Console tether

Abstract

A center console securing system may include a body configured to be mounted to a vehicle and an upper tether mount located on the body. A center console securing system may include a tether, the tether comprising a first end, and a second end, wherein a first end of the tether is secured to the vehicle and the second end is secured to the upper tether mount. The tether may be secured to the vehicle at both ends and capture or secure to the center console at its middle portion.

Description

CONSOLE TETHERCLAIM FOR PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 530,437, inventors Dantam et al, entitled “CONSOLE TETHER”, filed August 2, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a tether structure used to secure vehicle components. Specifically this disclosure relates to a tether structure used to secure a center console of a vehicle during a crash event.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the context of interior car components there is a need for lightweight strong mechanism for holding interior car components in place during a crash. Traditional methods rely on heavy metal structures. There exist some solutions, but they fail to produce a cost efficient, manufacturable, light weight structure, which is able to meet crash safety requirements.SUMMARY

[0004] The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope as expressed by the claims that follow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how the features of one or more embodiments of the system and methods provide several advantages over traditional systems and methods.

[0005] Some examples relate to a tether system for securing a center console in a vehicle, particularly during crash events. An example system comprises a flexible tether that connects the center console to the vehicle's floor or frame, preventing the console from fully separating during an accident.

[0006] Some examples include a center console with a mounting portion attached to the vehicle and an upper tether mount. A flexible tether, for examplemade of or including a woven material like PET, HDPE, or nylon, has one end secured to the vehicle and the other end attached to the console's tether mount. The tether may include some slack, allowing normal movement but limiting displacement in a crash.

[0007] Another example includes a tether secured at both ends to the vehicle, passing through or over a part of the console to capture it. This configuration allows a single tether to secure the console from both sides.

[0008] Some examples seek to provide some advantages. For example, by using a flexible tether instead of heavy metal brackets, the overall weight of the console and vehicle may be reduced. The tether limits console movement during a crash, potentially reducing passenger injuries. Some example tether systems allow for cantilevered designs and the use of lighter materials like plastic instead of metal for the console structure. Some example tether systems may be less expensive to manufacture and install compared to traditional heavy metal reinforcements. The tether's slack can be adjusted to allow a specific amount of movement, balancing safety requirements with practical console function. Some examples aim to meet crash safety standards while enabling lighter, more versatile center console designs in vehicles.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a center console securing system including: a center console, the center console including: a body configured to be mounted to a vehicle; and an upper tether mount located on the body; a tether, the tether including: a first end; and a second end; wherein the tether secures the center console to the vehicle.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a center console securing system, wherein the first end of the tether is further secured to a mounting point of the center console.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a center console securing system, wherein a length of the tether is defined by the distance between the mounting point and the upper tether mount and a slack length.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to drawings of preferredembodiments, which are intended to illustrate, and not to limit, the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rear most portion of a center console that is secured with a tether according to aspect of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. l is a perspective view of the center console from FIG. 1 and a seat.

[0015] FIG. 3A is a side view of a rear most portion of a traditional center console that is secured with a bracket.

[0016] FIG. 3B is a side view of a rear most portion of the center console from FIG. 2 secured with a tether.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the center console from FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tether fromFIG. 3B

[0019] FIG. 6A is a view of the tether from FIG. 5 laid flat.

[0020] FIG. 6B is a side view of the tether shown in FIG. 6A.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a view of an exemplary stitching pattern applied to the tether in the region of attachment holes.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an exemplary view of an end of the tether after testing and shows how the exemplary stitching pattern provided additional structural support to the attachment hole during the testing.

[0023] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the center console from FIG.3B in a pre-crash state with the tether connecting the center console to a frame or floor of a vehicle.

[0024] FIG. 9B is similar to FIG. 9A but in a crash state and shows the tether in a tension state preventing the center console from separating entirely from the frame or floor of the vehicle.

[0025] FIG. 10A is a front view of an interior of a vehicle showing the center console from FIG. 3B in a pre-crash state.

[0026] FIG. 10B is similar to FIG. 10A but in a crash state and shows how the tether prevented the center console from separating entirely from the frame or floor of the vehicle.

[0027] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the center console secured with a tether.

