Coupling system

Abstract

A clamping assembly for a storage system is provided, which includes a receiving clamp and a base clamp. The receiving clamp includes a base section and a support section, the support section having a main surface and a pair of arm extensions extending from opposite edges of the main surface to define a receiving area. Each arm extension defines a guide slope and a fixing cavity. The base clamp includes a lower section and an upper section, the lower section including a protruding head extending from its side wall. The fixing cavity of the receiving clamp is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of the protruding head of the base clamp, so that the base clamp is hingedly connected to the receiving clamp through the protruding head, and the base clamp can be pivoted relative to the receiving clamp between an open position and a closed position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 888,600, filed on August 19, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to coupling systems and, more particularly, to fastening or clamping assemblies that may be used to hingedly connect components of an assembly. Background Art

[0004] Vehicle manufacturers have been working to maximize cargo storage in cars. One common solution to provide additional storage space is by including floor cargo storage. More specifically, cars are designed to have storage space below the floor. Therefore, the floor of the car is configured to be removed to expose the cargo storage space. In some designs, the floor can be attached to the vehicle body in a hinged manner so that the floor can be pivoted away from the vehicle body to expose the cargo storage space. However, these existing storage systems generally require the use of tools and fasteners to install, which creates a lengthy and timely installation process. In addition, because fasteners such as screws or rivets are generally required, the existing systems cannot be disassembled. That is, once the floor is hingedly attached to the cargo storage space, it cannot be disassembled, which may hinder or complicate the maintenance required for the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for a storage system using a fastening assembly that can be assembled without the use of tools and / or additional fasteners and can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a clamping assembly for a storage system is disclosed. The clamping assembly includes a receiving clamp and a base clamp. The receiving clamp includes an integrally formed body, the body including a base section and a support section. The support section has a main surface and a pair of arm extensions extending from opposite edges of the main surface to define a receiving area, and each arm extension defines a guide ramp and a fixing cavity. The base clamp includes an integrally formed body, the body including a lower section and an upper section. The lower section has a first wall and a second wall connected by opposite side walls, and a protruding head extending from the side wall. The fixing cavities of the receiving clamp are configured to receive and hold at least a portion of the protruding heads of the base clamp, and the receiving area is configured to receive at least a portion of the base clamp. In addition, the base clamp is configured to be hingedly connected to the receiving clamp by the protruding head so that the base clamp can pivot relative to the receiving clamp between an open position and a closed position.

[0006] In another embodiment, a clamping assembly for a storage system is disclosed. The storage system includes a door and a storage unit, which defines a storage cavity. The clamping assembly includes a receiving clip and an attachment clip. The receiving clip includes a body, the body including a support section, the support section having a main surface and a plurality of arm extensions extending from the main surface to define a receiving area. Each arm extension defines a guide slope and a fixing cavity, the guide slope being a recessed channel extending from the front surface of the receiving clip to the fixing cavity. The attachment clip includes a body, the body including a lower section, the lower section having a first wall and a second wall connected by opposite side walls. The lower section also includes a cylindrical protruding head extending from its side wall. The fixing cavity of the receiving clip is configured to receive and hold at least a portion of the protruding head of the attachment clip, and the receiving area is configured to receive at least a portion of the attachment clip. In addition, the attachment clip is hingedly connected to the receiving clip by the protruding head so that the attachment clip can pivot relative to the receiving clip, and the clamping assembly is configured to hinge the door to the storage unit of the storage system so that the door can pivot relative to the storage unit.

