JP2008509835A - Vehicle containment management system - Google Patents

Abstract

  A containment system for providing a vehicle with a closed containment chamber for spare articles and / or "retractable" seats is a hinged door that overlies a recess in the vehicle to provide a containment chamber having a load support cover. It comprises the frame containing. In one embodiment, the system comprises a load floor system that includes a space frame. The load floor system can provide a modular unit that is easy to install in a vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the recess can be in the form of a compartment, which can be assembled or molded as part of the frame. Various structures for doors, latches, hinges, safety straps and sliding door gap concealment are also disclosed.

Description

  The present invention is directed to a containment system for a transport vehicle (especially a load floor system), and in particular, to a covering of a containment compartment of a vehicle that can sometimes retract a foldable or "retractable" seat assembly. .

  This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 601,686, filed August 13, 2004, and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 673,005, filed April 20, 2005.

  As minivans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are becoming more and more common with the reappearance of “station wagons”, there is a need to further expand their “utility”. That is, in addition to providing a wide variety of seats and seating arrangements (up to 8 people), it is desirable to provide a luggage space for accommodating and transporting large items. Furthermore, it is preferred that the luggage space has a relatively flat surface, not only to increase capacity, but also to facilitate loading and unloading.

  Many vehicles have foldable or removable seats in the second and third rows to provide some of the desired benefits. The purpose of such seats is to adapt the vehicle to a wide variety of roles, such as personnel transportation and luggage transportation. The use of a foldable or removable seat has many advantages and disadvantages. For example, a foldable seat may require minimal manipulation on the part of the user, but can only partially utilize the vehicle volume available for luggage. Also, the load volume is not uniform and the loading floor has an irregular surface. Removable seats maximize the effectiveness of the luggage volume, but require more effort on the part of the user to physically remove the seats, and the removed seats must be stored outside the vehicle. Therefore, it will not be possible to easily convert the seat back into the personnel transport form.

  Furthermore, with respect to the folding seat, one or more rows of the rear seat assembly have a seat cushion and a seat back coupled to the seat cushion. Both the seat cushion and the seat back are pivotable forward, resulting in a larger luggage volume in the vehicle. Normally, the seat cushion is pivotally connected to the vehicle floor so as to operate between a generally horizontal seating position and a vertical position folded forward. Furthermore, the seat back is generally movable between a generally vertical sitting position and a flat position folded forward adjacent to the vertical seat cushion.

  Furthermore, the entire seat assembly can be folded flat against the vehicle floor. Flattening folding means for moving the seat cushion between the seating position and the retracted position is adjacent to the vehicle floor, and the seat is between the vertical seating position and the flat position folded forward. The flattening folding means for making the back movable overlap the seat cushion in the retracted state. Numerous or complex latching mechanisms are commonly used to releasably lock the seat cushion and seat back at each seating position.

  But for this type of foldable seat, even if the folded seat back is useful as a table or storage surface, the seat assembly occupies storage space (loading volume) in the car and undulates the floor surface It shall be rich.

  An improvement to this system is the “retractable” seat, which folds into the reuse space, ie the vehicle floor waterfall adjacent to the seat, to provide a relatively flat load floor. Is done. The rear portion of the seat back or the bottom of the cushion can be folded flat to form a part of the loading floor that fills the recessed space on the vehicle floor. Another example of a means for realizing a foldable seat and a load floor is disclosed in the specification of US Pat. No. 6,752,443 entitled “Load Floor System”, which is a front facing seat. Intended for retractable panels used for extended cab pickups with the second row. The retractable panel is stowed under the seat cushion when the seat is vertical and extends to form a load floor over the waterfall area when the seat is folded.

  U.S. Pat.No. 6,705,658, assigned to Lear Corporation, entitled `` Collapsible Vehicle Seat Assemblies '' In addition, a slide cover that functions as a vehicle loading floor that covers the folded seat is an object. This structure has a pivot point on the load floor and therefore does not result in a flat load floor when the sheets are folded.

What is needed is a load floor system that can keep seats out of the way to increase luggage space without the associated complexity and inconvenience associated with manual removal of heavy bulky seats. is there. It can also be easily integrated into the existing floor of an automobile, and when the second and third rows of seats are raised up, the recesses, tanks and potential containment compartments formed in the vehicle floor pan. There is a need for a load floor system that allows the sheet to be folded and stored within the recess, thereby providing a relatively smooth and durable load bearing surface on the folded sheet. .
U.S. Patent No. 6,752,443 U.S. Patent No. 6,705,658

  In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an increased luggage space having an improved structure and having a flat surface that supports a load with a hinged door overlying a folded seat. It is an object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that preferably has a hinged door that allows the second and third rows of seats to be pivoted and folded into a vehicle floor pan recess.

  It is a further object of the present invention to fold the vehicle floor pan so as to seal a recess in the vehicle floor pan when the seat is in a vertical position, forming a sealed storage space in the vehicle floor and further functioning as a vehicle floor under the occupant's feet. To provide a load floor system comprising a hinged door.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system with sufficient rigidity to provide load bearing capacity to the vehicle floor.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a load floor system having a space frame structure, a relatively high strength, and a light weight so as to have a relatively small thickness and occupy a minimum space in a vehicle. It is.

  A further object of the present invention is to allow the hinged door to be placed and maintained in a slanted state in order to prevent slamming, i.e., pinching, and easy access to the underlying compartment. It is another object of the present invention to provide a load floor system including a frictional hinge that enables the above.

  A further object of the present invention is to include a loading door that can include a motorized door to easily pick up the underlying article and can further include an anti-pinch mechanism such as a torque monitoring device. Is to provide a floor system.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system further including a glow-in-the-dark safety release strap on the underside of the door, which allows someone to place under the door. It is configured to require only a small operating force when it is trapped.

