System for holding an article in a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for holding an article in a vehicle. The system (100) comprises a housing (110) having a plurality of side walls (112) defining a storage space (111) for receiving the holding mechanism (120) and one or more covers (114) adapted to slide over the storage space (111) to open the storage space (111). The retaining mechanism (120) is adapted to move between a retracted position and a deployed position. The one or more covers (114) are movable between a retracted position in which the retaining mechanism (120) is arranged within the housing (110) and a deployed position in which the retaining mechanism (120) is at least partially moved out of the storage space (111) and adapted to receive an article (140) therein and cause the storage space (111) to be opened and the retaining mechanism (120) to be activated towards the deployed position when the one or more covers (114) are slid towards the open position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of article holding systems / devices in vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for holding articles, wherein the system can be integrated in the interior portion or body of a vehicle, such as the trunk body or door panel of a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The following description includes information that can be useful in understanding the present application. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed application, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Generally, the new generation of vehicles integrate cup or bottle holding units in the interior body of the vehicle. These facilitate the placement and holding of articles such as cups, bottles, glasses, cans or other such containers. Such cup or bottle holding units are generally ergonomically designed so that the passenger can hold and access the container or article with ease without much effort. Therefore, all such holding units are arranged in the vicinity of the passenger seating area, such as armrests, inner door panels, instrument panels, etc.

[0004] These holding units are arranged to facilitate the driving experience of the passenger. However, since they are extensions of the interior body on the inside of the vehicle, these holding units cause a reduction in the interior space, causing discomfort to the passenger.

[0005] As known in the conventional art, the movable cup holding units remain closed when not in use, and remain open to allow the passenger to place a cup or a container such as a bottle within the cavity provided in these cup holders.

[0006] Some cup holding units include a movable section which is generally arranged linearly with the interior body of the vehicle, and when the cup holder is in use, the movable section moves within the interior body of the vehicle, thereby forming a cavity in the body which allows the accommodation of the container. However, such movable cup holding units expose the interior components of the cup holding unit and the vehicle to the surrounding environment, causing dust to enter through the cavity. This reduces the durability of the cup holding unit. Therefore, the cup holding unit and its components deteriorate quickly and then fail.

[0007] Further, any type of spillage in the cavity makes the cleaning of these cup holding units difficult and damages the components of the vehicle. Further, these cup holding units are structurally complex in construction, occupying a large area of the interior space and interior body of the vehicle.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a new, simple and compact system for holding an article with a housing such that the housing can be integrated as an interior accessory of a vehicle or as an interior body of a vehicle.

[0009] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The citation of any reference is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present disclosure. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall control.

[0010] Utility Objectives

[0011] Some of the objects of the present disclosure met by at least one embodiment herein are listed below.

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for holding an article.

[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for holding an article such that the system can be integrated as an interior accessory of a vehicle.

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a holding mechanism for receiving and accommodating an article in its deployed position and in its retracted position, the holding mechanism is at least partially covered by one or more covers.

[0015] These and other objects of the utility will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Utility Content

[0016] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of article holding apparatuses. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for holding an article, wherein the system can be integrated as an interior accessory of a vehicle.

[0017] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for holding an article in a vehicle. The system can include a housing and a holding mechanism. The housing can include a plurality of side walls for defining a storage space. The storage space can also accommodate the holding mechanism. One or more covers can be adapted to slide over the storage space of the housing between an open position and a closed position to respectively open and close the storage area of the housing. The holding mechanism can also be adapted to move between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein in the retracted position, the holding mechanism can be disposed within the housing; in the deployed position, the holding mechanism can be configured to at least partially move out of the storage space of the housing and can also be adapted to receive and accommodate an article. Further, the opening of the storage space and the activation of the holding mechanism towards the deployed position can be caused when the one or more covers are slid towards the open position.

