GB2563843A

GB2563843A - Mounting assembly for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2563843A
Application number: GB1710166.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Walker David; Markwick Thomas
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-26
Filing date: 2017-06-26
Publication date: 2019-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-26
Also published as: GB201710166D0; GB2563843B

Abstract

A mounting assembly 30L for temporarily mounting a vehicle accessory (e.g. utility seat, storage apparatus, temporary partition or barrier) in a vehicle. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting part 32L for mounting at a fixed mounting point in a vehicle, and a first attachment part 38L configured for engaging the mounting part 32L at a plurality of positions relative to the fixed mounting point. The first attachment part is suitable for engaging with a second attachment part (40L, figure 9) provided on the vehicle accessory. Preferably, the mounting part is a rail 32L comprising an opening 54L for mounting to the fixed mounting point and an elongate slot 56L. The fixed mounting point may correspond to a D-loop. The mounting assembly 30L may act as an adaptor, allowing the user to select appropriate location for mounting the accessory to a particular vehicle. The first attachment part 38L may comprise upper and lower clamping parts (80L, 82L, figure 3) for applying a clamping force to the mounting part 32L. Also disclosed a method of installing a mounting assembly 30L for temporarily mounting a vehicle accessory (e.g. mounting a temporary recreational seat in a vehicle tailgate opening when the vehicle is stationary).

Description

MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a mounting assembly for a vehicle and particularly, but not exclusively, to a mounting assembly for temporarily mounting a seating apparatus in a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a mounting assembly, to a seating apparatus, to a vehicle and to a method.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide vehicles with a single tailgate, which can be opened by a user to access a load space of the vehicle. The load space is typically used to transport goods between two locations, but can provide other functions when the vehicle is stationary. In particular, it is not uncommon for individuals to sit on a floor of the load space when the tailgate is in an open position.

Similarly, vehicles are known that comprise a split tailgate, in which the vehicle is provided with both an upper tailgate and a lower tailgate. Users can open the lower tailgate to a horizontal position, creating a platform that extends outwardly from the vehicle and that may be used as an impromptu seat.

Sitting on the floor of the load space or on the lower tailgate can be uncomfortable, even for relatively short periods of time, since this is not the intended function of these parts of the vehicle. A number of partial solutions to this problem have been suggested. In particular, it is known to provide seats for temporarily mounting in the tailgate aperture. However, the known seat arrangements typically require multiple mounting points in the load space or rely on complex attachment arrangements in the vehicle.

Furthermore, a seat arrangement needs to be located at a specific location in the vehicle, to allow the user’s legs to hang out of the vehicle load space and over the ground. This may require mounting of a seat at a particular location in the load space, and that location will vary from one vehicle model to another. Known seat arrangements therefor typically require bespoke attachment arrangements for each vehicle model.

The present invention has been devised to mitigate or overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and to increase the ease with which a seat can be retrofitted to a range of vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a mounting assembly, a method of installing a mounting assembly, a seating apparatus and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting assembly for temporarily mounting a vehicle accessory in a vehicle, the mounting assembly comprising: a mounting part for mounting at a fixed mounting point in a vehicle; and a first attachment part, configured to be engagable with a second attachment part provided on the vehicle accessory. The mounting part is configured to engage with the first attachment part at a plurality of positions on the mounting part, such that the first attachment part can be mounted at a plurality of positions relative to the fixed mounting point.

Such an assembly allows for a vehicle accessory to be attached at a number of locations on a mounting part and, as such, at a number of locations in a vehicle relative to a fixed mounting point. Therefore, a user is able to select a location that is most appropriate or desirable for mounting the vehicle accessory in a particular vehicle, without being faced with the burdensome task of modifying the vehicle itself. Further, the assembly advantageously permits the same vehicle accessory to be attached to any one of a number of vehicle models, with the mounting assembly effectively acting as an adaptor between the vehicle and the accessory to be mounted thereto.

The mounting part may be configured to releasably engage with the first attachment part at a plurality of positions on the mounting part. This allows the mounting part and first attachment part to be disengaged from one another, for ease of storage of the first attachment part and/or the mounting part while the mounting assembly is not in use for example. Allowing the mounting and first attachment parts to be disengaged also permits the first attachment part to be moved relative to the mounting part, such that the first attachment part can be fixed at different positions relative to the fixed mounting point depending on the desired position of the vehicle accessory and/or the configuration of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the mounting part may be configured to be mounted to a fixed mounting point in a rear load space of the vehicle. The fixed mounting point may correspond to the position of a D-loop in the vehicle. This allows for the mounting part to be mounted to a pre-existing mounting point, such that the mounting part can easily be retrofit to a vehicle.

