Panel storage and two-tier loading system

Abstract

A panel storage system for a vehicle includes a panel body, the panel body including a first panel portion having a plurality of first mounting elements, a second panel portion having a plurality of second mounting elements, and a hinge coupling the first panel portion to the second panel portion. The first panel portion can be fixedly mounted to a surface of the vehicle, and the second panel portion can pivot about the hinge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly, to a panel storage and two - level loading system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Due to the presence of a truck bed, vehicles (such as pickup trucks) include limited storage options. Manufacturers have developed many creative storage solutions for pickup trucks. Storage has been provided under the seat box, behind the seat box, in the side storage of the body bed, etc. Aftermarket options include molle panels that can be mounted to various vehicle surfaces, including the inner bed side surface, under the rear seat, on the rear surfaces of the front and rear seats, on the underside of the center console lid, etc. Other devices available from aftermarket suppliers include bed sliders, drawers, and / or boxes arranged in the vehicle bed.

[0003] Although helpful, the above - mentioned solutions have several drawbacks. Under - seat mounting eliminates other under - seat storage options. The seat back may take up legroom; in the body, the bed sides are small; and molle panels create voids of unusable space. In addition, adding bed sliders, drawers, or other boxes in the vehicle bed reduces the available space for carrying boards and other similar items. Therefore, it is desirable to provide more flexible storage options in a vehicle that can accommodate multiple items and still allow full use of the vehicle bed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to non - limiting examples, a panel storage system for a vehicle is disclosed, including a panel body. The panel body includes a first panel portion having a plurality of first mounting elements, a second panel portion having a plurality of second mounting elements, and a hinge that couples the first panel portion to the second panel portion. The first panel portion can be fixedly mounted to a surface of the vehicle, and the second panel portion can pivot about the hinge.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first panel portion includes a plurality of first openings, and the plurality of first mounting elements are defined by segments of the first panel portion between adjacent openings among the plurality of first openings.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second panel portion includes a plurality of second openings, and the plurality of second mounting elements are defined by segments of the second panel portion between adjacent openings among the plurality of second openings.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second panel portion includes a latch member that detachably connects the second panel portion to a surface of the vehicle.

[0008] According to a non - limiting example, a vehicle is also disclosed, which includes a body having a passenger compartment portion and a compartment portion. The compartment portion includes a first side wall and an opposite second side wall. A panel storage system for the vehicle includes a panel body, which includes a first panel portion having a plurality of first mounting elements, a second panel portion having a plurality of second mounting elements, and a hinge that couples the first panel portion to the second panel portion. The first panel portion can be fixedly mounted to a surface of the vehicle, and the second panel portion can pivot about the hinge.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first panel portion includes a plurality of first openings, and the plurality of first mounting elements are defined by segments of the first panel portion between adjacent openings among the plurality of first openings.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second panel portion includes a plurality of second openings, and the plurality of second mounting elements are defined by segments of the second panel portion between adjacent openings among the plurality of second openings.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second panel portion includes a latch member that detachably connects the second panel portion to one of the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the panel body includes a first panel body mounted to the first side wall and a second panel body mounted to the second side wall. The second panel portion of the first panel body includes a first surface and a second surface facing the first side wall, and the second panel portion of the second panel body includes a first surface segment and a second surface segment facing the second side wall.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the panel extends between the first panel body and the second panel body along a third side wall of the compartment, and the third side wall connects the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the panel extending between the first panel body and the second panel body along the third side wall includes ribs configured to support at least one of the second panel portion of the first panel body and the second panel portion of the second panel body.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the panel extending between the first panel body and the second panel body includes a panel storage member, which includes a plurality of opening portions and a plurality of mounting element members defined between adjacent opening portions among the plurality of opening portions.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first surface of the second panel portion of the first panel body includes a first rib element, and the first surface section of the second panel portion of the second panel body includes a second rib element.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a storage compartment is defined between the first side wall and the first surface of the first panel body.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first panel portion includes a first molle panel and the second panel portion includes a second molle panel.