  A further object of the present invention is a load floor system comprising a space frame reinforced with metal brackets, wherein the door is formed from low density reinforcement material (RRIM) or structural reaction injection molding material (SRIM). Is to provide.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system in which a part or all of the upper surface (exposed surface) of the door is covered with a carpet to harmonize with the surrounding interior of the vehicle.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that includes a pull latch for each door that provides a locking, unlocking and locking mechanism that restricts access to the underlying article.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that is a single modular space frame unit that can be easily incorporated into a vehicle.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that includes a tank or an underlying containment compartment as part of it, and this integral modular unit therefore fits snugly into the vehicle floor and drops. -In-place) Provides a modular modular floor system.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that further includes a carpet covering the interior receiving surface of the tank.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that incorporates sound absorbing material into a system that includes a door and a tub or containment compartment to attenuate noise transmitted from the outside into the vehicle.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that includes a hook for holding a load net within a containment compartment.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that can be further provided with a footrest for those sitting on it by partially folding the door upward.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a load floor system that includes a load bearing clearance concealment that is slidable to occlude a floor opening, through which a seat must move in order to fit under a door of the floor system. It is to be.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that includes a seal around the hinged door to prevent debris from entering the underlying compartment and to reduce rattling.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that includes a hanger attached to the back of a hinged door, which secures a grocery bag or the like when the door is in an open / upright position. Is possible.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that can utilize the storage compartment present under the load floor system as a storage area for a spare tire.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that can utilize the containment compartment present under the load floor system as a cooler or cold storage area.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that can utilize the containment compartment present under the load floor system as a loading area for electronic devices including laptop computers.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system in which the compartment or loading area includes an electronic docking facility or electronic outlet or lighting device.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system reinforced by steel brackets that are heat bonded to the load floor system frame structure.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system for a bed for a pickup truck or other load carrier vehicle to provide an attractive load floor and a lower capped or safe loading space. .

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load management system that can alternatively be used in a transport vehicle in a substantially vertical configuration to occlude sidewall space and provide an attractive and safe loading area. Is to provide.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that includes a washable surface on the outer surface of the system.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that includes a series of removable re-modifiable (reconstructed) containers disposed within the compartment to properly accommodate a variety of small items.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a load floor system that further includes latch means for engaging a folded seat to prevent sway during movement.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a load floor system in which a space frame includes a plurality of rubber bumpers in order to reduce buzzing, squeaking and rattling noises in cooperation with the vehicle floor. It is.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a door structure for a storage or load management system that can function as a lid or cover for closing a storage compartment of a vehicle.

  In a first exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to a load floor system for covering a recess in a vehicle floor, the system comprising a frame that forms at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the recess, each of which is a single unit. And one or more doors including one or more edges. One or more doors are pivotally connected to the space frame, the door being in a first position to close the frame to cover the recess and when the door is rotated away from the frame. And a second position that allows access to the recess in the frame.

  The system can accommodate articles, in which case one or more doors comprise one or more panels that are pivotably connected to each other.

  In a second exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to a closure for closing a recessed compartment of a vehicle, the compartment being capable of accommodating at least one article, Each comprises one or more doors comprising one or more edges. The one or more doors are pivotally connected to the compartment along one or more edges, the door having a first position for closing and closing the compartment; It is pivotable between a second position that allows access to the compartment when it is pivoted away from the compartment. The one or more doors may further comprise two or more panels pivotally connected to each other, and may be folded over on itself for access to the compartment. Good.

  In a third exemplary embodiment, the present invention is specifically directed to a loading floor system for a transportation vehicle, which may rotate adjacent seats to provide a flat loading area for the vehicle. Alternatively, a space frame with one or more hinged doors overlying the recessed area or the receiving compartment of the vehicle floor so that it can be housed in a folded and recessed area and the hinged door can be lowered. Do it. Further, when the seat is upright or in use, the door overlies a recessed area that provides a sealed containment area with load bearing characteristics. The load floor system can further be configured so that the containment area or tub is integrated with the assembly, thereby providing aesthetic and functional features to please the occupant or on the side walls of the vehicle. Even the vertical state will be used.

  The load floor system of the present invention provides a lightweight modular load bearing surface that is easy to install and use. In addition, the hinged door of the load floor can preferably be manufactured from SRIM or RRIM, which makes the load floor system high strength but light weight and thin.

  An alternative embodiment may comprise a door molded from long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic alone or in combination with a steel stamping to further reduce rigidity while still reducing weight. it can. It is also conceivable to use T-shaped handle actuators for spring hinges and latches. Furthermore, the doors of the storage system can find use for closing storage spaces in all areas of the vehicle.

  These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention and the drawings.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings showing preferred embodiments thereof. However, the invention can be implemented in a variety of different ways and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

  Regarding the components common to the embodiments of the present invention, the same reference symbols are used throughout the embodiments, but the alphabetical symbols are added to the reference symbols shown in the above figures. Separated. That is, for example, the component indicated by 10 in the first embodiment is indicated by 10A, 10B, etc. in the following embodiments. Thus, when a reference symbol is used to refer to a component in the description of the embodiment, the reference symbol is also distinguished by an alphanumeric symbol relative to other embodiments in which the component is common. Applies equally.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a load floor system 10 according to the present invention. The system 10 is preferably installed in the interior of the vehicle adjacent to one or more retractable (foldable) seats 20 and is provided with a recess, recess, tank or waterfall in the vehicle floor 40. 30 with a modular assembly overlying 30 (see FIG. 2).

  The loading floor system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a space frame 12 for mounting to a vehicle structure through a hole 18. The space frame 12 preferably includes an outer frame 14 that is injection-molded. This outer frame 14 is colored to match the surrounding trim panel and has a grained surface and is lined with metal reinforcement brackets 16, 16 ', 16' '(see FIG. 5). . The brackets 16, 16 ′, 16 ″ provide a rigid structure for the attachment of one or more hinged doors 70, and in the center of the space frame 12 when the doors 70 are placed horizontally. Provides rigidity to support

  As shown in FIG. 5 (back view of the load floor system), the bracket includes a central support bracket 16, an edge bracket 16 ′, and a corner bracket 16 ″. These provide a solid attachment means and provide sufficient rigidity to allow the load floor system 10 to support large loads such as passengers entering or leaving the vehicle. Preferably, the brackets 16, 16 ′, 16 ″ are heat bonded to the injection molded outer frame 14 to reinforce the space frame 12.

  Preferably, the injection-molded outer frame 14 is integrally reinforced by a plurality of ribs 114 along the back surface (back surface) (see FIG. 5), and the outer frame 14 is made of metal, thermosetting plastic, thermoplastic plastic, It can be formed from structural materials including but not limited to filled thermoset plastics or filled thermoplastics, and combinations thereof (eg, insert molded plastics). Preferably, the injection molded outer frame 14 comprises a polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS) mixture, although other engineering plastics, such as ABS or polypropylene, are also intended for the interior appearance of the vehicle. Can be used for harmony. One or more hinged doors 70 are positioned in place adjacent to the foldable seat 20 (see FIG. 2) above the depressions, compartments, tubs or waterfall areas 30 of the vehicle floor 40, resulting in folding. When the seat 20 is in the upright use position, the depressions, tubs, etc. can be used as a sealed and secure storage compartment 30 (see FIG. 2). In addition, the door 70 is folded out of the way to facilitate use of and access to the compartment 30 and to allow the adjacent seats 20 to be folded and accommodated in the compartment 30. Therefore, it is connected so that rotation is possible. This allows the door 70 to be widened and flush with the rest of the vehicle floor 40 to maximize the load volume and facilitate loading. The seat 20 is folded forward by folding the seat back 22 over the seat cushion 24, turning the cushion 24 around the front pivot point F, and positioning the back of the seat back 22 at the bottom of the compartment 30. 30 can be accommodated.