The mounting part may comprise an engagement feature for mounting the mounting part to the fixed mounting point. In this case the engagement feature may be an opening.

Beneficially, the mounting part may comprise an elongated slot. The mounting part may be configured to engage with the first attachment part at a plurality of positions along the elongated slot.

In an example, the elongated slot extends away from the opening in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mounting part.

The first attachment part may be configured to be temporarily engagable with the second attachment part. This allows for the first and second attachment parts to be disengaged from one another when the vehicle accessory is not required in the vehicle.

Optionally, the first attachment part comprises a clamping arrangement for attaching the first attachment part to the mounting part. This provides a reliable means of engagement between the first attachment and mounting parts.

The clamping arrangement may comprise upper and lower clamping parts, configured to apply a clamping force to an upper and lower surface of the mounting part, respectively. Such an arrangement is simple, while allowing the mounting part to be securely held between the upper and lower clamping parts to guard against movement between the first attachment and mounting parts.

The clamping arrangement may comprise a screw mechanism. Such a mechanism is simple, and has the advantage of ease of use.

In an example, the clamping arrangement comprises a guide means, the guide means being received by a cooperable opening in the mounting part when the mounting part is engaged with the first attachment part. Advantageously, this allows for ease of location of the clamping arrangement with respect to the mounting part when the mounting assembly is in use. A main body of the first attachment part may be reieasabiy attached to the clamping arrangement by way of a manually-operable fastener. This provides for a simple means of engagement between the first attachment part and clamping arrangement, which is operable by the user. The manually-operable fastener may comprise a key having a locking mechanism.

Optionally, the first attachment part comprises an attachment opening for receiving the second attachment part.

The mounting assembly may further comprise the second attachment part. The second attachment part may comprise a locating member and a rotation stop.

In an example, the locating member of the second attachment part is receivable by and is rotatable with respect to the attachment opening, such that the locating member defines a rotating spindle, and the rotation stop is configured to abut the first attachment part when the locating member has been rotated to a predetermined position, such that rotation of the locating member is limited by the rotation stop.

Such an arrangement permits accurate positioning of the second attachment part with respect to the first attachment part, and advantageously restricts movement of the second attachment part such that it can only rotate to a certain extent relative to the first. This means that the vehicle accessory can be reliably rotated to a desired, predetermined position. The rotation stop being a part of the second attachment part allows for a simple arrangement, in which the first and second attachment parts function together to provide a joint with a limited degree of freedom.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a mounting assembly for temporarily mounting a vehicle accessory in a vehicle, the mounting assembly having a mounting part and an attachment part. The method comprises: mounting the mounting part to a predetermined mounting point in the vehicle; selecting a desired attachment position from a plurality of attachment positions on the mounting part; attaching the attachment part to the mounting part at the desired position so as to space the attachment part a predetermined distance away from the predetermined mounting point in the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a seating apparatus comprising the mounting assembly in accordance with a previous aspect of the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a component mounted to the vehicle by the mounting assembly in accordance with a previous aspect of the invention.

The vehicle accessory may be a seat, or seating apparatus.

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:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle accessory of an embodiment of the invention, mounted in a vehicle byway of a mounting assembly;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of Figure 1 installed in the vehicle;

Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the mounting assembly of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first attachment part forming part of the mounting assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of Figure 1, connected to the vehicle accessory by way of an attachment assembly;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second attachment part forming part of the attachment assembly of Figure 5, in which the second attachment part forms a part of the vehicle accessory;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the vehicle accessory of Figure 1 with the attachment assembly of Figure 5 in a first, disengaged position;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle accessory of Figure 1 with the attachment assembly of Figure 5 in a second, partially engaged position; and

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the vehicle accessory of Figure 1 with the attachment assembly of Figure 5 in a third, engaged position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle accessory in the form of a seating apparatus 10 mounted in a vehicle 12. The seating apparatus 10 is configured for mounting to the vehicle 12 to provide a recreational or social seat to be used when the vehicle 12 is stationary. In the present invention, the seating apparatus 10 is configured to be mounted within a tailgate aperture 14 of the vehicle 12.

For reference, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “front” and “rear” will be used in the following description to refer to the relative location of aspects of the seating apparatus 10 when the seating apparatus 10 is in an upright, installed position in the vehicle 12. For example, the terms “front” and “rear” will be used to refer to aspects of the seating apparatus 10 that are positioned towards the front and rear of the vehicle 12, respectively, when the apparatus 10 is fully installed. Furthermore, references herein to “left” and “right” refer to the corresponding sides of the vehicle 12 when looking from the rear of the vehicle 12 towards the front.

