Vehicle-to-Freight Network System

Abstract

This disclosure provides a "vehicle cargo net system". A cargo net assembly for a vehicle includes a first post having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being connected to a seat back of a seat assembly, and the upper end being configured with a headrest rod connector for connection to a headrest rod on the upper end of the seat back. A second post has a lower end configured to connect to the seat back and a second headrest rod connector at the upper end for connection to a headrest rod. The second post is movable relative to the first post. A mesh extending from the first post to the second post is configured to hold cargo.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a vehicle cargo holding assembly, and more specifically to a cargo net assembly for use in a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with a cargo area, which has space for storing goods. Goods can be transported on the floor of the cargo area and can be held in place. It may be desirable to provide an effective cargo retainer assembly for holding goods within the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a cargo net assembly for a vehicle includes a first post having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being connected to a seat back of a seat assembly, and the upper end being configured with a headrest rod connector for connection to a headrest rod on the upper end of the seat back. A second post has a lower end configured to connect to the seat back and a second headrest rod connector at the upper end for connection to a headrest rod. The second post is movable relative to the first post. A mesh extending from the first post to the second post is configured to hold cargo.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of this disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - The second post is configured to be disconnected from one headrest bar and connected to another headrest bar to adjust the size of the mesh; -The first column includes a fixed column; - A roller mechanism operatively coupled to one of the first and second posts for retracting and extending the mesh during movement of the second post relative to the first post; -The roller mechanism is operably coupled to the first column; - The second headrest rod connector includes a latching mechanism; -The first headrest rod connector includes a latching mechanism; -The lower end of the second column includes a hook for engaging a slot in the lower support structure; - The lower support structure has multiple slots that can selectively engage with the hook; - The lower ends of the first and second pillars are supported by one or more brackets fixed to the seat assembly; and -The one or more supports include ISOFIX supports.

[0005] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes: a seat base; a seat back; one or more headrests connected to the seat back via a plurality of headrest rods; and a cargo net assembly. The cargo net includes a first post having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being connected to the seat back of the seat assembly, and the upper end being configured with a headrest rod connector for connection to a first headrest rod on the upper end of the seat back. A second post has a lower end configured to connect to the seat back and a second headrest rod connector at its upper end for connection to a second headrest rod. The second post is movable relative to the first post. A mesh extending from the first post to the second post is configured to hold cargo.

[0006] Embodiments of the second aspect of this disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - The second post is configured to be disconnected from one headrest bar and connected to another headrest bar to adjust the size of the mesh; -The first column includes a fixed column; - A roller mechanism operatively coupled to one of the first and second posts for retracting and extending the mesh during movement of the second post relative to the first post; -The roller mechanism is operably coupled to the first column; -The first headrest rod connector and the second headrest rod connector include a first latching mechanism and a second latching mechanism; -The lower end of the second column includes a hook for engaging a slot in the lower support structure; - The lower support structure has multiple slots that can selectively engage with the hook; and - The lower ends of the first and second pillars are supported by one or more brackets fixed to the seat assembly.

[0007] These and other features, advantages and objectives of this disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 It is a rear perspective view of a motor vehicle, in which the rear liftgate is in the open position, exposing the rear cargo area, which has a cargo net assembly assembled to the rear seat assembly; Figure 2 This is a rear view of the seat assembly, which has a cargo net assembly deployed in the first position to hold the goods and items. Figure 3This is a rear perspective view of the seat assembly and the cargo net assembly in its first deployed position; Figure 4 This is a rear view of the seat assembly, with the cargo net assembly in its second deployed position; Figure 5 This is a rear view of the seat assembly, with the cargo net assembly in its third unfolded position; Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of the seat assembly in the folded position, with the cargo net assembly in the first unfolded position; Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of the seat assembly, which further shows components of the cargo net assembly shown in dashed lines; Figure 8 This is a front perspective view of the support structure for the cargo net assembly connected to the headrest pole; Figure 8A This is a top perspective view of a column connector of the cargo net assembly that connects to the headrest bar; Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the support structure of the cargo net assembly; and Figure 10 This is a side perspective view of the fixed post of a cargo net assembly with rollers configured to wind part of the net. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, structural elements are depicted not to scale, and some parts are enlarged relative to others for emphasis and understanding purposes.

