GB2552978A

GB2552978A - A hook apparatus for providing access to a hook an interior of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2552978A
Application number: GB1614074.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Buffery Martin; Towers Anthony
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-17
Filing date: 2016-08-17
Publication date: 2018-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-17
Also published as: GB201614074D0; GB2552978B

Abstract

A hook apparatus 3 for an interior of a vehicle and an interior panel of a vehicle, the hook apparatus 3 comprising a panel 5 comprising an outer face; a retractable portion 9 arranged to be moved between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the retractable portion 9 forms a flush surface with the outer face of the panel 5 and in the second position the retractable portion 9 is positioned inwards from the outer face of the panel 5; wherein when the retractable portion 9 is arranged in the second position 14, the hook apparatus 3 enables access to a hook 13. The hook apparatus may comprise a biasing means, which may be a spring, arranged to bias the retractable portion towards the first position and the retractable portion may be arranged to move between the two positions in response to an electrical signal.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Jaguar Land Rover Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Abbey Road, Whitley, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV3 4LF, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Martin Buffery Anthony Towers (56) Documents Cited:

JP 2006088888 A US 4221354 A US 20120043363 A1 US 20040163223 A1 US 20030141423 A1

JP 2003325267 A US 2390257 A US 20100077571 A1 US 20040084918 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60R Other: EPODOC, WPI (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Jaguar Land Rover

Patents Department W/1/073, Abbey Road, Whitley, COVENTRY, CV3 4LF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A hook apparatus for providing access to a hook an interior of a vehicle Abstract Title: Hook apparatus for an interior of a vehicle (57) A hook apparatus 3 for an interior of a vehicle and an interior panel of a vehicle, the hook apparatus 3 comprising a panel 5 comprising an outer face; a retractable portion 9 arranged to be moved between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the retractable portion 9 forms a flush surface with the outer face of the panel 5 and in the second position the retractable portion 9 is positioned inwards from the outer face of the panel 5; wherein when the retractable portion 9 is arranged in the second position 14, the hook apparatus 3 enables access to a hook 13. The hook apparatus may comprise a biasing means, which may be a spring, arranged to bias the retractable portion towards the first position and the retractable portion may be arranged to move between the two positions in response to an electrical signal.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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A HOOK APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO A HOOK AN INTERIOR OF A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hook apparatus for providing access to a hook in an interior of a vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to a hook apparatus for providing access to a hook that comprises part of the interior trim of a vehicle.

Aspects of the invention relate to a hook apparatus, a hook and a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Hooks may be provided within a vehicle to provide storage for a user of the vehicle. For instance hooks may be arranged within the vehicle to enable a user to hang bags, clothing or other items from the hook.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide improved hooks for use in the interior of a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a hook apparatus and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a hook apparatus for an interior of a vehicle, the hook apparatus comprising: a panel comprising an outer face; a retractable portion arranged to be moved between a first position and a second position wherein in the first position the retractable portion forms a flush surface with the outer face of the panel and in the second position the retractable portion is positioned inwards from the outer face of the panel; wherein when the retractable portion (9) is arranged in the second position (14) the hook apparatus (3) enable access to a hook (13).

This provides the advantage that the hook can be hidden when it is not in use. When the hook is not in use the retractable portion forms a flush surface with the outer face of the panel which may enable a flush or substantially flush interior trim to be provided.

As the retractable portion is pushed inwards the hook apparatus enables a user to access a hook when needed. When not needed the hook is hidden so that there is nothing projecting outwards from the outer surface of the panel. Such projections might create obstructions within the interior of the vehicle, for instance a hook projecting outwards in the foot well of a vehicle may prevent a glove box from being fully opened. Also the visible projections may be unsightly and may affect the aesthetic appearance of the interior of the vehicle.

The hook apparatus may comprise a recessed portion arranged to provide a hook when the retractable portion is positioned in the second position.

This may enable the recessed portion that forms the hook to be manufactured separately to the rest of the hook apparatus and attached to the hook apparatus within the vehicle.

The recessed portion may be shaped to receive items attached to the hook apparatus.

This recessed portion may prevent items from falling off the hook.

The hook apparatus may comprise a protrusion arranged to provide a hook when the retractable portion is position in the second position.

This may enable the hook to be formed as an integral part of the hook apparatus which may reduce the number of parts needed within the hook apparatus.

The protrusion may comprise part of the panel.

