Pad for substrate with hole

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a pad for a substrate having a hole. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a substrate including a plurality of apertures; and a pad. At least a first set of apertures of the plurality of apertures is configured to receive mounting legs from accessories to be mounted on the substrate. The pad includes an attachment structure that is selectively securable to the substrate via one or more of the plurality of apertures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a pad that can be selectively secured to a substrate for attaching accessories within a cargo or work area of ​​a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles transport various types of cargo. For example, users rely on vehicles to transport accessories such as containers and tools to and from a job site. The accessories that need to be transported can vary based on the tasks users perform at the job site. Support surfaces within the cargo area or work area can be configured in various ways to securely support the accessories. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a base plate comprising a plurality of holes, wherein at least a first set of holes among the plurality of holes is configured to receive mounting feet from an accessory to be mounted on the base plate; and a pad comprising an attachment structure that can be selectively secured to the base plate via one or more of the plurality of holes.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the base plate is spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cargo area by a gap, and wherein the liner is selectively stowable within the gap beneath the base plate.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatuses, the substrate includes a first substrate positioned at a first vertical position relative to a bottom surface of the cargo area, and includes a second substrate positioned at a second vertical position relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area, the second substrate being above or below the first substrate, and wherein the cushion is selectively securable to the first substrate or the second substrate.

[0006] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatuses, the upper surface of the cushion has a first vertical height relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area at a first cushion end and a second vertical height relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area at a second cushion end, the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height.

[0007] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, the cargo area extends from a passenger area to a rear of a vehicle, and wherein the first cushion end is positioned at the rear of the vehicle.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatuses, the liner includes a central region surrounded by a peripheral edge, and wherein the thickness of the central region of the liner is greater than the thickness of the liner at the peripheral edge.

[0009] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatuses, the cushion includes one or more handles.

[0010] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatuses, the liner is comprised of high density polyethylene plastic.

[0011] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatuses, the pad comprises a persistent luminescent material.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, the gasket includes one or more gasket openings that are aligned with one or more of the plurality of holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure includes one or more clips that are associated with the one or more gasket openings and secure the gasket to the substrate while leaving the one or more gasket openings uncovered.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, the attachment structure includes one or more protrusions formed with the gasket, the one or more protrusions extending into one or more of the plurality of holes in the substrate.

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, the gasket includes one or more gasket openings, which are aligned with one or more of the multiple holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure includes one or more fasteners, which are inserted through the one or more gasket openings and into the one or more holes to secure the gasket to the substrate and cover the one or more gasket openings.

[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, the gasket comprises one or more gasket openings aligned with one or more of the plurality of holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure comprises:

[0016] an insert that is pressed into the one or more holes, the insert comprising a central opening and compressible fingers extending downwardly around the central opening; and

[0017] A post having an enlarged head is inserted into the central opening to press the compressible fingers outward to secure the gasket to the substrate.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, the first set of holes includes mounting foot holes having a first size, and wherein the plurality of holes includes a second set of holes, the second set of holes including locking holes, the gasket being capable of being secured to the substrate through the locking holes, wherein the locking holes have a second size different from the first size.

[0019] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, providing a plurality of holes in a substrate, wherein at least a first group of holes in the plurality of holes is configured to receive mounting feet from an accessory to be mounted on the substrate; and selectively attaching an attachment structure of a pad to the substrate via one or more holes in the plurality of holes.

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the method includes storing the liner in an open area below the substrate; pulling the liner out of the open area; and securing the liner to an upper surface of the substrate.

[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes vacuum forming the liner from a high density polyethylene plastic material.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes installing the liner in a cargo area of ​​a vehicle and positioning a portion of the liner proximate the passenger area at one end of the cargo area to be at a higher elevation relative to a portion of the liner in the cargo area proximate the rear of the vehicle.

[0023] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes shaping a central region of the liner to have a greater thickness than a peripheral edge portion of the liner.

