JP2003515493A - Car load management system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The cargo management system of the present invention is provided with a deep storage area under the cargo floor, wherein the storage may be partitioned horizontally and / or vertically, preferably to access the storage. It has multiple doors. In the described embodiment, the management system can be placed in three positions, the three positions being the first storage position where the panels are provided and the panels are in contact with the back of the rear seat; A second shelf position separated by a first distance from the floor; the panel is a third privacy shielded position that is horizontal but separated by a second distance from the loading floor, the second distance exceeding the first distance. .

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

Description of Related Applications This application claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 60 / 168,062, filed November 30, 1999, entitled Automobile Seating System.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of vehicle cargo management systems, and more specifically to cargo management systems for vans, sports utility vehicles, and the like. In a most preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a panel mounted on the back seat of a vehicle that includes a deep storage system of various configurations and that functions as a cargo shelf or privacy shield in the cargo area. Concerning the cargo management system including. The latter, in a preferred embodiment, can be provided with a hinged retaining flap, the net extending from the interior ceiling of the vehicle to the rear seats, in the case of an object placed on the privacy shield in case of a hard brake or head-on collision. Guaranteed not to pop out.

Description of the Prior Art A great variety of vehicle storage systems have been described in the prior art.
In recent years, the proliferation of vans and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) has created new challenges for automotive designers. This is because the area behind the last row of seats (second or third row) is the largest area for storage of cargo and is generally open to the eyes of the outside of the vehicle. Privacy shields are known and include devices that can be rolled up when the cargo space is empty and unrolled when luggage, camping equipment, commercial accessories or the like are placed in the storage area.

Storage is also commonplace in motor vehicles and includes glove boxes, ceilings or cabinets with doors between seats, storage on the back side of the door or seat or side of the loading area. Such a storage compartment can be covered by a loading net or other enclosure with removable or hinged doors. Storage bins extending below the floor of the loading area are also known. An example is the storage area for spare wheels used in many automobiles, which are generally oriented horizontally.
It is parallel to a hinged cover that forms part of the floor of the cargo area. Other SUV
In, a spare wheel is placed in the stowage or loading area behind the back seat. Various storage containers are arranged in the side wall interior of the loading area, some of these vehicles have a door facing the underfloor space used to store tool boxes, first aid kits, jacks and the like. ing.

Space utilization is an important consideration for many who are willing to buy a new car. An optimal cargo management system offers large storage volumes, structural features, versatility, privacy, owner safety, robustness, convenience and the like. Such devices benefit a great variety of buyers such as travelers, sportsmen and women, campers, "soccer moms and dads", gardeners and more. Therefore, the development of such a system would be a significant advance in the art.

Features and Summary of the Invention A main feature of the present invention is to provide an automobile load management system that overcomes the limitations and deficiencies of the prior art described above and satisfies the requirements for an optimum load management system. It is to be.

Another feature of the present invention is that it is installed in a vehicle and in the first configuration has a floor in the spacious cargo area, between the floor and ceiling interior of the vehicle, between the side walls, between the side seats and the rear seats and rear doors. An object of the present invention is to provide a cargo management system capable of providing a large object or a capacity for holding a large number of items in between.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a three-position panel that can be coupled to the backseat to be placed in a load bearing or privacy screen (shield) position.

Yet another feature of the present invention is one or more trays accessible (removable), removable, retractable, or hinged through one or preferably multiple doors. Providing a deep storage compartment, which is horizontally and / or vertically partitioned by shelves or partitions, under the floor of the cargo management area.

Another feature of the invention is the combination of a multi-position panel with a deep storage system to provide additional storage surfaces and a deep storage system when one or more doors are open. And to provide a privacy shield for the contents.

A further feature of the present invention is to provide a practical screen for multi-position panels and loads, such that in the event of a hard brake or head-on collision, the objects placed on the panels jump forward towards the occupants of the seat. Is to prevent

How the stated and further objects of the invention are achieved individually and in various combinations will be described in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. . Generally, these objectives are achieved in a load management system with a storage compartment under the load floor that is accessible by one or more doors,
Three doors are the most preferred. The bin may be partitioned into a variety of different sized bins or may be generally wide to accommodate large items. In the preferred illustrated embodiment, two removable trays are used to horizontally divide the compartment into smaller compartments, which are also vertically compartmentalized. The storage doors are preferably retractable and may be removable so that they can be used as dividers or functional parts of the cargo management system. In any of its various configurations, the panel is deployed and connected to the backseat whether the cabinet is open or closed. The panel acts as a load storage rack (the panel is placed parallel to the load floor and at a first distance from the load floor), or rotated using a connecting rod assembly to provide a privacy shield A panel is attached by a bar mechanism, in the latter the panel is placed parallel to the load floor but a second, larger distance from the load floor.

