EP1789285A2 - Vehicle storage management system - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage system for providing enclosed storage in a vehicle for auxiliary items and/or 'stowable' seats comprises a frame including hinged doors which overlie a recess in the vehicle to provide storage having a load bearing cover. In one exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a load floor system including a space frame. The load floor system may provide a modular unit which maybe easy t install in a vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, the recess may be in the form of a compartment which may be assembled to or molded as part of the frame. Various constructions for the doors, latches, hinges, a safety strap and a sliding door gap hider are also described

Description

VEHICLE STORAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Cross Reference To Related Applications

This application claims priority to U. S. Provisional Application Serial Nos. 60/601,686 filed August 13, 2004 and 60/673,005 filed April 20, 2005.

Field of the Invention

The invention is directed at storage systems, particularly load floor systems, for transportation vehicles, and, more particularly, to the covering of storage compartments in vehicles which may sometimes store fold-down or "stowable" seat assemblies.

Background of the Invention

As minivans and sports utility vehicles (SUV's), along with a reemergence of "station wagons", have become increasingly popular, there has been a desire to further broaden their "utility". That is, in addition to providing multiple seats and seating arrangements (up to eight passengers), it is desirable to provide cargo space for storing and transporting large items. Further, it is preferred if the cargo space has a relatively flat surface for ease of loading and unloading, as well as for increased storage capacity.

A number of vehicles have folding or removable seats in second and third rows to provide some of the advantages desired. The purpose of such seats is to adapt the automobile to multiple functions, such as carrying passengers and carrying cargo. The use of folding or removable seats has a number of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a folding seat can require minimal actions on the part of the user, but afford only partial use of available vehicle volume for cargo. The cargo volume may also be uneven, providing a load floor having an irregular surface. A removable seat maximizes the availability of cargo volume, but requires much greater effort on the part of the user to physically remove the seat, and requires that the removed seat be stored outside the vehicle. The seat may thus not be readily available for conversion back to a passenger-carrying configuration.

In addition, with folding seats, one or more rows of rear seat assemblies include a seat cushion and a seat back coupled to the seat cushion. Both the seat cushion and seat back may be pivoted forwardly providing more cargo volume in the vehicle. Typically, the seat cushion is pivotally coupled to the floor of the vehicle for movement between a generally horizontal seating position and a forwardly folded and upright position. Further, the seat back is commonly pivotable between a generally upright seating position and a forwardly folded flat position adjacent the upright seat cushion.

Further, it is possible to have the entire seat assembly fold flat against the floor of the vehicle. Fold flat means to have the seat cushion moveable between the seating position and a stowed position lying adjacent the floor of the vehicle and to have the seat back moveable between the upright seating position and a forwardly folded flat position overlying the seat cushion in the stowed position. Multiple or complex latching mechanisms are typically used for releasably locking the seat cushion and seat back in the respective seating positions.

However, with folding seats of this type, even though the folded seat back may be useful as a table or storage surface, the seat assembly takes up storage space (cargo volume) in the vehicle and provides an uneven floor surface.

An improvement upon this system has been "stowable" seats which fold into a reused space or waterfall in the vehicle floor adjacent the seat to provide a relatively flat load floor. The rear of the seat back or bottom of the cushion may fold flat to form a portion of a load floor surface filling the recessed space in the vehicle floor. Another example of folding seats and a means for providing a load floor is disclosed in United States Patent No. 6,752,443, entitled "Load Floor System" which is directed at a retractable panel used in an extended cab pickup with a second row of forward facing seats. The retractable panel stores under the seat cushion when the seat is upright and extends to form a load floor over a waterfall area when the seat is folded up.

United States Patent No. 6,705,658, entitled "Collapsible Vehicle Seat Assemblies" and assigned to Lear Corporation is directed at a collapsible vehicle seat assembly pivotable from an upright position into a collapsed position within a stowage cavity in the vehicle floor and a sliding cover operative as a vehicle load floor covering the folded seat. This design includes a pivot point above the load floor and thus does not allow for a flat load floor when the seats are folded down.

What is needed is a load floor system that allows seats to be out of the way so as to increase cargo space without the attendant complexity and awkwardness associated with the manual removal of heavy, bulky seats. There is also a need for a load floor system which may be readily incorporated into the existing floor of a motor vehicle and which covers recesses, tubs and potential storage compartments formed in the floor pan of a vehicle when the second and third rows of seats are upright, and which further allows the seats to be folded down and stored in the recesses to provide a relatively smooth durable load bearing surface over the folded seat.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which it is of improved construction and which preferably has hinged doors which allow second and third row seats in a vehicle to be pivoted and folded into a depression in the floor pan of the vehicle such that the hinged doors may overlie the folded seat and provide increased cargo space having a load bearing flat surface.

It is further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which includes hinged doors which fold down to seal off a depression in the vehicle floor pan when the seats are in an upright position, to form an enclosed storage space in the floor of the vehicle and further acts as the floor of the vehicle, under the feet of the occupants.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system of sufficient rigidity to provide a load bearing capability to the floor of a vehicle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that is of a space frame design and has relatively high strength and low weight such that it is relatively thin and takes up minimal space in the vehicle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that includes friction hinges that allow the hinged doors to be placed at and remain at any angle, to prevent slamming or pinching and ease access to the underlying compartment.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that may include motorized doors for ease of access to any underlying item and which may further include anti-pinch features such as torque monitors.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that further includes a glow-in-the-dark safety release strap on the underside of the doors, the strap configured to require a low activation force in the event that someone gets trapped under the door.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system comprising a space frame reinforced with metal brackets and wherein the doors are formed of a low density reinforced (RRIM) or structural reaction injection molded material (SRIM).