[0007] In another embodiment, a cargo storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The cargo storage system includes a storage assembly and a clamping assembly. The storage assembly includes a storage unit and a floor door, the storage unit defining a storage cavity and an opening, the floor door defining an opening. The clamping assembly includes a first clamp and a second clamp. The first clamp includes an integrally formed body having a base section and a support section. The support section has a main surface and a pair of arm extensions extending from opposite edges of the main surface to define a receiving area, each arm extension defining a guide ramp and a fixing cavity. The base section of the first clamp extends from the support section to a free end and is configured to be inserted into the opening of the storage unit. The base section includes a protrusion arranged on an outer wall thereof, the protrusion being configured to be offset from a home position when the base section passes through the opening of the storage unit. In addition, the protrusion is configured to return toward the home position when the base section is inserted into the opening, so that the protrusion engages the storage unit and fixes the first clamp to the storage unit. The second clamp includes an integrally formed body including a lower section and an upper section. The lower section includes a first wall and a second wall connected by opposing side walls, and a protruding head extending from the side wall. The upper section includes a rod extending from the first wall to a widened end, and the rod and the widened end are configured to be inserted through the opening of the base door to secure the second clip to the base door. The securing cavity is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of the protruding head of the second clip, and the receiving area is configured to receive at least a portion of the second clip. In addition, the second clip is configured to be hingedly connected to the first clip by the protruding head, so that the second clip and the base door can pivot relative to the first clip and the storage unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a clamping assembly including a receiving clamp and a base plate clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded isometric view of the clamping assembly;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A separate isometric view of the receiving clamp;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A front view of a receiving clip;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A top view of a receiving clamp;

[0013] Figure 6 It is taken along the section line 6-6 Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a receiving clamp;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A separate isometric view of the baseplate clamp;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A front view of the base plate clamp;

[0016] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A side view of the base plate clamp;

[0017] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A top view of the base plate clamp;

[0018] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A front view of a clamping assembly;

[0019] Fig.12 It is taken along the section line 12-12 Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a clamping assembly;

[0020] Fig.13 When it is close to the closed position Figure 1 A side view of a clamping assembly;

[0021] Fig.14 yes Figure 1 A side view of the clamping assembly in an open position;

[0022] Fig.15 It is cut along the section line 15-15 Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of a clamping assembly;

[0023] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 A top view of the clamping assembly in an open position;

[0024] Fig.17 It was taken along line 17-17 Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a clamping assembly;

[0025] Fig.18 is an isometric view of a storage system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage system comprising Figure 1 a clamping assembly including a receiving clamp and a base clamp, and a storage assembly including a base door and a storage unit;

[0026] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A partial exploded view of a receiving clip and a storage unit;

[0027] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 A partial front view of a receiving clip and a storage unit;

[0028] Fig.21 yes Fig.19 A partial top view of a receiving clip and a storage unit;

[0029] Fig. 22 It is taken along the section line 22-22 Fig.21 A partial cross-sectional view of a receiving clamp and a storage unit;

[0030] Fig.23 yes Fig.18 A partial exploded view of the bottom plate clamp and bottom plate door;

[0031] Fig.24A Is in insert configuration Fig.23 A partial isometric view of the baseboard clamp and baseboard door;

[0032] Fig. 24B Is in locked configuration Fig.23 A partial isometric view of the baseboard clamp and baseboard door;

[0033] Fig.25 Is in locked configuration Fig. 24B A partial bottom plan view of the bottom plate clamp and bottom plate door;

[0034] Fig.26 It is taken along the section line 26-26 Fig.25 A partial cross-sectional view of a bottom plate clamp and a bottom plate door;

[0035] Fig. 27 yes Fig.25 A partial front view of the bottom plate clamp and bottom plate door;

[0036] Fig.28 yes Fig.18 An isometric view of a storage system with floor doors and storage units disassembled; and

[0037] Fig.29 is in the closed position Fig.28 Isometric view of storage system.

[0038] Before explaining the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "comprises" and "includes" and their variations means including the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items and their equivalents. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 A clamping assembly 100 for use in a system such as a storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The storage system can be configured to be used in a vehicle. More specifically, the clamping assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used with a cargo storage system for a vehicle floor. Generally, the clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first clamp and a second clamp. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping assembly 100 includes a receiving clamp 102 and a floor clamp 104 (i.e., an attachment clamp), and the receiving clamp 102 is configured to be removably attached to or coupled to the floor clamp 104 so that the receiving clamp 102 and the floor clamp 104 can pivot relative to each other. Figure 2 The receiving clip 102 and the base plate clip 104 are shown in a disconnected configuration.

