Glove box

Abstract

A glove box for a vehicle is disclosed. The glove box includes a frame and a storage bin translatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. Additionally, the storage bin is also rotatable relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the works of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor impliedly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to glove boxes for vehicles. Background Art

[0004] Vehicles often travel long distances to reach their desired destinations. During these long journeys, passenger comfort and convenience can greatly enhance the passenger experience. Passengers often desire a tray or other surface for work, eating, etc. during travel. However, passengers may not require a tray for the entire journey, thus creating a need for a removable tray.

[0005] Current removable trays are typically used for rear-seat passengers, and such trays can be retracted or rotated into the driver's or front-passenger vehicle seat. However, current removable trays are not compatible with front-seat passengers because the design requires space in the dashboard to store the tray when not in use. Because the dashboard is a critical component of the vehicle, requiring space for various safety features, current removable tray designs are not practical for front-seat passengers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In some examples, a glove box for a vehicle includes a frame and a storage box. The storage box is translatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. The storage box is also rotatable relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position. In some examples, the storage box is attached to the frame via a linkage mechanism configured to allow the storage box to move between the first and second positions. Additionally, in some examples, the linkage mechanism includes a four-bar linkage. In some examples, the glove box for a vehicle also includes a tray that is movable between a retracted state and an extended state, in which the tray extends from the frame. In some examples, the tray is movable to the extended state when the storage box is in one of the first and second positions, and is prevented from moving to the extended state when the storage box is in the other of the first and second positions. In some examples, the glove box for a vehicle also includes a motor configured to move the tray between the extended and retracted positions. In some examples, the tray includes at least one hinge configured to allow the tray to fold onto itself. Additionally, in some examples, the glove box is incorporated into the vehicle.

[0007] In some examples, a glove box for a vehicle includes a frame, a storage box, and a tray. The storage box is translatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position, and the tray is movable between a retracted position disposed within the frame and an extended position extending from the frame. When the storage box is in one of the first and second positions, the tray is movable to the extended position, and when the storage box is in the other of the first and second positions, the tray is prevented from moving to the extended position. Additionally, in some examples, the storage box is attached to the frame via a linkage mechanism configured to allow the storage box to move between the first and second positions. In some examples, the linkage mechanism includes a four-bar linkage. In some examples, the storage box is rotatable relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position. Additionally, in some examples, the glove box includes a motor configured to move the tray between the extended and retracted positions. In some examples, the tray includes at least one hinge configured to allow the tray to fold onto itself. Additionally, in some examples, the glove box is incorporated into a vehicle.

[0008] In some examples, a vehicle includes an instrument panel and a door that is rotatable relative to the instrument panel between a closed position that restricts access to a storage compartment and an open position that allows access to the storage compartment. The door is also translatable relative to the instrument panel between a first position and a second position. Additionally, the vehicle includes a tray disposed within the instrument panel, and the tray is movable between a retracted position disposed within the instrument panel and an extended position extending from the instrument panel. When the door is in one of the first and second positions, the tray is prevented from moving from the retracted position to the extended position by the door, and when the door is in the other of the first and second positions, the tray is permitted to move from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0009] In some examples, the storage bin is attached to the instrument panel via a linkage mechanism configured to allow the storage bin to move between a first position and a second position. In some examples, the linkage mechanism comprises a four-bar linkage. In some examples, the vehicle further comprises a motor configured to move the tray between an extended position and a retracted position. In some examples, the tray comprises at least one hinge configured to allow the tray to fold onto itself.

[0010] The present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0011] Technical Solution 1. A glove box for a vehicle, the glove box comprising:

[0012] framework; and

[0013] A storage bin is translatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position and rotatable relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position.

[0014] Technical Solution 2. The glove box according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the storage box is attached to the frame via a linkage mechanism, and the linkage mechanism is configured to allow the storage box to move between the first position and the second position.

[0015] Technical Solution 3. The glove box according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the linkage mechanism includes a four-bar linkage.

[0016] Technical Solution 4. The glove box according to Technical Solution 1 further includes a tray, which is movable between a retracted state and an extended state, and the tray extends from the frame in the extended state.

[0017] Technical Solution 5. A glove box according to Technical Solution 4, wherein the tray can be moved to the extended state when the storage box is in one of the first position and the second position, and the tray is prevented from moving to the extended state when the storage box is in the other of the first position and the second position.