This provides the advantage that it enables the protrusion which forms the hook and the panel to be formed from a single component. This may reduce the total number of components within the hook apparatus.

The retractable portion may be shaped to fit around the protrusion when the retractable portion is in the first position.

This provides the advantage that it ensures that the retractable portion forms a flush, or substantially flush, surface with the outer face of the panel when the retractable portion is in the second position.

The hook apparatus may comprise biasing means arranged to bias the retractable portion towards the first position.

The biasing means may comprise a spring.

This provides the advantage that the retractable portion can be moved back into the first position without the user applying any restoring force to the retractable portion. The retractable portion will be automatically returned to the first position when the hook is no longer in use. This ensures that the hook is always hidden when it is not in use. The biasi ng means may also push the retractable portion back towards the first position when items are hanging on the hook. This may help to grip items to the hook and prevent them from falling off.

The retractable portion may be arranged to be moved from the first position to the second position in response to a force applied by a user.

This enables a user to move the retractable portion into the second position. As the user may push the retractable portion into the second position this may reduce the number of components needed within the hook apparatus as no additional components are needed within the hook apparatus to enable the movement.

The retractable portion may be arranged to be moved from the first position to the second position in response to an electrical signal.

This may enable the user to move the retractable portion into the second position simply be pushing a button or making another similar input. This may reduce the effort required by the user to moce the retractable portion to the second position and so may make the hook apparatus more convenient for the user to use.

The retractable portion may be arranged to move between the first position and the second position by rotating about a pivot axis.

Having the retractable portion rotate about a pivot axis may make the retractable portion easier to move between the different positions. The position of the pivot axis may be selected to reduce the forces that need to be applied by the user and the biasing means.

The hook portion may comprise a buffer arranged to restrict the motion of the retractable portion.

This may provide the advantage that it may prevent the retractable portion from contacting components behind the panel when the retractable portion is pushed inwards by a user. This may prevent the damage of the retractable portion and any components located behind the panel.

The buffer may be arranged to reduce noise when the retractable portion contacts other components of the vehicle.

This may provide the advantage that it reduces noise within the vehicle.

The hook apparatus may comprise attachment means arranged to attach the retractable portion to the panel.

The attachment means may comprise a screw. The attachment means may comprise a pivot axis.

This may provide the advantage that it enables the components of the hook apparatus to be formed separately and then attached together later on during the assembly of the interior of the vehicle. This may provide an efficient method of manufacturing the hook apparatus and integrating it within the vehicle.

The hook apparatus may be provided in a foot well of vehicle.

This may provide the advantage that the hook is provided in a convenient location for a user. Also as there are no parts projecting outwards from the hook apparatus the hook apparatus can be provided in the foot well without providing any obstructions to a user. For instance, it will not prevent a glove box or other storage compartment from being opened and the user will not bump into it.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a hook for use in a hook apparatus as described above.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a hook apparatus as described above.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a hook apparatus comprising a retractable portion arranged to be moved between a first position and a second position wherein in the first position there are no projections outwards, or substantially outwards, from the hook apparatus and in the second position the hook is accessible.

The apparatus may be for providing storage within a vehicle.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 illustrates a vehicle;

Figs 2A to 2C illustrate a hook apparatus;

Figs 3A and 3B illustrate a hook apparatus;

Figs 4A and 4B illustrate hook apparatus in a vehicle;

Figs 5A and 5B illustrate a hook apparatus; and

Fig 6 illustrates a hook apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures illustrate a hook apparatus 3 for an interior of a vehicle 1, the hook apparatus 3 comprising: a panel 5 comprising an outer face 7; a retractable portion 9 arranged to be moved between a first position 12 and a second position 14 wherein in the first position 12 the retractable portion 9 forms a flush surface with the outer face 7 of the panel 5 and in the second position 14 the retractable portion 9 is positioned inwards from the outer face 7 of the panel 5; wherein when the retractable portion 9 is arranged in the second position 14 the hook apparatus 3 enable access to a hook 13.. The retractable portion 9 may be considered to inhibit access to the hook 13 when in the first position. Inhibited access to the hook may in one example prevent the hook from being accessed to hook an item onto the hook 13. In another example the inhibited access may prevent access to hook an item onto the hook 13.

Fig 1 illustrates an example vehicle 1 which may comprise one or more hook apparatus 3 according to embodiments of the invention. The hook apparatus 3 may provide access to hook 13 which provides storage for the users of the vehicle 1.