The features of the present invention are also achieved by employing a retaining flap at the end of the panel described above to prevent items placed on the panel from falling back from the panel. When not in use or used as a privacy shield, the retention flap is hinged for storage. In addition, nets or other types of shields can be deployed to prevent items held in the cargo system from jumping forward in the event of a hard brake or head-on collision.

Other ways in which the features of the present invention will be achieved will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this specification. Such other methods are considered to be within the scope of the invention if they fall within the scope of the claims (below).

[0015]   In the individual figures, the same reference numbers are used to indicate the same parts.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Before proceeding with a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, some general explanations are helpful in understanding the applicability and scope of the present invention. Will.

First, it is hinged (retractable) with two retractable (retractable) doors.
One door is shown to cover the shed (well hole). These doors can perform structural functions as described below. The number, shape, and / or size of the doors can be increased or decreased. Additionally, one or more doors may be locked (locked) to prevent theft of valuables stored in the cabinet. Generally, the outer surface of the door is covered with a material that matches the surrounding interior of the vehicle.

Second, a removable tray is preferred and is shown, but could be completely removed and would be an accessory if the owner wanted more versatility in storage options. You can also Although the tray shown shows a handle hole for ease of removal, the tray can also be hinged to provide access to the underlying bin. In one embodiment, the tray is removed from the vehicle when stowed and replaced to provide another shelf surface.

Third, the materials of choice for cabinets, trays, and doors can be selected from those previously used by those skilled in the art and must exhibit durability, cleanability, and a pleasing aesthetic appearance. . Various combinations of steel, plastics, textiles, carpets, wood products, and the like can be employed for these parts.

Fourth, and next, with regard to the cabinet, the drawing illustrates an open bottom and two elongated storage areas defined by the bottom of the door and the top of the removable tray. However, in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, optional partitions have been deployed to create two elongated storage areas at the deepest part of the cabinet and two elongated storage bins between the door and the tray. Although specific items have been chosen for storage in these areas, and their selection and storage are suitable for these items, these illustrations should by no means be considered limiting. The bottom of the cabinet is divided into small vertical and horizontal vertical partitions to provide the mechanism the driver of the vehicle desires. The partition can be completely removed, hinged, or fixed to the cabinet using snaps, tracks, Velcro®, and the like. The lower storage compartment may be locked in addition to or instead of the door for security and / or safety. An exit internal latch may also be included to prevent the shield from accidentally entering the cabinet.

Fifth, although the multi-position panel is illustrated as being of maximum width (ie, extending across substantially the entire back of the backseat), the panels may be 60/40 and other splits as needed. It can be divided according to the seats. The number of connecting rods (links) and body supports will be different in such situations. A further preferred support device, whether in the form of a shelf or privacy screen, is illustrated as a cylindrical extension received in a plug receiver in the side wall interior, and other supports such as legs extending downwards or Supports extending down from the ceiling interior area (eg, rigid supports, ropes, and the like) may be used to support the outer rear corners of the panel.

Sixth, two accessories are shown for use with the panel portion of the cargo management system of the present invention. One is the retention (keeper) flaps (drains, strips) that extend generally vertically from the rear edge of the panel when arranged as shelves, when the panel is stowed and the panel is oriented towards the privacy screen. If it is, it will be folded. The height of the retainer (keeper), the material of construction (flexible or rigid plastics, cloth, etc.) and the method of support can vary widely. The other accessory is a net that extends downwards from the ceiling interior area and is attached to the support of the panel to prevent objects from jumping forward in the event of a hard brake or head-on collision. For example, a rigid screen may be used, and the screen or net is stored in the back seat, or pulled out upward and attached to a ceiling interior or the like.

Seventh, although doing so will result in optimized cargo space utilization, it is not a requirement that the panel and deep storage system be used together, neither accessory nor the other. Could be used in conjunction with other cargo management systems to increase its value.

Eighth, some other enhancements are shown in the drawings, and the arrangement, quantity and structure could be omitted or modified without departing from the intended scope of the invention. . Examples are drain plugs in deep fridge systems, and plastic grocery bag hooks under the fridge doors, which have vertical doors. If you are in an effective position.

