GB2563264A

GB2563264A - Vehicle parcel shelf

Info

Publication number: GB2563264A
Application number: GB1709143.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Downing John
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-08
Filing date: 2017-06-08
Publication date: 2018-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-08
Also published as: GB201709143D0; GB2563264B

Abstract

A vehicle parcel shelf arrangement comprising a first shelf portion 20 mounted to a vehicle tailgate 12, and a second shelf portion 22 mounted to a loadspace sidewall (71a, 71b, (Fig.7), wherein the portions form an aggregate parcel shelf when the tailgate is in a closed position. Preferably the first shelf portion is releasably mounted to the tailgate, with the mounting means including ball and socket couplings (51, 52, Fig.4) located proximate to opposing ends of the first shelf portion. Hooks (53, 54) may also be provided on the first shelf portion to locate it relative to the tailgate. The second shelf portion may be pivotally mounted to trim components (70a, 70b, Fig.7) of the sidewalls via spigots (67, 68, Fig.6). These spigots may relate to corresponding hooks (72a, 72b, Fig.7) on the trim components. A vehicle including the parcel shelf arrangement is also claimed.

Description

VEHICLE PARCEL SHELF

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle parcel shelf and particularly, but not exclusively, to an aggregate parcel shelf structure. Aspects of the invention relate to a parcel shelf arrangement for a vehicle and to a vehicle itself.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide parcel shelves in vehicles to cover a part of the loadspace of a vehicle. These covers are provided for concealing items such as luggage disposed in the loadspace of the vehicle, and also for improving the aesthetics of the inside of the vehicle. Loadspace covers are typically either in the form of a fabric stored within a cassette which is mounted behind the rear seats such that a user of the vehicle may pull the fabric cover over the loadspace of the vehicle, or alternatively, the parcel shelf may be in the form of a solid shelf arrangement configured to cover the loadspace of the vehicle when the tailgate of the vehicle is in a closed position and arranged to rotate upwardly with the tailgate when the tailgate is opened to facilitate access to the loadspace when the tailgate is in an open position.

However, many modern vehicles have a high “tumblehome” meaning that the glazing of the vehicle slopes inwardly such that the top of the vehicle is narrower than the waistline of the vehicle (where the parcel shelf arrangement is located). This presents a problem when said vehicles are fitted with a solid parcel shelf arrangement because the high tumblehome prevents the solid parcel shelf arrangement from rotating upwardly as the tailgate is opened to provide access to the loadspace.

It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a parcel shelf arrangement for a vehicle and a vehicle.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a parcel shelf arrangement for a vehicle, the parcel shelf arrangement comprising a first shelf portion configured to be mounted to a vehicle tailgate and a second shelf portion configured to be mounted to a loadspace sidewall wherein when the tailgate is in a closed position the first shelf portion and the second shelf portion form an aggregate parcel shelf structure.

The invention provides the advantage that a rigid parcel shelf arrangement may be used to cover the loadspace area in vehicles where there is a large tumblehome, meaning the roof of the vehicle is narrower than the waistline. Furthermore, when the tailgate is in an open position a user of the vehicle may be provided with an unobstructed view of the loadfloor of the vehicle such that when said user is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, looking at the loadfloor of the vehicle, the second parcel shelf portion does not obscure the user’s view of the loadfloor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first shelf portion is mounted to the vehicle tailgate via a releasable mount. For example, the releasable mount may comprise at least a first ball and socket coupling. This allows the first parcel shelf portion to be removed from the tailgate which provides the advantage of increasing the useable loadspace area within the vehicle and also allows users of the vehicle easy access to clean the internal surface of the rear windshield.

In one embodiment of the invention, the releasable mount may comprise a first ball coupling and a second ball coupling wherein said first and second ball couplings are located proximate to opposing ends of the first shelf portion.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first shelf portion comprises at least a first locating means configured to locate the first parcel shelf portion relative to the tailgate. The first locating means may comprise a hook arrangement configured to engage in a corresponding slot located on the tailgate. The locating means provide a location point to locate the first parcel shelf portion relative to the tailgate.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second shelf portion is pivotally mounted to a vehicle trim component located on the loadspace sidewall. The second shelf portion may comprise at least a first spigot configured to engage the vehicle trim component. The at least first spigot may be configured to engage a corresponding hook on the vehicle trim component. The vehicle trim component may provide support to the second parcel shelf portion.