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system wherein a portion or all of the top (show) surface of the doors is covered with carpet to coordinate with the surrounding interior of the vehicle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system including a pull latch for each door which allows latching, unlatching and locking features, controlling access to any underlying item.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which is a single modular space frame unit that may be readily assembled into a vehicle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which incorporates a tub or underlying storage compartment as part of the load floor system, this integrated modular unit then fits into the vehicle floor and provides a drop-in-place storage modular load floor system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which further includes carpeting covering the inner storage surfaces of the tub. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which includes the incorporation of sound reducing materials in the system including the doors and tub or storage compartment to attenuate noise transferred into the vehicle from outside.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which includes hooks for holding a cargo net in the storage compartment. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which may further comprise a foot rest for those seated above it, by partially folding the doors upward.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which includes load bearing gap hiders which may slide to close out any opening in the floor which the seats must travel through to in order to be stored under the doors of the floor system. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which includes seals on the periphery of the hinged doors to prevent debris from entering the underlying compartment and to reduce rattle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which includes hangers mounted on the underside of the hinged doors which allow grocery bags and the like to be secured when the doors are in an open and upright position.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system wherein the storage compartment which lies under the load floor system may act as a storage area for a spare tire.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system wherein the storage compartment which lies under the load floor system may act as a cooler or cold storage area.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system wherein the storage compartment which lies under the load floor system may act as stowage area for electronic devices including laptop computers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system wherein the compartment or stowage area includes electronic docking provisions or electronic outlets or lighting. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system wherein the load floor system is reinforced with steel brackets heat-staked to the load floor system framework.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system for the bed of a pickup truck or other load carrying vehicles to provide an attractive load floor and hidden or secure stowage space underneath.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cargo management system which may alternatively be used in any transportation vehicle in a substantially vertical configuration to close out side wall space and allow for an attractive and secure stowage area.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which includes washable surfaces on the exterior of the system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which includes a series of removable reconfigurable containers placed in the compartment to store a variety of smaller items neatly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system which further includes a latch means for engaging a folded down seat to prevent jounce during travel.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system wherein the space frame includes a plurality of rubber bumpers to interface with the vehicle floor and reduce buzz, squeak and rattle. It is further object to provide a door construction for a storage or cargo management system which may act as a Hd or cover to close out any storage compartment in a vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

In a first exemplary embodiment the present invention is directed to a storage system for covering a recess in a vehicle, the system comprising a frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the recess, one or more doors each of which includes one or more edges. The one or more doors are hingedly connected to the frame, wherein the doors are pivotable between a first position closing out the frame to cover the recess and a second position allowing access within the frame to the recess when the door is pivoted away from said frame.

The system is capable of storing an article wherein the one or more doors comprise one or more panels hinged together. In a second exemplary embodiment the present invention is directed at a closure for closing out a recessed compartment in a vehicle, the compartment capable of storing at least one article, the closure comprising one or more doors each of which includes one or more edges. The one or more doors are hingedly connected to the compartment along one or more edges, the doors pivotable between a first position closing out the compartment and covering the compartment, and a second position allowing access within the compartment when the door is pivoted away from the compartment. The one or more doors may further comprise two or more panels hinged together and may be capable of folding upon themselves to provide access to the compartment.

In a third exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to a load floor system particularly for transportation vehicles which comprises a space frame including one or more hinged doors which overlies a recessed area or stowage compartment in a vehicle floor such that adjacent seats may be pivoted or folded down into the recessed area and the hinged doors lowered to provide a flat cargo area for the vehicle. Further, when the sets are in an upright or use condition, the doors overlie the recessed area providing an enclosed stowage area having load bearing properties. The load floor system may be further adapted to integrate the storage area or tub into the assembly, to provide both aesthetic and functional features to delight the occupants or even to be used in a vertical configuration on the sidewalls of a vehicle.

The load floor system of the present invention provides a lightweight modular load bearing surface that is easy to install and easy to use. In addition, the hinged doors of the load floor may preferably be manufactured of SRIM or RRIM to provide high strength and low weight and thickness in a load floor system.

Alternate embodiments may include doors which are molded from long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics, either alone or in combination with steel stampings, to provide lighter weight and additional stiffness. Use of spring hinges and a T-handle actuator for the latches is also contemplated. The doors of the storage system may also find use to close out storage space in any area of the vehicle. Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the description of the invention and the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the load floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the hinged doors of the load floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the hinged door of the load floor system of the present invention. FIG. 3 A is a bottom view of the hinged door of the load floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 4A-4D are side views of the hinging of the door of the load floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the backside of the load floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the latch of the load floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the friction hinge of the load floor system of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an alternate hinge according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a storage compartment or tub integrated into the load floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sliding door gap hider for the load floor system of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the back side of the gap hider of FIG.9

FIG. 9B is a top view of one of the sliding doors of the gap hider of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an alternative latching system for the doors of the load floor system according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate construction load floor assembly according to the present invention.

FIGS. 12 A-C are schematic views of the operation of the latching system of FIG. 10 according to the present invention. FIGS. 13A-C are perspective views of an alternate actuator for the latch of FIG. 10 according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 according to the present invention. FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the latch of FIG. 6 according to the present invention

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 according to the present invention.

FIG. 15A-C are cross-sectional views of an alternate embodiment of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate construction load floor assembly according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention, may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

For elements common to the various embodiments of the invention, the numerical reference character between the embodiments is held constant, but distinguished by the addition of an alphanumeric character to the existing numerical reference character. In other words, for example, an element referenced at 10 in the first embodiment is correspondingly referenced 1OA, 1OB, and so forth in subsequent embodiments. Thus, where an embodiment description uses a reference character to refer to an element, the reference character applies equally, as distinguished by alphanumeric characters, to the other embodiments where the element is common.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the load floor system 10 of the present invention. The system 10 preferably comprises a modular assembly which is installed in a vehicle interior adjacent one or more stowable folding seats 20 and overlying a depression, recess, tub or waterfall 30 in the floor 40 of the vehicle. (See FIG. 2).

The load floor system 10 in a first embodiment comprises a space frame 12 for attachment to the vehicle structure through holes 18, the space frame 12 including a preferably injection molded outer frame 14 which is colored and grained to coordinate with surrounding trim panels and backed by metal reinforcement bracketry 16, 16', 16" (see FIG. 5). The bracketry 16, 16', 16" provides a rigid structure for attachment of one or more hinged doors 70 and provides stiffness for supporting the doors 70, at the center of the space frame 12 when the doors 70 are laid flat.

