WO2008017854A1 - Contenant - Google Patents

Contenant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008017854A1
WO2008017854A1 PCT/GB2007/003041 GB2007003041W WO2008017854A1 WO 2008017854 A1 WO2008017854 A1 WO 2008017854A1 GB 2007003041 W GB2007003041 W GB 2007003041W WO 2008017854 A1 WO2008017854 A1 WO 2008017854A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
locking mechanism
vehicle
seat
cover
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/003041
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Duncan Alexander Reeves
Original Assignee
Ricardo Uk Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ricardo Uk Limited filed Critical Ricardo Uk Limited
Publication of WO2008017854A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008017854A1/fr
Priority to GB0904134A priority Critical patent/GB2454436A/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B60R7/043—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 mounted on or under a seat

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a container, in particular a transport container for fitting to a motor vehicle.
  • the theft of valuable or potentially dangerous items from motor vehicles is an increasing problem for vehicle owners.
  • a vehicle owner leaves their vehicle unattended it is possible for them to store items in a compartment which is integral to the dashboard of the vehicle, traditionally known as the "glovebox".
  • the glovebox in a vehicle is, however, generally of low volumetric capacity such that it provides limited storage space.
  • gloveboxes are generally not constructed to withstand a determined attack from a thief.
  • vehicle users may use the boot (trunk) of their vehicle for storage of valuable or potentially dangerous items.
  • the advantage of storing items in the boot is that it provides greater storage space than the glove box and is also more resilient against attack by a thief.
  • a major drawback, however, of storing items in the boot is that they may not be accessible from the cabin area especially when the vehicle is in motion.
  • No container which can store items in a motor vehicle in a secure manner and has the capacity to store larger items if necessary, whilst still providing the vehicle user access to these items from within the vehicle.
  • no currently available container can be fitted to a vehicle in a relatively easy and quick manner, which creates user problems when the container is fitted to and removed from a vehicle frequently.
  • a further problem arises because a single container may have to be deployed in a variety of different vehicles at different times. According to current methods, each time the container is to be fitted to a vehicle, the vehicle must be modified accordingly.
  • the container comprises a securable cover
  • items can be stored inside the container in a secure manner.
  • the actuator which controls the releasable locking mechanism attaching the container to the vehicle can only be accessed from within the container, only those authorised persons who have means for unlocking the securable container cover will be able to fit and unfit the container to and from a vehicle.
  • the container is designed to fit on a passenger seat of a motor vehicle. Depending on the size of the vehicle, a variety of container sizes may be used such that, if necessary, adequate storage means can be provided for larger items.
  • the releasing locking mechanism works in conjunction with existing fixtures of the vehicle seat frame, so that there is no need for modification of the vehicle for fitting or unfitting the container. Furthermore, because standardising regulations already exist which control the nature of the seat frame fixtures to which the releasable locking mechanism attaches, the container will be deployable in a large variety of alternative vehicles.
  • Figure 1 shows a prior art vehicle seat including seat bight anchorages
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the seat bight anchorage of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the container according to a first embodiment
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of the releasably locking mechanism of Figure 3 in engagement with a seat bight anchorage;
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the releasable locking mechanism of Figure 3 , including a pin and raceway arrangement.
  • the embodiments provide a container which is secure and resistant to access by unauthorised users, which provides storage space for a range of items and which can be safely and easily fitted to and unfitted from a range of motor vehicles.
  • the container cover is securable, such that it can only be locked and unlocked by an authorised user.
  • the cover may comprise a lid liingedly attached to the body of the container, which can be easily lifted to give access to the contents of the container once it has been unlocked.
  • the container can be fitted to existing anchorages on a vehicle seat frame by means of a releasable locking mechanism.
  • An actuator for controlling the releasable locking mechanism can only be accessed from within the container, for example from within the storage compartment or from within a separate section of the container, such that the releasable locking mechanism can only be actuated by an authorised user who has means to unlock the securable cover. Because, as described in more detail below, modern vehicle seat frame anchorages conform to a standard, the releasable locking mechanism will work in conjunction with the seat frames of a variety of different vehicles. As a result there is provided a secure storage container which can be fitted and unfitted by an authorised user to a variety of different vehicles in an efficient and straight forward manner.
  • the seat 100 comprises a seat back 104 and a seat cushion 106.
  • the seat back 104 and seat cushion 106 typically comprise soft or cushioned material which cover a metal seat frame within.
  • the seat bight anchorages 102 are accessible.
  • the seat bight anchorages 102 are typically made of steel and are integral to the seat frame which the seat back 104 and seat cushion 106 cover.
  • the seat bight anchorages 102 are laterally spaced, being positioned towards either edge of the seat cushion 106 respectively.
  • each seat bight anchorage 102 typically comprises a back wall 108 which, in use, extends substantially upwards at the join between the seat back 104 and seat cushion 106 and has a lower end (not shown) secured to the vehicle chassis or being otherwise immovable.
  • the back wall 108 is attached to the seat frame and may even be integrally formed therewith.
  • the back wall 108 is typically curved forwardly, and terminates in a closed loop portion 110 which extends substantially parallel to the seat cushion 106.
  • the back wall 108 of the seat bight anchorage 102 may or may not be seen above the seat cushion 106.
