GB2341366A

GB2341366A - A vehicle shelf arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2341366A
Application number: GB9819528A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Francis Spillane
Original assignee: MG Rover Group Ltd
Current assignee: MG Rover Group Ltd
Priority date: 1998-09-09
Filing date: 1998-09-09
Publication date: 2000-03-15
Also published as: GB9819528D0

Abstract

A vehicle shelf arrangement 4 comprises a flat panel 6 displaceable upwardly from a slot 5 within which it is stored when not in use. The flat panel 6 is pivotable about an edge 7 to allow it to be deployed substantially perpendicular to its stored configuration and whereupon retention means 21 retain the flat panel 6 in that deployed configuration.

Description

2341366 - 1 A VEHICLE SHELF ARRANGEMENT The present invention relates to a

vehicle shelf arrangement and more particularly to a vehicle shelf arrangement located within a side or door panel of a motor vehicle.

Motor vehicle manufacturers are constantly attempting to provide features within their vehicles which add to the convenience of occupants in the vehicle. Furthermore, it is not only whilst the vehicle is in motion that occupants of a vehicle may wish to utilise the facilities of a vehicle. Thus, for example, the vehicle may be used as a convenient adjunct to a picnic area or those occupants of the vehicle other than driver may wish to engage 10 in such activities as writing or eating, etc.

In order to facilitate such activities as described above, it is convenient to provide a shelf within a vehicle to which or upon which articles can be secured or supported. Clearly, within the limited space of the vehicle, it is necessary, to provide not only efficient storage of such a shelf but also safe 15 retention within the vehicle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle shelf arrangement which is both conveniently located within a vehicle whilst remaining safe.- Accordingly to the present invention there is provided a vehicle shelf arrangement comprising a flat panel with a pivot edge operable about a reciprocal slot to that flat panel but displaceable with the panel into that slot for stowage, said flat panel being liftable in a first direction from stowage within the slot such that the pivot edge engages a pivot lip of the reciprocal slot to allow rotation of the panel thereabout into a deployed configuration typically perpendicular to the first direction whereupon retention means retain the flat panel in that deployed configuration.

Preferably the pivotedge and the pivot lip constitute a partial rotary clamp or hook and roller or a hinge brought into engagement over the required rotation range for deployment into the deployed configuration. Alternatively, the pivot edge and a pivot lip could be held in engagement through straps or similar devices extending therebetween.

The flat panel may be deployable either side of the reciprocal slot.

However, normally the deployed configuration will be inward of the vehicle.

The retention means may comprise one or more of the following:

a) a drop down brace element, possibly from a recess in the flap panel, arranged to engage a surface typically adjacent the slot or such that the flat panel is presented as a cantilever; b) suspension wires secured above the panel and secured to that panel when in the deployed configuration; or c) a drop down leg or legs to support the far end of the panel away from the pivot edge, ie. typically to engage a vehicle seat or central console; or d) occupant engagement means, such as inflatable cushioning, which extends below the panel when in the deployed configuration.

Typically, the reciprocal slot will be located within a vehicle door panel or a side panel.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a pictorial representation of a vehicle shelf arrangement in a stowed configuration; Figure 2 is a pictorial representation of a vehicle shelf arrangement in a deployed configuration in accordance with a first embodiment; Figure 3 is a pictorial representation of a shelf arrangement in a deployed configuration in accordance with a second embodiment; Figure 4 is a pictorial representation of a vehicle shelf arrangement in a deployed configuration in accordance with a third embodiment; and Figure 5 is a pictorial representation of a shelf arrangement in a deployed configuration in accordance with a fourth embodiment.

In Figure 1 a pictorial representation of a vehicle shelf arrangement in a stowed configuration is illustrated. Thus, a side panel or a door panel 2 is located adjacent a window 3 of a motor vehicle 1 such that a vehicle shelf arrangement 4 can be moved in the direction of arrow heads A in order to deploy that arrangement 4. The panel 2 includes a reciprocal slot 5 within which a flat panel (not shown) is stowed. Thus, when the flat panel is lifted or moved in the direction upwards (arrow heads A), the panel is removed from the slot 5 for deployment.

