Loading floor folding table for vehicle

Abstract

A platform assembly for a cargo area of a vehicle includes a platform including one or more platform panels and a platform hinge operably connected to the platform panels of the platform and secured to a body of the vehicle. The platform hinge is configured to move the platform between a stowed position inside the cargo area and a deployed position at least partially outside the cargo area via rotation about a hinge axis of the platform hinge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles, and more particularly to cargo area features of vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Most vehicles include a cargo area where a user can store various items temporarily or permanently. Passenger cars include a trunk that a user uses to transport groceries, store a spare tire, etc. Pickup trucks include a cargo compartment for transporting items of various sizes. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) include an enclosed cargo area that can be expanded by adjusting the seating configuration. Many users of vehicles such as SUVs seek to utilize the cargo area not only while driving or operating the vehicle, but also when the vehicle is parked at a campground, park, sporting event, or other location. Therefore, features and flexibility that increase the use of the cargo area would be welcome. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a platform assembly for a cargo area of ​​a vehicle includes a platform including one or more platform panels and a platform hinge operably connected to the platform panels of the platform and secured to a body of the vehicle. The platform hinge is configured to move the platform between a stowed position within the cargo area and a deployed position at least partially outside the cargo area via rotation about a hinge axis of the platform hinge.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the platform hinge is a double hinge configured to allow rotation of the platform about a hinge axis and to allow vertical movement of the platform relative to the hinge axis.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the platform is configured to rotate 180 degrees about a hinge axis when moving between the stowed position and the deployed position via the platform hinge.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the one or more platform panels are two platform panels, and the platform assembly includes one or more panel hinges connecting a first panel of the two platform panels to a second panel of the two platform panels.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the one or more panel hinges are configured to allow the second panel to rotate 180 degrees relative to the first panel.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, rotation of the second panel relative to the first panel about the panel hinge axis defines a flat planar tabletop surface including the first panel and the second panel.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a locking mechanism is included to maintain the first plate and the second plate as a flat planar tabletop surface.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, a support strap is operably connected to the vehicle body and the one or more platform panels and is configured to support the one or more platform panels in the deployed position.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a handle may be operably connected to the one or more platform panels and configured to assist a user in moving the one or more platform panels between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, one or more platform panels are positioned below a load floor of the cargo area when in the stowed position.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a passenger area and a cargo area, the cargo area including a load floor therein. The vehicle also includes a platform assembly including a platform having one or more platform panels, and a platform hinge operably connected to the platform panel of the platform and secured to the vehicle body. The platform hinge is configured to move the platform between a stowed position within the cargo area and a deployed position at least partially outside the cargo area via rotation about a hinge axis of the platform hinge.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the platform hinge is a double hinge configured to allow rotation of the platform about a hinge axis and to allow vertical movement of the platform relative to the hinge axis.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the platform is configured to rotate 180 degrees about a hinge axis when moving between the stowed position and the deployed position via the platform hinge.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the one or more platform panels are two platform panels, and the platform assembly includes one or more panel hinges connecting a first panel of the two platform panels to a second panel of the two platform panels.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the one or more panel hinges are configured to allow the second panel to rotate 180 degrees relative to the first panel.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, rotation of the second panel relative to the first panel about the panel hinge axis defines a flat planar tabletop surface including the first panel and the second panel.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the locking mechanism maintains the first plate and the second plate as a flat planar tabletop surface.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, a support strap is operably connected to the vehicle body and the one or more platform panels and is configured to support the one or more platform panels in the deployed position.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a handle may be operably connected to the one or more platform panels and configured to assist a user in moving the one or more platform panels between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, one or more platform panels are positioned below a load floor of the cargo area when in the stowed position.

[0023] 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

[0024] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle;

[0026] Figure 2 is an embodiment of a platform in a stowed position along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view taken from AA;

[0027] Figure 3 is an embodiment of the platform in the first deployed position along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view taken along AA of FIG. 1 ; and

[0028] Figure 4 An embodiment of the platform in the second deployed position along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view taken along AA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] 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.

[0030] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 and Figure 21. The vehicle 10 is shown in the form of a sport utility vehicle (SUV). However, it should be understood that the vehicle 10 is not limited to the particular body type shown, but may take a variety of other forms, including a passenger car, a pickup truck, a van, etc. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels, three of which are shown at 16. The body 12 defines a passenger compartment 20, which includes a passenger area 24 and a cargo area 26 accessible via a compartment door 27.

[0031] The cargo area 26 includes a floor 28 that serves as a cover to cover an upper portion of a storage box 30 defined in the vehicle body 12 and located below the floor 28. The floor 28 may be located in a manner such as Figure 2 The storage bin 30 is movable between a closed position as shown and an open position that allows access to the storage bin 30. In some embodiments, the movement is accomplished using one or more bottom hinges 32 connecting the bottom 28 and, for example, a wall 34 of the storage bin 30.

