Description: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 articles such as cups or beverage container and the like.

Background of the invention

[0002] The integration of storage assemblies within vehicles to hold beverage containers or cups or any other similar articles becomes an essential aspect of modern automotive design to enhance the comfort and convenience of the occupants/passengers during travel. Such storage assemblies provide a dedicated space to securely store beverage containers within the vehicle so that passengers can carry drinks or refreshments on the go. The primary purpose of these storage assemblies is to securely hold beverage containers like cups, bottles, or cans or other similar articles during travel. This ensures that beverages remain steady, minimizing spillage and potential distractions to the driver.

[0003] However, as vehicles evolved to accommodate various accessories and amenities for enhanced comfort and convenience, the incorporation of cup holders within a larger storage assembly gained popularity. This integration allowed for a more organized and efficient utilization of space within the vehicle's interior.
[0004] The addition of a tray over a storage compartment not only offers a designated space for cups but also expands the utility of the cup holder by providing an area for placing small items or creating an organized storage space. Such cup holders, especially those with an integrated tray over the storage compartment, has to ensure stability and preventing rattling noises which happens due to the act of friction between the tray and the storage housing of the storage compartment. However, in most of the cases, when articles are placed within the tray or cup holders, movement or vibration during vehicle operation leads to an unwanted rattling noise or effect.

[0005] Therefore, there is a requirement of a storage assembly which allows the passengers or occupant to keep the articles steady and allowing them to easily use the articles while driving.

Objects of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a storage assembly for a vehicle interior which effectively minimizes noise and rattling that occur between the removable tray arranged over a housing or a storage space of a storage box of the storage assembly to ensure a quieter and more pleasant in-car experience for the passengers.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a soft part arranged on an engaging element of the removable tray such that the soft part can only travel in a direction parallel to the longitudinal or width direction of the tray (110) avoiding unintentional disengagement of the soft part from the tray.

Summary of the invention
[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a storage assembly for a vehicle interior. The storage assembly may include a storage box defining a storage space for storing articles and a tray with a first surface and a second surface extending substantially perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface. The tray is removably arranged over the storage space of the storage box.

[0009] The second surface of the tray may have an engaging element adapted to receive a receiving portion of a soft part to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray and an inner wall of the storage box upon installation of the tray over the storage space of the storage box. The engaging element may extend substantially perpendicular from the second surface to configure the soft part thereon. This specific arrangement of the engaging element enables the soft part to be travel only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or width direction of the tray thus avoiding unintentional disengagement of the soft part from the tray.

[0010] In an aspect of the invention, the engaging element on the second surface of the tray may be a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped projection extending substantially perpendicularly from the second surface. In an aspect, the soft part is a block-shaped structure, and the receiving portion of the soft part is a cavity that aligns with and complements with the engaging element enabling a secure engagement of the soft part with the tray. In an aspect of the invention, the engaging element on the second surface of the tray may be a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped cavity extending substantially perpendicularly from the second surface and the soft part is a block-shaped structure, and the receiving portion of the soft part is a projection that aligns with and complements with the engaging element enabling a secure engagement of the soft part with the tray. This specific design of the engaging element enables the soft part to be travel only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal or width direction of the tray thus avoiding unintentional disengagement of the soft part from the tray and if there is a damage to only one of the soft part the same can be replaced.

[0011] In an aspect, the engaging element may protrude from at least diagonal corners of the tray, each engaging element is arranged within a recess portion of the respective corner formed by two second surfaces mating obliquely to each other.

[0012] In an aspect, the soft part may include a cavity/ a U-shaped cavity that aligns with and complements the projection/ U-shaped projection of the engaging element enabling a secure engagement between the soft part and the engaging element. In another aspect, the soft part may include a projection/ a U-shaped projection that aligns with and complements the cavity/ U-shaped cavity of the engaging element enabling a secure engagement between the soft part and the engaging element.

[0013] In an aspect, the receiving portion of the soft part may be engaged with the engaging element such that a portion of the soft part is above the engaging element of the tray and a portion is below the engaging element and the soft part envelops and covers the recessed portion. The soft part is encompassed by three surfaces of the recess portions on at least diagonal corners to lock rotational movement of the soft part within the recess portion.

[0014] In an aspect, the soft part may have a soft bumper portion or two soft bumper portions. The soft bumper portions may abut with the inner wall portion of the storage box when the tray is assembled over a storage space of the storage box to enhance the friction fit installation of the tray with the storage box.