[0024] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes: forming the attachment structure into one or more protrusions in the pad, and inserting the one or more protrusions into one or more of the multiple holes in the substrate; or forming one or more pad openings in the pad, the one or more pad openings aligned with one or more of the multiple holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure includes a plurality of elastic members, which are initially compressed during insertion through the one or more holes and then expand after insertion to secure the pad to the substrate.

[0025] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle bed equipped with a base plate that can be used to secure accessories is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A top view of a pad that may be supported on a substrate according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A top view of the substrate supporting the pad is shown.

[0030] Figure 4A Shown with a similar Figure 3 A perspective view of the cargo bed support pad.

[0031] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a pad supported on an upper substrate.

[0032] Figure 4C is a perspective view of a pad supported on a lower substrate.

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an example attachment structure for attaching a gasket to a substrate.

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another example attachment structure for attaching a gasket to a substrate.

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view of yet another example attachment structure for attaching a gasket to a substrate.

[0036] Figure 8A is an exploded view of yet another example attachment structure for attaching a gasket to a substrate.

[0037] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A The initial installation position of the attachment structure.

[0038] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A The final installation position of the attachment structure.

[0039] Figure 8D yes Figure 8C Top view of .

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a cushion positioned higher near the front of the cargo area than at the rear of the cargo area.

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a gasket having a smaller thickness at the peripheral edge of the gasket and a larger thickness in the central portion of the gasket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] This disclosure details a pad that can be selectively secured to a base plate for use with an accessory attachment system for a vehicle. The base plate provides an attachment interface, including a plurality of holes, for securing an accessory in place within a cargo or work area. There are often situations where it would be useful for a vehicle owner to be able to cover the base plate / holes with a protective structure, such as a pad. This disclosure provides a pad that can be quickly and efficiently attached to the base plate to provide a continuous and substantially uninterrupted support surface.

[0043] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , a vehicle cargo area 10 has a first end adjacent to a passenger compartment 12 and a second end at a rear portion 16 of the vehicle (e.g., a tailgate, a closure panel, etc.). The cargo area 10 has a floor 18. In this example, the vehicle is a pickup truck. However, in another example, the vehicle can be another type of vehicle, such as a sedan, a van, a sport utility vehicle, etc. The example vehicle can also be a conventional internal combustion engine powered vehicle or an electrified vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more base plates 20 are used to support one or more accessories and / or modules 22. In one example, the base plates 20 are secured directly to the floor 18 of the cargo area 10 at a first connection interface by fastening, welding, etc. Figure 4B In another example shown in , the base plate 20 can be supported for sliding movement on tracks, rails 24, or other types of sliding structures within the cargo compartment 10. An example of such a system with sliding movement can be found in application number 17 / 886663, filed on August 12, 2022, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference. The accessories and / or modules 22 can be secured to the vehicle by engaging one or more of the base plates 20 via a second connection interface between the accessories 22 and the base plates 20. The accessories / modules 22 can include lockable storage boxes that hold tools, containers, refrigerators, etc.

[0045] like Figure 1, the base plate 20 includes a plurality of openings or holes 26. An example accessory 22 comprises a lockable container or box 22 that includes one or more mounting feet 28. The box 22 can be joined to the base plate 20 using an attachment system that includes a plurality of holes 26 and mounting feet 28 that cooperate to provide a mechanical connection interface. The base plate 20 and holes 26 are spaced upwardly from the floor 18 by an open gap so that the feet 28 of the accessory 22 can be easily inserted into the holes 26 in the base plate 20 to attach the accessory 22 to the base plate 20.

[0046] In one example, the pad 30 ( Figure 2 ) is selectively secured to the base plate 20 to cover the base plate 20 and the aperture 26. In one example, the gasket 30 includes a generally rectangular body having a central region 32 surrounded by a peripheral edge 34. The gasket 30 includes an attachment interface 36 for selectively securing the gasket 30 to the base plate 20 via one or more of the plurality of apertures in the base plate 20.

