GB2451126A

GB2451126A - Vehicle with retractable cargo compartment

Info

Publication number: GB2451126A
Application number: GB0714123A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Uhlarik; Joe Molloy
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2007-07-20
Filing date: 2007-07-20
Publication date: 2009-01-21
Also published as: GB0714123D0

Abstract

A vehicle 1 is provided comprising a cargo compartment 2 and a retractable pod 10. The pod is configured to be extended from and retracted into the cargo compartment. In addition, the retractable pod comprises at least one access means that is covered by the cargo compartment when the pod is retracted. The pod may comprise a plurality of storage modules 31, where said modules may be shaped so as to accommodate a specific article. The access means may comprise a door 33 for covering a storage module, said module comprising a lockable box or drawer. At least one of the storage modules may be provided with one or more of lighting, power, compressed air, drainage and temperature or vibration control. Power may be obtained from a solar panel 14b on the top of the pod, said panel being located below a transparent panel 5b in the roof of the vehicle when the pod is retracted. Rails may be located beneath the pod (figure 18) so as to aid withdrawal, and supporting legs (23, figure 10) may be provided. Also disclosed are details of vehicle roof lights (figures 23-26).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO UTILISATION OF VEHICLE INTERIOR

SPACE

The present invention relates to improving the utilisation of space within a vehicle interior and, in particular, to a vehicle comprising a pod that can be extended from and retracted into the cargo compartment of a vehicle.

In today's increasingly mobile environment individuals practising a wide variety of professions use their vehicle as their primary workspace, whether as an office or a workshop. In order to work efficiently from a vehicle different professions have different requirements.

There are a number of known modifications to a family car that make the use of a car as a home office more practical. However, some professions require a large amount of specialist equipment that must be stored with care and easily accessed.

In order to address these issues some vans have been provided with wall mounted storage within the cargo compartment. However, access to these is necessarily achieved by the operative climbing into the van. This precludes the cargo compartment being fully loaded if access to these wall mounted storage areas is required.

It is in the context of these problems that the present invention has been made.

According to the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a cargo compartment and a retractable pod configured to be extended from and retracted into the cargo compartment, wherein the retractable pod comprises at least one access means that is covered by the cargo compartment when the pod is retracted.

The provision of one or more access means on the pod enables the contents of the pod to be accessed from the outside of the vehicle when the pod is extended. The access means are not accessible when the pod is retracted, providing further security for the contents of the pod.

Extending the pod substantially empties the cargo compartment so that it can be put to a further use. For example, it could be used as an office or work room whilst the former contents of the cargo compartment remain securely and conveniently stowed in the pod.

The vehicle may further comprise a deployment mechanism comprising at least one means for guiding the motion of the pod relative to the cargo compartment and at least one mechanism for driving the deployment of the pod. The guide means of the deployment mechanism may be configured to enable the pod to execute substantially linear motion relative to the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

A linear motion relative to the vehicle enables the pod to have substantially the same volume as the cargo compartment as there is no need to reduce the volume of the pod in order to accommodate the deployment of the pod. Furthermore, the mechanism required to deploy the pod in a straight line is simpler and therefore occupies less space than a more complex mechanism for a more complex deployment track.

The vehicle further comprises at least one leg for supporting the pod when it is extended from the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Supporting the pod using one or more legs reduces the forces on the deployment mechanism once the pod is fully deployed and thereby improves the stability of the deployed pod.

The pod may be sub-divided into a plurality of storage modules each provided with at least one access means. Dividing the internal space of the pod into a plurality of distinct storage areas enables different items to be stored separately in a manner that is appropriate to the item being stored. It prevents the unwanted mixing of incompatible items and helps to prevent damage to sensitive items.

In addition to being accessible from outside the vehicle, at least one of the modules of the pod may be provided with access means enabling the module to be accessed from within the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

Whilst it is convenient to be able to access all of the storage modules from outside the vehicle, additional functionality is provided by enabling access to at least one of the storage modules from within the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

At least one of the storage modules may comprise a shaped section configured to secure a specific article. By shaping a module to match the shape of an item, the item can be held securely and therefore the risk of damage resulting from the item moving, for example when the vehicle is moving, is considerably reduced.

