Multi-level storage system for the rear loading area

Abstract

A multi-level storage system (10) for a vehicle (14), comprising: a middle platform (16) that can be operated between lower and upper positions (18, 20); a rear seat (22) designed to receive the middle platform (16) horizontally in the upper position (20); a lower collection container (24) arranged under and behind the rear seat (22) and at least partially covered by the middle platform (16) in the lower position (18);and an upper collection container (26) which is connected to the rear seat (22) and is rotatable between stowed and accessible positions (28, 30), characterized in that the rear seat (22) has, in addition to the multi-tiered storage system (10), a latch (120) which is designed to engage in a central platform flap (122) which is arranged at the rear edge (124) of the central platform (16), wherein the central platform flap (122) is designed to engage in the latch (120) of the rear seat (22) in order to arrange the central platform (16) in a horizontal configuration when it is in the upper position (20).

Description

The present invention relates generally to organizers for storage purposes in vehicles and in particular to a multi-level storage system for the rear loading area of ​​a vehicle. US 6 050 202 A discloses a cargo divider. US 2003 / 0090120 A1 discloses a cargo management system. US 5 039 155 A discloses a seating system with a shelf. US 2 619 395 A discloses an adjustable table. US 3 049 374 A discloses attachments for a passenger seat. Various automobiles feature rear cargo areas in the form of open, unpartitioned spaces where diverse items can be placed. Certain vehicles have hooks, individual compartments, and other features that can be used to organize cargo in the rear cargo area. Many of these features serve only one purpose and have limited functionality, as the storage features are not adaptable enough to accommodate cargo of different orientations, sizes, or materials. The object of the invention is to create a rear loading area of ​​an automobile, whereby storage features of the loading area are even more adaptable. The problem is solved by the features of claims 1, 9 and 17. Preferred embodiments are specified in the further claims. In at least one aspect, a multi-level storage system for a vehicle includes a central platform that can be operated between lower and upper positions. A rear seat is designed to horizontally accommodate the central platform in its upper position. A lower collection container is located under and behind the rear seat and is at least partially covered by the central platform in its lower position. An upper collection container is connected to the rear seat and can be rotated between stowed and accessible positions. In at least one other aspect, a rear storage system for a vehicle comprises an operable frame with a platform. A rear seat has a holder for horizontally receiving the platform in an upper position of the frame. A lower collection container has an upper lip designed to receive the platform when the frame is in a lower position. An upper collection container is attached to the rear seat and can be rotated between stowed and accessible positions. In at least one other aspect, a multi-level storage system for a vehicle comprises a lower collection container and a middle platform with an operable frame attached to the lower collection container, wherein the middle platform at least partially surrounds the lower collection container when the frame is in a lower position. A rear seat is designed to accommodate the middle platform horizontally when the frame is in the upper position. A stowable upper collection container can be operated between stowed and accessible positions. These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will become understandable and apparent to the person skilled in the art upon reading the following specification, claims and attached drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a rear perspective top view of a vehicle with an embodiment of the multi-level cargo storage system in a fully closed position and the middle platform in a lower position; Fig. 2 a rear perspective top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the lids of the rear collection containers in an open position; Fig. 3 a rear perspective top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the middle platforms in an upper position; Fig. 4 a rear perspective top view of the embodiment of Fig. 3 with an extendable net element arranged over the rear loading area; Fig. 5 a rear perspective top view of the embodiment of Fig. 3 with the upper collection containers in an accessible position; Fig. 6 a rear perspective top view of the embodiment of Fig.5 with a middle platform in the lower position and an upper collection container in a stowed position; Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 along line VII-VII; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 4 along line VIII-VIII; Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 6 along line IX-IX; and Fig. 10 a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the multi-level cargo storage system with the middle