US20010050298A1 - Cargo retention system - Google Patents
Cargo retention system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010050298A1 US20010050298A1 US09/300,693 US30069399A US2001050298A1 US 20010050298 A1 US20010050298 A1 US 20010050298A1 US 30069399 A US30069399 A US 30069399A US 2001050298 A1 US2001050298 A1 US 2001050298A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- elongated bar
- cargo
- pair
- retention system
- occupant compartment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R7/00—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps
- B60R7/04—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps in driver or passenger space, e.g. using racks
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to a cargo retention system for an interior compartment of a vehicle and, more particularly, to an overhead bar module that is removably attached to a surface of the interior compartment and that provides retention devices to retain cargo.
- the present invention is intended to provide a system allowing for long items and occupants to both be carried in the interior compartment of a vehicle.
- a removably attached overhead bar module having retention devices attached thereto.
- the retention devices allow for items to be carried within the interior compartment while still allowing occupants to be seated in the traditional seating positions.
- an overhead net module extending between the bars of the overhead bar module.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo retention system made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a partial front view of one of the bars of the overhead bar module
- FIG. 3 is a partial front view of an alternative embodiment of the bar shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a mounting element made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the mounting element taken along the line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 with a partial view of one of the bars of the overhead bar module;
- FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an overhead net module connectable between the bars of the present invention.
- System 10 generally includes one or more overhead bar modules 16 , and mounting elements 18 which are secured to an interior surface of the roof structure or an upper body side portion of the vehicle and coordinate with the opposing ends of bar module 16 , as shown in FIG. 1.
- mounting elements 18 as integrated formations in an interior trim component of a vehicle.
- the formation of mounting element 18 can be integrally formed in a coat hook; grab handle; interior light bezel or housing; B, C, or D pillar trim panels; body side quarter trim panels; or any other component within the interior of the vehicle that will provide sufficient structural support for the overhead bar modules 16 and the cargo reasonably expected to be secured thereto.
- Bar module 16 generally includes an elongated bar 20 , which in the preferred embodiment is an extruded aluminum tube.
- Bar 20 may be made by a variety of methods and of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, resin, wood, or a composite including any or all of the above.
- Bar 20 may also be made from separate elongated members that are telescopically connected to each other, or that are separately connected to a common third bar, allowing bar 20 to span differing widths. Secured to bar 20 are retention devices 24 .
- Retention devices 24 are strap members 26 having a first end secured to bar 20 by a retainer 28 and a second end which freely passes through a loop 30 distally displaced along bar 20 , as shown in FIG. 2. Free end 32 of strap member 26 is laid back upon a middle section 34 of strap member 26 and provides an interlocking fastening means 36 therebetween. Interlocking fastening means 36 may be any of a wide variety of fastening means known in the industry including, but not limited to, VELCRO®, snaps, DUAL-LOCK®, and the like. Further, it is within the scope of the present invention to incorporate a dual ring synching system (similar to that used with automobile and motor cycle helmets) at or near loop 30 .
- retention devices 24 are clamping arms 38 , as shown in FIG. 3.
- Clamping arms 38 include a first end pivotally secured to bar 20 , and a second end 39 selectively attachable to bar 20 .
- the second end is detached from bar 20 and is pivoted to an open position.
- the item of cargo is placed between arm 38 and bar 20 .
- Arm 38 is then pivoted to a closed position and second end 39 is attached to bar 20 to secure the cargo.
- retention devices 24 are hook members or eyelet members (both not shown) or any other useful device suitable for retaining cargo such as sport equipment, car accessories, or grocery bags.
- Connector element 42 adapted to engage mounting element 18 , as shown best in FIG. 2.
- Connector element 42 need not be symmetrical at each opposing end of bar 20 as will become apparent below.
- Connector element 42 provides a hook portion 46 that is axially biased inward toward bar 20 by a spring. The inward bias of the hook portion 46 aids in retaining bar 20 in mounting element 18 , as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
- spring bias element can be incorporated in each opposing end of bar 20 , it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a spring bias element only on one of the two opposing ends of bar 20 and provide a fixed hook portion (not shown) at the other end, or to provide a fixed portion on both opposing ends of bar 20 .
- Mounting element 18 provides attachment locations for securing mounting element 18 to an interior surface of the roof or body side structure of the vehicle. Further included is a retention aperture coordinated with hook portions 46 .
- connector element 42 provides a pin portion 48 that is axially biased outward from bar 20 by a spring.
- the outward bias of the pin portion 48 aids in retaining bar 20 against mounting element 18 .
- a spring bias element can be incorporated in each opposing end of bar 20 , it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a spring bias element only on one of the two opposing ends of bar 20 and to provide a fixed pin portion (not shown) at the other end, or to provide a fixed pin portion on both opposing ends of bar 20 .