Proceeding now to the description of the preferred embodiment, the cargo management system 10 is shown in FIG. 1 in its initial position. The seat 12 has a cushion 14 and a seat back surface 15
Is shown in a folded down position so that the seat back 15 and panel 16 are generally flush with the floor 17 of the cargo area behind the seat. Panel 16
A pair of bag clasps 22, 24 integrated with a holding flap and a panel 16 described later.
Similar to the above, it has a pair of handles 18 and 20 which will be described later.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a deep chamber (well-like hole) storage system 25 with a bottom chamber (cavity) 27, a pair of trays 29, 31, a partition wall 33, and three doors 35, 37 and 40. 2 shows specific components of the. In this embodiment the doors 35 and 37
Has latched handles 41 and 43 for lifting the rear end of the door upward and retracting the doors 35 and 37. On the other hand, the door 40 is at the open position (see FIG. 3).
It has a handle 45 with a latch for rotating up to (see).

A thorough examination of FIG. 1 shows that the partition wall 33 has a front wall 47 and a rear wall 49 (eg,
A groove 48 made of steel, plastics or the like) is provided to indicate that the walls are separated from each other by a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the doors 35 and 37. Groove 48 receives retractable doors 35 and 37.

Apertures 52, 53 are shown in trays 29 and 31, respectively, to drive a vehicle when a deep storage area is needed or when an object is desired to be placed at the bottom of a shed (well-like hole) 27. One is sized to allow trays 29 and 31 (hinged trays can be used) to be lifted up and removed. Exactly the same set of openings 5
2 and 53 are provided at opposite ends of the trays 29 and 31. Furthermore, a removable drain tap 55 is shown in FIG. 1 when, for example, plants or other moist or wet objects are placed in the cabinet 27 or the cabinet is cleaned. The drain plug may be any elastic body such as urethane rubber, or may be a screw or other mechanical plug. The interior finish of the cabinet is preferably metal with a carpeting or plastic lining or paint finish, and rubber coated finishes or other automotive finishes can be used. Similarly, the panel 16 and doors 35, 37 and 40 can be made from a single material (eg, plastic resin), but with any necessary metal or plastic internal supports, cloth, carpet material, or the like. It is also possible to use an outer surface having an inner region covered with.

FIG. 1 shows another important feature of the illustrated preferred embodiment, namely a pair of plug receptacles, the purpose of which will become apparent in the subsequent description. In addition, a storage case 60 covered with a cargo net is formed in the side wall of the cargo area. This does not inherently form part of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates two additional items. First, when a large cardboard container 62 is placed on the load floor 17 and in the configuration depicted in FIG. 1, the cargo management system of the present invention provides for providing such a large object loading area. . A golf club 64 and a folded playpen leg 65 (these are merely exemplary objects) are also shown at the bottom of the cabinet 27.

FIG. 3 begins a description of various different forms possible for the cargo management system 10. First, it should be noted that an optional fixed or removable partition wall 70 is provided in the cabinet 27, dividing the cabinet into a front bin 71 and a rear bin 72. Further, the door 35 is opened and drawn into the groove 48. When this is done, the underside 76 of the door 35 performs several functions, such as dividing the cargo area on the floor 17, or as shown in a plurality of plastic handle grocery bag hooks. (Clasp) 78 is used. The same advantages can be achieved by the mobile door 37 in the same manner.

The panel 16 and its stacking rack position can now be described with reference to FIG. Latch 18, which will be described later, is provided here at the rear end of the horizontal shelf formed by the inner surface 80 of panel 16. Further, the mounting of the panel 16 can be understood in relation to the link assembly 82. Metal rod 84
(The rod can also be split) extends parallel to the upper end of the seat back 15 and is held neat by a housing mounted on the seat back, ie the members 86, 87 and 88 shown, each housing being Has an extension (eg 89) through which the rod 84 passes.

Four connecting members (links) 94, 95, 96 and 97 are rotatably connected to a rod 84 and a pin (not shown) on the rear surface of the panel 16. The panel 16 is also supported by spring-loaded cylindrical (cylindrical) extensions 98, 99 (preferably coupled to the panel latches) that are received in lower plug receptacles (lower receptacles) 58 in the side interior of the cargo area. To be done.

