Storage unit for the interior of a vehicle

Abstract

Storage Assembly for the Interior of a Vehicle. The present invention relates to a storage assembly (100) for the interior of a vehicle. The storage assembly (100) comprises a storage box (200), a tray (110) with a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicularly or obliquely with respect to the first surface (110a). The tray (110) is removably positioned above a storage compartment in the box (200). The second surface (110b) of the tray (110) has an engagement element (120) adapted to receive a receiving portion (132) of a flexible portion (130) to facilitate a rigid, tight fit between the tray (110) and the storage box (200).The engagement element (120) extends substantially perpendicularly to the second surface (110b) to configure the flexible part (130) on or within it, thus preventing unintentional separation of the flexible part (130) from the plate (110). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Storage unit for the interior of a vehicle Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage assembly for a vehicle interior. More specifically, the present invention relates to a storage assembly for holding items such as cups or beverage containers and the like. Background to the invention

[0002] The integration of storage assemblies into vehicles to hold beverage containers or cups or any other similar items is becoming an essential aspect of modern automotive design to enhance the comfort and convenience of occupants / passengers during travel. Such storage assemblies provide a dedicated space to securely store beverage containers inside the vehicle so that passengers can carry beverages or refreshments while traveling. The primary purpose of such storage assemblies is to securely hold beverage containers such as cups, bottles, cans or other similar items during travel. This ensures that the beverages remain stable, thereby minimizing spills and potential distractions for the driver.

[0003] However, as vehicles have evolved to accommodate various accessories and equipment to enhance comfort and convenience, the incorporation of cup holders into a larger storage package has gained popularity. This integration has allowed for a more organized and efficient use of space within the vehicle.

[0004] Adding a tray to a storage compartment not only provides a dedicated space for cups, but also expands the utility of the cup holder by providing an area to place small items or create an organized storage space. Such cup holders, especially those with an integrated tray on the storage compartment, must provide stability and avoid rattling noises that occur due to the frictional action between the tray and the storage compartment's storage housing. However, in most cases, when items are placed in the tray or cup holders, movement or vibration during vehicle operation results in an undesirable noise or rattling effect.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a storage assembly that allows passengers or occupant to hold the items stable and allows them to easily use the items while driving. Objects of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a storage assembly for a vehicle interior that effectively minimizes noise and rattling that occurs between the removable tray disposed on a housing or storage space of a storage box of the storage assembly to ensure a quieter and more pleasant in-car experience for passengers.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible portion disposed on an engaging member of the removable tray such that the flexible portion can only move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal or lateral direction of the tray (110), thereby avoiding unintentional separation of the flexible portion from the tray. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a storage assembly for a vehicle interior. The storage assembly may include a storage box defining a storage space for storing items and a tray with a first surface and a second surface extending substantially perpendicular or oblique to the first surface. The tray is removably disposed over the storage space of the storage box.

[0009] The second surface of the tray may include an engagement member adapted to receive a receiving portion of a flexible portion to facilitate a rigid interference fit between the tray and an inner wall of the storage box when installing the tray onto the storage space of the storage box. The engagement member may extend substantially perpendicular to the second surface to configure the flexible portion on or within it. This specific arrangement of the engagement member allows the flexible portion to move only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the tray, thereby avoiding unintentional separation of the flexible portion from the tray.

[0010] In one aspect of the invention, the engagement element on the second surface of the tray may be a U-shaped, I-shaped, or H-shaped projection extending substantially perpendicular to the second surface. In one aspect, the flexible portion is a block-like structure, and the receiving portion of the flexible portion is a cavity that aligns with and is complementary to the engagement element so as to allow rigid engagement of the flexible portion. flexible with the tray. In one aspect of the invention, the engaging member on the second surface of the tray may be a U-shaped, I-shaped or H-shaped cavity extending substantially perpendicular to the second surface and the flexible portion is a block-like structure, and the receiving portion of the flexible portion is a protrusion that aligns with and is complementary to the engaging member, so as to allow rigid engagement of the flexible portion with the tray. This specific design of the engaging member allows the flexible portion to move only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal or lateral direction of the tray, thus avoiding unintentional separation of the flexible portion from the tray and if only the flexible portion is damaged, it can be replaced.

[0011] In one aspect, the engaging member may protrude from at least diagonal corners of the tray, each engaging member being disposed in a recess portion of the respective corner formed by two second surfaces mating obliquely to each other.