[0040] Go to Figure 3 , the receiving clip 102 is shown separately. The receiving clip 102 can be a molded component including a formed body 106. The body 106 can include an integrally formed base section 108 and a support section 110. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the body 106 can be substantially symmetrical about a center plane 112, and the support section 110 can include a major surface 114 and opposing arm extensions 116. Figure 5 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the major surface 114 according to the illustrated embodiment may have a rectangular shape; however, the major surface according to alternative embodiments may have a different shape, such as a square, a circle, a triangle, etc. Still referring to FIG. Figure 5 , opposing arm extensions 116 may extend from opposing edges 118 of the major surface 114 such that they are symmetrical about the center plane 112. The arm extensions 116 may be configured to connect to the base plate clamp 104. More specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 yes Figure 4 In a cross-sectional view along section line 6-6, each arm extension 116 defines a securing cavity 120 for receiving at least a portion of the base plate clip 104, which will be described in more detail below. The securing cavity 120 can generally be a recessed opening defined by each arm extension 116. In addition, a guide ramp 122 can be defined by each arm extension 116, such that the guide ramp 122 extends from a front surface 124 receiving the clip 102 to the securing cavity 120. The guide ramp 122 can taper from the front surface 124 to the securing cavity 120. Generally, the guide ramp 122 can be a recessed channel defined by each arm extension 116.

[0041] Back to Figure 4 , the arm extensions 116 can extend substantially perpendicularly from the major surface 114. Thus, a receiving area 126 can be defined in the space between the arm extensions 116, which can be configured to receive and / or accommodate a mating clip, such as the base clip 104 (see, e.g. Figure 2 ). In addition, the receiving clip 102 may include a stop 128 disposed adjacent to each arm extension 116. The stop 128 may extend from and abut against the arm extension 116 and the major surface 114, and the stop 128 may be symmetrical about the center plane 112. Figure 6 As best seen, the stop member 128 can taper from a location adjacent the major surface 114 to its distal end 130. The general purpose of the stop member 128 will be described in more detail below.

[0042] The base section 108 may extend from the support section 110 to the free end 132, and the base section 108 may be configured for insertion into and connection with a component (eg, a component of a storage system). Figure 6 Most clearly seen, the base segment 108 can be a generally rectangular extension that defines a central channel 134. In addition, the base segment 108 can include protrusions 136 disposed on an outer wall 138 of the rectangular extension that are configured to secure a component. In the illustrated embodiment, the base segment 108 includes four protrusions 136; however, alternative embodiments can include more or fewer protrusions. Generally, the protrusions 136 can be configured to extend from the base segment 108 to the central channel 134. Figure 6 The home position shown is flexed until a deflected position in which the protrusion 136 is substantially flush with the outer wall 138 .

[0043] As described above, the receiving clip 102 is configured to cooperate with the base clip 104. Figure 7 The base plate clip 104 may similarly include a molded body 140 having a lower section 142 and an upper section 144. Figure 8As best seen, the molded body 140 can be symmetrical about a center plane 146. The lower section 142 can include a centrally located rectangular main portion 148 having a first wall 150 and a second wall 152 connected on opposite sides by a side wall 154. In addition, the main portion 148 can include a front sloping wall 156 disposed between and connecting the first wall 150, the second wall 152, and the side walls 154. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 154 can be substantially parallel to each other. In addition, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lower section 142 can include a centrally located rectangular main portion 148 having a first wall 150 and a second wall 152 connected on opposite sides by a side wall 154. In addition, the main portion 148 can include a front sloping wall 156 disposed between and connecting the first wall 150, the second wall 152, and the side walls 154. Fig. 9 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the first wall 150 and the second wall 152 can be substantially parallel to each other, and the front inclined wall 156 can extend from the second wall 152 to the first wall 150, so that the first wall 150 can be longer than the second wall 152. That is, the first wall 150 and the second wall 152 extend from a position adjacent to the rear side 158 to the front side 160, so that the first wall 150 extends beyond the front edge 162 of the second wall 152. Therefore, the front inclined wall 156 can extend from the second wall 152 at an angle θ. Generally, the angle θ can be between 90 degrees and 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ is greater than 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ is between 120 degrees and 150 degrees.

