WO1999062743A1

WO1999062743A1 - Storage apparatus for use in a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO1999062743A1
Application number: PCT/GB1999/001487
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy John Rae; Michael Neil Dalgleish
Original assignee: Timothy John Rae; Michael Neil Dalgleish
Priority date: 1998-06-01
Filing date: 1999-05-28
Publication date: 1999-12-09
Also published as: GB9811688D0; AU4050299A

Abstract

A storage apparatus (2) for use in connection with a vehicle seat having a tray (2) divided up into a number of discrete storage compartments which may be shaped to render them suitable for receiving specific items, such as pens or a drinks can. The apparatus is held to the vehicle seat by means of strapping attached to the tray which may be fastened around the back of the seat.

Description

TITLE: Storage apparatus for use in a motor vehicle

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a storage apparatus for use in a motor vehicle.

The majority of motor cars are provided with small bins or pockets for storage purposes but their capacity is often limited and/or they are located in positions which are not readily accessible to a driver, such as behind the driver's seat or in the boot of the vehicle. As a consequence, items which a driver anticipates requiring quickly and/or frequently are often placed on the passenger seat, for example business papers, mobile telephones, maps, keys, money and writing implements.

The problem with placing such items on the passenger seat is that it is not provided with any means for retaining the items. Thus, such items often end up in the passenger foot area or slide onto the floor down the side of the seat. The items are then out of the reach of the driver.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a solution to this problem.

Accordingly, the present invention provides storage apparatus for use in connection with a vehicle seat, the apparatus comprising a tray having at least one storage location defined by a base and an upstanding peripheral rim, and means for releasably securing the tray in use with respect to the vehicle seat, said means comprising strapping for cooperating with the tray and arranged to fasten around the rear of the vehicle seat, said strapping inco orating releasable fastening means.

Conveniently, the tray is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, more conveniently a plastics material. More conveniently still, it is formed as a moulding. The tray may be formed from a single sheet of plastics material which may be relieved of material in one or more

regions thereof e.g. to form a meshwork.

The open top of the apparatus facilitates easy access to the items placed therein, the securing means holds the tray in place on the seat and the rim serves to confine the items within the tray.

Preferably, the tray comprises a plurality of storage compartments or is divided into a

plurality of compartments by the provision of appropriately positioned dividers. The storage

locations may be shaped and/or dimensioned to render them suitable for specific items. For example, one or more small circular recesses may be provided for receiving writing implements or the like. One or more larger circular compartments may be provided for housing a drinks container. One or more rectangular compartments, or dividing elements within a compartment, may be provided to secure the likes of CD's or cassettes. Alternatively,

the base of one or more compartments may have one or more regions which are debossed or slotted for receiving individual CDs or cassettes. Other compartments may be provided for receiving miscellaneous items such as papers, directions, road maps, a telephone and/or

calculator or even a portable computer or organiser.

Preferably, the peripheral rim is provided with a rolled edge, e.g. in the form of a Up, to allow easy lifting of the device.

The afore-described storage apparatus not only places the items conveniently to hand and retains them in place but also enables the contents to be readily removed from the vehicle whilst still in the storage apparatus. This is advantageous for security purposes as the items

may be locked in the boot of the vehicle or removed from the vehicle when it is unoccupied.

To allow easy removal of the apparatus from the car seat, the securing means needs to be easy to release and fasten. A single length of strapping may be provided for cooperating with the tray by passing the strapping through, for example, apertures provided in two or more

regions of the tray, the respective ends of the strapping being fastened together by suitable

means e.g. a hook and hoop type releasable fastener. In this manner, the strapping is secured to the tray and may be fastened around the car seat to retain the tray. Alternatively, one end of a length of strapping may be permanently attached to the tray by suitable fastening means, and the other end is releasably attached to the opposite side of the tray. For example the opposite

end of the strapping may be provided with a hook or eye portion of a fastener (eg. "VELCRO"). The opposite outer side of tray is provided with a length of the complimentary portion of the fastener for securing the strapping around the seat.

In an alternative embodiment, the strapping is formed of two parts, each part being attached at one end to an opposite side of the tray. Preferably, each part of the strapping passes

through an aperture, for example in the form of a slot, located in an appropriate region of the tray. Preferably, this end of the strapping has an enlarged region to retain the strapping within the tray by preventing the end of the strapping from passing through the aperture. Alternatively, each end of the strapping may be passed through two apertures provided in the

tray which is looped back on itself and secured e.g. by stitching. The opposite ends of the two

parts of strapping are preferably provided with a complimentary loop and hoop for fastening the two parts together. Alternatively, a buckle-type fastener or a hook and eye type fastener (such as that sold under the trade mark VELCRO) may be used to fasten the respective ends of

the strapping together.

