Support member for a vehicle component

Abstract

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to a support member (10) for a space dividing device, the support member comprising: a first support element (12) comprising a first support reinforcement rib (16); a second bearing element (14) comprising a second bearing reinforcement rib (18); and a support hinge (22) arranged to hingedly couple the first support element and the second support element and having a support hinge axis (24), in which the support device can be hinged between: a deployed state (26) in which the first support reinforcement rib (16) and the second support reinforcement rib (18) are substantially coplanar in a first plane (A), and a deployed state (26) in which the first support reinforcement rib (16) and the second support reinforcement rib (18) are substantially coplanar in a second plane (A); and a stowed state (28) in which the first support rib (16) is spaced apart from the second support rib (18) and is substantially coplanar with the second support rib in a second plane (B), the second plane being orthogonal to the first plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to support members. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to support members for vehicle components. Aspects of the present invention relate to vehicle components and vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Space dividers in vehicles and the like can often be configured in more than one position or configuration. Examples include loading floors and shelves. Support members such as gas struts are often used to support components in a user's desired position or configuration, but known support members can use valuable packaging space and can be expensive to manufacture.

[0003] The present invention provides an improved support structure. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide a support member and a vehicle as claimed in the accompanying claims.

[0005] Throughout the summary, specification and claims of the invention, the terms "front", "rear", "upper" and "lower" are defined with reference to their normal use in the description of a forward-facing upright vehicle. Thus, features of the invention are described with respect to a vehicle such that, for example, front features are those features that are closer to the front of the vehicle than rear features, and upper features are those features that are closer to the top of the vehicle than lower features.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a support structure for a space dividing device is provided, the support structure comprising: a first support element, which includes a first support reinforcement rib; a second support element, which includes a second support reinforcement rib; and a support hinge, which is arranged to connect the first support element and the second support element in an articulated manner and has a support hinge axis, wherein the support device is capable of articulating between the following states: an expanded state, in which the first support reinforcement rib is approximately coplanar with the second support reinforcement rib in a first plane; and a stowed state, in which the first support reinforcement rib is spaced apart from the second support reinforcement rib and is approximately coplanar with the second support reinforcement rib in a second plane, wherein the second plane is orthogonal to the first plane.

[0007] Optionally, in the deployed state, the first plane passes through both the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib (or intersects both the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib). In the deployed state, the first plane may pass through the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib (or intersects the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib) along the entire length of the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib. In the deployed state, the first plane may be coplanar with any surface of the rib or may not be coplanar with any surface of the rib.

[0008] Optionally, in the stowed state, the second plane passes through both the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib (or intersects both the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib). In the stowed state, the second plane may pass through the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib (or intersects the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib) along the entire length of the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib. In the stowed state, the second plane may be coplanar with any surface of the rib or may not be coplanar with any surface of the rib.

[0009] Optionally, the deployed position and the stowed position are relative to the base, the second plane is parallel to a surface of the base, and the first plane extends substantially vertically from the surface of the base.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first support element comprises a first surface having a recessed portion; and the second support element comprises a first surface having an overlapping portion, the overlapping portion being arranged to be positioned in the recessed portion of the first support element when the support device is in the deployed state.

[0011] Optionally, the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib each have a rib axis, wherein each rib axis is orthogonal to the support hinge axis.

[0012] The first support element may include a second surface, and the first support reinforcement rib may be arranged on the second surface. The second support element may include a second surface, and the second support reinforcement rib may be arranged on the second surface. In these embodiments, in the stowed state, the second surface of the first support element may generally face the second surface of the second support element.

[0013] In an embodiment, the support hinge is a barrel hinge and comprises: a first barrel portion; a second barrel portion; and a pin, wherein: a first support element comprises said first barrel portion; and a second support element comprises said second barrel portion.

[0014] Optionally, the supporting member includes: a first connecting hinge, which is suitable for connecting the first supporting element to the first part, the first connecting hinge having a hinge axis arranged at forty-five degrees relative to the hinge axis of the supporting hinge; and a second connecting hinge, which is suitable for connecting the second supporting element to the second part, the second connecting hinge having a hinge axis arranged at forty-five degrees relative to the hinge axis of the supporting hinge, wherein: in the unfolded state, the hinge axis of the first connecting hinge is approximately orthogonal to the hinge axis of the second connecting hinge; and in the retracted state, the hinge axis of the first connecting hinge is approximately parallel to the hinge axis of the second connecting hinge.