[0044] Now go to Fig.10 The molded body 140 also includes a U-shaped rear wall 164 extending between the first wall 150 and the second wall 152 (see, for example, Figure 8 ). Thus, the U-shaped rear wall 164 defines a recessed area 166 that can be configured to accommodate a mating component, such as Figure 2 102 is shown. In addition, the U-shaped rear wall 164 and the opposing side walls 154 together define legs 168 extending from the rectangular body portion 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 168 extend substantially parallel to each other, but in alternative embodiments they may extend at different angles.

[0045] Still reference Fig.10 , the base plate clip 104 may also include a pair of opposing protruding heads 170 extending from the side walls 154 and the legs 168. More specifically, the protruding heads 170 extend from the opposing side walls 154 of the rectangular main portion 148 such that they are symmetrical about the center plane 146. Fig. 9 , each protrusion 170 can be a cylindrical protrusion extending from the side wall 154 of the lower section 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 170 can be disposed on the leg 168 adjacent to the second wall 152; however, alternative embodiments may include protrusions having different locations and orientations. In addition, alternative embodiments of the present invention may include more or fewer protrusions. In addition, as Fig. 9As best seen in FIG. 1 , each side wall 154 of the base clip 104 defines a detent receiving area 172 that is a recess that can be configured to receive and / or engage the detent 128 of the receiving clip 102 (see, e.g., Figure 6 ), the process of which will be described in more detail below.

[0046] Back to Figure 8 , the upper section 144 of the base clamp 104 may include a rod 174 extending from the first wall 150 of the base clamp 104 to a widened end 176. More specifically, the widened end 176 includes two arms 178 extending from the rod 174 in opposite directions to substantially define a T-shape. The upper section 144 may be configured to be removably attached to a component, such as, for example, a component of a storage system, as will be described in more detail below. Fig.10 Most clearly seen, the rod 174 can be generally cylindrical, while the opposing arm 178 can be generally rectangular. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the rod 174 is greater than the width of the arm 178, such that the rod 174 extends slightly beyond the arm 178; however, alternative embodiments may include rods and arms of different shapes and sizes.

[0047] As mentioned above Figure 2 As discussed, the receiving clip 102 can be configured to be coupled to the base clip 104. More specifically, the securing cavity 120 defined by the opposing arm extensions 116 of the receiving clip 102 can be configured to receive and retain the protruding head 170 of the base clip 104. The protruding head 170 can be inserted into the securing cavity 120 via the guide ramp 122. More specifically, the guide ramp 122 can be sized such that the protruding head 170 can be slid along its length with a nominal force until the protruding head 170 snaps, snaps, or slides into the securing cavity 120. Therefore, referring to Fig.12 , which shows that along Fig.11 In the cross-sectional view of the clamp assembly 100 taken along the section line 12-12 of FIG. 1 , the distance D between the distal ends 182 of the protruding heads 170 may be greater than the distance d between the portions of the guide ramp 122 adjacent to the fixing cavity 120, thereby reducing the unintentional removal of the protruding heads 170 from the fixing cavity 120. Fig.11 Most clearly seen, the receiving area 126 of the receiving clip 102 may be occupied by the lower section 142 of the base clip 104 such that the lower section 142 of the base clip 104 is substantially surrounded by the arm extension 116 and the major surface 114 of the receiving clip 102 .

[0048] Back to Fig.12, the base clip 104 may also include an inclined edge 186 disposed on the distal end 182 of the protruding head 170. The inclined edge 186 may allow the base clip 104 to be more easily extracted or removed from the receiving clip 102. That is, in some embodiments, the base clip 104 and the receiving clip 102 can be connected and disconnected without tools or additional components. In some embodiments, the base clip 104 may need to be at a specific angle relative to the receiving clip 102 in order to be removed. More specifically, the inclined edge 186 may be disposed only on a portion of the protruding head 170, so that the base clip 104 must be angled accordingly so that the protruding head 170 can be extracted from the fixing cavity 120 with an appropriate level of force (e.g., by hand without using any tools). In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined edge 186 of the base clip 104 is configured so that the base clip 104 can be removed from the receiving clip 102 when the base clip 104 and the receiving clip 102 are in a substantially closed position, which will be further described below. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the angled edge 186 may be aligned with the guide ramp 122 when the base plate clamp 104 and the receiving clamp 102 are in the closed position.