The preferred tray is provided with apertures, e.g. in the form of slots, in close proximity to two adjacent co ers of the tray. Preferably the apertures are provided near to the two intended rear comers of the tray for placing against the back of car seat. In this manner,

the strapping extends from the rear of either side of the tray and can be passed around the seat

back and fastened to retain the tray in place on the seat.

Preferably, the strapping for securing the tray to the car seat is adjustable in length thereby allowing the apparatus to be fitted to seats of various shapes and sizes. It is to be appreciated that alternative means may be provided for obtaining cooperation between the strapping and the tray and for releasably fastening the tray to the car seat.

The strapping may be made of any suitable material but is preferably made of a reinforced fabrics material, e.g. woven fabrics material.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the strapping may comprise the conventional seat belt of the motor vehicle which is arranged to co-operate with the tray to

retain it on the seat.

The sides of the tray are conveniently tapered to allow stacking of a plurality of trays during transit and storage and the edges and comers of the tray are preferably rounded.

A detachable lid may be provided for fitting over the top of the tray thereby covering the contents thereof for storage purposes. Preferably, the lid is provided with a peripheral rim which slots over the rolled edging of the tray thereby keeping the lid attached to the tray unless pressure is exerted thereon to free the rim from the rolled edge. The strapping of the tray may then be used as a handle for carrying the closed apparatus.

It is to be appreciated that any number and shape of storage compartments may be

provided in the tray of the apparatus depending upon the intended use thereof.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings; wherein

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the securing means for a storage apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of a third embodiment of the present

invention, having a lid part removed;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6 from below;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6 from above, having

the lid removed;

Figure 9 is plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6 from above;

Figure 10 is an underneath plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6 ; Figure 11 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6 looking in the direction

of arrow- A;

Figure 12 is a sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6 along the line A- A;

Figure 13 is a plan view of the lid shown in Figure 6 from above;

Figure 14 is a side view of the lid looking in the direction of arrow-C; and

Figure 15 is a sectional view of the lid along the line B-B.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, one embodiment of a

storage apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated. The apparatus comprises a rigid tray 2 being defined by a base 4 and an upstanding peripheral rim 6 which is provided with rolled edging to form a lip 8. The tray is divided into a number of storage locations of various shapes and sizes. The apparatus is formed from a moulded sheet of plastics material

which is punched to form the respective storage locations. However, the different storage locations may be equally provided by means of appropriately placed dividers within the tray. Slots 10 are provided in the intended rear comers of the tray for receiving the strapping (not shown).

The storage locations comprise a large rectangular compartment 12 for receiving larger

general items, such as business papers, maps and the like and a number of smaller

compartments which are shaped to render them suitable for specific articles. One compartment is in the form of a deep cylindrical recess 14 which is dimensioned to receive a drinking utensil thereby providing the driver with a suitable place for storing an open can or the like whilst

driving. This prevents spillage of the drink and allows the driver to conveniently and quickly place the drink down when approaching road areas which require his full attention.

A plurahty of further compartments are shaped to receive other items, for example small cylindrical recesses 16 for receiving writing implements and a small rectangular recess 18 for holding items such as a mobile telephone. Additionally, a number of small shallow recesses 20 are provided for storing coins so that the driver has money to hand for payment of

e.g. toll money.

One or more regions of the tray are also provided with slots dimensioned for receiving upstanding CDs or cassettes. Preferably, a number of slots 22 (or elongated shallow recesses)

are provided around the periphery of the base of the main compartment 12 for receiving CDs and a number of shorter but thicker slots 24 are provided in the base of the smaller rectangular compartment for receiving cassettes. These enables a number of CDs and cassettes to be maintained in an orderly fashion and be within easy reach of the driver. Alternatively, the base of the respective compartments may be debossed to form a plurahty of depressions for

receiving a side of a CD or cassette.

It is to be appreciated that the position of the compartments witiiin the tray of the

storage apparatus may be varied and that the size and shape of the respective compartments will depend upon the items to be placed therein. Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention could be provided in a large number of different embodiments. For example, Figure

4 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a storage apparatus having separate compartments

specifically for holding CDs and cassettes (32 and 34 respectively) with different positioning of the other compartments shown in Figures 1 to 3. It is important to provide adequate securing means for retaining the tray on the seat of

the vehicle. This is achieved by having strapping in cooperation with the tray which may be

placed around the back (or another region) of the vehicle seat and fastened together. Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings illustrates one suitable form of strapping for attachment of the fray to the seat. The intended rear comers 42 of the tray are provided with slots 10 therein for passage of the strapping 46. The strapping is formed in two halves 46a and 46b, each having

an enlarged region 48 at one end thereof to prevent that end from passing through the slot 10.