[0018] In one aspect, the one or more covers can slide in a first direction and the retention mechanism can be configured to move in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] In another aspect, the retention mechanism can further include one or more retention elements and a floor for containing and retaining the article.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the system can further include a sliding mechanism coupled with at least one of the plurality of side walls and operably configured with the one or more covers; such that upon sliding of the one or more covers towards the open position, the sliding mechanism activates the retention mechanism towards the deployed position.

[0021] In one aspect, the sliding mechanism can further include one or more tracks and one or more sliding elements configured with a rope and a pulley assembly, wherein the sliding mechanism can be operably coupled with the one or more covers through the rope, the pulley assembly and the one or more retention elements. The sliding mechanism can enable the sliding of the retention mechanism and wherein the sliding mechanism can be further configured to support the retention mechanism within the housing in the retracted position and outside the housing in the deployed position.

[0022] In one aspect, each sliding element can further include a slot at an end distal to the pulley to facilitate a delay in the sliding of the sliding element in the deployed position. More specifically, a first end of the rope can be slidably disposed within the slot of the sliding element and a second end coupled to the one or more covers: such that upon sliding of the one or more covers towards the open position;

[0023] - first, only the rope slides within the slot until the cover moves to an intermediate open position, and

[0024] - then, the sliding element slides with the rope towards the deployed position of the retention mechanism.

[0025] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the system can include a rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism can further include a rack and pinion arrangement operably coupled with the rope and the sliding assembly. The pinion can include a roller coaxial with the pinion such that a first rotational axis of the roller coincides with a second rotational axis of the pinion and wherein the rotational axes of the roller and the pinion can become parallel to a third rotational axis of the pulley. The rope can be adapted to be fixed to the roller such that rotation of the roller with the pinion can cause the rope to wind and unwind onto the roller which can facilitate the movement of the retention mechanism between the retracted position and the deployed position resulting from the sliding of the one or more covers.

[0026] In one aspect, the winding and unwinding of the rope onto the roller is a result of the first locking pin of the pinion engaging the second locking pin of the roller.

[0027] In one aspect, the retaining mechanism can be configured to at least partially move out of the storage space of the housing after the first locking pin of the pinion gear engages with the second locking pin of the roller, wherein the one or more covers are configured to at least partially open before the retaining mechanism moves at least partially out of the housing in the deployed position.

[0028] In another aspect, the activation of the retaining mechanism to the deployed position can facilitate the expansion or contraction of the one or more retaining elements and the base plate corresponding to the shape or size of the article, wherein the size of the article corresponds to the width of the bottom of the article.

[0029] In another aspect, the sliding of the one or more covers can be in a linear direction relative to the at least one side wall, and wherein the activation of the retaining mechanism can further cause an arcuate motion of the one or more retaining elements and the base plate as the one or more covers slide.

[0030] In one aspect, the sliding of the one or more covers can cause an arcuate motion of the one or more sliding elements, such that the arcuate motion of the one or more sliding elements can further cause an arcuate motion of the one or more retaining elements and the base plate at least partially outside of the housing to activate the retaining mechanism towards the deployed position.

[0031] In another aspect, each of the one or more retaining elements can further comprise a plurality of intersecting diagonal bars hingedly connected forming a scissor-like structure, wherein the bottom end of at least one diagonal bar can be attached to the base plate.

[0032] In one aspect, the housing can be adaptively configured in or in a portion of the interior body of the vehicle, such as a decorative portion of the trunk or door panel, wherein the retaining mechanism can be further configured to be hidden underneath the housing.

[0033] In another aspect, the one or more covers are a pair of covers sliding relative to each other. The pair of covers are connected to a respective pair of sliding members by means of a respective pair of retaining elements. The pair of covers can be further adaptively configured as an interior trim panel of the vehicle. The article can be selected from a group comprising a cup, a bottle, a container, or an electronic device. The system can be configured to be manually and / or automatically operated. The actuator is any electric motor selected from a group comprising a servo motor, a rotary motor, or the like.

