Cargo loading system

Abstract

A cargo loading system for a vehicle includes a main panel attached to a floor of the vehicle and rotatable relative to the floor between a stowed position substantially parallel to the floor and a use position substantially perpendicular to the floor, and a first side panel rotatably attached to the main panel and movable with the main panel between a stowed position and a use position, the first side panel cooperating with the main panel to define a cargo storage area in the use position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to cargo loading systems and, more particularly, to cargo loading systems movable between a stowed position and a use position. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0003] Conventional vehicles employ various structures and devices to secure cargo during transport. For example, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) often includes a cargo net that spans the cargo area of ​​the SUV in an effort to limit the movement of items during transport. Such nets may be used to contain groceries and other items that would otherwise be unsecured and subject to braking and acceleration forces during vehicle motion. When such items are unsecured, the forces associated with braking and acceleration may cause the items to move within the cargo area and result in damage to the items and / or the vehicle. The use of a net allows for slight movement of the transported object but prevents the object from moving freely within the cargo area.

[0004] Securing cargo in the passenger compartment can also be achieved by providing a securing structure for the passenger compartment, such as a mid-floor bin or under-seat container. A mid-floor bin typically deploys from the floor of the vehicle and utilizes otherwise unused space. The bin is accessed through a hinged door in the floor and conceals the item being transported. Under-seat containers also utilize unused space in the vehicle by providing a structure to position and secure the object during transport. Such under-seat containers typically provide a cavity or box-like structure that secures and restricts movement of the item during use.

[0005] While cargo nets are adequate to secure items during use, such nets often prevent larger items from being loaded into or unloaded from the SUV cargo area. In such cases, the nets must often be removed and stored remotely to provide free access to and from the SUV cargo area. In the case of in-floor and under-seat storage systems, the structures providing bins and under-seat containers are permanent features that are not removable. Likewise, while these structures adequately store and restrict movement of items during vehicle use, in the case of under-seat storage systems, these structures inhibit the loading and unloading of larger cargo.

[0006] For example, when a fixed under-seat storage container is used under the second row of seats in a truck, the container restricts access to larger items when the second row of seats is in the stowed position. Specifically, when the seat bottoms of the second row of seats are folded against the seat backs of the second row of seats to allow access to larger cargo, the under-seat storage container often gets in the way, thereby limiting the size of cargo that can be transported. Furthermore, even if such containers are removable, removing the containers can be cumbersome—requiring the use of one or more tools and / or remote storage of the container when removed from the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one configuration, a cargo loading system for a vehicle is provided, comprising a main panel attached to a vehicle floor and rotatable relative to the floor between a stowed position substantially parallel to the floor and a use position substantially perpendicular to the floor, and a first side panel rotatably attached to the main panel and movable with the main panel between the stowed position and the use position, the first side panel cooperating with the main panel to define a cargo storage area in the use position.

[0008] The cargo loading system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, a second side panel may be rotatably attached to the main panel and may be movable with the main panel between a stowed position and a use position, the second side panel cooperating with the main panel and the first side panel to define a cargo storage area in the use position. The first side panel may be rotatably attached to a first edge of the main panel, and the second side panel may be rotatably attached to a second edge of the main panel, the second edge being located at an end of the main panel opposite the first edge. Additionally or alternatively, the first side panel and the second side panel may be substantially parallel to each other and to the main panel when the main panel is in the stowed position, and / or the first side panel and the second side panel may be substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the main panel when the main panel is in the use position. When the main panel is in the use position, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the main panel may cooperate to form a generally U-shape.

[0009] In one configuration, when the main panel is in the stowed position, the first side panel may be substantially parallel to the main panel. Additionally or alternatively, when the main panel is in the use position, the first side panel may be substantially perpendicular to the main panel.

