AU2009230744B2

AU2009230744B2 - Vehicle Barrier Multi-Positional Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2009230744B2
Application number: AU2009230744A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Colin Thomas
Original assignee: AUTOMOTIVE OCCUPANT LOAD PROT SYSTEMS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: AUTOMOTIVE OCCUPANT LOAD PROTECTION SYSTEMS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-08
Filing date: 2009-10-26
Publication date: 2012-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-08
Also published as: AU2009230744A1; AU2006249287A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle cargo barrier multi-positional assembly including at least one track adapted to locate and have locked thereto a protective screen such that the screen is lockable at pre-determined positions along the track. The assembly further 5 provides for two screens to be mounted to a track system whereby one screen may be mounted at a longitudinally spaced apart distance from the second screen. The screen is also height adjustable and preferably made of impact resistant transparent polycarbonate.

Description

2 Vehicle Barrier Multi-Positional Assembly The present invention relates to a vehicle barrier multi-positional assembly and, in particular, to a track system adapted to be longitudinally attached to the roof of a vehicle and which includes a number of mounting points at predetermined positions along the track for 5 selectively mounting thereto a protective screen. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known that vehicle barriers are generally used to separate interior portions of a vehicle thereby creating separate compartments therein. For example, in station wagons, vans, hatchbacks and 4WD vehicles, cargo barriers are ) used to prevent cargo typically located in the rear of the vehicle from being flung toward the front of the vehicle where occupants are located in the event of a collision or abrupt halt. It is well known the damage that a cargo item can cause to an occupant of a vehicle or parts of the vehicle itself in such circumstances, even the smallest of items capable of causing a great deal of damage. Furthermore, cargo barriers have also been known to prevent occupants from being thrown toward the rear of the vehicle and for supporting the vehicle roof in the case of vehicle roll-over. Regardless of the situation in which a protective barrier may be used within a vehicle, a common problem exists in that the barriers are not easily multi-positional, that is, the position of the barrier is generally fixed and although able to be varied in accordance with the specific 0 requirements of a situation, not easily moved between different positions. For example, common 4WD vehicles typically contain 3 rows of seats, that is, seats for 2 front occupants, 3 middle occupants and the option for a further 2-3 rear occupants. Cargo barriers are typically located and fixed directly behind the rear occupants and separate them from the cargo storage area, commonly referred to as a 'boot' or 'trunk'. This is fine when most seats 5 in the vehicle are occupied, however, in the situation where say there are 2 front occupants only, the space taken up by the middle and rear seats is wasted. Although the barrier may be moved and the middle and rear seats folded over to create more storage space, this is not a simple exercise. It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the 0 aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative.

3 The present invention is therefore related to a vehicle cargo barrier multi-positional assembly including at least one track adapted to locate and have locked thereto a protective screen such that the screen is lockable at pre-determined positions along the track. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5 Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a vehicle barrier assembly adapted to be fitted behind a row of one or more transverse seats of a vehicle interior each having a head portion and a lumbar portion, said vehicle having a longitudinal axis, said assembly including: at least one track extending in said longitudinal direction along a ceiling surface of said vehicle 0 interior, said track including at least two mounting points that are longitudinally spaced apart at predetermined positions along the track; and at least one protective transparent screen being generally contoured to the transverse cross sectional dimension of said interior, said screen including an upper portion adapted to extend substantially parallel with the seat lumbar portion and adapted to be lockable to said at least one 5 track at one or more mounting points there along, and a lower portion including lowermost horizontal lip attachable to said lower portion at different heights to facilitate abutment with a lower surface of said vehicle interior irrespective of the height of the interior, said at least one protective screen adapted to divide the interior of the vehicle into two distinct areas. Preferably said mounting points are positioned such that when the protective screen is .0 mounted thereto, it is fixed directly behind a row of one or more transverse seats each having a head portion and a lumbar portion. Preferably said protective screen includes an upper portion which extends substantially vertically and parallel with the seat head portion, and a lower portion which extends substantially diagonally and parallel with the seal lumbar portion. The overall structural strength and rigidity 25 of the screen is increased through use of a contoured screen. In preference said upper portion of said screen includes at least one upper connection means for connecting said protective screen to one of the mounting points on said track. Preferably said lower portion includes at least one lower connection means for connecting said protective screen to a lower surface in the vehicle interior. 30 Preferably said lower surface is a floor surface of said interior.