[0012] In one aspect, the flexible portion may include a U-shaped recess / cavity that aligns with and is complementary to the U-shaped projection / protrusion of the engaging member so as to allow rigid engagement between the flexible portion and the engaging member. In another aspect, the flexible portion may include a U-shaped projection / protrusion that aligns with and is complementary to the U-shaped recess / cavity of the engaging member so as to allow rigid engagement between the flexible portion and the engaging member.

[0013] In one aspect, the receiving portion of the flexible portion is engageable with the engagement member such that a portion of the flexible portion is above the engagement member of the tray and a portion is below the engagement member and the flexible portion envelops and covers the recessed portion. The flexible portion is surrounded by three surfaces of the recessed portions on at least the diagonal corners to block rotational movement of the flexible portion within the recess portion.

[0014] In one aspect, the flexible portion may include one or two flexible bumper portions. The flexible bumper portions may abut the inner wall portion of the storage box when the tray is assembled onto a storage space of the storage box to improve the tight fit installation of the tray with the storage box.

[0015] In one aspect, a pawl may be positioned on the engaging member, the pawl being adapted to rigidly attach to or engage a corresponding opening; positioned at a lower section of the flexible portion. The flexible portion may be a square-shaped rubber ring.

[0016] In one aspect, the storage box may include a protruding section extending from the inner wall of the storage box and toward the storage space, the tray being positioned on the protruding section of the storage box so as to ensure a defined gap between the tray and a base of the storage box.

[0017] In another aspect, the tray may include a circular opening for receiving a cup or similar item in the space between the tray and the storage box. The circular opening is adapted to receive and hold an item therein such that a portion of the item is above the tray for easy removal of the cup from the storage assembly.

[0018] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of assembling a flexible portion to a tray in a storage assembly for a vehicle interior. The storage assembly comprises a tray with a first surface and a second surface, the tray being removably disposed on a housing of a storage box. The second surface of the tray comprises an engaging member adapted to receive the flexible portion to facilitate a rigid interference fit between the tray and the storage box.

[0019] Initially, the flexible part is installed by pushing the flexible part in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tray so that the engaging member (120) is pushed into the receiving portion of the flexible part. In addition, the tray is installed perpendicularly on the storage space, so as to ensure a rigid tight fit between the tray and the storage box. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] The advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become more clearly apparent with reference to the detailed description given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified by like symbols, and in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] - [Fig.l] illustrates a perspective view of a storage unit for a vehicle interior according to the present invention;

[0022] [Fig.2] - [Fig.2] shows another view of the storage assembly when a tray is not engaged with a storage box;

[0023] [Fig.3] - [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of the tray with the flexible part arranged on each corner of the tray according to the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.4] - [Fig.4] represents another view of the arrangement of the flexible part with a stopper part;

[0025] [Fig.5] - [Fig.5] shows the arrangement of an engagement element on a recess portion of the tray according to the present invention;

[0026] [Fig.6] - [Fig.6] shows a perspective view of a flexible portion with a receiving portion and a pawl for engaging with a ratchet portion of the engagement member;

[0027] [Fig.7] - [Fig.7] shows a direction of assembly of the flexible part with the engagement element when the flexible part is not engaged with the engagement element according to the present invention;

[0028] [Fig.8] - [Fig.8] represents an engagement position of the flexible part when it is engaged with the engagement element;

[0029] [Fig.9] - [Fig.9] shows the arrangement of the tray with a flexible part on an upper part of the storage box according to the present invention; and

[0030] [Fig. 10] - [Fig. 10] illustrates a method of assembling the tray of the storage assembly according to the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, is described in detail below. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "comprising," as well as other forms thereof, are intended to have an equivalent meaning and be open to the extent that one or more elements following any of these words are not intended to be an exhaustive list of such one or more elements, nor to be limited only to the one or more elements listed.

[0032] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein, do not denote any particular order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an," herein, do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced elements.

[0033] The disclosed embodiments are only examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0034] The present invention relates to a storage assembly for a vehicle interior that effectively minimizes noise and rattling that typically occurs between the removable tray and the housing of the storage assembly to provide a quieter and more pleasant in-car experience for passengers.