[0019] According to a non-limiting example, a method of storing an item in a vehicle is further disclosed, including: pivoting a first panel portion of a panel body mounted to a side wall of the vehicle relative to a second panel portion of the panel body, positioning the item in a storage area defined between the panel body and the side wall of the vehicle, and pivoting the first panel portion to enclose the storage area.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, pivoting the first panel portion includes pivoting a second molle panel portion hinged to the first molle panel portion.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes pivoting a first panel portion of another panel body mounted to an opposite side wall of the vehicle relative to a second panel portion of the other panel body, and supporting the item on the first panel portion of the panel body and the first panel portion of the other panel body.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, supporting the item includes accommodating the item between a first rib on the first panel portion of the panel body and a second rib on the first panel portion of the other panel body.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes supporting an end of the second panel portion of the panel body on a panel mounted to a third side surface extending between a first side surface and a second side surface, and supporting an end of the second panel portion of the other panel body on the panel mounted to the third side surface.

[0024] Solution 1. A panel storage system for a vehicle, including: a panel body, the panel body including a first panel portion having a plurality of first mounting elements, a second panel portion having a plurality of second mounting elements, and a hinge that combines the first panel portion with the second panel portion, wherein the first panel portion can be fixedly mounted to a surface of the vehicle, and the second panel portion can pivot around the hinge.

[0025] Solution 2. The panel storage system according to Solution 1, wherein the first panel portion includes a plurality of first openings, and the plurality of first mounting elements are defined by sections of the first panel portion between adjacent openings among the plurality of first openings.

[0026] Solution 3. The panel storage system according to Solution 2, wherein the second panel portion includes a plurality of second openings, and the plurality of second mounting elements are defined by sections of the second panel portion between adjacent openings among the plurality of second openings.

[0027] Solution 4. The panel storage system according to Solution 1, wherein the second panel portion includes a latch member that detachably connects the second panel portion to a surface of the vehicle.

[0028] Solution 5. A vehicle, comprising:

[0029] a body having a passenger compartment portion and a carriage portion, the carriage portion including a first side wall and an opposite second side wall; and

[0030] a panel storage system mounted to one of the first side wall and the opposite second side wall, the panel storage system including a panel body having a first panel portion including a plurality of first mounting elements, a second panel portion including a plurality of second mounting elements, and a hinge that joins the first panel portion to the second panel portion, wherein the first panel portion can be fixedly mounted to the one of the first side wall and the opposite second side wall, and the second panel portion can pivot about the hinge.

[0031] Solution 6. The vehicle according to Solution 5, wherein the first panel portion includes a plurality of first openings, and the plurality of first mounting elements are defined by sections of the first panel portion between adjacent openings among the plurality of first openings.

[0032] Solution 7. The vehicle according to Solution 6, wherein the second panel portion includes a plurality of second openings, and the plurality of second mounting elements are defined by sections of the second panel portion between adjacent openings among the plurality of second openings.

[0033] Solution 8. The vehicle according to Solution 5, wherein the second panel portion includes a latch member that detachably connects the second panel portion to the one of the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0034] Solution 9. The vehicle according to Solution 5, wherein the panel body includes a first panel body mounted to the first side wall and a second panel body mounted to the second side wall, the second panel portion of the first panel body includes a first surface and a second surface facing the first side wall, and the second panel portion of the second panel body includes a first surface segment and a second surface segment facing the second side wall.

[0035] Solution 10. The vehicle according to Solution 9, further comprising a panel extending between the first panel body and the second panel body along a third side wall of the carriage, the third side wall connecting the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0036] Solution 11. The vehicle according to Solution 10, wherein the panel extending between the first panel body and the second panel body along the third side wall includes ribs configured to support at least one of the second panel portion of the first panel body and the second panel portion of the second panel body.

[0037] Solution 12. The vehicle according to Solution 10, wherein the panel extending between the first panel body and the second panel body includes a panel storage member, the panel storage member including a plurality of opening portions and a plurality of mounting element members defined between adjacent opening portions among the plurality of opening portions.