[0015] In an aspect, a snap may be positioned on the engaging element, the snap is adapted to securely fastens or snap fit with a corresponding opening positioned at a bottom section of the soft part. The soft part may be a square shaped rubber bush.

[0016] In an aspect, the storage box may include a protruding section extending from the inner wall of the storage box and towards the storage space, wherein the tray is positioned on the protruding section of the storage box ensuring a defined space between the tray and a base of the storage box.

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

[0018] In another aspect, method of assembling a soft part onto a tray within a storage assembly for a vehicle interior is provided. The storage assembly comprises a tray with a first surface and a second surface, the tray being removably arranged over a housing of a storage box. The second surface of the tray has an engaging element adapted to receive the soft part to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray and the storage box.

[0019] Initially, the soft part is installed by pushing the soft part in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tray such that the engaging element (120) is pushed into the receiving portion of the soft part. Further, the tray is installed perpendicularly over the storage space ensuring a secure friction fit between the tray and the storage box.

Brief description of drawings

[0020] The advantages and features of the present invention will be understood better with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a storage assembly for a vehicle interior in accordance with the present invention;

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

[0023] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the tray with the soft part arranged on each corner of the tray in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 shows another view of the arrangement of the soft part with a bump portion;

[0025] Figure 5 shows the arrangement of an engaging element on a recess portion of the tray in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of soft part with a receiving portion and snap to engage with a snap portion of the engaging element;

[0027] Figure 7 shows an assembling direction of the soft part with the engaging element when the soft part is not engaged with the engaging element in accordance the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 shows an engagement position of the soft part when engaged with the engaging element;

[0029] Figure 9 shows the arrangement of tray with soft part on a top portion of the storage box in accordance with the present invention; and

[0030] Figure 10 illustrates a method of assembling the tray of the storage assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0031] An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0032] The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any 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 items.

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

[0034] The present invention provides a storage assembly for a vehicle interior which effectively minimizes noise and rattling that commonly occur between the removeable tray and the housing of the storage assembly to ensure a quieter and more pleasant in-car experience for the passengers.

[0035] Referring to figure 1, a storage assembly (100) for a vehicle interior in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The storage assembly includes a storage box (200) and a tray (110). The storage assembly (100) may be arranged on an interior panel of the vehicle providing easy access to the driver, front-seat passengers, and rear seat passengers. In an embodiment, the storage assembly (100) is arranged on an armrest of the vehicle, specifically under the armrest storage. In an embodiment, the storage assembly (100) is arranged on a central console of the vehicle for example in between a driver and co-passenger seat.

[0036] Referring to figure 2, the storage box (200) includes a base (200a), side walls (210) and an open top (220) defining a housing with a storage space for storing articles such as phones, pen, 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 towards the storage space of the storage box (200). The tray (110) is removably or releasably secured over the storage space of the storage box (200). Specifically, the tray (110) is positioned on the protruding section (215) extending from the inner wall of the storage box (220) towards the storage space ensuring a defined space between the tray (110) and the base (200a) of the storage box (200). The tray (110) has a substantially rectangular shape which corresponds to the storage space of the storage box (200) such that while placing the tray (110) above the storage box (200), the tray (110) aligns with the protruding section (215) of the storage box (200). It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art to make the tray (110) in any different 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 an embodiment (not shown), the tray (110) may include a snap-fit or locking mechanism. In such embodiment, the tray (110) may include locks, snaps, or latches that engage with corresponding portions on the storage box (200), ensuring a secure fit. The tray (110) may be released by pressing a button or releasing a latch.

[0039] Further, the tray (110) includes a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface (110a). The first surface (110a) is a top portion of the tray (110) which provides a provision for placing articles. More particularly, the first surface (110a) is having a substantially circular opening (112a, 112b) adapted to receive and hold an article (300) therein such that a portion of the article (300) is over the tray (110). The circular opening (112a, 112b) is adapted to hold article (300) such as beverage cups or cans and the like items. In the present embodiment, the first surface (110a) includes two circular openings (112a, 112b). In an embodiment (not shown), the first surface (110a) is a flat surface to keep and hold articles such as books, mobile, tablets, laptop etc and the like.
[0040] The second surface (110b) of the tray (110) is a bottom side portion of the tray (110) which extends substantially perpendicularly or oblique from the first surface (110a). The second surface (110b) of the tray (110) has an engaging element (120) which is an extending member that extends along the width direction of the tray (110) as shown in figure 5. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the engaging element (120) extends along the longitudinal direction of the tray (110). In the present embodiment, as shown in figure 5 the engaging element (120) is a U-shaped projection which extends substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b). In an alternative embodiment, the engaging element is I-shaped or H-shaped. In an embodiment, the engaging element (120) is a U-shaped projection which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal or width direction of the tray (110).

