicles, increasing storage or containing space can be difficult, particularly if the portion of the vehicle identified for increasing storage has already been optimised for maximum use of space. Moreover, certain items such as bulky containers or bags can nevertheless be difficult to stow in number even in designated areas, or cannot be fitted into designated areas at all due to incompatible size or shape. Large items of luggage can be liable to move around in storage areas, causing damage or wear to both luggage and vehicle. Certain items of luggage are simply too large to fit into certain types of car.

As more features are added to interior fixtures and fittings in vehicles, and more space-saving techniques are used to fit more features in, so parts of a vehicle interior having only a single function can lack either features or space-saving ability.

The present invention aims to address these problems and provide improvements upon the known devices and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims.

In general terms, one embodiment of a first aspect of the invention can provide a multi-functional component system for a vehicle interior, the system comprising: a container, the container being portable into and out of the vehicle; and means for detachably mounting the portable container to an interior surface of the vehicle, wherein in addition, in a mounted state of the portable container, the portable container provides at least a portion of a vehicle interior fitting.

This provides additional storage space for a vehicle interior, by incorporating a detachable container into a vehicle interior fitting, so that the container forms or makes up (a portion of) the fitting. The component system is therefore multi-functional, providing (portable) storage as well as the function of the vehicle interior fitting. It also allows for a simple, efficient and compact stowing of the storage space of the container. It also secures the container, rather than allowing it to move around during motion of the vehicle.

Preferably, in the mounted state of the portable container, a surface of the portable container facing a vehicle interior provides the at least a portion of the vehicle interior fitting, or provides a surface of the at least a portion of the fitting.

Suitably, the portable container is configured to, in the mounted state of the portable container, perform the function of at least a portion of the vehicle interior fitting. The surface of the container may provide a function surface; this function surface may provide or perform (part of) the function of the fitting.

In an embodiment, the surface of the portable container defines a rest surface for the vehicle interior fitting. Preferably the vehicle interior fitting is an arm rest.

Suitably, the portable container comprises a telescopic element, and the telescopic element is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of the

portable container.

This allows for more containment and/or storage space in the portable container.

This feature also allows at least two modes for the container: a larger container, for use outside the vehicle, where the telescopic element is deployed; and a smaller container which is attachable to the vehicle interior, but nevertheless capable of some storage.

In an embodiment, the telescopic element comprises an inner container coupled to the portable container, and movable within the portable container to provide the stowed configuration.

Preferably, the portable container further comprises a set of wheels, and the set of wheels is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of the

portable container.

Suitably, the portable container further comprises a handle assembly, and the assembly is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of the portable container. Preferably, the set of wheels is coupled to the handle assembly, and the set of wheels and the handle assembly are cooperatively movable from stowed to deployed configurations.

In an embodiment, in the mounted state, the handle assembly is configured to be at least partially concealed by the portable container. Preferably, the handle assembly is coupled to the means for detachably mounting the portable container to the interior surface, and the handle assembly is actuable to detach the portable container from the interior surface.

This allows the handle (assembly) of the container to be used both for the portability of the container, and also for the release of the container from the mounted state on the vehicle interior.

Suitably, the interior surface is associated with a door of the vehicle, and the system is configured to, on opening of the door, at least partially reveal the handle assembly. Preferably, the handle assembly comprises a telescopic handle.

One embodiment of a second aspect of the invention can provide a portable container for a system according to any of the above described embodiments.

One embodiment of a third aspect of the invention can provide a vehicle comprising a system according to any of the above described embodiments.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. For example, features disclosed in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, except where such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating one example of a multi-functional component system for a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating expanded views of a component of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating further features of a component of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention aim to provide systems and components which provide ways to increase storage space inside a vehicle, by utilising a component or fitting of the vehicle interior, which can be detached. Embodiments also aim to provide containers which can be used outside a vehicle, and then conveniently and efficiently stowed inside the vehicle. For example, one embodiment provides a small travel bag that can be mounted to a side of a car door casing to act as an arm rest.