At least one of the storage modules may comprise a lockable storage drawer or box.

The provision of an individually lockable box or drawer allows the contents of one part of the pod to be secured whilst still allowing full access to the remaining parts of the pod.

At least one of the storage modules may be provided with at least one facility selected from a list including lighting, power, compressed air, drainage and temperature or vibration control.

The vehicle may further comprise a latch mechanism for securing the pod to the vehicle when the pod is fully extended, fully retracted or at any intermediate position.

The pod includes an upper surface that is provided with at least one solar panel and wherein the cargo compartment has a transparent or translucent section that is substantially coterminous with the solar panel.

The provision of a solar panel enables power to be supplied to the pod without having an adverse effect on the state of charge of the vehicle battery. By supplying a transparent or translucent section in the cargo compartment of the vehicle, the solar panel can continue to function even when the pod is fully retracted into the cargo compartment.

Furthermore, the provision of a transparent or translucent panel in the cargo compartment of the vehicle provides a source of natural light into the cargo compartment.

The pod may extend from the rear of the vehicle and wherein the pod includes a closure panel that is configured to seal the cargo compartment when the pod is fully retracted.

Providing the closure panel on the pod, rather than on the vehicle ensures that no space is wasted between the end of the pod and the closure panel.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a left side view of a first configuration of a vehicle according the present invention in a first configuration; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a rear view of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a rear 3/4 view of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a rear � view from the right side of a second configuration of the vehicle according to the present invention revealing a pod; Figure 6 shows a rear � view from the left side of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a left side view of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 shows a plan view of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 5; Figure 9 shows a front 3/4 view from the right side of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 5: Figure 10 shows a rear � view from the right side of a third configuration of the vehicle according to the present invention; Figure 11 shows a left side view of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a front � view from the left side of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 10; Figure 13 shows a rear view of the configuration of the vehicle shown in Figure 10; Figure 14 shows a front 3/4 view of the interior of a vehicle closure panel that forms part of the vehicle of the present invention; Figure 15 shows a section through the vehicle of the present invention in the first configuration, the section illustrating a cargo compartment roof and a vehicle closure panel with a latch in a closed position; Figure 16 shows a rear view of the vehicle closure panel shown in Figures 14 and 15 with the latch in the closed position; Figure 17 shows a rear view of the vehicle closure panel with the vehicle is the second configuration and therefore the latch in an open position revealing a rear view camera; Figure 18 shows a front � underside view of the part of the pod shown in Figures 5 to 9; Figure 19 shows a rear � view from the right side of the pod shown in Figures 5 to 9: Figure 20 shows a rear 3/4 view from the right side of a pod deployment mechanism; Figures 21a and b show side and rear views respectively of pod support legs in the fully retracted; Figures 22a and b show side and rear views respectively of pod support legs in the fully extended position; Figure 23 shows a pair of forward facing roof lamp assemblies; Figure 24a shows the roof mounted lamp assembly of Figure 23 with the lamp module in a first, driving orientation; Figure 24b shows the roof mounted lamp assembly of Figure 23 with the lamp module in a second, parked orientation; Figure 25 shows a side view of a rear lamp cluster: and Figure 26 shows a plan view of the rear lamp cluster shown in Figure 25.

Throughout the following description, like reference numerals will be used to identify like features of the illustrated vehicle. Although the vehicle in the example shown in the figures takes the form of a light commercial vehicle this should not be taken as limiting.

Indeed, the present invention could be adapted to be incorporated into other motor vehicles or motor vehicle trailers.

Figures 1 to 4 show various views of the vehicle 1 in a first configuration. Figure 1 shows the vehicle as viewed from the left side: figure 2 shows the vehicle 1 viewed from above: figure 3 shows the vehicle viewed from behind and figure 4 shows a rear % view of the vehicle 1.

The vehicle has a cargo compartment 2 formed by a cargo compartment floor 3, cargo compartment side walls 4, and a cargo compartment roof 5. As shown in Figure 1, the left cargo compartment wall 4 includes a door or hatch 4a to provide access to the cargo compartment from the outside of the vehicle 1. The cargo compartment 2 can also be referred to as the pod receiver.

