CN117048503A - Storage assembly for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "storage assembly for a vehicle". A cargo storage assembly for a vehicle, comprising: an outer housing defining a main cavity; and an inner housing positioned within the main cavity. A plurality of stiffening members are positioned within the main cavity between the outer housing and the inner housing. A cover assembly is coupled with the outer housing and includes a first portion hingedly coupled with a second portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be rotatable about an axis from a closed position to an open position.

Description

Storage assembly for a vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a storage assembly for a vehicle, and more particularly to a storage assembly within a cargo space of a vehicle.

Background

The vehicle may include a cargo space positioned adjacent a rear door of the vehicle. The cargo space may be configured as a storage space.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cargo storage assembly for a vehicle includes: an outer housing defining a main cavity; and an inner housing positioned within the main cavity. A plurality of stiffening members are positioned within the main cavity between the outer housing and the inner housing. A cover assembly is coupled with the outer housing and includes a first portion hingedly coupled with a second portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be rotatable about an axis from a closed position to an open position.

Embodiments of this aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

the reinforcing members are spaced apart along the plurality of walls of the outer housing;

the inner housing defines one or more auxiliary cavities;

the first portion of the lid assembly includes a first side section and a second side section, and the second portion of the lid assembly includes a third side section and a fourth side section, wherein the first side section is hingedly coupled with the third side section and the second side section is hingedly coupled with the fourth side section;

the first and second portions are joined by a living hinge;

the first portion includes a support section hingedly coupled to the seat back section;

the seat back section is hingedly coupled to the second portion of the cover assembly;

the support section includes a first edge and the seat back portion includes a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge are configured to align when the cover assembly is in the closed position; and/or

The cover assembly includes at least one outwardly extending corner member.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cargo storage assembly for a vehicle includes: an outer housing comprising at least one wall and defining a primary cavity; and an inner housing positioned within the main cavity. A support member is coupled with the at least one wall and defines a receiving slot. The lid assembly is movable between a closed position and a seated position. The cover assembly includes a first portion hingedly coupled to a second portion. The first portion includes a support section hingedly coupled with the seat back section. The support section includes an outwardly extending tab, and the outwardly extending tab is configured to be received by the receiving slot when the lid assembly is in the seated position.

Embodiments of this aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

a plurality of stiffening members positioned within the main cavity between the outer housing and the inner housing;

the base plate is at least partially supported by the plurality of reinforcing members and coupled with the outer housing;

the seat back section of the first portion being hingedly coupled with the second portion;

the support section includes a first edge and the seat back section includes a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge are configured to align when the cover assembly is in the closed position; and/or

The cover assembly includes a plurality of hinges spaced apart along the first edge and the second edge.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cargo storage assembly for a vehicle includes: an outer housing defining a main cavity; and an inner housing positioned within the main cavity and spaced apart from the outer housing. A plurality of stiffening members are positioned within the main cavity between the outer housing and the inner housing. The lid assembly includes a first portion hingedly coupled to a second portion by a first plurality of hinges. The first portion includes a first side segment hingedly coupled to a second side segment by a second plurality of hinges, and the second portion includes a third side segment hingedly coupled to a fourth side segment by a third plurality of hinges.

Embodiments of this aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

the inner housing defines at least one auxiliary cavity;

the first portion being movable relative to the second portion about a first axis;

the first and third side sections being movable relative to the second and fourth side sections about a second axis; and/or

At least one of the first, second, and third plurality of hinges is a living hinge.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an illustrative vehicle including a cargo storage assembly according to various examples;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an illustrative vehicle including a cargo storage assembly with a cargo floor removed according to various examples;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a cargo storage assembly according to various examples with the lid assembly in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded side perspective view of the cargo storage assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the cargo storage assembly of FIG. 3 with the lid assembly in a seated position;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the cargo storage assembly of FIG. 3 with the lid assembly in a seated position and a portion of the lid assembly in a raised position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cargo storage assembly of FIG. 3 taken along line VII-VII;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a cargo storage assembly according to various examples;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the cargo storage assembly of FIG. 8 with a first portion of the lid assembly in an open position;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the cargo storage assembly of FIG. 8 with a second portion of the lid assembly in an open position;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the cargo storage assembly of FIG. 8 with the first side section of the lid assembly in an open position; and is also provided with

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the cargo storage assembly of FIG. 8 with the second side section of the lid assembly in the open position.