When mounted in the vehicle 12, the seating apparatus 10 is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the vehicle 12. As such, the right-hand side of the apparatus 10 is a substantially identical mirror-reflection of the left-hand side. Therefore, for brevity, unless specifically indicated otherwise, only the left-hand side of the apparatus 10 will be described in the following description.

The seating apparatus 10 comprises a support frame 18 that is adapted to be reieasabiy mounted to the vehicle 12. The support frame 18 is configured to provide structural support to left-hand and right-hand seats 20L, 20R of the seating apparatus 10.The left-hand seat 20L comprises a base 22L that is pivotally mounted to a back 24L, or squab. The back 22L of the seat 20L is attached to the support frame 18 to inhibit movement of the seat 20L in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 12.

The back 22L comprises a structural shell in the form of a plastic vacuum-formed part (not shown), in which elements of the support frame 18 are housed along with a foam insert. The internal components of the seat 20L are concealed by a leather fabric cover 26L that encapsulates the seat 20L and that attaches to fixing means on a front of the structural shell. It should be appreciated that the seat 20L and its components may take any one of a number of forms, and it is envisaged that various support elements may be used to support the seat 20L in position in the vehicle 12.

The support frame 18 depicted in Figures 1 and 9 is manufactured from extruded aluminium sections, and comprises an upper extendible member 28 and lower extendible member 29. The upper extendible member 28 has a first longitudinal central axis U and the lower extendible member 29 has a second longitudinal central axis L (axes shown in Figure 9). The first and second longitudinal central axes U, L are arranged substantially parallel to one another and, when the apparatus 10 is installed in the vehicle 12, extend transversely across the vehicle 10 substantially parallel to a transverse axis thereof. The width of the support frame 18 can be adjusted by varying the lateral extent of the upper and lower extendible members 28, 29, in order to adjust a spacing between the left and right seats 20L, 20R.

Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the seating apparatus 10 is mounted to the vehicle 12 by means of two mounting assemblies 30L, 30R, each comprising a mounting part in the form of a mounting rail 32L, 32R installed at a fixed mounting point in the vehicle, such as the D-loop location 34L, 34R (shown in Figure 7) on the floor of a rear load space 36 (shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 12, and a first attachment part 38L, 38R mounted to the mounting rail 32L, 32R. Referring to the left-hand side of the arrangement for simplicity, the first attachment part 38L is configured to engage with a second attachment part 40L that is connected to the support frame 18 of the seating apparatus 10, such that the first and second attachment parts 38L, 40L together form an attachment assembly 42L, allowing for temporary engagement between the seating apparatus 10 and the mounting assembly 30L in the vehicle 12.

Although the D-loop location 34L provides a convenient and pre-existing mounting point for a mounting assembly 30L, the D-loop may not necessarily be at an appropriate location for direct mounting of the first attachment part 38L. For example, if the seating apparatus is mounted directly at a D-loop location 34L that is too far rearward, the seating apparatus 10 may overhang the floor of the load space 36 and may not be supported sufficiently. The ideal location for mounting the first attachment part 38L may therefore differ from the D-loop location 34L, and may vary between vehicle models.

Thus, the mounting rail 32L is configured to receive the first attachment part 38L at a plurality of positions along the length of the rail 32L, such that the first attachment part 38L can be mounted at a plurality of positions in the vehicle 12 relative to the fixed mounting point. In this way, the mounting rail 32L of the mounting assembly 30L effectively forms an adaptor between the floor of the load space 36 and the first attachment part 38L, allowing the first attachment part 38L to be mounted at a plurality of different positions relative to the D-loop location 34L. This permits the first attachment part 38L, and hence a seating apparatus 10 mounted to the first attachment part 38L, to be mounted at a location that is appropriate for the vehicle model.

Referring to Figure 2 in particular, and considering the left-hand mounting rail 32L in more detail, the mounting rail 32L comprises a generally elongate body 44L that, in use, aligns with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 12. The body 44L comprises a raised central portion 46L and front and rear portions or legs 48L that support the raised central portion 46L above the floor of the vehicle load space 36 (shown in Figure 1).

Each leg 48L comprises a base portion 50L defined by a plate having a flat undersurface for resting on the floor, and a ramp portion 52L that slopes upwardly to the raised central portion 46L of the body 44L. The base portion 50L of the rear leg 48L comprises an opening 54L in the plate that serves as an engagement feature for fixing the mounting rail 32L to the fixed mounting point in the vehicle 12 when the mounting assembly 30L is in use.