4 Alternatively said lower surface is at least one further seat which is folded behind the protective screen. In preference said lowermost lip includes at least one aperture for receiving a strap for securing the lower portion of the screen. 5 Preferably said protective screen is adapted to separate an occupant area in front of said screen from an item storage area behind said screen. Advantageously said protective screen is a polycarbonate screen, or any other screen made of suitable transparent material and capable of withstanding impact. In a further form of the invention there is proposed a vehicle barrier track system for 0 fitting into a vehicle interior, said system including: at least one longitudinal track adapted to be fixed along a vehicle ceiling surface, said at least one longitudinal track including a plurality of mounting points at predetermined positions along said track; and one or more protective screens being generally contoured to the transverse cross-sectional 5 dimension of said interior, said screen including an upper portion adapted to be lockable to said at least one track at one or more transversely aligned mounting points there along, and a lower portion including a lowermost horizontal lip attachable to said lower portion at different heights to facilitate abutment with a lower surface of said vehicle interior irrespective of the height of the interior, said one or more protective screens adapted to divide the interior of the vehicle into two /0 distinct areas. Preferably said protective screen transversely spans at least one seat in a transverse row of a plurality of seats. Preferably when said protective screen spans a single seat in a plurality of seats in a transverse row, said protective screen is adapted to be attached to a single mounting point 25 associated with a single track. In preference when said protective screen transversely spans two seats in a plurality of seats in a transverse row, said protective screen is adapted to be attached to transversely aligned mounting points associated with at least two parallel tracks.

5 Preferably said mounting points are positioned such that when the protective screen is attached, it is located directly behind one or more transversely aligned vehicle seats. For example, there may be cargo barriers shaped to suit a single seat and therefore use only one track while another cargo barrier may be shaped to suit a double seat and therefore 5 require the use of two tracks. This allows the longitudinal position of each protective screen relative to the vehicle to be varied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the 0 description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle interior including the multi-positional assembly of the present invention and locked thereto is a protective polycarbonate screen positioned behind a middle row of seats; Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle interior including the multi-positional 5 assembly of the present invention and locked thereto is a protective polycarbonate screen positioned behind a front row of seats; Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior of Figure 2 including the multi-positional assembly of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior illustrating the possible 2 0 positions of a protective polycarbonate screen connected to the three mounting points of the multi-positional assembly of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle interior including the multi-positional assembly of the present invention and locked thereto is a protective mesh screen positioned behind a middle row of seats; 6 Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the height adjustment means and lower connection means of a protective polycarbonate protective screen; Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connection means between the protective polycarbonate screen and a track mounting point; 5 Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the connection means of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior including the connection means of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative connection means between the protective polycarbonate screen and track mounting point; ) Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the connection means of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior including the connection means of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a hatchback vehicle interior including an alternate protective polycarbonate screen arrangement in its extended form; Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the hatchback vehicle interior of Figure 13 in its retracted form; Figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating a station wagon vehicle interior including a multi-positional assembly according to a second aspect of the invention and locked thereto are two protective polycarbonate screens positioned behind a rear 0 row of seats; and Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the station wagon vehicle interior of Figure 15 including two protective polycarbonate screens, the first positioned behind a middle row of seats and the second positioned behind a front row of seats. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 5 The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope 7 of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. The description herein refers specifically to barriers for preventing cargo from being flung or tossed to the front of a vehicle. The present invention is not intended to be limited to 5 exclusive association with cargo barriers. The present invention relates to a vehicle barrier multi-positional assembly including a track system for mounting at pre-determined positions therealong a protective screen or barrier which serves to separate front and rear portions of a vehicle. Although there may be various uses for the proposed assembly, its use as a protection screen will be described herein. This is not to 3 limit the scope of the invention to the assembly's use as a cargo barrier but to aid in the description of the invention for the benefit of the reader. Illustrated in Figures 1-4 are three possible positions of the protective screen 28 within a vehicle interior 10. The vehicle interior 10 comprises front seats 12, middle seats 14, rear seats 16, seat straps 18, a rear storage area or trunk 20 and a set of windows 22. 5 Further illustrated is a vehicle cargo barrier multi-positional assembly 24 including a double track system 26 in accordance with a first aspect of the invention. The assembly 24 also includes a protective transparent polycarbonate screen or barrier 28 including an upper lip 30 having associated therewith an upper connection means 32, a lower bracket 34 having a lower connection means 36, and a height adjustment means 38 for adjusting the vertical position of the 0 bracket 34, each of which will be later described in detail. The problems associated with existing cargo barriers have been described. As illustrated, the assembly 24 of the present invention aims to overcome these problems in that the protective screen 28 is capable of being mounted to pre-determined mounting points that are longitudinally spaced apart along the double track system 26. 5 In the example illustrated in Figure 1, there are three sets of transversely aligned mounting points 40, 42 and 44 along the double track system 26, the protective screen being fixed to mounting point 42 behind the middle seats 14 of the vehicle with the rear seats 16 being folded.