[0034] The various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present practical new type will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] In the drawings, like reference numerals can be used to denote similar components throughout the several views. Additionally, various components of the same type can be distinguished from one another by a second label, which can be attached to the first label to form a composite reference label that identifies the components. If only the first label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components bearing the same first label, unless otherwise clear from the context.

[0036] Figure 1A An exemplary isometric view of a system for holding items in a closed or retracted position is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1B An exemplary isometric view of a holding mechanism of a system for holding items is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] Figure 1C An exemplary partial front view of a system for holding items in a fully open or deployed position is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2A An exemplary top view of a system for holding items in a closed position or stowed position is shown, according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2B-1 An exemplary top view of a system for holding items, according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, with the cover in a partially closed position or partially open position or intermediate position.

[0041] Figure 2B-2 An exemplary top view of a system for holding items, according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, with the cover and holding mechanism in a fully open and deployed position.

[0042] Figure 2C An exemplary top view of a system for holding items, according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, with a plunger system for moving the holding mechanism away from the housing along with the sliding mechanism.

[0043] Figure 3A An exemplary isometric view of a sliding mechanism with one or more tracks, one or more sliding elements, and a rope and pulley assembly, according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, in a position in which only the rope of the sliding mechanism moves within the slot when one or more covers are actuated.

[0044] Figure 3BExemplary isometric views of a sliding mechanism according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, having one or more tracks, one or more sliding elements, and a rope and pulley assembly, in a position in which the rope and one or more sliding elements move together from a retracted position to a deployed position after actuation of one or more covers.

[0045] Figure 3C Exemplary isometric views of a sliding mechanism according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, having one or more tracks, one or more sliding elements, and a rope and pulley assembly, in a position in which the rope and one or more sliding elements move together from a retracted position to a deployed position after actuation of one or more covers.

[0046] Figure 4 Exemplary isometric views of a system for holding items according to a second embodiment of the disclosure, including a rotating mechanism having a rack and pinion arrangement.

[0047] Figure 5A Exemplary top views of a system for holding items according to a second embodiment of the disclosure in a closed or retracted position, including a rack and pinion arrangement connected with a rope and pulley assembly.

[0048] Figure 5B Exemplary top views of a system for holding items according to a second embodiment of the disclosure in a partially closed or open position, including a rack and pinion arrangement connected with a rope and pulley assembly, with first and second pins abutting / engaging, respectively.

[0049] Figure 5C Exemplary top views of a system for holding items according to a second embodiment of the disclosure in a fully open or deployed position, including a rack and pinion arrangement connected with a rope and pulley assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments of the present application can be practiced without some or all of these specific details.

[0051] If this specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "might" or "could" be included or have a particular property, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the particular property.

[0052] As used in the description and the following claims, the meanings of "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, as used in the description, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0053] Example embodiments will now be described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present application can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art. Additionally, all statements regarding specific embodiments of the application herein are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0054] While embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the embodiments described, as the scope of the application is to be determined by the appended claims. Many modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the application as described in the claims. The present disclosure relates generally to the field of article holding devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for holding articles, wherein the system can be integrated as an interior accessory of a vehicle.

[0055] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for holding articles. The system can include a housing and a holding mechanism. The housing can include a plurality of sidewalls for defining a storage space. The storage space can also accommodate the holding mechanism. One or more covers can be adapted to slide over the storage space of the housing between an open position and a closed position to respectively open and close the storage space. The holding mechanism can also be adapted to move between a retracted position, in which the holding mechanism can be disposed within the housing, and a deployed position, in which the holding mechanism can be configured to at least partially exit the storage space and can also be adapted to receive and hold articles. Further, the opening of the storage space and the initiation of the holding mechanism towards the deployed position can be caused when the one or more covers are slid towards the open position.

[0056] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the system can also include a sliding mechanism coupled with at least one of the plurality of sidewalls and operably configured with the one or more covers. The sliding mechanism can allow the one or more covers to slide relative to the plurality of sidewalls between the closed position and the open position to respectively open and close the storage space.

