Multi-channel lift gate

Abstract

A multi-access liftgate assembly provides a plurality of dividers that divide a rear cargo area of ​​a passenger vehicle into a plurality of secure areas accessible from a plurality of panels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of these compartments. A vehicle operator can safely control which portions of the cargo area are selectively accessible. The multi-access liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of ​​a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a national phase of PCT International Application No. PCT / US2020 / 033697 filed on May 20, 2020 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 850,243 filed on May 20, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 850,276 filed on May 20, 2019. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a tailgate system having multiple storage features and access features integrated therein. Background Art

[0004] Sport utility vehicles with liftgates dominate today's vehicle market. The liftgates typically open the entire rear compartment of the SUV vehicle, which is very convenient for users of passenger vehicles.

[0005] Liftgates are complex to manufacture, install and design because they are large and require a robust hinge and locking mechanism. They are also difficult to install during production. As a result, such doors are heavy and slow to open and close. In recent years, electric liftgates have also been used, which are also slow to open and close.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the art to provide access to a rear compartment in an SUV vehicle having a restricted liftgate and to provide access to the rear compartment quickly when opening the entire liftgate is not necessary.

[0007] Therefore, there is also a need for a multi-access liftgate assembly that includes: using a liftgate to divide the rear cargo area of ​​a passenger vehicle (e.g., SUVs, hatchbacks, and trucks) into multiple security zones (e.g., at least three security zones) to provide controlled access to one or more of these compartments. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a liftgate access door is provided that allows access to the rear compartment of an SUV type vehicle without the need to open the entire liftgate.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a liftgate is used to divide a rear cargo area of ​​a passenger vehicle (e.g., SUVs, hatchbacks, and trucks) into multiple safety zones (e.g., at least three safety zones), thereby providing controlled access to one or more of these compartments.

[0010] The present invention provides liftgate access to multiple compartments. According to aspects of the present invention, a multi-access liftgate assembly is also provided that provides multiple dividers that divide a rear cargo area of ​​a passenger vehicle into multiple secure areas accessible from multiple panels forming the liftgate, thereby providing controlled access to one or more of these compartments. The vehicle operator can safely control which parts of the cargo area their fellow vehicle passengers can place cargo in and remove cargo from.

[0011] The vehicle operator can safely control in which parts of the cargo area their fellow vehicle passengers can place cargo in and remove cargo from. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-way liftgate assembly according to the present invention in a fully open position;

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a multi-access liftgate assembly according to the present invention in a fully open position with a cargo pallet deployed;

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a multi-way liftgate assembly according to the present invention that opens only on the left side;

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a multi-way liftgate assembly according to the present invention with only the right side opening;

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a multi-way liftgate assembly according to the present invention with only the upper window open;

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a multi-way liftgate assembly according to the present invention in a fully closed position;

[0019] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of an SUV vehicle having a liftgate entry door in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an SUV vehicle showing the liftgate entry door of the present invention in an open configuration;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of an SUV vehicle showing the liftgate access door open and the cargo tray feature deployed; and

[0022] Fig.10is similar to Fig. 9 , a rear perspective view showing packages positioned ready for storage in the cargo compartment of an SUV vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 10 , a multi-access liftgate assembly, generally shown at 10, of a vehicle 12 is shown. An SUV-type vehicle 12 typically has a liftgate 15 that includes the entire rear end of the vehicle, the rear end having both an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion has a window and the lower portion is lifted in an upward direction by a hinge to expose the entire rear end compartment. The liftgate assembly 10 provides at least one liftgate access door that allows access to the rear compartment of the SUV-type vehicle without opening the entire liftgate. The liftgate assembly 10 also provides a method for obtaining a storage solution in the rear compartment, including providing a sliding feature and / or a partitioned feature. According to various aspects of the present invention, the assembly 10 provides at least one divider that divides the rear cargo area of ​​the vehicle. Preferably, a plurality of dividers divide the rear cargo area of ​​the vehicle into a plurality of secure areas that can be accessed from a plurality of panels forming the liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of these compartments. The vehicle operator can safely control which portions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. A multi-access liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of ​​a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.

[0025] More specifically refer to Figures 1 to 6 , a multi-access liftgate assembly 10 is shown for a vehicle 12. According to aspects of the present invention, a liftgate assembly 10 is provided having at least one liftgate access door that allows access to a rear compartment 20 of an SUV type vehicle 12 without opening the entire liftgate 15.