- An overhead net module 50 can be incorporated with cargo retention system 10 , as shown in FIG. 6.
- Net module 50 spans between and is removably connected to attachment locations 52 (shown in FIG. 1).
- Net module 50 of the preferred embodiment includes an elastic net portion 54 , attached to elastic end chords 56 that are secured to side panel members 58 .
- net portion 54 may be made from a non-elastic material, or end chords 56 may be made from a non-elastic material, or both net portion 54 and end chords 56 may be made from a non-elastic material.
- At each opposing end of side panel members 58 there is provided a hook means 60 intended to engage attachment locations 52 thereby securing the net module 50 between bars 20 .
- Net module 50 is intended to secure items that do not lend themselves to being retained by retention devices 24 .
Abstract
A removably attached overhead bar module having retention devices attached thereto. Retention devices allow for items to be carried within the interior compartment while still allowing occupants to be seated in the traditional seating positions. Further provided is an overhead net module extending between the bars of the overhead bar module.
Description
- This invention generally relates to a cargo retention system for an interior compartment of a vehicle and, more particularly, to an overhead bar module that is removably attached to a surface of the interior compartment and that provides retention devices to retain cargo.
- Providing convenient storage for items that may have a considerable length in comparison to the interior compartment of a vehicle has been a long-standing challenge for automotive suppliers and manufacturers. While some flexible seating arrangements in current vehicles can be removed or folded to store long items in the occupant compartment, these seating arrangements reduce or eliminate the ability to carry occupants concurrently with the long items. The present invention is intended to provide a system allowing for long items and occupants to both be carried in the interior compartment of a vehicle.
- In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is provided a removably attached overhead bar module having retention devices attached thereto. The retention devices allow for items to be carried within the interior compartment while still allowing occupants to be seated in the traditional seating positions. Further provided is an overhead net module extending between the bars of the overhead bar module.
- The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following specification and by reference to the drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo retention system made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a partial front view of one of the bars of the overhead bar module;
- FIG. 3 is a partial front view of an alternative embodiment of the bar shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a mounting element made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the mounting element taken along the line5-5 of FIG. 4 with a partial view of one of the bars of the overhead bar module; and
- FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an overhead net module connectable between the bars of the present invention.
- The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, or its application, or uses.
- With reference to the figures, there is shown a
cargo retention system 10 that is mounted within the interior compartment of a vehicle.System 10 generally includes one or moreoverhead bar modules 16, andmounting elements 18 which are secured to an interior surface of the roof structure or an upper body side portion of the vehicle and coordinate with the opposing ends ofbar module 16, as shown in FIG. 1. - While not specifically shown, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide
mounting elements 18 as integrated formations in an interior trim component of a vehicle. Specifically, the formation ofmounting element 18 can be integrally formed in a coat hook; grab handle; interior light bezel or housing; B, C, or D pillar trim panels; body side quarter trim panels; or any other component within the interior of the vehicle that will provide sufficient structural support for theoverhead bar modules 16 and the cargo reasonably expected to be secured thereto. -
Bar module 16 generally includes anelongated bar 20, which in the preferred embodiment is an extruded aluminum tube.Bar 20 may be made by a variety of methods and of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, resin, wood, or a composite including any or all of the above.Bar 20 may also be made from separate elongated members that are telescopically connected to each other, or that are separately connected to a common third bar, allowingbar 20 to span differing widths. Secured tobar 20 areretention devices 24. -
Retention devices 24, in the preferred embodiment, arestrap members 26 having a first end secured to bar 20 by aretainer 28 and a second end which freely passes through aloop 30 distally displaced alongbar 20, as shown in FIG. 2.Free end 32 ofstrap member 26 is laid back upon amiddle section 34 ofstrap member 26 and provides an interlocking fastening means 36 therebetween. Interlocking fastening means 36 may be any of a wide variety of fastening means known in the industry including, but not limited to, VELCRO®, snaps, DUAL-LOCK®, and the like. Further, it is within the scope of the present invention to incorporate a dual ring synching system (similar to that used with automobile and motor cycle helmets) at ornear loop 30. - In an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
retention devices 24 are clampingarms 38, as shown in FIG. 3. Clampingarms 38 include a first end pivotally secured to bar 20, and a second end 39 selectively attachable to bar 20. In use, the second end is detached frombar 20 and is pivoted to an open position. The item of cargo is placed betweenarm 38 andbar 20.Arm 38 is then pivoted to a closed position and second end 39 is attached tobar 20 to secure the cargo. In further alternative embodiments of the present invention,retention devices 24 are hook members or eyelet members (both not shown) or any other useful device suitable for retaining cargo such as sport equipment, car accessories, or grocery bags. - Near each
