Claims:We Claim:
1. A storage unit 200 for a vehicle interior, the storage unit 200 having a storage lid 100, the storage lid 100 comprising:
a first member 110 configured on and hinged to the storage unit 200 for closing an opening 200a of the storage unit 200;
a second member 120 is configured silidably above the first member 110, the second member 120 is slidable between a first position 500a and at least one second position 500b over the first member 110;
wherein the second member 120 is having at least one engaging member 130, 140 which latches with a locking member 210 configured on the storage unit 200 for closing the opening 200a of the storage unit 200,
wherein the engaging member 130, 140 is operated by a plunger 160 configured over the second member 120, upon operating the plunger 160, the engaging member 130, 140 disengages from the locking member 210 for opening and closing of the storage unit 200 in both first position 500a and the at least one second position 500b.

2. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member 110 and the second member 120 are connected together by a channel 112 and a guiding member 122.

3. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the first member 110 is having the channel 112 and the second member 120 is provided with the guiding member 122, the guiding member 122 positively fits inside the channel 112 and allows the second member 120 to slide over the first member 110.

4. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking member 210 is a vertical member extending from the storage unit 200 which is having a locking portion to engage with the engaging members 130, 140.

5. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein two engaging members 130, 140 are provided to lock the locking member 210 in the first position 500a and in the second position 500b respectively.

6. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking member 210 locks with a first engaging member 130 or a second engaging member 140 when the second member 120 is in the first position 500a or the second position 500b and the storage lid 100 in closed position.

7. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging members 130, 140 are arranged on a locking track 150 of the second member 120, the locking track 150 being configured on a top portion of the second member 120.

8. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging members 130, 140 are having an engaging portion 130a, 140a and a flanged portion 130b, 140b, the engaging portions 130a, 140a engages with the locking member 210 to lock the storage lid 100 with the storage unit 200.

9. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger 160 is horizontally configured on the locking track 150 and movable between the flanged portions 130b, 140b of the engaging member 130, 140, the plunger 160 has at least one wedge shaped portions 162, 164 in between wherein the wedge shaped portions 162, 164 are engageably configured with the respective flanged portions 130b, 140b of the engaging members 130, 140 to lock and unlock the locking member 210.

10. The storage lid 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a biasing member 170 is arranged on the second member 120 allowing the plunger 160 to retain its position back after releasing an operating force from the plunger 160.
, Description:Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage unit for a vehicle interior. More specifically, the present invention relates to a storage lid of the storage unit inside the vehicle interior.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Generally, an armrest console is configured in the middle of a front or rear seat of a vehicle. The armrest console may be provided with an armrest for a comfortable posture of the occupant, and may have a storage unit for storing personal belongings of passengers. The armrest is used as a storage lid for the storage unit. The storage lid can be latched with the armrest console to cover the storage compartment. The latch may be provided either beneath the storage lid or on the sides of the storage lid.

[0003] The accessibility of these storage units is still a concern for many of the passengers. In some vehicles, the storage lids are slidably arranged to provide more comfort for the passengers. But the latch which are configured below the storage lid or sides of the storage lid restrict the accessibility of the storage unit when the storage lid is in the slidable configuration. The occupants has to bring back the original position of the storage lid to access the latch and thereby opening the storage unit.
[0004] Hence, there is a requirement of an armrest lid which may overcome few or all of the drawbacks of the existing armrest lids.

Objects of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a storage lid for a storage unit inside a vehicle interior.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage lid in a vehicle interior, which enable an easy access of the storage unit.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a storage lid which can be extendable according to the user preference.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage lid which can be operable by both front seat occupant and rear seat occupants.

[0009] One more object of the present invention is to provide an armrest lid in a vehicle interior which is easily operable and is robust in construction.

Summary of the invention
[0010] According to the present invention, a storage unit configured inside a vehicle interior in accordance with the present invention. In the present embodiment, the storage unit is a central console of the vehicle having a storage space which are used for storing articles such as phones, book, snacks, food items and such. The storage unit is having a storage lid pivotally arranged thereon for opening and closing an opening of the storage unit.

[0011] The storage lid includes a first member and a second member. The first member is configured on the storage unit and is hinged thereon. The first member is hinged with the storage unit for closing the opening of the storage unit. The second member is configured above the first member. The second member configures the armrest of the central console. The second member is cushioned on its top surface to configure the armrest.

[0012] In the embodiment, the second member is slidably configured above the first member. Specifically, the first member and the second member are connected together by a channel and a guiding member. The first member is provided with the channel on a top portion of the first member and the second member is provided with the guiding member on its lower portion. The guiding member positively fits inside the channel and enable a sliding movement between the first member and the second member. Specifically, the guiding member allows the second member to slide over the channel of the first member.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the second member slides between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second member is configured exactly above the first member. In the second position, the second member is configured away from a pivotal end of the storage lid. The second member slides horizontally along an X-axis over the first member to configure the second position.

