Stowage compartment

Abstract

Vehicle stowage compartment 200 comprising a felt container 100 within a volume defining structure. The felt container may be of a single sheet, have a plurality of side walls, comprise rectangular wa

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a stowage compartment. Aspects of the invention relate to a stowage compartment, to a central console, and to a method of manufacturing a stowage compartment. BACKGROUND It is known to provide liners in stowage compartments for the interior of automobiles. Such liners are usually made by flocking, a process whereby fibres are electrically charged and accelerated onto an adhesive on a surface. Any stowage compartment in a vehicle may be lined by flocking, and typically this can include the glovebox, central console and door stowage compartment. It will be appreciated that a glovebox refers to a stowage compartment located in front of the front passenger seat ordriver’s seat, and which generally has a closure. The flocking process may be an energy inefficient process. Furthermore, flocking processes may produce microplastics, for example atmospheric microplastics. Furthermore, when a flocked surface is damaged, for example marked orstained, this can be difficult and / or expensive to repair, sometimes requiring the component which has the flocked surface to be replaced entirely. Finally, flocking is a specialist process, and so components are usually flocked before being assembled into a vehicle. 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 compartment, a central console, and a method of manufacturing a stowage compartment as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a felt container, the felt container for locating inside of an interior volume of a structure comprised in a stowage compartment for an interior of an automobile, the felt container comprising a base and a side wall. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a stowage compartment for an interior of an automobile, the stowage compartment comprising: a structure at least partially defining an interior volume of the stowage compartment; and a felt container comprising a base and a side wall to define a stowage volume; wherein the felt container is configured to be located in the interior volume. The felt container may comprise a plurality of side walls, for example substantially planar side walls, connected together at edges of the side walls. The felt container may comprise a single side wall in a tubular shape, for example with opposing edges of the side wall being connected together. Advantageously, the stowage compartment may be manufactured in a more sustainable manner than a conventional flocking processes. Furthermore, the felt container may be less likely to produce microplastics, for example atmospheric microplastics, than a container / liner formed in a flocking process. Furthermore, unlike with flocking, the container may be removable, for example for repair, cleaning and / or replacement, for example because it is not integrally formed with the structure of the stowage compartment. The felt container may comprise a single, that is, only one, felt sheet. Advantageously, manufacturing efficiency may be improved because only one component needs to be handled. The felt container may comprise a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls and the base may define the stowage volume. Each side wall may be connected to another one or more of the plurality of side walls and / orto the base. Each side wall may be connected to another one or more of the plurality of side walls and / or to the base, by folds in the felt sheet and / or by a connection between the edges of the respective side walls. Advantageously, this may allow just one sheet of felt to be used to produce the container. Connections between the respective side walls may comprise a protrusion, or a plurality of protrusions, extending from an edge of one of the respective side walls, for example along a plane of the respective side wall, which is received or receivable in an aperture or a respective aperture, through the other of the respective side walls. The or each protrusion may have an overhanging portion for resisting removal of the protrusion from the respective aperture. Advantageously, the felt container may be formed from a single felt sheet without the use of an adhesive, reducing manufacturing costs and resulting in a more sustainable product and manufacturing process. The felt container may comprise a rectangular base. The felt container may comprise four rectangular side walls. The felt container may comprise a folded connection between a first and a second of the four side walls and the base at opposing edges of the base. The felt container may comprise a folded connection between the first side wall and a third and a fourth of the rectangular side walls at opposing edges of the first side wall. Any number of the rectangular side walls may be square. The rectangular base may be square. Advantageously, the felt container may be simple to manufacture from a single sheet of felt. Two of the side walls of the felt container may extend past the base wall, e.g., when the felt container is assembled. Two of the side walls of the felt container may extend past the base wall and be received or receivable in corresponding channels provided in the structure. Two of the side walls of the felt container may extend down below the base wall, e.g., in use. Two of the side walls of the felt container may extend down below the base wall, e.g., in use, and be received or receivable in corresponding channels provided in the structure. Advantageously, this may aid the securement of the felt container within the interior volume of the stowage