These embodiments allow for more efficient use of space inside vehicles, and for more storage, container and stowage space. Previously considered vehicle interior features may be detachable but are only useful for a single (their primary) purpose, such as a mug detachable from a beverage holder. In contrast, the containers and components of the present inventive embodiments are multi-functional, in that the container can be used as a container, and once mounted in the vehicle, as part of (or to provide a function of) the car interior's fittings.

The container of the system may be a storage container, such as a bag or a bottle, and in particular may be a portable storage container, such as a bag, case or trunk, or box. The system may be arranged so that the container can provide containment or storage in both its attached and detached configurations. For example, the container may provide sufficient interior space in its attached state for small items, which items may be maintained inside the container during and after detachment. The inner section of the container may be accessible during the attached state, for example by a door or panel openable during the attached state. The same door or panel may also be actuable during the detached state for access to the container interior.

The interior portion of the vehicle to which the portable container can be mounted can be the passenger cabin, or a trunk or glove compartment of the vehicle, or another section of the vehicle surrounded by at least one outer component of the vehicle, protected from the external environment.

The interior fitting, of which the portable container forms a part (or provides the function of) when in the mounted state, can be any common or previously considered interior fitting or trim of a vehicle, such as an arm rest or seat pillar trim, interior shelf, glove compartment arrangement, dashboard component, roof/ceiling component, trunk or boot interior shelf or the like.

The bag or container may be expandable from its mounted configuration, so that even more storage or containment capability is provided when the container or bag is detached from the mounting, and used outside the vehicle. This allows large luggage items to be compacted into spaces in a vehicle into which they otherwise would not fit.

One example of a multi-functional component system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention, is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. In this embodiment, the system takes the form of an arm rest that can be removed from a car door casing and converted into a trolley suitcase for use, e.g. as an airplane flight bag. The sequence of Figures 2 and 3 shows how the bag can be converted from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration in which it can be used as a trolley-style luggage carrier.

Referring initially to Figure 1, the component system 100 comprises a bag 102, which is mounted on an inner surface of the car, in this case on the door of the car. The bag/container is mounted on the rear car door 104, and disposed between the car door window and the floor level of the car. This is a typical position for an arm rest commonly incorporated into the interior surface of a car door. Here therefore, the bag 102 in its mounted position forms the arm rest, or part of the arm rest or arm rest assembly.

In Figure 1, the rear door is hinged at the rear and the front door 106 is hinged at the front, and the doors therefore open apart centrally. In other embodiments the doors can be hinged in the more common front-only arrangements, with a central B pillar separating the two doors.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rear door panel carries a rearward arm rest section together with a forward arm rest section 102 (shaded) which forms the bag. Therefore when the rear door is opened (hinged at the rear), the front edge of the bag, forming the forward section of the arm rest, is exposed at its front end as it moves away from the front door. This front edge of the bag can incorporate a handle, for ease of detachment from the car door. The front edge can also incorporate any button or catch for release of the attachment.

As shown, when the doors are closed, the bag section butts up against an arm rest section carried on the front door. The mounted assembly hence is a streamlined arrangement which defines an arm rest surface both for the front and rear passengers.

The container or bag may be secured to the door magnetically, e.g. by an electronically controlled magnetic switch which when turned off releases the magnetic force holding the bag in place. Alternatively there may be a simple mechanical coupling which is releasable to enable the bag to be removed from the door section. The attachment mechanism may be released by a button or switch mounted on the door, on the bag, or elsewhere in the car interior, for example on the dashboard or on a key fob.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating expanded views of the detachable component of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Once removed or detached from the car door, the bag 102 in its stowed configuration is a relatively compact unit. However, the bag is of telescopic construction, with a telescopic element which comprises an inner container or inner bag section 202 coupled to an outer bag section 203. Telescopic function of the telescopic element is achieved by sliding the inner bag section 202 out of the outer bag section 203 as shown, an enlarged storage volume is created.

