A stowage assembly for a centre console of a vehicle

Abstract

A stowage assembly 100 for a centre console of a vehicle comprises side walls 107,108,109,110 defining a stowage compartment 104 therebetween; and a door 111 movable between a deployed position where

Description

09 06 £5 TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a stowage assembly fora centre console of a vehicle. Aspects of the invention 5 relate to a stowage assembly and a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to provide stowage assemblies for centre consoles of vehicles that have a stowage compartment for storing one or more items. However, users of a vehicle will have different requirements for the type of items 10 they wish to store in the centre console and how stored items are accessed. Known stowage assemblies may provide limited options for storing and allowing access to items of different sizes. There exists a need to improve the versatility of a centre console so that it may accommodate the requirements of different users. Furthermore, such versatility is preferably afforded by means that are not onerous to the 15 user. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a stowage assembly for a centre console of a vehicle and a vehicle. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a stowage assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprising: 25 a plurality of side walls defining a stowage compartment therebetween; and a door movable between a deployed position in which the door covers a portion of the stowage compartment between the plurality of side walls and a retracted position in which the portion of the stowage compartment is uncovered by the door; wherein in the deployed position a first portion of the door is raised relative to a second portion of the 30 door to provide a recess for stowing items on the door. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a stowage assembly for a centre console of a vehicle. The assembly comprising: a plurality of side walls defining a stowage compartment therebetween; and a door movable between a deployed position in which the door extends between at least two side 35 walls of the plurality of side walls to cover a portion of the stowage compartment and a retracted position in which the portion of the stowage compartment is uncovered by the door; 09 06 25 wherein in the deployed position a first portion of the door is raised relative to a second portion of the door and the second portion of the door is lower than an upper surface of each of the at least two of side walls to provide a recess for stowing items on the door. In the above-described assemblies, the door provides two functions: allowing or blocking access to the 5 stowage compartment, and providing a recess for stowing items such as a phone, keys or a wallets when in the deployed position. The recess may be provided by the door and the sidewalls when the door is in the deployed position. The assembly, therefore, has improved versatility as there are multiple places (i.e. in the stowage compartment or on the recess) for a user to stow items. In embodiments of eitherthe above-described aspects ofthe invention, one or more of the following may apply. 10 In certain embodiments, the at least two side walls may comprise a first side wall and a second opposing side wall. The plurality of side walls may comprise a third side wall extending from the first to the second side wall, and the door may be extendable from the third side wall. The third side wall may be a front or rear side wall of the assembly, where front and rear are relative to a vehicle. Optionally, the plurality of side walls may comprise a fourth side wall opposing the third side wall, the lid being pivotably coupled to the fourth side wall. 15 The door comprises a flexible door. The door may be flexible in a direction parallel to its direction of movement between the deployed and retracted positions. A flexible door may reduce the packaging requirements for the assembly. A flexible door may also improve the ease of providing the first and second portions ofthe door when the door is in the deployed position and improve ease of moving the door between the different positions. In certain embodiments, the door may comprise a tambour door. The assembly may comprise a guide channel attached to one ofthe side walls, wherein the guide channel is configured to receive the door in the retracted position. The guide channel may protect the door when it is in the retracted position thereby reducing the risk of damage to the door by items stowed in the stowage compartment. Advantageously, the guide channel may partially or entirely conceal the door from view within the stowage compartment when the door is in the retracted position thereby improving the aesthetics of the 25 stowage compartment. The guide channel may be configured to receive a part ofthe door when the door is in the deployed position thereby improving ease of movement ofthe door between the retracted and deployed positions. In certain embodiments, the door may be configured to slide between the retracted and deployed positions. Thus, a door that is simple and easy to move between the different positions may be provided. 30 The at least two side walls each comprise a track within which the door is configured to slide between the retracted and deployed positions. The track may provide a simple, cost-effect mechanism to guide movement ofthe door. Each track comprises a first section and a second section. The first section extends between a first distance from the upper surface of the respective side wall and a second distance from the upper surface of the 35 respective side wall. The second section is at the second distance from the upper surface the respective side 09£6 25 wall. The second distance is greater than the first distance such that in the deployed position the first portion of the track defines a shape of the first portion of the door and the second portion of the track defines second portion of the door. Thus, the first and second sections may be arranged to receive the door in the deployed position. As the door may be a flexible door, in the deployed position the door may conform to the profile of 5 the tracks to create the recess for stowing items on the door. Advantageously, the tracks may be shaped to provide any desired recess. In certain embodiments, the first section of each track may extend at an obtuse angle from the respective second section. This may enable a smooth transition of the door from the first portion to the second portion of each track. 