CA2306195C - Combined backrest and storage container assembly for a vehicle - Google Patents

Combined backrest and storage container assembly for a vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2306195C
CA2306195C CA002306195A CA2306195A CA2306195C CA 2306195 C CA2306195 C CA 2306195C CA 002306195 A CA002306195 A CA 002306195A CA 2306195 A CA2306195 A CA 2306195A CA 2306195 C CA2306195 C CA 2306195C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
assembly
lid
container shell
backrest
access opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002306195A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2306195A1 (en
Inventor
Roger Beaulieu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Soucy International Inc
Original Assignee
Soucy International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA002270084A external-priority patent/CA2270084A1/en
Application filed by Soucy International Inc filed Critical Soucy International Inc
Priority to CA002306195A priority Critical patent/CA2306195C/en
Publication of CA2306195A1 publication Critical patent/CA2306195A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2306195C publication Critical patent/CA2306195C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60NSEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/64Back-rests or cushions
    • B60N2/643Back-rests or cushions shape of the back-rests
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60NSEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62JCYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J1/00Saddles or other seats for cycles; Arrangement thereof; Component parts
    • B62J1/28Other additional equipment, e.g. back-rests for children
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62KCYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K19/00Cycle frames
    • B62K19/46Luggage carriers forming part of frame
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62MRIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M27/00Propulsion devices for sledges or the like
    • B62M27/02Propulsion devices for sledges or the like power driven

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)

Abstract

The assembly (10) comprises a rigid container shell (32), which constitutes a frame providing rigidity to the assembly (10). The container shell (32) comprises a rear access opening (32a) which may be closed by a removable lid (40) and is embedded in a resilient stuffing. The container shell (32) and the stuffing are covered by an outer layer (22). The invention provides another closed and hidden storage location (30) within the exiting elements of a snowmobile (12) or any other kinds of vehicles having a shortage of storage locations, without affecting the exterior aspect of the vehicle.

Description

COMBINED BACKREST AND STORAGE CONTAINER ASSEMBLY
FOR A VEHICLE
The present invention relates to combined backrest and storage container assembly that may be used on a vehicle such as a snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a motorcycle or any other vehicle on which a backrest may be useful.
Storage locations are always very convenient on any kind of vehicle, especially on a vehicle which is not provided with a closed cockpit for the occupants. Among existing vehicles, snowmobiles are known to have very few closed storage locations to store objects such as a snowmobile cover, safety equipments, tools, etc. As a result, it is only possible to store a very restricted volume of objects. Yet, the use of removable bags or boxes on the exterior body of snowmobiles is not always a desirable solution to many owners because they are found to be unattractive and costly. There is thus a need to provide more storage locations within the exiting elements of a snowmobile. A
similar need is also felt with other kinds of vehicles that have the same shortage of.
storage locations.
It has been found that one solution to the above-identified problem is to provide a storage containerwithin the backrest that is provided on many open-cockpit vehicles like snowmobiles, particularly up market snowmobiles. Backrests found on other vehicles can also take advantage of the present invention. .
More particularly, the present invention relates to a combined backrest and storage container assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprises substantially rigid container shell provided with an access opening on a rear side thereof. A resilient stuffing is set at least in front of the container shell to create a cushioned backrest portion at the front side of the assembly. The assembly further comprises an outer layer covering -#he stuffing and the container shell. A lid is adapted to close the access opening of the container shell. Means are used for removably securing the lid over the access opening of the shell.
2 The present invention will be better understood from the following description and appended figures in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the upper rear side of a typical snowmobile and which is provided with a combined backrest and a storage container assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the combined backrest storage container assembly shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the assembly, as taken along line 3-3 in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the upper rear end of the snowmobile and the assembly in Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure.4, showing the lid of the assembly in a closed position.
Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a combined backrest and storage container assembly (1.0) mounted on the upper rear end of a typical snowmobile (12).
It should be noted that the present invention may be used with other kinds of vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles (ATV), motorcycles or the like.
When viewed from the exterior, the assembly (10) is very similar, if not identical, to a conventional backrest. The assembly (10) has a front side (10a) and a rear side (10b).
The reference to the front or rear is made in reference with the normal travel direction of the snowmobile (12). The front side (10a) includes a backrest portion (10c). The -exterior shape of the backrest portion (10c) is generally curved with reference to a vertical axis. Like some conventional backrests, the assembly (10) may be sold as an after-market product to be installed on an existing vehicle. It is therefore not limitedto new vehicles.
3 The present invention features a storage container (30) located inside the outer limits of the assembly (10). The storage container (30) includes a substantially rigid container shell (32) provided with a rear access opening (32a). The container shell (32) can have any suitable shape but a rectangular shape is preferred. The container shell (32) is concealed inside a resilient stuffing (20) and provides the rigidity of the whole backrest.
The position and configuration of the container shell (32) with reference to the backrest portion (10c) has to be such that it does not create discomfort to a user. The stuffing (20) may be a foam, a gel or any other suitable material having the desired properties.
Finally, the stuffing (20) and the container shell (32) are covered by an outer layer (22) of vinyl or another durable material.
In the illustrated snowmobile (12), the assembly (10) is slidably connected to its frame by means of a pair of support arms (14) projecting from the bottom side thereof. The upper end of the support arms (14) is connected to a respective side of the container shell (32) and the bottom end of the support arms (14) is slidably connected to a corresponding rail (12b) that is provided on a respective side (12a) of the snowmobile (12). One of the advantages of having such slidable connection is that the assembly (10) may be moved forward and used by the driver when there is no passenger on the rear seat. A slide lock mechanism (16) is used on each side to hold the assembly (10) at the selected position. Moreover, the illustrated assembly (10) is provided with a mechanism (18) to adjust the tilt angle between the backrest and the support arms (14), according to the specific needs of the user. This last feature is only optional.
Figures 4 and 5 show a lid (40) that is adapted to close the access opening (32a) in order to protect and isolate items in the storage container (30) from the outside environment. The lid (40) is preferably rigid and substantially splash-proof or even water-proof to prevent water or other contaminants to enter in the container shell (32).
Means are used for removably securing the lid (40) over the access opening (32a).
Preferably, the lid (40) completely hides the opening (32a) of the rear side of the assembly (10). It comprises an articulated joint (42) extending between one edge of the lid (40) and a corresponding location on the assembly (10). The articulated joint (42) can be a two-part hinge or, for instance, a resilient section in the plastic material, if such material is used. The articulated joint (42) can extend horizontally or vertically. The
4 means for removably securing the lid {40) over the access opening (32a) preferably comprise Velcro~ bands (44) having one portion located on the rear side (10b) of the assembly (10) and another opposite portion located on the periphery of the lid (40).
Once the lid (40) is closed, the external appearance of the assembly (10) would be very similar to that of a conventional backrest. Whenever someone wants to gain access to the storage container (30) and its content, the lid (40) may be open by forcing the opposite portions of the Velcro~ bands (44) away from each other.
Alternatively, the means for removably securing the lid (40) may only comprise the Velcro~ bands (44) and no articulated joint. The lid (40) could then be completely removed. Other kinds of removable connections can also be used, such as a zipper, snaps, hooks, etc. The lid (40) can be flexible instead of rigid. For instance, it is possible to use of a lid in the form of a piece of fabric or even a mesh if it is not necessary to fully close the access opening (32a).
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