[0038] Solution 13. The vehicle according to Solution 9, wherein the first surface of the second panel portion of the first panel body includes a first rib element, and the first surface segment of the second panel portion of the second panel body includes a second rib element.

[0039] Solution 14. The vehicle according to Solution 9, further comprising a storage compartment defined between the first side wall and the first surface of the first panel body.

[0040] Solution 15. The vehicle according to Solution 5, wherein the first panel portion includes a first molle panel and the second panel portion includes a second molle panel.

[0041] Solution 16. A method of storing an item in a vehicle, comprising:

[0042] pivoting a first panel portion of a panel body mounted to a side wall of the vehicle relative to a second panel portion of the panel body;

[0043] positioning an item in a storage area defined between the panel body and the side wall of the vehicle; and

[0044] pivoting the first panel portion to enclose the storage area.

[0045] Solution 17. The method according to Solution 16, wherein pivoting the first panel portion includes pivoting a second molle panel portion hinged to the first molle panel portion.

[0046] Solution 18. The method according to Solution 16, further comprising:

[0047] pivoting a first panel portion of another panel body mounted to opposite side walls of the vehicle relative to a second panel portion of the another panel body; and

[0048] supporting an article on the first panel portion of the panel body and the first panel portion of the another panel body.

[0049] Solution 19. The method according to Solution 18, wherein supporting the article includes accommodating the article between a first rib on the first panel portion of the panel body and a second rib on the first panel portion of the another panel body.

[0050] Solution 20. The method according to Solution 18, further comprising:

[0051] supporting an end portion of the second panel portion of the panel body on a panel mounted to a third side surface extending between a first side surface and a second side surface; and

[0052] supporting an end portion of the second panel portion of the another panel body on the panel mounted to the third side surface.

[0053] Based on the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent. Description of the Drawings

[0054] Other features, advantages, and details appear only by way of example in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0055] Figure 1 A pickup truck including a panel storage and a two - layer loading system is depicted according to a non - limiting example;

[0056] Figure 2 A portion of a panel storage and a two - layer loading system arranged in a first configuration is depicted, the panel storage and the two - layer loading system being mounted to an interior pickup truck compartment wall;

[0057] Figure 3 Depicted according to a non - limiting example in a second configuration Figure 2 of the panel storage and the two - layer loading system;

[0058] Figure 4 Depicted according to a non - limiting example Figure 3A panel storage and two - layer loading system, showing the front edge of a first panel portion supported on ribs on the front wall of a pickup truck bed;

[0059] Figure 5 Depicts guide ribs and a panel on a first panel portion according to a non - limiting example; and

[0060] Figure 6 Depicts a panel supported on a first panel portion of a panel storage and two - layer loading system according to a non - limiting example. Detailed Description

[0061] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or its use. It should be understood that throughout the figures, corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding components and features.

[0062] In Figure 1 a vehicle 10 according to a non - limiting example (shown in the form of a pickup truck) is generally designated by 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported by a plurality of wheels (one of which is designated by 16). The body 12 includes a passenger compartment 20 and a bed portion 22. Although shown as an open bed portion, the vehicle 10 may include an enclosed bed portion, such as in the case of an SUV, minivan, van, etc. The bed portion 22 includes a bed floor 24, a first wheel well 25, a second wheel well 26 ( Figure 5 ), a first side wall defining a first side surface 27, a second side wall defining a second side surface 28, and a front or third side wall defining a third side surface 30. A tailgate 32 ( Figure 5 ) is pivotally connected to the bed floor 24.

[0063] In a non - limiting example, a panel storage system 34 is installed in the bed portion 22. The panel storage system 34 provides a second - layer loading option in the form of side storage and second - layer storage. As will be described in detail herein, the second - layer storage is spaced from the bed floor 24. The panel storage system 34 includes a first panel body 40 mounted to the first side surface 27 and a second panel body 42 mounted to the second side surface 28 ( Figure 5 ). In this regard, the following description will refer to the first panel body 40, it being understood that the second panel body 42 includes corresponding structures according to a non - limiting example.