For deployment as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, generally a flat panel 6 is rotatable about a pivot edge 7 which remains in pivot engagement with a pivot lip of the slot 5. Thus, the panel 6 moves in the direction of arrow heads B to achieve a deployed configuration as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 which orientates the panel 6 substantially perpendicular to the direction of upward lift in the direction of arrow heads A (Figure 1). It will be appreciated that the panel 6 must be supported and retained in this deployed configuration both to limit further rotation about the pivot between edge 7 and slot 5 and also in order to achieve a desired degree of rigidity to support objects and articles on the shelf constituted by the panel 6, etc. Figures 2 to 4 illustrate respective embodiments of retention means in order to retain the panel 6 in the deployed configuration.

It will be appreciated that the panel 6 may be deployed as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 inward of a motor vehicle 1 such that occupants of that vehicle 1 can utilise the flat panel 6 as a shelf upon which beverage containers or other articles can be supported or the panel 6 may be rotated through the window 3 in order that deployment is with that panel 6 outwardly of the vehicle 1. In such circumstances, respective opposed edges of both the panels 6 and the slot 5 may be utilised as required in order to constitute the pivot about which the panel 6 rotates.

It will be understood that the panel 6 is substantially parallel with the panel 2 within the vehicle 1 so the shelf arrangement 4 including the panel 6 is relatively safely secured within the vehicle 1 during crash impacts.

Furthermo re, the flat panel 6, when in the stowed configuration within the slot 5, may also provide additional side impact protection to occupants of the vehicle as it will tend to reinforce the door panel 2 or side panel of the vehicle.

Clearly, the present vehicle shelf arrangement is also hidden from general view when not deployed and thus is not detrimental to the aesthetic appeal of the interior design of the vehicle.

It will be understood that vehicle shelf arrangements in accordance with the present invention may be provided with respect to all seat positions within the vehicle. Thus, it is also possible to provide a complete shelf extending across the width of the vehicle between opposed shelf arrangements provided a filler panel can be located between respective shelf arrangements in opposed door panels 2 or side panels of the vehicle.

Clearly, a filler panel could also simply extend a single panel further inward or outward with respect to the vehicle and provided the retention means has sufficient strength to withstand expected leverage forces.

In order to rotate in the direction of arrow heads B, it is necessary to provide a pivot between the pivot edge 7 and the slot 5. Such a pivot edge 7 can be provided through a partial clamp or hook and roller type or other hinge engagement between respective parts of the edge 7 and the slot 5. In such circumstances, the pivot edge 7 and the pivot lip of the slot 5 will engage over a range of rotation consistent to move between the upward lift in the direction of arrow heads A to the perpendicular deployed configuration shown in Figures 2 to 4 through rotation in the direction of arrow heads B. Alternatively, straps can be secured between the panel 6 and the slot 5 in order to provide pivot association between the pivot edge 7 and the pivot lip or edge of the slot 5.

As indicated above, Figures 2 to 5 illustrate respective embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 2, a brace element 21 is arranged to drop down and engage the surface 2 in order to brace the panel 6 in its deployed configuration and so prevent further rotation in the direction of arrow head B. In Figure 3, the panel 6 is retained in the deployed configuration using suspension wires 31 secured above the panel 6 appropriately. Thus, for example these suspension wires 31 may have suction ends secured to the window 3 in order to retain the panel 6 in the deployed configuration. In Figure 4, drop down legs 41 are arranged to support a far end of a panel 6 in association with the engagement between the pivot end 7 and the slot 5 in order to retain the panel 6 in the deployed configuration. These legs 41 will engage appropriate surfaces within the vehicle 1 to stabilise the panel 6 as required. These surfaces may be part of the seating or central console of the vehicle L In Figure 5, the flat panel 6 is retained in the deployed configuration through occupant engagement means such as an inflatable cushion or similar device which abuts with an occupant's legs in order to retain the panel 6 in the deployed configuration. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 5, the occupant engagement means is an inflatable cushion 51. This cushion 51 may be inflated manually or automatically as required.

Irrespective of the actual retention means embodiment utilised, it will be appreciated that the whole of the vehicle shelf a rrangement when stowed should be retained within the perimeter defined by the slot 5. Thus, the brace member 21, wires 31 with suckers 32 and legs 41 may be configured to 5 rebate into appropriate recesses of the panel 6 when stowage is required. Thus, appropriate latching mechanisms along with bias means may be necessary to retain these retention means 21; 31, 32; 41 within the perimeter of the panel 6 to facilitate stowage. The engagement means of the inflatable cushion 51 similarly may comprise a bladder type component secured to the underside of the panel 6 or a sheet of elastomeric material secured and sealed about the edges of the panel 6 such that an inflatable cushion 51 can be created by presentation through a mouth tube or other means of an inflation gas to the cushion 51 constituted thereby. In order to stow the vehicle shelf arrangement as depicted in Figure 5, it will thus be appreciated that the inflatable cushion 51 will be deflated to return within the confines of the panel 6 perimeter and so allow insertion within the slot 5.