[0041] Further, the engaging element (120) protrudes from at least diagonal corners of the tray (110). More particularly as shown in figure 2,5, the engaging element (120) protrudes from all the corners (150) of the second surface (110b), and each engaging element (120) extends substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b). In an embodiment, the engaging element (120) protrudes from each of the corners (150) of the second surface (110b), and each engaging element (120) extends substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b). In the present embodiment, the engaging element (120) is arranged within a recess portion (140) of the respective corner (150) formed by two second surfaces (110b-1 and 110b-2) mating obliquely to each other. In an embodiment, the tray includes four engaging elements (120), each extending from each corner of the tray (110).

[0042] Referring to figures 3 and 4, the engaging element (120) is adapted to receive a receiving portion (12) of a soft part (130) to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray (110) and the inner wall of the storage box (200) when the tray (110) is installed over the storage space. In the present embodiment, the engaging element (120) extends substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b) to configure the soft part (130) thereon.

[0043] In the present embodiment, there are four soft part (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) as shown in figure 2 which engages with the corresponding engaging elements (120) arranged at each corner of the tray (110). In an embodiment (not shown), two soft parts are arranged corresponding to the engaging elements (120) arranged at diagonal corners of the tray (110). The soft part (130) may be a flexible element which is made of rubber or rubber-like material which are known for flexibility, softness, and the ability to absorb vibrations. The soft part (130) also may have the properties that allow for easy molding and shaping to fit over the engaging element (120) of the tray (110). In the present embodiment, the soft part (130) is a block shaped structure and the receiving portion (132) of the soft part (130) is a cavity that aligns with and complements with the engaging element (120) enabling a secure engagement of the soft part (130) with the tray (110). In an embodiment, the soft part (130) is a square shaped rubber bush with chamfered ends and the assembling direction of the soft part (130) is parallel to the longitudinal or width direction of the tray (110) and substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the tray (110).

[0044] Referring to figure 6, the soft part (130) includes a cavity (132) that aligns with and complements the projection of the engaging element (120) enabling a secure engagement between the soft part (130) and the engaging element (120). In the present embodiment, the soft part (130) has a U-shaped cavity (132) that aligns with and complements the U-shaped projection of the engaging element (120). In an alternative design (not shown) the engaging element (120) is of I-shape structure.

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

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

[0047] Referring now to figures 4 and 6, the soft part (130) has a soft bumper portion arranged on adjacent side surfaces of the soft part (130) which do not contact with the tray (110) when installed on the tray (110). In the present embodiment, two bumper portions (134a, 134b) are adapted to abut with the inner wall portion of the storage box (200) when the tray is assembled over the storage space of the storage box (200). The soft bumper portions (134a, 134b) are a protruding mount on the adjacent sides surfaces of the soft part (130) which may have a rounded or semi-rounded shape to ensure strong yet removable friction fit between tray (110) and storage box (200). The soft bumper portions (134a, 134b) engage with a portion of the housing (200), specifically with the inner wall portion or inner side walls (220) of the storage box (200) when the tray (110) is assembled over the storage space of the storage box (200) to enhance the friction fit installation of the tray (110) with the storage box (200) as shown in figure 9. While doing so, the arrangement of the soft part (130) with the soft bumper portions (134a, 134b) minimizes noise and rattling that occur between the tray (110) and the housing of the storage box (200).

[0048] Further, a snap (122) is positioned, specifically at a bottom section of the engaging element (120) as shown in figures 7 and 8. The snap (122) is adapted to securely snap-fit with a corresponding opening (136) positioned at a bottom section of the soft part (130). The snap (122) is a projection projecting downwards from the engaging element (120) and snap-fit with the corresponding opening (136) of the soft part to ensure inter-locking between the soft part (130) and the engaging element (120). When the soft part (130) is fitted onto the engaging element (120), the snap (122) securely snap-fit into the opening (136), forming an interlock therebetween to prevents the detachment of the soft part (130) from the engaging element (120).