[0028] FIG. 11B is an alternative view of the center console from FIG.HADETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to a tether system used for securing a center console and a method of securing a center console. The tether system structure and method disclosed herein have general applicability in many products and industries including automotive; boating; aerospace; and robotics. For ease of description the tether and method will be discussed in the context of vehicles, specifically securing center consoles. However, the application of the tether and method of securing center consoles disclosed herein are not limited to vehicles and have applicability in many industries. Further this method may be used outside of center consoles to secure other structures and components.

[0030] The tether may be used to secure a center console or another object within a vehicle, and more specifically secure the center console during an accident. The tether is secured to the vehicle at one end and the center console at another. The center console may be independently secured to the vehicle via any mounting mechanism and the tether may act as a secondary securing mechanism. In an accident the center console may break away from its mounting mechanism (e.g., frame or floor) due to various forces within the vehicle, especially from the forces experienced during the crash or a rollover event. The center console may further break or snap at a point such that a portion remains mounted and a rear portion, such as the main body, is able to move. The tether acts to limit or maintain the position of the center console or the main body. The tether may allow a set amount of movement, wherein the allowable movement is determined based on the slack provided in the tether. The tether also allows for fracture on the console structure while still limiting the excursion of the occupant. The use of the tether to limit the movement of the center console, and thus meet safety standards, allows for an improved center console. The center console can be lighter, more cantilevered, require less mounting structure, and allow for the use of alternative materials, such as plastic instead of metal.

[0031] FIG. 1 is view of an embodiment of a tether 100 and a rear portion of a center console 200 in accordance with this disclosure. The tether100 is configured to secure the center console 200, specifically the tether 100 is configured to secure the center console 200 to the vehicle in a vehicle accident. In certain embodiments, more than one tether 100 can be used to secure the center console 200 to the vehicle.

[0032] The tether 100 comprises a first end 120, a second end 140, and a middle portion 160. The center console 200 comprises a mounting portion 220 for mounting the center console 200 to a vehicle (e.g., floor or frame). The mounting portion 220 may include a flange 222 and a plurality of bolt holes 202. The mounting portion 220 may be located at the base of the center console 200 and may be the portion of the center console 200 that interfaces with the vehicle.

[0033] The center console 200 may include an upper portion 240 and a middle portion 260. The upper portion 240 may include an overhanging portion 242 which is primarily supported by the middle portion 260. In a crash state, the tether 100 provides additional support to the upper portion 240 which further supports the center console 200. Unlike the middle portion 260 which is located directly above where the center console 200 is bolted to the floor or frame of the vehicle, the overhang portion 242 is not located directly above where the center console 200 is bolted to the floor or frame. The shape of the overhanging portion 242 is advantageous in that it provides foot space for an occupant of the vehicle, specifically an occupant in a rear seat behind the center console 200.

[0034] FIG. 2 is view of an embodiment of the center console 200 and a seat 310 of a vehicle in accordance with this disclosure. The center console 200 is located adjacent to the seat 310. In a crash event the center console 200 may break away from the vehicle, putting a passenger sitting in seat 310 in danger. The one or more tethers 100 serve to restrain the center console 200.

[0035] FIG. 3A is a view of an embodiment of a known center console 400. The known center console 400, may also be known as a traditional center console. The known center console 400 relies on heavier materials and components to secure the known center console 400 to an associated vehicle. In this embodiment the known center console 400 comprises a reinforcement bracket 410. The reinforcement bracket 410 may be a single piece or there may be multiple reinforcement brackets 410. There may be a reinforcement bracket 410 on each side of the known center console 400. The reinforcement bracket 410 may be made of steel or aluminum. The reinforcement bracket 410 may boltto the vehicle and be configured to connect to the known center console 400. The reinforcement bracket 410 adds weight to the known center console 400 but is required to keep the known center console 400 secured. It should be understood that the known center console 400 may be secured by an alternative means but requires more robust, heavier structure to maintain its position in the case of an accident.

[0036] FIG. 3B is a view of an embodiment of the tether 100 and the center console 200 in accordance with this disclosure. The center console 200 may not include the reinforcement bracket 410. The center console 200 may similarly not include or omit other heavy structural members, reinforcements, or components used to secure the center console 200 to the vehicle, and more specifically used to secure the center console 200 to the vehicle during a crash.