[0018] Technical Solution 6. The glove box according to Technical Solution 4, wherein the glove box further comprises a motor configured to move the tray between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0019] Technical Solution 7. The glove box according to Technical Solution 4, wherein the tray includes at least one hinge, and the at least one hinge is configured to allow the tray to be folded upon itself.

[0020] Technical Solution 8. A vehicle combined with the glove box described in Technical Solution 1.

[0021] Technical Solution 9. A glove box for a vehicle, comprising:

[0022] frame;

[0023] a storage bin translatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position; and

[0024] a tray capable of moving between a retracted state disposed within the frame and an extended state extending from the frame, the tray being capable of moving to the extended state when the storage bin is in one of the first and second positions, and being prevented from moving to the extended state when the storage bin is in the other of the first and second positions.

[0025] Technical Solution 10. The glove box according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the storage box is attached to the frame via a linkage mechanism, and the linkage mechanism is configured to allow the storage box to move between the first position and the second position.

[0026] Technical Solution 11. The glove box according to Technical Solution 10, wherein the linkage mechanism includes a four-bar linkage.

[0027] Technical Solution 12. The glove box according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the storage box is rotatable relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position.

[0028] Technical Solution 13. The glove box according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the glove box further comprises a motor configured to move the tray between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0029] Technical Solution 14. The glove box according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the tray includes at least one hinge, and the at least one hinge is configured to allow the tray to be folded upon itself.

[0030] Technical Solution 15. A vehicle incorporating the glove box described in Technical Solution 9.

[0031] Technical Solution 16. A means of transport, comprising:

[0032] Dashboard;

[0033] a door rotatable relative to the instrument panel between a closed position restricting access to the storage compartment and an open position allowing access to the storage compartment, the door translatable relative to the instrument panel between a first position and a second position; and

[0034] a tray disposed within the instrument panel and movable between a retracted position disposed within the instrument panel and an extended position extending from the instrument panel, wherein the tray is prevented from moving from the retracted position to the extended position by the door when the door is in one of the first and second positions, and is permitted to move from the retracted position to the extended position when the door is in the other of the first and second positions.

[0035] Technical Solution 17. The vehicle according to Technical Solution 16, wherein the storage box is connected to the instrument panel via a linkage mechanism, and the linkage mechanism is configured to allow the storage box to move between the first position and the second position.

[0036] Technical Solution 18. A vehicle according to Technical Solution 17, wherein the linkage mechanism includes a four-bar linkage.

[0037] Technical Solution 19. The vehicle according to Technical Solution 16 further includes a motor configured to move the tray between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0038] Technical Solution 20. A vehicle according to Technical Solution 16, wherein the tray includes at least one hinge, and the at least one hinge is configured to allow the tray to fold upon itself. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1 It is an external perspective view of the vehicle;

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the interior of a vehicle having an instrument panel including a glove box according to the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of a glove box according to the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 is a side perspective view of a glove box according to the present disclosure having a storage box in an open position;

[0044] Figure 5 is a side perspective view of a glove box according to the present disclosure having a storage bin in a second position;

[0045] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a glove box according to the present disclosure having a tray in an extended position;

[0046] Figure 7 is a side perspective view of a glove box according to the present disclosure having a tray in an extended position;

[0047] Figure 8 is a side plan view of a glove box according to the present disclosure having a storage bin in a first position;

[0048] Figure 9 is a side plan view of a glove box according to the present disclosure having the storage bin in a second position and the tray in a retracted position; and

[0049] Figure 10 is a side plan view of a glove box according to the present disclosure having a storage bin in a second position and a tray in an extended position.

[0050] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the specific details need not be employed, that the example configurations can be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] The terms used herein are merely to describe specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain", and "have" are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or their groups. Unless specifically identified as an order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0053] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0054] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example configurations, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0055] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be a part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0056] As used above, the term "code" may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures and / or objects. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that is combined with additional processors to execute some or all code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" covers memory that is combined with additional memory to store some or all code from one or more modules. The term "memory" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not cover transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals that propagate through the medium and can therefore be considered to be tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transient memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0057] The apparatus and methods described herein may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include or rely on stored data.