  • a removable cover will be provided between the seat back 104 and seat cushion 106 which must be removed in order to display the seat bight anchorages 102.
  • the seat bight anchorages 102 provided in many modern vehicles are controlled by safety regulations.
  • the seat bight anchorages 102 are provided for the attachment of child car seats and other restraint systems and are regulated by ISOFIX regulations, such as
  • FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the container 200 according to the present invention in more detail.
  • the main body 204 of the container 200 comprises a base 202 and four side walls 203.
  • a cover or lid 205 attaches to the body of the container 200, for example along one of the side walls 203 forming a rear wall.
  • the base 202 and side walls 203 are typically rectangular in cross-section, the container thus generally forming a cube or cuboid, and can vary in size depending on the type of the vehicle into which the container is to be fitted and the desired storage capacity of the container 200.
  • the container 200 is positioned on the seat cushion 106 of a vehicle seat.
  • the base of the container 200 fits on the seat cushion 106.
  • the height of the side walls 203 may be restricted by the height of the vehicle from floor to ceiling and the space needed to open the cover, and also by safety considerations which determine that the container 200 does not restrict the vehicle driver's view.
  • the securable cover 205 comprises a lid attached to the rear side wall 203 by means of a hinge 210 running along its edge.
  • the cover 205 may be a one piece lid or, as shown in Figure 3, may be a multi-section lid 205 having first and second sections 213, 215 foldable together along a joint pathway, for example halfway along the cover 205 from, and parallel to, the hinge 210.
  • the multi section lid 205 is hinged along the joint 212 between each of its sections 213, 215.
  • the cover 205 is lockable so that the contents of the container 200 may only be accessed by authorised users, hi the embodiment according to Figure 3 the lid 205 may be locked via a cover locking mechanism comprising a keyhole 214 in to which a key can be inserted.
  • the key controls two slidable rods 206 which, when the lid 205 is locked, protrude laterally from two respectively opposite free edges of the lid 205.
  • the key is inserted into the key hole 214 it is received on a sub-axle which is pivotably connected at either end to the two slidable rods 206.
  • the rods 206 are off centre on the sub-axle such that when the key it turned one way they move inwards towards one another and when the key is turned the other way they move outwards away from one another.
  • the rods 206 are withdrawn so that they do not protrude from the edges of the lid 205.
  • the lid 205 can then be positioned downwards to close the container 200 and the key then turned to the locked position.
  • the rods 206 will protrude from their respective lid 205 edges and engage with holes 210 situated within opposite side walls 203 of the container 200. The engagement between the rods 206 and the holes 210 secures the lid 205 to the side walls 203 hence locking the container 200 closed.
  • the projecting housings 208 Extending from the outer surface of one of the container side walls 203 are two projecting housings 208 which house two respective releasable container locking mechanisms 209. From a side view, the projecting housings 208 are substantially rectangular in cross-section with a substantially C-shaped groove 211 in their distal end. The projecting housings 208 are laterally spaced apart, preferably being equidistant from either end of the side wall 203 from which they extend.
  • the projecting housings 208 project from the lower half of the side wall 203, for example near the base 202, such that when the container 200 is placed on the seat cushion 106 of a vehicle seat, the C-shaped grooves 211 are level with the respective loops 110 of the seat bight anchorages 102 of the vehicle seat frame.
  • FIG. 4 shows the releasable locking mechanism 209 within the projecting housings 208 according to one embodiment of container 200.
  • the releasable locking mechanism 209 is identical for each projecting housing 208, therefore only one releasable locking mechanism 209 will be described.
  • the releasable locking mechanism 209 comprises a lever and clamp arrangement which extends from the vicinity of the C-shaped groove 211 in the projecting housing 208 along the length of the projecting housing 208 and into the inside of the container 200.
  • the lever-and- clamp arrangement comprises a shaft 302 which runs along the length of the inside of the projecting housing 208 and is pivotably attached at either end to a lever 304 and a catch 306 respectively.
  • the catch 306 comprises a generally horizontal arm 305 and a generally vertical arm 307 depending from its distal end, which form a rigid right- angled hook extending from a point midway between the vertical ends of a generally vertical rear portion 309.
  • the rear portion 309 at its upper end is freely pivotably attached to the distal end of the shaft 302.
  • the lower of the rear portion is pivotably attached to the projecting housing 208.
  • the lever 304 is situated within the body 202 of the container 200 and is pivotably attached at its lower end to the inside surface of one of the container side walls 203, by means of a pin 312 or other appropriate securement means.
  • the proximal end of the shaft 302 is freely pivotably attached to the lever 304 at a point above the pin 312.
  • the lever 304 is movable from a first locked position A, to a second unlocked position B.
  • position A the lever 304 extends substantially vertically, parallel to the container side walls 203.
  • the shaft 302 extends substantially horizontally along the length of the projecting housing 208.
  • the generally horizontal arm 305 of the catch 306 runs horizontally, and the generally vertical arm 307 extends vertically downwards into the C-shaped groove 211 of the projecting housing 208.
  • position B the lever 304 is moved away from the catch and angled away from the vertical, in the opposite direction to the extension of the shaft 302. This movement causes the shaft to shift towards the inside of the container 200.
  • the container 200 When the user places the container 200 oh the vehicle seat cushion 106, the container 200 should be positioned so that the loops 110 of the seat bight anchorages 102 of the vehicle seat frame engage with the C-sh'aped grooves 211 of the container projecting housing 208 which houses the releasable locking mechanism 209. With this positioning in place, the user then, from within the container, actuates the lever 304 of the releasable locking mechanism 209 to move it from unlocked position B to locked position A. This lever actuation will cause lateral movement of the shaft 302 shifting it away from the inside of the container, which in turn will cause the catch 306 to rotate downwards into the C-shaped groove 211, clamping the seat bight anchorage 102 within its hook. Whilst the lever remains in locked position A, the catch 306 will continue to clamp the seat bight anchorage 102 within the projecting housing 208, ensuring a secure attachment between the seat frame and the container 200.
