Removable panel holder for a vehicle

Abstract

A removable panel holder includes a flexible substrate having a surface defining a first axis. A clip member is movably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis. A release member is movably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis different from the first axis. Displacement of the release member toward the flexible substrate releases the clip member for displacement along the first axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] INTRODUCTION

[0002] The subject disclosure relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a holder for a removable vehicle panel. BACKGROUND

[0003] Many vehicles include removable panels that allow a user to create a variety of vehicle configurations. Removable panels include roof panels, door panels, and window panels. Typically, removable panels are stored away from the vehicle or in a compartment in the vehicle, such as a trunk. Storing removable panels away from the vehicle, such as in a home, creates a problem if a quick reconfiguration is needed. That is, weather changes, such as precipitation and / or temperature, can drive a vehicle owner to change removable panels. If they are not with the vehicle, the vehicle owner can be out of luck.

[0004] Storing panels in a trunk also has drawbacks. Panels can occupy a large amount of space in the trunk (of a truck), which can limit additional storage possibilities. Further, straps or other tethering elements are needed to prevent the panels from shifting and being damaged. Thus, it is desirable to provide a storage system that allows removable panels to be maintained with the vehicle, keeps the removable panels safe, and does not occupy valuable cargo / storage space. SUMMARY

[0005] According to non-limiting examples, a removable panel holder for a vehicle is disclosed. The removable panel holder includes a flexible substrate having a surface that defines a first axis. A clip member is movably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis. A release member is movably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis different from the first axis. Displacement of the release member toward the flexible substrate releases the clip member to displace along the first axis.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the flexible substrate includes a housing mounted to a surface in the vehicle, the housing including at least one cantilevered flexible hook element.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the clip member includes a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second section being spaced apart from and joined to the first section by the third section.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second section includes the removable panel holder.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the release member includes an actuator element and a blocking member extending outwardly from the actuator element, the blocking member selectively engaging the second section of the clip member.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the blocking member includes a hollow interior, and the actuator element includes a channel selectively receiving the at least one cantilevered hook element.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the housing includes a spring support member that selectively extends into the hollow interior of the blocking member.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a spring is disposed on the spring support member that biases the release member away from the housing along the second axis.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a spring is disposed between the third segment and the housing that biases the clip member toward the at least one cantilevered flexible hook element along the first axis.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the third segment includes a spring support around which the spring is disposed.

[0015] According to non-limiting examples, a vehicle is also disclosed that includes a body having a removable panel and a surface defining a first axis. A plurality of wheels support the body. A removable panel holder is mounted to the surface. The removable panel holder includes a flexible substrate defined on the surface. A clip member is movably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis. A release member is movably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis different from the first axis. Displacement of the release member toward the flexible substrate releases the clip member for displacement along the first axis.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the flexible substrate includes a housing mounted to a surface in a vehicle, the housing including at least one cantilevered flexible hook element.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the clip member includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment, the second segment being spaced apart from and joined to the first segment by the third segment.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second segment includes a removable panel holder.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the release member includes an actuator element and a blocking member extending outwardly from the actuator element that selectively engages the second segment of the clip member.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the blocking member includes a hollow interior, and the actuator element includes a channel selectively receiving the at least one cantilevered hook element.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the housing includes a spring support member selectively extending into the hollow interior of the blocking member.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a spring is disposed on the spring support member, the spring biasing the release member away from the housing along the second axis.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a spring is disposed between the third segment and the housing, the spring biasing the clamp member toward the at least one cantilevered flexible hook element along the first axis.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the third segment includes a spring support about which the spring is disposed.

[0025] The present disclosure includes at least the following aspects:

[0026] Aspect 1. A removable panel retainer for a vehicle, the removable panel retainer comprising:

[0027] a flexible substrate including a surface defining a first axis;

[0028] a clamp member movably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis; and

[0029] a release member movably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis different from the first axis, wherein displacement of the release member toward the flexible substrate releases the clamp member for displacement along the first axis.

[0030] Aspect 2. The removable panel retainer of Aspect 1, wherein the flexible substrate includes a housing mounted to a surface in the vehicle, the housing including at least one cantilevered flexible hook element.

[0031] Aspect 3. The removable panel retainer of Aspect 2, wherein the clamp member includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment, the second segment being spaced apart from and coupled to the first segment by the third segment.