[0057] In another aspect of this disclosure, the system may further include a rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism may also include a rack and pinion assembly operatively coupled to the rope and pulley assembly. The pinion may include a roller coaxial with the pinion, such that a first axis of rotation of the roller coincides with a second axis of rotation of the pinion, and wherein the axes of rotation of the roller and the pinion may be made parallel to a third axis of rotation of the pulley. The rope may be adapted to be fixed to the roller such that rotation of the roller and the pinion causes the rope to wind around and unwind onto the roller.

[0058] like Figures 1A to 2C As shown, a system 100 for holding an article 140 is disclosed. The system 100 may include a housing 110, a holding mechanism 120, and a sliding mechanism 130. The housing 110 may include a plurality of sidewalls 112 and one or more covers 114. The housing 110 may be adapted to house the holding mechanism 120 and the sliding mechanism 130. The holding mechanism 120 may include one or more holding elements 122 and a base plate 124. The holding mechanism 120 may also be adapted to receive and hold the article 140.

[0059] In one embodiment, the sliding mechanism 130 may be engaged with at least one of the plurality of sidewalls 112 of the housing 110. The sliding mechanism 130 may also be operatively configured with a cover 114 of the housing 110.

[0060] In one embodiment, sliding the cover 114 of the housing 110 toward the open position causes the housing 110 to open and the retaining mechanism 120 to be activated toward the unfolded position, in which at least a portion of the retaining mechanism 120 extends outside the housing 110 to facilitate holding the article 140 within the retaining mechanism 120.

[0061] In one embodiment, the sliding mechanism 130 may include one or more tracks 132 and one or more sliding elements 132-1 slidably configured in each track 132. The sliding element 132-1 may be configured with a rope 134 and a pulley 136 assembly. The sliding mechanism 130 may be operatively coupled to one or more covers 114 via the rope 134 and pulley 136 assembly.

[0062] In one embodiment, the sliding mechanism 130 / sliding element 132-1 may also support the retaining mechanism 120 in a retracted position within the housing 110 and in an extended position outside the housing 100. Actuation of the retaining mechanism 120 to the extended position may facilitate the expansion or contraction of one or more retaining elements 122 and the base plate 124. This expansion or contraction of the retaining elements 122 and the base plate 124 may correspond to the shape or size of the article 140. Furthermore, the dimensions of the base plate 124 may be based on the width of the base of the article 140 or the maximum width of the article 140.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cover 114 is slidable back and forth or to and fro in a linear direction with respect to at least one of the plurality of side walls 112. Upon sliding of the cover 114, activation of the retaining mechanism 120 can cause the arcuate (arc-shaped, bow-shaped) movement of the retaining elements 122 and the base plate 124.

[0064] In one embodiment, the sliding of the cover 114 of the housing 110 can cause the arcuate movement of the sliding element 132-1 such that the arcuate movement of the sliding element 132-1 can also cause the arcuate movement of the retaining elements 122 and the base plate 124 at least partially or completely outside the housing 110 by one or more of the covers 114 to activate the retaining mechanism 120 to the deployed position.

[0065] In one embodiment, each of the retaining elements 122 can comprise a plurality of intersecting diagonal bars or links which can be hingedly connected to form a scissor-like structure. Further, the bottom end of at least one of the retaining elements 122 (diagonal bars or links) can be attached to the base plate 124 and the remaining of the one or more retaining elements 122 can be attached with the sliding element 132-1. Due to the sliding movement of the cover 110, this arrangement of the retaining elements 122 connected with the sliding mechanism 130 and the base plate 124 can also cause the arcuate movement of the base plate 124 in addition to the arcuate movement of the retaining elements (diagonal bars or links) 122.

[0066] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 3A to 3C , the sliding element 132-1 can be attached to the rope 134 and the pulley 136 assembly such that the sliding movement of the cover of the one or more covers 114 can cause the sliding movement of the sliding element 132-1 such that the activation of the retaining mechanism 120 is initiated from the retracted position to the deployed position outside the housing 110; and vice versa.