[0047] In one example, the holes 26 formed in the base plate 20 include a board attachment interface for the accessory 22. However, the base plate 20 may also include additional holes to provide other attachment features or power connection features. In one example, the base plate 20 includes a plurality of connection and / or locking holes 38 that interact with the attachment interface 36 of the pad 30. These locking holes 38 are provided at multiple locations on the base plate 20 and are formed in a desired pattern relative to the holes 26 for the mounting feet 28 of the accessory 22. In one example, the foot holes 26 and the locking holes 38 have different sizes and / or shapes. In one example, the locking holes 38 are smaller in size than the foot holes 26.

[0048] As discussed above, there is an open area 40 beneath the base plate 20. In one example, the liner 30 can be selectively stored within the open area 40 when not needed. When the liner 30 is needed, the liner 30 can be easily pulled out of the open area 40 via, for example, one or more handles 42 and placed on the upper surface of the base plate 20. The liner 30 can then be secured to the base plate 20 via the attachment interface 36.

[0049] In one example, the handle 42 includes an opening 44 integrally formed in the liner 30 near a front edge 46 of the liner 30. The opening 44 provides a gripping portion 48 that can be grasped by a user to pull the liner 30 out of the opening area 40 and / or upwardly away from the base plate 20 for removal purposes.

[0050] When in the stowed / stored position, the liner 30 may rest on the floor 18 of the cargo area 10 , as shown. Figure 4AOptionally, multiple base plates 20 may be mounted within the track / rail 24 to provide different support surface heights. Figure 4B An example is shown in which the pad 30 is supported on the base plate 20 , which has been slid out of the lower position 50 and into the upper position 52 (see arrow S).

[0051] Figure 4C The following example is shown: the base plate includes a first base plate 20a positioned at a lower position 50 (i.e., a first vertical position relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area), and a second base plate 20b is provided, which is positioned at an upper position 52, i.e., a second vertical position above the first base plate 20a relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area. The pad 30 can be selectively fixed to the first base plate 20a or the second base plate 20b. Optionally, each base plate 20 can be covered by a pad 30. Figure 4C In the example shown in , the gasket 30 is attached to the lower substrate 20 a.

[0052] Figure 5 One example of an attachment structure 36 is shown. In this example, the attachment structure 36 includes one or more protrusions 62 formed with the liner 30. In one example, there are at least four protrusions 62, for example, one spaced inwardly from each corner of the liner 30, which extend into corresponding locking holes 38 in the base plate 20. The protrusions 62 can be integrally formed with the liner 30 or separately attached thereto. Furthermore, fewer or additional protrusions can be used as desired.

[0053] Figure 6 Another example of an attachment structure 36 is shown. In this example, the attachment structure 36 includes one or more clips 64. In one example, there are at least four clips 64, for example, one spaced inward from each corner of the liner 30, which extend into corresponding locking holes 38 in the base plate 20. Fewer or additional clips 64 can be used as needed. In this example, the attachment structure 36 also includes a liner opening 66 that aligns with the locking hole 38 of the base plate 20. In this example configuration, the clips 64 are associated with the liner opening 66 and secure the liner 30 to the base plate 20 while leaving the liner opening 66 uncovered. In this configuration, the base plate locking opening 38 can also be accessible.

[0054] In one example, the clip 64 includes at least two compressible tabs or fingers 68 connected to each other via a U-shaped body portion 70, and a second pair of compressible tabs or fingers 72 are outboard of the first pair of compressible tabs or fingers 68. The second pair of compressible tabs or fingers 72 are below the liner 30 and associated with the base plate 20, and the first pair of compressible tabs or fingers 68 extend through the liner opening 66. The first pair of compressible tabs or fingers 68 are compressed inwardly toward each other to fit through the opening 66, and then expand outwardly to secure the liner 30 to the base plate 20.