Figs 2A to 2C schematically illustrate a hook apparatus 3 according to embodiments of the invention. Fig 2A is an exploded view of the components of the hook apparatus 3 from the front. Fig 2B is an exploded view of the components of the hook apparatus 3 from the rear. Fig 2C is an assembled view of the components of the hook apparatus 3 from the rear.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figs 2A to 2C the hook apparatus 3 comprises a panel 5, a retractable portion 9 and protrusion 11. In the embodiments of Figs 2A to 2C the hook apparatus 3 also comprises a recessed portion 27 arranged to provide a hook 13.

The panel 5 comprises an outer face 7. The outer face 7 may be provided on the front of the hook apparatus 3. The outer face 7 may comprise a smooth or substantially smooth surface. When the hook apparatus 3 is positioned within the vehicle the outer face 7 may provide part of the interior trim of the vehicle 1. When the hook apparatus 1 is positioned within a vehicle the outer face 7 of the panel 5 may be visible to users of the vehicle 1.

The panel 5 may be any suitable size or shape. The size and shape of the panel 5 may depend on the location of the hook apparatus 3 within the vehicle 1. In the example of Figs 2A to 2C the panel 5 has a triangular shape. This may enable the panel 5 to be fitted into a location such as the side of a foot well of the vehicle 1. Other sizes and shapes may be used to enable the hook apparatus 3 to be used in other parts of the vehicle 1.

The panel 5 may comprise panel attachment means 15. The panel attachment means 15 may comprise any means which enables the panel 5 to be attached to the interior of the vehicle 1. In some embodiments the panel attachment means 15 may enable the panel 5 to be removably attached to the interior of the vehicle 1. The panel 5 may be removably attached so that the panel 5 can be removed to enable access to components behind the panel 5 for maintenance or other purposes.

The panel attachment means 15 may comprise one or more screws, clips or any other suitable means. The panel attachment means 15 may be strong enough to withstand any forces that may be applied when a load is being attached or removed from the hook 13.

The panel 5 comprises an aperture 17. The aperture 17 is arranged to receive the retractable portion 9. In the example of Figs 2A to 2C the aperture 17 has a substantially upside down U shape. It is to be appreciated that other shapes may be used in other embodiments of the invention. The size and shape of the aperture 17 may depend on the size and shape of the panel 5 and/or the location of the hook apparatus 3 within the vehicle 1.

In the examples of Figs 2A to 2C the panel 5 comprises a protrusion 11. The protrusion 11 extends into the aperture 17. The protrusion 11 may from part of the outer face 7 of the panel 5.

in some examples the protrusion 11 may be arranged to provide a hook 13 when the when the retractable portion 9 is positioned in the second position. The protrusion 11 may be sized and shaped to enable items such as bags or items of clothing to hang from the hook 13.

The retractable portion 9 is connected to the panel 5. In the examples of Figs 2A to 2C the retractable portion 9 is formed as a separate component to the panel 5 which is then attached to the panel 5. In other examples the retractable portion 9 and the panel 5 could be formed as a single component.

The retractable portion 9 comprises a surface 19. The surface 19 is arranged to fit into the aperture 17 of the panel 5. The surface 19 has a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the aperture 17 of the panel 5 so that the surface 19 fits tightly into the aperture 17 of the panel 5. In such examples there may be no gap between the edge of the surface 19 and the edge of the aperture 17. In other examples the surface 19 has a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the aperture 17 of the panel 5 so that the surface 19 fits into the aperture 17 of the panel 5 so that there is a gap between the edge of the surface 19 and the edge of the aperture 17.

In the example of Figs 2A to 2C the surface 19 has a substantially upside down U shape which matches the shape of the aperture 17. It is to be appreciated that other shapes may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

When the surface 19 is fitted into the aperture 17 of the panel 5 the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 forms a flush surface or substantially flush surface with the outer face 7 of the panel 5. The flush surface or substantially flush surface may be arranged so that the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 is level with the outer face 7 of the panel. There may be no gap provided between the edges of the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 and the outer face 7 of the panel 5.

The retractable portion 9 is arranged to move between a first position 12 and a second position 14. In the first position the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 is fitted into the aperture 17 so that the retractable portion 9 forms a flush surface or a substantially flush surface with the outer face 7 of the panel 5. In the second position 12 the retractable portion is positioned inwards from the outer face 7 of the panel 5. The second position 9 may be any position in which the retractable portion 9 is positioned sufficiently inwards from the outer face 7 of the panel 5 so that a hook 13 can be accessed.

