WO2017043982A1

WO2017043982A1 - Improvements in and relating to vehicle storage systems

Info

Publication number: WO2017043982A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2016/050145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gareth Logan FINLAYSON
Original assignee: SWANSON, Anna Rosemary
Priority date: 2015-09-10
Filing date: 2016-09-12
Publication date: 2017-03-16

Abstract

A vehicle storage space divider, comprising at least one dividing platform; at least two height adjustable support members attached to, and positioned at least partially between, each of the at least one dividing platform and a base portion, wherein the at least two height adjustable support members are configured to adjust the spacing between the at least one dividing platform and the base portion, and wherein the base portion is configured to, in use, be located within a vehicle storage space of a vehicle, allowing the vehicle storage space to be adjustably divided into a first storage area below the at least one dividing platform and a second storage area on or above the at least one dividing platform.

Description

Improvements in and Relating to Vehicle Storage Systems

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to vehicle storage systems. The invention is particularly suited to systems for improving the usefulness of a vehicle storage space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems for organising vehicle storage space are well known in the art. Such systems range from boxes and bags through to integrated shelving systems built into a vehicle storage space. One such example of a vehicle storage space organiser is described in US Patent No. 6,050,202 which describes a storage divider that is located in a vehicle boot space and which can be raised from a position adjacent a floor of the boot space to a raised position where the divider provides a raised shelf. This system allows items to be stored both below and on top of the shelf.

One of the problems with systems such as is disclosed in US Patent No. 6,050,202 is the difficulty in installing the system, which requires either replacement, or additional, vehicle panels to be installed. The replacement or additional panels provide hooks, slots or rails for holding the shelf in the raised position.

Another issue with such systems is the need to either fully, or partially, empty the boot of its contents in order to adjust the storage divider between its raised and lowered positions. If the vehicle storage space is either fully or partially loaded raising of the shelf may not be convenient.

Provision of only two pre-set positions is also inconvenient as the pre-set height may limit the size and shape of items that can be stored under, or on top of the storage divider.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although one or more prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle storage space divider for use in a vehicle storage space of a vehicle such as a car boot or a utility vehicle deck. In one embodiment, the vehicle storage space divider includes at least one dividing platform, which will typically be a substantially planar shelf-like structure; however a number of dividers could be used to provide a range of shelf heights. At least two adjustable height support members are attached between the at least one dividing platform and a base portion. In use the base portion sits on the floor of a storage space of a vehicle. The at least two adjustable height support members allow the spacing between the at least one dividing platform and the base portion to be adjusted. Functionally this allows the dividing platform to be positioned anywhere between a position substantially adjacent to the floor of the storage space, providing virtually the full storage capacity of the vehicle storage space, and an elevated position where items can be stored both under the at least one platform as well as on top of the at least one platform. The configuration of the base portion, adjustable height support members and dividing platform allow the vehicle storage space divider to be easily located in, and removed from, a storage space of a vehicle.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle storage space divider including: · at least one dividing platform;

• at least two height adjustable support members attached to, and positioned at least partially between, each of the at least one dividing platform and a base portion, wherein the at least two height adjustable support members are configured to adjust the spacing between the at least one dividing platform and the base portion, and wherein the base portion is configured to, in use, be located within a vehicle storage space of a vehicle, allowing the vehicle storage space to be adjustably divided into a first storage area below the at least one dividing platform and a second storage area on or above the at least one dividing platform.

In some embodiments the at least one dividing platform may be a substantially planar, structurally rigid, shelf. A structurally rigid shelf allows objects to be stored on top of the shelf without the shelf deforming under the load. A structurally rigid shelf also acts as a barrier to objects stored under the shelf. In a vehicular accident items stored under the rigid shelf are prevented from projecting from the vehicle storage space, thereby protecting occupants of a vehicle from being injured due to the projectile items and/or reducing the risk of objects being thrown from the vehicle.

The dividing platform may be made from various materials, or a combination of materials, non-limiting examples of which include metals, plastics, composites or wood.

In some embodiments the at least one dividing platform may include a collapsible barrier provided around at least a portion of its periphery, configured to, in use, prevent access to the first storage area from the sides on which the collapsible barrier is attached, when the at least one dividing platform is elevated. For example, when the at least one dividing platform is elevated the collapsible barrier prevents items stored below the at least one dividing platform from being easily accessed. This may provide security from theft of items as well as preventing access to potentially dangerous goods such as chemicals. In addition the barrier may prevent items from being projected from beneath the collapsible barrier during a vehicle impact. The collapsible barrier may be any suitable means to close a gap between the dividing platform and the periphery of the area below the dividing platform. For example, the collapsible barrier could be a steel mesh, a fabric, hinged planar members and the like.