In an embodiment of the invention, when the tailgate is in the closed position the aggregate shelf structure is configured to cover a vehicle loadfloor. When the tailgate is in an open position a typical user of the vehicle is provided with an unobstructed view of the vehicle loadfloor.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the support arrangement according to the previous aspect of the invention.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged 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. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

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:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle with which a parcel shelf arrangement according to the present invention may be used;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an example of a parcel shelf arrangement;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a top surface of a first parcel shelf portion of the parcel shelf arrangement of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a bottom surface of the first parcel shelf portion of the parcel shelf arrangement of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a top surface of a second parcel shelf portion of the parcel shelf arrangement of Figure 2

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a bottom surface of the second parcel shelf portion of the parcel shelf arrangement of Figure 2;

Figure 7 shows a loadspace of a vehicle suitable for use with embodiments of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the loadspace of Figure 7 fitted with the parcel shelf arrangement of Figure 2; and

Figure 9 shows a user of the vehicle viewing the loadspace of the vehicle of Figure 1 when the tailgate is in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general terms, embodiments of the invention provide a parcel shelf arrangement for covering a loadspace of a vehicle. The parcel shelf arrangement includes a first parcel shelf portion that is removably fitted to a tailgate of the vehicle and a second parcel shelf portion that is fitted to, for example, a trim component positioned on a sidewall within the loadspace of the vehicle. When the tailgate is in a closed position the first and second parcel shelve portions abut one another to form an aggregate parcel shelf structure that covers the loadspace of the vehicle. When the tailgate is in an open position the first parcel shelf portion is arranged to move with the tailgate as the tailgate is opened such that access is provided to the loadspace of the vehicle.

This parcel shelf arrangement provides the advantage of being able to provide a rigid parcel shelf arrangement in vehicles where there is a large tumblehome, meaning the roof of the vehicle is narrower than the waistline. Furthermore, when the tailgate is in an open position a user of the vehicle may be provided with an unobstructed view of the loadfloor of the vehicle such that when said user is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, looking at the loadfloor of the vehicle, the second parcel shelf portion does not obscure the user’s view of the loadfloor.

To place embodiments of the invention in a suitable context, reference will firstly be made to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 comprising a tailgate 12, a loadspace area 16, a loadfloor 18 and a parcel shelf arrangement 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. The parcel shelf arrangement 14 is positioned above the loadfloor 18 of the vehicle 10 such that when the tailgate 12 is in a closed position the parcel shelf arrangement 14 covers the loadspace area 16 of the vehicle 10.

As shown in Figure 2, the parcel shelf arrangement 14 has a first parcel shelf portion 20 and a second parcel shelf portion 22. The first parcel shelf portion 20 is configured to be secured to the tailgate 12 of the vehicle 10 and the second parcel shelf portion 22 is configured to be secured to, for example, trim components located on a sidewall 71a, 71b (see Figure 7) of the loadspace area 16 of the vehicle 10. The first parcel shelf portion 20 abuts the second parcel shelf portion 22 when the tailgate 12 is in a closed position to form an aggregate parcel shelf structure that covers the loadspace area 16 of the vehicle 10.

The first parcel shelf portion 20 is shown in further detail in Figure 3 and Figure 4. The first parcel shelf portion 20 has a top surface 40, a bottom surface 50, an abutting edge 42, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a substantially straight edge, and a profiled edge 44. The profiled edge 44 is shaped such that it generally matches the interior profile of the tailgate 12. The abutting edge 42 is configured to abut the second parcel shelf portion 22 when the tailgate 12 is in the closed position. The profiled edge 44 matches the interior profile of the tailgate 12 such that when the tailgate 12 is in a closed position there is either no gap between the tailgate 12 and the first shelf portion 20 or the gap is sufficiently small that the view to the loadspace area 16 is obscured by the first shelf portion 20 such that the contents of the loadspace area 16 are not visible from the exterior of the vehicle 10.

The skilled person would appreciate that in an embodiment of the invention the profiled edge 44 may be angular such that, for example, the first parcel shelf portion 20 was substantially rectangular in shape to match the interior profile of the tailgate 12 should the tailgate profile be substantially rectangular.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first parcel shelf portion 20 is secured to the tailgate 12 by way of fixing points 51, 52 and locating means 53, 54 located on the bottom surface 50 of the first parcel shelf portion 20. The fixing points comprise a first ball coupling 51 and a second ball coupling 52 located on the bottom surface 50 of the first parcel shelf portion 20, proximate to opposing ends of the abutting edge 42. The first and second ball couplings 51, 52 are arranged to releasably engage corresponding socket couplings (not shown) positioned on the interior of the tailgate 12 to form a first and a second ball and socket coupling to secure the first parcel shelf portion 20 to the tailgate 12 via a releasable mount.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locating means comprise a first hook 53 and a second hook 54 positioned on the bottom surface 50 of the first shelf portion 20 on the profiled edge 44 and are configured to locate the first parcel shelf portion 20 relative to the tailgate 12. The first and second hooks 53, 54 are configured to engage in slots (not shown) on the tailgate 12 to locate the first shelf portion 20 relative to the tailgate 12 and also to provide support to the first parcel shelf portion 20.