[0032] Aspect 4. The removable panel retainer of Aspect 3, wherein the second segment includes a removable panel retainer.

[0033] Scheme 5. The removable panel holder of Scheme 3, wherein the release member includes an actuator element and a blocking member extending outwardly from the actuator element, the blocking member selectively engaging the second section of the clamp member.

[0034] Scheme 6. The removable panel holder of Scheme 5, wherein the blocking member includes a hollow interior, and the actuator element includes a passage selectively receiving the at least one cantilevered hook element.

[0035] Scheme 7. The removable panel holder of Scheme 6, wherein the housing includes a spring support member selectively extending into the hollow interior of the blocking member.

[0036] Scheme 8. The removable panel holder of Scheme 7, further comprising a spring disposed on the spring support member, the spring biasing the release member away from the housing along the second axis.

[0037] Scheme 9. The removable panel holder of Scheme 3, further comprising a spring disposed between the third section and the housing, the spring biasing the clamp member toward the at least one cantilevered flexible hook element along the first axis.

[0038] Scheme 10. The removable panel holder of Scheme 9, wherein the third section includes a spring support about which the spring is disposed.

[0039] Scheme 11. A vehicle, comprising:

[0040] a body including a removable panel and a surface defining a first axis;

[0041] a plurality of wheels supporting the body; and

[0042] a removable panel holder mounted to the surface, the removable panel holder including:

[0043] a flexible substrate defined on the surface;

[0044] a clamp member movably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis; and

[0045] a release member movably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis different from the first axis, wherein displacement of the release member toward the flexible substrate releases the clamp member for displacement along the first axis.

[0046] Option 12. The vehicle according to Option 11, wherein the flexible substrate includes a housing mounted to a surface in the vehicle, the housing including at least one cantilevered flexible hook element.

[0047] Option 13. The vehicle according to Option 12, wherein the clamping member includes a first section, a second section and a third section, wherein the second section is spaced apart from the first section and connected to the first section through the third section.

[0048] Option 14. The vehicle according to Option 13, wherein the second section includes a removable panel retainer.

[0049] Option 15. The vehicle according to Option 13, wherein the release member includes an actuator element and a blocking member extending outward from the actuator element, the blocking member selectively engaging the second segment of the clamping member.

[0050] Option 16. The vehicle according to Option 15, wherein the blocking member includes a hollow interior, and the actuator element includes a channel for selectively receiving the at least one cantilever hook element.

[0051] Option 17. The vehicle according to Option 16, wherein the housing includes a spring support member that selectively extends into the hollow interior of the blocking member.

[0052] Option 18. The vehicle according to Option 17, the vehicle further comprising a spring disposed on the spring support member, the spring biasing the release member away from the housing along the second axis.

[0053] Option 19. The vehicle according to Option 13, the vehicle further comprising a spring disposed between the third section and the housing, the spring biasing the clamping member along the first axis toward the at least one cantilevered flexible hook element.

[0054] Option 20. The vehicle according to Option 19, wherein the third section includes a spring support member, and the spring is arranged around the spring support member.

[0055] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will readily become apparent from the following detailed description when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0057] Figure 1A depicts a vehicle having a removable panel and a removable panel holder according to non-limiting examples;

[0058] Figure 1B depicts a vehicle having a removable panel and a removable panel holder according to non-limiting examples; Figure 1A wherein the removable panel is removed and held in place by the removable panel holder;

[0059] Figure 2A depicts a right upper perspective view of a removable panel according to non-limiting examples, the removable panel placed against Figure 1B the panel holder of

[0060] Figure 2B depicts a right upper perspective view of a removable panel according to non-limiting examples, the removable panel secured by Figure 2A the panel holder of

[0061] Figure 3 depicts an exploded view of the removable panel holder of FIG. 1 according to non-limiting examples;

[0062] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a removable panel holder engaging a removable panel according to non-limiting examples;

[0063] Figure 5 depicts a removable panel according to non-limiting examples, the removable panel moved against Figure 4 the release member of the removable panel holder of

[0064] Figure 6 depicts a removable panel according to non-limiting examples, the removable panel moved further against Figure 5 the release member of the removable panel holder of

