Adjustable load floor system for vehicle

Abstract

An adjustable load floor system for a vehicle includes a support frame including a first side member, a second side member disposed opposite the first side member, and a support member. The first guide member is disposed on the first side member. The first guide member includes a first continuous guide rail having a first plurality of adjustment zones. The second guide member is disposed on the second side member. The second guide member includes a second continuous guide rail having a second plurality of adjustment zones. The floor panel includes a first guide element and a second guide element. The first guide element is translatable through the first continuous guide rail and the second guide element is translatable through the second continuous guide rail to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of adjustable load surfaces and, more particularly, to an adjustable load floor system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles include various options for storing and transporting various objects. Vehicles include a rear storage area such as a trunk and / or a front storage area such as a front trunk. The trunk and front trunk typically include a fixed volume. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans typically include a rear storage area that may have an adjustable volume, such as by folding or removing seats. Fixed storage volumes are limited in their usability. Storage volumes that are adjustable by manipulating seats are often impractical because a trade-off must be made between seating and storage.

[0003] Certain vehicles may include a storage area with a removable floor panel. When removed, additional cargo space is revealed and available for use. When removed, the removable floor panel must be stored. Storing the removable floor panel is inconvenient, especially as the removable floor panel is often stored in an area away from the vehicle. In other cases, the removable floor panel may have a single adjustment position. While a single adjustment position is better than no adjustment, the limited options are often inconvenient for the user. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an adjustable support surface in a vehicle storage area. Additionally, it is desirable to provide an adjustable support surface that can be arranged in multiple positions and still remain in the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a non-limiting example, an adjustable load floor system for a vehicle includes a support frame including a first side member, a second side member disposed opposite the first side member, and a support member extending between the first side member and the second side member. A first guide member is disposed on the first side member. The first guide member includes a first continuous guide rail having a first plurality of adjustment zones. A second guide member is disposed on the second side member. The second guide member includes a second continuous guide rail having a second plurality of adjustment zones. A floor panel is coupled to the support frame. The floor panel includes a support surface, a first guide element, and a second guide element. The first guide element is capable of translating through the first continuous guide rail, and the second guide element is capable of translating through the second continuous guide rail to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment zones and the second plurality of adjustment zones.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first side member includes a first upper surface and the second side member includes a second upper surface, the first upper surface includes a first opening connected to the first guide member, and the second upper surface includes a second opening connected to the second guide member.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first continuous rail and the second continuous rail includes an adjustment portion and a return portion.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first plurality of conditioning zones is spaced along the conditioning portion of the first continuous track and each of the second plurality of conditioning zones is disposed along the conditioning portion of the second continuous track.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first side member includes a first lower edge and the second side member includes a second lower edge, wherein one of the first plurality of adjustment zones is disposed at the first lower edge and one of the second plurality of adjustment zones is disposed at the second lower edge.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the floor panel includes a first side edge and a second side edge, the first guide element protruding outwardly from the first side edge and the second guide element protruding outwardly from the second side edge.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the floor panel includes a lower surface, the first guide element is mounted to the lower surface at the first side edge, and the second guide element is mounted to the lower surface at the second side edge.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first guide element includes a teardrop shape including a first end having a first radius and a second end having a second radius different than the first radius.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first guide element includes a first curvilinear side and a second curvilinear side opposite the first side, the first curvilinear side and the second curvilinear side extending between the first end and the second end.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described, the first curvilinear side is convex and the second curvilinear side is concave.