[0010] In another configuration, a cargo loading system for a vehicle is provided, comprising a main panel attached to a floor of the vehicle, the main panel rotatable relative to the floor about at least one pin between a stowed position substantially parallel to the floor and a use position substantially perpendicular to the floor, the pin of the at least one pin comprising one of a protrusion and a groove. The cargo loading system also includes a retainer attached to the floor and defining a channel rotatably receiving the pin of the at least one pin and comprising the other of the protrusion and the groove, the groove receiving the protrusion to retain the main panel in the use position when the main panel is in the use position.

[0011] The cargo loading system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first side panel may be rotatably attached to the main panel and may be movable with the main panel between a stowed position and a use position, the first side panel cooperating with the main panel to define a cargo storage area in the use position. The first side panel may be substantially parallel to the main panel when the main panel is in the stowed position, and / or the first side panel may be substantially perpendicular to the main panel when the main panel is in the use position.

[0012] In one configuration, the second side panel is rotatably attached to the main panel and is movable with the main panel between a stowed position and a use position, the second side panel cooperating with the main panel and the first side panel to define a cargo storage area in the use position. When the main panel is in the stowed position, the first side panel and the second side panel may be substantially parallel to each other and to the main panel, and / or when the main panel is in the use position, the first side panel and the second side panel may be substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the main panel. When the main panel is in the use position, the first side panel, the side second panel, and the main panel may cooperate to form a generally U-shape.

[0013] In another configuration, a cargo loading system for a vehicle is provided, the system comprising a main panel attached to a vehicle floor and rotatable relative to the floor between a stowed position substantially parallel to the floor and a use position substantially perpendicular to the floor, a first side panel rotatably attached to the main panel and movable with the main panel between the stowed position and the use position, and a second side panel rotatably attached to the main panel and movable with the main panel between the stowed position and the use position, the first side panel and the second side panel being substantially parallel to the main panel in the stowed position and substantially perpendicular to the main panel in the use position.

[0014] The cargo loading system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the main panel may cooperate to define a cargo storage area in the use position. Additionally or alternatively, when the main panel is in the use position, the first side panel, the side second panel, and the main panel may cooperate to form a generally U-shape.

[0015] A vehicle may include a cargo loading system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A partial side view of a vehicle with a rear door opened to show a second row of seats in a use position and an under-seat storage system according to the principles of the present invention in a use position;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial side view of a vehicle with a rear door open to show a second row of seats in a stowed position and an under-seat storage system according to the principles of the present invention in a use position;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of the main panel of the under-seat storage system;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Rear perspective view of the main panel and two side panels of the under-seat storage system;

[0022] Figure 6 Is in use position Figure 2 A top view of the under-seat storage system;

[0023] Figure 7 It includes framework and network Figure 2 A front perspective view of the main panel of the under-seat storage system;

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 a rear perspective view of the main panel and two side panels of the under-seat storage system, each including a frame and a net;

[0025] Fig. 9 is used to Figure 2 The under-seat storage system is fixed to Figure 1 A perspective view of a retainer within a vehicle;

[0026] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a retainer showing a Figure 2 rods for the under-seat storage system;

[0027] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a floor of a vehicle showing an under-seat storage system according to the principles of the present invention in a stowed position;

[0028] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 a partial perspective view of a floor of a vehicle of , showing an under-seat storage system according to the principles of the present disclosure in a use position, wherein the side panels of the under-seat storage system are in a stowed position; and

[0029] Fig.13 yes Figure 10014] A partial perspective view of the floor of a vehicle of FIG. 10 is shown showing an under-seat storage system according to the principles of the present disclosure in a use position, wherein side panels of the under-seat storage system are in the use position.

[0030] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations, not for limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0033] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each element, component, region, layer or part. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0035] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term "module" may refer to or be part of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0036] The term code used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group processor includes a processor that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes a memory that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium and can therefore be considered to be tangible non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0037] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0038] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, software applications may be referred to as "applications," "apps," or "programs." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0039] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0040] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0041] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, and to send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0042] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. These processes and logic flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably connected to one or more large-capacity storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from the large-capacity storage device or to transmit data to it, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

[0043] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen, and an optional keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0044] refer to Figure 1-3 , a vehicle 10 is provided, which includes a vehicle compartment 12 and a plurality of seats 14. Each seat 14 includes a seat bottom 16 pivotally connected to a seat back 18, and the seat bottom 16 can be relative to the seat back 18 in a use position ( Figure 2 ) and the stowed position ( Figure 3) When the seat bottom 16 is in the stowed position, the seat bottom 16 is disposed substantially parallel to the seat back 18 and, when the seat bottom 16 is in the use position, an area of ​​the vehicle floor 20 located below the seat bottom 16 is exposed.