  • the user can then place in the container 200 any items which he wishes to store.
  • the user can then close and lock the cover 205, hence ensuring that the goods are stored in a safe container which is reliably and securely fitted to the vehicle.
  • the user In order to remove the container 200 from the vehicle, the user must first unlock the cover 205 in order to access the actuating lever 304. This ensures that no unauthorised user can remove the container 200 from the vehicle. Once the container cover 205 has been unlocked and lifted or removed accordingly, the user will then have access to the lever 304. In order to release the container from the vehicle, the lever 304 of each releasable locking mechanism 209 simply has to be moved from locked position A to unlocked position B. This will cause the catch 306 to be rotated upwards so that it no longer protrudes into C-shaped groove 211 of the projecting housing 208. The seat bight anchorage 102 will therefore no longer fully be clamped by the catch 306 and hence the container 200 can be pulled away from the seat frame quickly and easily.
  • the releasable locking mechanisms 209 and corresponding projecting housings 208 may be movable with respect to the outer surface of the container 200 from which the projecting housings 208 extend.
  • the corresponding lever 304 and projecting housing 208 may be connected to an inner surface of the container 200 by means of first 502 and second 504 pins which engage with respective first 506 and second 508 raceways.
  • the first 506 and second 508 raceways define the extent of lateral movement available to the lever 304 and projecting housing 208.
  • the first raceway 506 may also include a channel angled downwards from the horizontal which defines the lever's 304 movement from locked _ position A to unlocked position B.
  • the arrangement described above determines that when the levers 304 are in an unlocked position whilst the container 200 is being fitted to a vehicle seat, the extension of the projecting housings 208 from the outer surface of the container 200 will be at a maximum.
  • the user is able to move each releasable locking mechanism 209 and projecting housing 208 laterally, reducing the distance between the seat bight anchorages 102 and the outer surface of the container 200. This action will therefore move the container 200 towards the vehicle seat back 104, permitting optimum use of seat space.
  • the distance that projecting housing (208), including C-shaped groove (211) and catch (306), projects from the container wall (203) is variable.
  • the projection distance is large there is sufficient gap between the seat back (104) and the container wall (203) to enable the user to see the projecting housing (208), including C-shaped groove (211) and the seat bight anchorage (102) including the closed loop portion (110), which provides for easier lateral alignment of said items.
  • the projection distance is reduced there is little or no gap between the seat back (104) and the container wall (203). This arrangement is also useful for large containers, ensuring that as much seat cushion space as possible is available to place them on.
  • fixing means are provided to releasably fix the projection housing 208 relative to the remainder of the container 200.
  • the fixing means With the fixing means released, and having engaged the catch (306) on loop (110), the whole container can be pushed back to minimise or eliminate any gap between the seat back (104) and the container wall (203).
  • the fixing means are then operated to prevent further movement between the projecting housing (208) and the container wall (203)
  • the fixing means may be a cam-operated or screw-operated clamp arranged in such a manner that the projection distance can be set to any desired amount, within limits.
  • the container 200 will typically be fabricated from a resilient material such as steel or any thermoplastic material.
  • the container cover 205 may be formed from a different material to the side walls 205 and base 202, providing that the cover material used is still resilient against attack by an unauthorised user.
  • any appropriate locking mechanism for the cover 205 may be used, such as a key and keyhole arrangement which actuates a single rod or securement means other than rods, or a lock which is operated by a password or combination known only to authorised users.
  • the cover need not comprise a lid hingedly attached to the main body of the container but could instead comprise a lid which is slidably attached to the main body of the container.
  • the cover can be a single or any number of section and may be hinged to any of the side walls.
  • the container may alternatively comprise a drawer arrangement wherein the securable cover fits over the main body of the container and slides off it once unlocked.
  • the releasable locking mechanism is described as comprising a lever and shaft which actuates a right-angled hook; however it will be appreciated that any other type of releasable locking mechanism which enables an authorised user to clamp and unclamp the seat bight anchorages of a vehicle seat frame can be used. It is possible to use a single locking mechanism, for example in the case of smaller containers which will not extend across the width of the vehicle seat. According to another embodiment, means may be provided for securement of the container 200 to top mount anchorages in a vehicle frame as well as to the seat bight anchorages.
  • the container can be of any appropriate shape or size depending on its intended use and the vehicle into which it is to be inserted.
  • the components of a container can have any appropriate relative dimensions.
  • the container can be fitted to any type of motor vehicle which has the appropriate seat bights anchorages integral to it as well as to any vehicles to which seat bight anchorages have been attached.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Refuse Receptacles (AREA)
  • Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un contenant (200) comprenant un compartiment de stockage, un couvercle pouvant être fixé (205) et un mécanisme de verrouillage amovible (209). Le mécanisme de verrouillage amovible est conçu pour verrouiller le contenant à un point de verrouillage externe au contenant et comprend un actionneur (304) à l'intérieur du contenant.
PCT/GB2007/003041 2006-08-11 2007-08-09 Contenant WO2008017854A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0904134A GB2454436A (en) 2006-08-11 2009-03-10 Container