[0010] Detailed embodiments of this disclosure are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure and may be implemented in various and alternative forms. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily detailed designs; some schematic diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ this disclosure in different ways.

[0011] For descriptive purposes, the terms "up," "down," "right," "left," "back," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and their derivatives should be used in this document. Figure 1The concept of orientation is used. However, it should be understood that the concept may present various alternative orientations unless explicitly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0012] The embodiments shown here primarily concern a combination of method steps and equipment components related to a vehicle cargo network assembly. Therefore, equipment components and method steps have been indicated where appropriate by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings, with only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure shown so as not to obscure the disclosure in ways that would be obvious to those skilled in the art who would benefit from the description herein. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the specification and drawings.

[0013] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used with two or more listed items means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0014] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom are used individually to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus. Without further constraints, an element preceded by “comprising…” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0015] As used herein, the term "about" means that a quantity, dimension, formulation, parameter, and other quantity and characteristic is not precise, nor is it required to be precise, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe an endpoint of a value or range, this disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or the mentioned endpoint. Whether or not the endpoints of numerical values ​​or ranges in this specification are referred to as "about," the endpoints are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about." It should also be understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both in relation to and independent of another endpoint.

[0016] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “basically,” and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, “substantially” is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may indicate that the values ​​are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0017] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, as used herein, the terms “the,” “an,” or “a” mean “at least one” and should not be limited to “only one.” Thus, for example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references to “component” include embodiments having two or more such components.

[0018] refer to Figures 1 to 10 A cargo net assembly 40 is shown for use in a vehicle 10 (such as a motor vehicle) to support and hold one or more cargo items. The cargo net 40 includes a first post 42 having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being connected to a seat back of a seat assembly 20, and the upper end being configured with a headrest rod connector for connection to a headrest rod on the upper end of the seat back 22. The cargo net assembly 40 also has a second post 44 having a second headrest rod connector configured to connect to the lower end of the seat back 22 and at the upper end, wherein the second post 44 is movable relative to the first post such that the distance between them can be adjusted. The cargo net assembly 40 also includes a mesh 46 extending from the first post to the second post and configured to hold cargo.

[0019] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2The cargo net assembly 40 is shown located on the rear wall 26 of the seat back 22 of the rear seat assembly 20. The vehicle 10 may be a motor vehicle, such as a wheeled motor vehicle typically configured with a body 12 supported on multiple tire and wheel assemblies 18. The body 12 typically defines a passenger compartment 14 equipped with one or more rows of seats equipped with seat assemblies. The vehicle 10 may include front seats that may include a driver's seat assembly and a passenger seat assembly, as well as one or more rear seats. The seat assembly 20 is the rearmost seat assembly having seat bases 24 and seat backs 22, and may provide multiple seats, such as three seats in a transverse row as shown.

[0020] Each of the seats has headrests 30, 32, and 34 that generally extend upward from the upper end of the seat back 22. The first headrest 30 includes a pair of headrest rods 30A and 30B that extend into the top of the seat back 22 to adjust the height of the headrest 30. The second headrest 32 also includes a pair of headrest rods 32A and 32B that extend into the top of the seat back 22 and can extend between an upper and lower position. The third headrest 34 also includes a pair of headrest rods 34A and 34B that extend into the top of the seat back 22. Each of the first headrest 30, the second headrest 32, and the third headrest 34 thus defines the upper support portion of each of the three seats provided by the seat assembly 20. For example, headrest bars 30A, 30B, 32A, 32B, 34A and 34B support the position and height of the corresponding headrest and can be configured as cylindrical bars with adjustable height-holding features (such as holding notches).