10 In certain embodiments, the first portion of each track may be substantially horizontal. That is, when the assembly is within a vehicle, the first portion of each track may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Advantageously, the first portion of the track may provide the recess with a substantially flat floor thereby improving stowage of items within the recess. Each track may comprise a third section configured to receive the door in the retracted position, the third 15 section may extend from the second section and into the stowage compartment in a direction away from the upper surfaces of each of the respective side wall. Thus, the door may be stored out of the way of a user when it is in the retracted position. The tracks in each of the at least two side walls may be substantially identical to one another. This may provide a uniform shape across the recess improving ease and stowage of items within the recess. In certain embodiments, an end of the second portion of each track coincides with an end of each track. The door may comprise an upstanding extension. The second portion of the door may comprise the upstanding extension. The upstanding extension together with the side walls may provide the recess on the door in the deployed position. The upstanding extension may coincide with an end of the door. The upstanding extension may extend substantially from one of the at least two side walls to the other of the at least two side walls. 25 In certain embodiments, the assembly may comprise a lid, wherein the door is configured to cover the portion of the stowage compartment in the deployed position and the lid is configured to cover the remaining portion of the stowage compartment. The lid and the door may therefore block access to different parts of the stowage compartment thereby providing two ways in which the stowage compartment may be accessed. As such, when the door is in the deployed position and items are stowed on it, the stowage compartment can still be accessed 30 by a user via the lid. In certain embodiments, the lid may be pivotable about one of the plurality of side walls. Thus, a simple and easy to use lid for blocking or allowing access to the stowage compartment may be provided. The door may comprise an elastomeric or rubberised surface. This surface may frictionally engage items stowed on the door in the deployed position resisting movement of items relative to the doorand, consequently, 35 out of the recess. Additionally, this type of surface may reduce the risk of marks or damage being caused to the door when items are stowed in the recess. 09 06^25 According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the above-described assembly. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and 5 drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 15 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a stowage assembly for a centre console of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows the stowage assembly of Figure 1 having a door in a deployed position; Figure 3 shows a part of the stowage assembly of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows the stowage assembly of Figure 1 having a door in a retracted position; Figure 5 shows a part of the stowage assembly of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-section of a stowage assembly for a centre console of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention having a door in a deployed position; Figure 7 shows the stowage assembly of Figure 6 having a door in a retracted position; Figure 8 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 5 show a stowage assembly 100 for a centre console 500 of a vehicle 1000 according to an 35 embodiment of the invention. The stowage assembly 100 may disposed within a centre console 500 as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4. In addition to the stowage assembly 100, the centre console 500 may comprise further features. For example, 09 06 £5 the centre console 500 may comprise one or more cup holders 600. In certain embodiments, the centre console 500 may comprise further stowage compartments (not shown). In a vehicle 1000, such as that shown in Figure 8, the centre console 500 may be disposed within any row of 5 seats within the vehicle 1000. For example, the centre console 500 may be positioned at least partially between a driver seat (not shown) and a front passenger seat (not shown). Alternatively or additionally, the centre console 500 may be positioned between two rear passenger seats (not shown). The centre console 500 may be adjacent to an instrument panel 700. A lower end of the instrument panel 700 is shown in Figures 1,2, and 4. Figure 8 also shows the longitudinal axis (or x axis) 1001, the lateral axis (or y axis) 1002 and the vertical 10 axis (orz axis) 1003 of the vehicle 1000. The stowage assembly 100 also has a longitudinal axis 101, lateral axis 102 and vertical axis 103 as shown in Figure 1. When the assembly 100 is disposed within a vehicle 1000, the longitudinal axis 101, lateral axis 102 and vertical axis 103 of the assembly 100 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 1001, lateral axis 1002 and vertical axis 1003 of the vehicle 1000, respectively. 15 The stowage assembly 100 comprises a plurality of side walls 107, 108, 109, 110 defining a stowage compartment 104 therebetween. The stowage compartment 104 provides a volume for storing items within a vehicle 1000. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the assembly 100 may comprise a housing 105 which includes the plurality of side walls 107, 108, 109, 110. The side walls 107, 108, 109, 110 may be connected to and extend from a base 106 of the housing 105. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the plurality of side walls 107, 108, 109, 110 comprises first and second opposing side walls 107, 108. The first and second side walls 107, 108 may be substantially parallel to one another. When the assembly 100 is within a vehicle 1000, the first and second side walls 107, 108 may be adjacent the driver seat and the front passenger seat, respectively. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the assembly 100 may comprise third and fourth opposing side walls 109, 110. 