The first parcel shelf portion 20 may be fitted to the tailgate 12 of the vehicle 10 by firstly positioning the first and second hooks 53, 54 in corresponding slots (not shown) on the tailgate 12. When the first parcel shelf portion 20 is in a position such that the first and second hooks 53, 54 are located in the corresponding slots, the first and second ball couplings 51, 52 align with a corresponding socket arrangement located on the tailgate 12. The first parcel shelf portion 20 may then be secured in position by applying a ‘downward’ force on the top surface 40, in the z-dimension when the tailgate 12 is in a closed position, on the first parcel shelf portion 20 to engage the ball couplings 51,52 with the corresponding socket arrangements to form a ball and socket coupling. It is likely that a user of the vehicle 10 would fit the first shelf portion 20 when the tailgate 12 is in an open position and as such the ‘downward’ pressure required to secure the first shelf portion 20 to the tailgate 12 would be in the x-dimension as the tailgate 12 opening would pivot the first shelf portion 20 approximately 90 degrees.

The first parcel shelf portion 20 can be detached from the tailgate 12 by applying an ‘upward’ force on the bottom surface 50 such that the ball and socket coupling disengages thus releasing the first and second ball couplings 51, 52 from the corresponding socket arrangement such that the first parcel shelf portion 20 is free to move. Once again, it is likely that a user of the vehicle 10 would remove the first shelf portion 20 when the tailgate 12 is in an open position and as such the ‘upward’ force required to disengage the ball and socket coupling would be in the x-dimension. When the ball couplings 51, 52 are disengaged from the corresponding sockets the locating hooks 53, 54 can be pulled out of their corresponding slots on the tailgate 12 and the first parcel shelf portion 20 may be removed from the vehicle 10.

The ball couplings 51, 52 advantageously provide a secure fit that is easily uncoupled to allow users of the vehicle 10 to remove the first parcel shelf portion 20 to allow increased loadspace storage and also to provide easy access to the rear windshield if the user 90 wishes to, for example, clean the rear windshield.

The second parcel shelf portion 22 is shown in further detail in Figure 5 and Figure 6. The second parcel portion 22 in the illustrated embodiment is a generally rectangular shape. A first edge 64 of the second parcel shelf portion 22 is configured, in use, to abut the first parcel shelf portion 20 when the tailgate 12 is in a closed position to form the aggregate parcel shelf structure between the first shelf portion 20 and the second parcel shelf portion 22. The second parcel shelf portion 22 comprises a second edge 66 opposite the first edge 64. The second parcel shelf portion 22 has a top surface 60 and a bottom surface 62.

Positioned on the bottom surface 62 of the second parcel shelf portion 22 are two spigots 67, 68. The spigots 67, 68 are located proximate to opposing ends of the second edge 66 of the second shelf portion and are configured to engage corresponding vehicle trim components 70a, 70b positioned on a sidewall 71a, 71b of the loadspace area 16. Figure 7 shows the vehicle trim components 70a, 70b located on a sidewall 71a, 71b within the loadspace area 16 of the vehicle 10. The vehicle trim components 70a, 70b are mirror images of each other, for use on either side of the loadspace area 16. The second parcel shelf portion 22 is configured to be mounted to the vehicle trim components 70a, 70b.

For clarity, reference will only be made to the left hand vehicle trim component 72a, however the skilled person would appreciate that the same principals applies to the right had vehicle trim component 70b.

The vehicle trim component 70a has a recess 76a for receiving the spigot 67. The spigot 67 is then moved rearwardly in the x-dimension to engage a hook 72a. The spigot 67 is free to rotate when engaged in the hook 72a to facilitate rotational movement of the second parcel shelf portion 22. The vehicle trim component 70a has a ledge 74a which is configured to provide support to the second parcel shelf portion 22. In normal use when the tailgate is closed, the second parcel shelf portion 22 is located in position within the vehicle 10 such that the spigots 67, 68 engage hooks 72a, 72b, the second parcel shelf portion 22 rests on the ledge 74a such that it is substantially horizontal, and partially covers the loadspace area 16. When the tailgate 12 is in an open position, the second shelf portion 22 remains in a substantially horizontal, supported position unless a user of the vehicle 10 pivots the second shelf portion upward. Pivoting the second parcel shelf portion upward may improve access to the loadspace and also may increase the luggage carrying capacity of the loadspace area 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the second parcel shelf portion 22 may be pivoted to approximately 45 degrees before colliding with the internal walls of the vehicle 10 due to the tumblehome of the vehicle 10. A user 90 of the vehicle 10 may remove the second parcel shelf portion 22 from the vehicle 10 by moving the second parcel shelf portion 22 forward in the x-dimension, toward the vehicle tailgate 12, to disengage the spigots 67, 68 from the hooks 72a, 72b. When the spigots 67, 68 disengage the hooks 72a, 72b the spigots 67, 68 are located in the recesses 76a, 76b where they are free to be lifted vertically in the z-dimension and removed from the recess and thus the second parcel shelf portion 22 is free to be removed from the loadspace area 16 by a user 90 of the vehicle 10.