[0045] The cargo storage system 22 is disposed on the vehicle floor 20 below the seat bottom 16 and can be selectively used to store cargo (not shown) during use of the vehicle 10. That is, the cargo storage system 22 can be in the stowed position ( Fig.11 ) and various usage locations ( Fig.12 and 13 ) and cooperates with the vehicle floor 20 and surrounding vehicle structure 24 to define a cargo area 26 ( Fig.13 ), the cargo area restricts the movement of cargo placed therein during use of the vehicle 10.

[0046] refer to Figure 4-6 , 9 and 10, the cargo storage system 22 is shown to include a main panel 28, a side panel 30 and a series of retainers 32. The main panel 28 can be formed of a rigid material such as plastic and / or metal, and includes a first edge 34, a second edge 36 disposed on a side of the main panel 28 opposite the first edge 34, a third edge 38 extending between and connecting the first edge 34 and the second edge 36, and a fourth edge 40 extending between and connecting the first edge 34 and the second edge 36 and disposed on a side of the main panel 28 opposite the third edge 38. As shown, the main panel 28 includes a rectangular shape, and therefore, the first edge 34 is substantially parallel to the second edge 36, and the third edge 38 is substantially parallel to the fourth edge 40. In addition, the main panel 28 is elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis L MP extend.

[0047] The first edge 34 extends along the length of the main panel 28 and is substantially straight and uniform. The second edge 36, the third edge 38, and the fourth edge 40 are also substantially straight, but uneven. That is, each of the second edge 36, the third edge 38, and the fourth edge 40 includes at least one recess 42 having a pin 44 extending across the width of the recess 42 and forming a portion of each edge 36, 38, 40. Thus, each of the second edge 36, the third edge 38, and the fourth edge 40 is interrupted by one or more recesses 42 and associated pins 44. Figure 4 In the illustrated configuration, the second edge 36 includes three (3) recesses 42 and associated pins 44 , while the third edge 38 and fourth edge 40 each include two (2) recesses 42 and associated pins 44 .

[0048] The recess 42 may include a D-shape and may have a corresponding pin 44 extending along the opening of the D-shape. In this way, the pin 44 of each recess 42 can be aligned with the corresponding second edge 36, third edge 38 and fourth edge 40 to provide the edges 36, 38, 40 with a substantially straight profile, such as Figure 4 As shown. Pins 44 can be integrally formed with main panel 28 during an injection molding process, or if main panel 28 is formed of metal, they can be integrally formed with main panel 28 during a stamping process. Regardless of how main panel 28 is formed and from what material, each pin 44 can have a truncated circular cross-section ( Fig.10 ), and may include a series of elongated grooves 46 extending between and separating opposing arcuate surfaces 48 and flat surfaces 50, such as Fig. 9 and 10 As described below, the elongated grooves 46 cooperate with the retainer 32 to retain the main panel 28 in the use position. Although each pin 44 may include a truncated circular cross-section and a series of elongated grooves 46 for ease and simplicity of manufacturing the main panel 28, the pins 44 associated with the third edge 38 and the fourth edge 40 may alternatively include a circular cross-sectional area without the grooves 46.

[0049] The main panel 28 may include a series of holes 52 formed through the thickness of the main panel 28. The holes 52 may be spaced relative to the longitudinal axis L. MP The holes 52 provide reduced weight to the main panel 28, thereby reducing the costs associated with manufacturing the main panel 28, and further reducing the ease with which the main panel 28 can be moved between the stowed position and the use position.