[0037] The one or more tethers 100 may be used instead of heavy structural members, reinforcements, or components used to secure the center console 200 to the vehicle. The tether 100 may secure to the vehicle at a first end 120 and may secure to the center console 200 at a second end 140.

[0038] The first end 120 may be connected directly to the vehicle or to the vehicle and the center console 200 at connection point 202. The connection point 202 may be a pass-through hole, where a bolt 320 may connect the first end 120 to the vehicle through the pass through hole, i.e. connection point 202. The center console may also include a connection point 204. The second end 140 of the tether connects to the center console at the connection point 204. The tether 100 may include a portion of slack or extra material. In this way, in certain embodiments, the tether 100 is not under tension in the absence of a crash event. The slack also allows the tether to not take the peak of the load during the initial stages of the crash event. The slack may be an extra amount (length) of material beyond the amount required, where the required amount is defined by the distance between the connection point 202 and the connection point 204. The slack length may be determined based on the allowed movement of the console and / or the peak tension seen by the tether.

[0039] FIG. 4 is view of an embodiment of the tether 100 and the center console 200 in accordance with this disclosure. The tether 100 may be mounted to the center console 200 at the connection point 102 and connection point 104. The tether 100 may further be connected to the center console 200 via the tetherstrap 210. The tether strap (e.g., adhesive tape) 210 may be configured to capture the middle portion 160 of the tether 100. The tether strap 210 may be configured to allow the tether 100 to slide up or down within the tether strap 210. The tether strap 210 may not serve a structural purpose other than containing the slack during installation of the center console 200 and the tether 100.

[0040] FIG. 5 is view of an embodiment of the tether 100 in accordance with this disclosure. The tether 100 includes a first end 120, a second end 140, and a middle portion 160. The first end 120 may include a mounting feature 122. The mounting feature 122 may be a single mounting hole, a plurality of mounting holes, or another feature. The mounting feature 122 may correspond to the connection point 202 of the center console 200. The tether 100 may further comprise a reinforced portion 132. The reinforced portion 132 may be located adjacent to the first end 120. The reinforced portion 132 may be configured to prevent cutting of the tether in a crash event. The second end 140 may include a mounting feature 142. The mounting feature 142 may be a single mounting hole, a plurality of mounting holes, or another feature. The mounting feature 142 may correspond to the connection point 204 of the center console 200. The middle portion 160 may include slack.

[0041] FIG. 6A is view of an alternative view of the embodiment of the tether 100 shown in FIG. 5. The tether 100 is shown in a flat orientation. In certain embodiments, the tether 100 may be 20mm wide, or it may be 10mm, 15mm, 25mm, 28.8mm, 30mm, 35mm, or 40mm wide. The tether may be made of materials including but not limited to PET, HDPE, and Nylon. The tether may be any flexible woven material such as those used in seat belts. Of course this disclosure is not limited to the listed dimensions and can have any other dimension.

[0042] FIG. 6B is view of an alternative view of the embodiment of the tether 100 shown in FIG. 6A. The tether may be reinforced at the first end 120 and the second end 140. The first end 120 may comprise a second material layer 124. The second material layer 124 may be the same material folded back or a different piece of material. The second end 140 may comprise a second material layer 144. The second material layer 144 may be the same material folded back or a different piece of material.

[0043] FIG. 7 is view of an embodiment of a portion of the tether 100 in accordance with this disclosure. Specifically Figure 7 is representative of a stitch pattern 150 used at a first end 120 and a second end 140. The stitch pattern 150 may be centered around a hole such as mounting feature 122 and mounting feature 142. The stitch pattern 150 may further connect the second material layer 124 and the second material layer 144. The stitch pattern 150 may further be used to secure the reinforced portion 132.

[0044] FIG. 8 is an alternative view of the stitch pattern 150 on a first end 120 or a second end 140. The stitch pattern passes through both the main material layer 110 and the second material layer 124 or the second material layer 144.

[0045] FIG. 9A is view of an embodiment of the tether 100 and the center console 200 in accordance with this disclosure in a pre-crash state. The tether 100 is secured to the vehicle at a first end 120 via a bolt 320 which passes through the mounting feature 122. The bolt 320 may further pass through the flange 222, via the connection point 202, of the center console such that the center console 200 and the tether 100 are both secured to the vehicle via the bolt 320. The other end of the tether 100, the second end 140, is secured to the center console 200 at connection point 204.