[0015] In some embodiments where the support member comprises a first component, the first component is a first coupling portion coupled to the first support element by a first coupling hinge, the first coupling portion being adapted to couple the support member to a component of the space dividing device.

[0016] In some embodiments where the support member comprises a second component, the second component is adapted to couple the support member to the dividing body end of the space dividing device.

[0017] Optionally, the first and second connecting hinges are barrel hinges, each comprising: a first barrel portion; a second barrel portion; and a pin, wherein: the first supporting element comprises the first barrel portion of the first connecting hinge; and the second supporting element comprises the first barrel portion of the second connecting hinge.

[0018] In an embodiment, the overlapping portion comprises at least one overlapping rib and the recessed portion comprises at least one corresponding groove, wherein the groove is arranged to receive the overlapping rib when the support member is in the deployed state. The first support element may comprise a double castellated portion arranged to provide the groove and at least one receiving slot, wherein the receiving slot is arranged to receive the second support reinforcing rib when the support member is in the stowed state.

[0019] In an embodiment, the support member comprises biasing means arranged to bias the support arrangement towards the deployed condition.

[0020] The first support may include a plurality of the first support reinforcement ribs and / or may include a plurality of the second support reinforcement ribs.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising the supporting member as described above.

[0022] It is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular individual features thereof, may be employed independently or in any combination within the scope of the present application. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or in any combination, unless such features are incompatible. Applicants reserve the right to change any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to be subordinate to any feature of any other claim and / or to incorporate any feature of any other claim, even though protection was not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an unfolded support member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a front view of a stowed support member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2a It passes through Figure 2 A cross section of a support member shown in ;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a partially unfolded support member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3a yes Figure 3 A partial view of the support member shown in ;

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded front view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is a front view of a first supporting element of a supporting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a stowed support member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an unfolded space dividing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a folded space dividing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a partially unfolded space dividing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figures 10 to 13 is a perspective view of various parts of a space dividing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.14 (a to d) schematically illustrate the operation of a release button of a space dividing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a part of a space dividing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038] Fig.16 A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 A support structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The support structure comprises a first support element 12 and a second support element 14. In the embodiment shown, the first support element and the second support element are generally triangular or wing-shaped. The first support element 12 comprises at least one first support reinforcement rib 16. The second support element 14 comprises at least one second support reinforcement rib 18. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, each reinforcing rib 16, 18 is a straight, i.e. non-curved, rib having a rib axis 20. Each rib or rib axis is parallel to the axis of the other ribs. In the embodiment shown, all rib axes 20 are substantially parallel. It will be understood that other non-straight rib shapes are within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] Each of the first and second support elements is a substantially planar component and may therefore be described as having a first support element plane and a second support element plane, respectively. It will be appreciated that this applies to embodiments where the first and second support elements do not comprise reinforcing ribs.

[0041] The first and second support elements are coupled together via a support hinge 22 having a hinge axis 24, about which the support elements can rotate relative to each other. In the example embodiment, the hinge axis 24 is orthogonal to the rib axis 20. Other relationships may be useful.

[0042] The support hinge 22 allows the support member 10 to be Figure 1 The expanded state 26 shown in FIG. Figure 2In the deployed state, each first support reinforcement rib 16 is substantially coplanar with each second support reinforcement rib 18 in a first plane. In other words, at least a portion of the ribs are substantially coplanar. The first plane is Figure 1 denoted by symbol A. In the deployed state, axes 24, 64 and 66 each extend in a first plane, with axes 64 and 66 being substantially orthogonal.

[0043] Figure 4 Shown in decomposed form Figure 1 The unfolded supporting member 10. Figure 5 From Figure 4 The perspective opposite to that shown in FIG. shows the first support element 12. The first support element comprises a first surface 32 having a recessed portion 34. The second support element 14 comprises a first surface 33 and a corresponding overlapping portion 36. Return to reference Figure 1 , the overlapping portion 36 is arranged to be located in the recessed portion 34 of the first support element 12 when the support device is in the deployed state 26. This is advantageous because the overlapping portion prevents the support device from rotating beyond the deployed state with respect to movement from the stowed state, as will be discussed.