platform in an upper position. For the purposes of this description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and their derivatives refer to the orientation of the invention as shown in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and methods shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be understood as limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. As shown in Fig. 1, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a multi-level vehicle storage system, shown and installed in a rear loading area 12 of a vehicle 14, according to one embodiment. The multi-level storage system 10 has a central platform 16, which can be operated between lower and upper positions 18, 20, and a rear seat 22, which is designed to horizontally accommodate the central platform 16 in the upper position 20. A lower collection container 24 is arranged under and behind the rear seat 22 and is at least partially covered by the central platform 16 when the central platform 16 is in the lower position 18. An upper collection container 26 is connected to the rear seat 22 and can be rotatably operated between a stowed position 28 and an accessible position 30. Referring to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6, the multi-tiered storage system 10 is typically located behind the rearmost seat in a vehicle 14 within the rear loading area 12, which is usually accessible via a rear door or tailgate. Depending on the type of vehicle 14 equipped with the multi-tiered storage system 10, the rear loading area 12 may be located behind the second row of seats 40 or behind a third row of seats 42. It is also possible that in vehicles 14 with a stowable third row of seats 42, separate multi-tiered storage systems 10 may be arranged behind each seat 40 in the second row and behind the seat 42 in the third row.Furthermore, the multi-tiered storage system 10 can be subdivided into separate storage compartments 44 to accommodate seating arrangements in which the rear seat 22 is divided into individually operable seat compartments 46. Such seat compartments 46 can, without restriction, comprise two seat compartments 46 with a 40 / 60 seating arrangement, three seat compartments 46 with a 40 / 20 / 40 seating arrangement, and other similar seating arrangements. When the multi-tiered storage system 10 is subdivided into separate storage compartments 44, each storage compartment 44 can comprise a separate middle platform 16, a separate lower collection bin 24, and a separate upper collection bin 26. Each of these separate components can be operated independently, thus enabling the implementation of multiple storage configurations, as discussed in more detail below. Referring again to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lower collection container 24 of the multi-tiered storage system 10 can be divided into front and rear containers 60 and 62. The rear container 62 of the lower collection container 24 has a separate rear lid 64 with a handle or other gripping feature that can be operated between the open and closed positions to provide access to a rear interior compartment 66 of the lower collection container 24. The front container 60 of the lower collection container 24 is designed to engage with the middle platform 16 of the multi-tiered storage system 10 in the lower position 18, so that the middle platform 16 acts as a lid for the front container 60. The lower collection container 24 is designed to include further containers and compartments. These various containers and compartments can have separate lids.Alternatively, two or more compartments can share a single lid. It is also provided that the middle platform 16 can, in various embodiments, serve as a single lid for the entire lower collection container 24. The embodiments shown in Figures 1-4 generally demonstrate that the front and rear compartments 60, 62 of the lower storage container 24 can have varying depths to provide storage space for items of different sizes and shapes. Typically, a compartment with a smaller side dimension also has a shallower depth for storing smaller items. Conversely, compartments with a larger opening are generally deeper to accommodate larger items. It is provided that compartments with a smaller opening can be deeper to accommodate long and narrow items or a variety of smaller items to be stored in the multi-tiered storage system 10. Similarly, the compartments with a larger opening can have a shallower depth for storing essentially flat items.It is intended that each of the front and rear containers 60, 62 of the lower collection container 24 can have the same depth. In various embodiments, the dimensions of each of the front and rear containers 60, 52 of the lower collection container 24 can be dictated by the dimensional parameters of the vehicle 14, such as the placement of mechanical features on the underside of the vehicle 14, which may require projections in the vehicle's underframe 10 for their placement. These projections can influence the dimensions of the containers of the lower collection container 24 in various embodiments. Referring again to the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4, the