In some examples there may be more than one second position 12. For instance a first second position 14 may be one in which the retractable portion 9 is pushed as far back as possible so that it abuts the components of the vehicle 1 located behind the hook apparatus 3. Another second position 14 could be where the retractable portion 9 abuts any items which are hanging from the hook 13. In this position the hook 13 is visible and the retractable portion 9 may be assisting in gripping items on the hook 13.

In the embodiment of Figs 2A to 2C the retractable portion 9 arranged to move between the first position 12 and the second position 14 by rotating about a pivot axis 21. A lever 23 is provided to connect the retractable portion 9 to the pivot axis 21. In the example of Figs 2A to 2C the lever 23 has two arms. Other arrangements of the lever 23 could be used in other embodiments of the invention.

In the example of Figs 2A to 2C the pivot axis 21 is located below the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 so that the lever 23 extends downwards from the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9. In other embodiments the pivot axis21 may be located in other positions relative to the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9. The location of the pivot axis 21 and the size and shape of the connecting lever 23 may be dependent upon the components that are located behind the panel 5.

The hook apparatus 3 may comprise attachment means which attaches the retractable portion 9 to the panel 5. The attachment means may comprise any suitable means. In the example of Fig 2A to 2C the attachment means comprises a clip portion 24 which is arranged to connect to the pivot axis 21. The clip portion comprises a groove on the connecting lever 23 which is sized and shaped to fit onto an axis provided on the rear of the panel. Other attachment means may be used instead of or in addition to the clip portion 24 and axis in other embodiments of the invention. For instance in seom examples the attachment means may comprise a screw or any other suitable means.

In the embodiment of Figs 2A to 2C the hook apparatus 3 comprises a biasing means 25. The biasing means 25 may comprise a spring such as a coil spring or any other suitable biasing means such as a flexible member. The biasing means 25 may be connected to the retractable portion 9 and arranged to bias the retractable portion 9 towards the first position 12.

The biasing means 25 may be positioned within the hook apparatus 3 to provide a restoring force to the lever 23. The restoring force applied to the lever 23 pushes the retractable portion 9 towards the first position 12. The restoring force which is provided by the biasing means 25 is high enough to push the retractable portion 9 towards the first position 12 but not high enough to prevent a user from pushing the retractable portion 9 into the second position 14. This may ensure that the retractable portion 9 is arranged in the first position 12 unless a force is applied to the hook apparatus 3.

In some examples a buffer 29 may be provided on the rear of the retractable portion 9. The buffer 29 may be arranged to restrict movement of the retractable portion 9. In some examples the buffer 29 may provide a rubber portion which may be provided on the rear of the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9. The buffer 29 may be arranged to abut any components located behind the hook apparatus 3 when the retractable portion 9 is pushed into the second position 14. This may prevent the retractable portion 9 from coming into contact with other components located behind the retractable portion 9. This may protect the retractable portion 9 and/or the components behind the retractable portion 9 from damage.

The buffer 29 may be arranged to reduce noise when the retractable portion 9 contacts other components of the vehicle 1. The material used for the buffer 29 may be selected to reduce the noise when the buffer contacts other components. For instance the buffer 29 may comprise rubber or any other suitable material that may absorb unwanted noise.

In some examples the buffer 29 may also be arranged so that it contacts the rear of the panel 5 when the retractable portion 9 is in the first position 12. This may reduce any noise created when the retractable portion 9 is returned to the first position 12.

In the example of Figs 2A to 2C the buffer 29 is provided at the top of the rear of the retractable portion 9. It is to be appreciated that the buffer 29 could be provided in any suitable location in other embodiments of the invention.

The hook apparatus 3 also comprises a recessed portion 27 which forms a hook 13. The recessed portion 27 is arranged to be attached to the panel 5. The recessed portion 27 is arranged to fit behind the protrusion 11. The recessed portion 27 forms a groove 31 which may be shaped to receive items attached to the hook 13. This may enable items attached to the hook 13 to be held in position.

In the example of Figs 2A to 2C the recessed portion 27 is formed as a separate component which is then attached to the panel 5 by any suitable means. In other examples the recessed portion 27 and the panel 5 could be formed as a single component.

The recessed portion 27 may be secured to components of the vehicle 1 located behind the panel 5. This enables the components of the vehicle 1 to bear the load of any items which the user hangs on the hook 13.

