GB2430420A

GB2430420A - Vehicle storage system

Info

Publication number: GB2430420A
Application number: GB0519580A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sean Slade; Roo Clefas
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd; Nissan Technical Centre Europe Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2005-09-26
Filing date: 2005-09-26
Publication date: 2007-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-26
Also published as: GB0519580D0; GB2430420B

Abstract

A storage system for use on a vehicle comprises a storage receptacle having an adjustable storage volume, a storage volume opening for insertion and removal of stored objects and a front face 18 connectable to a vehicle surface 4 by means of first and second side elements 24. The storage receptacle further comprises a bottom element 26 which permits the front face 18 to be displaceable from the vehicle surface 4, in use, to define a floor for the storage volume. Biasing means 28,30 bias the receptacle into a closed position and includes a bracket 46 which attaches the storage system to the vehicle surface 4.

Description

STORAGE SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a storage system and particularly, but not exclusively, to a storage system having a storage receptacle which is mountable upon the rear surface of a seat in an automotive vehicle or an aircraft. Such a storage receptacle is often referred to as a seat pocket when in use on a vehicle seat.

Conventionally, a seat pocket is formed by a piece of fabric, netting or similar material that will restrain objects stored within it, but often utilises for aesthetic purposes, at least in part, the same finishing material as the covering for the vehicle seat itself. The material is formed as a two dimensional piece of material which is similar in width to the shape of the seat back so as to maximise the storage capacity of the pocket. The material is fixed, often by stitching, to the seat covering along the bottom and side edges of the piece of material. The unfixed top edge defines an opening for the pocket and the resulting space accessed between the unfixed top edge and the seat back defines the pocket storage volume. The top edge of the pocket is often reinforced against wear and tear by creating a conduit within which an additional material is received to provide strength to the pocket to help to maintain the form of the pocket top edge.

It is known to provide a seat pocket on the lower rear surface of the front seat of an automobile. Such pockets have a relatively restricted volume and so they only have the capacity to store a limited number of flat paper objects, such as a vehicle roadmaps or magazines and the like.

Seat pockets are also known in the aircraft industry for passenger convenience and storage of information cards and the like. Aircraft seat pockets provide a wedge-shaped storage volume of predetermined capacity and include an integrated torsional spring for biasing the pocket towards a closed volume position in which the pocket lies flush against the back of the aircraft seat.

It is one problem with seat pockets of the aforementioned type that a user often tries to stretch the pocket opening so as to introduce larger objects, for example non-paper or non-flat objects, into the storage volume. One detrimental effect is the incremental but permanent damage to the pocket and consequently the seat covering to which it is attached. The greater the size of the object stored the greater the distortion of the pocket and/or seat material giving a detrimental effect on the aesthetic appearance and generally increased wear and tear.

It is an aim of the invention to provide an improved storage receptacle that addresses this and other disadvantages of existing storage receptacles of the type used on vehicle seats. Other aims of the invention will become apparent

from the following description.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage system for use on a vehicle, the system comprising a storage receptacle having an adjustable storage volume and a storage volume opening for insertion and removal of stored objects, and a front face connectable to a vehicle surface by means of first and second side elements, the receptacle further comprising a bottom element to permit the pocket front face to be displaceable from the vehicle surface, in use, to define a floor for the storage volume.

The storage system has particular application as a seat pocket for use on a vehicle seat, particularly the rear surface of a vehicle seat. As the front face is displaceable from the vehicle surface, a greater storage volume is made possible than in conventional seat pockets. In particular, the bottom element allows the front face to be displaced from the vehicle seat across its full height, thus permitting a greater range of objects, of differing size and shape, to be stored within the storage volume without causing damage to the storage receptacle itself and/or the vehicle seat.

In a further embodiment, the first and second side elements and the bottom element are expandable and collapsible. The ability of the side and bottom elements to expand and collapse provides for an increased storage volume and reduces the detrimental effects of wear and tear which occur in conventional systems through stretching and pulling of the seat pocket material.

In one preferred embodiment, the first and second side elements and the bottom element are foldable, but equally the first and second side elements and/or the bottom element may be formed by an elasticated material.