compartment. An edge of the felt container which provides at least part of a boundary to an opening to the stowage volume, may be concealed from the user by a corresponding part of the structure. Concealment may be by a channel in the structure. Concealment may be by a channel in the structure, which receives the respective edge of the felt container, e.g., in use. The or each edge may be received in the respective channel with an interference fit. All of the edges of the felt container which provide at least part of the boundary to the opening to the stowage volume, may be concealed from the user by a corresponding part of the structure. Advantageously, concealing the edge of the felt container from the user may reduce the likelihood of fraying and tearing of the felt, improving the longevity of the stowage compartment. The felt container may comprise an attachment means for securing the felt container in the interior volume of the structure. Advantageously, the attachment means may aid the securement of the felt container within the interior volume of the structure. The attachment means may comprise a plurality of apertures extending through the one or more side walls of the felt container. The structure may comprise a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion configured to be received or receivable in a respective one of the plurality of apertures. The attachment means may be positioned proximal an edge of at least one of the one or more side wall which provides at least part of a boundary to an opening to the stowage volume, e.g., in use. Advantageously, the attachment means comprising a plurality of apertures extending through the side walls of the felt container may be simple to manufacture, and allow repeatable installation. Furthermore, the felt container may be hung from the structure, and to be removed and replaced with relative ease, as well as to maintain the sidewalls in a planar shape due to them being in tension. The base of the felt container may be configured to be spaced from the structure, e.g., in use. The base of the structure may be configured to be spaced from all parts of the structure, e.g., in use. The felt container may be held or holdable within the interior volume by an inference fit between the side wall / s of the felt container, and wall / s defining the interior volume of the structure. Advantageously, this may help to locate the felt container securely within the interior volume of the structure. The stowage compartment may comprise an openable closure to provide access to the stowage volume. The felt container may be configured to be open at a side facing the closure, e.g., in use. The closure may provide a boundary to the stowage volume when the closure is closed. The felt container may be open at the top, and the closure may be a lid to provide an upper boundary of the stowage volume when the lid is closed. Advantageously, items placed into the stowage compartment when the closure is opened may be dropped directly into the felt container. The felt container may comprise a polyester felt. The felt container may comprise a recycled polyester felt. The felt container may comprise recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The felt may have a density of 450- 550 g / m2. The felt may have a thickness of 3-4 mm. Advantageously, these materials may be sustainable. Further advantageously, the use of a relatively dense and / or thick felt is relatively rigid, which may reduce or eliminate the need to use an adhesive to form a 3D felt container. Additionally, such a felt may be have a high level of durability. An aspect of the invention provides a central console for an interior of an automobile, the central console comprising the aforementioned stowage compartment. An aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a stowage compartment, the method comprising the steps of: a) producing a structure defining at least part of an interior volume of the stowage compartment; b) cutting one or more felt sheet; c) folding and / or connecting together the one or more cut felt sheet into a felt container to at least partially define a stowage volume; d) inserting the one or more felt sheet or container into the interior volume of the stowage compartment. Advantageously, the stowage compartment might have a durable and aesthetic interior made of felt, which is produced in a sustainable way. Step a) may comprise moulding, for example injection moulding, a plastic structure defining at least part of an interior volume of the stowage compartment. Advantageously, injection moulding may provide a low cost manufacturing method. Step b) may comprise cutting a foldable net from the felt sheet. Step b) may comprise cutting a plurality of apertures through the one or more felt sheet. Step b) may comprise cutting connectors on the edge(s) of the one or more felt sheet. Step b) may comprise a waterjet cutting process. Advantageously, waterjet cutting may allow the felt sheet to be cut without the use of high temperatures which could damage the felt material. Step d) may comprise attaching and / or securing the felt container to the interior volume of the stowage compartment. Advantageously, attaching and / or securing the felt sheet or container may prevent the sheet from moving from its desired position within the interior volume of the structure. Advantageously, the attachment means may aid the securement of the felt container within the interior volume of the structure. The container may be secured to the interior of the body by an interference fit between one or more wall of the container and two opposing walls of the body. The container and / or sheet may be secured to the interior volume of the structure by attachment means e.g. a plurality of