The components of the hook apparatus 3 may be made using any suitable material. In some examples the materials that are used to form the hook apparatus 3 may be selected so that the hook apparatus 3 coordinates with other components of the internal trim of the vehicle 1. In some embodiments of the invention the components of the hook apparatus 3 may be made of plastic or any other suitable material.

Figs 3A and 3B illustrate a front view of a hook apparatus 3 according to embodiments of the invention. Fig 3A illustrates a front view of the hook apparatus 3 with the retractable portion 9 in a first position 12. Fig 3B illustrates a front view of the hook apparatus 3 with the retractable portion 9 in a second position 14. The hook apparatus 3 may comprise components as described above in relation to Figs 2A to 2C. Corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding components. As Figs 3A and 3B show the front of the hook apparatus 3; components on the rear of the hook apparatus 3 are not shown in Fig 3A and 3B.

When the retractable portion 9 is positioned in the first position 12 the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 is fitted tightly into the aperture 17 of the panel 5. In other examples the retractable portion 9 may be fitted into the aperture 17 of the panel 5 so that there is a gap between the retractable portion 9 and the aperture 17. The surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 is arranged so that is level with the outer face 7 of the panel 5. This may provide a flush surface or a substantially flush surface within the interior of the vehicle 1.

When the retractable portion 9 is positioned in the first position 12 the recessed portion 27 is concealed so that it is hidden from view for the user and the hook 13 is not accessible to the user.

This may provide for a sleek interior trim of the vehicle which may improve the aesthetics of the vehicle 1. The sleek interior trim comprises smooth surface with minimal recesses projections. This may also ensure that there are no projections or substantially no projections from the trim of the vehicle which a user might bump into.

When the retractable portion 9 is positioned in the second position 14 the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 is pushed inwards so that the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 is no longer level with the outer face 7 of the panel 5.

When the retractable portion 9 is in the second position this leaves a gap around the protrusion 11 so that the user can access the hook 13 and a user can hang bags or other items from the hook 13.

In the example of Fig 3B when the retractable portion 9 is in the second position 14 the recessed portion 27 is revealed so that is accessible by the user. This may enable a user to position bags or other items within the groove 31 of the recessed portion 27.

The retractable portion 9 may be moved from the first portion 12 to the second position 14 using any suitable means. In some examples the user may push the retractable portion 9 from the first position 12 to the second position 14 by pushing the surface 19 of the retractable portion 9 inwards. In other examples the retractable portion 9 may be arranged to be moved from the first position 12 to the second position 14 in response to an electrical signal. The electrical signal could be made in response to a user actuating a button or making a user input via a user input device or by any other suitable means.

The user can then use the hook 13 by hanging bags, clothing or other items from the hook

13. When the hook 13 is in use the bags or other items may prevent the retractable portion 9 from being returned back to the first position 12 by the biasing means 25. The biasing means 25 may push the retractable portion 9 back towards to the first position 12. This may cause the items attached to the hook 13 to be gripped between the retractable portion 9 and the protrusion 11 or part of the recessed portion 27. This may enable the items to be securely held in the hook 13.

When the user removes the bags, clothing or other items from the hook 13 the biasing means 25 may push the retractable portion 9 back into the first position. This may enable the retractable portion 9 to be returned to the first position without any further input from the user. This may ensure that the sleek interior of the vehicle 1 is maintained.

Figs 4A and 4B illustrate an example hook apparatus 3 positioned within a vehicle 1. Fig 4Α illustrates the hook apparatus 3 with the retractable portion 9 in a first position and Fig 4B illustrates a front view of the hook apparatus 3 with the retractable portion 9 in a second position. The hook apparatus 3 may comprise components as described above in relation to Figs 2A to 2C and 3A to 3B. Corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding components.

In the examples of Figs 4A and 4B the hook apparatus 3 is provided in a foot well of a vehicle 1 adjacent to a glove box 41. When the hook apparatus 3 is not in use the retractable portion 9 forms a flush surface with the outer face 7 of the panel 5. This means that there are no projections extending outwards from the hook apparatus 3. This means that in the arrangement of Fig 4A the glove box can be opened without abutting any part of the hook apparatus 3.

When the retractable portion 9 is pushed inwards so that the hook apparatus 3 can be used this may provide a hook in a convenient location for a passenger of the vehicle 1.