It may be beneficial to provide the storage receptacle with an additional rear face to be fixed to the vehicle surface so that the storage volume is defined by the front face, the first and second side elements, the bottom element and the additional rear face. Alternatively, if no rear face is provided for the storage receptacle then the rear surface of the storage volume is defined by the vehicle surface itself.

Conveniently, in a further embodiment, the storage system receives a removable liner to contain items for storage. One further option includes providing the removable liner with a handle. In its simplest form the removable liner performs the function of a bag when detached from the vehicle surface.

In one embodiment, the storage system comprises biasing means for biasing the storage receptacle to a closed volume position in which the opening to the storage volume is substantially closed.

The biasing means may include an elasticised or elasticated tether routed around the periphery of the storage volume opening via the outermost points thereof. Furthermore, the biasing means may include an elasticised or elasticated tether routed around the periphery of the storage volume floor via the outermost points thereof.

The inclusion of the biasing means has the advantage of minimising the volume of space that the storage receptacle occupies when it does not contain objects.

Furthermore, objects stored within the storage volume will be greater constrained.

In one embodiment, the biasing means includes at least one bracket which also serves as an attachment means to fix the storage system to the vehicle surface.

For example, the storage system may include an L-shaped bracket, which at its top end is connected to the front face and at its bottom end is fixable to the vehicle surface.

Optionally it may be beneficial for the storage system to further comprise means for securing the storage system in the closed volume position. The securing means may include one or more of the following: press stud, VelcroTM, magnetic element, hook, clip, zip, lace, toggle and button.

In a further preferred embodiment, the storage system may comprise attachment means for fixing and unfixing the storage system to and from the vehicle surface.

Optionally, the attachment means comprise one or more of the following: press stud, VelcroTM, magnetic element, hook, clip, zip, lace, toggle and button.

Where the storage system is detachable, it may be advantageous for the storage receptacle to include a handle to facilitate carrying the storage receptacle when detached.

Conveniently, the aforementioned storage system further includes guiding means for facilitating insertion and removal of objects to and from the storage volume, respectively. In one embodiment the guiding means comprise a funnel shaped attachment for the front face.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle seat having a storage system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat comprising a seat pocket as

known in the prior art,

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an aircraft seat comprising another type of known seat pocket, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat on which a first embodiment of the seat pocket of the invention is shown in an open position, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the seat pocket in Figure 3 in a half-open position, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the seat pocket shown in Figures 3 and 4 when in a closed position, Figure 6a and 6b show perspective views, respectively, of (i) a vehicle seat provided with seat fixtures to facilitate fixing of a seat pocket thereto, and (ii) a seat pocket provided with co-operable fixtures for mounting on the seat fixtures of Figure 6a, Figure 7 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention wherein the seat pocket is hooked to a co operable feature upon the seat back, Figure 8 shows a side view of another embodiment of the seat pocket incorporating a substantially L-shaped mounting bracket for mounting to the seat back, Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the seat pocket including guide means upon the pocket top edge, and Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the seat pocket which is removable from the seat.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a known seat, of the type typically used in an automotive vehicle, is referred to generally as 2. The seat 2 includes a seat back 4, a headrest 6 and a seat cushion 8. Importantly this figure shows the rearmost surface of the seat back 4.

Although not indicated on the drawing, the seat 2 comprises seat elements in the form of a tubular steel seat frame and wire elements to provide the seat with rigidity and strength and expanded foam padding to provide comfort for the seated passenger. The seat is usually provided with a covering for the seat cushion and padding to improve the aesthetic appearance of the seat 2.

A seat pocket 10 of substantially rectangular shape is mounted to the rearmost surface of the seat back 4 in a lower region thereof. The seat pocket 10 is constructed of a single piece of material, which is typically selected to optimise the aesthetic appearance of the seat 2 and the practical function of the seat pocket 10.