[0049] The base plate clip 104 and the receiving clip 102 are generally designed so that they can pivot relative to each other when assembled. For example, Fig.13 The clamp assembly 100 is shown near a closed position, and Fig.14 The clamp assembly 100 is shown in an open position. To move between the closed position and the open position, the base clamp 104 can be pivoted relative to the receiving clamp 102 and about the protruding head 170 (see, e.g., Fig.12 ). In other words, refer to Fig.17 , Fig.17 yes Fig.16 In the cross-sectional view taken along the section line 17-17, the base clamp 104 can rotate the second wall 152 of the lower section 142 away from the main surface 114 of the receiving clamp 102, and the base clamp 104 is pivoted about the common rotation axis 188 defined by the protruding head 170 and the fixing cavity 120 (see, for example, Fig.12 ). The receiving clip 102 may also include a stop 128 configured to limit the rotation of the base clip 104 or prevent excessive hinge rotation of the base clip 104. More specifically, the stop 128 in the illustrated embodiment is a rib extending from the major surface 114 of the receiving clip 102 to the free end 132. The stop 128 is configured to be received by the stop receiving area 172 of the base clip 104 when (or when) the clamp assembly 100 is approaching the open position. When the stop 128 contacts or engages the base clip 104 at the stop receiving area 172, the clamp assembly 100 can be considered to be in the open position.

[0050] Figure 18-29 shows the operation of the storage system Figure 1-17For example, with particular reference to Fig.18 , the clamp assembly 100 may be used with a cargo storage system 200 that includes a floor door 202 hingedly attached to a storage unit 204 defining a storage cavity 206. The floor door 202 may be configured such that it may be hingedly moved relative to the storage unit to allow access to the storage cavity 206.

[0051] Fig.19 The receiving clip 102 is shown attached to a storage unit 204. The storage unit 204 may include an opening 208 configured to receive and retain the base segment 108 of the receiving clip 102. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the base segment 108 is substantially rectangular in shape and, therefore, the opening 208 has a complementary shape that can accommodate the base segment 108. However, in alternative embodiments, the base segment 108 and the opening 208 may have different shapes, such as square, circular, triangular, etc. Additionally, the shape of the opening 208 may be different than the base segment 108. In embodiments where the base segment 108 includes a protrusion 136, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, force may be required to fully insert the receiving clip 102 into the opening 208, i.e., until a bottom surface 210 of the receiving clip 102 abuts a contact surface 212 of the storage unit 204, as shown. Fig. 20 In addition, when (or during) the receiving clip 102 is inserted into the opening 208, the protrusion 136 may be displaced from the original position as it passes through the opening 208. Fig. 22 Most clearly seen, Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 In a cross-sectional view along section line 22 - 22 , once the protrusions 136 pass over the edge 214 of the opening 208 , the protrusions 136 may return to their home position so that they may engage the storage unit 204 around the edge 214 .

[0052] Back to Fig. 20 In some configurations, the contact surface 212 of the storage unit 204 can be recessed relative to the peripheral surface 216 of the storage unit 204. Thus, in some embodiments, the arm extension 116 of the receiving clip 102 can extend from the main surface 114 so that the end surface 218 of the arm extension 116 is substantially flush with the peripheral surface 216 of the storage unit 204, such as Fig. 20 However, in some embodiments, the arm extension 116 may not extend to the peripheral surface 216 , or the arm extension 116 may extend beyond the peripheral surface 216 .