The vehicle 1 has a vehicle body Ia which is supported on road wheels 6a by a structural vehicle frame 6. The weight of cargo carried within the vehicle body Ia is transferred to the road wheels 6a via the vehicle frame 6. It will be apparent to the skilled reader that the present invention may be readily adapted for use in a vehicle without such a frame, commonly known as a monocoque or unibody vehicle.

The cargo compartment roof 5 has an opaque section 5a that supports a transparent or translucent panel 5b. The opaque section 5a is fabricated from metal or a glass reinforced plastic. The transparent or translucent panel 5b is fabricated from a polycarbonate plastics material or glass. Although a single panel is shown in Figure 1, a number of smaller panels could be provided. The panel 5b allows the user to take advantage of natural light entering the cargo compartment 2 providing natural ambient light in the cargo compartment.

The vehicle shown in Figure 1 is provided with a pair of forward facing roof lamp assemblies 50 located at the front of the vehicle roof 5. Further details of the lamp assemblies 50 are shown in Figures 23, 24a and 24b.

Figure 23 shows a front 3/4 view of the front left side of the vehicle 1. The vehicle roof 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 51 in the roof 5 above a windscreen 60. The recesses 51 are provided with mountings (not shown) to support the roof lamp assemblies 50.

The lamp assemblies 50 comprise roof mounted lamp modules 53 which are detachable from the vehicle for use away from the vehicle, for example as search lights or work lights as required by the user. The lamp module 53 comprises a lumière (not shown); a primary projector lens 53a; a roof lamp support ring 55 for mounting the lamp assembly; a battery pack which powers the lumière when the lamp module 53 is used away from the vehicle and a pivotable electrical connector 57 which powers the lumière and recharges the battery pack when the lamp module 53 is connected to the vehicle 1.

The roof lamp assemblies 50 are provided with correspondingly shaped roof lamp covers 52. The roof lamp covers 52 are attached to the roof 5 around the sides and rear of the roof recesses 51 leaving an aperture through which a primary projector lens 53a of the lamp module 53 protrudes to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle 1.

The lamp module 53 is also provided with a roof lamp secondary lens 54 which is positioned along at least part of the length of the lamp module 53. In addition to the lamp module 53 being configured to be removable from the vehicle I by the user, the mounting for the lamp module is designed to allow the lamp module to be rotated by the user about the longitudinal axis of the lamp module which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The pivotable mounting for the lamp module allows the user to rotate the lamp module between at least a first, driving orientation 54a and a second, parked orientation 54b.

Figure 24a shows the roof mounted lamp assembly of Figure 23 with the lamp module 53 orientated so as to align the secondary lens 54 into a first, driving orientation 54a. In the first position the roof lamp secondary lens 54 may be used to direct a proportion of the emitted light from the lumière in a substantially perpendicular direction to the vehicle travel to act as a side marker or repeater by directing light to the side of the vehicle. In the second position, the roof lamp secondary lens 54 may be used to direct a proportion of the emitted light from the lumière substantially downwards in towards the vehicle interior to provide additional interior lighting for the vehicle.

Also shown in Figure 24a is the roof lamp module mounting means provided at the front end by means of a roof lamp support ring 55 and at the rear by the electrical connector I roof lamp pivot 57. The roof lamp support ring seals against a support ring receiver 56 which is mounted to the vehicle roof 5 and the inside face of the roof lamp cover 52. The interface between the roof lamp support ring and the support ring receiver effectively seals the roof lamp assembly 50 from water and dirt ingress when the lamp module 53 is in position.

Also shown in Figure 24a is the vehicle roof interior headlining 59, which is provided with openings to allow light to be transmitted through the translucent base 51a of the roof recess 51, and to provide access to the roof lamp orientation handle 58. When the roof lamp orientation handle is in a position corresponding to the roof lamp in the first or driving position 54a it is shown as roof lamp orientation handle 58a. Also shown in Figure 24a is the vehicle windscreen 60 and vehicle windscreen finisher 61.