[0064] Refer to Figure 2 and 3 and continue to refer to Figure 1, in a non - limiting example, the first panel body 40 includes a first panel portion 46 and a second panel portion 48. In a non - limiting example, the first panel portion 46 defines a first molle panel portion (not separately labeled) and the second panel portion 48 defines a second molle panel portion (also not separately labeled). The first panel portion 46 may be fixedly mounted to the first side surface 27.

[0065] In a non - limiting example, the second panel portion 48 is pivotally connected to the first panel portion 46. That is, a hinge 50 connects the second panel portion 48 to the first panel portion 46. In a non - limiting example, the first panel portion 46 includes a plurality of first openings 52 that define a plurality of first mounting elements 54. That is, the section of the first panel portion 46 that forms the plurality of openings 52 serves as a structure that defines the plurality of first mounting elements 54. Similarly, the second panel portion 48 includes a plurality of second openings 56 that define a plurality of second mounting elements 58. A latch member 61 mounted to the first side surface 27 selectively fixes the second panel portion 48 in an upright configuration ( Figure 2 ). A second latch member (not shown) may also be added to further fix the second panel portion in an upright configuration and increase security.

[0066] In a non - limiting example, the first panel body 40 includes a first surface 64 and a second surface 65 facing the first side surface 27. Similarly, the second panel body 42 includes a first surface section 67 ( Figure 5 ) and a second surface section 68 facing the second side surface 28. In a non - limiting example, the panel storage system 34 further includes a panel (not separately labeled) in the form of a panel storage member 70 mounted to the third side surface 30. As Figure 4 shown, the panel storage member 70 includes a plurality of third openings 72 that define a plurality of third mounting elements 74. A rib 80 extends across the panel storage 70. In a non - limiting example, the second panel portion 48 can be folded down, with the front edge (not separately labeled) supported on the rib 80, as Figure 4 shown. The second panel body can be manipulated in a similar manner.

[0067] In the down position, the first surface 64 defines a support (not separately labeled) spaced from the vehicle floor 24, which forms a first storage layer to define a second storage layer. The support is raised to project upwardly above a wheel well (not separately labeled) within the vehicle compartment 22. This second layer allows larger items, such as construction panels, drywall sheets, plywood, etc., to be laid flat above the vehicle floor 24 across the entire width of the vehicle compartment 22 (e.g., from the first side surface 27 to the second side surface 28).

[0068] In a non-limiting example, when folded downwards, a storage area 82 defined between a first side surface 27 and a first surface 64 is exposed. That is, the first surface 64 of the first panel body 40 is mounted to the compartment portion 22 and spaced apart from the first side surface 27, thereby establishing an area for receiving articles. Securing the second panel portion 48 to the latch member 61 allows a user to safely store articles in the storage area 82. Thus, in addition to providing a second layer of storage, the panel storage system 34 also allows a user to safely store articles in the compartment portion 22 without the need for a lid or other type of lockable cover.

[0069] Reference Figure 5 and 6 , in another non-limiting example, the second panel portion 48 includes a first rib element 86 extending across the first surface 64. The second panel body 42 includes a second rib element 88 extending across the second surface segment 68. The first and second rib elements 86 and 88 are spaced apart from each other to accommodate, for example, a plywood sheet 90 on the first and second panel bodies 40 and 42 raised from the vehicle floor 24. The first and second rib elements 86 and 88 serve as guides and lateral supports to ensure that the plywood sheet 90 does not slide (e.g., from side to side) and fall off one or the other of the first and second panel bodies 40 and 42.