This telescopic function and/or the telescopic element can be provided by a number of previously considered means, such as a set of runners or bearings mounted on the inside of the outer bag, along which the inner bag section 202 moves to the expanded configuration. Alternatively, mechanical folding arm components, in the manner of expanding luggage sections, can be used.

A sliding front cover 206 is provided on one of the telescopic parts, movable in a direction lateral to the bag as indicated by arrow 208, to allow access to the storage volume inside. A flip-top cover can be provided on the telescopic inner bag portion, opening in a direction indicated at arrow 204. In alternatives, only one or other (or neither) of these sliding/flip covers can be provided.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating further features of the detachable bag component, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows the reverse side of the bag 102, where a handle assembly 302 is mounted. This handle assembly is therefore concealed behind the bag in its door-mounted position shown in Figure 1. In an embodiment, a portion of the handle assembly may be seen when the door is opened, with the bag in the door-mounted position -this allows access to the handle, which can be used to remove the bag from the door, as (part of) the detachment mechanism noted above. The handle assembly may be formed as in previously considered arrangements, such as may be available on a flight bag. For example, a telescopic arrangement for the handle allows the handle to have a stowed configuration (302) in which it is contained within the outer envelope of the bag, and a deployed configuration, as indicated by arrow 308, in which the handle can be used at a comfortable height for walking with the bag Figure 3 also shows a set of wheels (304) on the base of the bag. These have stowed (for the mounted state of the container/bag) and deployed positions/configurations (for other states of the bag, e.g. when in use). When stowed they fall within the envelope of the bag and when deployed they enable the bag to be wheeled like a trolley. As shown in Figure 3, one of the set of wheels 304 can be mounted on the telescopic section 202, so that the wheel is deployed laterally when the inner bag section 202 is pulled out. The wheels in this embodiment are also deployed out of the original envelope of the bag in the opposite direction to the handle deployment (308), in cooperation with the handle deployment; when the handle is deployed, a mechanism in the handle assembly also forces the wheel set downwards as indicated by arrow 310, so that the wheels are moved slightly outwards (approximately 10mm) to allow the bag to be rolled along a floor surface without catching the ground.

Once the bag has been used and is ready for stowing, the steps above can be reversed. The handle can be pushed in the opposite direction to arrow 308, forcing the handle back to its stowed arrangement 302, and retracting the wheels in the opposite direction to arrow 310. Any telescopic (202) and opening/sliding/flip-top sections can also be closed, to return the bag to its mounting-ready configuration. The bag can then be re-attached to the door surface, or casing, to re-form the arm rest as shown in Figure 1.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has been described by way of example only, and that a variety of alternative approaches may be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For example, the container may be formed as a detachable glove compartment for a vehicle, attachable in the usual passenger-side area. In this arrangement, the container's upper surface may form part of the dashboard of the vehicle. The container may similarly be in a compacted form when attached, and expanded once detached from the glove compartment area.

Other arrangements can provide a detachable container for a mid-car arm rest position, for example an arm rest disposed between rear passenger seats. The container may be attachable to a position upright between the seats, deployable between the seats as a rest during transit, and detachable as a bag or container on leaving the vehicle.

In alternative embodiments, the container may be attachable to the rear or another portion of a car seat. In use a surface of the container may provide a surface, for example for a rear of a seat which can then be used as a functional surface for a passenger seated behind, for example a support surface for a book or the like. The container may then be detached and expanded for use outside the vehicle.

Further aspects of the invention are set out in the following set of numbered paragraphs: Clause 1. A multi-functional component system for a vehicle interior, the system comprising a container, the container being portable into and out of the vehicle; and a detachable mounting device for detachably mounting the portable container to an interior surface of the vehicle, wherein in addition, in a mounted state of the portable container, the portable container provides at least a portion of a vehicle interior fitting.

Clause 2. A system according to Clause 1, wherein, in the mounted state of the portable container, a surface of the portable container facing a vehicle interior provides the at least a portion of the vehicle interior fitting.