Figure 24b shows the roof mounted lamp assembly of Figure 23 with the lamp module 53 orientated so as to align the secondary lens 54 into the second, parked orientation 54b. In order to transmit light from the lamp module 53 into the vehicle interior when the lamp module is in the second position 54b, the roof recess 51 is provided with a translucent base section 51a. When the lamp module 53 is orientated to substantially align the secondary lens 54 with the translucent base section 51 a of the roof recess 51, light may be directed from the secondary lens 54 into the vehicle 1. A benefit of providing the roof recess 51 with a transparent or translucent base section 51a is that it may transmit some natural light into the vehicle during the daytime. In order to transmit daylight, the roof lamp cover 52 has a translucent section 52a above the main part of the lamp module 53. In this way sunlight may pass through the translucent section 52a of the roof lamp cover 52, past the sides of the lamp module 53 and through the translucent base section 51a of the roof recess 51 into the vehicle interior. In order to orientate the roof lamp module 53 into the second or parked orientation 54b, the orientation handle 58 is moved into the corresponding position 58b.

The means to selectively align the secondary lens 54 with the translucent base section 51a may be provided by means of a roof lamp orientation handle 58 or other suitable means such as a motorized drive mechanism (not shown). Alternatively, the secondary lens 54 may be permanently aligned with the translucent base section 51a which may be provided with a sliding opaque shutter (not shown) configured to allow the user to obscure either the side of the lamp module 53 or the translucent base section 51 a.

The cargo compartment 2 is closed by a closure panel 15 which is configured to seal against the roof 5, side walls 4 and floor 3 of the cargo compartment 2 and thereby enclose the contents of the cargo compartment 2. The closure panel 15 is releasably secured to the vehicle by means of a latch 17 in cooperation with a latch actuator 17a.

The configuration of the latch 17 and latch receiver 7 are shown in detail in Figures 14 to 17. When the closure panel is retracted to the closed position illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the latch 17 engages a latch receiver. The latch receiver 7 is a recessed feature of the vehicle roof panel 5a. The latch receiver 7 is shown in Figure 5. Although the latch receiver 7 and latch 17 are located in the vehicle roof panel 5a and the upper surface of the closure panel 15 respectively, the positioning of the mechanism is not fundamental to its function. For example, a latch receiver could alternatively be provided on one or more of the sides 4 of the vehicle or even the floor 3 of the cargo compartment 2 and, in conjunction with a latch 17 provided on a respective surface of the closure panel 15, could provide the same functionality as the illustrated latch 17 and latch receiver 7.

Figure 3 shows a rear view of the vehicle 1 showing a licence plate 48. Although mounted substantially centrally towards the lower edge of the closure panel 15 in this example it will be apparent that the position of the licence plate 48 may be relocated to any position to meet the requirements of national law or to be optimised for visibility, packaging or aesthetic purposes.

Figure 4 shows a rear � view of the vehicle I from an elevated position to the right side relative to the vehicle. The view shows the closure panel 15 in the closed or retracted position and the latch 17 in the down or latched position.

Figures 5 to 9 show the vehicle 1 is a second configuration in which a utility module or pod 10 has been extended from the vehicle 1. The pod 10 is configured to be extended from or retracted into the cargo compartment. Figures 5 and 6 show rear � views from the right and left sides of the vehicle I respectively; figure 7 shows a left side view of the vehicle 1: figure 8 shows a plan view of the configuration of the vehicle 1; and figure 9 shows a front � view from the right side of the vehicle 1.

The pod 10 comprises a body 11, a deployment mechanism 19, the closure panel 15 and support legs 21.

The pod body 11 comprises left and right side walls 13, an upper surface 14 and a base or underside 12 (shown in Figure 18). In addition, the pod body 11 has a pod insertion panel 16 (shown in Figure 19) which is the leading face of the pod 10 as it is inserted into the cargo compartment of the vehicle 1. The insertion panel 16 divides the inside of the pod 10 from the inside of the cargo compartment 2. The pod body 11 is sized so that it fits closely within the cargo compartment 2 and therefore when the pod 10 is extended, the insertion panel 16 effectively provides a fourth side to the cargo compartment.

The cargo compartment 2 is sealed by the closure panel 15 when the pod 10 is fully retracted. In the example shown the closure panel 15 is mounted on the pod 10 so that, when the pod 10 is either partially or fully extended from the cargo compartment 2, the standard features of the rear of the vehicle, such as a high level centre mounted stop lamp 47, licence plate 49 and tail lamp clusters 41 are still visible from behind the vehicle.