[0044] One or more overlapping ribs 38 are provided on the overlapping portion 36. As will be discussed, this reinforces the overlapping portion and provides engagement with the recessed portion. The presence of the overlapping ribs 38 is advantageous when molding the second support element. That is, a flat surface without ribs may cause manufacturing challenges when a molding process is used.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recessed portion 34 of the first support member 12 includes a groove 40 that receives the overlapping ribs 38 of the second support element in the expanded state 26. The groove 40 is formed by a double castellated portion 42 (at Figure 6 The double castellated portion 42 also provides a receiving groove 44 that receives the reinforcing rib 18 of the second support element 14 in the stowed state 28. Specifically, the receiving groove 44 receives the unbranched portion of the reinforcing rib 18, as will be described.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 In order to maximize the strength of the support member 10, in some embodiments, each second support reinforcement rib 18 is configured to bifurcate into parallel ribs 18a and 18b at a point 46, and the distance from the support hinge 22 to the point 46' is substantially equal to the distance from the support hinge 22 to the point 46', at which the double castellated portion 42 transitions to the first support element reinforcement rib 16. This means that when stowed, the bifurcated second support reinforcement ribs 18a and 18b will not collide with the double castellated portion 42.

[0047] Figure 2 The support member 10 is shown in a stowed state 28. In this case, the first support reinforcement rib 16 is shown as being spaced apart from and generally coplanar with the second support reinforcement rib 18 (branched into 18a and 18b) in a second plane. In other words, at least a portion of the ribs are generally coplanar. In the stowed state 28, the rib axes are also generally parallel (the rib axes are not shown in the figure because they are orthogonal to the plane of the figure).

[0048] It will be understood that during the transition of the first supporting element 12 and the second supporting element 14 from the deployed state 26 to the stowed state 28 or from the stowed state 28 to the deployed state 26 by rotating about the hinge, the rib axes 20 of the reinforcing ribs 16 of the first element and the rib axes 20 of the reinforcing ribs 18 of the second element lose their parallelism.

[0049] The second plane is Figure 2 is shown by symbol B and is orthogonal to Figure 2 The second plane includes the articulation axis 24. It will be appreciated that the second plane B is orthogonal to the first plane A discussed with respect to the deployed state 26 relative to a fixed point external to the support member 10 and in the absence of other rotations.

[0050] As mentioned, ribs 16 are arranged on the first support element and ribs 18 are arranged on the second support element such that the ribs are staggered in the stowed state. It will be appreciated that where other arrangements of ribs are used within the scope of the present invention, the ribs may be configured so as not to be staggered. However, it is still advantageous that at least a portion of the ribs are coplanar in the stowed state for the support member to effectively telescope to a depth d10 that is less than the sum of the respective depths d12, d14 of each of the first and second support elements. This is particularly advantageous in that the ribs are coplanar in the stowed state for the support member to effectively telescope to a depth d10 that is less than the sum of the respective depths d12, d14 of each of the first and second support elements. Figure 2a As shown in the figure.

[0051] Figure 3 The support member is shown in a partially deployed state 30, i.e., at a point between the stowed state 28 and the deployed state 26. This figure shows the previously mentioned loss of parallelism of the rib axes of the reinforcing ribs 16 of the first element and the rib axes 20 of the reinforcing ribs 18 of the second element in the partially deployed state 30. It will be appreciated that in Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown in , each rib axis 20 always remains orthogonal to the hinge axis 24 .

[0052] Figure 3a Shows Figure 3The transition between the previously mentioned double castellated portion 42 and the first support reinforcement rib 16 comprises an inclined region 48. This is advantageous during the manufacture of the support element in order to facilitate release from the tool. A corresponding formation 50 of the overlapping rib 38 is provided to ensure maximum engagement with the double castellated portion 42 when in the deployed state 26.

[0053] Figures 1 to 3 Also shown is a first support element 12 comprising a second surface 52, wherein at least one first support reinforcing rib 16 is arranged on the second surface. Similarly, the second support element 14 comprises a second surface 54, wherein at least one second support reinforcing rib 18 is arranged on the second surface. When the support member is transformed from the deployed state 26 to the stowed state 28, the first surface 52 and the second surface 54 face each other. Providing reinforcing ribs on the second surface allows the first and second support elements to be reinforced while allowing the support device to be effectively telescoped to the depth d10 as previously described.