  Alternatively (see FIG. 2), the system 10 can be rotated in the opposite direction, so that the seat back 22A is folded over the cushion 24A and this combination results in a point R near the rear of the cushion 24A. The seat 20 </ b> A can be rotated rearward so that the back surface of the seat back 22 is also engaged with the bottom of the compartment 30. In any situation, a latch (not shown) or a similar mechanism is provided in the compartment 30, and the folded seat is fixed in the compartment, so that the seats 20 and 20A stored on the rough road are not rattling. It comes to deter. In this situation, the door 70 is rotatably connected at the end opposite to the illustrated end.

  The door 70 of the load floor system 10 according to the present invention preferably comprises a series of pivotally connected panels 72, 74, 76 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that cooperate. Thus, a load support floor for the vehicle is provided, and access to the compartment 30 is made possible even when the seats 20 and 20A are accommodated or in an upright state. A larger panel 72 is preferably attached to the bracket 16 and the plastic outer frame 14 at one edge, preferably by a constant friction or torque engine hinge 62 (see FIG. 3). These hinges are preferably bolted to brackets 16 that are attached to the vehicle floor 40 through holes 18 and are preferably riveted to doors 70. The hinge preferably utilizes a snap ring or C-shaped clip that engages a groove in the cylindrical housing and frictionally engages the shaft, such as Pennsylvania (Pa), Southco, Concordville. , Inc. A perspective view of this hinge is shown in FIG.

  This type of friction hinge provides a feature that prevents it from closing and closing, but this property eliminates the pinching point by allowing the hinged door 70 to remain in any posture or position. Is. Moreover, the friction hinge of the type described above allows the door 70 to be held in this position for access to the compartment 30 or for folding the seat 20 into the compartment 30. When access is complete, the door 70 is lowered to its horizontal position where it overlaps the compartment 30. The door 70 preferably further includes a second panel 74 to provide room for the seat 20 (which will be housed folded in the compartment 30), which panel 74 is provided by a piano or similar hinge 64. Attached along one edge to the first panel 72 (see FIG. 3A). As a result, the operating radius of the door 70 is shortened to reduce the friction required for holding the door open, that is, the torque is small, and the door is shortened so that the compartment 30 can be easily accessed. The second panel 74 preferably includes a latching mechanism 90 (see FIG. 3), which holds the door 70 in a closed position when the door 70 is over the compartment 30. Latch 90 is preferably a flat pull latch with a pattern closing feature, available from, for example, Pennsylvania (Pa), Southco, Inc. of Concordville. A perspective view of the latch is shown in FIG. The latch 90 fits into the opening of the door 70 so that its upper surface is preferably flush with the upper surface of the door and preferably mechanically attached to the door 70. The latch 90 includes a handle 92 that engages a spring loaded pawl 94 (see FIGS. 3A and 6). The pawl 94 is spring-biased at the edge of the space frame 12 so as to engage with a fixing portion (not shown), whereby the door 70 is held in the closed position. When operating the handle 92, the spring-biased pawl 94 is disengaged from the fixed part, allowing the door 70 to open in a hinged manner. The latch 90 also provides a detection / alarm signal that is provided with means for locking the compartment, or that illuminates the compartment when the compartment is opened or that the door is not fully closed May be connected to an electronic system.

  An alternative latch system for the door 70 is shown in an exploded state in FIG. The latch system relies on lifting a latch handle 92 that engages a flexible pull strap 100 (see FIG. 5) to disengage the spring-loaded pawl 94, but the alternative shown in FIGS. The latching system can be equipped with latches on both sides of the door 70. By engaging both sides of the door 70, a firmer engagement of the door 70 with the space frame 12 is obtained. This is particularly important for vehicles traveling in locations where “off-road” and single latches disengage due to bump vibration. As shown in FIG. 10, the latching system 200 may include a T-shaped handle 292 disposed in a recess in the housing 290 such that the recess in the housing 290 allows the T-shaped handle 292 to rotate. It is a thing. T-shaped handle 292 and housing 290 reside in a recess or hole in door 70, preferably offset from the widthwise center of the door (see FIG. 16). A cam mechanism 300 can be disposed below the housing 290 on the back of the door to receive the lower end of the T-shaped handle.

  A flexible safety release strap 100A can be placed on the edge through the center of the cam mechanism 300 and when the T-shaped handle 292 is rotated in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), the end of the strap The distance between them can be shortened. This is shown schematically in FIGS. 12A and 12B, where the distance between the claw members 294 on each side of the door in FIG. 12A is reduced by rotating the cam 300 (as shown in FIG. 12B). It has been. FIG. 12C shows the effect of the force (arrow F) when the strap is manually pulled to open the door from inside the compartment, for example, and the distance between the claw members 294 is reduced and the door The latch (not shown) is released. A cover 310 may be disposed on the back surface of the door 70 to hold the cam mechanism 300 against the groove at the base of the T-shaped handle 292. This cover can be attached to the housing 290 that penetrates the door with screws. Each end of the flexible safety strap 100A of this embodiment is engageable with a pawl member 294 slidably disposed within the housing 320. The spring 296 can exist in a state of being in contact with the claw member 294 inside the housing, and brings about an engagement state between the claw and the edge of the space frame 12. When no pulling force is applied to the strap member 100A, the spring can return the claw member 294 to the protruding state, and the door 70 is latched on both sides by the engagement between the claw member 294 and the space frame. The claw member housing can be mechanically attached to the door using screws.

  In a further embodiment (see FIGS. 13A-13C), the T-shaped handle 292a can be stored horizontally within the housing 290a (see FIGS. 13C and 16) and sideways to retract the claw member 294 by shortening the strap 100A. Before rotating in the direction (arrow D ′, FIG. 13B), it can be pivoted upward (arrow D, FIG. 13A) for access. Thereafter, the elasticity of the safety strap 100A causes the T-shaped handle to return to its original state, so that it can be stored again in the housing 290a (arrow D ″, FIG. 13C).