[0014] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes: a body having a cargo area; and an adjustable load floor system arranged in the cargo area. The adjustable load floor system includes a support frame, the support frame including a first side member, a second side member arranged opposite to the first side member, and a support member extending between the first side member and the second side member. A first guide member is disposed on the first side member. The first guide member includes a first continuous guide rail having a first plurality of adjustment zones. The second guide member is disposed on the second side member. The second guide member includes a second continuous guide rail having a second plurality of adjustment zones. A floor panel is coupled to the support frame. The floor panel includes a support surface, a first guide element, and a second guide element. The first guide element is translatable through the first continuous guide rail, and the second guide element is translatable through the second continuous guide rail to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment zones and the second plurality of adjustment zones.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first side member includes a first upper surface and the second side member includes a second upper surface, the first upper surface includes a first opening connected to the first guide member, and the second upper surface includes a second opening connected to the second guide member.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first continuous rail and the second continuous rail includes an adjustment portion and a return portion.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first plurality of conditioning zones is spaced along the conditioning portion of the first continuous track and each of the second plurality of conditioning zones is disposed along the conditioning portion of the second continuous track.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first side member includes a first lower edge and the second side member includes a second lower edge, wherein one of the first plurality of adjustment zones is disposed at the first lower edge and one of the second plurality of adjustment zones is disposed at the second lower edge.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the floor panel includes a first side edge and a second side edge, the first guide element protruding outwardly from the first side edge and the second guide element protruding outwardly from the second side edge.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the floor panel includes a lower surface, the first guide element is mounted to the lower surface at the first side edge, and the second guide element is mounted to the lower surface at the second side edge.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first guide element includes a teardrop shape including a first end having a first radius and a second end having a second radius different than the first radius.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first guide element includes a first curvilinear side and a second curvilinear side opposite the curvilinear first side, the first curvilinear side and the second curvilinear side extending between the first end and the second end.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first curvilinear side is convex and the second curvilinear side is concave.

[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a right rear perspective view of a vehicle including an adjustable load floor according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an adjustable load floor including a support frame and a floor panel according to a non-limiting example;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Upper right perspective view of the rails supporting the frame

[0029] Figure 4 According to non-limiting examples Figure 2 An upper left perspective view of a guide element of a floor panel;

[0030] Figure 5 is an upper right perspective view of a floor panel transitioning from a first adjustment position according to a non-limiting example;

[0031] Figure 6 According to non-limiting examples Figure 5 An upper right perspective view of the floor panel transitioning through a second adjustment position;

[0032] Figure 7 is arranged in a third adjustment position according to a non-limiting example Figure 6 an upper right perspective view of a floor panel of; and

[0033] Figure 8is a plan view of a guide element according to a non-limiting example transitioning from a first adjustment position through a guide rail, through a second adjustment position and into a third adjustment position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] 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 the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0035] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 10. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The vehicle body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20, within which a plurality of seats 23 may be arranged, and a cargo area 34, which is shown in the form of a trunk 36. The cargo area 34 may be used as a storage device for various items, including vehicle-related items (e.g., spare tires, tools, etc.) and non-vehicle-related items such as shopping bags, suitcases, etc. The cargo area 34 includes an adjustable load floor system 50, which may vary the amount of storage volume available in the trunk 36. At this point, it should be understood that while shown in conjunction with a rear storage area (e.g., the trunk 36), the adjustable load floor system 50 may also be used in a front storage area, such as a front trunk (not shown).

[0036] Reference Figure 2 And continue to refer to Figure 1 , the adjustable load floor system 50 includes a support frame 52 and a floor panel 54. As will be described in detail herein, the floor panel 54 can be selectively adjusted in height to change the overall configuration of the cargo area 34. In addition, as will be described in detail herein, the cargo area 34 can be adjusted without the need to remove and store the floor panel 54 away from the vehicle 10. At this point, it should be understood that although shown as a separate component, the support frame 52 can also be integrated into the vehicle 10. That is, interior components (not shown) can be molded to produce the features of the support frame 52.

[0037] In a non-limiting example, the support frame 52 includes a first side member 60, a second side member 62, a support member 64, and an end wall 66. The support member 64 and the end wall 66 extend between and connect the first side member 60 and the second side member 62. The first side member 60 includes a first upper surface 68 and a first lower edge 70. Similarly, the second side member 62 includes a second upper surface 74 and a second lower edge 76. A bottom wall 78 extends between and connects the first lower edge 70 and the second lower edge 76. The bottom wall 78 may also be connected to the support member 64 and the end wall 66.