The closure panel 15 is also provided with a rear view camera 46 that is revealed when the latch 17 is opened. The camera 46 feeds back images of the area to the rear of the vehicle during the deployment of the pod. The camera could alternatively be situated elsewhere on the rear of the vehicle so that is can provide information about the area behind the vehicle during normal driving and manoeuvring of the vehicle.

When the pod 10 is extended from the cargo compartment 2 of the vehicle I it reveals a considerable surface area provided by the two side walls 13 of the pod body 11. This configuration maximises the accessibility of the contents of the pod to a user situated outside the vehicle as the majority of the internal spaces are within an arm's length of one of the pod side walls 13.

In a further embodiment, not illustrated, the closure panel 15 is hingeably connected to the cargo compartment roof 5. When the closure panel 15 is opened it prescribes an arcuate path of over 900 so that the pod 10 can be extracted from within the cargo compartment 2.

Although, in the example shown in the figures, the pod 10 emerges from the rear of the vehicle 1, the pod could be adapted to extend from one of the sides of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the pod body could be subdivided into two smaller pods, one of which is configured to extend from either side of the vehicle. The provision of a pod or pods that extend from the side(s) of the vehicle enable the vehicle as a whole to remain within its standard footprint in the forward/rearward direction.

The pod body 11 is subdivided into a plurality of storage modules 31. The storage modules may be manufactured as a single bespoke moulding or, alternatively, they may be created by first preparing standard frame and then customising the frame with a plurality of interchangeable and configurable storage modules according to the intended use of the pod 10.

Some of the storage modules 31 are closable using storage module access means 30.

The access means 30 can take the form of doors closing box-like compartments 32 or drawers 34 which slide out to increase accessibility to the contents. In addition to closing the storage box or drawer 34 securely, the access means can be individually lockable.

Behind the access means 30, the compartments 32 can be further customised to include hanging rails to enable the compartment to be used as a wardrobe 33 or closet. The closure means 30 can be adapted to fold out to provide a work surface. One of the storage modules can be used to house a generator and the access means 30 can give access to the generator for maintenance.

Some of the storage modules are sealable to that they are thermally insulated or temperature I humidity controlled, isolated from vibration or even ventilated or drained for accommodating wet, perishable or sensitive items.

Further storage modules 31 are provided with a water supply so that a storage module can be configured for use as a sink 35, a water dispenser and/or a shower 36a with a hose that can be extended from the module for use by an individual situated outside the vehicle.

Further storage modules 31 are provided with a supply of power from the generator so that the storage module can be configured for use as a refrigerator or to power lights or other tools that can be stored within the module 31.

In some circumstances dedicated storage compartments are provided which are shaped to closely co-operate with a specific piece of equipment or other article. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the pod body 11 has a storage module 31 that comprises a plurality of elongate recesses that are sized to hold cylindrical tanks.

The pod is provided with a solar panel 14b mounted substantially horizontally on the upper surface 14a of the pod body 11. The solar panel 14b is positioned on the upper surface I 4a of the pod such that, when the pod is fully retracted into the cargo compartment 2 of the vehicle 1, the solar panel is aligned with the roof panel 5b of the car cargo compartment roof 5. This configuration enables the solar panel to generate power regardless of the position of the pod 10 relative to the cargo compartment of the vehicle 1. The electricity generated by the solar panel 14b is used to power some or all of the powered facilities provided within the pod, although a back-up generator is also provided.

Figure 6 shows the vehicle of the second example from a rear � elevated position to the left side relative to the vehicle. The pod is extended from the cargo compartment 2 of the vehicle 1. On the left side of the pod side wall 13 in this example, additional user configurable features may be seen, such as a storage compartment 32, shaped section storage compartments 39 and a shower unit 36a all mounted within the storage module 31 for use by the user when the pod 10 is extended from the vehicle 1.

The deployment mechanism is shown in Figures 18 to 20. The deployment mechanism includes deployment rails 25, a deployment mounting structure 26; deployment rail bearings 27 and a deployment rail drive rack 28 and pinion.