[0050] Specific reference Figure 5 Each side panel 30 includes a first edge 54, a second edge 56 disposed on a side of each side panel 30 opposite to the first edge 54, a third edge 58, and a fourth edge 60 disposed on a side of each side panel 30 opposite to the third edge 58. Figure 5 As shown, the first edge 54 of each side panel 30 is inclined in a direction away from the first edge 34 of the main panel 28 at the junction of each side panel 30 and the main panel 28 in a direction toward the second edge 36 of the main panel 28. In one configuration, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the slope of the first edge 54 of each side panel 30 is substantially constant, so that the first edge 54 of each side panel 30 is straight. In addition, when the side panel 30 is in the stowed position ( Figure 5), the first edge 54 of each side panel 30 is inclined in a direction toward each other, and the fourth edges 40 are opposite to each other. Finally, the inclined nature of the first surface 54 of each side panel 30 provides each side panel 30 with a tapered thickness that decreases in a direction away from the corresponding third edge 58 of each side panel 30.

[0051] When the side panel 30 is in the stowed position ( Figure 5 ), the second edge 56 of each side panel 30 is substantially straight and substantially parallel to the second edge 36 of the main panel 28. As shown, each second edge 56 includes one (1) recess 42 and associated pin 44. The recess 42 and pin 44 are the same as those described above with respect to the main panel 28.

[0052] The third edge 58 extends between and connects the first edge 54 and the second edge 56 of each side panel 30. In addition, each third edge 58 extends along and is substantially parallel to a corresponding one of the third edge 38 and the fourth edge 40 of the main panel 28. The third edge 58 of each side panel 30 includes two (2) hooks 62 that define a generally circular opening 64. The openings 64 receive the pins 44 of the third edge 38 and the fourth edge 40 of the main panel 28, respectively, to rotatably attach the side panel 30 to the main panel 28. In one configuration, the main panel 28 and the side panel 30 are formed of plastic, and the pins 44 and hooks 62 are integrally formed therewith and are similarly formed of plastic. Therefore, the hooks 62 are formed of a resilient and pliable material and receive the corresponding pins 44 in a snap-fit ​​arrangement. The snap-fit ​​arrangement allows the hooks 62 to bend when the pins 44 are initially inserted into the hooks 62, and once the pins 44 are fully inserted into the circular opening 64 defined by the hooks 62, the snap-fit ​​arrangement allows the hooks 62 to snap onto the pins 44. The connection between the pin 44 and the hook 62 maintains the engagement between the side panel 30 and the main panel 28 while allowing the side panel 30 to be in the stowed position ( Figure 5 ) and where to use ( Figure 6 ) to rotate between.

[0053] When the side panels 30 are in the stowed position, the fourth edges 60 of each side panel 30 are opposite to each other. Figure 5 As shown, each fourth edge 60 includes a rear angle surface so that the first edge 54 of each side panel 30 is longer than each second edge 56 of each side panel 30. Therefore, when the side panels 30 are in the stowed position, the fourth edges 40 of each side panel 30 are opposite to each other and are closest to each other at the junction of each fourth edge 40 and each first edge 54, and are farthest from each other at the junction of each fourth edge 40 and each second edge 36. The fourth edges 40 are substantially straight and each include one (1) recess 42 and pin 44.

[0054] As described above, each recess 42 and pin 44 is the same as described above with respect to the main panel 28. Finally, as with the main panel 28, each pin 44 may include a truncated circular cross-section with a longitudinal groove 46, or alternatively, the pin 44 associated with the second edge 36 of each side panel 30 may include a truncated circular cross-section with a longitudinal groove 46, and the pins 44 associated with the third edge 58 and the fourth edge 60 may include a circular cross-section.

[0055] The side panel 30 may additionally include a series of holes 66 formed through the thickness of the side panel 30. The holes 66 may be formed at the same or similar angles as the holes 52 of the main panel 28. The holes 66 provide reduced weight to the side panel 30, thereby reducing the costs associated with manufacturing the side panel 30, and further reducing the ease of moving the side panel 30 between the stowed position and the use position.