[0067] According to the first embodiment, with reference to Figures 1A to 3C , the housing 110 is adaptively arranged in the side trim portion of the trunk or the center console of the vehicle, wherein the retaining mechanism 120 is configured to be hidden underneath the housing 110. The housing 110 can be adaptively configured to be located in the interior body 150 or a portion of the interior body 150 of the vehicle such that the one or more covers 114 can form at least a portion of the interior trim panel 150 (also referred to herein as the interior body 150) of the vehicle. Further, the retaining mechanism 120 can also be configured as a hidden mechanism underneath the housing 110. The one or more sliding elements further comprise a slot 132a located at an end away from the pulley 136 such that the first end 134a of the rope 134 is slidably arranged within the slot 132a and the other end 134b of the rope 134 is fixed to the one or more covers 114. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 2C , the plunger 135 is arranged for pushing the retaining mechanism 120 away from the storage space 111 of the housing 110.

[0068] Referring to Figures 1A to 3C corresponding to the first embodiment; wherein the one or more covers 114 are pairs of covers sliding relative to each other. The pairs of covers are connected to respective pairs of sliding members 132-1 by means of respective pairs of retaining elements 122. In implementation, when the user / passenger manually pushes the one or more covers 114 from the closed position towards the open position;

[0069] First, only the first end 134a of the cord 134 slides within the slot 136 until the one or more covers move to the intermediate open position, or until the first end 134a of the cord 134 travels and abuts against the distal end of the slot 136, and

[0070] Then, the one or more sliding elements 132-1 slide with the cord 134 towards the deployment position of the retaining mechanism 120, such that the retaining elements and the floor adapted to receive the article therein / thereon can be expanded.

[0071] In alternative embodiments, the pairs of covers 114 can be driven by electric motors (not shown). In one embodiment, the system 100 can be configured to operate manually and / or automatically. The automatic operation of the system 100 can include the use of motorized mechanisms or the like for sliding the covers 114 between the closed position and the open position to activate the retaining mechanism between the deployment position and the retracted position. Moreover, the manual operation can involve the user / passenger exerting a force or sliding the covers 114 to move the covers 114 between the closed position and the open position to activate the retaining mechanism between the deployment position and the retracted position.

[0072] In one embodiment, the article 140 can be selected from a variety of containers or objects that can be accommodated by the system 100 using the retaining mechanism 120. The article 140 can include a cup, a bottle, a container, and an electronic device, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] In one embodiment, the proposed system 100 can be configured in the interior body / trim 150 of the vehicle as an on-demand article retaining unit that can be safely left within the interior body / trim 150 of the vehicle when not in use, and when the accommodation of the article 140 is required, the passenger of the vehicle can easily access the unit through a single sliding motion of the covers 114. This achieves zero exposure of the interior body / trim 150 of the vehicle to dust, liquids, and the surrounding environment. In this way, the proposed system 100 can improve the aesthetics of the car interior and the article retaining unit, thereby protecting the interior components of the vehicle from unnecessary contamination and deterioration from dust and the surrounding environment.

[0074] According to a second embodiment, referring to Figures 1A-1Cand 4-5C, the system 100 comprises a rotating mechanism 160 for opening and closing the lid 114, thereby actuating the sliding mechanism 130 and then the holding mechanism 120. The rotating mechanism 160 can further comprise one or more rack 162 and pinion 164 arrangements operably coupled with the rope 434 and pulley 436 assembly. The pinion 164 comprises a roller 166, wherein the roller 166 is operably adapted to be coaxial with the pinion 164 such that a first rotation axis G of the roller 166 coincides with a second rotation axis P of the pinion 64 (i.e. the roller 166 and the pinion 164 have the same rotation axis G). Moreover, the rotation axis G of the roller 166 and the pinion 164 is parallel to the third rotation axis P of the pulley 436, as shown in Figure 4 More specifically, the rack 162 is arranged on the B surface (non-exposed surface) of the one or more lids 114 that engage with the pinion 164. Moreover, the pinion 164 has a first locking pin 164a adapted to abut against a second locking pin 166a of the roller. In one embodiment, the rear surface of the one or more lids (114) defines the rack itself.