[0054] The support hinge 22 that couples the first element to the second element is a barrel hinge and includes a first barrel 56, a second barrel 58 and a pin (not shown, because the pin is located inside the first barrel and the second barrel once assembled, or in other words, the pin couples the barrels and is therefore substantially contained in these barrels). In the illustrated embodiment, the first support element 12 includes a first barrel 56, and the second support element 14 includes a second barrel 58. Other arrangements may be useful, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first support element includes two or more first barrels, and the second support includes two or more second barrels. In an example of the present invention, the first support element including the first barrel is formed integrally, for example, by a single molding operation. Similarly, the second support element including the second barrel can be formed integrally, for example, by a single molding operation. Other arrangements may be useful. The pin couples the first barrel to the second barrel and is coaxial with the hinge axis 24.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, as will be described below, the support member comprises a first connection hinge 60 adapted to connect the first support element 12 to the first component, and a second connection hinge 62 adapted to connect the second support element 14 to the second component. It will be understood that the mentioned connection can be direct or indirect. The first connection hinge has an articulation axis 64 arranged at forty-five degrees relative to the articulation axis 24 of the support hinge 22. Similarly, the second connection has an articulation axis 66 arranged at forty-five degrees relative to the articulation axis 24 of the support hinge 22. The skilled person will understand that in the deployed state, the articulation axis 64 of the first connection hinge is substantially orthogonal to the articulation axis 66 of the second connection hinge, and in the stowed state, the articulation axis 64 of the first connection hinge 60 is substantially parallel to the articulation axis 66 of the second connection hinge 62.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the support member 10 includes a first coupling portion 68 coupled to a first support element via a first coupling hinge 60. The first coupling portion may be referred to as a base and is adapted to couple the support member 10 to a first component as described above. Similarly, the support device may include a second coupling portion (not shown) coupled to a second support element via a second coupling hinge 62. In some embodiments, the second coupling portion is adapted to couple the support member to a second component. It will be understood that within the scope of the present invention, some embodiments do not include the first portion and / or the second portion, but rather the support member is directly coupled to the first component and / or the second component.

[0057] The first and second coupling hinges are barrel hinges, each of which includes a first barrel portion, a second barrel portion, and a pin. In the illustrated embodiment, the first support element 12 includes a first barrel portion 70 of the first coupling hinge 60, and the second support element 14 includes a first barrel portion 72 of the second coupling hinge 62. Each first barrel portion and the corresponding support element can be integrally formed using a single molding such as described above with respect to the support hinges.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, a support biasing device such as a spring is provided to generate a biasing force for rotating the support member 10 toward the deployed state. The illustrated embodiment uses a torsion spring disposed in the support hinge 22 to push the first element 12 and the second element 14 to rotate relative to each other toward the deployed state 26. Other arrangements may be useful. In the deployed state 26, the support biasing device biases the support device to keep it in the deployed state. As mentioned above, the overlapping portion 36 prevents the support member from excessively rotating beyond the deployed state relative to the stowed state. Therefore, a force greater than the biasing force provided by the biasing device is required to move the support device from the deployed state 26 toward the stowed state 28. It will be understood that a force greater than the biasing force must be applied in the direction opposite to the biasing force. For example, a force greater than the biasing force applied in the first plane A will not result in rotation toward the stowed state. This is useful in applications where the support member supports the space dividing device, because the movement of the item relative to the device will not result in the stowing of the support member.

[0059] Figures 7 to 9 A space dividing device 100 for a vehicle loading space 102 is shown, the space dividing device 100 comprising a partition body 104 and two support members 10, 10' as described above. It will be understood that the two support members 10, 10' are mirror images of each other relative to the center point 106 of the partition body. As will be described, this allows the support members to each fold toward the center of the loading space 102. It will also be understood that in all embodiments of the present invention, the support member forming part of the space dividing device may not include the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib. That is, some embodiments have all aspects of the above-mentioned support device except the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib. The skilled person will understand that the following description can be applied to both embodiments including the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib, and embodiments not including the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib.