Detailed Description

The presently illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a cargo storage assembly for a vehicle. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

For purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in fig. 1. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of an element that is closer to the intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of an element that is farther from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further constraints, the preceding element "comprising one … …" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to fig. 1-12, the reference numeral 10 generally designates a cargo storage assembly for a vehicle 12. The cargo storage assembly 10 includes an outer housing 14 defining a main cavity 16. The inner housing 18 is positioned within the primary cavity 16 and may define one or more secondary cavities 20. A plurality of stiffening members 22 are positioned within the main cavity 16 and between the outer housing 14 and the inner housing 18. The cover assembly 24 is coupled with the outer housing 14 and includes a first portion 26 hingedly coupled with a second portion 28. Each of the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 are configured to be rotatable about an axis X from a closed position to an open position. An actuating member 30 may be positioned on one or both of the first and second portions 26, 28 for moving the respective portions 26, 28 between the respective closed and open positions.

Referring now to fig. 1 and 2, the vehicle 12 is schematically illustrated as having an interior 40 that includes a cargo space 44 configured to house the cargo storage assembly 10. Cargo space 44 is generally defined as being positioned at a rear portion of vehicle interior 40 (e.g., rearward of the rear seat assembly). The cargo space 44 may be located proximate to a rear opening 46 of the vehicle 12 and may be configured as a storage space accessible via the rear opening 46. In various examples, the rear opening 46 may be configured to be selectively closed by a rear door, such as a liftgate or tailgate (not shown). It should be appreciated that the rear opening 46 may be closed by any configuration of the rear door without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be appreciated that the cargo storage assembly 10 shown herein may be used in any vehicle having a rear opening 46 configured to be closed by a rear door without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cargo space 44 may include a cargo floor 48 spaced apart from a base 52 of the vehicle 12. The cargo bed 48 may be positioned to at least partially conceal the cargo storage assembly 10 when the cargo storage assembly 10 is positioned within the cargo space 44. For example, the cargo floor 48 may define an opening 50 configured to at least partially receive the cargo storage assembly 10. The opening 50 is shaped and sized to receive the cargo storage assembly 10 and allow the lid assembly 24 to move between the closed and open positions. When assembled, the cargo storage assembly 10 may rest at least partially on the base 52 of the vehicle 12 and may be positioned between the base 52 and the cargo floor 48. The cargo floor 48 may be positioned substantially coplanar with the lid assembly 24 when the lid assembly 24 is in the closed position. The cover assembly 24 may extend at least partially through the opening 50 of the cargo floor 48 when the cover assembly 24 is in either the open position or the seated position.

Referring now to fig. 2-4, the cargo storage assembly 10 includes an outer housing 14, as previously described. The outer housing 14 includes a pair of lateral walls 56a, 56b separated by a plurality of lateral walls 58a, 58 b. As shown, the outer housing 14 may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section when viewed from above (see fig. 7). When the cargo storage assembly 10 is positioned within the cargo space 44, each of the walls 56, 58 of the outer housing 14 extends upwardly from the base 52 of the vehicle 12 to the cargo floor 48. It is contemplated that walls 56a, 56b, 58a, 58b may be integrally formed or may be coupled to define a perimeter of outer housing 14. The walls 56a, 56b, 58a, 58b are positioned together to define the main cavity 16 of the outer housing 14.

As shown in fig. 4, the cargo storage assembly 10 also includes an inner housing 18. As shown, the inner housing 18 may include one or more portions 19a, 19b configured to be positioned within the main cavity 16 of the outer housing 14. The inner housing 18 defines one or more auxiliary cavities 20 configured as storage compartments for various items (e.g., tools, tires, etc.). In some examples, as shown in fig. 4, one or more of the auxiliary cavities 20 may be defined to be shaped for a particular article (such as a tire). It is contemplated that the inner housing 18 may also be configured as a single piece defining one or more auxiliary cavities 20 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, the walls 56, 58 of the outer housing 14 of the cargo storage assembly 10 also define an upper edge 64 of the cargo storage assembly 10. The upper edge 64 is configured to at least partially support the cover assembly 24. In various examples, the cover assembly 24 may be coupled with the upper edge 64 of the outer housing 14. In other examples, the cover assembly 24 may be configured to rest on the upper edge 64 of the outer housing 14. In still other examples, the cover assembly 24 may be configured to otherwise engage with the outer housing 14 to cover the outer housing 14. The lid assembly 24 may also be configured to provide selective access to the auxiliary cavity 20 defined by the inner housing 18 of the cargo storage assembly 10, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