8 Figures 2-3 illustrate a second possible position of the protective screen 28 within the vehicle interior 10. The protective screen 28 is positioned behind the front seats 12 of the vehicle and fixed to mounting points 44, whereby the middle and rear seats 14 and 16 are folded. Finally, as can be seen in Figure 4, the protective screen 28 may be fixed behind the rear 5 seats 16. In this situation, the lower connection means 36 is simply a bolted connection to a surface in the rear storage area 20. In all three situations, the protective screen 28 suspends from the track system 26 such that it is maintained in transverse alignment relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The protective screen 28 includes a horizontal bend 46 which extends across the transverse 3 length of the screen 28 and thereby defines an upper portion 48 and a lower portion 50 of the screen 28. Each of the upper connection means 32 are transversely spaced apart on the upper lip 30 such that they are each aligned through their vertical axes with each of mounting points 42 for connection thereto. The description relating to Figure 6 deals with the lower connection means 36 in greater detail. 5 The track system 26 of the present invention is adapted to be longitudinally mounted to the roof 49 by appropriate means such as an adhesive along the length of the track system, with the rear of the track system 26 being bolted to the roof 49 using a bracket 51. This bolted connection at the rear of the track system 26 provides the majority of the support. It is to be understood that most vehicles require a bracket 51 for bolting to the roof 49 and the figures that 0 do not include bracket 51, but rather a flat surface bolted to the roof 49, are simply included to illustrate an alternate configuration. It is obviously desirable for the track system 26 to be hidden from view of the occupants seated within the vehicle and for this reason, the roof lining is made to cover the track system 26 where appropriate. The method of covering the track system 26 with roof lining will not be 5 discussed here in any detail. Obviously, the mounting points along the tracks will need to be accessed by occupants for mounting the protective screen 28 and this will also be later discussed. It can be clearly seen in Figure 3 the horizontal bend 46 of the screen 28 and the relative angles of the upper and lower portions 48 and 50 respectively. When the screen 28 is fixed to a mounting point 44, the upper portion 48 is maintained substantially parallel with the seat head D rest 52 and perpendicular to the track system 26, while the lower portion 50 and associated 9 bracket 34 of the screen 28 diverges at an angle substantially parallel with a lumbar portion 54 of the seat 12. The detail of the illustrated mounting points 40 will be described further below. It is has been found that it is of prime importance for the upper portion 48 of the screen 28 to be strongly secured to the track system 24 while the lower bracket 34 need not include such extensive fixing means. This is due to the fact that the lumbar portion 54 of the seat 12, in being substantially parallel with the lower portion 50 of the screen 28, withstands most, if not all of the impact provided by the cargo. However, should the need arise for the lower portion 50 of the screen 28 to be securely attached, then the lower connection means 36 may well be adapted to meet this requirement. This may increase the impact resistance rating of the screen. Figure 4 illustrates the three possible mounting positions of the protective screen along the track system 24. The protective screen 28a is illustrated behind the rear seat 16 in this instance, with screens 28b and 28c illustrated in hidden lines behind middle and front seats 14 and 12 respectively. It is to be understood that the mounting points 40, 42 and 44 along the track system 24 do not necessarily have to be spaced at these particular intervals and in any case, the intervals will vary according to different makes of vehicle. Those skilled in the art would realise the advantages provided by the vehicle cargo barrier multi-positional assembly 24 of the present invention. Existing cargo barrier configurations allow for a protective screen to be mounted generally behind rear seats, such that the rear storage area is separated from the occupant area. Although they may be moved forward, this is not a simple exercise. The example of Figure 1 provides for a situation where there may be a substantial amount of cargo (not shown) which needs to be stored, an amount that requires more space than that provided in the rear storage area 20. Therefore in traditional cargo barrier configurations, one would have to remove the cargo barrier, fold the rear seat over to thereby create enough space to store the cargo and move the barrier. The present invention overcomes 5 the problem in that it allows for the cargo barrier or protective screen 28 to be easily relocated. It is well known in the art that mesh barriers are commonly used for the protection of occupants, and in particular as cargo barriers. Figure 5 illustrates a double track system 24 whereby a mesh barrier 56 is mounted to mounting points 42. The mesh barrier 56 includes a metal frame 58 which has a similar structural shape to that of the previously mentioned ) polycarbonate barriers and will therefore not be described