FR2752790A1 - Motor vehicle boot divider - Google Patents

Abstract

A boot divider consists of a support (2) which fits into all or part of the boot floor area, with fastenings to hold it in place, and a number of partitions (3U, 4R, 5R, 8U, 9U) which lie parallel to the surface of the support but can be raised and locked vertically to make compartments of different sizes. The support is equipped with mechanisms in the form of spring-loaded catches and ball locks which hold the partitions in their deployed and retracted positions. Each of the partitions is equipped with guide and control elements, and the support can be formed by the floor of the boot itself.

Description

 The present invention relates to a device for arranging a loading space, and in particular a motor vehicle trunk.

 The usual functional criterion does not always correspond, in satisfactory conditions for the user, to the diversity of circumstances and objects for which the boot of motor vehicles is requested. Often, makeshift means are used such as crates, boxes, bags which, if they themselves do not generate inconvenience, do not provide the user with what he is entitled to expect from a technically and aesthetically developed.

Currently, realizations take these problems into account: - by arrangements and accessories at the periphery of the volume usually used:
housings and hatches fitted in the bodywork, trunk net under the hood
back.

- by equipment inside the load volume: bag attached to the back of the
rear bench seat, adjustable locking bar, hooks and net covering the
loading the trunk.

 Each of these achievements provides specific storage, separation, protection or maintenance functions without at the same time meeting all of these conditions, covering a wide range of objects of varied nature, shapes and dimensions, concern the entire loading space, and this with accessibility and easy handling of each object as well as of the equipment itself.

 The present invention overcomes these disadvantages and those of a conventional safe, while preserving the advantages of the latter.

 Thus, one of the essential aims of the invention is the criterion of choice offered to the user, and the fact of not arranging is just as important as that of arranging, in whole or in part, with the same device which can thus, whatever its use, remain permanently in the trunk without affecting its characteristics: relatively flat and thin, it can even enhance it depending on the material and color of which it is made. Another important object of the invention is the stability of the entire device in this space, as well as the stability of the arrangement elements in the position of use in order to fulfill the role assigned to them.

 To this end, the device according to the invention and in relation to these aims comprises a support which fits over a whole part of the face of the loading space on which it is assigned, and in particular on the floor of the trunk of a motor vehicle.

 This support has means for immobilizing the device with respect to this space, at least wedging against any movement parallel to the plane of the loading face, as well as mobility means corresponding to one or more main elements of arrangement in number and non-limiting positions, and allowing them, manipulated by the user, to pivot from a rest position substantially parallel to the plane of the face on which the support is assigned, to at least one substantially perpendicular position of use, and held by position immobilization means; their height in this position is provided to leave available greater access to the loading face.

 The main elements of arrangement thus make it possible, depending on the position determined by the user, for rest or use, either to leave available all or part of the loading space, or to divide it with functions of separation, protection and maintenance of deposited and transported objects; in principle a single element is enough to divide all or part of space.

 The possible configurations of on-demand compartmentalisation offered to the user depend on the number of layout elements, their arrangement, and their nature.

 These criteria are determined according to the level of service sought and defined on completion, relating to the type of application, trunk, vehicle, without departing from the scope of the invention which, if it offers significant possibilities, is respected as soon as the device includes its essential characteristics.

The elements of arrangement are of several kinds:
The main elements of arrangement, mounted mobile on the support according to the
characteristics previously stated, distinguished by:
- elements whose length occupies practically the entire dimension
crossing the support where they are assigned.

 - elements whose length only partially occupies this dimension.

Secondary arrangement elements, movably mounted on the elements
main by means of mobility distinguished by:
- elements movable by sliding means: when the main element is
in the position of use, this or these secondary elements can be manipulated
by the user in order to adapt the main element to the desired configuration or
extend it. The slide can also be made in the height direction
of the main element in the use position.

- elements movable by pivoting means: when the main element
is in the position of use, this or these secondary elements can in turn
be manipulated and brought into the position of use in order to arrange spaces
complementary side panels, if they are arranged along this one, or the
extend, if they are arranged at its end (s).

- elements movable by mixed means, pivotally mounted on means of
slides arranged along the main element: when it is in position
of use, this or these secondary elements can be handled and brought
in the position of use in order to arrange complementary lateral spaces,
wherever the slide is positioned.