[0058] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0059] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device for temporarily or permanently storing programs (such as instruction sequences) or data (such as program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0060] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., a disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0061] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which can be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0062] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operatively connected to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to the mass storage devices, or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0063] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having: a display device for displaying information / data to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or a touch screen; and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide for interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0064] A number of embodiments have been described. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0065] refer to Figures 1 to 10, discloses a glove box 20 for a vehicle 10. The glove box 20 includes a frame 22 and a storage box 24. Generally, as Figure 1 and 2 As shown in FIG, the glove box 20 is used in a vehicle. Figure 1 An automobile is shown in the figure, but the vehicle 10 may be any passenger vehicle, including but not limited to air vehicles, land vehicles, or water vehicles. Figure 2 As shown in the example shown in FIG, the vehicle 10 may include an interior having a front windshield 28 and an instrument panel 30 disposed below the front windshield 28. The instrument panel 30 extends below the windshield 28 between the driver's side door and the passenger's side door.

[0066] like Figures 3 to 10 As best shown in FIG, the frame 22 is configured to be inserted into the instrument panel 30. In some examples, the frame 22 is fixedly coupled to the instrument panel 30 such that the frame 22 cannot move relative to the instrument panel 30. This configuration allows other components to move relative to the frame 22 while keeping the glove box 20 securely coupled to the instrument panel 30. However, various other configurations are contemplated. Still referring to FIG. Figures 3 to 10 In the example shown in , the frame 22 includes an upper wall portion 32 and a rear wall portion 34 that partially define an interior that is configured to accommodate the storage box 24. The upper wall portion 32 and the rear wall portion 34 extend generally perpendicular to each other and are additionally connected by corresponding side wall portions 36. In the example shown, the upper wall portion 32 and the rear wall portion 34 are generally rectangular, and the side wall portion 36 has a triangular shape. In other words, in the example shown, the upper wall portion 32, the rear wall portion 34, and the side wall portion 36 form half a rectangular prism cut on the diagonal. However, various other configurations have been envisioned.

[0067] Additionally, the frame 22 includes a tray-receiving portion 38 disposed atop the upper wall portion 32. In the illustrated example, the tray-receiving portion 38 is generally rectangular in shape, having a top wall 40 and a bottom wall 42 coupled to corresponding side walls to define an interior configured to accommodate a tray 76. In some examples, the interior surface 64 of the tray-receiving portion 38 includes one or more rails configured to allow the tray 76 to slide thereon. In some examples, one or more of the top wall 40 and the bottom wall 42 has a greater depth than the upper wall portion 32, allowing the tray-receiving portion 38 to extend further than the upper wall portion 32. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the tray-receiving portion 38 is narrower than the upper wall portion 32 to enable additional components to be coupled to the upper wall portion 32. However, various other configurations are contemplated. Furthermore, in some examples, the top wall 40 of the tray-receiving portion 38 extends further than the bottom wall 42 and forms a flange 44 configured to couple to the storage bin 24. The flange 44 may be in line with the remainder of the top wall 40 or may extend at an angle from the top wall 40 if desired.

[0068] Still see Figures 3 to 10 , in the example shown, the frame 22 includes a pair of curved side extensions 46 extending outwardly from the side wall portion 36. In some examples, the side extensions 46 are slightly curved as they extend from the side wall portion 36 toward the top wall 40, however, various other configurations are contemplated. The curved side extensions 46 are configured to couple to the storage bin 24 and to enclose the storage bin 24 when the storage bin 24 is in the closed position. However, various other configurations are contemplated. Additionally, in some examples, the frame 22 is constructed of steel, however, it is also contemplated that the frame 22 may be constructed of another material, including, but not limited to, aluminum or a plastic polymer.

[0069] Still refer to Figures 3 to 10 In the example shown in FIG, the storage bin 24 is coupled to the frame 22 and includes a storage bin base 50 and a storage bin door 52. Additionally, at least a portion of the storage bin 24 is configured to move rotationally between an open position and a closed position, and is configured to move translationally between a first position and a second position, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0070] Still refer to Figures 3 to 10In the example shown in , the storage box base 50 is configured to be directly coupled to the frame 22. Additionally, the storage box base 50 is configured to be at least partially housed within the frame 22 and is disposed below the tray receiving portion 38. Furthermore, the storage box 24 is shaped to fit within the interior of the frame 22. The storage box base 50 also includes a door coupling portion 54 that is configured to allow the storage box door 52 to be engaged thereon. In the example shown, the door coupling portion 54 includes a rod 56 that extends between the side wall portions 36 adjacent to a rear portion opposite the top portion. The rod 56 is configured to be coupled to the storage box door 52, and the rod 56 is also configured to allow the storage box door 52 to rotate on the rod 56. The door coupling portion 54 may also include one or more components of a latch mechanism 68 that is configured to secure the storage box door 52 to the storage box base in a closed position. Additionally, the door coupling portion 54 may include additional components and / or be any shape or size corresponding to the storage bin door 52 to ensure that the interior 64 of the storage bin 24 is sealed when the storage bin door 52 is in the closed position.