In preferred embodiments the at least two height adjustable support members are adjustable electrically. Adjusting the height adjustable support members electrically allows, with suitably sized electrical actuators, the at least one dividing platform height to be adjusted whilst loaded and with minimal effort by the operator. This is particularly beneficial when the at least one dividing platform is in its lowered position and the storage space is partially loaded on top of the at least one dividing platform. The operator can activate the adjustable support members to raise the at least one dividing platform thereby allowing further items to be stored below the at least one dividing platform.

Preferably the at least two adjustable support members are provided on opposite sides of the at least one dividing platform. In some embodiments in which the at least one dividing platform is particularly large, such as may be used in a station wagon, truck, van or utility vehicle, adjustable support members may be provided at or proximate each corner of the at least one dividing platform.

In some embodiments, the vehicle storage space divider is configured to be interlinked with an adjacent vehicle storage space divider to enable synchronised raising and lowering of the at least one dividing platform with an adjacent dividing platform of the adjacent vehicle storage space divider. In some embodiments a number of small dividing platforms may be positioned adjacent one another to provide a large dividing platform. In such embodiments the adjustable support members of each platform may be interlinked, electrically, or mechanically, to provide synchronised raising and lowering of the adjacent platforms.

The at least two adjustable support members may take a variety of forms and as such their exact structure and configuration should not be seen as being limiting. Examples of suitable adjustable support members may include combinations of hydraulic and pneumatic rams, screw jacks, scissor lifts or other similar arrangements. Preferably, the at least two height adjustable support members comprise scissor lift mechanisms. Preferably, each of the scissor lift mechanisms is driven by a leadscrew. Preferably the leadscrew is driven by an electric motor. Preferably the at least two adjustable support members provide substantially vertical adjustment of the at least one dividing platform. In other embodiments the at least two adjustable support member may adjust the at least one dividing platform both horizontally and vertically.

Preferably the at least two adjustable support members provide a load bearing capacity of between 10kg and 500kg. In use the at least two adjustable support members are positioned at least partially between the at least one dividing platform, and a base portion. The base portion may abut the floor region of a storage space within which the vehicle storage space divider is located. The base portion provides both stability to the raised storage space divider, as well as distribution of the load supported on the storage space divider into the floor region of the storage space. Preferably the at least two adjustable support members are electrically actuated.

In some embodiments the at least one dividing platform may form a cover for a vehicle storage space. For example the deck of a utility vehicle will typically comprise an open topped well sided space. The dividing platform forms a cover to the open topped well sided space, providing security to items stored under the dividing platform as well as additional storage for items on top of the platform. Preferably, in embodiments configured for use with a utility deck, the at least one dividing platform abuts with a top surface of two or more walls of the open topped well sided space. By abutting the top surface of two or more of the walls of the open topped well sided space any loading placed on the platform will be transferred from the platform into the walls, thereby improving the load holding capacity. In preferred embodiments the at least one dividing platform is configured to be releasably attached to a portion of a vehicle. In some embodiments the at least one dividing platform may be hingedly attached to a portion of the vehicle.

Preferably the at least one dividing platform or a portion thereof is configured to be hingeably moved from a closed position, in which the storage space is covered by the at least one dividing platform, to an open position in which the storage space is open and accessible. In preferred embodiments the at least one dividing platform may comprise a number of hinged panels.

Preferably the hinged panels allow the at least one dividing platform to be folded onto, or into, itself. In embodiments in which the at least one dividing platform provides a lid to the storage space, folding of the at least one dividing platform allows the at least one dividing platform to be lowered or otherwise moved into the storage space for storage. In such embodiments the dividing platform, when in its stored position, may be used as a platform on which items can be stowed.

Preferably the at least one dividing platform is hinged so as to allow the width to be reduced when folded.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one dividing platform comprises a middle panel and two side panels, the side panels being hingedly connected to the middle panel enabling the side panels to fold towards the middle panel.

In some preferred embodiments the folding panels of the dividing platform may also provide access panels for items to be placed into and removed from the storage space.