25 When the assembly 100 is within a vehicle 1000, the third side wall 109 may be closer to a front 1004 of the vehicle 1000 than the fourth side wall 110. The third and fourth walls 109, 110 may be substantially parallel to one another. In the embodiment 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5, the third side wall 109 extends from the first side wall 107 to the second side wall 108. Similarly, the fourth side wall 110 extends from the first side wall 107 to the second side wall 108. The stowage compartment 104 is therefore provided between the four side walls 30 1 07,108,109,110. The stowage assembly 100 comprises a door 111 which is moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The door 111 is shown in the deployed position in Figures 1 to 3, and in the retracted in Figures 4 and 5. As shown in the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5, the door 111 may be configured to slide 35 between the deployed and retracted positions. In the deployed position, the door 111 extends between at least two side walls of the plurality of side walls to cover a portion 112 of the stowage compartment 104. As such, in the deployed position the door 111 restricts access to the portion 112 of the stowage compartment 104 from above. 09 06 £5 In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the door 111 extends from the first side wall 107 to the second side wall 108 in the deployed position. The door 111 also extends from the third side wall 109 in a direction towards the fourth side wall 110 i.e. rearwards. As shown in Figure 2, the door 111 does not extend all the way from the third side wall 109 to the fourth side wall 110. As such, only a portion 104a of the stowage 5 compartment 104 is covered by the door 111. When the door is in the deployed position, a first portion 112 of the door 111 is raised relative to a second portion 113 of the door 111 and the second portion 113 of the door 111 is lower than an upper surface 114, 115 of each of the side walls 107,108, 109. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first portion 112 of the door 111 10 is further from the third side wall 109 than the second portion 113 of the door 111. The first portion 112 of the door 111 is at one end 116 of the door 111. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the second portion 113 of the door 111 is lower than an upper surface 114 of the first side wall 107 and an upper surface 115 of the second side wall 108. The second portion 15 113 of the door 111 is also lower than an upper surface 117 of the third side wall 109. The second portion 113 of the door 111 is therefore lower than the upper surfaces of the side walls the door extends between. The first and second portions 112,113 of the door 111 therefore provide a recess 118 for stowing items on the door 111. The recess 118 is configured to stow items having a smaller size than items which may be stowed in the stowage compartment 104. As such, small items may be stowed in the recess 118 rather than the stowage compartment 104 so that the items are more easily accessible to a user. Items that may be stowed in the recess 118 include but are not limited to keys, mobile phones, and sunglasses. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the sides of the recess 118 are defined by the first, second and third side walls 25 107, 108, 109 and the first portion 112 of the door 111. A floor of the recess 118 is provided by the second portion 113 of door 111. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first portion 112 of the door 111 provides the rearmost wall of the recess 118. Thus, when the assembly 100 is within a vehicle 1000 the first portion 112 of door 111 provides a wall so that items do not move rearwards out of the recess 118 when a vehicle 1000 is driven. Furthermore, since the door 111 only covers a portion 104a of the stowage compartment 30 1 04 in the deployed position, the first portion 112 of the door 111 may prevent items that are stowed on the door 111 from falling into the stowage compartment 104. As described above, when the door 111 is in the deployed position only a portion 104a of the stowage compartment 104 is covered by the door 111. In the retracted position, this portion 104a of the stowage 35 compartment 104 is uncovered by the door 111. Thus, the door 111 does not restrict access to the portion 104a of the stowage compartment 104. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the stowage compartment 104 is substantially uncovered by the door 111 when it is in the retracted position. The door is configured to move in a direction parallel to the first and second walls 107,108 between the retracted and deployed positions. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the door 111 comprises a tambour door. That is, the door 111 comprises a plurality of articulated or jointed slats 119. Each slat 119 may be rectangular in shape. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each slat 119 extends from the first side wall 107 to the second slide wall 108. Thus, the door 111 is flexible in a first direction whilst being relatively rigid in a second direction. This enables the door 5 111 to be sufficiently rigid so that items can be stowed on the second portion 113 of the door 111 in the deployed position whilst being flexible to facilitate sliding of the door 111 between the different positions. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the door 111 is flexible in a direction parallel to its direction of movement and relatively rigid in a direction perpendicular to its direction of movement. Additionally, a flexible door may be compactly stowed within the assembly 100 when in the retracted position. 10 As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the door 111 may comprise a handle 120 engageable by a user to move the door 111 between the different positions. The handle 120 may be positioned at one end 116 of the door 111. The handle 120 may be upstanding from the slats 119 of the door 111. 