[0060] The space divider 100 shown forms a vehicle loading space storage solution. For example, other arrangements to provide a deployable shelf or table, etc. are within the scope of the present invention. The space divider is arranged relative to the base 108 in the stowed position ( Figure 7 ) and the expanded position ( Figure 8 ). In the stowed position ( Figure 8 ), one or more support members 10, 10' are in the stowed state 28, and in the deployed position ( Figure 7 ) in which one or more support members 10 , 10 ′ are in an expanded state 26 . Fig. 9A partially deployed position of the space dividing device is shown, in which the supporting members 10 , 10 ′ are in a partially deployed state 30 .

[0061] In the deployed position, the space divider provides a storage volume 110 defined as the volume within the partition body 104 and the two support members 10, 10'. This advantageously divides the vehicle load space 102 such that items contained within the storage volume 110 can be retained and kept close to the load space entrance (commonly referred to as the tailgate of the vehicle) for easy removal. The partition body 104 can be used in the deployed configuration to provide a flexible storage solution 112, which is sometimes but not always desired by a user of the vehicle. In examples where the space divider provides a shelf or table or the like, the space divider is mounted with Figure 7 Here, in the deployed configuration, the dividing body provides a shelf or table or the like. It will be appreciated that items may be suspended from the shelf or table or the like in the storage volume, which in this example configuration is located below the dividing body.

[0062] The first surface 32 of the first support element and the first surface 33 of the second support element are arranged to face the center of the loading space 102. Advantageously, the first surface is smooth, i.e. comprises no ribs, and thus provides a surface that does not cause an obstruction to objects placed in the storage volume 110. Furthermore, the positioning of the support member means that the support hinge 22 faces away from the center of the storage volume. This reduces the possibility that items will be caught on the support hinge. The arrangement also allows the support member 10 to telescope towards the center of the loading space 102, which means that the support member can be placed at or near the end 114 of the partition body 104, or in other words at the end of the loading space, thereby maximizing the storage area.

[0063] In some embodiments, the loading floor unit 116 includes a base 108. A loading floor segment 118 is provided adjacent to the base 108. In some embodiments, the base and the loading floor segment are integrated, thereby advantageously reducing the number of parts used to provide a floor for the loading space 102. In other embodiments, the base 108 can be attached to the loading floor segment. In either configuration, it will be understood that the loading floor unit 116 is removable to allow the user of the vehicle to access an area under the floor where, for example, a spare wheel for the vehicle can be stored. In an example of the present invention, a reversible snap-fitting is used to fix the base and / or the loading floor segment to the scuff plate and / or the body-in-white of the vehicle. This allows the user to remove and reattach the space dividing device from the vehicle. Examples of reversible snap-fittings include ball clips. Other accessories may be useful.

[0064] In some examples, the space dividing device is removed by Fig.10 The base strap is optionally secured to the base 108 using, for example, an adhesive. In an embodiment, the base strap is not secured to the base, but remains close to the base. Fig.10 The base strap is shown with the first coupling portion 68 removed. In this embodiment, the base strap is held by pressing the first coupling portion 68 against the base 108. Fig.11 The underside of the first coupling portion is shown. Securing the first coupling portion to the base will retain the base strap 119. The base strap passes through the strap opening 69 in the first coupling portion 68 (at Figure 1 ).

[0065] Fig.10 Also illustrated is an embodiment in which the space dividing device includes a base cover 109. In an example of the present invention, the base cover includes a non-slip material to help retain items stored in the storage volume. In one example, the base cover 109 is made of rubber. Other materials may be useful. The first connecting portion is fixed to the base 108 for clamping the base cover in place. In some examples, the space dividing device includes a base lip 107 near the loading space opening in use. The base lip is advantageously used to form a tray together with the first connecting portion and the loading floor section. This can be beneficial for retaining liquids, for example, in the event that liquids overflow into the storage volume. In an example, the base lip is made of a material having a certain flexibility so that the partition body will slightly compress the base lip in the stowed position. This is used to prevent the partition body from vibrating in the stowed position and generating undesirable noise.

[0066] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown in , the partition body 104 includes a plate, which can be formed by an extrusion or the like. The partition body has a material surface 120 and a functional surface 122. The material surface may include a carpet, for example, to match an adjacent loading floor section 118. When in the deployed position, the functional surface is presented to a user of the space dividing device. In some embodiments of the present invention, the functional surface includes an elastic band 112, which is arranged to advantageously hold cargo positioned against the functional surface. One or more elastic band tensioners 113 are provided to partition the elastic band. In some embodiments, each band tensioner 113 is movable on the functional surface to advantageously allow a user to customize the available elastic band size, for example, for holding bottles, footballs, frisbees, shovels, tents, etc.