 These various kinds of secondary elements retract, in the rest position, onto the main element on which they depend. Their rest and use positions are maintained by position immobilization means.

 In general, when the loading space is animated with movement, the main and secondary arrangement elements, in particular in the position of use, are liable to be subjected to forces, on the one hand in the direction of their travel. , and at least because of their mass and inertia, and on the other hand on their face by the objects deposited and transported. These forces can be exerted to varying degrees, or even add or combine in an unfavorable way for certain types of elements such as the pivoting elements. If the structure of the device requires or may be sufficient to compensate for it in the direction of the limit of travel by a stop effect of the support or an added stop, additional immobilization means are necessary, at least in the other direction, and for the main functions, in particular to keep them in the chosen position of use.

 Depending on the characteristics of the elements and the level of service sought, these immobilization means range from simple tight adjustment, friction, notch system, clicks, to temporary blocking or automatic locking when the manipulated element reaches its position. It is the same for their deactivation which goes from the forced manipulation of the element until the unlocking or voluntary action on a command linked to an associated unlocking; in the latter case, when these systems are doubled, in particular for reasons of range of the main element, and require simultaneous action by the user, the element may include an automatic position release means.

According to particular embodiments: - the support can be registered on a part of the loading face on which it is
affected, by having the appropriate immobilization means, in order to immobilize it
totally in relation to this space; these means can have a margin
in order to be able to position the same device in different places
of the same loading space or in several little different spaces.

- the support which fits on the entire face of the loading space can have
contours which correspond to the contours of this face, immobilized by wedging
against the side walls surrounding this space; he can have means
complementary immobilizing it completely in this space, which may or may not be
quick release to allow easy removal of the device from
cargo space.

- the main structure of a support which fits over the entire face of the space
loading can be composed of several parts to be joined, during installation,
for example, for reasons of assembly or bulk; this mode of
realization can also be used when for a range of little space
one or more parts of the support constitute a common basis for
complete with the specific parts for each type of space.

- the support and the relevant side of the loading space, in particular a floor
of trunk, can form only one and the same element of the device of which all or
part is designed with the realization of the motor vehicle; the trunk structures
acquiring the notion of support, the means of immobilizing position,
clearance, can be fixed on the adjacent faces.

- the rest position of the main layout elements can be maintained by
means of immobilization.

the arrangement elements may be, in the rest position, all or part
recessed on their support, made for this purpose, so that the surface of the device is
aesthetically or functionally as flat as possible; these elements
then comprise means for releasing this position, manual at least
in the form of gripping possibilities, or automatic associated with a
position unlocking.

- a movable panel can fill the opening left on the support when the element
built-in arrangement is in use position, so that the surface of the support
able to receive the objects is aesthetically and functionally the most flat
possible; the establishment of this panel is ensured by guide means; her
mobility can be ensured by control means linked to the position of
the layout element on which it depends.

- all or part of the fitting elements embedded in the rest position on their
support, can be formed and penetrate with it in the form of parts
in staggered rows, to improve the leveling of points
likely to be in contact with objects and to reduce their range.

- the support, the elements of arrangement, can be in solid panels, perforated,
skylights or made up of tubes or profiles assembled, welded or molded.

- In order to reduce the range of certain layout elements in position
of use, their extremity can be maintained or relieved, of all or part of the
lateral forces likely to be exerted on their face, by means of support or
stop, retractable or not.

- fixing means or possibilities to accommodate them can be provided
for retaining additional support and protection accessories,
fasteners such as wedges, nets, elastic ties or not, ...

- the support may include one or more accesses to one or more compartments of
annex storage, with closing means such as hatches or plates
mobile.

- all or part of the mobility of the arrangement elements can be transmission and
online order.

The accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, illustrate the invention,
in a simplified way, on different scales: - Figures 1,2,3,4 show in perspective, an example of embodiment
of the device according to the invention.

- Figure 1 shows this device, all elements at rest, with its application
in a vehicle trunk.

- Figures 2,3,4 show possibilities of arrangement of this device.

- Figure 5 shows, in partial section, an example of embodiment of
means for immobilizing main layout elements.