[0021] Vehicle 10 has a rear portion of a cargo compartment interior 14 that typically defines a rear cargo area 16. Vehicle 10 also has a lift-up door 25 configured to close a rear entry opening at the rear of vehicle 10 and pivot about an upper hinge to move as... Figure 1 The open position is shown to allow rear-end access to the rear cargo area 16. It should be understood that the rear cargo area 16 is generally defined between the rear seats equipped with the rear seat assembly 20, the liftgate 25, and the interior transverse sidewalls. When the liftgate 25 is in the open position, the cargo net assembly 40 and other parts of the rear cargo area 16 can be accessed from the rear access opening.

[0022] Cargo Net Assembly 40 Figures 2 to 5The images are shown in different unfolded positions on the seat back 22 of the seat assembly 20, which is shown in an upright seating position. The cargo net assembly 40 includes a fixed first post 42 having a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is connected to the seat back of the seat assembly 20 on the rear side 26, and the upper end is configured with a headrest rod connector 50 for connection to a headrest rod, such as headrest rod 30A, of a first headrest 30 on the upper portion of the seat back 22. The first post 42 is typically fixed so that it does not move to adjust the size of the cargo net assembly 40.

[0023] The cargo net assembly 40 also includes a second post 44 having a lower end configured to connect to a lower portion of the seat back 22 and a second headrest rod connector 52 at its upper end for connection, according to a first deployed position, to a headrest rod (such as headrest rod 34B) associated with a third headrest 34. The second post 44 is adjustable such that it can move relative to the first post 42 along the width of the seat back 22 to adjust the width dimension of the cargo net assembly 40. The user can disconnect the second post 44 from the connection between the second headrest rod connector 50 and the headrest rod 34B, and can reposition the second post 44 for alignment to connect with another headrest rod to increase or decrease the width of the cargo net assembly 40, particularly the effective extended width of the mesh 46. In doing so, the mesh 46 is extendable and retractable to adjust the size of the exposed mesh.

[0024] The second pillar 44 can be repositioned to provide a way to hold items (such as...) Figure 2 The cargo net assembly 40 is adjusted to one of several positions of the exposed cargo net 46 of different sizes (as shown in the cargo item 100) to change its dimensions. The cargo net assembly 40 can be adjusted to a large width position that extends most of the width of the seat back 22, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In this position, the second post 44 is connected to the furthest headrest bar 34B of the third headrest 34. Therefore, the mesh 46 extends between the first post 42 and the second post 44 to provide a first-sized mesh. The second post 44 can be removed and reinstalled and connected to another headrest bar, such as the headrest bar 32B of the second headrest 32, to provide a second-sized mesh. The second post 44 can be further adjusted to a third-sized mesh, wherein a connector is connected to the headrest bar 32A of the second headrest 32, as shown. Figure 5 As shown. It should be understood that the second post 44 can be assembled to any one of the headrest bars 30A, 30B, 32A, 32B, 34A and 34B of the first headrest 30, the second headrest 32 and the third headrest 34 to provide a mesh 46 that can be used to hold goods of different widths.

[0025] Seat assembly 20 can be reconfigured so that seat back 22 folds forward and downward as... Figure 6 The folded position is shown, with the cargo net assembly 40 oriented on a generally horizontal top surface. When the seat back 22 is in the folded seat configuration, the cargo net assembly 40 can be easily installed and unloaded from the side of the compartment, such as via a side door. In this folded seat configuration, the cargo net assembly 40 can hold the cargo with the mesh 46, which helps to reduce cargo movement. It should be understood that when the seat is in the folded position, the dimensions of the exposed mesh 46 used to hold the cargo can be adjusted in width by repositioning the second post 44 relative to the first post 42.

[0026] refer to Figures 7 to 9 The cargo net assembly 40 is shown as having a support structure for supporting the first post 42 and the second post 44, as well as the mesh 46, on the rear side of the seat back 22 of the seat assembly 20. The support structure 60 typically includes a plurality of ISOFIX rods on the first ISOFIX bracket 62 and the second ISOFIX bracket 64. The first ISOFIX bracket 62 is fixedly attached to the seat and has a first ISOFIX rod 62A and a second ISOFIX rod 62B, which typically extend forward between the seat base 24 and the seat back 22 and can be used as a support structure for, for example, supporting a child seat. The second ISOFIX bracket 64 is fixedly attached to the seat and has a third ISOFIX rod 64A and a fourth ISOFIX rod 64B, which also extend forward between the seat base 24 and the seat back 22 to allow for use as a support structure for, for example, supporting a child seat.