Clause 3. A system according to Clause 1, wherein the portable container is configured to, in the mounted state of the portable container, perform the function of at least a portion of the vehicle interior fitting.

Clause 4. A system according to Clause 2, wherein the surface of the portable container defines a rest surface of the vehicle interior fitting.

Clause 5. A system according to Clause 1, wherein the vehicle interior fitting is an arm rest.

Clause 6. A system according to Clause 1, wherein the portable container comprises a telescopic element, and wherein the telescopic element is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of the portable container.

Clause 7. A system according to Clause 6, wherein the telescopic element comprises an inner container coupled to an outer bag section, and the inner container is movable within the outer bag section to provide the stowed configuration.

Clause 8. A system according to Clause 1, wherein the portable container further comprises a set of wheels, and wherein the set is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of the portable container.

Clause 9. A system according to Clause 1, wherein the portable container further comprises a handle assembly, and wherein the assembly is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of the portable container.

Clause 10. A system according to Clause 9, wherein the set of wheels is coupled to the handle assembly, and wherein the set and the assembly are cooperatively movable from stowed to deployed configurations.

Clause 11. A system according to Clause 9, wherein, in the mounted state, the handle assembly is configured to be at least partially concealed by the portable container.

Clause 12. A system according to Clause 9, wherein the handle assembly is coupled to the detachable mounting device, and wherein the handle assembly is actuable to detach the portable container from the interior surface.

Clause 13. A system according to Clause 12, wherein the interior surface is associated with a door of the vehicle, and wherein the system is configured to, on opening of the door, at least partially reveal the handle assembly.

Clause 14. A system according to Clause 9, wherein the handle assembly comprises a telescopic handle.

Clause 15. A portable container for a system according to Clause 1.

Clause 16. A vehicle comprising a system according to Clause 1.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A multi-functional component system for a vehicle interior, the system comprising: a container, the container being portable into and out of the vehicle; and means for detachably mounting the portable container to an interior surface of the vehicle, wherein in addition, in a mounted state of the portable container, the portable container provides at least a portion of a vehicle interior fitting.
2. A system according to Claim 1, wherein, in the mounted state of the portable container, a surface of the portable container facing a vehicle interior provides the at least a portion of the vehicle interior fitting.
3. A system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the portable container is configured to, in the mounted state of the portable container, perform the function of at least a portion of the vehicle interior fitting.
4. A system according to Claim 2 or Claim S as dependent on Claim 2, wherein the surface of the portable container defines a rest surface of the vehicle interior fitting.
5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle interior fitting is an arm rest.
6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the portable container comprises a telescopic element, and wherein the telescopic element is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of theportable container.
7. A system according to Claim 6, wherein the telescopic element comprises an inner container coupled to an outer bag section, and the inner container is movable within the outer bag section to provide the stowed configuration.
8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the portable container further comprises a set of wheels, and wherein the set is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of the portable container.
9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the portable container further comprises a handle assembly, and wherein the assembly is movable to a stowed configuration for the mounted state of the portable container, and to a deployed configuration for other states of the portable container.
10. A system according to Claim 9 as dependent on Claim 8, wherein the set of wheels is coupled to the handle assembly, and wherein the set and the assembly are cooperatively movable from stowed to deployed configurations.
11. A system according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein, in the mounted state, the handle assembly is configured to be at least partially concealed by the portable container.
12. A system according to any of the Claims 9 to 11, wherein the handle assembly is coupled to the means for detachably mounting the portable container to the interior surface, and wherein the handle assembly is actuable to detach the portable container from the interior surface.
13. A system according to Claim 12 as dependent on Claim 11, wherein the interior surface is associated with a door of the vehicle, and wherein the system is configured to, on opening of the door, at least partially reveal the handle assembly.
14. A system according to any of the Claims 9 to 13, wherein the handle assembly comprises a telescopic handle.
15. A portable container for a system according to any preceding claim.
16. A vehicle comprising a system according to any of the Claims 1 to 14.
17. A system, container or vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.