15 The door 111 may comprise an elastomeric or rubberised surface. This may improve frictional engagement between the door 111 and with items in the recess 118 to help retain items and reduce rattling of items within the recess 118. The elastomeric or rubberised surface may also protect the door 111 from being scratched by items placed on it. The elastomeric or rubberised surface may be formed as a coating on the door 111 or the door 111 may comprise an elastomeric or rubberised material. As shown in the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5, the assembly 100 may comprise a plurality of tracks 121 to slidingly support the door 111. The tracks 121 may enable the door 111 to slidingly move between the deployed and retracted positions. 25 The first and second side walls 107, 108 may each comprise a track 121. The first wall 107 comprising a first track (not shown) and the second wall 108 comprising a second track 121. The slats 119 of the door 111 may extend from the first track to the second track 121. Thus, the ends of each slat 119 may reside in one of the tracks 121. As the door 111 is flexible in a direction parallel to its direction of 30 motion (i.e. parallel to the first and second side walls 107, 108), the shape of the tracks 121 defines the shape of the door 111 in each of the positions. Thus, in the deployed position the first and second tracks 121 define the shape of the first and second portions 112, 113 of the door 111. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second track 121 comprises a first section 122 and a second section 123. 35 The first and second sections 122,123 of the second track 121 are arranged so that when the door 111 moves from the retracted position to the deployed position the end 116 of the door 111 passes through the second section 123 of the track 121 before entering the first section 122 of the track 121. Thus, the first section 122 of the second track 121 is positioned further from the third side wall 109 than the second section 123 of the second track 121. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, when the door 111 is in the deployed position one end 40 of the door 111 coincides with an end 124 of the first section 122 of the second track 121. 09 06 £5 09 06 £5 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first section 122 of the second track 121 is raised relative to the second section 123 of the second track 121. The second section 123 of the second track 121 is lower than the upper surface 115 of the second side wall 108. The first section 122 of the second track 121 second extends from a 5 first distance from the upper surface 115 of the second side wall 108 to a second distance from the upper surface 115 of the second side wall 108, the second distance being greater than the first distance. Thus, one end of the first section 122 of the second track 121 is at a different height relative to the vertical axis 103 of the assembly 100 than the other end of the first section 122. The first section 122 of the second track 121 extends at an angle to the horizontal plane (i.e. a plane parallel to the longitudinal and lateral axes of the assembly). 10 As shown in the Figures, the first distance may coincide with the upper surface 115 of the second side wall 108. That is, the first distance may be effectively zero. The second section 123 of the second track 121 is at the second distance from the upper surface 115 of the second side wall 108. Thus, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second section 123 is planar. The second section 15 123 extends substantially in a horizontal plane. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the first and second sections 122, 123 of the second track 121 join each other at a junction 125. The first section 122 of the track 121 maybe curved adjacent to the junction 125 to facilitate movement of the door 111 from between the first and section sections 122,123 during use. As shown in the Figures, the first section 122 of each track 121 may extend at an obtuse angle from an end of the second section 123 of the track 121. Whilst not shown, the first track in the first side wall 107 has the same shape as the second track 121 in the second side wall 108. Thus, the first track comprises a first section and a second section. The first section of 25 first track is raised relative to the second section of first track and the second section of the first track is lower than the upper surface 114 of first side wall 107 in the same manner as described for the second track 121. In the deployed position, the door 111 is supported by the first and second sections 122, 123 of the first and second tracks 121 with the first section 122 of the tracks 121 defining the shape of the first portion 112 of the 30 door 111 and the second section 123 of the tracks 121 defining the second portion 113 of the door 111. The first and second tracks 121 are positioned at substantially the same height relative to the vertical axis 103 of the assembly 103. Thus, the planar second sections 123 of each track 121 result in the second portion 113 of the door 111 being substantially horizontal in the deployed position. 35 The tracks 121 may be configured such that the recess has a depth between 10 and 70 mm. Thus, the second distance may be between 10 and 70 mm greater than the first distance. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the angle between the second section 123 of the track 121 and the first section 122 of the track 121 (i.e. measured anticlockwise from the second section 123 to the first section 122 shown in the Figures) may be between 90° and 150°. In one embodiment, the recess 118 may have depth of 15 mm and 40 the angle from the second section 123 of the tracks 121 to the first section 122 of the tracks may be 135°. 09 06 £5 In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the upper surfaces 114,115 of the first and second side walls 107, 108 are level with each other (i.e. at the same height relative to the vertical axis of the assembly). Thus, the distances between the sections of the first track and the upper surface 114 of the first side wall 107 and the 5 distances between sections 122, 123 of the second track 121 and the upper surface 115 of the second side wall 108 are the same. However, in alternative embodiments, the upper surfaces 114, 115 of the first and second side walls 107, 108 may not be level with each other. Thus, the distances between the sections of the first track and the upper surface 114 of the first side wall 107 and the distances between sections 122, 123 of the second track 121 and the upper surface 115 of the second side wall 108 may not the same. In such 10 embodiments, the first and second tracks 121 may be positioned on the first and second side walls 107, 108 so that the first and second tracks 121 are positioned at substantially the same height relative to the vertical 103 axis of the assembly 100. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second track 121 is recessed within the second side wall 15 108. Similarly, the first track maybe recessed within the first side wall 107. Thus, each track comprises a channel in the respective side wall. In alternative embodiments, the tracks 121 may be provided by alternative means. For example, the first and second side walls 107, 108 may comprise a pair of supports which extend from the side wall into the stowage compartment. The tracks may be formed between the supports on the first and second side walls 107, 108. The first and second tracks 121 may each comprise a third section 126. The door 111 may primarily reside in the third section 126 when the door 111 is in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the door 111 does not substantially reside in the first and second sections 122, 123 of the tracks 121. A portion of the door 111 may also reside in the third section 126 of the tracks 121 when the door 111 is in the deployed position which 25 may enable the door 111 to be moved between the deployed and retracted positions easily and securely. The first and second tracks 121 may comprise further sections, in addition to the third section 126, in which the door 111 may reside when the door 111 is in the retracted position. The third section 126 of each track 121 may join the second section 123 at a junction (not shown). The first 30 and third sections 122, 126 are joined to opposite ends of the second section 123 of the track 121. The third section 126 of the track 121 may be curved adjacent to the junction to facilitate movement of the door 11 along the track 121. The third section 126 of each track 121 is lower in the assembly 100 relative to the first and second sections 122,123. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the third section 126 of each track 121 extends downwards from the second section 123 of each track 121. The third section 126 may extend adjacent to and 35 parallel with the third side wall 109 of the assembly 100. In certain embodiments, the third track 126 may then also extend adjacent to and parallel to the base 104 of the housing. Thus, the third section 126 of the first and second tracks 121 guides the door 111 around the periphery of the stowage compartment 104 as it moves into the retracted position. As such, in the retracted position the door 111 may be positioned substantially out of the way of a user. The tracks 121 may comprise one or more detents to releasably retain the door 111 in each of the retracted position and in the deployed position. As described above, in the deployed position the door 111 covers a portion 104a (i.e. a first portion) of the 5 stowage compartment 104. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the remaining portion 104b (i.e. a second portion) of the stowage compartment 104 is selectively coverable by a lid 127. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the lid 127 comprises an armrest. The armrest 127 is movable between a closed position shown in Figure 1 and an open position shown in Figures 2 and 4 to selectively block access to the second portion 104b of the stowage compartment 104. 10 In the closed position, the armrest 127 may be supported on the upper surface 114, 115 of each of the first and second side walls 107, 108. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures 1 to 5, the upper surfaces 114, 115 of each of the first and second side walls 107, 108 reside in a single plane. At least one of the upper surfaces 114, 115 of the first and second side walls 107, 108 may comprise locking means (not shown) 15 configured to releasably secure the armrest 127 in the closed position. A non-limiting example of the locking means comprises a mechanical latch. However, any suitable locking means may be used. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the armrest 127 may be pivotably coupled to the housing 105 of the assembly 100. The armrest 127 may be pivotably connected the housing 105 by any suitable means, and an example of such a connection is described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The armrest 127 may be coupled to the housing 105 in a position adjacent to the fourth side wall 110 or to the fourth side wall 110. Thus, when the assembly 100 is within a vehicle 1000, the door 111 may cover a forward portion of the stowage compartment 104 and the armrest 127 may cover a rearwards portion of the stowage compartment 104. 25 As shown in Figure 1, together, the door 111 and the armrest 127 selectively block access to the stowage compartment 104. Thus, the door 111 and armrest 127 may each cover a part of the stowage compartment 104 to hide any items stowed therein from view. The door 111 and armrest 127 may be moved independently of one another to allow a user to stow and access items of different sized in the stowage assembly 100 according to their needs. For example, a user may move the armrest 127 to the open position whilst the door 30 111 is in the deployed position to stow or access a large item in the stowage compartment 104 whilst stowing smaller items in the recess 118 of the door 111. Alternatively, if the door 111 is in the deployed position and the armrest 127 is in the closed position, a user may move the door 111 to the retracted position to allow small items to be placed into the stowage compartment 104 without needing to move the armrest 127. The recess 118 also enables small items to be stowed in an easily acessible manner compared to storing small items in 35 the stowage compartment 104 where the items may become hidden by other larger items. Figures 6 and 7 show a stowage assembly 200 for a centre console 500 of a vehicle 1000 according to another embodiment of the invention. The stowage assembly 200 in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 has the same features as the stowage assembly 100 in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 except where explicitly described 09 06 £5 09 06 £5 below. Reference numerals in Figures 6 and 7 correspond to those used in Figures 1 to 5 for like features but are increased by 100. Figures 6 and 7 show a cross-section of the stowage assembly 200 in a plane parallel