FIG. 3 further illustrates a retaining (keeper) flap 100 extending upwardly from the rear end 102 of the panel 16. It is rotatably connected (or alternatively, to a series of four rods 103-106 mounted on the panel 16).
Snap fits or other rotatable connection methods can be used). Cylindrical extensions 108, 110 extend outwardly from the tips of the retaining flaps 100 and are received in an upper receptacle 56 in the side interior of the cargo area.

FIG. 3 further shows a net 115 having an upper end 116 and a lower end 118 that are suitably attached to the roof or ceiling interior of a vehicle (not shown). Further, a pair of clasps 119 and 120 are formed at the lower ends and arranged so as to engage with the recesses 122 and 123 in the housing. When so engaged, the net 115 isolates any items placed on the panel 16 from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

FIG. 4 shows the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 3, with the bag 130 placed on the tray 29, the large bag 132 placed on the door 37, and the panel 16 in the shelf position. 1 shows the cargo management system 10 with the additional bag 135 and flowerpot 136 carved.

The versatility of the cargo management system 10 according to the present invention is further illustrated in FIG.
Here, the panel 16 is turned over from the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the spring-loaded cylindrical (cylindrical) extension 140 provided at the lower end 142 of the panel 16 is an upper part in the side interior of the cargo area. It is arranged in the stopper receiver 56.

The movement of the panel 16 to this position is also possible from the stowed position of FIGS.
5) and the lower end 142 is unlatched and lifted, the extension 140 is pulled inward and placed in the plug receiver 56. Alternatively, when the panel 16 is in the shelf position (FIGS. 3 and 4), the spring-loaded cylindrical extensions 98 and 1 of the panel.
08 is pulled inward and the retaining flap 100 is manually raised by releasing the clasp while pushing up on the rear end 102. The opposite end 42 is lowered and the connecting rods 94 to 97 are folded toward the seat back surface 15. As the rotation of the panel 16 continues until it reaches the position where the extension 140 enters the plug receiver 56, the retaining flap 100
Are trapped against the surface 80 of the panel 16.

In the arrangement of FIG. 5, a large load management area is provided below the panel 16, which area can be accommodated, for example, by placing the doors 35 and 37 in the receiving groove.
Small partitions can be made by leaving or removing 9 and 31 as they are, and by opening the door 40. The door 40 in this view may be left open with hooks, springs, Velcro®, or the like, similar to the arrangement in FIG.

Although the invention has been shown and described with reference to one illustrated embodiment and with many possible modifications thereto, the invention is not limited thereby ( It should be limited only by the claims).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo management and storage system of the present invention with the backseat lowered to create a large volume cargo space.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with a large crates (case) placed in the cargo space.

FIG. 3 is the load management of FIGS. 1 and 2 with parts rearranged to extend the storage area of the cabinet, with the seat panel and its associated retention flaps in a first position for load retention. FIG. 1 is a view of the system, which also shows the net suspended from the ceiling interior region of the vehicle in a position where it can be connected to the back of the top of the panel support.

[Figure 4]   FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating various types of cargo.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view with the panel in the privacy screen position, illustrating both loading floor use and storage levels.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OA (BF , BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, G M, KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ , UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, B Z, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK , DM, DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, J P, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR , LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, R O, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ , TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Barber, Jeffrey El.             Michigan, USA 49464 The             Land Weasema Drive 1477 (72) Inventor Dixtra, Jonathan A ..             49423 Ho, Michigan, United States             Land East Ace Street             1204 (72) Inventor McIntyre, Darren Swie.             49503 Gu, Michigan, United States             Land Rapids Mayfield Av             EN Nu 127 (72) Inventor Noland, Leaf A.             United States Michigan 49424 Ho             Land Breeze Drive 2024 (72) Inventor Sauer, Donald El.             United States Michigan 49424 Ho             Landport Sheldon 12494 (72) Inventor Fry, David Bee.             49423 Ho, Michigan, United States             Land W. Fortis             Treat 47 F-term (reference) 3D022 BA12 BC09