In one preferred embodiment the vehicle storage space divider is configured to fit within a car boot space. In a further preferred embodiment the vehicle storage space divider is configured to fit within the deck of a utility type vehicle.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle storage space divider in accordance with a

preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the vehicle storage space divider of Figure 1 in a lowered position in a vehicle storage space;

Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the vehicle storage space divider of Figure 1 in a raised position in a vehicle storage space;

Figure 2c shows a perspective view of the vehicle storage space divider in accordance with a

second preferred embodiment in raised position in a vehicle storage space;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a vehicle storage space divider in a vehicle storage space in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the vehicle storage space divider of Figure 3 in an open position in the vehicle storage space;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the vehicle storage space divider of Figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the vehicle storage space divider of Figures 3 to 5 in a

raised and folded position in a vehicle storage space, and

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the vehicle storage space divider of Figures 1 and 2 in a lowered and folded position in a vehicle storage space.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a vehicle storage space divider as generally indicated by designator 1. The vehicle storage space divider 1 includes at least one dividing platform in the form of a rigid planar shelf 2. The vehicle storage space divider 1 also includes two height adjustable support members in the form of scissor lift units 3a, 3b. Scissor lift units 3a, 3b are attached to the underside of rigid planar shelf 2 and a base portion in the form of rails 4a, 4b. The rails 4a and 4b can be considered to form a base portion as a pair. In some embodiments the rails may be connected or mounted to a base which forms a base portion. Generally, the parts on which the vehicle storage space divider is supported can be considered to form a base portion, whether connected to one another or not.

The scissor lift units 3a, 3b include electric drive motors 5a, 5b each of which drive leadscrews in the form of threaded rods 6a, 6b. Activation of the electric drive motors 5a, 5b causes rotation of the threaded rods 6a, 6b which in turn drives thrust units 7a, 7b along rails 4a, 4b. When the thrust units 5a, 5b are driven towards the electric drive motors 5a, 5b the scissor lift units are extended and when the thrust units 5a, 5b are driven away from the electric drive units 5a, 5b the scissor units 5a, 5b are retracted. In this manner the scissor lift units are configured to adjust the spacing between the rigid planar shelf 2 and the rails 4a, 4b.

In use the vehicle storage space divider 1 may be located within a vehicle storage space, such as the boot space 9 of a car 8, as is shown in Figures 2a and 2b. In Figure 2a the vehicle storage space divider is shown in its lowest position substantially adjacent the floor of the boot space 9. In this position items may be stored on top of the rigid planar shelf 2.

If further storage space is required, or delicate items are to be stored in the vehicle storage space, the electric drive units 5a, 5b may be activated by an operator to raise the rigid planar shelf 2. Activation of the electric drive units 5a, 5b may be by way of a switch provided on the vehicle, located on the vehicle storage space divider, or by way of a remote control held by the operator. Any items (not shown) stored on the rigid planar shelf 2 are lifted upwards by the rigid planar shelf 2 providing further storage space under the rigid planar shelf 2, as shown in Figure 2b. The operator will typically adjust the height of the rigid planar shelf 2 to suit the size of the objects to be stored below the rigid planar shelf 2.

In some embodiments a collapsible barrier such as a mesh barrier is attached to the at least one dividing platform. Figure 2c shows a vehicle storage space divider 1 having an dividing platform in the form of shelf 2 which has a mesh barrier 2a attached to its periphery, restricting access to the portion of the boot space underneath the shelf 2. When in a raised position the mesh barrier prevents access to the storage space under at least one dividing platform from the sides that have the collapsible barrier attached. This provides added security to prevent, for example, children from accessing harmful goods that may be stored under the one dividing platform. When the one dividing platform is in a lowered position the collapsible barrier simply folds or otherwise collapses onto itself. Any number of fabric, metal or corded materials may be used to form the collapsible barrier.

With respect to Figures 3 to 7 there is shown a vehicle storage space divider as generally indicated by designator 10. The at least one dividing platform shown in Figure 3 has three panels 11a, lib, 11c which form a cover for a vehicle storage space in the form of the deck 12 of utility vehicle 13. The deck 12 comprises an open topped well sided space.

The panels 11a, lib, 11c abut the top surface 14 of the walls of the open topped well sided space. Items stored on the top of panels 11a, lib, 11c are thereby supported, either fully, or in part, by contact with the top surface 14 of the walls. The platform also functions to prevent access to the contents of the storage space within the deck 12.

The embodiment of Figure 3 also includes a hinge attachment 15 that is attached to the deck 12 adjacent the cab of the utility vehicle 13. Attachment will typically be by way of a combination of clamps and bolts. The middle panel lib is releasably attached to the hinge attachment 15 in a manner that allows the panels 11a, lib, 11c to be moved from a closed position, shown in Figure 3, in which the storage space is covered by the at least one dividing platform, to an open position, shown in Figure 4, in which the storage space is open and accessible. The hinge arrangement of the hinge attachment 15 comprises one or more hinges 15a having pins that can be removed to separate the middle panel lib from the hinge attachment 15.