The pod is supported on the vehicle I by the deployment rail bearings 27 which are mounted in a spaced apart configuration on a deployment rail mounting structure 26 which is mounted to suitable hard points 18 of the vehicle body or frame. The deployment rail bearing 27 takes the form of a roller or ball race which is configured to cooperate with a linear bearing mounted to underside of the deployment rail 25. The use of a linear bearing in conjunction with a bearing race provides the pod with both static support and guidance during deployment. The pod 10 is deployed by rack and pinion drive 28. The pinion is driven by an electric motor that is mounted to the vehicle body I and the pod deployment rail drive rack 28 is attached to the inbound side of the deployment rail 25.

The deployment rails 25 are fabricated to be sufficiently strong to provide support to withstand the bending moment created by the mass of the pod at full extension.

Although the deployment mechanism in the illustrated embodiment is situated below the pod, it could alternatively be applied to the pod walls or upper surface of the pod 10.

Furthermore, the deployment mechanism could be provided by a single rail or greater cross-section, or a larger number of rails of smaller cross section.

For a vehicle I that is constructed on a frame 6, the deployment rails 25 are disposed parallel with the vehicle chassis rails or may be incorporated as a telescopic feature housed within the chassis rails.

It will be appreciated that the elongate shape of the deployment rails 25 may present the opportunity to package suitable folding retractable support legs either beneath or within the deployment rails as desired.

The movement prescribed by the pod relative to the vehicle during extension and retraction need not be limited to purely linear motion along deployment rails. The path prescribed could incorporate a vertical or arcuate component. In this case the pod support structure and deployment mechanism would be more complicated and require more packaging space within the vehicle which would reduce the volume and capacity of the pod that may be carried by a vehicle of a given size.

The pod requires additional support when in the fully extended position. A means for providing additional support is shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows a rear view of the vehicle with the pod fully extended and two support legs extending downwards towards to ground below the pod. In the example shown in Figure 10 the support legs are stowed within the closure panel and are extended by means of a piston (not shown) and a linear bearing (also not shown). The pod support legs are shown in detail in Fi gures 21 and 22.

Figures 21 a and b show side and rear views respectively of a support leg in a fully retracted position. The support leg consists of an actuator support leg cylinder 22, a support leg stanchion 23 and a support foot 24. During extension the stanchion is moved downwards relative to the closure panel 15. The movement of the stanchion is guided by a ball race carried on the stanchion cooperating with a linear bearing mounted to the inner surface of the closure panel 15. The guidance provided by the ball race and linear bearing may not be required for a light pod.

The pod is provided with a support leg mounting structure which acts to provide support to the linear bearings that guide the stanchion.

The actuation is powered by a motor driving a work gear. However, this effect could also be achieved by means of a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, ratchet gear or other suitable means.

The actuator for each of the support legs operates independently and receiving feedback information from a controller. The feedback information can be processed in order to level the pod. This information may be combined for support legs that are provided to support the vehicle as a whole so that the vehicle and pod can be levelled together.

Figures 22a and b show side and rear views respectively of a support leg in a fully extended position.

Although the example illustrated in the figures shows a pair of support legs that extend substantially vertically down from the closure panel 15, additional support legs could be provided. The legs could also be provided from the deployment rails 25 or the lower surface of the pod 12. The legs need not extend vertically downward: for example they could extend to form a tripod of three angled legs.

The foot 24 is provided at the lower end of the stanchion in order to minimise the surface pressure so that the stanchion does not sink into soft ground. In place of a foot, a wheel or skid may be provided.

The edges of the cargo compartment side walls 4 and the vehicle roof 5 adjacent the closure panel 15 are provided with a glow strip that is activated when the pod 10 is extended.

Figures 25 and 26 show side and plan views of a rear lamp cluster 80. The rear lamp cluster 80 has a central lumière assembly 81; a perimeter lumière assembly 82; a lamp cluster base 83; a lamp cluster cover 84; and a plurality of light conduits 85, 86, 87, 88.

In addition, a reflector may be provided. The central lumière assembly 81 compnses a central lumière 81a and a central lumière cover Bib. The rear lamp cluster 80 is mounted in a lamp cluster mounting aperture 90 which is positibned adjacent the outer surface 91 of the closure panel 15.