[0053] Figure 23-26 The bottom panel clip 104 is shown inserted into the opening 220 of the bottom panel door 202. Fig.23, the opening 220 of the bottom door 202 can be shaped and sized to accommodate the upper section 144 of the bottom clamp 104. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper section 144 includes the widened end 176 and the cylindrical rod 174, and the opening 220 can have a complementary shape capable of receiving the widened end 176 and the cylindrical rod 174. Therefore, when the bottom clamp 104 is in the inserted configuration relative to the bottom door 202, the widened end 176 and the cylindrical rod 174 can be easily inserted and passed through the opening 220 of the bottom door 202, as shown. Fig.23 As shown. Fig.24A As shown, when the first wall 150 of the base plate clamp 104 (see, for example Figure 7 ) contacts, abuts, or engages the first surface 222 of the bottom door 202, the bottom clip 104 can be considered fully inserted into the opening 220. In order to secure the bottom clip 104 in the opening 220, the bottom clip 104 can be rotated from the inserted configuration to the locked configuration. For example, Fig.24A and Fig. 24B The process of securing the bottom panel clip 104 to the bottom panel door 202 is shown. Fig.24A In the embodiment, the base clip 104 is fully inserted into the opening 220, but remains in the inserted configuration. To lock the base clip 104, the base clip 104 can be rotated about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis 224 of the opening 220 so that the base clip 104 assumes a locked configuration.

[0054] Fig. 24B The bottom panel clamp 104 and bottom panel door 202 are shown in a locked configuration. By rotating the bottom panel clamp 104, its lower section 142 can prevent the bottom panel clamp 104 from being removed from the opening 220. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig.25 As can be clearly seen, once the widened end 176 has cleared the bottom door 202, the bottom clamp 104 can be rotated so that the arm 178 of the widened end 176 is adjacent to the second surface 226 of the bottom door 202. In some embodiments, when (or when) the bottom clamp 104 is rotated from the inserted configuration to the locked configuration, the arm 178 of the widened end 176 can actively engage the second surface 226 of the bottom door 202. In some embodiments, as Fig.26 As shown, it is Fig.25 In a cross-sectional view taken along section line 26-26, a gap 228 may exist between the first wall 150 of the lower section 142 and the first surface 222 of the bottom door 202. Thus, minor movement along the longitudinal axis 224 may be permitted, but the bottom clip 104 is prevented from being removed from the opening 220 by the arm 178 of the upper section 144.

[0055] Still see Fig.26In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel door 202 includes a recessed area 230 that is configured to be occupied by the widened end 176. Thus, in some embodiments, the rod 174 of the bottom panel clamp 104 can extend from the lower section 142 so that the distal surface 232 of the widened end 176 can be substantially flush with the second surface 226 of the bottom panel door 202, such as Fig.26 However, in some embodiments, the rod 174 and / or the widened end 176 may not extend to the second surface 226, or the rod 174 and / or the widened end 176 may extend beyond the second surface 226. Fig. 27 Once the base clip 104 is inserted into the opening 220 ( Fig. 27 ) and in a locked configuration, the lower section 142 may extend from the first surface 222 of the base door 202 such that it may be coupled to the receiving clip 102.

[0056] Fig.28 The bottom plate clip 104 and the receiving clip 102 are shown prior to assembly. The bottom plate clip 104 and the receiving clip 102 are both connected and secured to the bottom plate door 202 and the storage unit 204, respectively. In order to connect the bottom plate door 202 to the storage unit 204, the bottom plate clip 104 and the bottom plate door 202 can be brought close to the storage unit 204 and the receiving clip 102. As previously described, the bottom plate clip 104 can be coupled to the receiving clip 102 by aligning the protruding head 170 of the bottom plate clip 104 with the guiding ramp 122 of the receiving clip 102. The bottom plate door 202 can then be pushed in one direction so that the protruding head 170 of the bottom plate clip 104 advances along the guiding ramp 122 until the protruding head 170 snaps, snaps or slides into the securing cavity 120. As a result, the bottom plate clip 104 and, accordingly, the bottom plate door 202 can pivot relative to the receiving clip 102 and the storage unit 204. Thus, the clamp assembly 100 including the floor clamp 104 and the receiving clamp 102 hingedly attaches the floor door 202 to the storage unit 204 so that the floor door 202 can be pivoted away from the storage unit 204 to an open position that can allow access to the storage cavity 206 (see, e.g., Fig.18 ). Similarly, the floor door 202 can be hinged to a closed position toward the storage unit 204, which can prevent or hinder access to the storage cavity 206, such as Fig.29 shown.

[0057] Although various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientation may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed so that an upper portion is a lower portion, vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0058] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all optional combinations of two or more individual features mentioned or apparent from the text and / or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. The claims are interpreted to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0059] Various features of the disclosure are set out in the following claims.