[0055] Figure 7 Another example of an attachment structure 36 is shown. In this example, the attachment structure 36 includes one or more fasteners 74. In one example, there are at least four fasteners 74, for example, one spaced inward from each corner of the liner 30, which extend into corresponding locking holes 38 in the base plate 20. Fewer or additional fasteners 74 may be used as needed. In this example, the attachment structure 36 also includes a liner opening 66 that aligns with the locking holes 38 of the base plate 20. In this example configuration, the fasteners 74 are associated with the liner openings 66 and secure the liner 30 to the base plate 20 while covering both the liner openings 66 and the locking openings 38. In one example, the fasteners 74 include a flat base 76 having a central extension that includes a plurality of compressible tabs or fingers 78. The plurality of compressible tabs or fingers are inserted through the liner openings 66 and into the locking holes 38 to secure the liner 30 to the base plate 20, such that the base 76 covers the liner openings 66. The compressible tabs or fingers 78 compress inwardly during insertion and expand outwardly once inserted. A user can grasp the base 76 to pull the fastener 74 away from the pad, or can use the handle 42 to lift the fastener 74 out.

[0056] Figures 8A to 8D Another example of an attachment structure 36 is shown. In this example, the attachment structure 36 includes one or more inserts 80 and posts 82. In one example, there are at least four sets of inserts and posts, for example, one set spaced inwardly from each corner of the liner 30, that extend into corresponding locking holes 38 in the base plate 20. Fewer or additional sets of inserts and posts can be used as desired. In this example, the attachment structure 36 also includes a liner opening 66 that aligns with the locking hole 38 of the base plate 20. In this example configuration, the inserts 80 and posts 82 are associated with the liner opening 66 and secure the liner 30 to the base plate 20 while leaving the liner opening 66 and the locking opening 38 covered.

[0057] In one example, the insert 80 is first pressed into the corresponding locking hole 38. The insert 80 includes a central opening 84 and a compressible finger 86 extending downwardly around the central opening 84. In one example, the post 82 includes an enlarged head 88 with a reduced linear portion 90 extending away from the head 88. The linear portion 90 is inserted into the central opening 84 to press the compressible finger 86 outward to secure the gasket 30 to the base plate 20. In this example, a tool (not shown) may be required to pull out the post 82.

[0058] like Figure 9 As schematically shown in FIG, the upper surface 54 of the liner 30 has a first vertical height V1 relative to the bottom surface 56 of the cargo area 10 at a first liner end 58, and a second vertical height V2 relative to the bottom surface 56 of the cargo area 10 at a second liner end 60, the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height V1. This allows for drainage to be managed in a desired direction. In one example, the cargo area 10 extends from the passenger compartment 12 to a rear portion 16 of the vehicle, such as a tailgate, a closure panel, etc., and the first liner end 58 is positioned at the rear portion 16 of the vehicle so that fluid can drain from the passenger compartment 12.

[0059] As discussed above, the liner 30 includes a central region 32 surrounded by a peripheral edge 34. In one example, the thickness T1 of the liner 30 in the central region 32 is greater than the thickness T2 of the liner 30 at the peripheral edge 34. Figure 10 This configuration can facilitate sealing. For example, the liner 30 seals at the edges 34 by being stretched more at the periphery to make the edges 34 more flexible by having a thinner wall thickness. In one example, the cross-section of the liner 30 includes a wavy pattern to give a thinner wall thickness, such as Figure 10 As shown in .

[0060] In one example, the liner 30 is composed of a low-friction material (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic) or other similar material. Furthermore, the liner 30 can have varying degrees of softness / hardness. In one example, the liner 30 is vacuum-formed; however, other forming processes may also be used. The use of a low-friction plastic material allows the liner 30 to slide out when pulled by a handle 42 at the front edge 46 of the liner 30.