The lid assembly 24 includes a lid support 60 formed as a base plate at least partially supported by an upper edge 64 of the outer housing 14. In various examples, the cover support 60 is configured to define a first portion 26 and a second portion 28, each configured to provide access to one or more of the auxiliary cavities 20. As best shown in fig. 2, when the cargo storage assembly 10 is positioned within the cargo space 44, the second portion 28 of the lid assembly 24 is positioned adjacent the rear opening 46 and the first portion 26 of the lid assembly 24 is positioned spaced apart from the rear opening 46 by the second portion 28. Each of the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 are configured to be rotatable about a first axis X, as shown in fig. 4-6 and discussed in more detail elsewhere herein. It is contemplated that the cover assembly 24 may include a base plate (e.g., carpet) positioned across a portion or all of the cover support 60 to provide an aesthetic complementary to the cargo space 44 (fig. 1).

As shown in fig. 3-6, the lid support 60 may further include a tab 66 extending laterally outward from the lid support 60. The tabs 66 may be laterally opposing tabs 66 extending proximate the first portion 26 of the cover assembly 24 and the lateral walls 56a, 56b. In other words, each tab 66 is positioned proximate one of the lateral walls 56a, 56b of the outer housing 14. As shown, the tabs 66 may each be generally rectangular. However, it is contemplated that the tab 66 may have a circular shape, a triangular shape, or any other shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Each tab 66 may be configured to provide additional support to the lid assembly 24 when the lid assembly 24 is in the closed position (see fig. 3), or may be used to raise the first portion 26 of the lid assembly 24 to the open position.

With continued reference to fig. 3 and 4, the lid support 60 also includes outwardly extending corner members 68. Each corner member 68 is located at the junction of one of the lateral walls 56a, 56b and the transverse wall 58b proximate the second portion 28. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, each corner member 68 may be beveled. However, it is contemplated that each corner member 68 may be angular without departing from the scope of this disclosure. When the cargo storage assembly 10 is positioned within the cargo space 44, the corner members 68 extend toward the rear opening 46 of the vehicle 12 (see fig. 1 and 2). Each corner member 68 may be positioned to at least partially form a corner of the lid support 60 extending over one of the lateral walls 58a, 58b and may extend parallel to the lateral walls 56a, 56b of the outer housing 14 when the lid support 60 is in the closed position. In various examples, the corner members 68 are positioned to at least partially support the cover assembly 24 on the lateral walls 56a, 56b.

In other examples, the corner members 68 may be configured to guide engagement of the cover assembly 24 with the outer housing 14. Each corner member 68 also includes a lower tab 70 extending downwardly from the corner member 68 of the lid support 60 and along a respective one of the pair of transverse walls 58a, 58 b. Each lower tab 70 may extend at least partially beyond the upper edge 64 of the walls 56a, 56b, 58a, 58b to guide the positioning and retention of the cover assembly 24 in the closed position.

Referring now to fig. 3-6, as previously described, the lid assembly 24 of the cargo storage assembly 10 may include a first portion 26 and a second portion 28. The first portion 26 and the second portion 28 are rotatable about a first axis X between an open position and a closed position. In various examples, the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 may be joined by one or more hinges 96 defining a first axis X. The plurality of hinges 96 may be any type of hinge including, but not limited to, for example, a surface mount hinge or a living hinge. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, each of the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 is rotatable about a first axis X, as indicated by arrows a and B, respectively.