in any detail again. The metal frame 58 includes strategically shaped and positioned apertures 60 which is associated with the upper 10 connection means 32, and 62 which is associated with the height adjustment means 38. The lower bracket 34 which is substantially the same shape and configuration as that previously described, hence the same reference number, may either be constructed of metal or polycarbonate. Once again, the mesh screen need not include apertures 60 and 62 for the 5 purposes given above, but is preferable so that the same connection means 32 and height adjustment means 38 may be used for both polycarbonate and mesh screens alike. Two problems encountered with the use of mesh barriers is firstly, their general appearance which detracts from the aesthetic nature of the vehicle, secondly, their non transparency which is known to obstruct a driver's view through the rear vision mirror, and D thirdly, they are heavy and difficult to move. It is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to any one configuration of protective screen, whether it be a polycarbonate, mesh, bent or straight screen. In preference however, the screen is bent for structural purposes and is constructed from Polycarbonate due to its favourable physical properties such as high impact resistance, 5 transparency and exceptional machinability. Referring now to Figure 6 and an enlarged view of the lower connection means 36 and the height adjustment means 38 which also acts to connect the lower bracket 34 with the lower portion 50 of the screen 28. It should be understood that any references to Figure 6 also applies to the lower connection and height adjustment means on the adjacent side of the screen 28. 0 The lower connection means 36 on the lower bracket 34 simply comprises an aperture 64 on its horizontal surface through which a vehicle seat strap 18 passes to aid in securing the lower portion 50 of the protective screen 28 to a folded seat such as seat 16 in Figure 1, or the like. The seat strap 18 extends around the entire cross-sectional perimeter of the seat 16 and is secured via a snap-fit device or buckle 64. When the strap is tightened, the bracket 34 is prevented from 5 movement. Although this may seem a somewhat weak connection, it has been found to be sufficient in adequately securing the screen 28 in place. As mentioned above, it is the lumbar portion 54 of the seat which absorbs the majority of the impact anyway. It is to be understood that this is not the only method that may be used to secure the lower portion of the screen 28. For example, the lower horizontal surface of the bracket 34 may well include a hook means (not shown) adapted to adhere to a loop means (not shown) on the folded seat, or vice versa. This well known hook and loop connection is commonly referred to as 11 Velcro®. This method has also been found to be quite effective in adequately securing bracket 34 to the seat. The height adjustment means 38 comprises a C-shaped aperture 66 located in the lower portion 50 of the screen 28 and a circular aperture 68 located through the vertical surface of 5 bracket 34. A threaded section 70 on bolt 72 is adapted to engage a female threaded section (not shown) within knob 74 such that the lower portion 50 of the screen 28 and the bracket 34 are locked between the bolt head 76 and the knob 74 upon final engagement. While the lower portion 50 of the screen 28 remains fixed, the vertical position of the bracket 34 may be varied between two positions created by the two horizontal portions 78 and 80 of aperture 66 with the 0 vertical portion 82 of the aperture providing a path for this variation. The C-shaped aperture 66 therefore provides for variation in height of the screen. This is useful in that the screen may well be retrofitted into different makes of vehicle having different internal heights. It is to be understood that aperture 66 is not limited to only two positions but may well include a greater number of positions into which the bracket may be locked. For 5 example, the present invention can be easily adapted for use in hatchbacks. Figures 7-12 illustrate the use of two alternate upper connection means 32. Figures 7-9 deal with an upper connection means 32 for use in aftermarket vehicles whilst Figures 10-12 illustrate an upper connection means 112 for use in vehicles containing the original equipment. Referring firstly to upper connection means 32. In this configuration, each of the 0 mounting points 40, 42 and 44 on the track 26, as seen in Figure 9, includes two longitudinally spaced apart apertures 84 and 86 for housing two bolts 88 and 90 respectively, as seen in Figure 8. The vehicle lining 92, keyed housing or cover plate 94 and locating plate or impact plate 96 each include equally spaced apart apertures which are coaxial with apertures 84 and 86 for the insertion of bolts 88 and 90 there through. Keyed housing 94 includes a central key-shaped 5 aperture 98 comprising a large circular portion 100, a shifting portion 102 and a retaining portion 104, the function of which is described below. Locating plate 96 also includes a keyed aperture 105 corresponding to keyed aperture 98, however does not include a locking portion. The bolts 88 and 90 are locked by nuts 89 and 91 respectively. Once bolts 88 and 90 are tightened, the mounting point is now ready for 0 engagement with the cargo barrier 28.