central platform 16 is connected to a central platform frame 80, which is hinged to at least one edge of the central platform 16. The central platform frame 80 extends from the edge of the central platform 16 to a frame hinge or a plurality of frame pivots 82 located on the lower collection container 24 next to a substructure 84 (shown in Figure 7) of the rear seat 22. In this way, the central platform frame 80 is designed to rotate about the frame pivots 82 of the lower collection container 24 to operate the central platform 16 between the lower and upper positions 18, 20. A platform hinge 86 connecting the central platform 16 to the central platform frame 80 allows the central platform 16 to remain substantially horizontal in both the lower and upper positions 18, 20.The middle platform frame 80 can also be rotated about the frame pivot points 82 to provide access to the front container 60 of the lower collection container 24 by simply raising and lowering the middle platform frame 80 without rotating the middle platform 16 within the middle platform frame 80. It is also provided that the front container 60 can be accessed by rotating the middle platform 16 about the platform hinge 86, thereby lifting the middle platform 16 away from the front container 60 and providing access to the interior of the front container 60. As shown in the embodiments in Figures 3-6, the platform hinge 86 connects the central platform 16 to a central platform frame 80. In various embodiments, the platform hinge 86 is a film hinge attached to a front edge 150 of the central platform 16 and a front element 172 of the central platform frame 80. In various embodiments, the platform hinge 86 can be one of many rotatable connections, including, but not limited to, pivot points, a plurality of hinges, etc. For rotating the central platform frame 80 and the central platform 16 between the lower and upper positions 18, 20, the central platform 16 has a central handle 100 which the user can grasp to operate the central platform 16.It is provided that the central handle 100 may have an element attached to the central platform 16 or an opening 144 in the central platform 16, which allows the user to grasp the central platform 16 and operate it between the lower and upper positions 18, 20, and also to operate the central platform frame 80 without moving the central platform 16 in order to access the front container 60 of the lower collection container 24. It is provided that similar handles and gripping features, as discussed above, may be used for each of the lids of the multi-tiered storage system 10, including, without limitation, lids for the rear container 62, the upper collection container 26, and others. As shown in the embodiments in Figures 6-9, the central platform frame 80 can have a frame lip 110 adjacent to the lower edge 112 of the central platform frame 80, which is designed to support the central platform 16 within the central platform frame 80 and to provide structural support for the central platform 16 in the lower position 18. In this way, considerably large and bulky objects can be placed on the central platform 16 in the lower position 18. The frame lip 110 of the central platform frame 80 is designed to support such objects and to provide sufficient structural support for the central platform 16. As can be seen in the embodiments shown in Figs. 3-9, the rear seat 22, in addition to the multi-tiered storage system 10, has a latch 120 designed to engage a central platform flap 122 located at the rear edge 124 of the central platform 16. The central platform flap 122 is designed to engage the latch 120 of the rear seat 22 in order to position the central platform 16 in a horizontal configuration when it is in the upper position 20. The latch 120 of the rear seat 22 may have a single latch element 120 or it may have a plurality of individual latch elements 120 designed to engage the central platform flap 122 at a plurality of locations along the central platform flap 122.In this way, the latch 120 of the rear seat 22 can have one or more hooks arranged on the rear 126 of the rear seat 22 at a predetermined height to receive the middle platform tabs 122 and to position the middle platform 16 substantially horizontally in the upper position 20. In various embodiments, the latch 120 of the rear seat 22 and the central platform tab 122 can define a fitting engagement such that the central platform 16 is securely positioned in the latch 120 to substantially prevent unintentional movement of the central platform 16 from the upper position 20 when the vehicle 14 is in operation. Furthermore, the latch 120, the central platform tab 122, or both can have interlocking elements designed to create a press-fit connection between the latch 120 and the central platform tab 122 to substantially fix the central platform 16 in the upper position 20 during use of the vehicle 14 and to substantially prevent the central platform 16 from being inadvertently dislodged from the upper position 20. Referring again to the embodiments shown in Figs. 4-9, to position the middle platform 16 in the upper position 20, the user can lift the middle platform frame 80 with the middle