opposing end 40 ofbar 20 there is located aconnector element 42 adapted to engagemounting element 18, as shown best in FIG. 2.Connector element 42 need not be symmetrical at each opposing end ofbar 20 as will become apparent below.Connector element 42 provides ahook portion 46 that is axially biased inward towardbar 20 by a spring. The inward bias of thehook portion 46 aids in retainingbar 20 inmounting element 18, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. While a spring bias element can be incorporated in each opposing end ofbar 20, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a spring bias element only on one of the two opposing ends ofbar 20 and provide a fixed hook portion (not shown) at the other end, or to provide a fixed portion on both opposing ends ofbar 20.Mounting element 18 provides attachment locations for securingmounting element 18 to an interior surface of the roof or body side structure of the vehicle. Further included is a retention aperture coordinated withhook portions 46. - In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 3,
connector element 42 provides apin portion 48 that is axially biased outward frombar 20 by a spring. The outward bias of thepin portion 48 aids in retainingbar 20 against mountingelement 18. Again, while a spring bias element can be incorporated in each opposing end ofbar 20, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a spring bias element only on one of the two opposing ends ofbar 20 and to provide a fixed pin portion (not shown) at the other end, or to provide a fixed pin portion on both opposing ends ofbar 20. - An overhead net module50 can be incorporated with
cargo retention system 10, as shown in FIG. 6. Net module 50 spans between and is removably connected to attachment locations 52 (shown in FIG. 1). Net module 50 of the preferred embodiment includes anelastic net portion 54, attached toelastic end chords 56 that are secured toside panel members 58. In alternative embodiments,net portion 54 may be made from a non-elastic material, orend chords 56 may be made from a non-elastic material, or bothnet portion 54 andend chords 56 may be made from a non-elastic material. At each opposing end ofside panel members 58 there is provided a hook means 60 intended to engageattachment locations 52 thereby securing the net module 50 betweenbars 20. Net module 50 is intended to secure items that do not lend themselves to being retained byretention devices 24. - The foregoing discussion discloses and describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings, that various changes, modifications, and variations can be made therein without departing from the true spirit and fair scope of the invention.
Claims (16)
1. A cargo retention system for an occupant compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
a pair of mounting elements secured to an interior surface of the occupant compartment;
an elongated bar having a pair of connector elements, said connector elements located at opposing ends of said elongated bar for removably attaching said elongated bar to said mounting elements; and
a retention device coupled to said elongated bar for retaining cargo in the occupant compartment of the vehicle.
2. The cargo retention system of , wherein said retention device includes a strap member having a portion secured to said elongated bar.
claim 1
3. The cargo retention system of , wherein said retention device includes a strap member, a retainer securable to said elongated bar for securing a first end of said strap member, a loop securable to said elongated bar for supporting a middle section of said strap member, and an interlocking fastening means for fastening a second end of said strap member to a portion of said strap member between said first end and said middle section.
claim 2
4. The cargo retention system of , wherein said retention device includes a hook member having a base portion securable to said elongated bar.
claim 1
5. The cargo retention system of , wherein said retention device includes an eyelet member having a base portion securable to said elongated bar.
claim 1
6. The cargo retention system of , wherein said retention device includes a clamping arm having a first end pivotally securable to said elongated bar an d a second end attachable to said elongated bar.
claim 1
7. The cargo retention system of , wherein said elongated bar includes separate elongated members telescopically connected to each other.
claim 1
8. The cargo retention system of , wherein at least one of said connector elements includes a hook portion adapted to engage at least one of said mounting elements.
claim 1
9. The cargo retention system of , wherein said hook portion is axially biased inward toward said elongated bar by a spring mechanism.
claim 8
10. The cargo retention system of , wherein at least one of said connector elements includes a pin portion adapted to cooperate with at least one of said mounting elements, wherein said pin portion is axially biased outward from said elongated bar by a spring mechanism.
claim 1
11. The cargo retention system of , further comprising:
claim 1
a second pair of mounting elements secured to the interior surface of the occupant compartment;
a second elongated bar having a second pair of connector elements, said second pair of connector elements located at opposing ends of said second elongated bar for removably attaching said second elongated bar to said second pair of mounting elements; and
a second retention device coupled to said second elongated bar for retaining cargo in the occupant compartment of the vehicle.
12. The cargo retention system of , further comprising a net member removably attachable to said first and second elongated bars for supporting cargo above said net member in the occupant compartment of the vehicle.
claim 11
13. A cargo retention system for an occupant compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
a first pair of mounting elements secured to an interior surface of the occupant compartment;
a first elongated bar having a first pair of connector elements, said first pair of connector elements located at opposing ends of said first elongated bar for removably attaching said first elongated bar to said first pair of mounting elements;
a second pair of mounting elements secured to the interior surface of the occupant compartment;
a second elongated bar having a second pair of connector elements, said second pair of connector elements located at opposing ends of said second elongated bar for removably attaching said second elongated bar to said second pair of mounting elements; and
a net member removably attachable to said first and second elongated bars for supporting cargo above said net member in the occupant compartment of the vehicle.