[0046] FIG. 9B is view of an embodiment of the tether 100 and the center console 200 in accordance with this disclosure in a post-crash state. It should be understood that a post-crash state may include during a crash event or after the event has ceased. The tether 100 secures the center console 200 from moving beyond a certain amount in a crash event. The amount of movement the tether 100 permits may correlate to or be a direct result of the slack in the tether 100. The slack amount may be selected based on the acceptable amount of movement of the center console 200 while maintaining certain safety standards.

[0047] In a crash event the center console 200 may break, crack, or fracture in a number of locations. The center console 200 may be especially susceptible to fracture or breaking due to the overhanging portion 242. The overhanging portion 242 may be configured to hold a screen. The overhanging portion may be configured or shaped to create foot space for a rear passenger. The overhanging portion 242 geometry and weight, due to the screen, may create a greater cantilever, leading to easier fracturing. Therefore, the tether 100 maybe required to prevent the center console 200 from displacing beyond a certain amount.

[0048] In particular the center console 200 may snap at the flange 222 or the mounting portion 220. The forces associated with the crash or other objects in the vehicle, such as the passenger, may continue to move or displace the center console 200. The tether 100 may serve to limit the movement or displacement of the center console 200.

[0049] FIG. 10A is view of an embodiment of the center console 200 and the seat 310 in accordance with this disclosure in a pre-crash state. The passenger is shown in the seat 310, adjacent to the center console 200 of the present embodiment. Although not shown, the center console 200 is secured via the tether 100.

[0050] FIG. 10B is view of an embodiment of the center console 200 and the seat 310 in accordance with this disclosure in a post-crash state. In the crash event the center console 200 may break or snap. In particular the center console 200 may break or snap at the mounting portion 220, or at the flange 222. The tether 100 may serve to limit the displacement of the center console 200. In a crash event, in particular a side impact or side collision event, a passenger may be pushed towards the center console 200. The center console may serve to limit the movement of the passenger in a crash event. In particular, the tether 100 may serve to limit the movement of the center console 200, and thus limit the movement of the passenger in a crash event.

[0051] FIG. 11A is view of an embodiment of a tether 100 and a center console 200 in accordance with this disclosure. The tether 100 is configured to secure the center console 200, specifically the tether 100 is configured to secure the center console 200 to the vehicle in a vehicle accident. In certain embodiments, more than one tether 100 can be used to secure the center console 200 to the vehicle.

[0052] The tether 100 comprises a first end 120, a second end 140, and a middle portion 160. The center console 200 comprises a mounting portion 220 for mounting the center console 200 to a vehicle (e.g., floor or frame). The mounting portion 220 may include a plurality of bolt holes which may include the connection point 202. The mounting portion 220 may be located at the base of the center console 200 or partially up the side of the center console 200. Themounting portion 220 may be the portion of the center console 200 that interfaces with the vehicle.

[0053] The first end 120 may be connected directly to the vehicle or to the vehicle and the center console 200 at connection point 202. The connection point 202 may be a pass-through hole, where a bolt 320 may connect the first end 120 to the vehicle through the pass through hole, i.e. connection point 202. The second end 140 may be connected in a manner similar to or the same as the first end 120. The first end 120 may be connected on one side of the center console 200 and the second end 140 may be connected on a opposite side of the center console 200. The center console 200 may further comprise a tether pass through 250. The tether pass through may be a passage or may simply be a flange which the tether may pass over. The tether may be connected at connection point 202 on a first side and extend through the tether pass through 250 where the second end 140 may be connected to a different connection point 202. In this case a single tether may be used instead of two separate tethers as shown in other embodiments. The center console may have multiple tether attachment points or temporary set points. In the present embodiment the center console comprises bolt attachment 252 which secures the tether 100 to the center console 200. It should be understood that the tether may be attached to the center console at multiple points or at no points at all, so long as it is able to capture and secure the center console 200 in an accident.

[0054] FIG. 11B is cut away view of an embodiment of the center console 200 and tether 100 shown in FIG. 11 A. The middle portion 160 of the tether 100 passes through the tether pass through 250 and secures the center console 200. The tether is connected to the vehicle at a first end 120 and a second end 140.EXAMPLES

[0055] Some examples may include the following aspects.