  The third panel 76 (see FIG. 1) is preferably again along the edge by a piano or similar hinge 66 to provide a clean appearance of a one-floor system with no gaps for articles to fall. It is connected to the second panel 74. This third panel 76 closes the space below the seat 20, and also occupies a small space and facilitates access to the compartment 30 in a Z-shaped manner with respect to the back surface of the panel 74. It is connected to the panel 74 so as to be able to be folded so as to be rotatable in the opposite direction.

  This rotation procedure is shown in the sectional views of FIGS. 4A to 4D. FIG. 4A shows the door 70 positioned so as to be flush with the vehicle floor 40 in an unfolded and hooked state. When unlocking and lifting (FIG. 4B), panels 76 and 74 begin to pivot about piano hinges 64 and 66 (see FIG. 4C). As the upward force acting on the latch increases, the door 72 begins to pivot about the friction hinge 62 (see FIG. 4C) and the three panels 72, 74, and 76 fold when the panels fold over one another. It starts to be an inverted Z shape. In FIG. 4D, the door 70 is almost completely upright, the panels 74 and 76 are folded to fit snugly against the panel 72, and the door 70 is in a fully accessible position for the compartment 30. It is in.

  Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the door 70 of the load floor system 10 of the present invention can be powered to assist in raising and lowering, and may also be provided with an anti-pinch alarm and torque monitoring device.

  Other hinge structures may be employed with respect to the door panels 72, 74, 76, for example, US Pat. No. 6,719,363 and US application 10 / 661,803 entitled “Hinge Apparatus For Vehicle Floor System”. (Which are commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). Such a hinge provides an option for having a continuous carpet layer across the hinge line that does not damage the carpet after the door is bent many times.

  Instead of this, a spring-type hinge 162 shown in FIG. 7A may be adopted. Here, a friction hinge or torque mechanism as shown in FIG. 7 is useful for preventing the door from unexpectedly closing and the spring hinge (see FIG. 7A) opens the door from its closed position. Help. The spring-type hinge 162 may be composed of a first hinge part piece 164 that can rotate around a shared axis, and a second hinge part piece 166 that faces each other. The coiled torsion spring 168 can be formed by winding an elastic spring material such as spring steel wire many times and is slid on the mounting pin 170. The end of the spring is then inserted between the pieces to provide a force that turns it in the separating direction (this helps open it when attached to the door 70) (see FIG. 16). ).

  The three-segment hinged door 70 shown in FIG. 1 can alternatively be composed of four segments containing three hinges, in which case, when opened, they are open to the compartment space. It is folded into a state of overlapping each other so as to occupy only a small part (a quarter). In certain embodiments, the compartment 30 of FIG. 2 may be about 28 inches in length. Four doors 72a, 72b, 74a and 76 (see FIG. 16), each approximately 7 inches in terms of vehicle longitudinal dimensions, to provide a larger opening for accessing the compartment when the door is in the folded state They can be pivotably connected to each other and can be turned to a position near the rear part of the front cushion 24A (see FIG. 2).

  In other embodiments (as shown in FIG. 1), the door 72 may be approximately 17 inches long, and the door 74 may be approximately 7 inches long, and the doors (72 and 74) may be The lengths may be more equal, for example about 12 inches each, which provides a system that folds more evenly and has a low center of gravity, reducing slamming when opened. .

  Part or all of the surface of the door 70 is preferably decorated to harmonize with the surrounding panels to provide an aesthetic vehicle interior. FIG. 1 shows a panel 72 of a door 70 covered with carpet. Preferably, the surface treatment of the plastic door can include, but is not limited to, painting, coloring, adhesive carpeting, woven fabric, vinyl, urethane or similar coating layers, and its molding in place. In a preferred embodiment, to obtain a decorated door in a single process, the carpet is placed face down in a RIM formwork and SRIM or RRIM precursor is filled behind the carpet. For more “off-road” vehicles, it may be preferable to form or cover the surface of the load floor system with an easily washable material.

  The door panels 72, 74 of the load floor system 10 of the present invention are preferably from medium density filled reaction injection molded (RIM) urethane polymers known to those skilled in the art, such as reinforced (RRIM) or structural (SRIM) RIM. Can be molded. The use of urethane RIM compounds results in thin doors with small cross-sections that require only a small load volume in the vehicle (for example, use of fillers such as long and short glass fibers, talc, wollastonite, nanofillers, clays, etc. Due to this, a lightweight panel (low density) having excellent strength can be provided.

In one particular example, the door panel was molded from SRIM using a Bayer 426 IMR from the Bayer group. This panel comprises 8 layers of 2 oz / square foot continuous strand glass mat impregnated with Baydur, resulting in a curved panel having a glass content of about 50% and a specific gravity of about 1.6. The bend factor of this panel is greater than 1.5 × 10 ⁶ psi. The panel was molded to a nominal thickness of 0.250 inch. Panel load testing confirmed that a load of about 250 pounds by a test leg (simulating a knee load) with a radius of 2.25 inches resulted in a deflection of 0.33 inches or less.

  In the preferred embodiment (shown in FIG. 1), panels 72 and 74 are made of SRIM, while panel 76 is injection molded from PC / ABS and ribs are formed on the back side to increase rigidity (FIG. 1). 3A and FIG. 5).

  Alternatively, to produce lighter and stiffer doors, thermoplastics such as (but not limited to) acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polypropylene (PP) (these are reinforcements) 1 may be further formed by injection molding or injection compression molding to form the doors 72 and 74 of FIG. In one particular embodiment, the doors 72, 74 are molded from polypropylene filled with 30% long glass fibers (Verton MTX from LNP). It has been found that by adding up to 50% glass fiber having a length of 10 to 12 mm, the bending can be reduced by half according to the above test method. Thus, long glass fiber is herein understood as a fiber having a length greater than about 4.0 mm.

  Doors 72 and 74 are preferably covered by carpet as shown in FIG. This can be achieved by molding a polymer filled with long fibers directly on the back of the carpet or by attaching the carpet to a molded door.

  In another embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a door 370 having a steel base 380, 380a having a thickness of about 0.056 inches can be formed. The door may further include a rectangular upset (projection or recess) 384 having a height of about 0.400 inches to provide rigidity to the base panel. Unfilled thermoplastic sheets 386, 386a (which are provided on the back) may be molded to fit the upset and provide a flat top surface of the door. The thermoplastic moldings 386, 386a may preferably be made of ABS or PP, which is subsequently heat-fixed (thermally affixed), attached with an adhesive, or steel to form the door 370. The bases 380 and 380a can be engaged with each other. Subsequently, carpet 390, 390a can be bonded to the exposed surfaces of thermoplastic moldings 386, 386a to form finished door 370.