When the lid assembly 24 is in the closed position, both the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 are in contact with the upper edge 64 of the outer housing 14 such that the outer housing 14 is completely hidden (see fig. 3). When the cover assembly 24 is in the open position, one or both of the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 are raised so that the outer housing 14 is exposed and the user can access the auxiliary cavity 20 of the inner housing 18 (see fig. 6). In various examples, the cover assembly 24 may also be movable to a seated position (see fig. 5), as discussed in more detail below.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the first portion 26 of the cover assembly may include a support section 72 and a seat back section 76. The support section 72 may include a first edge 98 defining a seat back shape, and the seat back section 76 may include a second edge 100 configured to align with the first edge 98 and extend along a top of the seat back section 76. When the first portion 26 is in the closed position, the first edge 98 and the second edge 100 may be aligned to conceal the separation of the support section 72 and the seat back section 76.

As shown in fig. 5, the seat back section 76 and the support section 72 may be coupled together by a plurality of hinges 102. The plurality of hinges 102 may be spaced apart along the first and second edges 98, 100 such that the seat back section 76 may rotate about the second axis Y relative to the support section 72. The second axis Y is substantially parallel to the first axis X. It is contemplated that the plurality of hinges 102 may be any type of hinge including, but not limited to, for example, a surface mount hinge or a living hinge. The hinge 102 is positioned on the bottom surface of the lid support 60 to at least partially conceal the hinge 102. It should also be appreciated that any number of hinges 102 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the tab 66 of the cover assembly 24 extends from the support section 72 of the first portion 26 and is configured to at least partially support the first portion 26 when the cover assembly 24 is in the seated position, as discussed in more detail below.

The cargo storage assembly 10 may also include a support member 80 configured to receive the tab 66 to support the support section 72 when the lid assembly 24 is in the sitting position. Each of the support members 80 may be coupled with a respective lateral wall 56a, 56b. Alternatively, each of the support members 80 may be integrally formed with the respective lateral wall 56a, 56b. As best shown in fig. 4, the support members 80 are laterally aligned to form a pair of laterally opposed support members 80.

As best shown in fig. 3, each of the support members 80 defines a slot 84 defined to be upwardly open. Each slot 84 is defined at an angle a measured from the upper edge 64 of the respective wall 56a, 56b of the outer housing 14. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, each of the tabs 66 is configured to correspond to one of the slots 84. Each slot 84 is configured to receive a respective tab 66 to at least partially support the support section 72 when the cover assembly 24 is in the seated position. The angle α of each slot 84 is configured to tilt the support section 72 upward toward the first and second edges 98, 100 such that the support section 72 retains the seat back section 76 at an angle relative to the second portion 28.

Referring again to fig. 3-6, a plurality of actuating members 30 may extend from one or more points of the cover assembly 24. Each actuation member 30 is positioned to allow a concentrated force to be applied to move the lid assembly 24 from the closed position to one of the open position and the seated position. Each of the plurality of actuation members 30 is configured to provide a point for a user to pull to move one or both of the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 of the cover assembly 24 to one of the open position and the seated position. For example, the actuating member 30 may be a tab 30 extending from and centered along a first edge 98 of the seat back segment 76. When a user pulls tab 30 toward second portion 28, tab 30 may be configured to pull the seatback portion upward and forward along arrow a until tab 66 is received within a corresponding receiving slot 84. In other examples, the actuating member 30 may be a tab 30 extending from the second portion 28 of the cover assembly 24 to allow a user to rotate the second portion 28 from the closed position to the open position by pulling the actuating member 30 upward along arrow B.

As shown in fig. 5, the second portion 28 serves as a seat base for the seat back section 76 when the cover assembly 24 is in the seating position. When the cover assembly 24 is in the seated position, it is contemplated that the second portion 28 may be moved to an open position, as indicated by arrow B in fig. 6, to provide access to the auxiliary cavity 20 below.