[0026] According to aspects of the invention, there are multiple liftgate entry doors that are sized by the sub-rear end compartment (i.e., dividing the width between the lateral sides of the liftgate 15 or dividing the height of the liftgate 15 or dividing both the width between the lateral sides of the liftgate 15 and dividing the height of the liftgate 15). The first liftgate entry door 26 and the second liftgate entry door 28 divide the width approximately in half (i.e., the left door is a mirror image of the right door). The actual doors 26, 28 are each operably actuated to open / close. According to aspects of the invention, the first door 26 and the second door 28 are operably hinged 10a for opening toward the sides of the vehicle 12. Alternatively, a suitable linkage mechanism is used to open toward the sides of the vehicle 12. Alternatively or additionally, a suitable, stable track system is provided to allow the liftgate entry door to move away from the rear end compartment 20. This allows the entry door to be opened and cargo to be inserted into the storage compartment 20 of the vehicle 12. The liftgate entry doors 26, 28 are capable of opening automatically, as known to those skilled in the art, or the liftgate entry doors 26, 28 are manually opened doors. Preferably, the liftgate entry doors 26, 28 are opened automatically independently or simultaneously by a remote control or sensor that allows hands-free operation. The remote signal is a remote controller, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, a smart key or a keypad. In any manual or automatic configuration, the liftgate entry doors 26, 28 have a smaller size than the entire liftgate 15 and can be opened and closed quickly with less time and effort.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one cargo pallet, preferably a plurality of cargo pallets, is provided to assist in loading cargo 50. The first cargo pallet 32 ​​and the second cargo pallet 34 are slid into or out of the rear cargo compartment in a manually or automatically operable manner as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A suitable, stable, extendable rail system is provided to allow the cargo pallets 32, 34 to support the cargo load 50 when extended (e.g., in conjunction with the rail systems 16 / 38 and 40 / 41, respectively).

[0028] Thus, in operation, either or both of the doors 26 and / or 28 are quickly opened and either or both of the cargo trays 32 and / or 34 are deployed, a carry-on bag or other luggage or other cargo 50 is placed on either of the cargo trays 32, 34, and then the trays 32, 34 are slid into the cargo compartment 20. Thereafter, the doors 26, 28 are closed and the vehicle 12 is ready for transport. It is understood that it is not always necessary to extend the trays 32, 34 to place the cargo 50 unless necessary.

[0029] According to aspects of the present invention, a third liftgate access door 27 is provided (e.g., less than the overall height of the liftgate 15). The actual door 27 is actuated to open / close in an operative manner. According to aspects of the present invention, the third liftgate channel 27 is operatively hinged 10c, 10c for folding upward. This allows the third liftgate access door 27 to be opened and cargo to be inserted into the storage compartment 20 or into an additional rear storage compartment 24 (e.g., at least one upper compartment) of the vehicle 12. The liftgate access door 27 is automatically openable, as known to those skilled in the art, or the liftgate access door 27 is a manually openable door. Preferably, the liftgate access door 27 is automatically opened by a remote control or sensor that allows hands-free operation. The remote signal is a remote controller, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, or a keyboard. In any manual or automatic configuration, the liftgate access door 27 is smaller in size than the entire liftgate 15 and can be quickly opened and closed with less time and effort. The additional compartment 24 does not include a tray, however, it is contemplated that the compartment 24 may be adapted to accommodate at least one slidable tray similar to that previously described without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0030] It is understood that greater or fewer trays 32 , 34 are contemplated depending on the particular application without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0031] According to the present invention, at least one divider divides the rear storage compartment 20. At least one first divider 14 (e.g., a generally vertical divider, a horizontal divider, an angled divider, a center divider, more than one divider, a combination of dividers, etc.) divides the compartment area into a first compartment 16 and a second compartment 18 (e.g., a left compartment and a right compartment, side by side left / right, top / bottom, rows, rows, etc.).

[0032] According to aspects of the present invention, at least one second divider 22 (e.g., a substantially horizontal divider, a horizontal divider, an angled divider, a central divider, more than one divider, any combination of dividers, etc.) divides the compartment area 20 into at least a third compartment 24 (e.g., at least one top compartment, at least one lower compartment, etc.).