apertures extending through one or more side wall of the felt container or through the felt sheet. The attachment means can engage with a feature of the structure e.g. with a plurality of hooks positioned on the structure. The attachment means may be positioned along an upper edge of at least one of the one or more side walls of the container, in use. An aspect provides a stowage volume manufactured by the aforementioned method. An aspect of the invention provides an internal stowage compartment for a vehicle, the stowage compartment comprising a closure defining a part of a stowage volume, the closure being lined with a felt sheet. An aspect of the invention provides a stowage compartment for an interior of an automobile, the stowage compartment comprising a closure defining a part of a stowage volume, the closure being lined with a felt sheet on a side defining part of the stowage volume, wherein the closure comprises a concealment feature for concealing an edge of the felt sheet, in use. The closure may be a door. Advantageously, the lined closure may be manufactured in a more sustainable manner than conventional flocking processes used in the art. Furthermore, the felt container may be less likely to produce microplastics, for example atmospheric microplastics, than a flocking process. Furthermore, unlike with flocking, this sheet may be removed for cleaning, repair or replacement with relative ease, as it is not integrally formed with the closure of the stowage compartment. Further advantageously, concealing the edges of the felt sheet from the user may reduce the likelihood of fraying and tearing of the felt, improving the longevity of the stowage compartment. The felt sheet may be attached to the closure proximal to a first edge of the closure. The felt sheet may be attached to the closure proximal to a second edge of the closure. The first edge of the closure may be positioned at the opposite side of the closure to the second edge of the closure. Advantageously, the stowage compartment being attached to the closure at opposite edges may provide a secure attachment of the felt sheet to the closure. The felt sheet may comprise a plurality of apertures extending through, e.g., proximal to one of the edges of, the felt sheet. The closure may comprise one or more attachment means. One of the one or more attachment means may comprise a plurality of protrusions positioned on the closure, wherein the protrusions are configured to engage the apertures. Any number of the protrusions may be a hook. Advantageously, this may make installing the felt sheet easier. The concealment feature may comprise attachment means. An edge of the felt sheet may be attached or attachable to the attachment means. Advantageously, the felt sheet may be better secured to the closure. The concealment feature may comprise a channel. An edge of the felt sheet may be received or receivable in the channel. Advantageously, connecting the felt sheet to the closure may be straightforward and reversible, and may be achieved without the use of an adhesive. The channel may be orientated at an acute angle to an adjacent surface of the closure which is lined by the felt sheet. Advantageously, such an attachment may be made over a tight fold angle of the felt sheet. The acute angle may be less than 60°. The acute angle may be more than 50°. The acute angle may be 55°. The felt sheet may comprise a polyester felt. The felt sheet may be a recycled polyester sheet. The felt sheet may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example recycled PET. The felt sheet may have a density of 450-550 g / m2. The felt sheet may have a thickness of 3-4 mm. Advantageously, the felt sheet may be more sustainable than systems known in the prior art. Additionally, such a felt may have a desirable level of elasticity and rigidity to allow the felt sheet to line the profile of the stowage volume surface without being held under tension and / or without the use of adhesives. A part of the closure defining part of the stowage volume may be attached to the felt sheet by an adhesive. Advantageously, the felt sheet may be more securely attached to the side of the closure defining part of the stowage volume of the stowage compartment. The adhesive may be adhesive strips. Sides of the felt sheet may abut or may be adjacent to walls of the closure extending along sides of the stowage volume. Advantageously, side edges of the felt sheet may also be at least partially concealed, to reduce peeling or fraying. An aspect of the invention provides a glovebox for a passenger side and / or a driver side in a vehicle, the glovebox comprising the stowage compartment of any preceding claim. An aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a stowage compartment, the method comprising the steps: a) producing a closure, the closure defining at least a part of a stowage volume of the stowage compartment; b) cutting a felt sheet; c) lining the closure with the felt sheet on a side defining a part of the stowage volume and concealing an edge of the felt sheet in a concealment feature of the closure; and d) attaching the closure to the interior of a vehicle to form an internal stowage compartment. Advantageously, the manufacturing method may be more straightforward than method known in the prior art. Step a) may comprise moulding, e.g., injection moulding, a plastic closure. Step b) may comprise waterjet cutting the felt sheet. The method may further comprise step: b1) applying an adhesive to the felt sheet and / orto a part of the closure defining a part of the stowage volume; wherein step b1) is between step b) and step c); and wherein step c) further comprises attaching the felt sheet to the closure using the adhesive. The concealment feature of the closure may comprise one or more attachment means. Step c) may comprise attaching the felt sheet to the one or more attachment means. Advantageously, this may mean that the felt sheet is more securely attached to the closure. The method may further comprise step: b2) folding the felt sheet to match at least part of the profile of the side of the closure defining the stowage volume; wherein step b2) is between step b) and step c), or between step b1) and step c). An aspect provides a closure for a stowage compartment for inside an automobile, obtained by the aforementioned method. 