Along the central portion 46L of the body 44L, the mounting rail 32L comprises an aperture for engagement with the first attachment means, which takes the form of an elongated slot 56L. The elongated slot 56L extends in a direction away from the opening 54L towards the front leg 48L, along the longitudinal axis of the mounting rail 32L.

Turning now to Figures 3 and 4, the first attachment part 38L will now be described in more detail. The first attachment part 38L comprises a main body 58L, which includes an upper receiving portion 60L for receiving a locating member 62L of the second attachment part 40L (shown in Figures 5 and 6), and a body portion 64L that extends from the receiving portion 60L towards a lower foot portion 66L.

The receiving portion 60L defines a “head” of the first attachment part 38L and comprises an upper arm 68L and a lower arm 70L such that the receiving portion 60L is substantially C-shaped, giving the first attachment part 38L a claw-like appearance when viewed side-on in the inboard direction. An attachment opening 72L is defined by the upper and lower arms 68L, 70L, which converge slightly before terminating at a mouth 74L of the attachment opening 72L, at the opening of the “C”. It will be apparent that a first dimension of the mouth 74L, defined by the spacing of the arms 68L, 70L in the region of termination, is inherently smaller than a diameter D of the attachment opening 72L. A rear of the “C” of the receiving portion 60L defines an abutment surface 76L against which a part of the second attachment part 40L abuts when the attachment assembly 42L is in use.

The body portion 64L of the first attachment part 38L is contiguous with the receiving portion 60L, and extends generally downwardly from and slightly forwardly of the lower arm 70L of the receiving portion 60L when viewed in the inboard direction, increasing in width slightly towards a base of the body portion 64L. The body portion 64L similarly increases in depth slightly towards the base, giving the body portion 64L a slightly enlarged appearance towards the base.

At its base, the body portion 64L meets the foot portion 66L of the first attachment part 38L, which is of substantially the same depth as the base of the body portion 64L but extends in a rearward direction so that the total width of the foot portion 66L is approximately twice the width of the base of the body portion 64L.

Referring in particular to Figure 3, the foot portion 66L supports a clamping arrangement 78L of the first attachment part 38L, used to attach the first attachment part 38L to the mounting rail 32L. In this example, the clamping arrangement 78L comprises substantially rectangular upper and lower clamping parts 80L, 82L, which can be disposed at an upper and lower surface 84L (lower surface not shown) of the mounting rail 32L respectively, to apply a clamping force either side of the rail 32L.

The upper clamping part 80L comprises two protrusions that extend through the slot 56L of the mounting rail 32L when the mounting assembly 30L is in use, to define a guide means. In particular, the protrusions take the form of two tabs 86L that extend from a lower surface (not shown) of the upper clamping part 80L, the rearmost of which is configured to be received by a corresponding aperture 88L of the lower clamping part 82L to guide the upper and lower clamping parts 80L, 82L into engagement.

The upper and lower clamping parts 80L, 82L additionally each define two apertures 90L having female screw threads that are aligned with one another. In this way, a screw fastener 92L can be inserted through each pair of apertures 90L and rotated in a conventional manner to apply a clamping force.

As is also visible in Figure 3, the first attachment part 38L comprises a releasable attachment means for releasably attaching the main body 58L to the clamping arrangement 78L. In particular, the foot portion 66L of the first attachment part 38L comprises an aperture (not shown), configured to receive a key 94L having a locking mechanism, for temporarily attaching the main body 58L to the upper clamping part 80L. In more detail, the key 94L comprises a shaft 96L that is dimensioned to be inserted into the aperture, until a head 98L of the key 94L comes into contact with an upper surface of the foot 66L. The rearward tab 86L of the upper clamping part 80L is substantially hollow, such that the key shaft 96L can subsequently be inserted into the tab 86L and rotated, to establish engagement between a recess (not shown) of the shaft 96L and a co-operable protrusion (not shown) inside the tab 86L. In this way, the main body 58L of the first attachment part 38L can be quickly and easily fitted to, and removed from, the clamping arrangement 78L.

The first attachment part 38L is manufactured from zinc, by way of a die casting process, giving the first attachment part 38L a high quality surface finish. The manufacturing process additionally allows for the first attachment part 38L to be consistently manufactured with accurate dimensions, such that the first attachment part 38L is arranged to fit reliably with the second attachment part 40L in the vehicle 12.