The seat pocket 10 includes left and right pocket side edges 12, a pocket bottom edge 14, a pocket top edge 16 and a front face 18. The pocket 10 is attached, by means of stitching, to the rear surface of the vehicle seat along the pocket side edges 12 and the pocket bottom edge 14, resulting in a substantially flat (two dimensional) structure. The pocket top edge 16 of the seat pocket 10 is unconnected to the seat back 4 so as to create a storage volume opening, which gives unobstructed access to a pocket storage volume or space formed between the pocket front face 18 and the seat back 4. For the purposes of wear and tear a channel is often incorporated into the pocket top edge 16 to house a length or lengths of reinforcement and/or elasticated material, which serve to reduce the distortion of the pocket top edge 16 and the pocket front face 18 when in use. When not in use, the pocket 10 lies flush against the seat back 4 and the storage volume opening is substantially closed.

Insertion and removal of items to and from the seat pocket 10 is achieved by displacing the seat back 4 and the pocket top edge 16 to access the storage volume via the storage volume opening.

The storage volume is suited to storing objects that are substantially flat by virtue of the flat nature of the seat pocket material. It follows that the storage in the pocket of any object that is not substantially flat leads to deformation of the seat pocket top edge 16, the pocket material and/or the seat back 4. The pocket 10 is therefore not optimised for storage of 3-dimensional objects such as shoes, bottles, boxes, tools, for example.

Figure 2 shows another known seat pocket of the type used on an aircraft seat.

The aircraft seat pocket 10 includes similar elements to those in Figure 1, and like parts will be referred to with like reference numerals. The aircraft seat pocket differs, however, in that it includes elements to add depth to the storage volume, namely a pocket back face 20, one top edge 22 that is fixed to the seat back 4 in addition to the unfixed pocket tope edge 16, and left and right pocket folding sides 24. The pocket folding sides 24 are fixed to the seat back 4 at their lowermost ends such that the pocket bottom edge 14 is permanently flush with the seat back 4.

The pocket top edge 16 is connected, at its outermost ends, to the pocket folding sides and is displaceable away from the seat back 4, together with the pocket front face 18, as the pocket folding sides 24 are unfolded.

The aircraft seat pocket provides an adjustable storage volume, and an increased storage volume compared to the seat pocket in Figure 1, when the unfixed pocket top edge 16 is pulled away from the seat back 4 to unfold the pocket sides 24. When the storage volume is opened in this way the seat pocket provides a substantially wedge shaped storage receptacle.

A spring mechanism is provided around the periphery of the seat pocket opening, which serves to bias the pocket top edge 16, and the pocket front face 18, towards the seat back 4. When an object is inserted between the unfixed pocket top edge 16 and the fixed pocket top edge 22, the spring mechanism serves to bias the pocket front face 18 towards the seat back 4 so that objects stored within the pocket are held or trapped securely in position.

The disadvantage of both the vehicle seat pocket and the aircraft seat pocket is that they provide only a limited storage volume. Consequently, displacement of the seat pocket beyond its maximum expansion will stress the pocket materials. Furthermore, any item sensitive to compression is easily squashed and potentially damaged.

Generally, the principal advantage that the invention has is that it has a pocket bottom edge that is not directly attached to the seat back 4, thus allowing the pocket and its adjustable storage volume to expand along the full height of the seat pocket 10. The seat pocket also has an additional surface at the pocket bottom edge to define a floor for the storage volume, as will be appreciated

from the following description.

Figures 3 to 5 show a seat pocket of the invention to have a pocket front face 18, a pocket rear face 20, a fixed pocket top edge 22, an unfixed pocket top edge 16 and an unfixed pocket bottom edge 14. A fixed pocket bottom edge (not visible) is attached to the seat back 4 at the lower edge of the pocket rear face 20. First and second pocket folding sides 24 are connected at upper and lower ends thereof to the top and bottom edges, respectively, of both the pocket front face 18 and the pocket back face 20. Importantly, the pocket folding sides 24 are not fixed to the fixed pocket bottom edge 16 and are expandable and collapsible fully along their full length so as to adjust their degree of folding during the transition of the adjustable storage volume between open and closed positions.

An additional pocket bottom element 26 is connected between the lower edges of the front and rear faces 18, 20 to define a foldable storage volume floor. The additional pocket bottom element 26 is foldable, together with the first and second folding sides 24, so as to permit the seat pocket 10 to be changed between a closed position (as in Figure 3), in which the sides 24 are folded and the pocket front face 18 rests against the pocket rear face 20, and a fully open storage position (as in Figure 5) in which the pocket sides 24 and the pocket bottom element 26 are unfolded fully to displace the pocket front face 18 from the pocket rear face 20.