As shown in FIG. 5, a backside view of the load floor system, the brackets comprise a central support bracket 16, edge brackets 16' and corner brackets 16". These provide secure attachment means and adequate stiffness to make the load floor system 10 capable of supporting heavy loads such as occupants entering or exiting the vehicle. Preferably, the brackets 16, 16', 16" are heat staked to the injection molded outer frame 14 to reinforce the space frame 12.

The preferably injection molded outer frame 14 is integrally reinforced by a plurality of ribs 114 along the back surface (see FIG. 5) and may comprise any structural materials, including but not limited to, metal, thermoset plastic, thermoplastic, filled thermoset or filled thermoplastic, and combinations thereof, such as insert molded plastics. Preferably, the injection molded outer frame 14 comprises a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) blend although, other engineering plastics such as ABS or polypropylene, for instance, may also be used to coordinate with the interior appearance theme of the vehicle. The one or more hinged doors 70 are placed in a position adjacent a foldable seat 20 (see FIG. 2) and over a depression, compartment, tub or waterfall area 30 in a vehicle floor 40 such that the depression, tub, etc., may be used as a sealed and secure storage compartment 30 (see FIG. 2) when the foldable seat 20 is in an upright use position. In addition, the doors 70 are hinged for ease of use and access to the compartment 30 and for folding out of the way to allow the adjacent seat 20 to fold down into the compartment 30. This allows the doors 70 to be unfolded and laid flat, flush with the remainder of the floor 40 of the vehicle to maximize cargo volume and ease of loading. The seats 20 may fold forward into the compartment 30 by folding the seat back 22 onto the seat cushion 24 and inverting the cushion 24 around a front pivot point F, placing the back of the seat back 22 into the bottom of the compartment 30.

Alternatively (see FIG. 2), the system 10 may pivot in reverse whereby the seat back 22A folds down onto the cushion 24A and that combination pivots around a point R near the rear of the cushion 24A, allowing the seat 2OA to pivot rearward with the back of the seat back 22 again engaging the bottom of the compartment 30. In either situation, a latch (not shown) or like mechanism, may be provided in the compartment 30 to secure the folded seat in the compartment and prevent jouncing of the stored seat 20, 2OA during a rough ride. In that situation, the doors 70 would be hinged at the opposite end from that shown. The doors 70 of the load floor system 10 of the present invention preferably comprise a series of hinged panels 72, 74, 76 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) which cooperate to provide a load bearing floor for a vehicle, yet allow accessibility to the compartment 30, whether the seats 20, 2OA are stowed or upright. A preferably larger panel 72 is attached at one edge to the bracketry 16 and the plastic outer frame 14 preferably by constant friction or torque engine hinges 62 (see FIG. 3). These hinges are preferably bolted to the bracketry 16 which attaches to the vehicle floor 40 through holes 18 and are preferably riveted to the door 70. The hinges preferably make use of snap rings or C-clips which are frictionally engaged to a shaft as well as engaged in a slot in a cylindrical housing such as available from Southco, Inc., Concordville, Pa. A perspective view of the hinge is shown in FIG. 7. Friction hinges of this type provide an anti-slam feature which eliminates pinch points by allowing the hinged door 70 to be placed at any attitude or position and allow the door 70 to remain in that position, either for access to the compartment 30 or for folding the seat 20, into the compartment 30. Once access is complete, the door 70 may be lowered into its horizontal position overlying the compartment 30. To allow room for the seat 20, to be folded into the compartment 30, the door 70 preferably also includes a second panel 74 which is attached along one edge to the first panel 72 by a piano or like hinge 64 (see FIG. 3A). This shortens the movement arm of the door 70 requiring less friction or torque to hold the door open and provides a shorter door which allows easier access to the compartment 30. This second panel 74 preferably includes a latch mechanism 90 (see FIG. 3) which holds the doors 70 in a closed position when they overlie the compartment 30. The latch 90 is preferably a flush pull latch having a slam feature such as available from Southco, Inc., Concordville, Pa. A perspective view of the latch is shown in FIG. 6. The latch 90 fits into an opening in the door 70 so that the top of the latch is preferably flush with the top surface of the door and attached to the door 70, preferably mechanically. The latch 90 includes a handle 92 that engages a spring loaded pawl 94 (see FIG. 3A and 6). The pawl 94 is spring loaded to engage a keeper feature (not shown) at the edge of the space frame 12 to hold the doors 70 latched in a closed position. On moving the handle 92, the spring loaded pawl 94 is disengaged from the keeper allowing the door 70 to be hinged open. The latch 90 may also include means to lock the compartment or be tied to electronic systems which provide lighting in the compartment when it is open and a sensing/alert signal to be displayed if the door is not fully closed.

An alternative latching system for the door 70 is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 10. While the latch system described above may rely on the lifting of a latch handle 92 which engages a flexible pull strap 100 (see FIG. 5) to disengage a spring loaded pawl 94, the alternate latching system as shown in FIGS. 10 and 16 may provide latches on both sides of the door 70. By latching both sides of the door 70 a more secure engagement of the door 70 to the space frame 12 may be provided. This may be particularly important for vehicles that may be driven "off road" and where bumps may jar a single latch loose. As shown in FIG. 10, this latching system 200 may include a T-handle 292 disposed in a recess in a housing 290 which allows the T-handle 292 to be rotated. The T-handle 292 and housing 290 reside in a depression or hole in the door 70 preferably offset from the center widthwise of the door (see FIG. 16). Beneath the housing 290 on the backside of the door, a cam mechanism 300 may be located to receive the lower end of the T-handle.

A flexible safety release strap IOOA may be disposed on edge through the center of the cam mechanism 300 such that upon turning the T-handle 292 in either direction (clockwise or counter clockwise) the distance between the ends of the strap may be shortened. This is shown schematically in FIG. 12A vs. FIG. 12B wherein the distance between pawl members 294 at each side of the door in FIG. 12 A is lessened by the turning of the cam 300 (as illustrated in FIG. 12B). FIG. 12C illustrates the action of a force, arrow F, such as a hand pulling on the strap to release the door from inside the compartment, likewise shortening the distance between pawl members 294 and causing the door (not shown) to unlatch. An enclosure 310 may be placed on the backside of the door 70 to hold the cam mechanism 300 against a slot in the base of the T-handle 292. The enclosure may be attached by screws to the housing 290 through the door. Each end of the flexible safety strap IOOA in this embodiment may engage a pawl member 294 slidably disposed within a housing 320. A spring 296 may reside inside the housing and against the pawl member 294 to provide engagement of the pawl with the edge of the space frame 12. The spring may return the pawl member 294 to an extended condition when the strap IOOA member is not under tension to latch door 70 at both sides by engaging the pawl members 294 with the space frame. The pawl member housings may be attached to the door mechanically via screws.