During the die casting process, the first attachment part 38L is formed with a recessed region on both an inboard and an outboard side of the first attachment part 38L. In other words, the first attachment part 38L is recessed on both sides in the region of the receiving and body portions 60L, 64L, defining a central web (not shown) through the first attachment part 38L. Referring again to Figure 4, for ease of handling, and to improve the aesthetic appearance of the first attachment part 38L, an insert 102L corresponding to the shape of each recess is positioned in the respective recess, to give the first attachment part 38L a smooth, continuous surface. It will be appreciated that the first attachment part 38L may be manufactured by any suitable means, and that the first attachment part 38L could be manufactured without these recesses, negating the need for the corresponding inserts 102L.

The die casting of the first attachment part 38L comprises two additional, shallower recesses 104L, 106L, on each of a front and rear surface of the first attachment part 38L . Firstly, a rear surface of the first attachment part 38L is slightly recessed within the attachment opening 72L of the receiving portion 60L, across the entire depth of the opening 72L. Secondly, a front surface of the first attachment part 38L is slightly recessed in the region of the receiving portion 60L, across substantially the entire depth of the first attachment part 38L. Hard inserts 108L, 110L, having dimensions corresponding to each of the front and rear recesses 104L, 106L, are subsequently positioned in the respective recess 104L, 106L, providing the receiving portion 60L with hardwearing and resilient contact points for corresponding portions of the second attachment part 40L. The inserts 108L, 110L corresponding to the front and rear recesses 104L, 106L are manufactured from rubber and plastic respectively, although it is envisaged that alternative materials could be used.

In use, the attachment opening 72L of the first attachment part 38L receives the second attachment part 40L provided on the seating apparatus 10, in order to mount the seating apparatus 10 to the mounting apparatus 30L, and hence to the vehicle 12. The second attachment part 40L will now be described in more detail.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a second attachment part 40L, 40R is attached at each end of the lower extendible member 29 of the support frame 18 of the seating apparatus 10, and is configured to be engagable with the first attachment part 38L. Referring to the left-hand second attachment part 40L, the second attachment part 40L itself comprises the locating member 62L, a rotation stop 112L and a joining side portion 114L, which closes off an end of the lower extendible member 29 when the parts are joined in use.

The locating member 62L comprises an elongated spindle portion 116L, configured to be received by and rotatable with respect to the attachment opening 72L of the first attachment part 38L. The spindle 116L has a substantially cuboidal cross-section, such that a height of the spindle 116L is greater than a width of the spindle portion 116L when viewed in an inboard direction, when the attachment assembly 42L is in the engaged position with the seating apparatus 10 fully installed. The spindle portion 116L is contiguous with the side portion 114L and extends in an outboard direction from the side portion 114L. In particular, the spindle 116L extends from a position on the side portion 114L that substantially corresponds to the longitudinal central axis L of the lower extendible member 29. The spindle 116L terminates at a withdrawal stop 118L, at an end of the spindle 116L opposing the side portion 114L of the second attachment part 40L.

In the depicted embodiment, the withdrawal stop 118L takes the form of a triangle, the base of which corresponds to a rear edge of the spindle 116L, such that the withdrawal stop 118L extends generally forward from the spindle 116L in the direction of the rotation stop 112L. However, it will be apparent that the arrangement of the spindle 116L and withdrawal stop 118L may take any one of a number of configurations.

The side portion 114L is substantially planar and, when the attachment assembly 42L is in an engaged position (as shown in Figure 5), is configured to guard against withdrawal of the locating member 62L from the attachment opening 72L of the first attachment part 38L pre-installed in the vehicle 12, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis L of the lower extendible member 29. In this way, relative movement between the first and second attachment parts 38L, 40L of the attachment assembly 42L is restricted. In the depicted embodiment, the side portion 114L is of a comparable size to a lateral cross section of the lower extendible member 29, but extends slightly beyond the lower extendible member 29 at a front end of the second attachment part 40L.

The rotation stop 112L extends away from the side portion 114L in a direction parallel to the second longitudinal central axis L of the lower extendible member 29, in the same direction as the spindle 116L. In this way, the spindle 116L and the rotation stop 112L are arranged in spaced-apart relation, and a gap between them remains substantially constant along their length. The rotation stop 112L is disposed at an angle relative to a lateral cross section of the spindle 116L, and takes the form of a substantially flat body, defining a planar abutment surface.

The second attachment part 40L is manufactured as a single component, such that the locating member 62L, rotation stop 112L and side portion 114L are integral with one another. Specifically, the second attachment part 40L is manufactured using a die casting process, and the manufacturing process affords the same benefits as those mentioned previously in relation to the second attachment part 40L, namely, a high quality surface finish and the manufacture of a part with accurate dimensions.

Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the process of installing the mounting assembly 30L in a vehicle 12 will now be described.

In order to install the mounting rail 32L in the vehicle 12, the user can temporarily remove the corresponding D-loop located in the floor of the rear load space 36 (shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 12, to access the D-loop aperture. This D-loop aperture provides a fixed mounting point in the vehicle 12 at the D-loop location 34L (shown in Figure 7). The user then aligns the opening 54L of the mounting rail 32L with the D-loop aperture. The user can then re-position the D-loop over the fixing aperture and attach the D-loop to the floor of the load space 36. In this way, the rail 32L is positioned between the floor and the D-loop, thereby fixing the mounting rail 32L to a fixed mounting point in the vehicle 12.

In a next step, the user mounts the first attachment part 38L to the mounting rail 32L via the clamping arrangement 78L. Due to the slot arrangement, the first attachment part 38L may be mounted at any one of several locations along the mounting rail 32L, to provide a particular spacing between the fixed mounting point and the first attachment means 38L, and hence to locate the first attachment means 38L at a desired place in the vehicle 12. The user selects an appropriate location for the first attachment part 38L according to the vehicle model, and mounts the first attachment means 38L to the rail 32L accordingly.

In order to mount the first attachment part 38L to the rail 32L, the user must first position the upper and lower clamping parts 80L, 82L on the respective sides of the mounting rail 32L at the appropriate position, with the tabs 86L of the upper clamping part 80L protruding through the elongated slot 56L. The user is able to position the lower clamping part 82L beneath the mounting rail 32L by virtue of the raised central portion 46L, which defines a space between the rail 32L and the load space floor.

The rearward tab 86L of the upper clamping part 80L is received by the lower clamping part 82L, as previously described. The user can then insert screws 92L having a male screw thread into the appropriate apertures 90L in the upper clamping part 80L, then through the elongated slot 56L and into the corresponding apertures 90L in the lower clamping part 82L. It will be appreciated that the clamping force applied to the mounting rail 32L may be varied in dependence on the extent to which the screws 92L are rotated into the apertures 90L of the clamping parts 80L, 82L.

With the clamping arrangement 78L in place, the main body 58L of the first attachment part 38L can then be attached to the clamping arrangement 78L using the releasable attachment means described above. In particular, the key 94L of the releasable attachment means is inserted into the aperture in the foot portion 66L, and hence into the hollow rearward tab 86L of the upper clamping part 80L. The key 94L is then turned to engage with the rearward tab 86L, thereby fixing the main body 58L to the clamping arrangement 78L. Uninstallation can be achieved through simple rotation of the key 94L in a reverse direction, and the mounting rail 32L and clamping arrangement 78L can be left in position in the rear load space 36 of the vehicle 12 for future use.

The vehicle user may remove and re-install the main body 58L of the first attachment part 38L of the mounting assembly 30L as desired. For example, if the user does not intend to use the seating apparatus 10 frequently, the user may separate the main body 58L from the clamping arrangement 78L, and store it for reinstallation at a later date. For example, the user may choose to install the main body 58L at the same time as installing the seating apparatus 10. Alternatively, if the user wishes to use the seating apparatus 10 frequently, they may choose to keep the main body 58L installed so that it is ready for use when needed.

The mounting rail 32L thereby allows a fixed mounting point of a vehicle 12 to be modified to allow a vehicle seat or other accessory to be mounted at a particular desired position in the vehicle 12. By providing a plurality of mounting positions, the rail 32L effectively acts as an adaptor that can be used in any vehicle 12 to locate the first attachment means 38L at a suitable location relative to the fixed mounting point of the vehicle 12.

When the first attachment part 38L is fully mounted in the vehicle 12, the seating apparatus 10 may then be installed. The process by which the seating apparatus 10 is mounted to the mounting assembly 30L will now be described, with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

Firstly, if the main body 58L of the first attachment part 38L is not already installed, the user installs the main body 58L as described above. Next, the user installs the seating apparatus 10.

The seating apparatus 10 is initially in a folded configuration, with the back 24L of the seat 20L resting against the corresponding seat base 22L and with the attachment assembly 42L in a disengaged position. In this arrangement, the second attachment part 40L is positioned such that the rotation stop 112L is sat substantially vertically above the spindle 116L. The triangle of the corresponding withdrawal stop 118L extends vertically from the end of the spindle 116L, towards the rotation stop 112L, as previously described.