[0056] Example 1 includes a securement system comprising: a center console comprising: a mounting portion configured to be mounted to a vehicle; and a tether mount; a tether comprising: a first end; and a second end; wherein the first end of the tether is secured to the vehicle and the second end is secured to the tether mount.

[0057] Example 2 includes the securement system of example 1, wherein the first end of the tether is further secured to the mounting portion.

[0058] Example 3 includes the securement system of example 1 or example 2, wherein a length of the tether comprises: a distance between the mounting portion and the tether mount; and a slack length.

[0059] Example 4 includes the securement system of any one of examples 1-3, wherein the slack length is greater than a minimum slack length required for assembly and the slack length is less than a distance from the mounting portion configured to be mounted to a vehicle to a top of a seat bottom.

[0060] Example 5 includes a console for a vehicle, the console comprising: a body configured to be secured to a floor or frame of the vehicle and having at least one tether mount; and at least one flexible tether sized and shaped to couple the at least one tether mount to the floor or frame of the vehicle so as to prevent the console from separating from the floor or frame of the vehicle in case of an accident.

[0061] Example 6 includes a console for a vehicle, the console comprising a body configured to be secured to a floor or frame of the vehicle and having at least one mount, the at least one mount being configured for attachment by a tether so as to prevent the console from separating from the floor or frame of the vehicle in case of an accident.

[0062] Example 7 includes a tether for securing a center console to a floor or frame of a vehicle in case of an accident, the center console having an attachment point a first distance from the floor or frame of the vehicle, the tether comprising a body having a first end and a second end, the body comprising a flexible woven material, the first end being configured to be secured to the attachment point, the second end being spaced along the body from the first end a distance greater than the first distance so as to be secured to the floor or frame of the vehicle without applying tension to the center console in an absence of an accident.

[0063] Example 8 includes a vehicle center console securement system comprising: a center console having a body configured to be mounted to a vehicle; at least one tether mount located on the body; and a flexible tether having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the flexible tether issecured to the vehicle and the second end is secured to the at least one tether mount.

[0064] Example 9 includes the vehicle center console securement system of example 8, wherein the flexible tether comprises a woven material selected from a group comprising PET, HDPE, and nylon.

[0065] Example 10 includes a vehicle center console securement system of claim 8, wherein the flexible tether has a length comprising: a distance between a mounting portion of the center console and the at least one tether mount; and a slack length.

[0066] Example 11 includes the vehicle center console securement system of example 10, wherein the slack length is greater than a minimum slack length required for assembly and less than a distance from the mounting portion to a top of a vehicle seat bottom.

[0067] Example 12 includes a method of securing a vehicle center console, comprising: mounting a center console to a vehicle; attaching a first end of a flexible tether to the vehicle; attaching a second end of the flexible tether to a tether mount on the center console; and providing a slack length in the flexible tether to allow limited movement of the center console during a crash event.

[0068] Example 13 includes a vehicle center console comprising: a body configured to be secured to a floor or frame of a vehicle; at least one tether mount on the body; and at least one flexible tether sized and shaped to couple the at least one tether mount to the floor or frame of the vehicle, wherein the at least one flexible tether is configured to prevent the vehicle center console from separating from the floor or frame of the vehicle during a crash event.

[0069] Example 14 includes the vehicle center console of example 13, wherein the body includes an overhanging portion supported by a middle portion, and wherein the at least one flexible tether provides additional support to the overhanging portion during a crash event.

[0070] Example 15 includes a tether for securing a vehicle center console, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; the body comprising a flexible woven material; wherein the first end is configured to be secured to an attachment point on a center console; wherein the second end is spaced along the body from the first end by a distance greater than a firstdistance between the attachment point and a vehicle floor or frame; and wherein the second end is configured to be secured to the vehicle floor or frame without applying tension to the center console in an absence of a crash event.

[0071] Example 16 includes the tether of example 15, further comprising a reinforced portion adjacent to at least one of the first end or the second end.

[0072] Example 17 includes a vehicle center console securement system, comprising: a center console having a body configured to be mounted to a vehicle; a tether pass-through on the body; and a flexible tether having a first end secured to the vehicle on a first side of the center console, a second end secured to the vehicle on a second side of the center console, and a middle portion passing through the tether pass-through to capture the center console.