Figure 3 shows the pocket 10 in its fully closed position in which the pocket front face 18 is flush with the seat back 4 and the storage pocket opening is substantially closed. The pocket in this configuration will be unobtrusive in the area behind the seat 2 when either not in use or when storing only substantially flat objects. The seat pocket 10 may include, as an optional feature, a zip or similar securing means to prevent expansion of the pocket folding sides 24 when the closed position is adopted, so that a user must deliberately unzip the sides if objects are to be inserted into the pocket storage volume.

Figure 4 shows the seat pocket in an intermediate position (a half-open position) in which the unfixed pocket top edge 16 has been displaced forward from the seat back 4 but the pocket bottom edge 14 of the pocket front face 20 remains flush with the seat back 4 so that the pocket bottom element 26 remains folded. In an alternative half-open position (not shown), the pocket top edge 16 remains flush to the seat back 4 whereas the unfixed pocket bottom edge 14 of the front face 18 is displaced forwards from the seat back 4 to unfold the pocket bottom element 26. Which of the half-open storage positions is adopted depends on the size and shape of the object(s) received within the storage volume.

Figure 5 shows a pocket 10 in the fully open position in which the pocket front face 18 is displaced fully from the seat back 4 at both the pocket top edge 16 and the pocket bottom edge 14. The fully open position is made possible because the pocket bottom edge 14 is not attached to the seat back 4, and by virtue of the additional pocket bottom element 26 which unfolds to define the storage volume floor.

The pocket 10 further includes a biasing or retaining means in the form of a top elastic tether 28 and a bottom elastic tether 30. The top elastic tether 28 is connected to elastic tether fixing points 32 located at opposite ends of the pocket top edge 16. From one elastic tether fixing point 32 at one end of the top edge 16, the top elastic tether 28 routes through a first elastic tether routing aperture 34a and follows an elastic tether channel 36 located within the seat 4 before exiting through a second elastic tether routing aperture 34b at the other side of the seat back 4, and to the corresponding elastic tether fixing point 32 at the other end of the pocket top edge 16. This configuration is repeated for the bottom elastic tether 30 around the periphery of the pocket bottom element 26 at the pocket bottom edge 14. The top elastic tether 28 and the bottom elastic tether 30 serve to bias the pocket top edge 16 and the pocket bottom edge 14 (and consequently the pocket front face 18) towards the seat back 4 so as to help to retain stored objects in position within the storage volume.

The displacement of the pocket front face 18 from the pocket rear face 20 can occur by a variable amount to a maximum defined by the maximum expansion of the pocket folding sides 24 and the pocket bottom element 26. The invention therefore has the advantage that the pocket 10 serves to accommodate irregular shaped objects within the storage volume.

The retaining function performed by the elastic tethers may also be implemented by an alternative means. Such alternative means may include combinations of string and spring material, torsional springs and materials that retain a memory' of their original shape.

In Figures 3 to 5 the pocket back face 20 is attached to the seat back 4 by attachments means in the form of stitching to the seat covering. In an alternative embodiment the pocket 10 may be attached to the seat frame by means of mounting to a part of the seat frame with greater rigidity and strength than that of the seat covering material. This provides the benefit that wear and tear of the seat covering material is reduced.

Further advantage may be gained, in some applications, by attaching the seat pocket 10 removably to the seat back 4. Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, the seat pocket 10 is mounted removably to the seat back 4 by attachment means including seat back fixtures 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d and corresponding seat pocket fixtures 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d. The fixtures may include one or more of press studs, Velcro patches, magnetic elements or hooks and eyes and the like. It is preferable for the seat back fixtures 37a-37d to be attached to or form a part of the seat frame, as opposed to the seat covering, to provide a more rigid attachment means. It is also preferable for the seat pocket 10 to be provided with a handle which allows the seat pocket 10 to be carried conveniently, when detached from the vehicle seat 4.