[0067] It will be appreciated that throughout the following description references to a support member apply to either or both of the support members 10, 10' forming part of a space dividing device. However, for ease of description only one support member of the space dividing device is described.

[0068] The end 114 of the separator body 104 can be formed integrally with the separator body or attached to the separator body. In the example shown, the end 114 is formed separately from the separator body and then fixed to the separator body. Fig.12 , each end 114 comprises a second barrel portion 124, which is arranged to be coupled with the first barrel portion 72 of the second element 14 of the support member 10 to form the second coupling hinge 62. In an embodiment of the present invention, the end 114 comprises a track 126, in which a release button 130 is slidably received. The release button is used to help the user overcome the biasing force of the support member.

[0069] like Fig.13 As shown in , the release button 130 includes a first button ramp 132 having a ramp surface 134, which is configured to engage with a ramp surface 136 of a support ramp 138 provided as part of an example of a support member 10. Applying a force in the direction indicated by arrow 140 to the release button causes the ramp surface 134 and the ramp surface 136 to engage. When the release button is retained in the track 126, the engagement causes the support member 10, or more specifically, the second element 14 of the support member, to rotate away from the deployed state and away from the release button as the biasing force is overcome. This causes the support member to move from the deployed state. In some embodiments of the present invention, continued or further pressing of the button causes the ramp surface to be overcome. Movement back toward the deployed state is facilitated by the biasing force, but in some embodiments is hindered by the ramp edges 142, 144 that become close after the ramp surfaces are overcome. Therefore, the support member is maintained in a partially deployed state. This means that the force applied in the A plane (reference Figure 1 and support description) will cause a component of this force to act against the biasing force, thereby causing the support member to rotate further toward the stowed state. Fig.14 a to Fig.14 d further describes the motion of releasing the button and its effect.

[0070] As previously mentioned, the release button is configured to initiate movement of the support member from the deployed state toward the stowed state. Fig.14 It is schematically shown in FIG. 1 , wherein four phases thereof are shown in sub-figures a) to d).

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the release button 130 is movable along a button axis 150. The button is biased toward the assumed state by a button bias provided, for example, by a button spring 152. When the space dividing device is in the deployed position, the button ramp 132 is aligned with and opposed to the support ramp 138, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As will be explained, movement or depression of the button 130 along the button axis 150 causes the ramp surface 134 of the button ramp to engage the ramp surface 136 of the support ramp and urge the second support element away from the button axis 150 and away from the deployed state.

[0072] Fig.14 a shows the button 130 and a portion of the second support element 14 when the space dividing device is in the unfolded position as described above. The button is in the presented state. The slope surface 134 of the button slope 132 faces the slope surface 136 of the support slope 138 or contacts the slope surface 136 of the support slope 138. When the button is pressed, for example, by the user using his thumb in the direction indicated by the arrow 140 ( Fig.14 a to 14b), the ramp surfaces 134, 136 engage each other and the second support element 14 is pushed away from the button 130, as shown by arrow 152. This has the effect of overcoming the biasing force provided by the biasing means of the support member and enables the space dividing device to move from the deployed state to the stowed state.

[0073] Further presses of the button ( Fig.14 b to Fig.14 c) causing the ramp surfaces 134, 136 to pass each other and the support element 14 to return towards the button 130 under the action of the biasing force provided by the biasing means as described above. Figure 5 As shown in Fig. 3 , the return of the button under the action of the button biasing member is prevented by the engaged ramp edges 142, 144 of each ramp 132, 138. In some embodiments of the present invention, the button is configured so that the portion of the button located above the ramp edge 142 is wider than the portion of the button located below the ramp 132. In other embodiments, such as Fig.13 In the embodiment shown in , the second support element 14 is configured so that the portion of the support element below the support ramp 138 is wider than (or closer to the button than) the portion of the support element above the support ramp. In either configuration, this means that once the ramp surfaces 134, 136 have passed each other, the second support member returns to a position offset relative to the deployed state via the biasing means. This is in Fig.14c, where the deployed state is shown by dashed line 154 and the offset position is shown by dashed line 156. Advantageously, this prevents the space dividing device from returning to the fully deployed position. In use, this allows the user to press the button to initiate movement from the deployed position toward the stowed position and then apply force to the partition body to continue to overcome the biasing means and move the space dividing device to the stowed position.