[0071] The storage bin door 52 includes a bin portion 60 and a door portion 62 fixedly coupled to each other. The bin portion 60 includes an inner surface defining an interior 64 configured for storage. In the illustrated example, the interior 64 configured for storage has a generally triangular shape, with the depth of the interior decreasing toward the bottom of the storage bin 24 and gradually increasing as it extends toward the top. However, it is contemplated that the bin portion 60 may be any size and shape configured to couple with the frame 22 and the storage bin base 50. The door portion 62 includes an outer portion 66 having a generally smooth surface configured to mate with the instrument panel 30. Additionally, the door portion 62 includes a user latch mechanism 68 to secure the door portion 62 to the storage bin base 50 in the closed position. Furthermore, in some examples, the user latch mechanism 68 may engage one or more corresponding features provided on the storage bin base 50 to secure the door portion 62 to the storage bin base 50 in the closed position. Additionally, the user latch mechanism 68 includes a user activated portion configured to allow a user to engage the user latch mechanism 68 and move the door portion 62 between the closed and open positions.

[0072] Still referring to the example shown in the drawings, the storage bin door 52 is movable between a closed position and an open position. More specifically, the storage bin door 52 is rotatable relative to the frame 22 between a closed position and an open position. As described above, the storage bin door 52 is rotatable about the rod 56 of the frame 22, allowing the storage bin door 52 to move relative to the frame 22. Because the storage bin door 52 is movable relative to the frame 22, and the frame 22 is fixed within the instrument panel 30, the storage bin door 52 is also rotatable relative to the instrument panel 30 between a closed position and an open position. When the storage bin door 52 is in the closed position, access to the storage compartment is restricted, and when the storage bin door 52 is in the open position, access to the storage compartment is permitted, allowing the interior of the storage bin 24 to be visible.

[0073] like Figures 3 to 10 As shown in , the storage bin 24, including the storage bin base 50 and the storage bin door 52, can translate between a first position and a second position relative to the frame 22 and the dashboard 30. In some examples, the storage bin 24 is attached to the frame 22 via a linkage mechanism that is configured to allow the storage bin 24 to move between the first position and the second position. In the example shown, the storage bin 24 is attached to the frame 22 using a four-link linkage 70. Each of the links 70 is coupled near each of the four corners of the frame 22 and the storage bin 24. Additionally, one or more of the links 70 are coupled to a stepper motor 74 that is configured to move the storage bin 24 between the first position and the second position. In the example shown, two stepper motors 74 are present and disposed on the upper wall portion 32 on either side of the tray receiving portion 38 and are coupled to the upper links 70. However, various other configurations have been contemplated.

[0074] In one of the first position or the second position, the storage bin 24 engages the top wall 40 of the tray receiving portion 38, which prevents the tray 76 from moving to the extended position. In the other of the first position or the second position, the storage bin 24 has been translationally moved away from the top wall 40 of the tray receiving portion 38 and is disposed below the bottom wall 42 of the tray receiving portion 38, such that the tray 76 is permitted to move to the extended position. In one example, the first position is a position in which the storage bin 24 engages the top wall 40 of the tray receiving portion 38, which prevents the tray 76 from moving to the extended position, and the second position is a position in which the storage bin 24 has been translationally moved away from the top wall 40 of the tray receiving portion 38 and is disposed below the bottom wall 42 of the tray receiving portion 38, such that the tray 76 is permitted to move to the extended position. However, the reverse is also contemplated.

[0075] Still refer to Figures 1 to 10In the example shown in FIG, the glove box 20 also includes a tray 76. In the example shown, the tray 76 is generally rectangular and includes thicker side portions configured to engage the rails of the tray receiving portion 38 and a substantially flat portion. In some examples, the substantially flat portion includes a hinge 78 that is configured to allow the tray 76 to fold over on itself, see FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In use, a user can unfold the tray 76 at the hinge 78 to allow for more usable surface space. Additionally, the tray 76 can be any size and shape configured to be received within the tray receiving portion 38.