The side panels 11a, 11c are attached to the middle panel lib by way of a hinge mechanism 16. The hinge mechanism is configured to allow the side panels to be folded downwards under the middle panel via hinges 16a, as shown in Figure 6. The side panels 11a, lib are to a large extent incapable of folding upwards. This allows height adjustable support members 17a, 17b to be moved into a retracted position when the panel is supported by the hinge mechanism, or by the top surface 14 of the walls, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. This provides unimpeded use of the storage space under the panels 11a, lib, 11c as well as good load bearing capacity of the panels 11a, lib, and 11c. It will be appreciated that the vehicle storage space divider or the hinges 16a of the side panels 11a, lib may include a locking mechanism to hold the side panels in the unfolded position shown in Figure 3, 4 and 5.

The panels 11a, lib, 11c can be lowered into the deck 12 if a larger load holding capacity is required. In such cases the height adjustable support members 17a, 17b are lowered from the middle panel lib to abut the bottom of the deck 12, the hinge attaching middle panel lib to hinge attachment 15 is released and the panels 11a, lib and 11c are lifted by extending the height adjustable support members 17a, 17b to allow the side panels 11a, 11c to be folded under the middle panel lib; this position is shown in Figure 6. In the folded position the width of the folded panels 11a, lib, 11c is sufficiently narrow to allow the folded panels to be lowered by retracting the height adjustable support members 17a, 17b, between the wheel arches in the deck 12, as shown in Figure 7. When in its stored position the panels 11a, lib, 11c are slid forward into the deck to provide clearance for the rear door of the deck to open and close. The load can then be positioned directly on top of the middle panel lib.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims

A vehicle storage space divider, comprising: at least one dividing platform; at least two height adjustable support members attached to, and positioned at least partially between, each of the at least one dividing platform and a base portion, wherein the at least two height adjustable support members are configured to adjust the spacing between the at least one dividing platform and the base portion, and wherein the base portion is configured to, in use, be located within a vehicle storage space of a vehicle, allowing the vehicle storage space to be adjustably divided into a first storage area below the at least one dividing platform and a second storage area on or above the at least one dividing platform.

The vehicle storage space divider of claim 1, wherein the at least one dividing platform comprises a substantially planar and structurally rigid shelf.

The vehicle storage space divider of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a collapsible barrier provided around at least a portion of its periphery, configured to, in use, prevent access to the first storage area from the sides on which the collapsible barrier is attached, when the at least one dividing platform is elevated.

The vehicle storage space divider of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two height adjustable support members provide substantially vertical adjustment of the height of the at least one dividing platform.

The vehicle storage space divider of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two height adjustable support members are provided on opposite sides of the at least one dividing platform.

The vehicle storage space divider of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two height adjustable support members are provided at or proximate each corner of the at least one dividing platform.

The vehicle storage space divider of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle storage space divider is configured to be interlinked with an adjacent vehicle storage space divider to enable synchronised raising and lowering of the at least one dividing platform with an adjacent dividing platform of the adjacent vehicle storage space divider.

8. The vehicle storage space divider of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two height adjustable support members are adjustable electrically.

9. The vehicle storage space divider of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two height adjustable support members comprise scissor lift mechanisms.

10. The vehicle storage space divider of claim 9, wherein each of the scissor lift mechanisms is driven by a leadscrew.

11. The vehicle storage space divider of claim 10, wherein the leadscrew is driven by an electric motor.

12. The vehicle storage space divider of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one dividing platform forms a cover for the vehicle storage space.

13. The vehicle storage space divider of claim 12, wherein the at least one dividing platform forms a cover to an open topped well sided space of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle storage space divider of claim 13, wherein the at least one dividing platform abuts with top surfaces of two or more walls of the open topped well sided space.

15. The vehicle storage space divider of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the at least one dividing platform is configured to be releasably attached to a portion of the vehicle.

16. The vehicle storage space divider of any one of claims 12-15, wherein the at least one dividing platform or a portion thereof is configured to be hingeably moved from a closed position, in which the storage space is covered by the at least one dividing platform, to an open position in which the storage space is open and accessible.

17. The vehicle storage space divider of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one dividing platform comprises a plurality of hinged panels.

18. The vehicle storage space divider of claim 17, wherein the hinged panels allow the at least one dividing platform to be folded onto, or into, itself.

19. The vehicle storage space divider of claim 18, wherein folding the dividing platform onto, or into, itself enables the at least one dividing platform to be lowered or otherwise moved into the vehicle storage space for storage.

20. The vehicle storage space divider of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the at least one dividing platform is hinged so as to allow the width to be reduced when folded.

21. The vehicle storage space divider of claim 20, wherein the at least one dividing platform

comprises a middle panel and two side panels, the side panels being hingedly connected to the middle panel enabling the side panels to fold towards the middle panel.

22. A vehicle comprising the vehicle storage space divider of any one claims 1-21.

23. A vehicle storage space divider substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the Figures.