to the lateral axis of the 5 assembly. Figure 6 shows the door 211 in the deployed position and Figure 7 shows the door 211 in the retracted position. As with the embodiment to the assembly 100 in Figures 1 to 5, in the deployed position the door 211 covers a portion 204a of the stowage compartment 204 and provides a recess 218 relative to the upper surfaces 215, 10 217 of the side walls 208, 209 of the housing 205. As shown in Figure 6, the second portion 213 of the door 211 provides the recess 218 with a substantially horizontal floor on which items may be stowed and the first portion 212 of the door 211 provides the rearmost wall of the recess 218. As with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the door 211 is flexible in a direction parallel to its direction of movement and the shape of the first and second portions 212, 213 of the door 211 in the deployed position are defined by first and second sections of 15 the tracks (not shown) in the side walls 208. As shown in Figure 6, whilst the door 211 is in the deployed position, a portion of the door 211 resides in the third section of the tracks which extend parallel and adjacent to the third side wall 209. Maintaining a portion of the door 211 within the third sections of the tracks in the deployed position may enable the door to be moved between the deployed and retracted positions easily and securely. Figure 7 shows the door 211 in the retracted position. As shown in this position, the portion 204a of the stowage compartment 204 is uncovered by the door 211. The door 211 resides in the third section of the tracks and extends parallel and adjacent to the third side wall 209 and the base 206 of the housing 205. As shown in Figure 7, the door 211 may substantially conform to the shape of the third side wall 209 and the base 206. 25 The cross-sectional views of Figures 6 and 7 show an example of how the armrest 227 may be pivotably connected to the housing 205. The armrest 227 is pivotably coupled to the housing 205 in a position adjacent to the fourth side wall 210. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the assembly 200 may comprise a pivot 230, such as a rod. The pivot 230 is coupled to the armrest 227 and the housing 205 so that the armrest 227 is rotatable about the pivot 230 relative to the housing 205 and the stowage compartment 204. The pivot 230 may extend 30 through the armrest 227 so that the pivot 230 is coupled to the housing 205 at either side of the armrest 227. Figures 6 and 7 show one way in which the armrest 227 may be pivotably connected the housing 205. In alternative embodiments, the armrest 227 may be coupled to the housing by alternative means. The stowage assembly 200 of the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 differs from the stowage assembly 35 100 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 as follows. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the assembly 200 may comprise a guide channel or a sleeve 231 attached to the third side wall 209. The guide channel 231 may conform substantially to the shape of the third side wall 209. The guide channel 231 is arranged to receive a part of the door 211 when the door 211 is in the third 40 section of the tracks. Thus, the door 211 is partially received in the guide channel 231 in both the deployed 11 09 06 £5 and retracted positions. In certain embodiments, the guide channel 231 may be configured to substantially receive the entirety of the door 221 when the door is in the retracted position. The end 216 of the door 211 may comprise a flange 235 configured to prevent the end 216 of the door 211 passing through the guide channel 231. In certain embodiments, the handle on the door may provide the flange 235. The guide channel 5 231 provides a cover for the door 211 within the stowage compartment 204. As such, the guide channel 231 may reduce the risk of damage to the door 211 by items stowed in the stowage compartment 204 and / or may stop items in the stowage compartment 204 interfering with movement of the door 211. The guide channel 231 may also partially or entirely conceal the door 211 from view within the stowage compartment 204 when the door 211 is in the retracted position. Thus, the guide channel may improve the aesthetics of the stowage 10 compartment 204. In certain embodiments, the guide channel 231 may extend along the base 206 of the stowage compartment 204. The guide channel 231 may extend along the entire length of the third sections of the tracks. Whilst not shown in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5, a guide channel may also be used in the stowage assembly of Figures 1 to 5. 15 In the stowage assembly 100 of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5, the upper surfaces 114, 115 of the first and second side walls 107, 108 are planar. However, in the stowage assembly 200 of Figures 6 and 7, upper surfaces 215 of the first and second side walls 208 do not reside in a single plane. Rather, the upper surface 215 of each wall 208 comprises a first upper surface 232 and a second upper surface 233. In Figures 6 and 7 only the second side wall 208 and not the first side wall 207 is shown. The first side wall and its upper surface has the same shape as the second side wall. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, each of the first and second upper surfaces 232, 233 are planar. The first upper surface 232 is higher than the second upper surface 233. The upper surface 215 of each wall 208 may also comprise an intermediate upper surface 234 which is sloped and connects the first upper surface 232 to the second upper surface 233. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the armrest 227 is in the closed position is rests on the first upper surface 232. The first upper surface 232 of one 25 of both side walls 208 may comprise locking means (not shown) configured to releasably retain the armrest 227 in the closed position. Non-limiting examples of the locking means include a mechanical latch. When the door 211 is in the deployed position, the second upper surface 233 of each side wall 208 is adjacent to the door 211. Additionally, the end 216 of the first portion 212 of the door 211 in the deployed position is at the same height at the second upper surface 233. Thus, the end 216 of the first portion 212 of the door 211 is 30 lower than the armrest 227. As shown in Figure 6, when the armrest 227 is in the closed position and the door 221 is in the deployed position the door 211 partially overlaps the armrest 227. That is, part of the stowage compartment 204 is covered by both the armrest 227 and the door 211. Since the end 216 of the first portion 212 of the door 211 is lower than the armrest 227, the overlap may ensure that the entire stowage compartment 204 is concealed when the armrest 227 is the closed position and the door 211 is in the deployed position. 