The opposite ends of the two halves of the strapping are provided with a complimentary hook 52 and loop 54 respectively to allow the strapping to be fastened together. Preferably, the length of the strapping is adjustable to allow the fray to be tightly fitted to any car seat.

Alternative fastening means may be provided to secure the strapping around the car seat, for example VELCRO or a buckle-type fastener. The strapping may be formed of a single length which is passed through two or more slots in the tray having complimentary fastening means at either end thereof. The strapping may alternatively be attached to the tray at one side thereof by suitable fastening means. The opposite end of the strapping is provided

with a male or female portion of a fastener with the corresponding male or female portion being provided on the opposite side of the tray for securing the strapping around the car seat.

It is to be appreciated that the car seat belt may be arranged to form the strapping for co-operating with the tray to retain the storage apparatus on the seat, thereby reducing the cost thereof.

Figures 6 to 15 of the accompanying drawings illustrate another embodiment of a storage apparatus for a car according to the present invention. The apparatus comprises a rigid tray 2' having a base 4' and sides 5' which on their outer surface slope away from the centre of

the tray. The tray is divided into a number of storage compartments comprising a large rectangular compartment 12' which is divided into shallow compartments by two rims of material 15 'bisecting the compartment. A cylindrical recess 14' is also provided for receiving

drinks cans or the like, which is flanked on either side by two smaller rectangular compartments 18' and 18". One compartment 18' is divided into compartments suitable for

receiving cassettes by the provision of number of parallel rims 19' width ways across the base of the compartment. The other compartment 18" has similar parallel rims 19" lengthways

across the base of the compartment, thereby forming shallow recesses for receiving CDs.

The storage apparatus is also provided with a detachable lid 21 ' for placing over the

tray to encase the contents thereof. This is useful for removal of the apparatus from the seat of the car. Preferably, the lid is dimensioned to fit tightly over the lip of the tray such that it can only be removed with a degree of effort. In this manner the tray may be carried by means of the strapping without the items being lost from the tray. The lid is provided with tabs 23' at

either end thereof to assist in removal of the lid from the apparatus.

It is preferable to produce the apparatus from a moulding to allow cheap construction thereof. The apparatus is of a rigid plastics material such that it is durable and may be easily

wiped clean. The apparatus preferably has smooth edges and comers. The apparatus, or one or more regions thereof may be formed from a meshwork of plastics material to reduce the amount of material used in the construction of the tray. The apparatus of the present invention provides a cheap and convenient means of retaining items in the front of a vehicle which are within easy reach of the driver but which can

be removed from the front or the vehicle, when required. The apparatus allows the driver to keep the vehicle tidy and is particularly suitable for use by commercial sales persons, van and truck drivers who travel long distances alone. The apparatus is easy to clean and, due to the tapered sides thereof, may be stacked to allow cheap transportation and storage. The lip

provided around the edge of the tray allows the tray to be easily Ufted from the front seat and

placed elsewhere without disrupting the contents thereof.

Claims

1. A storage apparatus for use in connection with a vehicle seat, the apparatus comprising a tray having at least one storage location defined by a base and an upstanding rim, and means for releasably securing the tray in use with respect to the vehicle seat, said means comprising a tray having at least one storage location defined by a base and an upstanding peripheral rim, and means for releasably securing the tray in use to the vehicle seat, said means comprising strapping for co-operating with the tray and arranged to fasten around the rear of the vehicle seat, said strapping incorporating releasable fastening means.

2. A storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tray is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material.

3. A storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tray comprises a plurality of storage compartments shaped and or dimensioned to render them suitable for receiving specific items.

4. A storage apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein one or more small circular recesses are provided for receiving writing implements or the like.

5. A storage apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein one or more larger cylindrical compartments are provided for housing a drinks container.

6. A storage apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein one or more rectangular compartments, or dividing elements within a compartment, are provided to secure the likes of CDs or cassettes.

7. A storage apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the base of one or more compartments has one or more regions which are debossed or slotted for receiving individual CDs, cassettes or the like.

8. A storage apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral rim is provided with a rolled edge.

9. A storage apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a single length of strapping is provided for co-operating with the tray, the respective ends of the strapping being fastened together by suitable means.

10. A storage apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein apertures are provided in two or more regions of the tray for passage of the strap therethrough.

11. A storage apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the strapping is formed of two parts, each part being attached at one end to an opposite side of the tray and having complimentary fastening means at their other ends.

12. A storage apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the strapping is adjustable in length.

13. A storage apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the sides of the tray are tapered to allow stacking of a plurality of trays.

14. A storage apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a detachable lid for fitting over the top of the tray.

15. A storage apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, 4, 5 and 6 to 15 of the accompanying drawings.