  In embodiments where steel stamping is used for the base of the door, the piano hinges 264 and 266 (see FIG. 11) connecting the door sections 380, 380a are integrally formed with the steel door section. It is further conceivable that the hinges are formed separately and subsequently welded to the door sections 380, 380a.

  With respect to the panel 76 of the door 70, it is a panel that is short in the width direction to allow the seat 20 to pivot into the compartment 30. In order to enable the seat rotation mechanism to function effectively, a gap concealment or sliding door assembly 50 is preferably provided (see FIG. 1). FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sliding door gap concealment assembly 50, which includes two doors 54, 56 slidably engaged with the body 52. In FIG. 9, one door 54 is shown extending to cover the remaining gap by rotating the sheet straightly adjacent to the loading floor 10.

  When the opposite seat is folded into the compartment below the load floor system 10, another door 56 is shown in the retracted position (and it will be under the panel 76). Therefore, the door slides in the direction indicated by arrow A. The doors 54 and 56 are connected to a sheet rotating mechanism (not shown) by a tongue piece 156, whereby the rotation of the seat is performed by the sliding doors 54 and 56 into or from the main body 52. Converted to slide motion. FIG. 9A is a rear view of the sliding door assembly gap concealment 50. The assembly includes doors 54 and 56 slidably engaged between the body 52 and the back plate 58.

  All of these components are preferably molded from PC / ABS. The back plate 58 is spaced from the back surface of the body portion 52, and it can be held in place by a series of molded snap tabs 160 that die-lock to engagement portions of either the body portion 52 or the back plate 58. The back plate further includes a series of protrusions or posts 150 ′ that, in conjunction with the grooves in the plastic molded outer surface 14, provide the space frame 12 with a rigid assembly of the sliding door gap concealment assembly 50 (see FIG. 1). ).

  The other protrusion or post engages the groove 170 of the reinforcing bracket 16 and more firmly engages the gap concealment assembly 50 with the space frame 12 (see FIG. 5). Preferably, the protrusion further includes a U-shaped spring fastener 152 (FIG. 9), which improves the retention of the assembly 50.

  FIG. 9B is a perspective view of one of the sliding doors 54 and shows a tongue-like attachment 156 that is linked to the seat rotation mechanism. Also shown are door stoppers 158 and 158 ′ which engage the back plate 58 and prevent the doors 54 and 56 from freely popping out of the space between the body 52 and the back plate 58. The distance between the J-shaped or L-shaped features 158, 158 'is greater than the width of the back plate 58, thus releasing the connection and sliding the doors 54, 56 between the body 52 and the back plate 58. In order to be possible, the features 158, 158 'need to bend each other in the direction of arrow B. As shown in FIG. 9B, the back surface of the J-shaped or L-shaped feature 158, 158 'is preferably adjacent to the oval opening or groove 170 to allow the feature to flex. ing.

  Another feature of the load floor system 10 of the present invention is a safety strap 100 for actuating the latch 90 when someone has entered the compartment 30. This feature is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 5, which are both US Provisional Application No. 60 / 573,494, filed May 21, 2004, and named “Safety Release Strap For Compartment”. The subject matter of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 638,580, filed on December 23, 2004 (which is commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Embedded in). The strap 100 is preferably attached at one end to the latch 90 by a pin that engages its hole, while the opposite end 102 preferably includes a hook portion, which is the hinge of the door 74. Engage with plate 64. Since the strap 100 is connected at both ends, a very small force can be applied by pulling the strap to remove the claw 94 of the latch 90 from the holding portion. Further, the strap 100 can preferably be molded from a plastic compound that includes a “glow-in-the-dark” fluorescent or luminescent colorant.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the lower surface of the latch of FIG. 6, and the strap 100 is engaged with the claw member 94 through the pin 98. The same latch 90 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 14A, which shows how the pin 98 fits into the slot at the end of the strap 100 and how it can be hooked by the cover 242. It shows whether it is. The cover 242 can be attached to the lower surface of the housing 90 using screws. In the related embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the latch cover 242 is eliminated by forming a “dog house” 242a directly on the back of the housing 90 when it is formed. This eliminates the need for the cover 242 (shown in FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 15, in order to realize easy attachment of the strap 100 to the pin portion 98a of the claw 94, the “small box” 242a has grooves 244 on both sides of the upper end portion 243 in order to reduce its rigidity. Thus, in the unlikely event that the strap is removed, the upper end portion 243 is bent so that the strap can be easily inserted or reinserted. 15A to 15C show a series of assembling procedures for the cover 242 in which the strap is replaced by the “small box” 242a. By pushing the end of the strap 100 over the pin 98a (in the direction of arrow E as shown in FIG. 15A), the center of the “small box” 243 is bent upward (FIG. 15B). By further moving the strap 100 in the direction of the arrow E, the hole of this strap fits with the pin 98a (FIG. 13C). The pin 98 can further be provided with a bevel or taper 99 on the face facing the incoming strap 100 to facilitate assembly (see FIG. 15A).

  Further additional features of the load floor system 10 of the present invention absorb the impact from the door 70 on the space frame 12 to reduce noise (buzzing, squeaking and rattling). Soft plastic or rubber seal or button. FIG. 3A shows rubber profile gaskets 82 and 84, preferably extruded, attached to the underlying edges of door panels 72 and 74, respectively, to achieve this purpose. For panel 76, a soft plastic or rubber grommet or button 86 can be placed on either the back of the door or the adjacent engagement surface of the space frame 12 (see FIG. 4B).

  A second embodiment of the load floor system 10A is shown in FIG. 8, where the tub, enclosure, or compartment 30A is attached to the space frame outer surface 14, or preferably molded integrally therewith. This provides a modular assembly that can be easily installed in a vehicle and that eliminates engagement with different vehicle surfaces, reducing dimensional tolerance problems, reducing gaps, and improving uneven appearance.

  Thus, the vehicle floor may be of somewhat different shape and the seat and modular floor assembly may be easily removable for diversion to a “utility van”. The structure of this second embodiment system 10A preferably includes an upper portion including a space frame 12A extending around at least a portion of the system 10A, the space frame preferably comprising a plastic exterior molding 14A. This is very similar to the first embodiment of the present invention in that one or more doors 70A are rotatably connected to the space frame 12A.

  The door 70A is preferably a series of pivotally connected panels 72A, 74A, 76A to allow access to the compartment 30A or to store a foldable seat within the compartment 30A. It comprises. During its manufacture, a stiffener such as a bracket (not shown) is attached to the space frame 12A or insert molded so that not only the load bearing capacity but also the support function for the door and the hinge along the edge An attachment may be provided.

