초록

A center console includes a storage bin and a pair of hook members coupled to respective opposing walls of the bin for supporting hanging files in a substantially upright manner within the bin.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A center console for use in an interior of an automotive vehicle operable to hold hanging files in a substantially upright manner, the automotive vehicle having a floor, the center console comprising: a first wall and a second wall spaced apart, each having inner surfac

The invention claimed is: 1. A center console for use in an interior of an automotive vehicle operable to hold hanging files in a substantially upright manner, the automotive vehicle having a floor, the center console comprising: a first wall and a second wall spaced apart, each having inner surfaces, and a pair of opposing side walls also having inner wall surfaces, the pair of opposing side walls extending between the first and second walls, and wherein the first wall, second wall and pair of opposing walls rest on the floor, and wherein the inner wall surfaces of the first, second, and opposing side walls face each other so as to define a storage bin having an opening, and wherein the first and second walls each include a pair of receiving apertures, each of the pair of receiving apertures having an inner peripheral edge, wherein each of the receiving apertures further include an elongated section extending longitudinally between the opening and the floor, and a reduced section extending longitudinally between the pair of opposing side walls, wherein one end of the reduced section is in communication with the mid-portion of the elongated section so as to define a general T shaped receiving aperture; and a pair of hook members, wherein each of the pair of hook members is configured to receive the end tabs of the hanging files and engage respective receiving apertures so as to be mounted along the first and second walls, and wherein each of the pair of hook members includes a back surface and a pair of tabs, wherein the back surface is generally planar and wherein each of the pair of tabs includes a base portion and a pair of retaining portions, the base portion extending generally orthogonal from the back surface and configured to fittingly engage the reduced section, and wherein each of the pair of retaining portions extend generally orthogonal from a distal end of the base portion, and wherein each of the pair of tabs further includes a back portion having a generally convex surface, wherein the convex surface of the back portion is operable to guide the tabs into engagement with the elongated section so as to place the back surface of the hook member in communication with the inner surface of the storage bin, and wherein the hook member may be displaced laterally so as to slide the base portion into fitting engagement with the reduced section so as to fix the pair of hook members into respective first and second walls. 2. A center console as set forth in claim 1, wherein each hook member includes a channel for receiving end tabs of the hanging files, the channel extending longitudinally between opposite ends of the hook member, wherein the hanging files may be moved along the channel. 3. A center console as set forth in claim 2, further including a supporting wall disposed one of the pair of receiving apertures on one of either the first or second wall, the supporting wall extending generally orthogonal from a portion of the inner peripheral edge of the receiving aperture. 4. A center console as set forth in claim 3, further including a retaining member, the retaining member fixedly mounted to one of the pair of tabs, the retaining member having a retaining body, a leg and a head spaced apart and opposite the leg, wherein the leg extends generally orthogonal from one end of the body and is fixedly attached to the back portion of the tab, and wherein the head includes a cam surface and a retaining edge, wherein the cam surface is operable to guide the head portion over a portion of the supporting wall so as to place the retaining edge in engagement with a portion of the supporting wall, wherein the retaining edge biases the portion of the supporting wall so as to constrain the hook member relative to the center console in a direction generally parallel with the back surface. 5. A center console as set forth in claim 4, wherein the elongated section is corresponding in length to the distance between the ends of the retaining portion of the tabs so as to fittingly receive the tab therethrough, and wherein the base portions of the tabs are presented for insertion into the reduced section of the slot after the retaining portion of the tabs have been inserted through the elongated section of the slots, and wherein the retaining member engages the center console to constrain the hook member in a direction generally parallel with the back surface when the base portion of the tab is inserted into the reduced section of the slot. 6. A center console as set forth in claim 2, wherein the hook member includes a wall disposed within the channel to prevent the hanging files from sliding along the full length of the channel. 7. A center console as set forth in claim 6, wherein the hook member includes a middle wall defining the bottom of the channel, the middle wall extending longitudinally between opposite ends of the hook member. 8. A center console as set forth in claim 7, wherein the hook member includes a plurality of ribs extending between the middle wall and a bottom end of the hook member.