Claims (4)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A combined backrest and storage container assembly for a snowmobile, the assembly having a front side and a rear side, the assembly comprising:
a substantially rigid container shell provided with an access opening on a rear side thereof, a resilient stuffing set at least in front of the container shell to create a cushioned backrest portion at the front side of the assembly;
an outer layer covering the stuffing and the container shell;
a lid adapted to close the access opening of the container shell;
means for removably securing the lid over the access opening of the container shell; and at least one support arm having one end connected to the container shell and another end connected to the snowmobile.
2. A combined backrest and storage container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the means for removably securing the lid over the access opening of the shell comprise an articulated joint extending between one edge of the lid and a corresponding location on the assembly.
3. A combined backrest and storage container assembly according to claim 2, wherein the means for removably securing the lid over the access opening of the shell comprise Velcro® bands having one portion located on the rear side of assembly and another opposite portion located on the lid.
4. A combined backrest and storage container assembly according to claim 1, wherein there are two support arms, each connected to a respective side of the container shell.
CA002306195A 1999-04-23 2000-04-19 Combined backrest and storage container assembly for a vehicle Expired - Fee Related CA2306195C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002306195A CA2306195C (en) 1999-04-23 2000-04-19 Combined backrest and storage container assembly for a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2,270,084 1999-04-23
CA002270084A CA2270084A1 (en) 1999-04-23 1999-04-23 Backrest with integrated compartment for snowmobile seat
CA002306195A CA2306195C (en) 1999-04-23 2000-04-19 Combined backrest and storage container assembly for a vehicle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2306195A1 CA2306195A1 (en) 2000-10-23
CA2306195C true CA2306195C (en) 2004-01-27

Family

ID=25680905

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002306195A Expired - Fee Related CA2306195C (en) 1999-04-23 2000-04-19 Combined backrest and storage container assembly for a vehicle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2306195C (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2002318941A1 (en) 2001-12-20 2003-07-09 Arctic Cat Inc. Tandem four-wheel vehicle
US10232747B2 (en) * 2016-09-08 2019-03-19 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Mobile office seatback module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2306195A1 (en) 2000-10-23

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