Each of the light conduits 85, 86, 87 88 and 89 is petal-shaped and comprises a first surface reflective 85a, 86a, 87a, 88a, 89a that faces the central lumière assembly 81 and a second reflective surface 85b, 86b, 87b, 88b, 89b that faces the outside of the vehicle. Between the respective first and second surfaces is an edge that is polished in order to provide a transmissive surface.

The first surface of each of the light conduits is provided with a coloured layer that influences the colour of the light transmitted through the transmissive edge.

Each of the light conduits 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 is a solid transparent or translucent piece of polycarbonate. One face of each conduit 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 has been treated in order to maximize the emission of light incident on that face from within the conduit. The surface is ground to create these characteristics.

The surfaces that are not treated reflect a high percentage of the light incident on them and therefore emit only a small proportion of the light that is incident on them.

As a result of this juxtaposition of optical properties, light entering the end of the conduit will travel along the conduit by bouncing off one or more of the comparatively reflective surfaces until it is incident on the transmissive surface. When the light is incident on the transmissive surface it is emitted from the conduit. Light enters the conduit at a variety of different angles, and therefore the length of the conduit that it travels along before it is transmitted also varies.

The light conduits 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 are substantially colourless. Therefore, the light that is emitted from the conduit is substantially the same colour as the light that is introduced into the end of the conduit.

In order to modify the colour of the light that is emitted, a coloured layer is applied to the outer surface of one or more of the reflective surfaces. In order to maximize the effect of the coloured layer, the surface area of the coloured layer should be large compared to the surface area of the transmissive edge. For example in Figures 25 and 26 the inner face of each of the petals has a coloured layer applied so that it alters the colour of the light that is introduced to the conduits.

In the illustrated example of the present invention, the storage modules 31 have been optimised for use by a dive instructor. The shaped section storage compartments 39 are sized in order to hold dive tanks. The shower can be used to rinse the diver and his equipment. Providing these facilities outside the vehicle I allows the interior of the cargo compartment to remain dry and therefore to be used as a work space and relaxation area between dives. If the diver is instructing students the students can take their class within the storage compartment. In order to facilitate the instruction of would-be divers, the interior of the storage compartment can be equipped with computer and video equipment. The storage module that has access means 30 enabling access from within the cargo compartment as well as from the outside of the pod can be used by the diver for his camera and dive computer. This allows him to access his dive computer to confirm his surface interval calculations and to use this interval to review images captured during a dive.

It is readily apparent that the pod assembly could be customised for a variety of different professional users. For example, it could provide a mobile seller of goods with a variety of chilled and heated storage modules 31 in combination with suitable preparation equipment so that a mobile noodle bar or coffee shop could be accommodated within a pod. A seating area for patrons could be provided within the cargo compartment.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising a cargo compartment and a retractable pod configured to be extended from and retracted into the cargo compartment, wherein the retractable pod comprises at least one access means that is covered by the cargo compartment when the pod is retracted.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a deployment mechanism comprising at least one means for guiding the motion of the pod relative to the cargo compartment and at least one mechanism for driving the deployment of the pod.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the guide means of the deployment mechanism is configured to enable the pod to execute substantially linear motion relative to the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one leg for supporting the pod when it is extended from the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pod is sub-divided into a plurality of storage modules each provided with at least one access means.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein additional access to at least one of the modules of the pod is provided from within the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein at least one of the storage modules comprises a shaped section configured to secure a specific article.

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein at least one of the storage modules comprises a lockable storage drawer or box.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein at least one of the storage modules is provided with at least one facility selected from a list including lighting, power, compressed air, drainage and temperature or vibration control.

10. The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a latch mechanism for securing the pod to the vehicle when the pod is fully extended, fully retracted or at any intermediate position.

11. The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pod includes an upper surface that is provided with at least one solar panel and wherein the cargo compartment has a transparent or translucent section that is substantially coterminous with the solar panel.

12. The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pod extends from the rear of the vehicle and wherein the pod includes a closure panel that is configured to seal the cargo compartment when the pod is fully retracted.

13. A retractable pod substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.