[0014] The storage unit is provided with a locking member which latches with the storage lid to close the opening of the storage unit. More specifically, the second member latches with the locking member. The second member is provided with an engaging member on its lower portion to engage with the locking member. In the present embodiment, two engaging members like a first engaging member, and a second engaging member are provided to lock the locking member in the first position and in the second position respectively.

[0015] Specifically, if the second member is in the first position and the storage lid is in closed position, the locking member locks with the first engaging member. If the second member is in the second position, the locking member locks with the second engaging member. The first member may have a hollow region which allows the locking member from the storage unit to access with the engaging members. The locking member is a vertical member extending from the storage unit which is having a locking portion to engage with the engaging members.
[0016] The engaging members are operably arranged on the second member. Specifically, the engaging members are arranged on a locking track of the second member. The locking track is arranged on a top portion of the second member. The engaging members are having an engaging portion and a flanged portion respectively. The engaging portions engages with the locking member to lock the storage lid with the storage unit. The flanged portion is lockable with the locking track. The locking track is provided with slots to lock the respective flanged portions of the engaging member.

[0017] The engaging member is operated by a plunger horizontally configured on the locking track. The plunger is arranged on a top portion of the second member. The plunger moves between the flanged portions of the engaging member. The plunger is movably configured back and forth on the locking track. An operating head of the plunger extends away from the second member. The plunger has to be manually moved by pressing the operating head. The plunger is retractably arranged on the locking track. Specifically, a biasing member arranged on the second member allows the plunger to retain its position back after releasing an operating force from the plunger. The biasing member is arranged on a lower end of the plunger. In the present embodiment, the biasing member is a compression spring.

[0018] The plunger has at least one wedge shaped portions in between. The wedge shaped portions are engageably configured with the respective flanged portions of the engaging members to lock and unlock the locking member. Upon operating the plunger, the engaging member disengages from the locking member for moving the second member between the first position and the second position for opening and closing of the storage unit in both the first position and the second position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] 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:

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a storage lid for a storage unit inside a vehicle interior;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a closed position of the storage lid for the storage unit inside a vehicle interior;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates an open position of the storage lid for the storage unit;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the storage unit when a second member of the storage lid is in a first position and the storage lid is in closed position;

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates another side view of the storage unit when the second member of the storage lid is in a second position and the storage lid in closed position;

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the storage lid in the closed position;

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates unlocking of the storage lid from the storage unit;

[0027] Figure 8 illustrates a rear view of the storage lid in the closed position; and

[0028] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the storage unit when the second member of the storage lid is in the second position and the storage lid is in open position.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 “an” and “a” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0031] The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0032] Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate various views of a storage unit 200 configured inside a vehicle interior in accordance with the present invention. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 200 is a central console of the vehicle having a storage space which are used for storing articles such as phones, book, snacks, food items and such. The storage unit 200 may be configured between two front seats or rear seats of the vehicle. The storage unit 200 is having a storage lid 100 pivotally arranged thereon for opening and closing an opening 200a of the storage unit 200. The opening 200a of the storage unit 200 give access to the storage space. In the present embodiment, the storage lid 100 is an armrest of the central console.

[0033] The storage lid 100 includes a first member 110 and a second member 120. The first member 110 is configured on the storage unit 200 and is hinged thereon. The first member 110 is hinged with the storage unit 200 for closing the opening 200a of the storage unit 200. The second member 120 is configured above the first member 110. The second member 120 configures the armrest of the central console. The second member 120 may be cushioned on its top surface to configure the armrest.

[0034] Referring to figures 4 and 5, the second member 120 is slidably configured above the first member 110. Specifically, the first member 110 and the second member 120 are connected together by a channel 112 and a guiding member 122. The first member 110 is provided with the channel 112 on a top portion of the first member 110 and the second member 120 is provided with the guiding member 122 on its lower portion. The guiding member 122 positively fits inside the channel 112 and enable a sliding movement between the first member 110 and the second member 120. Specifically, the guiding member 122 allows the second member 120 to slide over the channel 112 of the first member 110. The sliding movement can be controlled manually or by using electronic switches.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the second member 120 slides between a first position 500a and a second position 500b as shown in figures 4 and 5. In the first position 500a, the second member 120 is configured exactly above the first member 110 as shown in figure 4. In the second position 500b, the second member 120 is configured away from a pivotal end 102 of the storage lid 100 as shown in figure 5. The second member 120 slides horizontally along an X-axis over the first member 110 to configure the second position 500b.