Being removable, the pocket has the advantage of being used as a conventional bag when it is detached from the vehicle, wherein objects can be inserted into or removed from the seat pocket when in a location other than the vehicle.

Furthermore, the user may have a number of seat pockets for different uses. For example, the seat pocket may be designed particularly with shopping in mind, being formed from a material that is waterproofed and/or thermally insulating to maintain the temperature of stored food products.

Referring to Figure 7, in a further embodiment of the seat pocket 10 an attachment means in the form of a pocket hook 36 (or plurality of hooks) is provided to cooperate with a corresponding seat internal fixture (or fixtures) 39 forming a part of the rigid seat frame.

Figure 8 shows a side view of another embodiment of the seat pocket 10 including attachment means in the form of first and second L-frames 40 (only one of which is visible in side view). A keyed hook (not shown) is provided at the lower end of each L-frame 40 and a flexible universal joint or swivel 44 is provided at the upper end of each L-frame 40. The keyed hook connects, via suitable connection means, with the corresponding seat fixture 39 and the universal joint 44 attaches to the pocket top edge 16 and the pocket front face 18 to allow the pocket front face 18 to swivel or pivot about its interface with the upper end of the L-frame 40.

In the closed position the pocket front face 18 and the L-frames 40 remain substantially flush to the seat back 4 (as shown as Figure 3 for example).

When an object, such as a box, is placed in the seat pocket 10 it first displaces the pocket top edge 16 from the seat back 4 and then the Lframes 40 deflect

I

away from the seat back 4, by means of the swivels 44, so as to accommodate the box within the open storage volume. The pocket front face 18 manoeuvres around the swivel 44 as the angle between the L-frames 40 and the pocket front face 18 is varied.

Referring to Figure 9, in another embodiment the seat pocket 10 is also provided with a guide means in the form of a seat pocket guide lip 46 which acts to guide the user's hand, and/or object to be stored, into the storage volume.

The pocket guide lip 46 is fixed to, or forms an integral part of, the pocket front face 18 at the pocket top edge 16. The pocket guide lip 46 is preferably formed from a low friction material.

Figure 10 shows a removable bag 48 that acts as a pocket liner for the seat pocket 10 of any of the embodiments of the invention described previously.

The removable bag 48 has a volume slightly reduced in size compared with that of the seat pocket 10 so that it may form a lining for the interior of the pocket 10. It is preferable for the removable liner 48 to have a handle 48a to facilitate removal of the liner from the storage volume and carrying of the liner and objects stored within.

Although the aforementioned embodiments include a seat pocket 10 which has expandable and collapsible folding pocket side elements 24, it is envisaged that the seat pocket 10 may alternatively be formed from an expandable material (such as an elasticated material) so as to allow the pocket side elements to expand and contract as the seat pocket 10 is adjusted between the open, half- open and closed positions. The pocket bottom element 26 may also be formed from an elasticated material to provide the required expandability.

Claims

1. A storage system for use on a vehicle, the storage system comprising: a storage receptacle (10) having an adjustable storage volume, a storage volume opening for insertion and removal of stored objects and a front face (18) connectable to a vehicle surface (4) by means of first and second side elements (24), the storage receptacle (10) further comprising a bottom element (26) which permits the front face (18) to be displaceable from the vehicle surface (4), in use, to define a floor for the storage volume.

2. A storage volume system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second side elements (24) and the bottom element (26) are expandable and collapsible to provide the adjustable storage volume.

3. A storage system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and second side elements (24) and the bottom element (26) are foldable.

4. A storage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage receptacle further comprises an additional rear face (20) to be fixed to the vehicle surface (4) and wherein the storage volume is defined by the front face (18), the first and second side elements (24), the bottom element (26) and the additional rear face (20).

5. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustable storage volume is defined by the front face (18), the first and second side elements (24), the bottom element (26) and the vehicle surface.

6. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage volume is arranged to receive a removable liner (48) to contain items for storage.

I

7. A storage system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the removable liner (48) has a handle (48a).

8. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising biasing means (28, 30) for biasing the storage receptacle (10) into a closed position in which the storage volume opening is substantially closed.