[0032] The deployable platform 36 is stored in the storage box 30. The platform 36 is stored in the storage box 30 in a collapsed configuration, such as Figure 2 As shown. The platform 36 is positioned in the vehicle 10 via a platform hinge 38 that is secured to the platform 36 and the vehicle body 12. In some embodiments, the platform hinge 38 is formed of one or more cast components, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that in other embodiments, the platform hinge 38 components may be formed of other materials or processes. For example, the platform hinge 38 components may be formed of machined metal (e.g., aluminum), or may be a molded plastic material that may or may not be fiber reinforced.

[0033] In some embodiments, the platform 36 includes a plurality of panels 40a and 40b connected to each other via panel hinges 42. Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the platform hinge 38 is connected to a first panel 40a of the plurality of panels 40, and a second panel 40b of the plurality of panels 40 is connected to the first panel 40a via a panel hinge 42. Although two panels 40 are shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that additional panels 40 may be included in the platform 36, connected to each other via additional panel hinges 42. In some embodiments, the panels 40 are formed of a lightweight metal structure, such as an aluminum extrusion, which may be wrapped or overmolded with a material, such as a plastic or fabric material, or a combination of plastic and fabric materials, such as a fabric covering applied to a plastic layer.

[0034] Figure 3 The platform 36 is shown in a first deployed position or bench position. Figure 2The platform 36 is moved to the bench position (as shown), the platform hinge 38 is a double hinge that guides the platform 36 to rotate 180 degrees around the platform hinge axis 44, and also vertically lifts the platform 36 so that the platform 36 then extends out of the compartment door opening 46. In the bench position, the first panel 40a is located below the second panel 40b in the vertical direction and supports the second panel 40b. The platform 36 may include a handle 52 fixed to the platform 36 to help the user move the platform 36 to the bench position. In some embodiments, the handle 52 may be a belt or ring as shown, or alternatively may be a recess or other structure formed in one of the panels 40 of the platform 36, for example. When the platform 36 is in the bench position, the platform 36 can be supported by a support belt 48 extending from the first panel 40a toward the vehicle body 12 and fixed to the vehicle body 12. In some embodiments, the support belt 48 extends at a support angle 50, and in some embodiments, the support angle 50 is 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the support belt 48 is formed by a braided wire or cable, or may alternatively be a molded plastic belt.

[0035] Reference now Figure 4 , the platform 36 can be additionally moved from the bench position to the table position, wherein the second platform 40b is rotated 180 degrees around the panel hinge axis 54 using one or more panel hinges 42. In the tabletop position, the first platform 40a and the second platform 40b are at substantially the same vertical height. In some embodiments, one or more panel hinges 42 are recessed in the panel gap 56 between the panels 40a, 40b to provide a substantially flat tabletop for the user. The panels 40a, 40b include a locking mechanism, such as a movable slide 58 and a pin 60 of the device, which is adjustable to support the load on the platform 36 when the panels 40a and 40b are in the tabletop position, and lock the panels 40a and 40b in the tabletop position.

[0036] The platform 36 configuration disclosed herein provides a user with a stowable bench or table that can be stowed beneath the load floor of the vehicle, thereby not reducing the amount of available storage space in the cargo area, or interfering with the storage of other items in the cargo area. The platform 36 can be easily deployed using the platform hinge and one or more panel hinges. The platform can improve the user's enjoyment of the vehicle.

[0037] The term "a" does not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicates 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. A platform assembly for a cargo area of ​​a vehicle, comprising: a platform, the platform comprising one or more platform panels; as well as a platform hinge operably connected to a platform panel of the platform and secured to a body of the vehicle, the platform hinge being configured to move the platform between a stowed position interior to the cargo area and a deployed position at least partially exterior to the cargo area via rotation about a hinge axis of the platform hinge.

2. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the platform hinge is a double hinge configured to allow the platform to rotate about the hinge axis and to allow the platform to move vertically relative to the hinge axis. 3 . The platform assembly of claim 1 , wherein the platform is configured to rotate 180 degrees about the hinge axis when moving between the stowed position and the deployed position via the platform hinge.

4. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein: The one or more platform panels include two platform panels; and The platform assembly includes one or more panel hinges connecting a first panel of the two platform panels to a second panel of the two platform panels.

5. The platform assembly of claim 4, wherein the one or more panel hinges are configured to allow the second platform panel to rotate 180 degrees relative to the first platform panel.

6. The platform assembly of claim 4, wherein rotation of the second panel relative to the first panel about a panel hinge axis defines a flat planar tabletop surface including the first panel and the second panel.

7. The platform assembly of claim 6, further comprising a locking mechanism for retaining the first panel and the second panel as the flat planar tabletop surface.

8. The platform assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support strap operably connected to the vehicle and the one or more platform panels and configured to support the one or more platform panels in the deployed position.

9. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more platform panels are disposed below a load floor of the cargo area when in the stowed position.

10. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body defining a passenger area and a cargo area, the cargo area including a load floor therein; as well as A platform assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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