[0036] Further referring to figures 6 and 7, the storage unit 200 is provided with a locking member 210 which latches with the storage lid 100 to close the opening 200a of the storage unit 200. More specifically, the second member 120 latches with the locking member 210. The second member 120 is provided with an engaging member on its lower portion to engage with the locking member 210. In the present embodiment, two engaging members like a first engaging member 130, and a second engaging member 140 are provided to lock the locking member 210 in the first position 500a and in the second position 500b respectively.

[0037] Specifically, if the second member 120 is in the first position 500a and the storage lid 100 is in closed position, the locking member 210 locks with the first engaging member 130 as shown in figure 4. If the second member 120 is in the second position 500b, the locking member 210 locks with the second engaging member 140 as shown in figure 5. The first member 110 may have a hollow region (not shown) which allows the locking member 210 from the storage unit 200 to access with the engaging members 130, 140. The locking member 210 is a vertical member extending from the storage unit 200 which is having a locking portion to engage with the engaging members 130, 140.

[0038] Referring again to figure 1 and 2, the engaging members 130, 140 are operably arranged on the second member 120. Specifically, the engaging members 130, 140 are arranged on a locking track 150 of the second member 120. The locking track 150 is arranged on a top portion of the second member 120. The engaging members 130, 140 are having an engaging portion 130a, 140a (figure 8) and a flanged portion 130b, 140b respectively as shown in figure 1. The engaging portions 130a, 140a engages with the locking member 210 to lock the storage lid 100 with the storage unit 200 as shown in figures 6, 7 and 8. The flanged portion 130b, 140b is lockable with the locking track 150. The locking track 150 is provided with slots 150a, 150b to lock the respective flanged portions 130b, 140b of the engaging member 130, 140 as shown in figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the slot 150a is arranged on both sides of the flanged portion 130b. The flanged portion 130b has an extension along sideways which locks inside the respective slot 150a. Similarly, the slot 150b is arranged on both sides of the flanged portion 140b. The extension of the flanged portion 140b locks inside the respective slot 150b.

[0039] The engaging member 130, 140 is operated by a plunger 160 horizontally configured on the locking track 150. The plunger 160 is arranged on a top portion of the second member 120. The plunger 160 is movable between the flanged portions 130b, 140b of the engaging member 130, 140 as shown in figures 1, 2 and 3. The plunger 160 is movably configured back and forth on the locking track 150. An operating head 160a of the plunger 160 extends away from the second member 120. The plunger 160 has to be manually moved by pressing the operating head 160a. The plunger 160 is retractably arranged on the locking track 150. Specifically, a biasing member 170 arranged on the second member 120 allows the plunger 160 to retain its position back after releasing an operating force from the plunger 160. The biasing member 170 is arranged on a lower end of the plunger 160. In the present embodiment, the biasing member 170 is a compression spring.

[0040] The plunger 160 has at least one wedge shaped portions in between. In the present embodiment, two wedge shaped portions 162, 164 are engageably configured with the respective flanged portions 130b, 140b of the engaging members 130, 140 to lock and unlock the locking member 210. Upon operating the plunger 160, the engaging member 130, 140 disengages from the locking member 210 for opening and closing of the storage unit 200 in both the first position 500a and the second position 500b.

[0041] Referring to figure 4, when the storage lid 100 is in closed position and the second member 120 is in the first position 500a, the locking member 210 locks with the first engaging member 130. In the closed position, when the plunger 160 is pushed towards the biasing member 170, the wedge shaped portion 162 engages with the flanged portion 130b of the first engaging member 130. The wedge shaped portion 162 moves the flanged portion 130b sideways which enables the engaging portion 130a to disengage the locking member 210 from the engaging member 130 to configure an open position of the storage unit 200 as shown in figure 3.

[0042] Similarly, when the storage lid 100 is in closed position and the second member 120 is in the second position 500b as shown in figure 5, the locking member 210 locks with the second engaging member 140. When the plunger 160 is pushed towards the biasing member 170, the wedge shaped portion 164 engages with the flanged portion 140b of the second engaging member 140. The wedge shaped portion 164 moves the flanged portion 140b sideways which enables the engaging portion 140a to disengage the locking member 210 from the engaging member 140 to configure the open position of the storage unit 200 as shown in figure 9.

[0043] Further, the flanged portions 162, 164 are provided with springs inside respective slots 150a, 150b to retract from the sideways movement occurred at the time of releasing the locking member 210. Upon unlocking, the storage lid 100 can be swivelled around the pivotal end 102 to open the storage lid 100 thereby accessing the storage space therein as shown in figures 3 and 9.

[0044] Therefore the present invention has an advantage of providing the storage lid 100 for the storage unit 200 inside the vehicle interior which enable an easy access of the storage unit 200. The storage lid 100 can be extendable according to the user preference. Further, the storage lid 100 can be operable by both front seat passenger and rear seat passenger. Also, the storage lid 100 is easily operable and is robust in construction.

[0045] 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 best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and 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 omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.