Referring now to fig. 7, a cross section of the cargo storage assembly 10 is shown. As previously described, the outer housing 14 defines the primary cavity 16, and the inner housing 18 is positioned within the primary cavity 16. A plurality of stiffening members 22 are positioned within the main cavity 16 between the outer housing 14 and the inner housing 18. As shown, the plurality of stiffening members 22 may each have a generally rectangular cross-section. The plurality of stiffening members 22 may be evenly spaced within the primary cavity 16 or may be unevenly spaced to accommodate various configurations. The plurality of stiffening members 22 are configured to provide structural support to the cargo storage assembly 10 to form a seat and to enable the cargo storage assembly 10 to place cargo on top of the lid assembly 24 when the lid assembly 24 is in the closed position (see fig. 1). For example, the plurality of stiffening members 22 may be configured to support the upper base plate 92 and/or the cover assembly 24 of the outer housing 14. The plurality of stiffening members 22 may also allow for various configurations of the inner housing 18 while still providing support for the lid assembly 24.

Referring now to fig. 8-12, in other examples, the cargo storage assembly 10 may include a lid assembly 24 having a plurality of sections 110, 112, 114, 116 for accessing the auxiliary cavity 20 defined by the inner housing 18. As shown in fig. 8, the cover assembly 24 may include a first portion 26 and a second portion 28 rotatable about a first axis X'. In various examples, one of the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 may be larger than the other. In other examples, the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 may have substantially the same size.

The first portion 26 may be divided into a first side section 110 and a second side section 112, and the second portion 28 may be defined as a third side section 114 and a fourth side section 116. The first portion 26 and the second portion 28 are hingedly coupled by a first plurality of hinges 120 and are rotatable about a first axis X', as indicated by arrow C in fig. 9 and 10. When the first portion 26 rotates about the first axis X', as shown in fig. 9, the first side section 110 and the second side section 112 move simultaneously as a single unit. When the second portion 28 rotates about the first axis X', as shown in fig. 10, the third and fourth side segments 114, 116 move simultaneously as a single unit.

As best shown in fig. 11 and 12, the first portion 26 may also be hingedly coupled with the second side segment 112 by a second plurality of hinges 124a, and the third side segment 114 may be hingedly coupled with the fourth side segment 116 by a third plurality of hinges 124b. The second plurality of hinges 124a and the third plurality of hinges 124b are spaced apart and aligned such that the second axis Y' extends through the second plurality of hinges 124a and the third plurality of hinges 124b. The second and third pluralities of hinges 124a, 124b are configured such that the first and third side sections 110, 114 are rotatable about the second axis Y 'to an open position (see arrow D of fig. 11) simultaneously, and such that the second and fourth side sections 112, 116 are rotatable about the second axis Y' to an open position (see arrow D of fig. 12) simultaneously. The second axis Y 'is substantially perpendicular to the first axis X'.

As shown in fig. 1-12, various configurations of the lid of the cargo storage assembly allow a user to more easily access the auxiliary cavity 20 of the cargo storage assembly 10 and provide additional storage options for the user. Further, with the use of the seat back and support configuration, the cargo storage assembly 10 provides storage and seating within the cargo space 44 that may be optimized during periods of increased seating activity (e.g., camping, picnics, etc.) at the rear of the vehicle 12 when the vehicle 12 is parked.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention and other component configurations described are not limited to any particular material. Other illustrative examples of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all forms thereof: coupled, connected, coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are in direct or indirect engagement with each other. Such engagement may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such connection may be achieved with two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members may be integrally formed with each other or with the two components as a single unitary body. Unless otherwise indicated, such engagement may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

As used herein, the term "about" means that the amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other amounts and characteristics are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, as well as other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe an endpoint of a value or range, the disclosure should be understood to include the particular value or endpoint involved. Whether or not the endpoints of a numerical value or range in this specification are stated to be "about," the endpoint of the numerical value or range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It will also be understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

The terms "substantially," "essentially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to indicate that the feature being described is equal to or approximately equal to the value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean a planar or near-planar surface. In addition, "substantially" is intended to mean that the two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may mean values within about 10% of each other.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. It should be understood that any described process or steps within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

According to the present invention there is provided a cargo storage assembly for a vehicle, the cargo storage assembly having: an outer housing defining a main cavity; an inner housing positioned within the main cavity; a plurality of stiffening members positioned within the primary cavity between the outer housing and the inner housing; and a cover assembly coupled with the outer housing and including a first portion hingedly coupled with a second portion, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion are configured to be rotatable about an axis from a closed position to an open position.

According to one embodiment, the reinforcement members are spaced apart along a plurality of walls of the outer housing.