35 It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. 09 06 £5 For example, in the above described embodiments the stowage compartment is partially covered by the door and partially covered by the armrest. In alternative embodiments, the assembly may comprise a stowage compartment that is entirely covered by the door. 5 In the above described embodiments, the door comprises a tambour door. However, the door may comprise any suitable flexible door. In certain embodiments, the door may comprise an expandable door. The expandable door may be configured to expand as it is moved from the retracted position to the deployed position and configured to contract as the 10 door is moved from the deployed position to the retracted position. The expandable door may be provided by the door comprising a plurality of folds. The plurality of folds may comprise a series of alternating folds to create multiple panels of a similar size. The plurality of folds may comprise a concertina fold, accordion fold or a zig-zag fold. Each fold may be arranged in a direction 15 perpendicular to the direction of motion of the door between the deployed and retracted positions. The plurality of folds enable the door to expand or contract as it is moved between the two positions. In the retracted position, the door may be contracted so that each panel of the door is in contact with the adjacent panels. In the deployed position, the door is expanded so that at least some of the panels may reside in the same plane. For example, the panels that provide the second portion of the door may be in the same plane. Alternatively, the expandable door may be provided by a door comprising a plurality of elongate cells that are compressible and expandable to allow the door to move between the two positions. Such a door may be described as having a honeycomb structure. The longitudinal axis of each cell may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion of the door between the two positions. The cells may be configured so 25 that as the door is moved from the retracted to the deployed position, each cell expands along the direction of motion of the door. When the door is moved from the deployed position to the retracted position, each cell contracts in along the direction of motion of the door. As such, the cells enable the door to expand and contract in a similar manner to the above-described plurality of folds. However, a door comprising a plurality of cells may be more robust than a door comprising a plurality of folds. 30 Either of the above-described expandable doors may be configured to move along first and second track sections 122, 123 of the first and second tracks 121 shown in and described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 and described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The first and second track sections 122,123 may therefore provide a guide for the door as it is moved between the retracted and deployed positions. Additionally, the first 35 and second sections 122,123 of the tracks 121 may define the shape the door takes in the deployed position. However, in embodiments comprising an expandable door, the third section 126 of the tracks 121 would not be needed. As the door is configured to be contracted in the retracted position, no additional space or track is required to store the door in the retracted position. In certain embodiments, the door may be attached to the third side wall 109, 209. Therefore, in the retracted position, the door is contracted and may be adjacent to the 40 third side wall. 09 06 £5 In the above described embodiments, the first portion of the door in the deployed position is provide by the door conforming to the shape of the tracks. In an alternative embodiment, the door may comprise a door which is supported by substantially planar tracks in the side walls. The door may comprise an upstanding lip 5 extending across the width of the door (i.e. form the first side wall to the second side wall). The lip may provide the first portion of the door. If the door comprises a tambour door, the final slat on the door may be enlarged to provide the first portion of the door. Whilst the stowage assembly is suitable for and is described as being positioned in a centre console of a 10 vehicle, the stowage assembly may be located at any suitable location within a vehicle and is not limited to being within the centre console. In alternative embodiments, the door may extend through a slot in the third side wall. Thus, the door may reside within the third side wall when in the retracted position. In such embodiments, the third sections of the 15 tracks may be positioned within the third side wall. The track may, however, still guide the door so that it conforms to the third wall and the base of the housing in the retracted positions. In the above described embodiments, the door 111,211 is arranged to cover a forward portion of the stowage compartment. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement. In alternative embodiments, the door may cover a different portion of the stowage compartment. For example, the door may cover a rear portion of the stowage compartment. In such embodiments, the first and second portions of the door may provide a recess for stowing items on the door. The first portion of the door may provide the foremost or forward wall of the recess. The remaining sides of the recess may be defined by the first, second and fourth side walls of the stowage assembly. The first and second side walls may comprise a plurality of tracks to slidingly support the 25 door. The shape of the tracks may define the shape of the door in each of the positions. In such embodiment, a lid may be arranged to cover the remaining portion of the stowage compartment. A guide channel may be attached to the fourth (i.e. rear) side wall. The guide channel may be configured to receive the door in the retracted position.