[0049] In an aspect of the invention, a method (500) of assembling a tray of a storage assembly (100) in accordance with the present invention is provided. 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 perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface (110a). The tray (110) is removably arranged over a housing or storage space of a storage box (200), and the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) has an engaging element (120) adapted to receive a receiving portion (132) of a soft part (130) to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray (110) and the storage box (200). The method (500) starts at step 510:

[0050] At step 520, providing the tray with the engaging element (120).

[0051] At step 530, providing the soft part (130) with the receiving portion (132).

[0052] At step 540, installing, by pushing the soft part (130) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or width direction of the tray (110) such that the engaging element (120) is pushed into the receiving portion (132) of the soft part (130).

[0053] At step 550, installing the tray (110) perpendicularly over the storage space ensuring a secure friction fit between the tray (110) and the inner wall of the storage box (200). The method ends at step 560.

[0054] Therefore, the present invention has an advantage of providing a storage assembly for a vehicle interior which effectively minimizes noise and rattling that occur between the tray and the housing of the storage assembly to ensure a quieter and more pleasant in-car experience for the passengers. It further maximizes space utilization within the storage space by efficiently organizing the articles such as beverage containers within the tray.. The tray in the storage assembly can be offered as a separate accessory that can be changed based on the user's requirements to enhance the modularity and customization of the storage assembly. Users can adapt the tray to suit their specific needs and preferences, providing a personalized experience.

[0055] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have 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 were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention best and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A storage assembly (100) for a vehicle interior, the storage assembly (100) comprises:
a storage box (200) defining a storage space for storing articles therein,
a tray (110) with a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface (110a), the tray (110) is removably arranged over the storage space of the storage box (200);
wherein the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) has an engaging element (120) adapted to receive a receiving portion (132) of a soft part (130) to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray (110) and an inner wall of the storage box (200) upon installation of the tray (110) over the storage space, wherein the engaging element (120) extends substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b) to configure the soft part (130) thereon or therein.

2. The storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging element (120) on the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) is a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped projection extending substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b) and wherein the soft part (130) is a block-shaped structure and the receiving portion (132) of the soft part (130) is a cavity that aligns with and complements with the engaging element (120) enabling a secure engagement of the soft part (130) with the tray (110).

3. The storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least diagonal corners (150) of the tray (110) has the engaging element (120)), each engaging element (120) is arranged within a recess portion (140) of the respective corner (150) formed by two second surfaces (110b-1,110b-2) mating obliquely to each other.

4. The storage assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging element (120) on the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) is a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped cavity extending substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b)wherein the soft part (130) is a block-shaped structure and the receiving portion (132) of the soft part (130) is a cavity that aligns with and complements with the engaging element (120) enabling a secure engagement of the soft part (130) with the tray (110).

5. The storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving portion (132) of the soft part (130) is engaged with the engaging element (120) of the tray (110) such that a portion of the soft part (130) is above the engaging element (120) and a portion is below the engaging element (120) such that the soft part (130) envelops and covers the recessed portion (140) such that the soft part (130) is encompassed by three surfaces (140a, 110b-1 and 110b-2) of the recess portions (140) on each corners (150) to lock rotational movement of the soft part (130) within the recess portion (140).

6. The storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the soft part (130) has two bumper portions (134a, 134b), the soft bumper portions (134a, 134b) abut with the inner wall portion of the storage box (200) when the tray (110) is assembled over the storage space of the storage box (200) to enhance the friction fit installation of the tray (110) with the storage box (200).

7. The storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a snap (122) is positioned on the engaging element (120), the snap (122) is adapted to securely snap fit with a corresponding opening (136) of the soft part (130).

8. The storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage box (200) includes a protruding section (215) extending from the inner wall of the storage box (220) and towards the storage space, wherein the tray (110) is positioned on the protruding section (215) of the storage box (200) ensuring a defined space between the tray (110) and a base (200a) of the storage box (200).

9. The storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tray (110) includes 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), the storage assembly (100) being comprising the tray (110) with a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface (110a), the tray (110) being removably arranged over a housing or storage space of a storage box (200), and the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) has an engaging element (120) adapted to receive a receiving portion (132) of a soft part (130) to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray (110) and the storage box (200), the method comprising the steps of:
providing the tray (110) with the engaging element (120),
providing the soft part (130) with the receiving portion (132),
installing, by pushing the soft part (130) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or width direction of the tray (110) such that the engaging element (120) is pushed into the receiving portion (132) of the soft part (130); and
installing the tray (110) perpendicularly over the storage space ensuring a secure friction fit between the tray (110) and the inner wall of the storage box (200).