Similarly, to secure the second parcel shelf portion 22 within the vehicle 10, a user 90 of the vehicle 10 first locates the spigots 67, 68 within the corresponding recesses 76a, 76b on the vehicle trim components 70a, 70b. The second parcel shelf portion 22 may then be pushed, rearwardly in the x-dimension, to engage the spigots 67, 68 with the hooks 72a, 72b. The second parcel shelf portion 22 is secured in place by hooks 72a, 72b and the bottom surface 62 is supported by the ledges 74a, 74b.

Figure 8 shows the aggregate parcel shelf structure within the loadspace area 16 of the vehicle 10. The aggregate parcel shelf structure has an interface 80 where the first parcel shelf portion 20 and the second parcel shelf portion 22 abut to from the aggregate parcel shelf structure when the tailgate 12 is in a closed position. The position of the interface 80 is defined by the abutting edge 42 of the first parcel shelf portion 20 and the first edge 64 of the second parcel shelf portion 22. As such, the position of the interface 80 is defined by the relative dimensions of the first and second parcel shelves 20, 22 in the x-direction.

As shown in Figure 9, it is desirable to position the interface 80 in a position such that when the tailgate 12 is in an open position a typical user 90 of the vehicle 10 has an unobstructed line of sight 92 to the rear of the loadfloor 18 such that they have a view of the entire loadfloor 18. This advantageously allows the user of the vehicle 10 to see the contents of the loadspace area 16 when the tailgate 12 is in the open position and also facilitates access to the loadspace area 16 such that they can load and unload objects in the loadspace area 16. The interface 80 is also positioned such that the user 90 of the vehicle 10 may pivot at the hips to reach into the loadspace area 16 without colliding with the second parcel shelf portion 22.

The aggregate parcel shelf structure may be manufactured out of a Polyurethane (PUR) plastic. The polyurethane structure may be flocked with a non-woven fabric to give the aggregate parcel shelf structure a carpeted appearance.

Many modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A parcel shelf arrangement for a vehicle, the parcel shelf arrangement comprising: a first shelf portion configured to be mounted to a vehicle tailgate; and a second shelf portion configured to be mounted to a loadspace sidewall; wherein when the tailgate is in a closed position the first shelf portion and second shelf portion form an aggregate parcel shelf structure.

2. The parcel shelf arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first shelf portion is mounted to the vehicle tailgate via a releasable mount.

3. The parcel shelf arrangement of claim 2, wherein the releasable mount comprises at least a first ball and socket coupling.

4. The parcel shelf arrangement of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the releasable mount comprises a first ball coupling and a second ball coupling, said first and second ball couplings being located proximate to opposing ends of the first shelf portion.

5. The parcel shelf arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the first shelf portion comprises at least a first locating means configured to locate the first parcel shelf portion relative to the tailgate.

6. The parcel shelf arrangement of claim 5, wherein the first locating means comprises a hook arrangement configured to engage in a corresponding slot located on the tailgate.

7. The parcel shelf arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the second shelf portion is pivotally mounted to a vehicle trim component located on the loadspace sidewall.

8. The parcel shelf arrangement of claim 7, wherein the second shelf portion comprises at least a first spigot configured to engage the vehicle trim component.

9. The parcel shelf arrangement of claim 8, wherein the spigot is configured to engage a corresponding hook on the vehicle trim component.

10. The parcel shelf arrangement of any claims 7 to 9, wherein the second parcel shelf portion is supported by the vehicle trim component.

11. The parcel shelf arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein when the tailgate is in the closed position the aggregate shelf structure is configured to cover a vehicle loadfloor.

12. The parcel shelf arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein when the tailgate is in an open position a typical user of the vehicle is provided with an unobstructed view of the vehicle loadfloor.

13. A vehicle comprising the parcel shelf arrangement of any of claims 1 to 12.