14. A cargo retention system for an occupant compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
an elongated bar having a pair of connector elements, said pair of connector elements located at opposing ends of said elongated bar for removably attaching said elongated bar to an interior surface of the occupant compartment; and
a retention device coupled to said elongated bar for retaining cargo in the occupant compartment of the vehicle.
15. The cargo retention system of , wherein said retention device includes a strap member having a portion secured to said elongated bar.
claim 14
16. The cargo retention system of , wherein said retention device includes a strap member, a retainer secured to said elongated bar for securing a first end of said strap member, a loop secured to said elongated bar for supporting a middle section of said strap member, and an interlocking fastening means for fastening a second end of said strap member to a portion of said strap member between said first end and said middle section.
claim 15
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/300,693 US6371342B2 (en) | 1998-07-21 | 1999-04-27 | Cargo retention system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US9354898P | 1998-07-21 | 1998-07-21 | |
US09/300,693 US6371342B2 (en) | 1998-07-21 | 1999-04-27 | Cargo retention system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20010050298A1 true US20010050298A1 (en) | 2001-12-13 |
US6371342B2 US6371342B2 (en) | 2002-04-16 |
Family
ID=26787661
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/300,693 Expired - Fee Related US6371342B2 (en) | 1998-07-21 | 1999-04-27 | Cargo retention system |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US6371342B2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170113622A1 (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2017-04-27 | Wayne Tracy Smith | Fishing rod rack |
US9783117B2 (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2017-10-10 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Luggage compartment hook organizer |
US20180208103A1 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2018-07-26 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Self-retractable cargo net |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19944003C1 (en) * | 1999-09-14 | 2001-03-22 | Baumeister & Ostler Gmbh Co | Foldable separator |
DE20120090U1 (en) * | 2001-12-12 | 2003-04-17 | Noelle Pepin Gmbh & Betr S Kg | Holding net for attachment to surfaces in the interior and / or trunk of motor vehicles |
US6899256B2 (en) * | 2002-12-30 | 2005-05-31 | William R. Richter | Bag stabilizer |
US20100300998A1 (en) * | 2009-06-01 | 2010-12-02 | Christine Suzanne Plante | Single mini clothesline |
US20110163141A1 (en) * | 2010-10-27 | 2011-07-07 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Apparatus for On-Board Storage of Electric Vehicle Charging Cord |
US9439526B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2016-09-13 | Textron Innovations, Inc. | System for attachment of coat rod and cargo net |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE207271C (en) * | ||||
US1837537A (en) * | 1929-10-16 | 1931-12-22 | Emerson Paul | Article net for automobiles |
FR741771A (en) * | 1932-03-08 | 1933-02-18 | ||
US1978216A (en) * | 1934-05-24 | 1934-10-23 | Samuel G Miller | Automobile hat rack |
DE819199C (en) * | 1950-04-06 | 1951-10-31 | Eduard Sahner | Hangers, in particular for use in motor vehicles |
US2660349A (en) * | 1951-04-25 | 1953-11-24 | Arthur F Bernau | Article carrier means for automobile trunks |
US2988252A (en) * | 1958-02-03 | 1961-06-13 | Walter K Crane | Basket rack for station wagons |
FR1410142A (en) * | 1964-09-29 | 1966-01-28 | Removable support clamp adaptable to luggage racks of motor vehicles and intended for fixing skis | |
US3524572A (en) * | 1967-11-24 | 1970-08-18 | Kenneth F Hall | Fish pole carrier |
US3746224A (en) * | 1971-03-18 | 1973-07-17 | C Folgner | Internal ski rack for automobile |
US4982883A (en) * | 1989-09-01 | 1991-01-08 | Ullal Pramode N | Ski and pole carrier |
US5094351A (en) * | 1991-07-25 | 1992-03-10 | Barney Richard W | Fishing rod holder |
-
1999
- 1999-04-27 US US09/300,693 patent/US6371342B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9783117B2 (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2017-10-10 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Luggage compartment hook organizer |
US20170113622A1 (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2017-04-27 | Wayne Tracy Smith | Fishing rod rack |
US9862328B2 (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2018-01-09 | Wayne Tracy Smith | Fishing rod rack |
US20180208103A1 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2018-07-26 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Self-retractable cargo net |
US10576869B2 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2020-03-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Self-retractable cargo net |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US6371342B2 (en) | 2002-04-16 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LARSEN, LANCE E.;REEL/FRAME:009925/0618 Effective date: 19990421 |
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REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
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FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20060416 |