[0065] Figure 7 depicts the release member of Figure 6 disengaging from the clip member to secure the removable panel according to non-limiting examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0067] According to non-limiting examples, a vehicle is provided with Figure 1A and Figure 1BA vehicle 10 is indicated generally at 10. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12 supported by a frame (not shown) and a plurality of wheels, one of which is indicated at 16. The vehicle 10 includes a removable panel 20, which can take the form of a glass window 23 mounted in a center door 28 of the vehicle body 12. In a non-limiting example, the removable panel 20 can be reconfigured so as to transform the vehicle 10 between a first configuration in which the removable panel 20 is coupled to the center door 28 and a second, more open configuration in which the removable panel 20 is removed, creating an opening 30 in the center door 28. In a non-limiting example, the vehicle 10 includes a removable panel holder 40 mounted to the center door 28. When not mounted in the vehicle 10, the removable panel holder 40 supports the removable panel 20 and secures it to the center door 28.

[0068] With reference to Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 The removable panel holder 40 includes a flexible substrate 48, which can take the form of a housing 50. Of course, it should be understood that in other non-limiting examples, the flexible substrate 48 can represent a pliable or bendable segment (not shown) of the center door 28. The removable panel holder 40 further includes a clamp member 54 and a release member 56. In a non-limiting example, the housing 50 includes a surface 58 that defines a first axis “Al”. The first surface 58 includes a first guide 62 and a second guide 64. The first and second guides 62, 64 control movement of the clamp member 54 relative to the surface 58 along the first axis “Al”.

[0069] In a non-limiting example, the housing 50 is further shown as including a first shroud 68 and a second shroud 70. The first shroud 68 includes a first inner surface 72 and the second shroud 70 includes a second inner surface 74. The housing 50 supports a first cantilevered flexible hook element 78 and a second cantilevered flexible hook element 80. The first cantilevered flexible hook element 78 functions as a first selectively disengageable travel limiter 82 and the second cantilevered flexible hook element 80 functions as a second selectively disengageable travel limiter 84. The first and second selectively disengageable travel limiters 82, 84 hold the clamp member 54 in a non-deployed configuration Figure 4 A spring support member 86 is disposed between the first and second cantilevered flexible hook elements 78, 80 and extends along a second axis “A2” that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis “Al”.

[0070] In non-limiting examples, the clip member 54 includes a first section 88, a second section 90, and a third section 92 that links the first section 88 with the second section 90. In non-limiting examples, the first section 88 includes a first channel receiver 94 and a second channel receiver 96. The first channel receiver 94 and the second channel receiver 96 cooperate with the first guide 62 and the second guide 64 as the clip member 54 moves relative to the surface 58 along the first axis "Al", as will be detailed herein. In non-limiting examples, the second section 90 includes a removable panel holder 104 that secures the removable panel 20 to the intermediate door 28. That is, the second section 90 is spaced apart from the first section 88 by a gap 105 that can receive and hold the removable panel 20.

[0071] In non-limiting examples, the release member 56 includes an actuator surface 112 that is selectively engaged by the removable panel 20, and a blocking member 114 that prevents the clip member 54 from moving along the first axis Al. The blocking member 114 includes a hollow interior 116 Figure 4 ), and the actuator surface 112 includes a first side (not separately labeled) that defines the actuator surface 117, and a second side (also not separately labeled) that includes a channel 118 that can accommodate the first cantilevered flexible hook element 78.

[0072] In non-limiting examples, a first spring 120 and a second spring 122 are disposed between the surface section 92 and the first inner surface 72 of the first shroud member 68 and the second inner surface 74 of the second shroud member 70, respectively. The first spring 120 is disposed about a spring support 124. Similarly, the second spring 122 is disposed about another spring support (not shown). A third spring 126 extends about the spring support member 86 and into the hollow interior 116 of the blocking member 114. At this point, it should be understood that the number, location, and type of springs or biasing elements can vary.