In order to install the seating apparatus 10 in the vehicle 12, the user roughly aligns the second attachment part 40L with the corresponding first attachment part 38L installed in the vehicle 12. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in a next step the user pushes the seating apparatus 10 forward, towards the front of the vehicle 12, guiding the spindle 116L of the second attachment part 40L into the attachment opening 72L of the receiving portion 60L of the first attachment part 38L in the insertion direction. The gap between the spindle 116L and the rotation stop 112L substantially corresponds to a height of the upper arm 68L of the receiving portion 60L, such that the upper arm 68L is inserted into the gap as the spindle 116L is received by the receiving portion 60L.

As previously described, the withdrawal stop 118L of the second attachment part 40L extends part-way between the spindle 116L and the rotation stop 112L at an outboard end of the spindle 116L. Consequently, with the spindle 116L inserted into the attachment opening 72L of the first attachment part 38L, the side portion 114L, spindle 116L, withdrawal stop 118L and rotation stop 112L of the second attachment part 40L effectively form a partial collar around the upper arm 68L of the first attachment part 38L, limiting relative movement between the first and second attachment parts 38L, 40L. In this position, the attachment assembly 42L is in a “partially engaged” state.

In a next step, as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the user rotates the seat back 24L upwardly and forwardly, away from the base 22L. The second attachment part 40L is simultaneously rotated relative to the first attachment part 38L. In particular, the spindle 116L of the second attachment part 40L is rotated within the opening 72L of the receiving portion 60L, and the rotation stop 112L is guided around the upper arm 68L of the receiving portion 60L until the rotation stop 112L makes contact with a front surface of the receiving portion 60L. Specifically, an inner planar surface of the rotation stop 112L contacts an outer planar surface of the front hard rubber insert 108L of the receiving portion 60L, providing the user with a physical indication that the seating apparatus 10 has been installed, and inhibiting further rotation of the seat back 24L in this direction. At this stage, the seating apparatus 10 is in the installed, upright position, with the seat back 24L arranged in the correct position and orientation for use, and the attachment assembly 42L is fully engaged.

In this “engaged” position, a centre of gravity of the seat back 24L is positioned forward of the lower extendible member, and thus forward of the attachment assembly 42L. Advantageously, this means that the seat back 24L is held in position, and is prevented from rotating back down towards the base 22L of the seat 20L by virtue of gravity alone, such that no additional mechanical means are required.

Referring now to Figure 9, with the attachment assembly 42L in the engaged state, the height of the spindle 116L is greater than the second spacing between the arms 68L, 70L of the receiving portion 60L at the mouth 74L of the opening 72L. This being the case, if any force is applied to the second attachment part 40L in a rearward direction, opposite to the insertion direction, the spindle 116L comes into contact with the arms 68L, 70L of the receiving portion 60L and movement is inhibited. Similarly, if any force is applied to the second attachment part 40L in the forward insertion direction, the spindle 116L comes into contact with a joining region 120L between the arms 68L, 70L, at the front of the C-shaped receiving portion 60L. Therefore, with the attachment assembly 42L in the engaged state, the second attachment part 40L and the first attachment part 38L act together to prevent any translational movement of the seating apparatus 10 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 12, either forward or rearward.

Contact between the inner surface of the rotation stop 112L and the outer surface of the front rubber insert 108L of the receiving portion 60L additionally guards against movement of the second attachment part 40L in the rearward direction. Further, this contact inhibits rotational movement of the back 24L of the seat 20L, preventing further rotation of the seat back 24L away from the base 22L, towards the front of the vehicle 12. The engagement between the first and second attachment part 38L, 40L therefore provides support to a user sat on base 22L of the seat 20L and leaning against the seat back 24L.

Relative movement between the first and second attachment parts 38L, 40L is also prevented in a direction parallel to the second longitudinal central axis of the lower extendible member 29, either in an inboard or an outboard direction. In the event that force is applied to the second attachment part 40L in an outboard direction, the side portion 114L (most readily visible in Figures 5 and 6) of the second attachment part 40L is brought into contact with a corresponding surface of the receiving portion 60L of the first attachment part 38L. Further, in the event that an attempt is made to withdraw the spindle 116L from the receiving portion 60L in an inboard direction, the withdrawal stop 118L of the second attachment part 40L contacts a corresponding surface of the receiving portion 60L and any further movement is prevented.