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 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. 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: Fig. 1 shows a felt container according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a net shape of the felt container of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a stowage compartment according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 shows a section view of the stowage compartment of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a stowage compartment according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 shows a felt liner of the stowage compartment of Fig. 5; Figs. 7A and 7B shows stowage compartments according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 shows a method of manufacturing the stowage compartment of Fig. 3; and Fig. 10 shows a method of manufacturing the stowage compartment of Fig. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A felt container 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figs. 1 and 2. A stowage compartment 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figs. 3 and 4. A stowage compartment 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figs. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, either or both stowage compartments 200, 300 may be installed in a vehicle 400, or automobile. With reference to Fig. 1, there is illustrated the felt container 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The felt container 100 is for locating inside of an interior volume of a structure 201 comprised in a stowage compartment for an interior of an automobile. The felt container 100 comprises a base 101 and a plurality of side walls 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. In this example the side walls 102a-d are substantially planar, and together form an open-top cuboid shape, as shown in Fig. 1, which defines a stowage volume inside. In this example the felt container 100 is formed of a single sheet of felt. In this example the base 101 is rectangular, for example square, and the side walls 102a-d are rectangular, for example square. Referring now to Fig. 2, a net shape of the felt container 100 is shown. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the net shape is generally T-shaped, with the base 101 being connected to a first side wall 102a on one side and a second side wall 102b on an opposite side thereof. A third side wall 102c and a fourth side wall 102d are connected to the second side wall 102b at opposite sides thereof. The third and fourth side walls 102c, 102d are connected to the second side wall 102b via fold lines located at edges of the respective side wall 102b-d. The first and second side walls, 102a, 102b are connected to the base 101 via fold lines located at edges of the respective side wall 102b-d. Scores or pressed lines may be applied to the felt sheet 101 along the fold lines, to aid with folding the felt sheet at the fold lines. The first side wall 102a comprises a plurality of protrusions 103 extending from opposing free edges thereof. Each of the third and fourth side walls 102c, 102d comprise apertures 104 proximal to an edge which is opposite the side of the respective side wall 102c, 102d which is connected to the second side wall 102b. When the felt sheet is folded into the shape of the felt container 100, each protrusion 103 is received in a respective aperture 104 to secure the felt container 100 in the open-top cuboid shape. In this example, the second, third and fourth side walls 102a, 102b, 102c all have attachment means, which in this case, are attachment apertures 105, passing through the felt sheet, proximal an edge thereof. The attachment apertures 105 are located along a continuous edge, and this edge is located opposite to the fold line with the base 101 on the second side wall 102b. Each attachment aperture 105 has a tongue protruding into the aperture. The attachment apertures 105 are for attaching the felt container 100 into the structure of the vehicle, as is described subsequently. In this example, the third and fourth side walls 102c, 102d extend past the base 101 when the felt sheet is formed into the felt container 100. This is via an extension 106 protruding from an edge of each of the first and second side wall 102c, 102d. Each extension 106 protrudes from an edge which is opposite to the edge which the attachment apertures 105 are proximal to. Each extension 106 is received in a respective channel in the structure of the vehicle, as is described subsequently. In this example the felt sheet is a polyester felt, for example recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The felt sheet has a density of 450-550 g / m2 and a thickness of 3-4 mm. Manufacture of the felt container 100 is now described with reference to Fig. 9. In step S2, the net shape of the felt sheet is cut to be as shown in Fig. 2. Cutting may be performed via waterjet cutting, so that heat is not required, which could damage the felt material. Score lines may be applied at the connections between the side walls 102a-d and the base 101. At step S3 the felt sheet is then folded into the shape of the felt container 100 and each protrusion 103 is inserted through a respective aperture 104 to secure the felt container 100 in the open-top cuboid shape. Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, the stowage compartment 200 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. In this example, the stowage compartment 200 is comprised in a central console of the vehicle, located between a driver’s seat and a front passenger’s seat. However, it will be appreciated that the concept applies equally to other stowage areas in an automobile. The stowage compartment 200 comprises a structure 201 which defines an interior volume of the stowage compartment 200. The structure 201 has parts which define sides of the interior volume and which define a base 202 of the interior volume. The felt container 100 of Fig. 1 is located or locatable inside the interior volume. The structure 201 of the stowage compartment 200 has a concealment part 203. The concealment part 203 has an insertion part for insertion into the open-top of the felt container 100, and an overhang part for extending over the free edge of the felt container 100 to conceal the free edge. This concealment may reduce the likelihood of fraying and tearing of the felt, improving the longevity of the stowage compartment, as well as improving the aesthetic appeal of the stowage compartment 200. In this example, the concealment part 203 extends around an entirety of the open-top of the felt container 100. The concealment part 203 of the structure 201 comprises a plurality of protrusions 204. The protrusions 204 extend from the insertion part of the concealment part 203, and the protrusions 204 extend in a similar direction to the overhang part. Each protrusion has an overhang portion facing away from the overhang part of the concealment part 203. Each protrusion 204 is received or receivable through a respective attachment aperture 105 of the felt container 100. The tongue of each attachment aperture 203 engages with the overhang of the respective protrusion 204 to retain the felt container 100 on the protrusions 204. In this example the concealment part 203 has connection means (not shown) which connects the concealment part 203 to the remainder of the structure 201. In this example, the base 101 of the felt container 100 is spaced from the base 202 of the structure 201. This means that the felt container 100 could hang from the protrusions 204 of the concealment part 203, if required to improve the shape retention of the felt container 100, because the side walls would then always be in tension. Also in this example, the felt container 100 has dimensions such that the first and second side walls 102a, 102b of the felt container 100 have an interference fit with sides of the structure 201. This may help to maintain the location of the felt container 100 in the structure 201. In examples, the third and fourth side walls 102c, 102d also have an interference fit with sides of the structure 201. In this example the structure 201 has channels (not shown) either side of the base 202, which receive the extensions 106 of the third and fourth side walls 102c, 102d of the felt container 100. This may further maintain alignment of the felt container 100 in the interior volume of the structure 201. In this example, the stowage compartment 200 comprises an openable closure (not shown) to provide access to the stowage volume. The felt container 100 is configured to be open at a side facing the closure. In this example the closure is a lid which is pivotably openable to access the stowage volume. Manufacture of the stowage compartment 200 is now described with reference to Fig. 9, and with continued reference to Figs. 3 and 4. The structure 201 of this example is a moulded plastic structure, for example formed of injection moulded components which are secured together at step S1 in Fig. 9. The felt container 100 is manufactured as described previously, using steps S2 to S3. If the closure is already attached to the rest of the structure, then the closure is first opened. The concealment part 203 is inserted into the open-top of the felt container 100, and each protrusion 204 of the concealment part 203 is inserted through a respective attachment aperture 105 in the felt container 100. At step S4 the felt container 100 is then inserted into the interior volume of the structure 201, with the concealment part 203 attached, and the concealment part 203 is attached to the remainder of the structure 201. If the closure was not previously attached, it is now attached to the remainder of the structure 201. It will be apparent that the concealment part 203 may instead be connected to the felt container 100 when the felt container 100 is located in the internal volume. In use, a user is able to open the closure to access the felt container 100, drop or place items inside of the felt container 100, and then close the closure to conceal the felt container 100. In other examples, the attachment apertures 105 and protrusions 204 may be omitted and the edge defining the open-top of the felt container 100 may be clamped in place by the concealment part 203, or the edge may simply be received in a channel and the felt container 100 secured in place via abutment with the remainder of the structure 201. In other examples, the felt container 100 may not be cuboid in shape but may, for example, be cylindrical in shape. It will be appreciated that the stowage compartment 200 would be constructed and operate in substantially the same way. Furthermore, the or any felt container 100 may be produced using more than one felt sheet, by joining the felt sheets together instead of folding a single felt sheet to achieve the container shape. Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, there is shown a stowage compartment 300 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this example the stowage compartment 300 is comprised in a glovebox, and comprises a closure 301, or lid or door, of the glovebox. It will be appreciated that by “glovebox” it is meant a stowage unit located in front of the driver’s seat or in front of the passenger’s seat, as will be more apparent subsequently, with reference to Figs. 7A and 7E3. The closure 301 is lined with a felt sheet 302. The closure 301 provides a part of a stowage volume of the stowage compartment 300 and the felt sheet 302 is located on a side of the closure 301 defining the stowage volume. In use, the closure 301 is openable, and items are placed inside of the stowage volume partly defined by the closure 301. In this example, the closure comprises a concealment feature 303 located at a first side of the closure 301, the first side of the closure being closest to a user, in use. A first edge of the felt sheet 302 is located or locatable in the concealment feature 303. In this example, the concealment feature 303 is a channel (not shown) which is orientated at an acute angle to an adjacent surface of the closure 301 which partially defines the stowage volume. This means that the first edge of the felt sheet 302 remains inside of the channel due to a sharp change in direction. In this example, the acute angle may be around 55°, but it will be appreciated that this angle depends on factors such as the felt sheet thickness. This acute angle means that an interference fit might not be necessary between the first edge of the felt sheet 302 and the closure 301. However, an interference fit, or other connection means, may be included to make this connection even more secure. Concealing the first edge of the felt sheet 302 may reduce a likelihood of damage to the felt sheet 302, and may improve the aesthetic appearance of the stowage compartment 300. In this example, a second edge of the felt sheet 302, which is an opposite edge to the first edge, is attached or attachable to the closure 301. The felt sheet 302 has a plurality of apertures located proximal to the second edge. The closure 301 has a plurality of protrusions 304 proximal a second side thereof. In this example each protrusion 304 is a hook, with a hooking part facing away from the stowage volume. In this example, the hooks 304 are located on a surface which faces away from the stowage volume, and which surface is not visible to a user when the closure 301 is in an open position. The second edge of the felt sheet 302 is secured to the closure 301 by inserting each hook 304 through a respective aperture in the felt sheet 302. In this way the second edge of the felt sheet 302 is concealed from a user, which may be advantageous in terms of aesthetic appeal and also in terms of reducing the likelihood of damage. In this example, the closure 301 has side walls 305 partially defining the stowage volume. Remaining edges of the felt sheet 302 abut these side walls 305, further reducing the likelihood of peeling of, or damage to, the felt sheet 302, and further improving the aesthetic appeal. In this example, the felt sheet 302 is also attached to the closure via adhesive strips 306 applied to the surfaces of the closure 301 which define the stowage volume. In this example, the closure 301 is a moulded plastic component, such as an injection moulded component. Also in this example, the felt sheet is a polyester felt, for example recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The felt sheet has a density of 450-550 g / m2 and a thickness of 3-4 mm. Manufacture of the stowage volume 300 is now described with reference to Figure 10, and with continued reference to Figs. 5 and 6. At step S11 the closure 301 is produced, for example injection moulded. At step S12 the felt sheet 302 is cut to shape, for example using waterjet cutting so that heat is not generated in the felt sheet 302. At step S13 adhesive strips are placed on the side of the closure 301 defining the stowage volume. At step S14 the first edge of the felt sheet 301 is inserted into the channel on the first side of the closure 301. The felt sheet 302 is then placed onto the side of the closure 301 defining the stowage volume thereof, and the felt sheet 301 is secured in place by the adhesive strips, such that the felt sheet 302 follows the shape of the side of the closure defining the stowage volume. At step S15 the apertures at the second edge of the felt sheet 302 are placed onto the hooks 304 of the closure 301. Referring now to Figs. 7A and 7B, there is shown a stowage compartment 300’. In this example the stowage compartments 300’ are also comprised in gloveboxes, and comprise closures 301’, or lid or door, of the glovebox. However, in this case the gloveboxes are in front of the driver’s seat and located either side of the steering wheel (not shown). The stowage compartments 300’ of this example are each similar to the stowage compartment 300 described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, and similar features are denoted with the same reference numerals with a succeeding prime (‘) in the Figs. Each stowage compartment 300’ of this example is manufactured in the same way as the stowage compartment 300 of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 illustrates a vehicle 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 400 comprises any number of the stowage compartment 200 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the stowage compartment as illustrated in Fig. 5, and the stowage compartments 300’ as illustrated in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B. 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.