In a still further embodiment (see FIGS. 13A-C), the T-handle 292a may be stored horizontally in a housing 290a (see FIGS. 13C and 16) and be rotated upward for access (arrow D, FIG. 13A) before being rotated laterally (arrow D', FIG. 13B) to shorten the strap IOOA and retract the pawl member 294. Thereafter, the resilient nature of the safety strap IOOA may cause the T-handle to return to its original configuration so that it may be stored back in the housing 290a. (arrow D", FIG. 13C)

To provide a neat appearing flush floor system without gaps for items to fall into, a third panel 76 (see FIG. 1) is preferably connected to the second panel 74 again along one edge by a piano or like hinge 66. This third panel 76 closes out space beneath the seat 20 and is hinged in the opposite direction of panel 74 so that it will fold against the backside of panel 74 in a Z-shaped arrangement to take up less space and ease access to the compartment 30.

This hinging process is shown sequentially in fragmented views FIG. 4A-4D. FIG. 4A shows the door 70 lying flush with a vehicle floor 40 in an unfolded and latched position. Upon unlatching and lifting, (FIG. 4B) the panels 76 and 74 begin to rotate around piano hinges 64 and 66 (See FIG. 4C). As the upward force on the latch is increased, door 72 begins to rotate around friction hinge 62 (see FIG. 4C) and the three panels 72, 74 and 76 begin to resemble a reversed Z-shape as the panels fold upon one another. FIG. 4D shows the door 70 in a nearly fully upright position with panels 74, 76 folded flat against panel 72 and in a position of full access to compartment 30.

It is further contemplated that the doors 70 of the load floor system 10 of the present invention could be motorized to assist in raising and lowering and may further include an anti-pinch alarm and torque monitors.

Other hinge designs may be used for the door panels 72, 74, 76 including those disclosed in United States Patent No. 6,719,363 and United States Application Serial No. 10/661,803, entitled "Hinge Apparatus For Vehicle Floor Systems" commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention and included herein in their entirety by reference. These hinges provide the option of having an uninterrupted layer of carpeting across the hinge line without damaging the carpet after multiple hingings of the doors.

Alternatively, a spring hinge 162 as shown in FIG. 7A may be used. Where a friction hinge or torque engine as shown in FIG. 7 may be useful to prevent unexpected slamming shut of the doors, a spring hinge (see FIG. 7A) may provide an assist in opening the door from its closed position. The spring hinge 162 may comprise a first hinge leave 164 opposed a second hinge leave 166 which are rotatable around a common axis. A coiled torsion spring 168 may be formed by multiple windings of a spring member of resilient character such as spring steel wire or the like and slipped over an attaching pin 170. The ends of the spring may then be inserted between the leaves to provide a force to rotate the leaves apart which when attached to door 70 assists in opening such (see FIG. 16).

The three segment hinged doors 70 as shown in FIG. 1 may alternatively be comprised of four segments including three hinges such that when opened they fold upon each other to only take up a small portion (1/4^Λ) of the open space of the compartment. In one particular embodiment, the compartment 30 of FIG. 2 may be about 28 inches in length. To provide a larger opening for access to the compartment when the doors are in a folded configuration, four doors, 72a, 72b, 74a, and 76 (see FIG. 16), each about 7 inches in fore- aft vehicle dimension may hinge upon one another and then be flipped up to lay near the back of front cushion 24 A (see FIG. 2)

In another embodiment, where as shown in FIG. 1, door 72 may be about 17 inches long and door 74 about 7 inches long, the doors (72 and 74) may be more equal in length, for instance, each about 12 inches long, to provide a system that folds up more evenly and has a lower center of gravity, to reduce slamming shut when open.

Portions or all of the surface of doors 70 may preferably be decorated to coordinate with the surrounding panels to provide an aesthetic appearing vehicle interior. FIG. 1 shows panels 72 of doors 70 as carpeted. Any surface treatment of the preferably plastic doors may be used including but, not limited to, painting, pigmenting, adhesively applying carpet, fabric, vinyl, urethane, or similar covering layers, and molding the same in place. In a preferred embodiment, the carpet is loaded face down into the cavity of a RIM mold and SRIM or RRIM precursors shot behind the carpet to provide a decorated door in a single operation. For some of the more "Off-the-Road" vehicles, it may be preferred to have the surfaces of the load floor system made from or covered with easily washable materials. The door panels 72, 74 of load floor system 10 of the present invention may preferably be molded of a medium density filled reaction injection molded (RIM) urethane polymer such as reinforced (RRIM) or structural (SRIM) RIM as known in the art. The use of a urethane RIM compound may provide for a low weight panel (lower density) of exceptional strength (due to the use of fillers such as long and short glass fibers, talc, Wollastonite, nano-fillers, clay and the like) that yield a low profile thin door which takes up little cargo volume in the vehicle.

In one particular example the door panels were molded of SRIM using Baydur 426 IMR from Bayer Group. The panels included 8 layers of 2 oz./sq. ft. continuous strand glass mat saturated with the Baydur to yield a cured panel having a glass content of about 50% and a specific gravity of about 1.6. The flexural modulus of the panel was greater than 1.5 million psi. The panels were molded to a nominal thickness of 0.250 inches. Load testing of the panels determined that they a load of about 250 pounds from a testing foot having a 2.25 inch radius (simulating a knee load) provided less than 0.33 inches of deflection.

In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, panels 72 and 74 comprise SRIM while panel 76 is injection molded of PC/ ABS and ribbed on the backside for stiffness (see FIGS. 3A and 5).