[0027] The lower end of the fixed second pillar 42 has a curved elbow extending forward of the vehicle, the curved elbow having a connecting slot 66 configured to connect with a cover 70A. The cover 70A has a connecting arm 72A configured to insert into and engage with the slot 66 to securely hold the fixed first pillar 42 in place on the seat. The upper end of the first seat pillar 42 has a headrest rod connector 50 configured to connect to a headrest rod 30A.

[0028] The cargo net assembly 40 also includes a base plate 80 having a plurality of adjustable receivers 82A to 82D configured to be used for connecting to and supporting slots at the lower end of the second post 44. The base plate 80 has a connection slot 84 at one end, configured to be held by a second cover 70B having a connector arm 72B near or within a second ISOFIX bracket 62B. The opposite end of the base plate 80 has a further connection slot 86 configured to engage a third cover 70C having a connection arm 72C near or within an ISOFIX bracket 64B. Thus, the base plate 80 can be secured in place and supported on the ISOFIX brackets 62 and 64, thereby holding it in place on the rear side 26 of the seat back 22.

[0029] The second post 44 has an adjustable connector 88 at its lower end, shown as a hook, which is configured to engage within one of the retaining slots 82A to 82D, depending on the desired size of the unfolded mesh 46. The hook-configured connector 88 can be inserted into one of the elongated slots 82A to 82D and slide laterally to connect to an adjacent slot to secure the lower end of the first post 44 in place. The upper end of the second post 44 has a headrest bar connector 52, which can be connected to an optional headrest bar among the other headrest bars.

[0030] The first post 42 and the second post 44 each have a headrest rod connector 50 or 52 at their upper ends for connection to a headrest rod on the seat back. One of the headrest rod connectors 52 is in... Figure 8A The image shows the engagement of headrest bar 34B. Headrest bar connector 50 has a first C-shaped connector 90A and a second C-shaped connector 90B, which are generally facing each other and configured to receive the cylindrical headrest bar 34B. The first C-shaped connector 90A is pivotally connected to the upper end of the second post 44 via a vertically aligned pivot pin 92A, which can be spring-biased by a bias spring 94A toward the closed position facing the opposing C-shaped connector 90B. The second C-shaped connector 90B also has a vertically aligned pivot pin 92B connected to the upper end of the second post and a bias spring 94B for biasing the second C-shaped connector to the engaged position. Therefore, headrest bar connector 52 can be mounted to headrest bar 34B and can be removed from bar 34B and reattached to another headrest bar to change the unfolded width dimension of the mesh 46. It should be understood that headrest bar connector 50 can be configured to be the same as or similar to headrest bar connector 52.

[0031] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 10The first post 42 is shown having a roller mechanism 90 in the form of a reel, which can be used to wind the mesh 46 and thereby retract the mesh to a shorter width position, and to unwind the mesh 46 and thereby extend the mesh to an extended longer width position. According to one example, the roller mechanism 90 may be mounted on or within a housing of the first post 42, substantially extending the height of the first post 42, and may include a spring biasing mechanism to bias the roller mechanism 90 in the direction in which the mesh 46 is wound into the retracted configuration.

[0032] Therefore, the cargo net assembly 40 advantageously provides an adjustable cargo net 46 on the rear side of the seat back 22 of the vehicle seat assembly 20 to hold one or more items of cargo in the net 46. Advantageously, the width dimension of the cargo net assembly 40 is adjustable, allowing the user to easily adjust the size of the net 46 used to hold the cargo.

[0033] It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the foregoing structures without departing from the concept of this disclosure, and it should also be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless otherwise expressly stated in their language.