Claims

1. A clamping assembly for a storage system, the clamping assembly comprising: a receiving clip including an integrally formed body, the integrally formed body of the receiving clip including a base section and a support section, the support section having a major surface and a pair of arm extensions extending from opposite edges of the major surface to define a receiving area, the arm extensions each defining a guide ramp and a securing cavity; as well as A baseboard clip, the baseboard clip comprising an integrally formed body, the integrally formed body of the baseboard clip comprising a lower section and an upper section, the lower section comprising a first wall and a second wall connected by opposing side walls, and a protruding head extending from the side walls, wherein the fixing cavity of the receiving clip is configured to receive and hold at least a portion of the protruding head of the base clip, and the receiving area is configured to receive at least a portion of the base clip, wherein the base clip is configured to be hingedly connected to the receiving clip via the protruding head so that the base clip can pivot relative to the receiving clip between an open position and a closed position, wherein the receiving clip further includes a stop disposed adjacent each arm extension, the stop extending continuously from the arm extension and the major surface; wherein the stopper tapers from a location adjacent to the major surface to a distal end of the stopper; wherein each of the side walls of the base plate clip defines a stop receiving area, the stop receiving area being configured to receive and / or engage the stop of the receiving clip; and The stop receiving area is configured to receive the stop when the clamping assembly is proximate the open position.

2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the securing cavities is a recessed opening defined by each arm extension.

3. The clamping assembly of claim 2, wherein the guide ramp is a recessed channel extending from a front surface of the receiving clip to the securing cavity.

4. The clamping assembly of claim 3, wherein the guide slope tapers from the front surface to the fixing cavity.

5. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the stop receiving area is configured to receive the stop to limit rotation of the base clamp or prevent excessive hinging of the base clamp when the clamp assembly approaches the open position.

6. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the base section of the receiving clip extends from the support section to a free end and is configured to be inserted into an opening in the storage system.

7. The clamping assembly of claim 6, wherein the base segment includes a protrusion disposed on an outer wall of the base segment, wherein the protrusion is configured to be offset from an in-situ position when the base segment passes through the opening of the storage system, and wherein the protrusion is configured to return toward the in-situ position when the base segment is inserted into the opening.

8. The clamp assembly of claim 7, wherein the upper section of the floor clamp includes a rod extending from the lower section to a widened end and configured to be inserted into an opening defined by the storage system, wherein the floor clip further comprises a U-shaped rear wall disposed between the side walls and between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the U-shaped rear wall and the opposing side walls together define a leg extending from the lower section, and wherein the protruding head extends from the side wall at the leg.

9. A clamping assembly for a storage system, the storage system comprising a door and a storage unit, the storage unit defining a storage cavity, the clamping assembly comprising: a receiving clip, the receiving clip comprising a body, the body of the receiving clip comprising a support section, the support section having a main surface and a plurality of arm extensions extending from the main surface to define a receiving area, the arm extensions each defining a guide ramp and a retaining cavity, the guide ramp being a recessed channel extending from a front surface of the receiving clip to the retaining cavity; as well as A base plate clip, the base plate clip comprising a body, the body of the base plate clip comprising a lower section, the lower section having a first wall and a second wall connected by opposing side walls, and a front inclined wall, the front inclined wall being spaced apart from an outer edge of the first wall and extending between the opposing side walls, the lower section further comprising a cylindrical protruding head extending from the side walls of the lower section, wherein the fixing cavity of the receiving clip is configured to receive and hold at least a portion of the protruding head of the base clip, and the receiving area is configured to receive at least a portion of the base clip, wherein the base plate clip is hingedly connected to the receiving clip via the protruding head so that the base plate clip can pivot relative to the receiving clip, wherein the clamping assembly is configured to hingedly connect the door to a storage unit of the storage system such that the door can pivot relative to the storage unit, wherein the receiving clip further includes a stop disposed adjacent each arm extension, the stop extending continuously from the arm extension and the major surface; wherein the stopper tapers from a location adjacent to the major surface to a distal end of the stopper; wherein each of the side walls of the base plate clip defines a stop receiving area, the stop receiving area being configured to receive and / or engage the stop of the receiving clip; and The stop receiving area is configured to receive the stop when the clamping assembly is proximate an open position. 10 . The clamping assembly according to claim 9 , wherein a distance between distal ends of the protruding heads is greater than a distance between portions of the guide slopes adjacent to the fixing cavity.