[0074] Fig.14 d schematically shows the arrangement of the button 130 and a portion of the second support element 14 when the space dividing device is in the retracted position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 a to Fig.14 c By way of comparison, it can be seen in the figure that the second support element can be considered to have been rotated away from the button. That is, the support ramp 138 of the support element 14 no longer faces the button ramp 132 of the button 130 or is opposite to the button ramp 132 of the button 130. When the ramp edges 142, 144 are no longer engaged, the button returns to its assumed configuration. In the schematically shown embodiment, the button is prevented from extending beyond the assumed configuration by the capture portion 158 catching the protrusion 160 provided on the second support element. The capture portion is biased by the button biasing member 152 to abut against the protrusion.

[0075] It will be understood that the rotation of the support element away from the button is caused by the arrangement of the space dividing device, envisaging that the second support element rotates about the second connection hinge when the device is transformed between the deployed state and the stowed state. Furthermore, it will be understood that when the space dividing device moves from the stowed position to the deployed position, the button and part of the second support element return to their positions as shown. Fig.14 Thus, the projection 160 positioned on the second support element 14 is presented to the button 130 both when the support ramp 138 faces the button ramp 132 and when it does not.

[0076] Fig.14 a and Fig.14 d shows that the top of the button is aligned with the top of the second support element. However, in some embodiments, the button may appear higher than the second support element. Other arrangements may be useful.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, the release button is prevented from extending beyond the assumed configuration by a boss 162 positioned in the track 126, such as Fig.12 The channel 164 in the button 130 receives the boss, and the positive stops at each end of the channel prevent the button from extending beyond the presented configuration and advantageously prevents the button from being further depressed beyond the point at which the biasing force is overcome.

[0078] return Figure 7The base 108 includes a raised portion 166. The raised portion is shaped to allow the support member to be stowed beside the raised portion when the space dividing device is in the stowed position. Fig. 9 The figure shows a support member 10, 10' that is folded up beside a raised portion 166. In some embodiments, the depth of the raised portion is equal to the depth of the folded support member (d10 as described above). In some embodiments, when the space dividing device is in the retracted position, a smaller gap is formed between the raised portion 166 and the partition body 104. This is advantageous in allowing manufacturing tolerances. Support for heavy objects placed on the surface of the material is provided by the partition body supported on the base at the end 114 of the partition body. In some embodiments, when the space dividing device is in the retracted position, the raised portion provides support for the partition body. This means that heavy objects placed on the surface of the material will not cause surface deflection.

[0079] In an example embodiment, the space dividing device includes a pull ring 168 attached to the partition body 104. The pull ring is configured to allow a user to push the space dividing device from the stowed position by lifting the partition body 104. In some embodiments, the space dividing device is releasably held in the stowed position by gravity acting on the partition body. In other embodiments, a latching device is used to hold the space dividing device in the stowed position.

[0080] In the example comprising a latching means for holding the space dividing device in the stowed position, the release button 130 is used to releasably latch the partition body to the base. Fig.15 A space dividing device in a stowed position is shown, wherein the end 114 (as shown in other figures) of the partition body is removed so that a latch device can be seen. In an example, the button includes a button latch ramp 170, and the button latch ramp 170 is configured to engage with a base latch ramp 172 in the stowed position. The latch ramp is configured so that when the user pulls the pull ring, the ramp is used to press the button against the button biasing member 152. Applying enough force to the pull ring causes the ramp to be overcome and the space dividing device is moved to a partially deployed position. Therefore, when stowing the space dividing device, it is necessary to press the button 130 to overcome the latch ramp in the direction opposite to the direction achieved by the user pulling the pull ring. In some embodiments, the latch ramp is bilateral, so that the downward force applied to stow the space dividing device acts in a similar manner against the button biasing member 152. In either example, the button biasing member is advantageously used to keep the space dividing device in a closed position.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first coupling portion 68 includes a base latch ramp 172. In such embodiments, the first coupling portion is attached to the base 108. In other example embodiments, the base 108 includes a base latch ramp. Other arrangements may also be useful.