[0056] Specific reference Fig. 9 and 10 , the retainer 32 is shown to include a body 68 and a protrusion 72 extending from and integrally formed with the body 68. The retainer 32 can be formed of a rigid material such as plastic or metal and secured to the vehicle floor 20. Specifically, the body 68 includes at least one hole 72 formed through the thickness of the body 68. The hole 72 can receive a fastener 74 that attaches the body 68, and therefore the retainer 32, to the vehicle 20. The fastener 74 may include a series of threads (not shown) that engage carpet fibers of the vehicle floor 20 or a structure of the vehicle floor 20, such as a floor panel 76 ( Figure 11-13 ), to fix the position of the retainer 32 relative to the vehicle floor 20.

[0057] The projection 70 extends from the body 68 in a direction away from the vehicle floor 20 and includes a pair of opposing walls 78 that cooperate to define a channel 80 disposed between the walls 78. The channel 80 includes a generally circular cross-section having a radius equal to the radius of the pin 44 at the arcuate surface 48. The circular cross-section of the channel 80 is interrupted by four (4) projections 82 having the same shape and size as the elongated recesses 46 of the pin 44. Thus, when the pin 44 is received within the channel 80 and the main panel 28 is rotated to the use position, the projections 82 are matingly received by the corresponding recesses 46 to retain the main panel 28 in the use position, as will be described in more detail below.

[0058] Although the main panel 28 and the side panels 30 are described and shown as being formed of plastic and / or metal, the main panel 28 and the side panels 30 may alternatively include a frame 84 and a mesh 86 having the same size and shape as the main panel 28 and the side panels 30, such as Figure 7 and 8Specifically, the frame 84 may be formed of a rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and may include the pins 44 integrally formed therewith for being received by the retainers 32 in a manner similar to the main panels 28 and the side panels 30. In addition, the frame 84 may include the hooks 62 similar to the side panels 30. Although the cargo storage system 22 may include the frame 84 and the net 86 in place of the main panels 28 and the side panels 30, the cargo storage system 22 will be described and shown below and in the figures as including the main panels 28 and the side panels 30.

[0059] The main panel 28 is rotatably attached to the vehicle 10 at the retainer 32 by inserting the pin 44 of the second side 36 into the channel 80 of the retainer 32. Specifically, when the pin 44 initially engages the corresponding retainer 32 at the opening of the channel 80, the walls 78 of the retainer 32 flex and move away from each other to accommodate the pin 44. Once the pin 44 is fully received within the channel 80, the walls 78 return to the relaxed state ( Fig.10 ) to retain the pin 44 within the channel 80. At this point, the main panel 28 is rotatably attached to the vehicle floor 20. In addition, the side panel 30 is also attached to the vehicle floor 20 via the main panel 28 because the side panel 30 is rotatably attached to the main panel 28 via the pin 44 and the hook 62, as described above. Therefore, when the side panel 30 is in the stowed position ( Figure 5 ), the side panel 30 moves with the main panel 28 relative to the vehicle floor 20, and due to the engagement between the main panel 28 and the vehicle floor 20, the side panel 30 is only attached to the vehicle floor 20.

[0060] In operation, the main panel 28 may be in the stowed position ( Fig.11 ), so that the main panel 28 is substantially parallel to the floor 76. It should be noted that although the main panel 28 is shown relative to the floor 76, a layer of padding and carpet (neither shown) can extend between the floor 76 and the main panel 28. In this way, when the main panel 28 is in the stowed position, the main panel 28 can rest on the carpet of the vehicle floor 20.

[0061] The primary panel 28 can be moved from the stowed position (100°) relative to the vehicle floor 20 by applying a force on the primary panel 28 to rotate the pin 44 relative to and within the corresponding retainer 32. Fig.11 ) pivots to the use position ( Fig.12 Once the primary panel 28 is fully rotated relative to the vehicle floor 20, the protrusions 70 of the retainer 32 engage the corresponding recesses 46 of the pins 44 to retain the primary panel 28 in the use position. Fig.12 As shown, when the main panel 28 is in the use position, the main panel 28 is substantially perpendicular to the vehicle floor 20. At this time, the side panel 30 is in the stowed position and is substantially parallel to the main panel 28.