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A load management system for a motor vehicle, comprising a rear seat and a substantially horizontal and flat load floor behind the rear seat: covering an opening in the load floor and provided below it to a storage area. A second stowage bin having at least one door providing access to the rear seat and a panel behind the rear seat, the panel being in a first stowed position, parallel to the stowage floor and spaced a first distance away from the stowage floor. A cargo management system having a position and a third position parallel to the cargo floor and spaced from the cargo floor by a second distance, the second distance exceeding the first distance. 2. The load management system of claim 1, wherein the storage is located below the load floor and is accessible by a door. 3. The cargo management system of claim 2, wherein the storage is accessible by a plurality of doors in the cargo floor. 4. The cargo management system according to claim 2, wherein the storage box is horizontally partitioned into at least two storage areas. 5. The load management system of claim 4, wherein the horizontal partition is at least one removable tray. 6. The load management system of claim 1, wherein at least one door is retractable into the vehicle. 7. The load management system of claim 6, wherein each retractable door is adapted to be vertically oriented. 8. The cargo management system according to claim 2, wherein the storage compartment is partitioned into a plurality of storage areas by a vertical wall. 9. The load management system of claim 8, wherein at least one door is retractable into the vehicle. 10. The load management system of claim 9, wherein each retractable door is adapted to be oriented vertically and a groove houses the door. 11. The cargo management system of claim 2 wherein the storage is provided with three doors, two of which are retractable and one of which is hinged. 12. The cargo management system of claim 2, wherein the storehouse has a drain plug and an opening in the bottom of the storehouse adapted to house the drain plug. 13. The cargo management system of claim 1, wherein the panel has an upper end and a lower end when the panel is in the first position, and the upper end is a rear end when the panel is in the second position. 14. The upper end is the rear end when the panel is in the third position.
3 cargo management system. 15. The retaining flap extends from the rear edge of the panel when the panel is in the second position and is retracted when the panel is in the first and third positions.
3 cargo management system. 16. An automobile having two side walls adjacent to a load floor, each side wall provided with a plug receiver, the extension extending from the panel and within the plug receiver when the panel is in the second and third positions. The cargo management system according to claim 1, wherein the cargo management system is located at. 17. A cylindrical extension extends from each side of the top and bottom edges of the panel, the vehicle comprises two side walls adjacent to the load floor, the extension being provided when the panel is in the second and third positions. 14. The cargo management system of claim 13, wherein each side wall is provided with a plug receiver arranged for storage. 18. The panel has an inner surface and an outer surface when in the first position,
The load of claim 1, wherein a plurality of connectors are rotatably connected to the back of the seat and the inner surface of the panel, thereby allowing the panel to rotate about the connection of the inner surface to move the panel between positions. Management system. 19. A load management system for a motor vehicle comprising a rear seat and a load floor behind the rear seat, comprising a panel on the back side of the rear seat, the panel being in a first stowed position, parallel to the load floor. At a second distance from the cargo floor at a second cargo rack position and a third position parallel to the cargo floor at a second distance from the cargo floor, the second distance being a first distance. A cargo management system that exceeds distance. 20. The cargo management system of claim 19, wherein the panel has an upper end and a lower end when in the first position, and an upper end is at the rear end when the panel is in the second position. 21. The upper end is the rear end when the panel is in the third position.
0 cargo management system. 22. The retaining flap extends from the rear edge of the panel when the panel is in the second position and is retracted when the panel is in the first and third positions.
0 cargo management system. 23. The vehicle comprises two side walls adjacent to a load floor, each side wall provided with a plug receiver, the extension extending from the panel and within the plug receiver when the panel is in the second and third positions. 20. The cargo management system of claim 19 located at. 24. A cylindrical extension extends from the top and bottom edges of the panel and the vehicle has two sidewalls adjacent the load floor to accommodate the extension when the panel is in the second and third positions. 21. The cargo management system according to claim 20, wherein a stopper receiver arranged in each side wall is provided on each side wall. 25. The panel has an inner surface and an outer surface when in the first position,
20. The plurality of connectors are rotatably connected to the back of the seat and to the inner surface of the panel, thereby allowing the panel to be rotated about the connection of the inner surface to move the panel between positions. Cargo management system. 26. A rear seat, a load floor provided behind the rear seat, a storage compartment provided under the load floor, and at least one door for providing access to the storage compartment, the storage compartment being horizontal. Cargo management system for automobiles divided into upper and lower storage areas. 27. The load management system of claim 26, wherein at least one tray partitions the cabinet into upper and lower storage areas. 28. The load management system of claim 26, wherein the bin is partitioned by at least one vertical wall to form front and rear bin storage areas. 29. At least one for each of the front and rear storage areas.
29. The cargo management system of claim 28, wherein two separate doors are provided. 30. The load management system of claim 29, wherein each door for the rear storage area is retracted and each door for the front storage area is hinged.