[0073] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and / or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0074] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various examples or embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosed glove box actuation assembly. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative examples or embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of, "have", "is" used to describe and claim thepresent disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

[0075] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, and the like) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other. Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, "first", "second", "third", "primary", "secondary", "main" or any other ordinary and / or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and / or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and / or modification.

[0076] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings / figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A securement system comprising: a center console comprising: a mounting portion configured to be mounted to a vehicle; and a tether mount; a tether comprising: a first end; and a second end; wherein the first end of the tether is secured to the vehicle and the second end is secured to the tether mount.

2. The securement system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the tether is further secured to the mounting portion.

3. The securement system of claim 2, wherein a length of the tether comprises: a distance between the mounting portion and the tether mount; and a slack length.

4. The securement system of claim 3, wherein the slack length is greater than a minimum slack length required for assembly and the slack length is less than a distance from the mounting portion configured to be mounted to a vehicle to a top of a seat bottom.

5. A console for a vehicle, the console comprising: a body configured to be secured to a floor or frame of the vehicle and having at least one tether mount; and at least one flexible tether sized and shaped to couple the at least one tether mount to the floor or frame of the vehicle so as to prevent the console from separating from the floor or frame of the vehicle in case of an accident.

6. A console for a vehicle, the console comprising a body configured to be secured to a floor or frame of the vehicle and having at least one mount, the at least one mount being configured for attachment by a tether so as to prevent theconsole from separating from the floor or frame of the vehicle in case of an accident.

7. A tether for securing a center console to a floor or frame of a vehicle in case of an accident, the center console having an attachment point a first distance from the floor or frame of the vehicle, the tether comprising a body having a first end and a second end, the body comprising a flexible woven material, the first end being configured to be secured to the attachment point, the second end being spaced along the body from the first end a distance greater than the first distance so as to be secured to the floor or frame of the vehicle without applying tension to the center console in an absence of an accident.

8. A vehicle center console securement system comprising: a center console having a body configured to be mounted to a vehicle; at least one tether mount located on the body; and a flexible tether having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the flexible tether is secured to the vehicle and the second end is secured to the at least one tether mount.

9. The vehicle center console securement system of claim 8, wherein the flexible tether comprises a woven material selected from a group comprising PET, HDPE, and nylon.

10. The vehicle center console securement system of claim 8, wherein the flexible tether has a length comprising: a distance between a mounting portion of the center console and the at least one tether mount; and a slack length.

11. The vehicle center console securement system of claim 10, wherein the slack length is greater than a minimum slack length required for assembly and less than a distance from the mounting portion to a top of a vehicle seat bottom.

12. A method of securing a vehicle center console, comprising:mounting a center console to a vehicle; attaching a first end of a flexible tether to the vehicle; attaching a second end of the flexible tether to a tether mount on the center console; and providing a slack length in the flexible tether to allow limited movement of the center console during a crash event.

13. A vehicle center console comprising: a body configured to be secured to a floor or frame of a vehicle; at least one tether mount on the body; and at least one flexible tether sized and shaped to couple the at least one tether mount to the floor or frame of the vehicle, wherein the at least one flexible tether is configured to prevent the vehicle center console from separating from the floor or frame of the vehicle during a crash event.

14. The vehicle center console of claim 13, wherein the body includes an overhanging portion supported by a middle portion, and wherein the at least one flexible tether provides additional support to the overhanging portion during a crash event.

15. A tether for securing a vehicle center console, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; the body comprising a flexible woven material; wherein the first end is configured to be secured to an attachment point on a center console; wherein the second end is spaced along the body from the first end by a distance greater than a first distance between the attachment point and a vehicle floor or frame; and wherein the second end is configured to be secured to the vehicle floor or frame without applying tension to the center console in an absence of a crash event.

16. The tether of claim 15, further comprising a reinforced portion adjacent to at least one of the first end or the second end.

17. A vehicle center console securement system, comprising: a center console having a body configured to be mounted to a vehicle; a tether pass-through on the body; and a flexible tether having a first end secured to the vehicle on a first side of the center console, a second end secured to the vehicle on a second side of the center console, and a middle portion passing through the tether pass- through to capture the center console.

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