According to one embodiment, the inner housing defines one or more auxiliary cavities.

According to one embodiment, the first portion of the cap assembly comprises a first side section and a second side section, and the second portion of the cap assembly comprises a third side section and a fourth side section, wherein the first side section is hingedly coupled with the third side section and the second side section is hingedly coupled with the fourth side section.

According to one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are joined by a living hinge.

According to one embodiment, the first portion includes a support section hingedly coupled with the seat back section.

According to one embodiment, the seat back section is hingedly coupled with the second portion of the cover assembly.

According to one embodiment, the support section includes a first edge and the seatback portion includes a second edge, the first edge and the second edge configured to align when the cover assembly is in the closed position.

According to one embodiment, the cover assembly includes at least one outwardly extending corner member.

According to the present invention there is provided a cargo storage assembly for a vehicle, the cargo storage assembly having: an outer housing comprising at least one wall and defining a primary cavity; an inner housing positioned within the main cavity; a support member coupled with the at least one wall, the support member defining a receiving slot; a cover assembly movable between a closed position and a seated position and including a first portion hingedly coupled with a second portion, wherein the first portion includes a support section hingedly coupled with a seat back section, the support section including an outwardly extending tab configured to be received by the receiving slot when the cover assembly is in the seated position.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a plurality of stiffening members positioned within the main cavity between the outer housing and the inner housing.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a base plate at least partially supported by the plurality of reinforcement members and coupled with the outer housing.

According to one embodiment, the seat back section of the first portion is hingedly coupled with the second portion.

According to one embodiment, the support section includes a first edge and the seat back section includes a second edge, the first edge and the second edge configured to align when the cover assembly is in the closed position.

According to one embodiment, the lid assembly further comprises a plurality of hinges spaced apart along the first edge and the second edge.

According to the present invention there is provided a cargo storage assembly for a vehicle, the cargo storage assembly having: an outer housing defining a main cavity; an inner housing positioned within the main cavity and spaced apart from the outer housing; a plurality of stiffening members positioned within the primary cavity between the outer housing and the inner housing; and a cover assembly including a first portion hingedly coupled to a second portion by a first plurality of hinges, wherein the first portion includes a first side section hingedly coupled to a second side section by a second plurality of hinges, and the second portion includes a third side section hingedly coupled to a fourth side section by a third plurality of hinges.

According to one embodiment, the inner housing defines at least one auxiliary cavity.

According to one embodiment, the first portion is movable relative to the second portion about a first axis.

According to one embodiment, the first and third side sections are movable relative to the second and fourth side sections about a second axis.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the first plurality of hinges, the second plurality of hinges, and the third plurality of hinges is a living hinge.

Claims (9)

1. A cargo storage assembly for a vehicle, the cargo storage assembly comprising:

an outer housing defining a main cavity;

an inner housing positioned within the main cavity;

a plurality of stiffening members positioned within the primary cavity between the outer housing and the inner housing; and

a cover assembly coupled with the outer housing and including a first portion hingedly coupled with a second portion, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion are configured to be rotatable about an axis from a closed position to an open position.

2. The cargo storage assembly of claim 1 wherein the reinforcement members are spaced apart along a plurality of walls of the outer housing.

3. The cargo storage assembly of claim 1 wherein the inner housing defines one or more auxiliary cavities.

4. The cargo storage assembly of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the lid assembly comprises a first side section and a second side section and the second portion of the lid assembly comprises a third side section and a fourth side section, wherein the first side section is hingedly coupled with the third side section and the second side section is hingedly coupled with the fourth side section.

5. The cargo storage assembly of claim 1 wherein the first portion and the second portion are joined by a living hinge.

6. The cargo storage assembly of any of claims 1-5 wherein the first portion comprises a support section hingedly coupled with a seat back section.

7. The cargo storage assembly of claim 6 wherein the seat back section is hingedly coupled with the second portion of the cover assembly.

8. The cargo storage assembly of claim 6 wherein the support section includes a first edge and the seatback portion includes a second edge, the first edge and the second edge configured to align when the lid assembly is in the closed position.

9. The cargo storage assembly of claim 6 wherein the cover assembly further comprises at least one outwardly extending corner member.