[0035] Referring to [Fig. 1], a storage assembly (100) for a vehicle interior according to the present invention is illustrated. The storage assembly comprises a storage box (200) and a tray (110). The storage assembly (100) may be disposed on an interior panel of the vehicle, providing easy access to the driver, front seat passengers, and rear seat passengers. In one embodiment, the storage assembly (100) is disposed on an armrest of the vehicle, more particularly under the armrest storage. In one embodiment, the storage assembly (100) is arranged on a central console of the vehicle, for example between a driver's seat and a passenger seat.

[0036] Referring to [Fig.2], the storage box (200) comprises a base (200a), side walls (210) and an open top (220) defining a housing with storage space for storing items such as phones, pens, clothes, books and the like.

[0037] The side walls (210) of the storage box (200) have a protruding section (215) which protrudes from an inner surface of the side walls (210) inwardly toward the storage space of the storage box (200). The tray (110) is removably or releasably attached to the storage space of the storage box (200). More specifically, the tray (110) is positioned on the protruding section (215) extending from the inner wall of the storage box (220) toward the storage space so as to ensure a defined space between the tray (110) and the base (200a) of the storage box (200). The tray (110) has a substantially rectangular shape that corresponds to the storage space of the storage box (200) such that, upon placement of the tray (110) on top of the storage box (200), the tray (110) aligns with the protruding section (215) of the storage box (200).It will be apparent to those skilled in the art how to fabricate the tray (110) in various shapes to align with the protruding section (215) of the storage box (200) such that the tray (110) can configure a lid for the storage box (200).

[0038] In one embodiment (not shown), the tray (110) may include a ratcheting or locking mechanism. In such an embodiment, the tray (110) may include locks, pawls, or latches that engage with corresponding portions on the storage box (200), thereby ensuring a secure fit. The tray (110) may be released by pressing a button or unlocking a latch.

[0039] Further, the tray (110) includes a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicular or oblique to the first surface (110a). The first surface (110a) is an upper portion of the tray (110) for placing articles. More particularly, the first surface (110a) includes a substantially circular opening (112a, 112b) adapted to receive and hold an article (300) therein such that a portion of the article (300) is above the tray (110). The circular opening (112a, 112b) is adapted to hold an article (300) such as beverage cups or cans and the like. In the present embodiment, the first surface (110a) includes two circular openings (112a, 112b). In one embodiment (not shown), the first surface (110a) is a planar surface intended to contain and maintain items such as books, cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc., and the like.

[0040] The second surface (110b) of the tray (110) is a lower side portion of the tray (110) that extends substantially perpendicular or oblique to the first surface (110a). The second surface (110b) of the tray (110) has an engagement member (120) that is an extendable member that extends in the lateral direction of the tray (110) as depicted in [Fig. 5]. In another embodiment (not shown), the engagement member (120) extends in the longitudinal direction of the tray (110). In the present embodiment, as depicted in [Fig. 5], the engagement member (120) is a U-shaped projection that extends substantially perpendicular to the second surface (110b). In another embodiment, the engagement member is I-shaped or H-shaped.In one embodiment, the engagement member (120) is a U-shaped projection that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal or lateral direction of the tray (110).

[0041] Further, the engagement member (120) protrudes at least from the diagonal corners of the tray (110). More particularly, as described in [Fig.2].5, the engagement member (120) protrudes from all corners (150) of the second surface (110b), and each engagement member (120) extends substantially perpendicular to the second surface (110b). In one embodiment, the engagement member (120) protrudes from each of the corners (150) of the second surface (110b), and each engagement member (120) extends substantially perpendicular to the second surface (110b). In the present embodiment, the engagement element (120) is arranged in a recess portion (140) of the respective corner (150) formed by two second surfaces (110b-1 and 110b-2) coupling obliquely to each other.In one embodiment, the tray includes four engagement members (120), each extending from each corner of the tray (110).

[0042] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the engagement member (120) is adapted to receive a receiving portion (12) of a flexible portion (130) to facilitate a rigid interference fit between the tray (110) and the inner wall of the storage box (200) when the tray (110) is installed on the storage space. In the present embodiment, the engagement member (120) extends substantially perpendicular to the second surface (110b) to configure the flexible portion (130) on or within it.