11. The clamping assembly of claim 9, wherein the receiving clip further comprises a base section integrally formed with the support section, the base section of the receiving clip extending from the support section to a free end, and the base section is configured to be inserted into an opening defined by the storage unit.

12. The clamping assembly of claim 11, wherein the base segment includes a protrusion extending outwardly from an outer wall of the base segment, the protrusion being configured to deflect from a home position toward a deflected position.

13. The clamping assembly of claim 12, wherein the protrusion is configured to be offset from the home position toward the offset position when the base segment passes through the opening of the storage unit, and wherein the protrusion is configured to return toward the home position when the base segment is inserted into the opening, so that the protrusion engages the storage unit and secures the receiving clip to the storage unit.

14. The clamping assembly of claim 9, wherein the deck clamp further comprises an upper section having a stem extending from the first wall to a widened end, and wherein the stem and the widened end are configured to be inserted into an opening defined by the door to secure the deck clamp to the door.

15. The clamp assembly of claim 14, wherein the deck clip is configured to rotate from an inserted configuration to a locked configuration to secure the deck clip to the door.

16. The clamp assembly of claim 9, wherein the stop receiving area is configured to receive the stop to limit rotation of the deck clamp or prevent excessive hinging of the deck clamp when the clamp assembly approaches the open position.

17. A cargo storage system for a vehicle, the cargo storage system comprising: a storage assembly including a storage unit and a floor door, the storage unit defining a storage cavity and an opening, and the floor door defining an opening; as well as A clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising a first clamp and a second clamp, wherein the first clip comprises an integrally formed body, the integrally formed body of the first clip comprising a base section and a support section, the support section having a major surface and a pair of arm extensions extending from opposite edges of the major surface to define a receiving area, the arm extensions each defining a guide ramp and a securing cavity, wherein the base section of the first clip extends from the support section to a free end and is configured for insertion into an opening of the storage unit, the base section includes a protrusion arranged on an outer wall of the base section, the protrusion is configured to be deflected from a home position when the base section passes through the opening of the storage unit, and the protrusion is configured to return toward the home position when the base section is inserted into the opening, so that the protrusion engages the storage unit and secures the first clip to the storage unit, wherein the second clip comprises an integrally formed body, the integrally formed body of the second clip comprising a lower section and an upper section, the lower section comprising a first wall and a second wall connected by opposing side walls, the lower section further comprising a protruding head extending from the side wall of the lower section, the upper section comprising a rod extending from the first wall to a widened end, wherein the rod and the widened end are configured for insertion into an opening of the base door to secure the second clip to the base door, wherein the fixing cavity is configured to receive and hold at least a portion of the protruding head of the second clip, and the receiving area is configured to receive at least a portion of the second clip, and Wherein the second clip is configured to be hingedly connected to the first clip via the protruding head so that the second clip and the base door can pivot relative to the first clip and the storage unit.

18. The cargo storage system of claim 17, wherein the floor door and the second clamp are configured to pivot relative to the first clamp and the storage cavity between a closed position and an open position, wherein the floor door blocks access to the storage cavity in the closed position, and wherein the floor door allows access to the storage cavity in the open position.

19. The cargo storage system of claim 17, wherein the major surface includes a pair of stops extending perpendicularly from the major surface; wherein the stop is disposed adjacent each arm extension and the stop extends continuously from the arm extension and the major surface; wherein the stopper tapers from a location adjacent to the major surface to a distal end of the stopper; wherein each of the side walls of the second clamp defines a stop receiving area, the stop receiving area being configured to receive and / or engage the stop of the first clamp; and The stop receiving area is configured to receive the stop when the clamping assembly is proximate an open position.

20. The cargo storage system of claim 19, wherein the stopper receiving area is configured to receive the stopper to limit rotation of the second clamp or prevent excessive hinging of the second clamp when the clamp assembly is proximate the open position.

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