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0616202.8 2006-08-11
GBGB0616202.8A GB0616202D0 (en) 2006-08-11 2006-08-11 Transport container for fitting to motor vehicles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008017854A1 true WO2008017854A1 (fr) 2008-02-14

Family

ID=37081016

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2007/003041 WO2008017854A1 (fr) 2006-08-11 2007-08-09 Contenant

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB0616202D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008017854A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021009678A1 (fr) * 2019-07-18 2021-01-21 Biagi Saga Technologies (Pty) Ltd Coffre-fort portable
US20230097471A1 (en) * 2021-09-30 2023-03-30 Gm Cruise Holdings Llc Structural base and securement mechanism for an interior delivery container in a vehicle
US20230101348A1 (en) * 2021-09-30 2023-03-30 Gm Cruise Holdings Llc Open interior delivery container

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6176385B1 (en) * 1998-03-18 2001-01-23 Daimlerchrysler Ag Coverable container and armrest for a vehicle
US20010030436A1 (en) * 2000-01-07 2001-10-18 Kifer Harlan E. Removable console assembly for a motor vehicle
US6681969B1 (en) * 2000-07-25 2004-01-27 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Container assembly

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6176385B1 (en) * 1998-03-18 2001-01-23 Daimlerchrysler Ag Coverable container and armrest for a vehicle
US20010030436A1 (en) * 2000-01-07 2001-10-18 Kifer Harlan E. Removable console assembly for a motor vehicle
US6681969B1 (en) * 2000-07-25 2004-01-27 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Container assembly

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021009678A1 (fr) * 2019-07-18 2021-01-21 Biagi Saga Technologies (Pty) Ltd Coffre-fort portable
US20230097471A1 (en) * 2021-09-30 2023-03-30 Gm Cruise Holdings Llc Structural base and securement mechanism for an interior delivery container in a vehicle
US20230101348A1 (en) * 2021-09-30 2023-03-30 Gm Cruise Holdings Llc Open interior delivery container
US11787344B2 (en) * 2021-09-30 2023-10-17 Gm Cruise Holdings Llc Open interior delivery container
US11833964B2 (en) * 2021-09-30 2023-12-05 Gm Cruise Holdings Llc Structural base and securement mechanism for an interior delivery container in a vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0616202D0 (en) 2006-09-27
GB0904134D0 (en) 2009-04-22
GB2454436A (en) 2009-05-06

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