[0076] Furthermore, the tray 76 is movable between a retracted state and an extended state. The movement of the tray 76 between the retracted state and the extended state is a translational movement. In the retracted state, the tray 76 is completely contained within the tray receptacle 38 and / or the instrument panel 30 and is not visible to the front vehicle passenger. In the extended state, the tray 76 extends from the frame 22 and is accessible to the front vehicle passenger. Additionally, the tray 76 is movable to the extended state when the storage bin 24 is in one of the first and second positions, and is prevented from moving to the extended state when the storage bin 24 is in the other of the first and second positions. It is also contemplated that the tray 76 may additionally or alternatively serve as a holder for an electronic device, such that the electronic device may be coupled to the tray 76 for improved hands-free display.

[0077] Still refer to Figures 1 to 10 In the example shown in , the glove box 20 includes a motor 80 that is configured to move the tray 76 between the extended position and the retracted position. In the example shown, the motor 80 is disposed on the upper wall portion 32 of the frame 22 and below the tray receiving portion 38. However, it is also contemplated that the motor 80 can be disposed in another location as desired. Additionally, in the example shown, the motor 80 is an electric motor, however, various other motor types can be implemented. In some examples, the motor 80 is activated by the user, such that the glove box 20 includes a user-activated button that is configured to move the tray 76 between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0078] In operation, the glove box 20 begins with the storage box door 52 in the closed position and the storage box 24 in either the first or second position, such that the storage box 24 engages the top wall 40 of the tray receiving portion 38 and the tray 76 is in the retracted position. When needed, the vehicle occupant can engage the latch mechanism to move the storage box door 52 from the closed position to the open position, thereby accessing the interior of the storage box 24. When access to the interior of the storage box 24 is complete, the vehicle occupant can push the door back into the closed position to reengage the latch mechanism. When the tray 76 is needed, the vehicle occupant can engage the user-activated button, which activates the stepper motor 74 to move the storage box 24 to the other of the first or second positions, such that the storage box 24 moves below the tray receiving portion 38. The motor is then activated, causing the tray 76 to move from the retracted position to the extended position. When it is desired to return the tray 76 to the retracted position, the user can again engage the user-activated button, which first activates the motor 80 to move the tray 76 from the extended position to the retracted position. Then, the stepper motor 74 is activated to move the storage box 24 back to the original position so that the storage box 24 engages the top wall 40 of the tray receiving portion 38 .

[0079] Reference again Figures 1 to 10 In the example shown in FIG, the glove box 20 provides additional comfort and functionality for vehicle occupants by providing a dual-function glove box that includes secure interior storage and an optional tray 76 feature. Furthermore, the glove box 20 conforms to the parameters of a conventional glove box 20 such that space in the instrument panel 30 is not compromised by the glove box 20, thereby allowing for improved comfort and functionality for vehicle occupants without sacrificing vehicle safety features.

[0080] The foregoing description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered as departures from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A glove box for a vehicle, the glove box comprising: Framework; and A storage bin is translatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position and rotatable relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position.

2. The glove box according to claim 1, wherein: The storage bin is attached to the frame via a linkage mechanism configured to allow the storage bin to move between the first position and the second position.

3. The glove box according to claim 2, wherein: The linkage mechanism includes a four-bar linkage. 4 . The glove box of claim 1 , further comprising a tray movable between a retracted state and an extended state, the tray extending from the frame in the extended state.

5. The glove box according to claim 4, wherein: The tray is movable to the extended state when the storage bin is in one of the first position and the second position, and the tray is prevented from moving to the extended state when the storage bin is in the other of the first position and the second position.

6. The glove box according to claim 4, wherein: The glove box also includes a motor configured to move the tray between the extended position and the retracted position.

7. The glove box according to claim 4, wherein: The tray includes at least one hinge configured to allow the tray to fold upon itself.

8. A vehicle incorporating the glove box of claim 1.

9. A glove box for a vehicle, the glove box comprising: frame; a storage bin translatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position; as well as A tray capable of moving between a retracted state disposed within the frame and an extended state extending from the frame, the tray being capable of moving to the extended state when the storage box is in one of the first position and the second position, and the tray being prevented from moving to the extended state when the storage box is in the other of the first position and the second position.

10. A means of transport comprising: Dashboard; a door rotatable relative to the instrument panel between a closed position restricting access to the storage compartment and an open position allowing access to the storage compartment, the door translatable relative to the instrument panel between a first position and a second position; as well as A tray is disposed within the instrument panel and is movable between a retracted position disposed within the instrument panel and an extended position extending from the instrument panel, wherein the tray is prevented from moving from the retracted position to the extended position by the door when the door is in one of the first position and the second position, and the tray is allowed to move from the retracted position to the extended position when the door is in the other of the first position and the second position.

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