12 A knob 106 is illustrated including an outwardly extending shaft 108 which is housed within an aperture in upper lip 30 of screen 28. The shaft 108 includes a circular lip 110 at its end which is adapted to be inserted through large circular portion 100 of keyed aperture 98. It should be apparent that the shaft 108 is required to be inserted through upper lip 30 before attachment of circular lip 110. As can be seen clearly in Figure 7, this portion 100 provides a diagonal surface along which the round lip 110 travels, this diagonal surface continuing into keyed aperture 105 in locating plate 96. The next stage in assembly involves the shifting of the shaft 108 through shifting portion 102 until shaft 108 is locked within retaining portion 104. Retaining portion 104 includes an entry point that is less than the diameter of shaft 108 which allows it to be locked in place. The knob 106 contains mechanical means (not shown) which allows for the subsequent turning of the knob 106. This action causes the shaft 108 to be drawn within the knob 106 thereby locking the locating plate 96, keyed housing 94 and upper lip 30 therebetween. This action is aided by the use of a flat spring 111 which causes the knob 106 to be biased outwards from upper lip 30. Those skilled in the art would therefore realise the ease at which the screen 28 may be connected to any one of the mounting points 40, 42 and 44. Subsequent to this procedure, one would simply align the shaft 108 with the keyed aperture 98, insert and lock the shaft 108 0 therein, repeat this process for any adjacent mounting points, and the cargo barrier is then ready for use. The mounting points 40, 42 and 44 each further provide for a clean finish in that the roof lining 92 is tucked beneath the locating plate 96 which is interred in cover plate 94. Referring now to upper connection means 112 in Figures 10-12. This connection means 112 is very similar to the abovementioned connection means 32, the difference residing in the 5 fact that the track 26 and vehicle lining 92 each contain an aperture 114 and 116 respectively. There is therefore no longer a need for locating plate 96 or an extended housing height. Therefore keyed housing 118 does not include side walls, shaft 120 is longer than shaft 108, and bolts 122 and 124 which now extend through track 26 are shorter than bolts 88 and 90. Since keyed housing 118 includes generally the same locking mechanism as that disclosed in the 0 description of Figures 7-9, the process of assembly will not be described again.