[0033] The liftgate assembly 10 includes at least one liftgate channel without having to raise the entire liftgate 15 . Figure 1 All three liftgate access doors 26 , 28 , 27 are depicted in an exemplary fully open position to allow access to the first compartment 16 , the second compartment 18 , and the third compartment 24 . Figure 2 A first pallet 32 ​​and a second pallet 34 are depicted extending to receive cargo. Figure 3Exemplary access to the first compartment 16 is depicted when the first liftgate access door 26 is hinged to one side to an open position and the second door 28 remains closed. Figure 4 An exemplary access to the second compartment 18 is depicted when the second liftgate access door 28 is hinged to the other side to an open position and the first door 26 remains closed. Figure 5 A third liftgate access door 27 is depicted that opens upward to load cargo into the third compartment 24 . Figure 6 The liftgate system 10 is depicted in a fully closed position.

[0034] Preferably, the first and second entry doors 26 and 28 are liftgate composites, and the third entry door 27 includes a window 30. It is understood that any suitable material (e.g., aluminum, plastic, glass, reinforced fiber-filled materials, lightweight molded materials, etc. and combinations thereof) is contemplated depending on the application without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The vehicle operator can safely control which parts of the cargo area passengers can place cargo in and remove cargo from. The present invention provides the ability to provide multiple secure openings to the cargo area of ​​a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area. By dividing the exterior surface into three different entry sections and remotely controlling access to these doors, the vehicle operator can have greater control to allow access to cargo in the rear storage area and can even provide remote access using a smartphone, smart watch technology or any other smart device, application and platform.

[0036] Preferably, the assembly 10 includes a suitable, robust hinge system that is operably adapted to allow the two lower entry doors (eg, 26 and 28) to be opened in a close parking situation.

[0037] Preferably, the assembly 10 includes at least one vertical divider (e.g., 14) and most preferably at least one horizontal divider (e.g., 22) to divide the rear storage compartment 20 of an SUV, hatchback or van or any other type of vehicle into at least three different compartments (e.g., 16, 18, 24). It is understood that any other divider configuration or orientation (e.g., angled dividers, zigzag dividers, square dividers, rectangular dividers, triangular dividers, honeycomb dividers, multiple vertical dividers, multiple horizontal dividers, and any other suitable dividers and combinations thereof) are contemplated depending on the application without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0038] The dividers are preferably plastic. It is understood that any other divider materials (e.g., mesh, mat, rubber, tarpaulin, fabric, cardboard reinforced wrapping fabric panels, canvas, tote, aluminum, metal, and any other suitable dividers, and combinations thereof) are contemplated, depending on the application, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Optionally, the dividers can be removed by the user when desired. Optionally, the dividers can be selectively reconfigured by the user when desired.

[0039] Although a 3-way liftgate is shown and described, it is understood that more than three or less than three liftgate entry doors are contemplated depending on the particular application without departing from the scope of the present invention. Assembly 10 is at least a 2-way liftgate. Most preferably, assembly 10 is a 3-way liftgate.

[0040] It is understood that, depending on the specific application, without departing from the scope of the present invention, Figures 1 to 6 Any aspects of the invention can be adapted and combined in an operative manner. It should also be understood that, depending on the application, Figures 1 to 6 Any aspect of the invention may be employed in an operational manner alone or in any combination and with Figures 7 to 10 any combination of aspects.

[0041] Overall, refer to all Figures 1 to 10 , and more specifically with reference to Figures 7 to 10 According to aspects of the present invention, a liftgate assembly, generally indicated at 10 , is provided having at least one liftgate access door 29 that allows access to a rear compartment 20 of an SUV-type vehicle 12 without requiring the entire liftgate 15 to be opened.

[0042] SUV type vehicles 12 are well known and typically have a liftgate 15 that includes the entire rear end of the vehicle with both a window portion 30 and a lower portion 31 and has edges 35 and 37 on the sides. The window 30 and lower portion 31 are lifted in an upward direction on hinges to expose the entire rear end compartment 20.

[0043] In the present invention, the liftgate entry door 29 is sized by the sub-rear end compartment (i.e., smaller than the width between the door edges 35 and 37). Preferably, the liftgate entry door 29 is at least the same size as the carry-on bag defined by the standard size of luggage carried by the aircraft. As shown, the actual door 29 has a plurality of hinges 10b for folding upward. This allows the liftgate entry door 29 to be opened and the carry-on bag 50 to be inserted into the storage compartment 20 of the vehicle 12. As known to those skilled in the art, the liftgate entry door 29 can be opened automatically or the liftgate entry door is a manual opening door. Preferably, the liftgate entry door 29 is automatically opened by a remote control or sensor that allows hands-free operation. The remote signal is a remote controller, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, or a keyboard. In a manual configuration or an automatic configuration, the liftgate entry door 29 has a smaller size than the entire liftgate 15 and can be quickly opened and closed with less time and effort.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cargo pallet 33 is provided to assist in loading cargo 50. The cargo pallet 33 can slide into and out of the cargo compartment in a manually or automatically operable manner, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A suitable stable extendable track system is provided to allow the cargo pallet 33 to support the carried load 50 when extended (e.g., in conjunction with the system 40, 41).