[0082] In the foregoing it will be appreciated that some embodiments of the present invention include a pair of release buttons, each of which is positioned at the end of a separator body and configured to engage with a correspondingly positioned support member. In use, a user having the deployed space divider device may choose to press both release buttons simultaneously or may press one button at a time and then move the separator body to return the space divider device to the stowed state. The buttons and support ramp edges as previously described prevent the support device from returning to the deployed configuration. Advantageously, this may support one-handed operation of the space divider device.

[0083] Fig.16 A vehicle 200 is schematically shown which includes a space dividing device or a supporting device as described above.

[0084] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Although attention has been paid in the foregoing description to those features deemed particularly important, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned hereinabove and / or shown in the accompanying drawings, whether or not specifically emphasized.

Claims

1. A supporting member for a space dividing device, the supporting member comprising: a first support element, the first support element comprising a first support reinforcement rib; a second support element, the second support element comprising a second support reinforcement rib; as well as a support hinge which is arranged to connect the first support element and the second support element in an articulated manner and which has a support hinge axis, Wherein, the support device can be articulated between the following states: an expanded state, in which the first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib are substantially coplanar in a first plane; and a stowed state, in which the first support reinforcement rib is spaced apart from the second support reinforcement rib and is substantially coplanar with the second support reinforcement rib in a second plane, The second plane is orthogonal to the first plane.

2. The support member according to claim 1, wherein: The first support element comprises a first surface having a recessed portion; and The second support element comprises a first surface having an overlapping portion arranged to be positioned in the recessed portion of the first support element when the support device is in the deployed state.

3. The support member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first support reinforcement rib and the second support reinforcement rib each have a rib axis, wherein each rib axis is orthogonal to the support hinge axis.

4. A support member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first support element comprises a second surface and the first support reinforcement rib is arranged on the second surface; and The second support element comprises a second surface and the second support reinforcement rib is arranged on the second surface, Wherein, in the retracted state, the second surface of the first supporting element substantially faces the second surface of the second supporting element.

5. A support member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The support hinge is a barrel hinge and comprises: a first barrel portion; a second barrel portion; and Pin, where: The first support element includes the first barrel; and The second support element includes the second barrel portion.

6. A support member according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a first coupling hinge adapted to couple the first supporting element to a first component, the first coupling hinge having a hinge axis arranged at forty-five degrees relative to a hinge axis of the supporting hinge; as well as a second coupling hinge adapted to couple the second supporting element to a second component, the second coupling hinge having a hinge axis arranged at forty-five degrees relative to a hinge axis of the supporting hinge, wherein: In the deployed state, the hinge axis of the first coupling hinge is substantially orthogonal to the hinge axis of the second coupling hinge; and In the stowed state, a hinge axis of the first coupling hinge is substantially parallel to a hinge axis of the second coupling hinge.

7. The support member according to claim 6, comprising the first component, which is a first coupling portion coupled to the first support element by the first coupling hinge, the first coupling portion being adapted to couple the support member to a component of a space dividing device.

8. A support member according to claim 6 or 7, comprising the second component adapted to couple the support member to an end of a partition body of a space dividing device.

9. The support member according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The first connecting hinge and the second connecting hinge are barrel-shaped hinges, and each of the first connecting hinge and the second connecting hinge comprises: a first barrel portion; a second barrel portion; and Pin, where: The first support element comprises a first barrel portion of the first coupling hinge; and The second supporting element comprises a first barrel portion of the second coupling hinge.

10. A support member according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, wherein: The overlapping portion comprises at least one overlapping rib and the recessed portion comprises at least one corresponding groove, wherein the groove is arranged to receive the overlapping rib when the support member is in the deployed state.

11. The support member according to claim 10, wherein: The first support element comprises a double castellated portion arranged to provide the recess and at least one receiving slot, wherein the receiving slot is arranged to receive the second support reinforcement rib when the support member is in the stowed state.

12. A support member according to any preceding claim, comprising biasing means arranged to bias the support arrangement towards the deployed condition.

13. A support member according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first support member includes a plurality of the first support reinforcement ribs.

14. A support member according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second support member includes a plurality of second support reinforcement ribs.

15. A vehicle comprising a support member according to any preceding claim.

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