Alternatively, to produce doors of lighter weight and greater stiffness, a thermoplastic, such as but not limited to, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polypropylene (PP), which may further include glass fibers as a reinforcement may be injection molded or injection compression molded to form doors 72 and 74 of FIG. 1. In one particular embodiment, the doors 72, 74 were molded of polypropylene filled with 30% long glass fibers (Verton MTX, from LNP Corporation). Loadings of up to and including 50% of 10-12 mm. long glass fibers have been shown to reduce the deflection, according the test method above, by one-half. Accordingly, long-glass fibers are understood herein as fibers with a length of greater than about 4.0 mm.

The doors 72, 74 may preferably be covered with carpet as shown in FIG. 1. This may be accomplished by molding the long fiber filled polymer directly onto the backside of the carpet or by adhering the carpet to the molded door.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 11, a door 370 may be formed having a base of steel 380, 380a of about 0.056 inches in thickness. The door further may include rectangular shaped upsets (projections or depressions) 384 about 0.400 inches in height to provide stiffness to the base panel. Unfilled thermoplastic sheets 386, 386a may be molded which are configured on their back surfaces to conform to the upsets and yield a flat upper surface for the door. The thermoplastic moldings, 386, 386a, may preferably be of ABS or PP which may then be heat staked, adhesively attached or snapped into engagement with the steel base 380, 380a to form the door 370. Subsequently, carpet, 390, 390a may be adhered to the exposed surface of the thermoplastic molding 386, 386a to form a finished door 370. In the embodiment where a steel stamping may be used for the base of the door, it is further contemplated that the piano hinges 264 and 266 (see FIG. 11) that connect the door sections 380, 380a may be formed integrally with the steel door sections or the hinges may be formed separately and subsequently welded to the door sections 380, 380a. Regarding panel 76 of door 70, it is a shorter panel widthwise to allow pivoting of the seat 20 into the compartment 30. In order to allow the pivoting seat mechanism to effectively function, a gap hider or sliding door assembly 50 is preferably provided (see FIG. 1). FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sliding door gap hider assembly 50, which includes two doors 54, 56 slidably engaged with a main body 52. In FIG. 9, one door 54 is shown as extended to cover the gap left by a seat being pivoted upright adjacent to the load floor 10.

The other door 56 is shown in a retracted position (and would be under panel 76) when the opposite seat is folded into the compartment under the load floor system 10. Thus the doors slide in the direction indicated by arrow A. The doors 54, 56 are connected to the seat pivoting mechanism (not shown) by a tongue feature 156 such that the pivoting of the seat translates into sliding movement of the slidable doors 54, 56 in and out of body 52. FIG. 9A is a rear view of the slidable door assembly gap hider 50. The assembly includes doors 54 and 56 which slidably engage between the main body 52 and a back plate 58.

All of these components are preferably molded of PC/ ABS. Back plate 58 is spaced from the backside of body 52 and may be held in place by a series of molded snap tabs 160 which die lock to mating features in either of the body 52 or back plate 58. The back plate further includes a series of projections or posts 150' which interface with slots in the plastic molded outer 14 to provide secure assembly of the sliding door gap hider assembly 50 to the space frame 12 (see FIG. 1). Other projections or posts engage slots 170 in the reinforcement bracket 16 to further securely engage the gap hider assembly 50 to the space frame 12 (see FIG. 5). Preferably, the projections further include a U-shaped spring fastener 152 (FIG. 9) which improves retention of the assembly 50.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of one of the sliding doors 54 showing the tongue-like attachment feature 156 that interfaces with the seat pivoting mechanism. Also shown are door stops 158, 158' which engage with the back plate 58 to prevent the doors 54, 56 from freely exiting the space between body 52 and back plate 58. The distance between the J- shaped or L-shaped features 158, 158' is greater than the width of the back plate 58 such that the features 158, 158' must be flexed towards each other in the direction of arrow B, to remove the interference and allow the doors 54, 56 to be slid between body 52 and back plate 58. As shown in FIG. 9B, the back of the J-shaped or L-shaped feature 158, 158' preferably borders an elliptical aperture or slot 170 to allow the features to flex.

Another feature of the load floor system 10 of the present invention is a safety strap 100 for activating the latch 90 should someone become entrapped in compartment 30. This feature is shown in FIGS. 3A and 5 and is the subject of United States Provisional Application Nos. 60/573,494 filed May 21, 2004 and 60/638,580 filed December 23, 2004, both entitled "Safety Release Strap For Compartment", commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention and included herein in its entirety by reference. The strap 100 is attached at one end to the latch 90 preferably by a pin engaging a hole in the strap, while the opposite end 102 preferably includes a hook feature which engages the hinge plate 64 of door 74. The strap 100 by being connected at both ends allows a very low force to be applied, by pulling on the strap, to disengage the pawl 94 of the latch 90 from its keeper. In addition, the strap 100 may preferably be molded from a plastic compound containing "glow-in-the-dark" fluorescent or luminescent pigments.

FIG. 14 is a prospective view of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 with the strap 100 engaged to the pawl member 94 through pin 98. The same latch 90 is shown in cross- sectional view in FIG. 14A illustrating how pin 98 may fit into a slot in the end of strap 100 and be secured by cover 242. The cover 242 may be attached by screws to the underside of housing 90. In a related embodiment shown in FIGS. 15, the latch cover 242 may be eliminated by molding a "dog house" 242a directly into the backside of the housing 90 as it is being formed. This then eliminates the need for cover 242 (shown in FIG. 14). To provide easy attachment of the strap 100 to the pin portion 98a of the pawl 94 as shown in FIG. 15, the "doghouse" 242a may be provided with slots 244 at each side of the top portion 243 to weaken the doghouse 242a such that the top portion 243 may flex and the strap may easily be inserted, or reinserted should it come loose. FIGS. 15A-C illustrate the sequence of assembly of the strap with the cover 242 replaced by "doghouse" 242a. Pushing the end of the strap 100 over the pin 98a (in the direction of arrow E as shown in FIG. 15A) may force the center portion of the "doghouse" 243 to flex upwards (FIG. 15B). Further movement of the strap 100 in the direction of arrow E may allow the hole in the strap to fit over the pin 98a (FIG.13C). The pin 98a may additionally be formed with a ramp or taper 99 on the surface towards the incoming strap 100 (see FIG. 15A) to ease assembly.