[0070] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A panel storage system for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a vehicle body having a passenger compartment portion and a vehicle compartment portion, the vehicle compartment portion comprising a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, and a third side wall connecting the first side wall and the second side wall, the panel storage system comprising: a first panel body mounted to the first side wall and a second panel body mounted to the second side wall, the first panel body and the second panel body each comprising a first panel portion having a plurality of first mounting elements, a second panel portion having a plurality of second mounting elements, and a hinge coupling the first panel portion to the second panel portion, wherein the first panel portion of the first panel body can be fixedly mounted to the first side wall, the second panel portion of the first panel body can pivot around the hinge of the first panel body, the first panel portion of the second panel body can be fixedly mounted to the second side wall, and the second panel portion of the second panel body can pivot around the hinge of the second panel body; and a panel extending along the third side wall between the first panel body and the second panel body; Wherein, the panel includes a rib configured to support at least one of the second panel portion of the first panel body and the second panel portion of the second panel body.

2. The panel storage system according to claim 1, wherein: The first panel portion of each of the first panel body and the second panel body includes a plurality of first openings, and the plurality of first mounting elements are defined by sections of the first panel portion between adjacent ones of the plurality of first openings.

3. The panel storage system according to claim 2, wherein: The second panel portion of each of the first panel body and the second panel body includes a plurality of second openings, and the plurality of second mounting elements are defined by sections of the second panel portion between adjacent ones of the plurality of second openings.

4. The panel storage system according to claim 1, wherein: The second panel portion of each of the first and second panel bodies includes a latch member that removably connects the second panel portion to the first side wall or the second side wall.

5. A vehicle comprising: A vehicle body having a passenger compartment portion and a vehicle compartment portion, the vehicle compartment portion including a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, and a third side wall connecting the first side wall and the second side wall; as well as A panel storage system, the panel storage system comprising: a first panel body mounted to the first side wall and a second panel body mounted to the second side wall, the first panel body and the second panel body each comprising a first panel portion having a plurality of first mounting elements, a second panel portion having a plurality of second mounting elements, and a hinge coupling the first panel portion to the second panel portion, wherein the first panel portion of the first panel body can be fixedly mounted to the first side wall, the second panel portion of the first panel body can pivot around the hinge of the first panel body, the first panel portion of the second panel body can be fixedly mounted to the second side wall, and the second panel portion of the second panel body can pivot around the hinge of the second panel body; and a panel extending along the third side wall between the first panel body and the second panel body; The panel includes ribs configured to support at least one of a second panel portion of a first panel body and a second panel portion of a second panel body, wherein the second panel portion of the first panel body includes a first surface facing the first side wall, and the second panel portion of the second panel body includes a first surface segment facing the second side wall.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The first panel portion of each of the first panel body and the second panel body includes a plurality of first openings, and the plurality of first mounting elements are defined by sections of the first panel portion between adjacent ones of the plurality of first openings.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The second panel portion of each of the first panel body and the second panel body includes a plurality of second openings, and the plurality of second mounting elements are defined by sections of the second panel portion between adjacent ones of the plurality of second openings.

8. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The second panel portion of each of the first and second panel bodies includes a latch member that removably connects the second panel portion to the first side wall or the second side wall.

9. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: A panel extending between the first panel body and the second panel body includes a panel storage member including a plurality of opening portions and a plurality of mounting element members defined between adjacent opening portions of the plurality of opening portions.

10. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The first surface of the second panel portion of the first panel body comprises a first rib element, and the first surface section of the second panel portion of the second panel body comprises a second rib element.

11. The vehicle of claim 5 further comprising a storage compartment defined between the first side wall and the first surface of the first panel body.

12. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The first panel portion includes a first molle panel and the second panel portion includes a second molle panel.

13. A method of storing items in a vehicle according to claim 5, comprising: pivoting the second panel portion of the first panel body or the second panel body relative to the first panel portion of the first panel body or the second panel body; supporting an end of the second panel portion of the first panel body or the second panel body on the panel; positioning an item in a storage area defined between the first panel body or the second panel body and the first side wall or the second side wall of the vehicle; as well as The second panel portion of the first panel body or the second panel body is pivoted to close the storage area.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The first panel portion includes a first molle panel and the second panel portion includes a second molle panel.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: An article is supported on the second panel portion of the first panel body or the second panel body.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Supporting the article includes receiving the article between a first rib on the second panel portion of the first panel body and a second rib on the second panel portion of the second panel body.

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