[0038] In a non-limiting example, the first side member 60 includes a first end 80, a second end 82, and an inner surface 84. The second side member 62 includes a first end portion 86, a second end portion 88, and an inner surface portion 90. A first guide member 92 is disposed in the first side member 60, and a second guide member 94 is disposed on the second side member 62. In a non-limiting example, the first guide member 92 is formed in the first side member 60 adjacent to the first end 80. The second guide member 94 is formed in the second side member 62 adjacent to the first end portion 86. Although shown as being integrally formed in each side member 60 and 62, the guide members 92 and 94 may be formed in separate structures connected to each side member 60, 62.

[0039] Continue to refer Figure 2 , the first guide member 92 includes a first continuous guide rail 96, and the second guide member 94 includes a second continuous guide rail 98. The first continuous guide rail 96 includes a first plurality of adjustment zones 104, and the second continuous guide rail 98 includes a second plurality of adjustment zones 106. The first plurality of adjustment zones 104 and the second plurality of adjustment zones 106 define discrete adjustment positions for the floor panel 54. That is, switching between the floor panels 54 between selected ones of the first plurality of adjustment zones 104 and the second plurality of adjustment zones 106 will change the height above the bottom wall 78.

[0040] Now refer to Figure 3 , continue to refer to Figure 2 The first guide member 92 is described with the understanding that the second guide member 94 includes a similar structure. In a non-limiting example, the first continuous guide rail 96 includes an adjustment portion 110 and a return portion 112. Each of the first plurality of adjustment zones 104 is spaced apart along the first continuous guide rail 96 in the adjustment portion 110. The return portion 112 is an uninterrupted path between the lowermost one of the first plurality of adjustment zones 104 and the uppermost one of the first plurality of adjustment zones 104.

[0041] In a non-limiting example, the first plurality of conditioning zones 104 include a first conditioning zone 116 disposed near the first upper surface 68, a second conditioning zone 118, and a third conditioning zone 120 disposed at the bottom wall 78. At this point, it should be understood that the number and spacing of the conditioning zones 104 can vary. The first conditioning zone 116 defines an uppermost conditioning zone and the third conditioning zone 120 defines a lowermost conditioning zone. Thus, the return portion 112 defines an uninterrupted path between the third conditioning zone 120 and the first conditioning zone 116. In a non-limiting example, the first upper surface 68 includes a first opening 128 that defines an entrance into the first guide member 92.

[0042] Reference will now be made to the description of the floor panel 54. Figure 2 In a non-limiting example, the floor panel 54 includes a support surface 142 and a lower surface 144 opposite the support surface 142. The floor panel 54 also includes a first side edge 146, a second side edge 148 opposite the first side edge 146, a first end segment 150, and a second end segment 152 opposite the first end segment 150. The second end segment 152 selectively rests on the support member 64 when the floor panel 54 is in the uppermost adjustment position.

[0043] In a non-limiting example, a first guide element assembly 156 including a first guide element 158 ​​is disposed at the first side edge 146, and a second guide element assembly 160 including a second guide element 162 is disposed along the second side edge 148. As will be described in detail herein, the first guide element assembly 158 and the second guide element 162 translate through the first guide member 92 and the second guide member 94 to establish an adjusted position of the floor panel 54.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 4 The second guide element assembly 160 is described, with the understanding that the first guide element assembly 156 includes a corresponding structure. The first guide element assembly 160 includes a connector 163 that can be attached to the lower surface 144 adjacent the second side edge 148. The connector 163 is formed with a support 165 having an outer surface 167. The second guide element 160 protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 167. The second guide element 160 includes a teardrop or raindrop shape having a first end 170 and a second end 172. The second end 172 is opposite the first end 170.