A still further additional feature of the load floor system 10 of the present invention are soft plastic or rubber seals or buttons which cushion the door 70 against the space frame 12 to reduce buzz, squeak and rattle. FIG. 3A shows preferably extruded rubber profile gaskets 82 and 84 attached to downstanding edges of door panels 72 and 74 respectively to accomplish this purpose. In the case of panel 76, soft plastic or rubber grommets or buttons 86 may be installed either on the back surface of the door or on the adjacent mating surface of the space frame 12 (see FIG. 4B).

A second embodiment of the load floor system 1OA is shown in FIG. 8 wherein the tub, enclosure or compartment 3OA is attached to or preferably integrally molded with the space frame outer 14. This provides a modular assembly that may be easily installed in a vehicle and eliminate the mating to different vehicle surfaces, reducing tolerance problems and reducing gaps and uneven appearance.

Thus, the floor of the vehicle may be of a somewhat different shape, and for conversion purposes to a "utility van" the seats and modular floor assembly may readily be removed. The construction of this second embodiment system 1OA is preferably quite similar to the first embodiment of the present invention in that the upper portion includes a space frame 12A extending around at least a portion of the system 1OA, the space frame preferably comprising a plastic outer molding 14A and one or more doors 7OA hinged to the space frame 12A. The doors 7OA preferably comprise a series of hinged panels 72 A, 74A, 76A for allowing access to or stowing foldable seats in compartment 3OA. Reinforcements such as bracketry (not shown) may be attached to or insert-molded into the space frame 12A when it is manufactured to provide support for the doors as well as load bearing capability and hinge attachment along the edges. While the compartment 3OA may be separately molded and attached to the space frame 12 A prior to assembly into the vehicle, it is preferred that the space frame 12 A and enclosure 3OA be molded as a single unit. Subsequently, the hinged doors 70, latches 9OA and hinges 62A, 64A, 66A along with door seals, bumpers, etc. may be attached.

To provide an integrated molding of space frame 12A and compartment 3OA, it is preferred that the molding comprise a thermoplastic or thermoset material for best strength to weight properties. Processes including, but not limited to, injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, and hand-lay-up may be used, but preferably a reaction injection molding process (RIM) may be used to provide a thin-walled product of reduced density and high strength. Either SRIM or RRIM formulations by including fillers and reinforcements may provide the high strength and low weight desired. The module, including the frame 12A and compartment 3OA, may be formed in a single molding step and the metal reinforcement may be insert-molded in place. Further, either of the frame 12A and compartment 3OA may first be molded and then attached by molding the other of the frame or compartment against the first molding.

It is further contemplated that either or both of the space frame 12 or compartment 3OA (see FIG. 8) may be molded of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic.

The enclosure or compartment 30, 3OA, whether a part of the vehicle floor or molded as an integral part of the load floor system 1OA, may include a variety of features to surprise and delight the vehicle owner. The inner surfaces of the compartment 30, 3OA and doors 70,

7OA may be decorated with carpet or other attractive and easy to clean materials. The doors may include hooks to hang grocery bags on when the doors are open. The compartment may include hooks, cargo nets, and reconfigurable panels or containers to assist in organizing that space. The compartment may be designated and tailored to store a spare tire, a laptop computer, electronic equipment and the like. Further, it may contain electronic features, such as a docking station, lighting, outlets, speakers or even be conditioned to store food and beverages.

The doors 70, 7OA and compartment 30, 3OA of the present invention may further comprise sound reducing materials. The term "sound reducing materials" is therefore defined as any material which might absorb, attenuate, insulate or serve as a barrier to sound. This may include, but is not limited to, the inclusion of layers of foam, highly filled thermoplastics such as massback, and fibrous materials such as Maratex®, shoddy, polyester fibers, nylon fibers, bicomponent fibers and combinations thereof applied to the doors and/or tub. It is further contemplated that load floor systems 10, 1OA may find use in pickup trucks and the like to provide a decorative, secure storage compartment in the pickup bed, wherein the upper surface (doors, space frame) may function as a load floor.

Further, it is contemplated that the present invention may be used in a vertical configuration to provide storage along the side walls of a SUV, minivan, truck, bus or other transportation vehicle. This provides an attractive, modular, secure storage capability which may be easily installed and accessed.

In addition, it is contemplated that such door construction as described herein, namely RRIM, long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic or a thermoplastic molding attached to a steel stamping, may be used as a lid or cover for any compartment within the interior of a transportation vehicle and hingedly attached to a frame portion thereof.

The description and drawings illustratively set forth the presently preferred invention embodiment. We intend the description and drawings to describe this embodiment and not to limit the scope of the invention. Obviously, it is possible to modify these embodiments while remaining within the scope of the following claims. Therefore, within the scope of the claims one may practice the invention otherwise than as the description and drawings specifically show and describe.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A load floor system for covering a recess in the floor of a vehicle, said system adjacent to one or more seats, the load floor system comprising: a space frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the load floor system, the space frame molded of plastic and having a front side and a back side; the space frame further including one or more reinforcement structures attached to the back side of said molded plastic; one or more doors each of which includes one or more edges, said one or more doors hingedly connected to said space frame, the doors pivotable between a first position closing out the space frame to form a load bearing surface covering said recess and a second position allowing access within said space frame to said recess, wherein said door is pivoted away from said space frame; said load floor system securely attached to said floor of said vehicle and capable of storing an article.

2. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more doors comprise one or more panels hinged together.

3. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more doors include a latch.

4. The load floor system of claim 3, wherein said latch is a flush mounted pull latch.

5. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more doors are hingedly connected to said space frame by friction hinges.

6. The load floor system of claim 5, wherein said friction hinges prevent the free fall of said doors.

7. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more doors are open and/or closed by a motor.

8. The load floor system of claim 7, wherein said motor includes a torque monitor.

9. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said space frame and/or said one or more doors are decorated to coordinate with adjacent areas of the vehicle floor.

10. The load floor system of claim 9, wherein said one or more doors has an outer layer comprising any one of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.