[0073] In non-limiting examples, the removable panel 20 is disposed adjacent to the intermediate door 28 and is urged against the actuator surface 117, as shown in Figure 4 The additional pressure causes the release member 56 to compress the third spring 126 and move along the second axis A2 toward the surface 58, as shown in Figure 5 The release member 56 is further moved along the axis A2 such that the channel 118 receives each of the first cantilevered flexible hook element 78 and the second cantilevered flexible hook element 80, as shown in Figure 6

[0074] The application of additional pressure to the actuator surface 117 causes the first cantilevered flexible hook element 78 and the second cantilevered flexible hook element 80 to deflect inwardly, thereby releasing the clip member 54, as shown in Figure 7 ​At this time, the first spring 120 and the second spring 122 push the clip member 54 downward along the first axis Al such that the removable panel 20 is captured between the first segment 88 and the second segment 90 by the removable panel holder 40. To release the removable panel 20, simply press the release member 56 and displace the clip member 54 in the opposite direction along the first axis A2 to compress the first spring 120 and the second spring 122.

[0075] At this time, it should be understood that the non-limiting examples described herein provide a system for securing a removable panel in a vehicle against an interior surface in a vertical direction. In the non-limiting examples shown, securing the removable panel to the intermediate door reduces interior space loss. Further, the intermediate door can be folded downward to provide additional space while safely securing the removable panel.

[0076] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to non-limiting examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. 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 thereof. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular non-limiting examples disclosed, but includes all examples falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A removable panel holder for a vehicle, the removable panel holder comprising: a flexible substrate comprising a surface defining a first axis; a clip member movably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis; and a release member movably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis different from the first axis, wherein displacement of the release member toward the flexible substrate releases the clip member for displacement along the first axis, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a housing mounted to a surface in the vehicle, the housing comprising at least one cantilevered flexible hook element that functions as a selectively disengageable travel limiter for holding a clip member in a non-deployed configuration. the clip member comprises a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second section being spaced apart from and coupled to the first section by the third section.

2. The removable panel holder of claim 1, wherein, the second section comprises a removable panel holder.

3. The removable panel holder of claim 2, wherein, the release member comprises an actuator element and a blocking member extending outwardly from the actuator element, the blocking member selectively engaging the second section of the clip member.

4. The removable panel holder of claim 2, wherein, the blocking member comprises a hollow interior and the actuator element comprises a passage selectively receiving the at least one cantilevered hook element.

5. The removable panel holder of claim 4, wherein, the housing comprises a spring support member selectively extending into the hollow interior of the blocking member.

6. The removable panel holder of claim 5, wherein, 7. The removable panel holder of claim 6, further comprising a spring disposed on the spring support member, the spring biasing the release member away from the housing along the second axis.

8. The removable panel holder of claim 2, further comprising a spring disposed between the third section and the housing, the spring biasing the clip member toward the at least one cantilevered flexible hook element along the first axis. the third section comprises a spring support about which the spring is disposed.

9. The removable panel holder of claim 8, wherein, 10. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a vehicle body comprising a removable panel and a surface defining a first axis; a plurality of wheels supporting the vehicle body; and a removable panel holder mounted to the surface, the removable panel holder comprising: a flexible substrate defined on the surface; a clip member movably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis; and a release member movably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis different from the first axis, wherein displacement of the release member toward the flexible substrate releases the clip member for displacement along the first axis, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a housing mounted to a surface in the vehicle, the housing comprising at least one cantilevered flexible hook element that functions as a selectively disengageable travel limiter for holding a clip member in a non-deployed configuration. a release member movably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis different from the first axis, wherein displacement of the release member toward the flexible substrate releases the clip member for displacement along the first axis, wherein the flexible substrate includes a housing mounted to a surface in the vehicle, the housing including at least one cantilevered flexible hook element that functions as a selectively disengageable travel limiter for holding the clip member in a non-deployed configuration.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein, The clip member includes a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second section being spaced apart from and coupled to the first section by the third section.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein, The second section includes a removable panel holder.

13. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein, The release member includes an actuator element and a blocking member extending outwardly from the actuator element, the blocking member selectively engaging the second section of the clip member.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein, The blocking member includes a hollow interior, and the actuator element includes a passage selectively receiving the at least one cantilevered hook element.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein, The housing includes a spring support member selectively extending into the hollow interior of the blocking member.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, further comprising a spring disposed on the spring support member, the spring biasing the release member away from the housing along the second axis.

17. The vehicle of claim 11, further comprising a spring disposed between the third section and the housing, the spring biasing the clip member toward the at least one cantilevered flexible hook element along the first axis.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein, The third section includes a spring support around which the spring is disposed.

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