  Prior to assembly to the vehicle, compartment 30A may be molded separately and attached to space frame 12A, but space frame 12A and enclosure 30A are preferably molded as a single unit. Subsequently, in addition to the hinged door 70 and the door seal, a latch 90A, hinges 62A, 64A, 66A, a bumper, and the like are attached.

  In order to provide an integral molding of the space frame 12A and the compartment 30A, for the best strength-to-weight characteristics, it is preferred that the molding be made of a thermoplastic or thermoset material. Processes including (but not limited to) injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, hand lay-up can be used, but preferably a reaction injection molding process to provide a thin product with reduced density and high strength. (RIM) may be used. By including fillers and reinforcements, the SRIM or RRIM composition can achieve the desired high strength and low weight. Modules (including frame 12A and compartment 30A) can be formed in a single molding process and metal reinforcements can be insert molded in place. Further, either one of the frame 12A and the compartment 30A can be molded first, and then attached to the first molding by molding the other of the frame or the compartment.

  Furthermore, it is also conceivable to mold either or both of the space frame 12 and the compartment 30A (see FIG. 8) from glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic.

  The enclosure or compartment 30, 30A has a variety of functions that surprise and delight the vehicle owner (whether part of the vehicle floor or molded as an integral part of the load floor system 10A). It can comprise. The interior surfaces of compartments 30, 30A and doors 70, 70A can be decorated with carpets or other attractive and easy to clean materials. The door may have a hook for hanging the grocery bag when it is opened. The compartment may include hooks, luggage nets, and reconfigurable panels or containers that help organize the space. The compartment may be designated and configured to accommodate spare tires, laptop computers, electronic equipment, and the like. In addition, it may include electronic mechanisms such as docking terminals, lights, outlets, speakers, or even temperature controlled to store food and beverages.

  The doors 70 and 70A and the compartments 30 and 30A of the present invention may further include a sound absorbing material. The term “sound absorber” is therefore defined as any material that absorbs, attenuates, blocks or acts as a barrier to sound. These materials include foam layers of inclusions, highly filled thermoplastics such as massback, and Maratex®, shoddy, polyester fibers, nylon added to doors and / or tanks Examples include (but are not limited to) fiber materials such as fibers, conjugate fibers, and combinations thereof.

  Furthermore, the loading floor system 10, 10A may find use in a pickup truck or the like, and provide a decorative and solid storage compartment for the pickup bed. In this case, the upper surface (door, space frame) is a loading floor. Can function as.

  Furthermore, it is contemplated that the present invention may be used in a vertical configuration to provide a storage location along the side wall of an SUV, minivan, truck, bus or other transport vehicle. This provides an attractive, modular, and highly secure containment function that can be easily installed and easily accessed.

  In addition, a door structure as described herein, i.e. RRIM (long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic or thermoplastic molded product attached to a steel stamping), is installed inside the transport vehicle. It is also conceivable to use it as a lid or cover for a compartment and to be attached to the frame part so as to be rotatable.

  The specification and drawings are illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. The present specification and drawings are for the purpose of explaining the embodiment, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is clearly possible to modify the embodiments within the scope of the claims. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

It is a perspective view of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a partial side view of the hinged door of the load floor system according to the present invention. It is a top view of the hinged door of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a bottom view of the hinged door of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a side view of the hinge mechanism of the door of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a side view of the hinge mechanism of the door of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a side view of the hinge mechanism of the door of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a side view of the hinge mechanism of the door of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view of the back surface of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view of the latch of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view of the friction type hinge of the loading floor system concerning the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative hinge according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of the accommodation compartment, ie, tank, integrated with the loading floor system concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view of the sliding door clearance concealment for the loading floor systems of this invention. It is a perspective view of the back side of the gap concealment of FIG. FIG. 10 is a top view of one of the hidden slide doors of FIG. 9. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative latch system for a door of a load floor system according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative structure load floor assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram related to the operation of the latching system of FIG. 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram related to the operation of the latching system of FIG. 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram related to the operation of the latching system of FIG. 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative actuator for the latch of FIG. 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative actuator for the latch of FIG. 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative actuator for the latch of FIG. 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the latch of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the underside of the latch of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative structure load floor assembly according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Loading floor system 12 Space frame 14 Outer frame 16,16 ', 16''Reinforcement bracket 18 Hole 20 Folding seat 22 Seat back 24 Seat cushion 30 Compartment 40 Floor 50 Sliding door clearance concealment assembly 52 Main body 54, 56 Door 58 Back plate 62 Friction hinge 64,66 Hinge 70 Hinge door 72,74,76 Panel 82,84 Profile gasket 86 Soft plastic 90 Latch mechanism 92 Handle 94 Claw 98 Pin 99 Slope 100 Pull strap 114 Rib 150 'Post 152 Spring fastener 156 Tongue pieces 158, 158 ′ Door stopper 160 Molded snap tab 162 Spring hinge 164 First hinge piece 166 Second hinge piece 168 Torsion Pulling 170 mounting pins 200 hooking system 242 cover 243 upper portion 244 groove 264 piano hinge 290 housing 292 T-handle 294 pawl 296 spring 300 cam mechanism 310 cover 320 housing 370 door 380 base (door section)
386 Unfilled thermoplastic sheet 390 Carpet

Claims (137)