[0075] According to a second embodiment as shown in Figures 4-5C wherein the one or more lids 114 are pairs of lids sliding with respect to each other. The pairs of lids 113 are connected to respective pairs of sliding members 132-1. In implementation, when the pinion 164 is driven in a first direction, possibly by an electric motor (not shown):

[0076] only the rack moves with the lid 114 towards the open position until

[0077] the first locking pin 164a abuts or engages with the second locking pin 166a to wind / roll the rope 134 on the roller 166 and simultaneously slide the sliding members 132-1 on the tracks 132 such that the members and the bottom plate can expand towards the unfolded position adapted to receive the article thereon / in.

[0078] In alternative embodiments, the pinion 164 can be manually driven by a rotatable knob (not shown).

[0079] In one embodiment, the rotation axes G and P generally have the same rotation direction in order to facilitate the opening and closing of the lid 114, thereby actuating the holding mechanism 120 towards the unfolded position and the retracted position according to the rotation direction.

[0080] In one aspect, the holding mechanism 120 is at least partially removed from the housing only after the first locking pin 164a of the pinion 164 engages with the second locking pin 166a of the roller 166, wherein the lid 114 is then at least partially opened.

[0081] In another aspect, the activation of the retention mechanism 120 to the deployed position facilitates the expansion or contraction of the retaining elements 122 and the base plate 124 corresponding to the shape or size of the article 140, wherein the size of the article 140 corresponds to the width of the base of the article 140.

[0082] Further, the sliding of the one or more covers 114 in the linear direction with respect to the at least one side wall enables the activation of the retention mechanism 120 to cause the arcuate movement of the one or more retaining elements 122 and the base plate 124. More specifically, the sliding of the one or more covers 114 causes the arcuate movement of the sliding element 132-1 of the sliding mechanism 132, such that the arcuate movement of the sliding element 132-1 causes the arcuate movement of the retaining elements 122 and the base plate 124 at least partially outside the housing 110 to activate the retention mechanism 120 to the deployed position.

[0083] It will be appreciated that although the aspects of the present disclosure are explained with reference to the retention mechanism 120 comprising retaining elements 122 in the form of scissors-like (strut) or linkages, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any other arrangement for retaining the article 140 can also be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure, such as but not limited to a clamp arrangement, a fabric arrangement, and the like.

[0084] Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functions, methods, procedures, logic, etc. illustrated in the drawings and described herein represent conceptual and process descriptions of illustrative embodiments of the present application. The functions, methods, procedures, logic, etc. illustrated in the drawings and described herein can be implemented using special-purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions, operations, or procedures, or using hardware-based systems in combination with software-based systems that perform the specified functions, operations, or procedures. Similarly, any switches shown in the drawings are conceptual only. Their function can be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the implementer as more specifically understood from the context of this specification. Those skilled in the art further understand that the example hardware, software, processes, methods, and / or operating systems described herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed or interpreted as reflecting an intended prejudice on the particular naming conventions, capitalization styles, data structures, or code constructs deemed most appropriate by a particular developer, programmer, or architect of software code, merely used to provide a clear description of the embodiments presented herein.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in addition to the modifications already described, many more modifications of the present application will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing descriptions, the essential characteristics of which are intended to be included within the scope of the application. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application is not to be limited as by that which can be particularly enumerated or specifically claimed as the application can admit to other equally effective equivalent arrangements and apparatuses. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of the application and as such are not intended to be limiting; changes can be made within the scope of the application. Furthermore, in the cause of interpreting both the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible way consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, combined, or used with others identified herein, which are not expressly referenced.