[0043] In the present embodiment, there are four flexible portions (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d), as depicted in [Fig.2], which engage with corresponding engagement members (120) disposed at each corner of the tray (110). In In one embodiment (not shown), two flexible portions are disposed in correspondence with the engagement members (120) disposed at the diagonal corners of the tray (110). The flexible portion (130) may be a flexible member that is made of rubber or a rubber-like material, which are known for their flexibility, pliability, and ability to absorb vibrations. The flexible portion (130) may also have properties that allow for easy molding and shaping to fit over the engagement member (120) of the tray (110). In the present embodiment, the flexible portion (130) is a block-like structure and the receiving portion (132) of the flexible portion (130) is a cavity that aligns with and is complementary to the engagement member (120), so as to allow for rigid engagement of the flexible portion (130) with the tray (110).In one embodiment, the flexible portion (130) is a square-shaped rubber ring with chamfered ends and the assembly direction of the flexible portion (130) is parallel to the longitudinal or lateral direction of the tray (110) and substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the tray (110).

[0044] Referring to [Fig. 6], the flexible portion (130) includes a cavity (132) that aligns with and is complementary to the projection of the engaging member (120) so as to allow rigid engagement between the flexible portion (130) and the engaging member (120). In the present embodiment, the flexible portion (130) includes a U-shaped cavity (132) that aligns with and is complementary to the U-shaped projection of the engaging member (120). In an alternative design (not shown), the engaging member (120) has an I-shaped structure.

[0045] Further, when the flexible portion (130) is engaged with the engaging member (120), a portion of the flexible portion (130) is above the engaging member (120) and a portion is below the engaging member (120). In the engaged position, the flexible portion (130) envelops and covers the recessed portion (140). The flexible portion (130) is surrounded by three surfaces (140a, 110b-1 and 110b-2) of the recess portions (140) on each corner (150) to block the rotational movement of the flexible portion (130) within the recess portion (140).

[0046] In the engaging position, the engaging member (120) engages with the flexible portion (130), causing the flexible portion (130) to cover three surfaces (140a, 110b-1, 110b-2) of the recess portions (140) on each corner (150) as illustrated in Figures 4, 8 and 9.

[0047] Referring hereinafter to Figures 4 and 6, the flexible portion (130) includes a flexible bumper portion disposed on adjacent side surfaces of the flexible portion (130) that do not contact the tray (110) when installed on the tray (110). In the present embodiment, two bumper portions (134a, 134b) are adapted to abut against the inner wall portion of the storage box (200) when the tray is assembled onto the storage space of the storage box (200). The flexible bumper portions (134a, 134b) are a protruding support on adjacent side surfaces of the flexible portion (130) which may have a rounded or semi-rounded shape to provide a strong but removable tight fit between the tray (110) and the storage box (200). The flexible bumper portions (134a, 134b) engage with a portion of the housing (200), in particular with the inner wall portion or inner side walls (220) of the storage box (200) when the tray (110) is assembled onto the storage space of the storage box (200) to enhance the press-fit installation of the tray (110) with the storage box (200) as described in [Fig.9].In this way, the arrangement of the flexible portion (130) with the flexible stopper portions (134a, 134b) minimizes noise and rattling occurring between the tray (110) and the storage box housing (200).

[0048] Further, a pawl (122) is positioned, specifically at a lower section of the engaging member (120) as depicted in Figures 7 and 8. The pawl (122) is adapted to rigidly engage with a corresponding opening (136) positioned at a lower section of the flexible portion (130). The pawl (122) is a projection projecting downwardly from the engaging member (120) and engaging with the corresponding opening (136) of the flexible portion to provide a lock between the flexible portion (130) and the engaging member (120). When the flexible portion (130) is mounted on the engaging member (120), the pawl (122) rigidly engages in the opening (136), forming a lock therebetween to prevent detachment of the flexible portion (130) from the engaging member (120).

[0049] In one aspect of the invention, a method (500) of assembling a tray of a storage assembly (100) according to the present invention is described. The method (500) is described in conjunction with the storage assembly (100) described above. The storage assembly (100) comprises the tray (110) with a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicular or oblique to the first surface (110a). The tray (110) is removably disposed on a housing or storage space of a storage box (200), and the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) comprises an engaging member (120) adapted to receive a receiving portion (132) of a flexible portion (130) to facilitate a rigid interference fit between the tray (110) and the storage box (200). The method (500) begins at step 510:

[0050] In step 520, provide the tray with the engagement element (120).

[0051] In step 530, provide the flexible part (130) with the receiving part (132).

[0052] In step 540, install, by pushing the flexible part (130) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the tray (110) such that the engagement member (120) is pushed into the receiving portion (132) of the flexible part (130).