A loading floor system for covering a recess in a vehicle floor adjacent to one or more seats,
A space frame forming at least a part of a peripheral edge of the load floor system, which is molded from plastic and has a front surface and a back surface;
Each comprising one or more doors including one or more edges,
The space frame further comprises one or more reinforcing structures attached to the back surface of the molded plastic.
The one or more doors are pivotally connected to the space frame, and the door closes the space frame to form a load support surface that covers the recess; Is capable of pivoting between a second position allowing access to the recess in the space frame, the door being pivoted away from the space frame;
The loading floor system is firmly attached to the floor of the vehicle and is capable of receiving articles.   The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more doors include one or more panels rotatably connected to each other.   The load floor system of claim 1, wherein the one or more doors include a latch.   The load floor system according to claim 3, wherein the latch is a pull latch mounted flush with each other.   The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more doors are rotatably connected to the space frame by a frictional hinge.   The load floor system according to claim 5, wherein the friction hinge is configured to suppress free descent of the door.   The load floor system of claim 1, wherein the one or more doors are adapted to be opened and / or closed by a motor.   The load floor system according to claim 7, wherein the motor includes a torque monitoring device.   The load floor system of claim 1, wherein the space frame and / or the one or more doors are decorated to harmonize with adjacent areas of the vehicle floor.   The load floor system of claim 9, wherein the one or more doors have an outer layer made of one selected from the group consisting of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.   The load floor system of claim 10, wherein the outer layer includes a washable surface.   The load floor system of claim 10, wherein the outer layer is molded in place during manufacture of the one or more doors.   The one or more reinforcing structures extend along one or more edges of the one or more doors to be below the one or more doors and the one or more doors. The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the load floor system is supported.   2. The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein a compartment formed by the concave portion of the vehicle floor is obscured.   15. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein the compartment is adapted to provide a storage area for a foldable seat.   15. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein the compartment is adapted to provide a storage area for a spare tire.   15. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein the compartment provides a storage area for electronic equipment.   15. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein the compartment has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface is covered with carpet.   15. The loading floor system according to claim 14, wherein the compartment is provided with a latching means for suppressing the vertical movement of the article.   15. The load floor system of claim 14, wherein the compartment and the one or more doors comprise a layer of sound absorbing material.   The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more doors are provided with a rubber or plastic seal and / or a shock absorber to prevent rattling.   4. The one or more doors of claim 3, wherein the one or more doors comprise a front surface and a back surface, and a safety release strap is attached directly or indirectly to the back surface and the latch. Loading floor system.   The load floor system of claim 1, wherein the load floor system is capable of supporting 250 pounds with a deflection of less than 0.33 inches for a 3 inch range.   2. The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the space frame is obtained by injection molding from PC / ABS.   The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more reinforcing structures are heat bonded to the plastic molding space frame.   The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more panels of the one or more doors are made of SRIM or RRIM.   The loading floor system according to claim 1, wherein the recess includes a coupling means for electronic equipment.   The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion is provided with illumination means.   The load floor system according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting and displaying that the one or more doors are not completely closed.   The load floor system of claim 1, wherein the one or more doors can be configured as footrests.   The load floor system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more doors and the recess include a layer made of a sound absorbing material.   The load floor system according to claim 1, further comprising a gap concealment having a sliding door. A containment system for covering a recess of a vehicle,
A space frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the system, wherein the space frame is molded from plastic and has a front surface and a back surface;
One or more doors rotatably connected to the space frame,
The space frame further comprises one or more reinforcing structures attached to the back surface of the molded plastic.
The door rotates between a first position that closes the space frame to form a surface that covers the recess, and a second position that allows access to the recess in the space frame. The door is pivotable away from the space frame, the vehicle further comprises a side wall, and a containment system provides a containment location along the side wall. A containment system, characterized in that it is arranged substantially vertically. A load floor assembly for providing a covered storage space for a vehicle having a floor and side walls,
A space frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the system, wherein the space frame is molded from plastic and has a front surface and a back surface;
One or more doors rotatably connected to the space frame;
One or more storage compartments attached to the back surface of the space frame,
The space frame further comprises one or more reinforcing structures attached to the back surface of the molded plastic.
The door closes the space frame to form a substantially flat load bearing surface and covers the recess, and a second position allows access to the space frame. And the door is adapted to be pivoted away from the space frame,
A load floor assembly, wherein the assembly is attachable to the floor of the vehicle.   35. The load floor assembly of claim 34, wherein the load floor assembly is further arranged substantially vertically to provide a containment chamber along the side wall.   The loading floor system according to claim 34, wherein the one or more doors include one or more panels rotatably connected to each other.   The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more doors comprise a latch.   38. The load floor system according to claim 37, wherein the latch is a pull latch mounted flush.   The load floor system according to claim 34, wherein the one or more doors are rotatably connected to the space frame by a frictional hinge.   40. The load floor system of claim 39, wherein the friction hinge is adapted to inhibit free descent of the door.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more doors are adapted to be opened and / or closed by a motor.   42. The load floor system of claim 41, wherein the motor includes a torque monitoring device.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the space frame and / or the one or more doors are decorated to harmonize with adjacent areas of the vehicle floor.   44. The load floor system of claim 43, wherein the one or more doors have one outer layer selected from the group consisting of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.   45. The load floor system of claim 44, wherein the outer layer includes a washable surface.   45. The load floor system of claim 44, wherein the outer layer is molded in place during manufacture of the one or more doors.   The one or more reinforcing structures extend along one or more edges of the one or more doors to be below the one or more doors and the one or more doors. 35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments are adapted to provide a storage area for a foldable seat.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments are adapted to provide a storage area for a spare tire.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments are adapted to provide a storage area for electronic equipment.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the compartment has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface is covered with carpet.   49. The load floor system according to claim 48, wherein the one or more compartments are provided with latching means for suppressing vertical movement of the seat.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more doors comprise a layer of sound absorbing material.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more doors comprise a soft rubber or plastic seal and / or a shock absorber to prevent rattling.   38. The one or more doors of claim 37, wherein the one or more doors comprise a front surface and a back surface, and a safety release strap is attached directly or indirectly to the back surface and the latch. Loading floor system.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, adapted to support 250 pounds with a deflection of less than 0.33 inches for a 3 inch range.   The load floor system according to claim 34, wherein the space frame is obtained by injection molding from PC / ABS.   35. The load floor system according to claim 34, wherein the one or more reinforcing structures are heat bonded to the plastic molding space frame.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more reinforcements are attached to the plastic molding space frame by insert molding.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more panels of the one or more doors comprise SRIM or RRIM.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments are made of plastic.   62. The load floor system of claim 61, wherein the one or more compartments comprise SRIM or RRIM.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments comprise coupling means for electronic equipment.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments comprise lighting means.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the system comprises detection means for detecting and displaying that the one or more doors are not fully closed.   The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more doors can be configured as footrests.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments include a layer of sound absorbing material.   The load floor system according to claim 34, further comprising a gap concealment having a sliding door.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments comprise a load net hook.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more compartments comprise a reconfigurable container.   35. The load floor system of claim 34, wherein the one or more doors further comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and a hook is attached to the bottom surface to secure the item. A loading floor system for providing a covered space to a vehicle,