[0086] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present application, other embodiments and further embodiments of the present application can be devised without departing from the spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims. The present application is not limited to the embodiments, variations or examples described, including these embodiments, variations or examples are intended to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present application in combination with information and knowledge available to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0087] Advantages

[0088] The present disclosure provides a system for holding articles, wherein the system is integrable as an interior accessory of a vehicle.

[0089] The proposed disclosure provides a system for holding articles as an on-demand article holding unit for a vehicle.

[0090] As the holding mechanism is a concealed mechanism in the vehicle body, the present disclosure provides a system for holding articles for improved aesthetics.

[0091] The present disclosure provides a system for holding articles, which consumes less space in the interior of the vehicle and provides additional comfort to the passengers as the interior space of the vehicle is spacious.

[0092] The present disclosure provides a system for holding articles, which is integrable in various interior body parts of the vehicle.

[0093] The present disclosure provides a holding mechanism as a concealed mechanism in the interior body of the vehicle.

[0094] The present disclosure provides a housing of a system for holding articles as an interior body or a part of the interior body of the vehicle.

[0095] The present disclosure provides a sliding mechanism for activating and / or deactivating the holding mechanism.

[0096] The present disclosure provides a system for holding articles, which comes out of the interior body of the vehicle to accommodate articles when required, and remains inside the interior body when not in use.

[0097] The present disclosure provides a rack and pinion arrangement in the sliding mechanism connected with the rope and pulley assembly, enabling manual or automatic activation and / or deactivation of the holding mechanism.

[0098] The present disclosure provides a system for holding articles, which prevents / avoids the exposure of the interior components of the article holding unit and the interior components of the vehicle to dust, liquid and the surrounding environment due to the separate housing of the system.

[0099] The present disclosure provides a system for holding an article, which limits contact to the internal components of the article holding unit and the internal components of the vehicle due to the separate housing of the system.

[0100] Reference numeral description

[0101] 100: system; 110: housing; 112: side wall; 114: cover; 120: holding mechanism; 122: holding element; 124: floor; 130: sliding mechanism; 132: track; 132-1: sliding element; 132a: slot; 134, 434: rope; 135: plunger; 136, 436: pulley; 140: article; 150: vehicle interior body / trim panel; 160: rotating mechanism; 162: rack; 164: pinion; 164a: first locking pin of pinion; 166: roller; 166a: second locking pin of roller.

Claims

1. A system (100) for holding an article (140) in a vehicle, characterized by, The system (100) comprises: a housing (110) comprising a plurality of side walls (112) defining a storage space (111) for housing a holding mechanism (120) therein; and one or more covers (114) adapted to slide over the storage space (111) of the housing (110) between an open position and a closed position to respectively open and close the storage space (111) of the housing (110); the holding mechanism (120) is adapted to move between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein, in the retracted position, the holding mechanism (120) is disposed within the housing (110) and in the deployed position, the holding mechanism (120) is at least partially moved out of the storage space (111) of the housing (110) and is adapted to receive and house the article (140) therein; and wherein, when the one or more covers (114) are slid towards the open position, the storage space (111) is caused to open and the holding mechanism (120) is caused to initiate towards the deployed position.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more covers (114) are slidable in a first direction and the holding mechanism (120) is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The holding mechanism (120) comprises one or more holding elements (122) and a floor (124) for housing and holding the article (140).

4. The system (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that The system (100) comprises a sliding mechanism (130) coupled with at least one of the plurality of side walls (112) and is operatively configured with the one or more covers (114) such that, when the one or more covers (114) are slid towards the open position, the sliding mechanism (130) causes the holding mechanism (120) to initiate towards the deployed position.