[0061] In one example, the liner includes a persistent luminescent material, such as a glow-in-the-dark phosphor. In one example, this material is molded in combination with a plastic material. This can provide illumination beneath the base plate 20 when the liner 30 is in the stowed position. The phosphor material is charged during the day by light from an opening in the base plate and can then glow at night to provide a supplemental light source.

[0062] The present disclosure provides a liner that extends beneath a base plate into the cargo bed. The liner protects the cargo bed from water and debris, is easily pulled out for cleaning, and can be selectively locked in place on the base plate. A handle is provided for pulling out the liner, which can be composed of a low-friction plastic to further facilitate sliding movement. Water management, such as drain control, is also provided because the liner is higher near the vehicle bed than at the rear of the vehicle, allowing water to flow out. Furthermore, the liner tapers at the edges, thereby creating a friction fit that seals against the vehicle bed.

[0063] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection afforded to the present disclosure should be determined solely by studying the appended claims.

[0064] According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a base plate comprising a plurality of holes, wherein at least a first set of holes of the plurality of holes is configured to receive mounting feet from an accessory to be mounted on the base plate; and a pad comprising an attachment structure selectively securable to the base plate via one or more of the plurality of holes.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the base plate is spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cargo area by a gap, and wherein the pad is selectively stowable within the gap below the base plate.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the base plate includes a first base plate positioned at a first vertical position relative to a bottom surface of the cargo area, and includes a second base plate positioned at a second vertical position relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area, the second base plate being above or below the first base plate, and wherein the cushion is selectively securable to the first base plate or the second base plate.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the upper surface of the cushion has a first vertical height relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area at a first cushion end and a second vertical height relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area at a second cushion end, the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the cargo area extends from a passenger area to a rear portion of the vehicle, and wherein the first cushion end is positioned at the rear portion of the vehicle.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the liner comprises a central area surrounded by a peripheral edge, and wherein the thickness of the liner in the central area is greater than the thickness of the liner at the peripheral edge.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the cushion comprises one or more handles.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the liner consists of high density polyethylene plastic.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the pad comprises a persistent luminescent material.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the gasket includes one or more gasket openings, which are aligned with one or more holes in the plurality of holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure includes one or more clips, which are associated with the one or more gasket openings and secure the gasket to the substrate while leaving the one or more gasket openings uncovered.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the attachment structure comprises one or more protrusions formed with the gasket, the one or more protrusions extending into one or more holes of the plurality of holes in the substrate.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the gasket includes one or more gasket openings, which are aligned with one or more holes in the plurality of holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure includes one or more fasteners, which are inserted through the one or more gasket openings and into the one or more holes to secure the gasket to the substrate and cover the one or more gasket openings.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the pad includes one or more pad openings aligned with one or more of the plurality of holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure includes: an insert that is pressed into the one or more holes, the insert including a central opening and compressible fingers that extend downwardly around the central opening; and a post having an enlarged head that is inserted into the central opening to press the compressible fingers outward to secure the pad to the substrate.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the first set of holes comprises mounting foot holes having a first size, and wherein the plurality of holes comprises a second set of holes comprising locking holes through which the gasket can be secured to the substrate, wherein the locking holes have a second size different from the first size.

[0078] According to the present invention, a method includes: providing a plurality of holes in a base plate, wherein at least a first group of holes in the plurality of holes is configured to receive mounting feet from an accessory to be mounted on the base plate; and selectively attaching an attachment structure of a gasket to the base plate via one or more holes in the plurality of holes.

[0079] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: storing the liner in an open area below the substrate; pulling the liner out of the open area; and securing the liner to an upper surface of the substrate.

[0080] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes vacuum forming the liner from a high density polyethylene plastic material.

[0081] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes installing the liner in a cargo area of ​​a vehicle and positioning a portion of the liner proximate a passenger area at one end of the cargo area to be at a higher elevation relative to a portion of the liner in the cargo area proximate a rear of the vehicle.

[0082] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes forming a central region of the liner to have a greater thickness than a peripheral edge portion of the liner.