A space frame forming at least a portion of the periphery of the system, wherein the space frame is molded from plastic and has a front surface and a back surface;
One or more doors rotatably connected to the space frame;
One or more compartments integrally formed with the plastic molding frame,
The space frame further comprises one or more reinforcing structures attached to the back surface of the molded plastic.
The door pivots between a first position that closes the space frame to form a load support surface that covers the recess and a second position that allows access to the space frame. And the door is pivoted away from the space frame,
A load floor system characterized in that the system can be attached to the floor of the vehicle.   The load floor assembly of claim 72, wherein the load floor assembly is further arranged substantially vertically to provide a containment chamber along the side wall.   The loading floor system according to claim 72, wherein the one or more doors include one or more panels that are rotatably connected to each other.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more doors comprise a latch.   76. The load floor system of claim 75, wherein the latch is a flush latch attached to the same plane.   The load floor system according to claim 72, wherein the one or more doors are rotatably connected to the space frame by a frictional hinge.   78. The load floor system of claim 77, wherein the friction hinge is adapted to inhibit free descent of the door.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more doors are adapted to be opened and / or closed by a motor.   80. The load floor system of claim 79, wherein the motor includes a torque monitoring device.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the space frame and / or the one or more doors are decorated to harmonize with adjacent areas of the vehicle floor.   82. The load floor system of claim 81, wherein the one or more doors have an outer layer made of one selected from the group consisting of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.   83. The load floor system of claim 82, wherein the outer layer includes a washable surface.   83. The load floor system of claim 82, wherein the outer layer is molded in place during manufacture of the one or more doors.   The one or more reinforcing structures extend along one or more edges of the one or more doors to be below the one or more doors and the one or more doors. The load floor system according to claim 72, wherein the load floor system is supported.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments are adapted to provide a storage area for a foldable seat.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments are adapted to provide a storage area for a spare tire.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments are adapted to provide a storage area for electronic equipment.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments have an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface is covered with carpet.   90. The load floor system of claim 89, wherein the carpet is molded in place during manufacture of the one or more compartments.   The loading floor system according to claim 86, wherein the one or more compartments are provided with a latching means for suppressing the vertical movement of the seat.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments comprise a layer of sound absorbing material.   73. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more doors comprise a soft rubber or plastic seal and / or a shock absorber to prevent rattling.   77. The one or more doors comprising a front surface and a back surface, and a safety release strap is attached directly or indirectly to the back surface and the latch. Loading floor system.   73. A load floor system according to claim 72, adapted to support 250 pounds with a deflection of less than 0.33 inches for a 3 inch range.   The load floor system according to claim 72, wherein the space frame is obtained from PC / ABS by injection molding.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more reinforcing structures are heat bonded to the plastic molding space frame.   73. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more reinforcing structures are attached to the plastic molding space frame by insert molding.   75. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more panels of the one or more doors comprise SRIM or RRIM.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments are made of plastic.   101. The load floor system of claim 100, wherein the one or more compartments comprise SRIM or RRIM.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments comprise coupling means for electronic equipment.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments comprise lighting means.   75. The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the system comprises detection means for detecting and displaying that the one or more doors are not fully closed.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more doors can be configured as footrests.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more doors include a layer of sound absorbing material.   The load floor system according to claim 72, further comprising a gap concealment having a sliding door.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments comprise a load net hook.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more compartments comprise a reconfigurable container.   The load floor system of claim 72, wherein the one or more doors further comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and a hook is attached to the bottom surface to secure the item. A device for covering the gap between components,
A main body having a front surface and a back surface;
A back plate comprising four surfaces, the two surfaces having a flange standing downwardly extending along its length, with respect to the back surface of the body portion A back plate that is mounted and spaced from the back surface by the downwardly raised flange;
One or more doors slidably disposed in a space between a back plate and the main body portion, and disposed through one or more surfaces of the base having no flange standing downward One or more doors,
And an attachment means for attaching the main body to a member existing below.   112. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the back plate is attached to the back of the body portion by a snap tab.   112. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the body, the back plate, and the one or more doors are made of plastic. A containment system for covering a recess of a vehicle,
A frame forming at least a part of the periphery of the recess;
One or more doors each including one or more edges,
The one or more doors are pivotally connected to the frame, the door accessing the recess in the frame, a first position for closing the frame to cover the recess. Pivotable between a second position that allows the door to be pivoted away from the frame;
The system is capable of accommodating articles, and the one or more doors comprise one or more panels that are pivotably connected to each other.   115. The containment system of claim 114, wherein the one or more doors comprise at least one latch.   116. The containment system of claim 115, wherein the at least one latch is a pull latch mounted flush.   115. The storage system of claim 114, wherein the one or more doors are pivotally connected to the space frame by one or more spring hinges.   115. The containment system of claim 114, wherein the frame and / or the one or more doors are decorated to harmonize with adjacent areas of the vehicle floor.   119. The containment system of claim 118, wherein the one or more doors have one outer layer selected from the group consisting of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.   120. The containment system of claim 119, wherein the outer layer is molded in place during manufacture of the one or more doors.   115. The containment system according to claim 114, wherein the compartment formed by the recess of the vehicle is obscured.   The one or more doors comprise a front surface and a back surface, and a safety release strap is attached directly or indirectly to the back surface and the one or more latches. 115. The containment system according to 115.   115. The containment system of claim 114, wherein the one or more doors are comprised of a filled thermoplastic.   124. A containment system according to claim 123, wherein the filler comprises glass fiber.   125. The containment system of claim 124, wherein the glass fiber is greater than about 4.0 mm in length.   115. The containment system of claim 114, wherein the one or more doors comprise a sheet metal stamping material covered with a molded thermoplastic sheet.   127. The containment system of claim 126, wherein the one or more doors have one outer layer selected from the group consisting of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic, and metal. A closure for covering a recessed compartment in a vehicle capable of accommodating at least one article,
Each comprising one or more doors having one or more edges, the one or more doors rotating with respect to the compartment along one of the one or more edges. Movably connected, the door closes and covers the compartment in a first position, and access to the compartment when the door is pivoted away from the compartment; Pivotable between a second position enabling
The one or more doors further comprise two or more panels that are pivotably connected to each other and that can be folded over on top of each other to allow access to the compartment. .   129. The closure of claim 128, wherein the one or more panels comprise a filled thermoplastic.   131. The closure body according to claim 129, wherein the filler is made of glass fiber.   131. The closure of claim 130, wherein the glass fiber has a length greater than about 4.0 mm.   129. The closure of claim 128, wherein the one or more panels comprise a sheet metal stamping material coated with a molded thermoplastic sheet.   131. The closure of claim 129, wherein the one or more panels have an outer layer made of one selected from the group consisting of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.   135. The closure of claim 132, wherein the one or more panels have one outer layer selected from the group consisting of carpet, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic and metal.   135. The closing body according to claim 132, wherein the sheet-shaped metal mold pressing member includes a spring piece integrally formed.   129. The closure of claim 128, wherein the at least one door comprises two flushly mounted pull latches connected by a strap.   A T-shaped handle and a cam mechanism are engaged with the strap, and rotating the T-shaped handle causes the cam mechanism to bend the strap and release the latch. Item 136. The obstruction body according to item 136.

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