Claims

09 06 251. A stowage assembly for a centre console of a vehicle, the assembly comprising:a plurality of side walls defining a stowage compartment therebetween; and5 a flexible door movable between a deployed position in which the door extends between at least twoside walls of the plurality of side walls to cover a portion of the stowage compartment and a retracted position in which the portion of the stowage compartment is uncovered by the door;wherein in the deployed position a first portion of the door is raised relative to a second portion of the door and the second portion of the door is lower than an upper surface of each of the at least two of side walls10 to provide a recess for stowing items on the door,wherein the at least two side walls each comprise a track within which the door is configured to slide between the retracted and deployed positions wherein each track comprises a first section and a second section;wherein the first section extends between a first distance from the upper surface of the respective15 side wall and a second distance from the upper surface of the respective side wall, and the second section is at the second distance from the upper surface of the respective side wall;wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance such that in the deployed position the first section of the track defines a shape of the first portion of the door and the second section of the track defines a shape of the second portion of the door.

2. A stowage assembly according to of claiml, comprising a guide channel attached to one of the side walls, wherein the guide channel is configured to receive the door in the retracted position.

3. A stowage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door is configured to slide between the retracted and deployed positions.

4. A stowage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first section of each track extends at an 25 obtuse angle from the respective second section.

5. A stowage assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of each track is horizontal.

6. A stowage assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each track comprises a third section configured to receive the door in the retracted position, the third section extending from the second section 30 and into the stowage compartment in a direction away from the upper surfaces of each of the respective side wall.

7. A stowage assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the tracks in each of the at least two side walls are identical to one another.

8. A stowage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a lid, wherein the door is configured to cover the portion of the stowage compartment in the deployed position and the lid is 5 configured to cover the remaining portion of the stowage compartment.

9. A stowage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the lid is pivotable about one of the plurality of side walls.

10. A stowage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door comprises an elastomeric or rubberised surface.10 11. A vehicle comprising the assembly of any one of the preceding claims.09 06 25

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