13 The invention is not intended to be limited to the use of upper connection means 32 or 112. A less complex connecting device between track 128 and screen 130 or 132 may be used. For example, the protective barrier 130 or 132 may well include a means for slideably engaging the track system 128 whereby the screen is slideable along the tracks and may be fixed at any 5 point therealong. There may be instances where the height of the protective screen 28 may need to be adjusted, for example in hatch-back vehicles where different style hatch backs will require screens of different height. The protective screen 28 as hereinbefore described will only allow for a minimal height adjustment that may not be adequate for such vehicles. 3 A solution to this problem is provided in Figures 13 and 14 which illustrates the interior 10 of a hatchback vehicle having a declining upper rear end 127. A protective polycarbonate screen 28 is also illustrated having a lower bracket 129 which extends a greater height to that previously described and which now forms the extent of the lower portion 50 of the screen 28. In this configuration, the screen 28 may be adjusted such that upper portion 48 is able to slide over 5 lower bracket 129 to a retracted state such that the height of the screen is essentially halved (as shown in figure 14). Height adjustment means 38 is substantially identical to that previously described with the obvious difference residing in the upper portion 50 of the screen 28 which will now be required to accommodate for a greater adjustment. The upper portion 50 may include one or more vertically extending apertures (not shown) or other mounting means to allow for this. This may also be useful in storage where the space consumed by the screen 28 is minimised. It is to be understood that should the hatchback upper rear end not include means to mount the protective polycarbonate screen 28 thereto, then alternate connection means associated with the opposed transverse sides of the screen 28 may well be employed. For 5 example, the opposed sides of the screen 28 may well include outwardly extending arms (not shown) for connection to the opposed interior side surfaces of the vehicle. Referring now to Figures 15-16 which illustrate a triple track system 126 including three tracks mounted within a station wagon vehicle in accordance with a second aspect of the invention. There is a shown a first protective screen 128 located behind a single rear seat 130 and D mounted to a single track 132, and a second protective screen 134 of greater transverse length 14 located behind a double rear seat 136 and mounted to a double track 138. This configuration allows for variation in seating position. For example, there may be instances where the single rear seat 130 is to be folded as is the case shown in Figure 16, perhaps to allow for greater storage space. In this situation, the 5 single rear seat 130 is folded and the protective screen 128 is shifted to a mounting point located one interval forward while cargo barrier 134 remains behind the rear double seats 136. Every occupant seated in each seat of the vehicle continues to be adequately protected from cargo located behind them, despite this double screen configuration. It is to be understood that the mounting configurations 32 may be either of the 0 configurations described above. For example, mounting means 112 may well be used. Further, a bolted lower connection means 36 is illustrated when the screen is positioned behind the rear seat. This bolted configuration may be required when the load capacity of the barrier is required to be increased, but otherwise is not required under normal conditions. It is to be further understood that the invention is not limited to any specific number of 5 tracks in the track systems. For example, in some circumstances, one track may well suffice. The present invention therefore provides for an improved vehicle cargo barrier assembly that allows for the longitudinal position of the cargo barrier along a longitudinally extending track system to be varied. The assembly further provides for two screens to be mounted to a track system whereby one screen may be mounted at a longitudinally spaced apart distance from 0 the second screen. The invention generally provides a user with various options that are not provided for by various well known assemblies. Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures 5 may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is 15 used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle barrier assembly adapted to be fitted behind a row of one or more transverse seats of a vehicle interior each having a head portion and a lumbar portion, said vehicle having a longitudinal axis, said assembly including: 5 at least one track extending in said longitudinal direction along a ceiling surface of said vehicle interior, said track including at least two mounting points that are longitudinally spaced apart at predetermined positions along the track; and at least one protective transparent screen being generally contoured to the transverse cross-sectional dimension of said interior, said screen including an upper portion adapted 0 to extend substantially parallel with the seat lumbar portion and adapted to be lockable to said at least one track at one or more mounting points there along, and a lower portion including lowermost horizontal lip attachable to said lower portion at different heights to facilitate abutment with a lower surface of said vehicle interior irrespective of the height of the interior, said at least one protective screen adapted to divide the interior of the 5 vehicle into two distinct areas.

2. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 1 wherein said mounting points are positioned such that when the protective screen is mounted thereto, it is fixed directly behind a row of one or more transverse seats each having a head portion and a lumbar portion.

3. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said protective screen 0 includes an upper portion which extends substantially vertically and parallel with the seat head portion, and a lower portion which extends substantially diagonally and parallel with the seal lumbar portion.

4. A vehicle barrier assembly as in any one of the above claims wherein said upper portion of said screen includes at least one upper connection means for connecting said protective 25 screen to one of the mounting points on said track.

5. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim any one of the above claims wherein said lower portion includes at least one lower connection means for connecting said protective screen to a lower surface in the vehicle interior.

6. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 5 wherein said lower surface is a floor surface of 30 said interior. 17

7. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 5 wherein said lower surface is at least one further seat which is folded behind the protective screen.

8. A vehicle barrier assembly as in any one of the above claims wherein said lowermost lip includes at least one aperture for receiving a strap for securing the lower portion of the 5 screen.

9. A vehicle barrier assembly as in any one of the above claims wherein said protective screen is adapted to separate an occupant area in front of said screen from an item storage area behind said screen.

10. A vehicle barrier assembly as in any one of the above claims wherein said protective 0 screen is a polycarbonate screen, or any other screen made of suitable transparent material and capable of withstanding impact.

11. A vehicle barrier track system for fitting into a vehicle interior, said system including: at least one longitudinal track adapted to be fixed along a vehicle ceiling surface, said at least one longitudinal track including a plurality of mounting points at predetermined 5 positions along the track; and one or more protective screens being generally contoured to the transverse cross-sectional dimension of said interior, said screen including an upper portion adapted to be lockable to said at least one track at one or more transversely aligned mounting points there along, and a lower portion including a lowermost horizontal lip attachable to said lower portion Z 0 at different heights to facilitate abutment with a lower surface of said vehicle interior irrespective of the height of the interior, said one or more protective screens adapted to divide the interior of the vehicle into two distinct areas.

12. A vehicle barrier track system as in claim 11 wherein said protective screen transversely spans at least one seat in a transverse row of a plurality of seats. 25

13. A vehicle barrier track system as in claim 12 wherein when said protective screen spans a single seat in a plurality of seats in a transverse row, said protective screen is adapted to be attached to a single mounting point associated with a single track.

14. A vehicle barrier track system as in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein when said protective screen transversely spans two seats in a plurality of seats in a transverse row, said 18 protective screen is adapted to be attached to transversely aligned mounting points associated with at least two parallel tracks.

15. A vehicle barrier track system as in any one of claims 11-14 wherein said mounting points are positioned such that when the protective screen is attached, it is located 5 directly behind one or more transversely aligned vehicle seats.

16. A vehicle barrier track system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.