[0045] The first end 170 includes a first radius 178 and the second end 172 includes a second radius 180 that is different from the first radius 178, thereby giving the second guide element 160 a teardrop or raindrop shape. The second guide element 160 also includes a first side 182 and a second side 184. The first side 182 is convex and the second side 184 is concave, thereby imparting a curvature to the teardrop or raindrop shape. The particular shape of the second guide element 160 provides a smooth transition along the second continuous guide rail 98 and a stable placement on each of the second plurality of adjustment zones 106.

[0046] Now refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , to describe the transition of the floor panel 54 between multiple adjustment positions according to a non-limiting example. Figure 5 As shown, the floor panel 54 can be lifted by lifting the second end section 152 from the support member 64. At this time, the floor panel 54 can be lifted as shown in FIG. Figure 6As shown, the first guide element 158 ​​and the second guide element 162 are pushed forward so that the first guide element 158 ​​and the second guide element 162 travel along the corresponding guide rails of the first continuous guide rail 96 and the second continuous guide rail 98 to the second adjustment position. Figure 8 In the second adjustment position, the first guide element 158 ​​rests on the second adjustment zone 118 ( Figure 3 ). The second guide element 162 will take a corresponding position in the second continuous guide rail 98.

[0047] like Figure 7 Further forward movement of the floor panel 54 as shown places the first guide element 158 ​​in the third adjustment zone 120 and establishes a corresponding position for the second guide element 162, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 At this time, the floor panel 54 is in the lowest adjustment position. In order to move the floor panel 54 back to the first adjustment position ( Figure 1 ), applying a rearwardly directed force so that the first guide element 158 ​​travels along the return portion 112 back to the first adjustment zone 116. The use of continuous guide tracks 96 and 98 in the first guide member 92 and the second guide member 94 allows the user to move the floor panel between multiple adjustment positions. In addition, no remote storage is required because the floor member can simply be left in the lowest adjustment position.

[0048] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0049] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0050] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0051] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0052] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. An adjustable load floor system for a vehicle, comprising: a support frame comprising a first side member, a second side member disposed opposite the first side member, and a support member extending between the first side member and the second side member; a first guide member disposed on the first side member, the first guide member comprising a first continuous guide rail having a first plurality of adjustment zones; a second guide member disposed on the second side member, the second guide member comprising a second continuous guide rail having a second plurality of adjustment zones; as well as A floor panel is coupled to the support frame, the floor panel comprising a support surface, a first guide element and a second guide element, the first guide element being translatable through the first continuous guide rail, and the second guide element being translatable through the second continuous guide rail to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment zones and the second plurality of adjustment zones.

2. The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein: The first side member includes a first upper surface including a first opening connected to the first guide member, and the second side member includes a second upper surface including a second opening connected to the second guide member.

3. The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein: Each of the first continuous guide rail and the second continuous guide rail includes an adjustment portion and a return portion.

4. The adjustable load floor system of claim 3, wherein: Each of the first plurality of conditioning zones is spaced apart along a conditioning portion of the first continuous track, and each of the second plurality of conditioning zones is disposed along a conditioning portion of the second continuous track.

5. The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein: The first side member includes a first lower edge and the second side member includes a second lower edge, wherein one of the first plurality of adjustment zones is disposed at the first lower edge and one of the second plurality of adjustment zones is disposed at the second lower edge.

6. The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein: The floor panel includes a first side edge and a second side edge, the first guide element protruding outwardly from the first side edge, and the second guide element protruding outwardly from the second side edge.

7. The adjustable load floor system of claim 6, wherein: The floor panel includes a lower surface, the first guide element is mounted to the lower surface at the first side edge, and the second guide element is mounted to the lower surface at the second side edge.

8. The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein: The first guide element includes a teardrop shape including a first end having a first radius and a second end having a second radius different from the first radius.

9. The adjustable load floor system of claim 8, wherein: The first guide element includes a first curvilinear side and a second curvilinear side opposite the first curvilinear side, the first curvilinear side and the second curvilinear side extending between the first end and the second end.

10. A vehicle comprising: a main body having a cargo area; as well as The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, disposed in the cargo area.

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