9. A storage system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the biasing means includes an elasticated tether (28) routed around the periphery of the storage volume opening via the outermost points thereof.

10. A storage system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the biasing means includes an elasticated tether (30) routed around the periphery of the storage volume floor via the outermost points thereof.

11. A storage system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the biasing means includes a bracket (40) which also serves as an attachment means to fix the storage system to the vehicle surface (4), in use.

12. A storage system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the storage system includes an L-shaped bracket (40), a top end of which is connected to the front face (18) and a bottom end of which is fixable to the vehicle surface (4).

13. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12, further comprising means for securing the storage receptacle (10) in the closed position.

14. A storage system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the securing means comprise one or more of the following: press stud, VelcroTM, magnetic element, hook, clip, zip, lace, toggle and button. 4 *

15. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising attachment means (32a-32d, 37a-37d) for attaching and detaching the storage receptacle (10) to and from the vehicle surface (4).

16. A storage system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the attachment means comprise one or more of the following fixtures; press stud, VelcroTM, magnetic element, hook, clip, zip, lace, toggle, button.

17. A storage system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the storage receptacle (10) includes a handle to facilitate carrying of the storage receptacle (10) when detached from the vehicle surface (4).

18. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the storage system comprises guiding means (46) for facilitating insertion and removal of objects to and from the adjustable storage volume.

19. A storage system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the guiding means comprise a funnel shaped attachment (46) 20. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the storage system is connectable to the rear surface (4) of a vehicle seat.

21. A vehicle seat provided with a storage system as claimed in any of the aforementioned claims.

22. A storage system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures 3 to 5, Figures 6a and 6b, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A storage system for use on a vehicle, the storage system comprising: a storage receptacle (10) having an adjustable storage volume, a storage volume opening for insertion and removal of stored objects and a front face (18) connectable to a vehicle surface (4) by means of first and second side elements (24), the storage receptacle (10) further comprising a bottom element (26) which permits the front face (18) to be displaceable from the vehicle surface (4), in use, to define a floor for the storage volume, further comprising biasing means (28, 30) for biasing the storage receptacle (10) into a closed position in which the storage volume opening is substantially closed, wherein the biasing means includes a bracket (40) which also serves as an attachment means to fix the storage system to the vehicle surface (4).

4. A storage system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage receptacle further comprises an additional rear face (20) to be fixed to the vehicle surface (4) and wherein the storage volume is defmed by the front face (18), the first and second side elements (24), the bottom element (26) and the additional rear face (20).

5. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustable storage volume is defmed by the front face (18), the first and second side elements (24), the bottom element (26) and the vehicle surface.

8. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the biasing means includes an elasticated tether (28) routed around the periphery of the storage volume opening via the outermost points thereof.

9. A storage system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the biasing means includes an elasticated tether (30) routed around the periphery of the storage volume floor via the outermost points thereof. :: : 10. A storage system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the storage system includes an L-shaped bracket (40), a top end of which is connected to the front face (18) and a bottom end of which is fixable to the vehicle surface (4).

11. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising means for securing the storage receptacle (10) in the closed position.

12. A storage system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the securing means comprise one or more of the following: press stud, VelcroTM, magnetic element, hook, clip, zip, lace, toggle and button.

13. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, further comprising attachment means (32a-32d, 37a-37d) for attaching and detaching the storage receptacle (10) to and from the vehicle surface (4).

14. A storage system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the attachment means comprise one or more of the following fixtures; press stud, VelcroTM, magnetic element, hook, clip, zip, lace, toggle, button.

15. A storage system as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the storage receptacle (10) includes a handle to facilitate carrying of the storage receptacle (10) when detached from the vehicle surface (4).

16. A storage system as claimed in any of claims I to 15, wherein the storage system comprises guiding means (46) for facilitating insertion and removal of objects to and from the adjustable storage volume.

17. A storage system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the guiding means comprise a funnel shaped attachment (46) 18. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the storage system is connectable to the rear surface (4) of a vehicle seat.

19. A vehicle seat provided with a storage system as claimed in any of the aforementioned claims.

20. A storage system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures 3 to 5, Figures 6a and 6b, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10. ) >