Claims

1. A stowage compartment for an interior of an automobile, the stowage compartment comprising: a structure at least partially defining an interior volume of the stowage compartment; and a felt container comprising a base and a side wall to define a stowage volume;wherein the felt container is configured to be located in the interior volume.

2. A stowage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the felt container comprises a single felt sheet.

3. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the felt container comprises aplurality of side walls, wherein the plurality of side walls and the base define the stowage volume, wherein each side wall is connected to another one or more of the plurality of side walls and / or to the base, at folds in the felt sheet and / or by a connection between the edges of the respective side walls.

4. A stowage compartment according to claim 3, wherein the felt container comprises a rectangular base and four rectangular side walls, and comprises a folded connection between a first and a second of the four side walls and the base at opposing edges of the base, and comprises a folded connection between the first side wall and a third and a fourth of the rectangular side walls at opposing edges of the first side wall.

5. A stowage compartment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein two of the side walls of the felt container extend past the base wall, when the felt container is assembled, and are received in corresponding channels provided in the structure.

6. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein an edge of the felt container which provides at least part of a boundary to an opening to the stowage volume, is concealed from the user by a corresponding part of the structure.

7. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the felt container comprises an attachment means for securing the felt container in the interior volume of the structure.

8. A stowage compartment according to claim 7, wherein the attachment means comprise a plurality of apertures extending through the one or more side walls of the felt container, wherein the structure comprises a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion configured to be received or receivable in a respective one of the plurality of apertures, and wherein the attachment means are positioned proximal an edge of at least one of the one or more side wall which provides at least part of a boundary to an opening to the stowage volume.

9. A stowage compartment according to claim 8, wherein the base of the felt container is configured to be spaced from the structure.

10. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the felt container is held or holdable within the interior volume by an inference fit between the side wall / s of the felt container, and wall / s defining the interior volume of the structure.

11. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the stowage compartment comprises an openable closure to provide access to the stowage volume, and wherein the felt container is configured to be open at a side facing the lid.

12. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the felt container comprises a polyester felt and / or the felt has a density of 450-550 g / m2 and / or the felt has a thickness of 3-4 mm.

13. A central console for an interior of an automobile, the central console comprising the stowage compartment of any preceding claim.

14. A method of manufacturing a stowage compartment, the method comprising the steps of:a) producing a structure defining at least part of an interior volume of the stowage compartment;b) cutting one or more felt sheet;c) folding and / or connecting together the one or more cut felt sheet into a felt container to at least partially define a stowage volume;d) inserting the one or more felt sheet or container into the interior volume of the stowage compartment.

15. A method according claim 14, wherein step d) further comprises attaching and / or securing the felt container to the interior volume of the stowage compartment.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A stowage compartment for an interior of an automobile, the stowage compartment comprising: a structure at least partially defining an interior volume of the stowage compartment; and a felt container comprising a base and a side wall to define a stowage volume;wherein the felt container is configured to be located in the interior volume, wherein the felt container comprises a plurality of side walls, wherein the plurality of side walls and the base define the stowage volume, wherein each side wall is connected to another one or more of the plurality of side walls and / or to the base, at folds in the felt sheet and / or by a connection between the edges of the respective side walls, andwherein two of the side walls of the felt container extend past the base, when the felt container is assembled, and are received in corresponding channels provided in the structure.

2. A stowage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the felt container comprises a single felt sheet.

3. A stowage compartment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the felt container comprises a rectangularbase and four rectangular side walls, and comprises a folded connection between a first and a second of the four side walls and the base at opposing edges of the base, and comprises a folded connection between the first side wall and a third and a fourth of the rectangular side walls at opposing edges of the first side wall.

4. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein an edge of the felt container which provides at least part of a boundary to an opening to the stowage volume, is concealed from the user by a corresponding part of the structure.

5. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the felt container comprises an attachment means for securing the felt container in the interior volume of the structure.

6. A stowage compartment according to claim 5, wherein the attachment means comprise a plurality of apertures extending through the one or more side walls of the felt container, wherein the structure comprises a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion configured to be received or receivable in a respective one of the plurality of apertures, and wherein the attachment means are positioned proximal an edge of at least one of the one or more side wall which provides at least part of a boundary to an opening to the stowage volume.

7. A stowage compartment according to claim 6, wherein the base of the felt container is configured to be spaced from the structure.

8. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the felt container is held or holdable within the interior volume by an inference fit between the side wall / s of the felt container, and wall / s defining the interior volume of the structure.

9. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the stowage compartment comprises an openable closure to provide access to the stowage volume, and wherein the felt container is configured to be open at a side facing the lid.5 10. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the felt container comprises apolyester felt and / or the felt has a density of 450-550 g / m2 and / or the felt has a thickness of 3-4 mm.

11. A central console for an interior of an automobile, the central console comprising the stowage compartment of any preceding claim.

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