- Figures 6 and 7 each show, in partial section, a different example of
embodiment of the means for immobilizing secondary elements
of layout.

- Figure 8 shows in partial section, an exemplary embodiment of
movable panel and its associated mechanism.

 Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the device comprises a support (2) which fits over the entire face (la) of the loading space, in this case a trunk floor of a motor vehicle (1) .

 This support whose contours (2a) correspond to the contours of the boot floor and abuts against the side walls (lb) surrounding the boot, thus has immobilization means, at least wedging (10a) as well as means complementary (lOb - 10c - 10d - 10e) immobilizing it completely in this trunk, means which, -in the embodiment shown here, can be quickly released by pressing on the side walls of the trunk (lb).

 Mobility means (11) (15) (19) integral with the support respectively allow each of the main recessed arrangement elements (3) (4) (5) to pivot from a rest position (R), up to a position of use (U) maintained by immobilization means (13) (17) (21); the rest position (R) is also maintained by immobilization means (12) (16) (20). The main elements have position release means (14) (18) (22).

This device comprises, in more detail, the following arrangement elements: - A main arrangement element of total length (3) on which elements
secondary arrangement (8) (9) are movable by mixed means, each
pivotally mounted (31) (37) on sliding means (32) (38), along the element
main: when it is in position of use (U), each of these elements
secondary can be operated from a rest position (R) to a
position of use (U); these positions are respectively maintained by
immobilization means (33) (34) and (39) (40). Secondary elements have
position release means (35) (41), and immobilization means
(36) (42) sliding parts on the main element.

- Main elements of partial length arrangement (4) (5) on which
secondary arrangement elements (6) (7) are mounted movable by means of
slide (23) (27): when the main element is in the use position (U),
each of these secondary elements can be manipulated from a rest position
(R) to a position of use (U); these positions are respectively
held by immobilizing means (24) (25) and (28) (29). The elements
secondary have means for disengaging (26) (30) from the rest position.

 The height of the main arrangement elements is substantially equal to or greater than half the height available in the trunk.

 With reference to FIG. 5, the example shown of means for immobilizing the position of use (U) of a main built-in arrangement element (4) comprises a limit stop for travel (17a) as well as a position holding system, consisting of an automatic end-of-travel locking of a lever (17c) mounted on a joint (17d), pressed by a spring (17e) on a non-return latch (17b), which system also functions associated unlocking by voluntary action of the user on the pusher part (17f) integral with the lever and serving as a control.

 The immobilization means (13) (21) corresponding to the elements (3) (5) are identical.

 The example of means for immobilizing the rest position (R) comprises a stroke limit stop (16a) constituted by the support, as well as a position holding system consisting of an automatic latching at the end of the stroke. a movable part (16b), pressed by a small spring (16c) in the groove of a lever (16f), which is articulated (16d) and acts as associated unlocking, by voluntary action of the user on the pusher part (16g) integral with the lever (16f); a spring (16th) tends to raise the push-lever assembly. One or more springs (18) of low but sufficient force, mounted here on the axis of the element (4) constitute the automatic release means after unlocking, common to positions (R) and (U), all means d 'usage being doubled for each item.

 The immobilization means (12) (20) corresponding to the elements (3) (5) are identical, as well as the release means (14) (22).

 With reference to FIG. 6, the example shown of means for immobilizing the rest (R) and use (U) positions of the secondary sliding arrangement element (6), respectively comprises a stop (24a) (25a) at each stroke limit, as well as a position holding system consisting of a flexible elastic blade (24b / 25b) which is housed in a cell (24c) (25c) forming a notch in each position (R) (U) when the element (6) is forcibly manipulated. The position release means (R) consist of the possibility of gripping (26) the end of the secondary element.

 The immobilization means (28) (29) corresponding to the element (7) are symmetrically identical, as well as the release means (30).

 With reference to FIG. 7, the example shown of means for immobilizing the rest (R) and use (U) positions of the secondary arrangement element (8) movable by mixed means, respectively comprises a stop (33a) (34a) at each pivoting stroke limit, another (36a) (36b) at each sliding stroke limit, as well as a position holding system consisting of a flexible elastic blade (33 - 34 - 36 / b) mounted on the sliding part (32), forming a notch on one side, in which a lug (33c) (34c) is housed in each position (R) (U) of the secondary element (8) being manipulated by force; the other side of the blade, which by being housed in one (36c) of the notches forming a notch and distributed over the main element (3), had positioned the slide, immobilizes it simultaneously. The position release means (R) consist of the possibility of gripping the end (35) of the element.