It will be appreciated that in order to facilitate upward lift of the panel 6 from the slot 5 typically the slot 5 will be slightly oversized in relation to the dimensions of the panel 6 and guide slides or other bearing means will be provided. Normally, the far edge or top edge of the panel 6 will be provided with a pull strap to facilitate lifting of the panel 6 from the slot 5.

In any event, it will be appreciated that in accordance with the present invention, in order to reduce the possibility of misalignment jamming of the panel 6 as it slides upward within the slot 5 that, the panel 6 should substantially constitute a flat continuous surface as any bowing within the panel 6 could result in fouling between that panel 6 and the slot 5 as upward movement takes place. Furthermore, as the panel 6 substantially constitutes the shelf upon which articles are to be supported or secured, it is more convenient that the panel 6 is flat to inhibit roll off. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various orifices and apertures can be provided within the panel 6 in order to accommodate beverage containers or cup holders. Thus, as depicted in Figure 2 but equally applicable in the other embodiments depicted in Figures 3 to 5, a cup holding orifice 25 may be provided in the panel 6 such that the edges of this orifice 25 will engage the slopes of a typical beverage cup. It win also be understood that depressions or recesses may be provided within the operational surface of the panel 6 in order to further inhibit movement of articles upon the surface 6 particularly during vehicle 1 motion. Finally, the presented surface of the panel 6 may be coated with or formed from a non-slip material.

It will be appreciated that the panel 6 may be detachable from the vehicle 1 in order that different configurations or types, ie. between a flat surface or a panel 6 including an orifice 25, etc can be located within the vehicle 1. Normally, at least a strip of the panel 6, ie. pivot edge 7 will be retained about the slot 5 upon which the alternate panel 6 configurations can be secured. In such circumstances, the general wear and tear of the panel 6 during use along with the desire for different operational functions can be accommodated without the original vehicle manufacturer limiting the opportunities for variation and so allowing a vehicle owner optional alternatives within the vehicle. Detachment will also facilitate cleaning of soiled surfaces and reversing of operational surfaces, ie. flat to indented or plain to patterned. Furthermore, the panel 6 could include a wipeable surface upon which messages or route directions can be written for future reference.

1

Claims

- 11CLAIMS

1. A vehicle shelf arrangement comprising a flat panel with a pivot edge operable about a reciprocal slot to that flat panel but displaceable with the panel into that slot for stowage, said flat panel being liftable in a first direction from stowage within the slot such that the pivot edge engages a pivot lip of the reciprocal slot to allow rotation of the panel thereabouts into a deployed configuration typically perpendicular to the first direction and whereupon retention means retains the flat panel in that deployed configuration.

2. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pivot edge and the pivot lip constitute a partial clamp or hook and roller combination brought at least into engagement over the required rotational range for deployment to the deployed configuration.

3. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pivot edge engages the pivot lip through straps which extend between the panel and the slot.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the flat panel is deployable either side of the slot.

5. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the retention means includes a brace element arranged to engage a surface typically adjacent the slot.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the retention means includes suspension wires secured above the panel when in the deployed configuration.

7. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the retention means includes legs arranged to support the far end of the panel away from the pivot edge in the deployed configuration.

8. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the retention means includes occupant engagement means such as an inflatable cushion, which extends from below the panel when in the deployed configuration in order to engage an occupant of the vehicle.

9. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the reciprocal slot is located within a vehicle door panel or a side panel.

10. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flat panel is detachable from the arrangement in order to allow different flat panel configuration components to be secured. within the shelf arrangement.

11. A vehicle shelf arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A vehicle shelf arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with regard to Figures 1 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A vehicle shelf arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 4 in the accompanying drawings.

14. A vehicle shelf arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

15. A motor vehicle including a vehicle shelf arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim.

16. A vehicle as claimed in Claim 15, wherein two vehicle shelf arrangements in accordance with the present invention are located in opposed configuration within the vehicle such that upon both such vehicle shelf arrangements being presented in the deployed configuration a filler panel can be secured therebetween in order to provide a continuous shelf across the vehicle.