[0062] The side panel 30 can be rotated relative to the main panel 28 about the hook 62 and the associated pin 44 until the side panel 30 is substantially perpendicular to the main panel 28. In this position, the side panel 30 cooperates with the main panel 28 to form a generally U-shape, such as Figure 6 Once rotated, the side panel 30 can be engaged with the retainer 32 attached to the vehicle floor 20 in the same manner as described above with respect to the main panel 28. Fig.13 As shown, the pin 44 associated with the fourth edge 60 can engage the retainer 32 attached to the surrounding vehicle structure 24. At this point, the cargo area 26 is defined by the main panel 28, the side panels 30, and the vehicle structure 24. The cargo area 26 can receive and hold cargo, and when subjected to forces associated with acceleration or braking of the vehicle 10, the main panel 28, the side panels 30, and the vehicle structure 24 will restrict the movement of the cargo.

[0063] The cargo storage system 22 may be returned to the stowed position by disengaging the pins 44 associated with the side panels 30 from the retainers 32 of the vehicle floor 20 and surrounding vehicle structure 24. Once disengaged, the side panels 30 may be rotated relative to the main panel 28 until the side panels 30 extend along and are substantially parallel to the main panel 28 ( Figure 5 ). At this point, the main panel 28 can be rotated relative to the vehicle floor 20 about the pins 44 of the second edge 36 until the main panel 28 and the side panels 30 are substantially parallel to and resting on the vehicle floor 20. Positioning the main panel 28 and the side panels 30 in the stowed position allows larger cargo to be placed in the vehicle bed 12 at the location of the cargo storage system 22.

[0064] As described above, when in the use position, the cargo storage system 22 selectively creates a cargo area 26 to hold items in position beneath the seats 14 on the vehicle floor 20, whether the seats 14 are in the use position or the stowed position. The cargo storage system 22 can be folded and rotated to the stowed position to allow larger cargo to be placed in the vehicle interior 12 when the seats 14 are in the stowed position without having to remove the cargo storage system 22.

[0065] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0066] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A cargo loading system for a vehicle, the cargo loading system comprising: a main panel attached to the floor of the vehicle and rotatable relative to the floor between a stowed position substantially parallel to the floor and a use position substantially perpendicular to the floor; as well as A first side panel is rotatably attached to the main panel and is movable with the main panel between a stowed position and a use position, the first side panel cooperating with the main panel to define a cargo storage area in the use position.

2. The cargo loading system according to claim 1 further includes a second side panel, which is rotatably attached to the main panel and can move with the main panel between the stowed position and the use position, and the second side panel cooperates with the main panel and the first side panel to define the cargo storage area in the use position.

3. The cargo loading system according to claim 2, wherein: The first side panel is rotatably attached to a first edge of the main panel, and the second side panel is rotatably attached to a second edge of the main panel, the second edge being located at an end of the main panel opposite to the first edge.

4. The cargo loading system according to claim 2, wherein: When the main panel is in the stowed position, the first side panel and the second side panel are substantially parallel to each other and to the main panel.

5. The cargo loading system according to claim 2, wherein: When the main panel is in the use position, the first side panel and the second side panel are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the main panel.

6. The cargo loading system according to claim 2, wherein: The first side panel, the second side panel and the main panel cooperate to form a generally U-shape when the main panel is in the use position.

7. The cargo loading system according to claim 1, wherein: When the main panel is in the stowed position, the first side panel is substantially parallel to the main panel.

8. The cargo loading system according to claim 1, wherein: When the main panel is in the use position, the first side panel is substantially perpendicular to the main panel.

9. The cargo loading system of claim 1, wherein: The first side panel and the second side panel are movable independently of each other relative to the main panel.

10. A vehicle comprising the cargo loading system according to claim 1.

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