The immobilization means (39) (40) (42) corresponding to the element (9) are symmetrically identical, as well as the release means (41).

With reference to FIG. 8, the example of mobile panel shown (43) includes guide means (46) in the form of slides, which cause one side of the panel to rise when the latter is driven in a translational movement. and upward on its opposite side, transmitted by guide and control means (47), in the form of articulations along the arrangement element (4), means linked to its movement passing from the rest position (R) in the position of use (U). The reverse movement brings the panel back to its original position. The panels (44) and (45) have an identical operation, with respectively guide (48) (50) and control (49) (51) means.

According to another particular embodiment
The layout elements are directly supported on the
peripheral walls of the trunk, with immobilizing means
tion of the simple tight fit, friction, or
by automatic locking.

The arrangement elements consist of movable tubes
bent, welded, assembled forming a skeleton frame, fitted
clamping means to hold them in position
chosen spacing.

Restraint means, for example nets and the like
flexible materials, can be provided hung on the elements
of arrangement to prevent the passage of small objects
dimensions through the openwork of the tubular frames.

FIG. 9 shows in perspective an exemplary embodiment
of the device according to this mode of use of the invention.

Figures 10 - 11 and 12 show in section the element of
junction (48) of the movable elements, which may be made of
plastic comprising at its base spikes (49) for hooking
expensive to car boot carpet as a supplement
maintenance of the device.

The joining element (48) includes an, example of a method of
realization of the mobility mechanism (50) allowing respec
each of the arrangement elements to pivot from
a rest position in the vertical position and hand there
hold in this position and vice versa. The support system
position as shown in the drawing represents a system
simple manual locking made up of a mechanism (50)
embedded in the junction element (48) in the closed position,
but this system can be replaced by a lock
automatic.

This device and all adaptations can concern all
vehicle models of all categories: sedans, station wagons,
4x4, minivans, sedan cars for commercial use or
utilities.

Claims (10)

 1) Arrangement of a loading space (1) and in particular of a motor vehicle trunk, characterized in that it comprises a support (2) which is inscribed in whole or part of the face on which it is affected, having means of immobilization (10) relative to this space, as well as means of mobility (11) (15) (19) corresponding to one or more main elements of arrangement (3) (4) (5 ) in number and non-limiting positions, and allowing them to pivot from a rest position substantially parallel to the plane of the face on which the support is assigned, to at least one position of use substantially perpendicular to this same plane , position of use maintained by immobilization means (13) (17) (21) of position.  2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rest position of the main agency element or elements (3) (4) (5) is maintained by immobilizing means (12) (16) (20 ) of position.  3) Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that one or more secondary arrangement elements (6) (7) (8) (9) are movably mounted on the main element or elements by means of mobility (23) (27) (31) (32) (37) (38), allowing them to be brought from a retractable rest position on the main element to a position of use; these positions are maintained by means for immobilizing the rest position (24) (28) (33) (39) and for use (25) (29) (34) (36) (40) (42).  4) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more main or secondary elements of arrangement comprise manual (26) (30) (35) (41) or automatic (14) ( 18) (22) from the rest position.  5) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more main or secondary elements of arrangement comprise means for manual or automatic release of the position of use.  6) Device according to claim 4 or claim 5 characterized in that one or more main or secondary elements of arrangement are, in the rest position, all or part embedded on their support.  7) Device according to claim 6 characterized in that the support (2) comprises a movable panel (43) (44) (45) for each main arrangement element (3) (4) (5) embedded.  8) Device according to claim 7 characterized in that each movable panel (43) (44) (45) comprises guide means (46) (48) (50).  9) Device according to claim 8 characterized in that each movable panel (43) (44) (45) comprises control means (47) (49) (51) ..  10) Vehicle equipped with the device according to any one of the preceding claims, and characterized in that the support (2) and the face (la) of the loading space form only one and the same element of this device.