[0083] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: forming the attachment structure into one or more protrusions in the pad, and inserting the one or more protrusions into one or more of the multiple holes in the substrate; or forming one or more pad openings in the pad, the one or more pad openings being aligned with one or more of the multiple holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure includes a plurality of elastic members, which are initially compressed during insertion through the one or more holes and then expand after insertion to secure the pad to the substrate.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a base plate comprising a plurality of holes, wherein at least a first set of holes in the plurality of holes is configured to receive mounting feet from an accessory to be mounted on the base plate; as well as A gasket includes an attachment structure selectively securable to the substrate via one or more of the plurality of apertures.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base plate is spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cargo area by a gap, and wherein the liner is selectively stowable within the gap below the base plate.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a first substrate positioned at a first vertical position relative to a bottom surface of a cargo area, and comprises a second substrate positioned at a second vertical position relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area, the second substrate being above or below the first substrate, and wherein the cushion is selectively securable to the first substrate or the second substrate.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the cushion has a first vertical height relative to a bottom surface of a cargo area at a first cushion end and a second vertical height relative to the bottom surface of the cargo area at a second cushion end, the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height, and optionally, wherein the cargo area extends from a passenger area to a rear of a vehicle, and wherein the first cushion end is positioned at the rear of the vehicle.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pad includes a central region surrounded by a peripheral edge, and wherein the pad has a thickness in the central region that is greater than a thickness at the peripheral edge of the pad.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The pad includes one or more handles; The liner is composed of high-density polyethylene plastic; or The backing includes a persistent luminescent material.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pad comprises one or more pad openings that align with one or more of the plurality of holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure comprises one or more clips that are associated with the one or more pad openings and secure the pad to the substrate while leaving the one or more pad openings uncovered.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment structure comprises one or more protrusions formed with the gasket, the one or more protrusions extending into one or more of the plurality of holes in the substrate.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the gasket comprises one or more gasket openings aligned with one or more of the plurality of holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure comprises one or more fasteners inserted through the one or more gasket openings and into the one or more holes to secure the gasket to the substrate and cover the one or more gasket openings.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the gasket comprises one or more gasket openings aligned with one or more of the plurality of holes in the substrate, and wherein the attachment structure comprises: an insert that is pressed into the one or more holes, the insert comprising a central opening and compressible fingers extending downwardly around the central opening; as well as A post having an enlarged head is inserted into the central opening to press the compressible fingers outward to secure the gasket to the substrate.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first set of holes comprises mounting foot holes having a first size, and wherein the plurality of holes comprises a second set of holes comprising locking holes through which the gasket can be secured to the substrate, wherein the locking holes have a second size different from the first size.

12. A method comprising: providing a plurality of holes in a base plate, wherein at least a first set of holes in the plurality of holes is configured to receive mounting feet from an accessory to be mounted on the base plate; as well as The attachment structure of the gasket is selectively attached to the substrate via one or more of the plurality of holes.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising: storing the liner in an open area beneath the substrate; pulling the liner out of the open area; as well as The gasket is secured to the upper surface of the substrate.

14. The method of claim 12, comprising: installing the liner in a cargo area of ​​a vehicle and positioning a portion of the liner proximate a passenger area at one end of the cargo area to be at a higher elevation relative to a portion of the liner in the cargo area proximate a rear portion of the vehicle; and / or A central region of the liner is formed to have a greater thickness than a peripheral edge portion of the liner.

15. The method of claim 12, comprising: forming the attachment structure into one or more protrusions in the gasket and inserting the one or more protrusions into one or more of the plurality of holes in the base plate; or One or more liner openings are formed in the liner, the one or more liner openings being aligned with one or more of the plurality of holes in the base plate, and wherein the attachment structure includes a plurality of elastic members that are initially compressed during insertion through the one or more holes and then expand after insertion to secure the liner to the base plate.

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