[0053] In step 550, install the tray (110) perpendicularly on the storage space ensuring a rigid tight fit between the tray (110) and the inner wall of the storage box (200). The method ends in step 560.

[0054] Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of providing a storage assembly for a vehicle interior that effectively minimizes noise and rattling that occurs between the tray and the housing of the storage assembly to ensure a quieter and more pleasant in-car experience for passengers. It further maximizes space utilization in the storage space by efficiently organizing items such as beverage containers in the tray. The tray in the storage assembly may be provided as a separate accessory that can be modified according to the user's needs to enhance the modularity and customization of the storage assembly. Users can adapt the tray to their specific needs and preferences, thereby providing a personalized experience.

[0055] The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application in order to enable those skilled in the art to make the best use of the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or make expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or practice of the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A storage assembly (100) for a vehicle interior, the storage assembly (100) comprising: a storage box (200) defining a storage space for storing items therein, a tray (110) with a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicular or oblique to the first surface (110a), the tray (110) being removably disposed on the storage space of the storage box (200);wherein the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) includes an engagement member (120) adapted to receive a receiving portion (132) of a flexible portion (130) to facilitate a rigid, tight fit between the tray (110) and an inner wall of the storage box (200) upon installation of the tray (110) on the storage space, wherein the engagement member (120) extends substantially perpendicular to the second surface (110b) to configure the flexible portion (130) on or within it.;

2. The storage assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the engaging member (120) on the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) is a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped projection extending substantially perpendicular to the second surface (110b) and wherein the flexible portion (130) is a block-like structure and the receiving portion (132) of the flexible portion (130) is a cavity that aligns with and is complementary to the engaging member (120) so as to allow rigid engagement of the flexible portion (130) with the tray (110).

3. A storage assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement member (120) projects from the tray (110), each engagement member (120) being disposed within a recess portion (140) of the respective corner (150) formed by two second surfaces (110b-l, 110b-2) obliquely mating with each other.

4. The storage assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement member (120) on the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) is a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped cavity extending substantially perpendicular to the second surface (110b), wherein the flexible portion (130) is a block-like structure and the receiving portion (132) of the flexible portion (130) is a projection that aligns with and is complementary to the engagement member (120) so as to enable rigid engagement of the flexible portion (130) with the tray (110).

5. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein the receiving portion (132) of the flexible portion (130) is engaged with the engaging member (120) of the tray (110) such that a portion of the flexible portion (130) is above the engaging member (120) and a portion is below the engaging member (120) such that the flexible portion (130) envelops and covers the recess portion (140) such that the flexible portion (130) is surrounded by three surfaces (140a, 110b-1 and 110b-2) of the recess portions (140) on each corner (150) to block the rotational movement of the flexible portion (130) within the recess portion (140).

6. A storage assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible portion (130) comprises two stopper portions (134a, 134b), the flexible stopper portions (134a, 134b) abutting the inner wall portion of the storage box (200) when the tray (110) is assembled onto the storage space of the storage box (200) to improve the press-fit installation of the tray (110) with the storage box (200).

7. A storage assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein a pawl (122) is positioned on the engagement member (120), the pawl (122) is adapted to rigidly engage with a corresponding opening (136) of the flexible portion (130).

8. A storage assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage box (200) comprises a projecting section (215) extending from the inner wall of the storage box (220) and toward the storage space. storage, wherein the tray (110) is positioned on the protruding section (215) of the storage box (200) so as to ensure a defined space between the tray (110) and a base (200a) of the storage box (200).

9. A storage assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray (110) comprises a circular opening (112a, 112b) adapted to receive and hold the article (300) therein such that a portion of the article (300) is above the tray (110).

10. A method of assembling a tray of a storage assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, the storage assembly (100) comprising the tray (110) with a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicular or oblique to the first surface (110a), the tray (110) being removably disposed on a housing or storage space of a storage box (200), and the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) comprises an engagement member (120) adapted to receive a receiving portion (132) of a flexible portion (130) to facilitate a rigid interference fit between the tray (110) and the storage box (200), the method comprising the steps of: providing the tray (110) with the engagement member (120), providing the flexible portion (130) with the reception part (132), installation,pushing the flexible part (130) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the tray (110) such that the engaging member (120) is pushed into the receiving part (132) of the flexible part (130); and installing the tray (110) perpendicularly on the storage space while ensuring a rigid tight fit between the tray (110) and the inner wall of the storage box (200).,