In fact, the relationship between the second attachment part 40L and the first attachment part 38L in the engaged state is such that substantial movement of the seating apparatus 10 is only permitted in one direction. Specifically, if the user wishes to disengage the attachment assembly 42L to remove the seating apparatus 10 from the vehicle 12, they can do so by reversing the motions previously described. In other words, the seat back 24L can be rotated back down towards the base 22L of the seat 20L, and the seating apparatus 10 then withdrawn in the rearward direction, opposite to the insertion direction, to remove the spindle 116L of the second attachment part 40L from the first attachment part 38L.

The attachment assembly 42L allows for ease of location of the second attachment part 40L with respect to the first attachment part 38L, and provides a robust and reliable means for an individual to install the seating apparatus 10 in position in the vehicle 12. Use of the mounting rail 32L additionally permits a desired location for the first attachment part 38L to be selected from a plurality of locations, to account for the varying dimensions of different vehicle models. In this way, only two mounting assemblies 30L are required in order to install the seating apparatus 10 in a plurality of positions in the vehicle 12, providing a simple arrangement that requires minimal modification to the vehicle 12. Furthermore, the same mounting assembly 30L can be used on multiple vehicle models. Once fitted in the correct location, the mounting rails 32L and the clamping arrangements 78L of the first attachment parts 38L can be left in position in the vehicle 12, such that installation of the seating apparatus 10 can be executed quickly and easily whenever necessary.

Many modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. For example, it is envisaged that the attachment assembly described herein may be used in conjunction with any accessory to be installed in the tailgate aperture of a vehicle, such as a storage apparatus or a temporary partition or barrier.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly for temporarily mounting a vehicle accessory in a vehicle, the mounting assembly comprising: a mounting part for mounting at a fixed mounting point in a vehicle; and a first attachment part, configured to be engagable with a second attachment part provided on the vehicle accessory, wherein the mounting part is configured to engage with the first attachment part at a plurality of positions on the mounting part, such that the first attachment part can be mounted at a plurality of positions relative to the fixed mounting point.

2. A mounting assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the mounting part is configured to releasably engage with the first attachment part at a plurality of positions on the mounting part.

3. A mounting assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the mounting part is configured to be mounted to a fixed mounting point in a rear load space of the vehicle.

4. A mounting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixed mounting point corresponds to the position of a D-loop in the vehicle.

5. A mounting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting part comprises an engagement feature for mounting the mounting part to the fixed mounting point.

6. A mounting assembly according to Claim 5, wherein the engagement feature is an opening.

7. A mounting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting part comprises an elongated slot and the mounting part is configured to engage with the first attachment part at a plurality of positions along the elongated slot.

8. A mounting assembly according to Claim 7, when dependent on Claim 6, wherein the elongated slot extends away from the opening in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mounting part.

9. A mounting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment part is configured to be temporarily engagable with the second attachment part.

10. A mounting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment part comprises a clamping arrangement for attaching the first attachment part to the mounting part.

11. A mounting assembly according to Claim 10, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises upper and lower clamping parts, configured to apply a clamping force to an upper and lower surface of the mounting part, respectively.

12. A mounting assembly according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises a screw mechanism.

13. A mounting assembly according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises a guide means, the guide means being received by a cooperable opening in the mounting part when the mounting part is engaged with the first attachment part.

14. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a main body of the first attachment part is releasably attached to the clamping arrangement by way of a manually-operable fastener.

15. A mounting assembly according to Claim 14, wherein the manually-operable fastener comprises a key having a locking mechanism.

16. A mounting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment part comprises an attachment opening for receiving the second attachment part.

17. A mounting assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising the second attachment part.

18. A mounting assembly according to Claim 17, wherein the second attachment part comprises a locating member and a rotation stop.

19. A mounting assembly according to Claim 18, when dependent on Claim 16, wherein the locating member of the second attachment part is receivable by and is rotatable with respect to the attachment opening, such that the locating member defines a rotating spindle, and the rotation stop is configured to abut the first attachment part when the locating member has been rotated to a predetermined position, such that rotation of the locating member is limited by the rotation stop.

20. A method of installing a mounting assembly for temporarily mounting a vehicle accessory in a vehicle, the mounting assembly having a mounting part and an attachment part, and the method comprising: mounting the mounting part to a predetermined mounting point in the vehicle; selecting a desired attachment position from a plurality of attachment positions on the mounting part; attaching the attachment part to the mounting part at the desired position so as to space the attachment part a predetermined distance away from the predetermined mounting point in the vehicle.

21. A seating apparatus comprising the mounting assembly of any one of Claims 1 to 19.

22. A vehicle having a component mounted therein by the mounting assembly of any one of Claims 1 to 19.

23. A vehicle according to Claim 22, wherein the vehicle accessory is a seat.