In the embodiment of Figs. 4A and 4B the hook apparatus 3 is provided within a foot well of a vehicle 1. It is to be appreciated that hook apparatus 3 could be provided in any suitable locations within the vehicle 1. In some examples a hook apparatus 3 could be provided in the rear of a vehicle 1 or in a luggage compartment such as the boot of the vehicle 1, a load space area, a door card trim or in any other suitable location. It is to be appreciated that the arrangement of the hook apparatus 3 may be different in different locations within the vehicle

1. For instance the panels 5 and other components may have different sizes and/or shapes. In some examples different number of hooks 13 may be provided within the different hook apparatus 3.

Throughout the foregoing embodiments the hook 13 may be integral to the panel 5 or may be separate therefrom. The latter is illustrated by the divide 43, shown in Figures 5A and 5B, between the hook 13 and the panel 5. In this embodiment the hook apparatus 3 comprises the hook 13 and the retractable portion 9 and is suitable for use with the panel 5 through fixing thereto. In such embodiments the pivot axis 21 is integral to the hook 13 and separate from the panel as indicated by the divide 45 shown in Figure 6. In an example embodiment the hook apparatus may comprise a body 47, comprising the hook 13 and the pivot axis 21, and which is fixable to the panel 5 via suitable fastening means, for example glue.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For instance, in the embodiments described above the retractable portion 9 is moved between the first and second positions by rotation about a pivot point. It is to be appreciated that the retractable portion 9 could be arranged for other motions in other embodiments of the invention. For instance in some examples the retractable portion 9 may be arranged to move linearly when it is pushed inwards by the user. In such examples a spring or other suitable means may be provided to push the retractable portion 9 back into the first position.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those 5 features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A hook apparatus for an interior of a vehicle, the hook apparatus comprising: a panel comprising an outer face;

a retractable portion arranged to be moved between a first position and a second position wherein in the first position the retractable portion forms a flush surface with the outer face of the panel and in the second position the retractable portion is positioned inwards from the outer face of the panel;

wherein when the retractable portion is arranged in the second position the hook apparatus enables access to a hook.

2. A hook apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a recessed portion arranged to provide a hook when the retractable portion is positioned in the second position.

3. A hook apparatus as claimed in any claim 2 wherein the recessed portion is shaped to receive items attached to the hook apparatus.

4. A hook apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a protrusion arranged to provide a hook when the retractable portion is positioned in the second position.

5. A hook apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the protrusion comprises part of the panel.

6. A hook apparatus as claimed in any of claims 4 to 5 wherein the retractable portion is shaped to fit around the protrusion when the retractable portion is in the first position.

7. A hook apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising biasing means arranged to bias the retractable portion towards the first position.

8. A hook apparatus as claimed claim 7 wherein the biasing means comprises a spring.

9. A hook apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retractable portion is arranged to be moved from the first position to the second position in response to a force applied by a user.

10. A hook apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the retractable portion is arranged to be moved from the first position to the second position in response to an electrical signal

11. A hook apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retractable portion is arranged to move between the first position and the second position by rotating about a pivot axis.

12. A hook apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a buffer arranged to restrict the motion of the retractable portion.

13. A hook apparatus as claimed claim 12 wherein the buffer is arranged to reduce noise when the retractable portion contacts other components of the vehicle.

14. A hook apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising attachment means arranged to attach the retractable portion to the panel.

15. A hook apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the attachment means comprise a screw.

16. A hook apparatus as claimed in any of claims 14 to 15 wherein the attachment means comprise a pivot axis.

17. A hook apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the hook apparatus is provided in a foot well of vehicle.

18. A hook apparatus for an interior panel of a vehicle, the hook apparatus comprising: a hook; and a retractable portion arranged to be moved between a first position and a second position wherein in the first position the retractable portion forms a flush surface with an outer face of the interior panel and in the second position the retractable portion is positioned inwards from the outer face of the interior panel, wherein when the retractable portion is arranged in the first position the retractable portion inhibits access to the hook and when the retractable portion is in the second position the retractable portion enables access to the hook.

5

19. A hook apparatus as claimed in claim 18, comprising:

an interior panel for a vehicle, wherein the hook is integral to the interior panel.

20. A hook for use in a hook apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim.

21. A vehicle comprising a hook apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19.

22. A hook apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

23. A hook substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

24. A vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying

20 drawings and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1614074.1 Examiner: MrBenHampson