[0034] According to the present invention, a cargo net assembly for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a first post having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being connected to a seat back of a seat assembly, the upper end being configured with a headrest rod connector for connection to a headrest rod on the upper end of the seat back; a second post having a lower end configured to be connected to the seat back and a second headrest rod connector at the upper end for connection to a headrest rod, wherein the second post is movable relative to the first post; and a mesh extending from the first post to the second post and configured to hold cargo.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the second post is configured to be disconnected from one headrest bar and connected to another headrest bar to adjust the size of the mesh.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the first column includes a fixed column.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a roller mechanism operably coupled to one of the first and second posts for retracting and extending the mesh during movement of the second post relative to the first post.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the roller mechanism is operatively coupled to the first column.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the second headrest rod connector includes a latching mechanism.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the first headrest rod connector includes a latching mechanism.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the lower end of the second column includes a hook for engaging a slot in the lower support structure.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the lower support structure has a plurality of slots that can selectively engage with the hook.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the lower ends of the first column and the second column are supported by one or more brackets fixed to the seat assembly.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the one or more supports include ISOFIX supports.

[0045] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided, comprising: a seat base; a seat back; one or more headrests connected to the seat back via a plurality of headrest rods; and a cargo net assembly comprising: a first post having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being connected to the seat back of the seat assembly, and the upper end being configured with a headrest rod connector for connection to a first headrest rod on the upper end of the seat back; a second post having a lower end configured to be connected to the seat back and a second headrest rod connector at the upper end for connection to a second headrest rod, wherein the second post is movable relative to the first post; and a mesh extending from the first post to the second post and configured to hold cargo.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the second post is configured to be disconnected from one headrest bar and connected to another headrest bar to adjust the size of the mesh.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the first column includes a fixed column.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a roller mechanism operably coupled to one of the first and second posts for retracting and extending the mesh during movement of the second post relative to the first post.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the roller mechanism is operatively coupled to the first column.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the first headrest rod connector and the second headrest rod connector include a first latching mechanism and a second latching mechanism.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the lower end of the second column includes a hook for engaging a slot in the lower support structure.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the lower support structure has a plurality of slots that can selectively engage with the hook.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the lower ends of the first column and the second column are supported by one or more brackets fixed to the seat assembly.

Claims

1. A cargo net assembly for a vehicle, the cargo net assembly comprising: A first column has a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being connected to the seat back of the seat assembly, and the upper end being provided with a headrest rod connector for connecting to a headrest rod on the upper end of the seat back. The second column has a lower end configured to connect to the seat back and a second headrest rod connector at the upper end for connecting to the headrest rod, wherein the second column is movable relative to the first column; as well as A mesh extending from the first post to the second post and configured to hold goods.

2. The cargo net assembly of claim 1, wherein the second post is configured to be disconnected from one headrest post and connected to another headrest post to adjust the size of the net.

3. The cargo net assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first post includes a fixed post.

4. The cargo net assembly of claim 1, further comprising a roller mechanism operably coupled to one of the first post and the second post for retracting and extending the net during movement of the second post relative to the first post.

5. The cargo net assembly of claim 4, wherein the roller mechanism is operatively coupled to the first post.

6. The cargo net assembly of claim 1, wherein the second headrest rod connector includes a latching mechanism.

7. The cargo net assembly of claim 6, wherein the first headrest rod connector includes a latching mechanism.

8. The cargo net assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the second post includes a hook for engaging a slot in the lower support structure.

9. The cargo net assembly of claim 8, wherein the lower support structure has a plurality of slots that can selectively engage with the hook.

10. The cargo net assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lower ends of the first post and the second post are supported by one or more brackets fixed to the seat assembly.

11. The cargo net assembly of claim 10, wherein the one or more supports comprise ISOFIX supports.

12. A vehicle seat assembly, the vehicle seat assembly comprising: Seat base; Seat backrest; One or more headrests, the one or more headrests being connected to the seat back via a plurality of headrest rods; as well as Cargo net assembly, the cargo net assembly comprising: A first pillar has a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being connected to the seat back of the seat assembly, and the upper end being provided with a headrest rod connector for connection to a first headrest rod on the upper end of the seat back. The second column has a lower end configured to connect to the seat back and a second headrest rod connector at the upper end for connecting to a second headrest rod, wherein the second column is movable relative to the first column; as well as A mesh extending from the first post to the second post and configured to hold goods.

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