[0045] Thus, in operation, the door 29 is quickly opened and the cargo tray 33 is deployed, and the carry-on bag or other luggage 50 is placed on the cargo tray 33 and then slid into the cargo compartment 20. Thereafter, the door 29 is closed and the vehicle 12 is ready for transport.

[0046] It should be understood that without departing from the scope of the present invention, Figures 7 to 10 Any aspects of the invention may be operatively adapted and combined according to specific applications. It should also be understood that without departing from the scope of the invention, Figures 7 to 10 Any of the aspects may be operatively employed alone or in any combination depending on the particular application and may be used with Figures 1 to 6 any combination of aspects.

[0047] The description of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel liftgate assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of liftgate access doors that selectively allow a plurality of predetermined accesses to the plurality of rear compartments without requiring the entire liftgate exterior to be opened; wherein at least two of the plurality of liftgate access doors are operably hinged to open the liftgate access doors in a direction toward the side of the vehicle to an open position substantially parallel to the opposite side of the vehicle, and wherein the at least two of the plurality of liftgate access doors partially overlap the side of the vehicle when in the open position.

2. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 1, wherein: Each of the liftgate entry doors is narrower than a side exterior to the liftgate.

3. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 2, wherein: The liftgate entry door is sized to accommodate a carry-on bag.

4. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 1, wherein: One of the liftgate entry doors is hinged to lift upward.

5. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 1, wherein: An outer side of at least one of the liftgate access doors is adapted to be operably hinged.

6. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 1, wherein: At least one cargo rack is mounted at a base of the at least one rear compartment for selectively sliding out to receive cargo.

7. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 6, wherein: The at least one cargo rack is slidably mounted to the track mechanism.

8. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of liftgate entry doors selectively open automatically in response to a remote signal.

9. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 8, wherein: The remote signal is a remote controller, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, a key fob, or a keypad.

10. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 8, wherein: The remote signal is a smart device.

11. The multi-access liftgate assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of liftgate access doors is at least one upper liftgate access door adapted to be operably hinged to the vehicle, the at least one upper liftgate access door allowing access to at least one of the plurality of rear compartments without requiring the entire liftgate exterior to be opened. 12 . The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 1 , further comprising at least one divider that divides the plurality of rear compartments into a plurality of independent safety areas.

13. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 12, wherein: The plurality of independent safety areas are accessible from respective liftgate entry doors.

14. A multi-channel liftgate assembly for a vehicle, the multi-channel liftgate assembly comprising: a plurality of liftgate access doors located on the liftgate exterior that selectively allow predetermined sub-liftgates sized to access a rear compartment portion operably adapted for the vehicle without requiring the entire liftgate exterior to be opened to access the rear compartment portion; wherein at least one of the at least one liftgate access doors is operably adapted to be hinged for rotational opening generally parallel to a side of the vehicle, and the at least one of the plurality of liftgate access doors partially overlaps a side of the vehicle when in its open position.

15. The multi-access liftgate assembly of claim 14, at least one of the plurality of liftgate access doors being at least one upper liftgate access door to allow access to a separate secure area of ​​the rear compartment portion.

16. A multi-channel liftgate assembly operably adapted for a vehicle, the multi-channel liftgate assembly comprising: at least one rear cargo compartment; at least one divider that divides the rear cargo compartment into a plurality of separate secure areas; a plurality of liftgate access doors formed on the liftgate exterior to allow access to respective secure compartment areas without requiring the entire liftgate exterior to be opened; wherein at least two of the plurality of liftgate access doors are operably hinged to open the liftgate access doors in a direction toward the side of the vehicle to an open position substantially parallel to the opposite side of the vehicle, and wherein the at least two of the plurality of liftgate access doors partially overlap the side of the vehicle when in the open position.

17. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 16, wherein: The liftgate entry door automatically opens in response to a signal.

18. The multi-channel liftgate assembly of claim 16, further comprising at least one tray installed in each safety compartment area for sliding in / out to load / unload cargo.

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