11. The load floor system of claim 10, wherein said outer layer includes a washable surface.

12. The load floor system of claim 10, wherein said outer layer is molded in place during the manufacture of said one or more doors.

13. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more reinforcement structures lie beneath and support said one or more doors by extending along one or more edges of said one or more doors.

14. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein the load floor system closes out a compartment formed by said recess in said vehicle floor.

15. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein said compartment provides a storage area for a foldable seat.

16. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein said compartment provides a storage area for a spare tire.

17. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein said compartment provides a storage area for electronic equipment.

18. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein said compartment includes an inside and an outside surface and said inside surface is carpeted.

19. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein said compartment includes latching means to prevent article jounce.

20. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein said compartment and said one or more doors includes a layer of sound reducing material.

21. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more doors includes rubber or plastic seals and/or bumpers to prevent rattling.

22. The load floor system of claim 3, wherein said one or more doors comprise a front side and a back side and a safety release strap is attached directly or indirectly to said backside and to said latch.

23. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said system can support 250 pounds over a three inch area with less than 0.33 inch deflection.

24. The load floor system of claim 1 , wherein said space frame is injection molded of PC/ABS.

25. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more reinforcement structures are heat-staked to said plastic molded space frame.

26. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more panels of said one or more doors comprises SRIM or RRIM.

27. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said recess includes docking means for electronic equipment.

28. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said recess includes lighting means.

29. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said system includes sensing means to detect and display whether said one or more doors are not fully closed.

30. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more doors may be configured as a footrest.

31. The load floor system of claim 1, wherein said one or more door and said recess includes a layer of sound reducing material.

32. The load floor system of claim 1, which further includes a gap hider having sliding doors.

33. A storage system for covering a recess in a vehicle, said system comprising: a space frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the system, the space frame molded of plastic and having a front side and a back side; the space frame further including one or more reinforcement structures attached to the back side of said molded plastic; and one or more doors hingedly connected to said space frame, the doors pivotable between a first position closing out the space frame to form a surface covering said recess and a second position allowing access within said space frame to said recess, wherein said door is pivoted away from said space frame; and wherein said vehicle further includes sidewalls and said storage system is disposed substantially vertically to provide storage along said sidewalls.

34. A load floor assembly for providing a covered storage space in a vehicle said vehicle having a floor and sidewalls, said system comprising: a space frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the system, the space frame molded of plastic and having a front side and a back side; the space frame further including one or more reinforcement structures attached to the back side of said molded plastic; one or more doors hingedly connected to said space frame, the doors pivotable between a first position closing out the space frame to form a substantially flat load bearing surface and covering said recess and a second position allowing access within said space frame, wherein said door is pivoted away from said space frame; and one or more storage compartments attached to the backside of said space frame which assembly can be mounted to the floor of said vehicle.

35. The load floor assembly of claim 34, wherein said load floor assembly is further disposed substantially vertically to provide storage along said side walls.

36. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more doors comprise one or more panels hinged together.

37. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more doors include a latch.

38. The load floor system of claim 37, wherein said latch is a flush mounted pull latch.

39. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more doors are hingedly connected to said space frame by friction hinges.

40. The load floor system of claim 39, wherein said friction hinges prevent the free fall of said doors.

41. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more doors are open and/or closed by a motor.

42. The load floor system of claim 41, wherein said motor includes a torque monitor.

43. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said space frame and/or said one or more doors are decorated to coordinate with adjacent areas of the vehicle floor.

44. The load floor system of claim 43, wherein said one or more doors has an outer layer comprising any one of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.

45. The load floor system of claim 44, wherein said outer layer includes a washable surface.

46. The load floor system of claim 44, wherein said outer layer is molded in place during the manufacture of said one or more doors.

47. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more reinforcement structures lie beneath and support said one or more doors by extending along one or more edges of said one or more doors.

48. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments provides a storage area for a foldable seat.

49. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments provides a storage area for a spare tire.

50. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments provides a storage area for electronic equipment.

51. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said compartments includes an inside and an outside surface and said inside surface is carpeted.

52. The load floor system of claim 48, wherein said one or more compartments includes latching means to prevent seat jounce.

53. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more doors includes a layer of sound reducing material.

54. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more doors includes soft rubber or plastic seals and/or bumpers to prevent rattling.

55. The load floor system of claim 37, wherein said one or more doors comprise a front side and a back side and a safety release strap is attached directly or indirectly to said backside and to said latch.

56. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said system can support 250 pounds over a three inch area with less than 0.33 inch deflection.

57. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said space frame is injection molded of PC/ABS.

58. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more reinforcement structures are heat-staked to said plastic molded space frame.

59. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more reinforcements are attached by insert-molding to said plastic molded space frame.

60. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more panels of said one or more doors comprises SRIM or RRIM.

61. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments comprises plastic.

62. The load floor system of claim 61, wherein said one or more compartments comprises SRIM or RRIM.

63. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments includes docking means for electronic equipment.

64. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments includes lighting means.

65. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said system includes sensing means to detect and display whether said one or more doors are not fully closed.

66. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more doors may be configured as a footrest.

67. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments includes a layer of sound reducing material.

68. The load floor system of claim 34, which further includes a gap hider having sliding doors.

69. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments includes hooks for a cargo net.

70. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more compartments includes reconfigurable containers.

71. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein said one or more doors further includes a top side and a bottom side and hooks are attached to said bottom side for securing items.

72. A load floor system for providing a covered space in a vehicle, said load floor system comprising: a space frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the load floor system, the space frame molded of plastic and having a front side and a back side; the space frame further including one or more reinforcement structures attached to the back side of said molded plastic; one or more doors hingedly connected to said space frame, the doors pivotable between a first position closing out the space frame to form a load bearing surface and covering said recess and a second position allowing access within said space frame, wherein said door is pivoted away from said space frame; and one or more compartments integrally formed with said plastic molded frame, which system may be mounted to the floor of said vehicle.

73. . The load floor assembly of claim 72, wherein said load floor assembly is further disposed substantially vertically to provide storage along said side walls.

74. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more doors comprise one or more panels hinged together.

75. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more doors include a latch.