5. The system (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that The sliding mechanism (130) comprises one or more tracks (132) and one or more sliding elements (132-1) disposed with a rope (134, 434) and a pulley (136, 436) assembly, wherein the sliding mechanism (130) is operatively coupled with the one or more covers (114) through the rope (134, 434) and the pulley (136, 436) assembly and the one or more holding elements (122), and wherein the sliding mechanism (130) is configured to support the holding mechanism (120) in a retracted position within the housing (110) and in a deployed position outside the housing (110).

6. The system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that Each of the one or more sliding elements (132-1) comprises a slot (132a) at an end distal from the pulley (136), wherein an end of the rope (134) slides in the slot (132a) causing a delay in the sliding of the one or more sliding elements (132-1) towards the deployed position of the holding mechanism (120).

7. The system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The system (100) comprises a rotation mechanism (160) comprising: a rack (162) and a pinion (164), wherein the pinion (164) comprises a roller (166) coaxial with the pinion (164) such that a first rotation axis (G) of the roller (166) coincides with a second rotation axis of the pinion; and wherein the rotation axes (G) of the roller (166) and the pinion (164) are parallel to a third rotation axis (P) of the pulley (136, 436); the rope (134, 434) is adapted to be fixed onto the roller (166) such that a rotation of the roller (166) and the pinion (164) causes the rope (134, 434) to be wound and unwound onto the roller (166) thereby causing the holding mechanism (120) to move between the retracted position and the deployed position.

8. The system (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that The winding and unwinding of the rope (134, 434) onto the roller (166) is caused by the engagement of a first locking pin (164a) of the pinion (164) with a second locking pin (166a) of the roller (166).

9. The system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that After the engagement of the first locking pin (164a) of the pinion (164) with the second locking pin (166a) of the roller (166), the one or more holding elements (122) and a bottom plate (124) of the holding mechanism (120) are at least partially moved out, wherein the one or more covers (114) are configured to at least partially open before the one or more holding elements (122) and the bottom plate (124) are at least partially moved out.

10. The system (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that The activation of the holding mechanism (120) to the deployed position facilitates the expansion or contraction of the one or more holding elements (122) and the bottom plate (124) corresponding to a shape or a size of the article (140), wherein the size of the article (140) corresponds to a width of a bottom of the article (140).

11. The system (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that The sliding of the one or more covers (114) relative to the at least one side wall in a linear direction causes an arcuate movement of the one or more sliding elements (132-1) such that the arcuate movement of the one or more sliding elements (132-1) causes an arcuate movement of the bottom plate (124) and the one or more holding elements (122) at least partially outside the storage space (111) of the housing (110) to move the holding mechanism (120) to the deployed position.

12. The system (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that Each of the one or more holding elements (122) comprises a plurality of intersecting diagonal bars hingedly connected to form a scissor-like structure, wherein the bottom end of at least one of the diagonal bars is attached to the bottom plate (124).

13. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (110) is adaptively arranged in a side trim portion of a trunk or a center console of a vehicle, wherein the holding mechanism (120) is configured to be hidden underneath the housing (110).

14. The system (100) of claim 6, wherein: The one or more covers (114) are a pair of covers sliding relative to each other, such that when the pair of covers slide from the closed position towards the open position; First, only the first end (134a) of the rope (134) slides within the slot (132a) until the cover moves to an intermediate open position, or until the first end (134a) of the rope (134) travels and abuts against a distal end of the slot (132a), and Then, the one or more sliding elements (132-1) slide together with the rope (134) towards the deployment position of the holding mechanism (120), such that the one or more holding elements (122) and the bottom plate adapted to receive the article therein / thereon can expand.

15. The system (100) of claim 8, wherein: The one or more covers (114) are a pair of covers sliding relative to each other, such that when the pinion (164) is driven by the electric motor in a first direction; Only the rack moves together with the cover (114) towards the open position until the first locking pin (164a) abuts or engages with the second locking pin (166a) to wind / roll the rope (134) on the roller (166), while sliding the sliding element (132-1) on the track (132), such that the holding elements and the bottom plate can expand towards the deployment position adapted to receive the article thereon / in.

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