76. The load floor system of claim 75, wherein said latch is a flush mounted pull latch.

77. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more doors are hingedly connected to said space frame by friction hinges.

78. The load floor system of claim 77, wherein said friction hinges prevent the free fall of said doors.

79. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more doors are open and/or closed by a motor.

80. The load floor system of claim 79, wherein said motor includes a torque monitor.

81. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said space frame and/or said one or more doors are decorated to coordinate with adjacent areas of the vehicle floor.

82. The load floor system of claim 81, wherein said one or more doors has an outer layer comprising any one of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.

83. The load floor system of claim 82, wherein said outer layer includes a washable surface.

84. The load floor system of claim 82, wherein said outer layer is molded in place during the manufacture of said one or more doors.

85. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more reinforcement structures lie beneath and support said one or more doors by extending along one or more edges of said one or more doors.

86. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments provides a storage area for a foldable seat.

87. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments provides a storage area for a spare tire.

88. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments provides a storage area for electronic equipment.

89. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments includes an inside and an outside surface and said inside surface is carpeted.

90. The load floor system of claim 89, wherein said carpet is molded in place during the manufacture of said one or more compartments.

91. The load floor system of claim 86, wherein said one or more compartments includes latching means to prevent seat jounce.

92. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments includes a layer of sound reducing material.

93. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more doors includes soft rubber or plastic seals and/or bumpers to prevent rattling.

94. The load floor system of claim 76, wherein said one or more doors comprise a front side and a back side and a safety release strap is attached directly or indirectly to said backside and to said latch.

95. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said system can support 250 pounds over a three inch area with less than 0.33 inch deflection.

96. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said space frame is injection molded of PC/ABS.

97. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more reinforcement structures are heat-staked to said plastic molded space frame.

98. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more reinforcement structures are attached by insert-molding to said plastic molded space frame.

99. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more panels of said one or more doors comprises SRIM or RRIM.

100. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments comprises plastic.

101. The load floor system of claim 100, wherein said one or more compartments comprises SRIM or RRIM.

102. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments includes docking means for electronic equipment.

103. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments includes lighting means.

104. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said system includes sensing means to detect and display whether said one or more doors are not fully closed.

105. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more doors may be configured as a footrest.

106. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more doors includes a layer of sound reducing material.

107. The load floor system of claim 72, which further includes a gap hider having sliding doors.

108. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments includes hooks for a cargo net.

109. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more compartments includes reconfigurable containers.

110. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein said one or more doors further includes a top side and a bottom side and hooks are attached to said bottom side for securing items.

111. A device for hiding a gap between components comprising: a main body having a front side and a backside; a back plate comprising four sides, two sides having downstanding flanges extending along their length, said backplate mounted to said backside of said main body and spaced from said backside by said downstanding flanges, one or more doors slidably mounted in said space between backplate and said body, said doors mounted through one or more sides of the base which do not have the downstanding flanges; and mounting means for attaching said body to an underlying member.

112. The device of claim 111, wherein said backplate is attached to the backside of the body by snap tabs.

113. The device of claim 111, wherein the main body, backplate and one or more doors comprise plastic.

114. A storage system for covering a recess in a vehicle, said system comprising: a frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the recess; one or more doors each of which includes one or more edges, said one or more doors hingedly connected to said frame, the doors pivotable between a first position closing out the frame to cover said recess and a second position allowing access within said frame to said recess, when said door is pivoted away from said frame; said system capable of storing an article and wherein said one or more doors comprise one or more panels hinged together.

115. The storage system of claim 114, wherein said one or more doors include at least one latch.

116. The storage system of claim 115, wherein said at least one latch is a flush mounted pull latch.

117. The storage system of claim 114, wherein said one or more doors are hingedly connected to said space frame by one or more spring hinges.

118. The storage system of claim 114, wherein said frame and/or said one or more doors are decorated to coordinate with adjacent areas of the vehicle floor.

119. The storage system of claim 118, wherein said one or more doors has an outer layer comprising any one of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.

120. The storage system of claim 119, wherein said outer layer is molded in place during the manufacture of said one or more doors.

121. The storage system of claim 114, wherein the system closes out a compartment formed by said recess in said vehicle.

122. The storage system of claim 115, wherein said one or more doors comprise a front side and a back side and a safety release strap is attached directly or indirectly to said backside and to said one or more latches.

123. The storage system of claim 114, wherein said one or more doors comprises a filled thermoplastic.

124. The storage system of claim 123 wherein said filler comprises glass fibers.

125. The storage system of claim 124, wherein said glass fibers are greater than about 4.0 mm in length.

126. The storage system of claim 114, wherein said one or more doors comprise a sheet metal stamping covered by a sheet of molded thermoplastic.

127. The storage system of claim 126, wherein said one or more doors includes an outer layer comprising any one of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.

128. A closure for closing out a recessed compartment in a vehicle, said compartment capable of storing at least one article, said closure comprising; one or more doors each of which includes one or more edges, said one or more doors hingedly connected to said compartment along one of said one or more edges, the doors pivotable between a first position closing out the compartment and covering said compartment, and a second position allowing access within said compartment when said door is pivoted away from said compartment; wherein said one or more doors further comprise two or more panels hinged together and capable of folding upon themselves to provide access to said compartment.

129. The closure of claim 128, wherein said one or more panels comprises a filled thermoplastic.

130. The closure of claim 129, wherein said filler comprises glass fibers.

131. The closure of claim 130, wherein said glass fibers are greater than about 4.0 mm in length.

132. The closure of claim 128, wherein said one or more panels comprise a sheet metal stamping covered by a sheet of molded thermoplastic.

133. The closure of claim 129, wherein said one or more panels includes an outer layer comprising any one of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.

134. The closure of claim 132, wherein said one or more panels includes an outer layer comprising any one of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.

135. The closure of claim 132 wherein said sheet metal stamping includes an integrally formed spring leave.

136. The closure of claim 128, wherein said at least one door includes two flush mounted pull latches connected by a strap.

137. The closure of claim 136 wherein a T-handle and cam device engage said strap and whereupon rotating of said T-handle causes said cam device to distort said strap and disengage said latches.