handle 100 of the middle platform 16 to raise the middle platform 16 above the front container 60 of the lower collection container 24. Using the middle handle 100, the user can rotate the middle platform 16 on the platform hinge 86, which connects the middle platform 16 to the middle platform frame 80, to extend the middle platform flap 122 next to the latch 120 of the rear seat 22. The user can then engage the middle platform flap 122 with the latch 120 to fix the middle platform 16 in the upper position 20, so that various objects can be placed on the middle platform 16 in the upper position 20. Referring to Figures 4 and 8, in various embodiments an extendable limit 140 can be arranged in an inner side wall 142 of the vehicle 14, wherein the extendable limit 140 can be pulled through an opening 144 in the inner side wall 142 of the vehicle 14 and extended over the rear loading area 12 of the vehicle 14, aligning itself next to the platform hinge 86 between the middle platform 16 and the middle platform frame 80 when the middle platform 16 is in the upper position 20. In this way, objects placed on the upper surface 146 of the middle platform 16 in the upper position 20 can be secured substantially within the outer edge 148 of the middle platform 16 by positioning the extendable limit 140 over a front edge 150 of the middle platform 16.The extendable barrier 140 is designed to be a net element that can be extended and retracted through the opening 144 in the inner side wall 142. The net is wound around a rotating, pre-tensioned spool 152, so that the pre-tension of the spool 152 automatically retracts the net when not in use. The net may have hook features at its end that engage in a net receptacle on the opposite side of the rear loading area 12. The opening 144 may have an operable cover 154 designed to conceal the opening 144 and the extendable barrier 140 when not in use. In various embodiments, the extendable limit 140 can also be a folding element that is attached next to the front edge 150 of the middle platform 16 and can be folded down and fixed in a substantially upright position to provide a limit that secures objects on the top 146 of the middle platform 16 when the middle platform 16 is in the upper position 20. Referring to Fig. 10, the middle platform 16 can, in various embodiments, be attached to the middle platform frame 80 along its outer edges by a platform hinge 86 from two pivot points, so that the middle platform 16 can be arranged horizontally in the lower position 18 on the front container 60 and in the upper position 20, in which the middle platform tab 122 engages with the latch 120 of the rear seat 22. The platform hinge 86 is positioned distal to the front and rear edges 150, 124 of the middle platform 16. When the middle platform 16 is moved into the upper position 20, a front element 172 of the middle platform frame 80 extends over the front edge 150 of the middle platform 16.Consequently, the front element 172 of the central platform frame 80 provides a limit for the central platform 16 in the upper position 20. In this configuration, an extendable limit 140 may not be necessary to secure objects on the upper surface 146 of the central platform 16 in the upper position 20. In various embodiments, retaining features 174 may also be necessary for additionally securing the central platform 16 in the upper position 20, so that objects placed on the front edge 150 of the central platform 16 do not cause the central platform 16 to rotate out of the upper position 20. These additional retaining features 174 may be part of the connection between the latch 120 of the rear seat 22 and the central platform tab 122, or they may also be arranged on a connection between the central platform 16 and the central platform frame 80.These holding features 174 can also be arranged at other locations around the middle platform 16 to fix the middle platform 16 in the upper position 20. Referring again to the embodiments shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the upper collection container 26 of the multi-tiered storage system 10 is arranged next to an upper section 190 of the rear seat 22. The upper collection container 26 has an upper lid 192 that can be operated between open and closed positions when the upper collection container 26 is rotated downwards into the accessible position 30. Furthermore, the upper section 190 of the rear seat 22 has an opening 194 that defines a recess 196 designed to receive the upper collection container 26 when it is rotated upwards into the stowed position 28. In this configuration, the upper collection container 26 is hinged to the rear seat 22 next to a lower edge 198 of the opening 194.At the connection between the rear seat 22 and the upper collection container 26, one or more fixing features 200 are arranged in the rear seat 22, the upper collection container 26, or both, to substantially prevent the upper collection container 26 from rotating below the accessible position 30, which is substantially horizontal. These fixing features 200 can, without limitation, comprise tabs in the hinges, a notch or projection in the upper collection container 20, or interacting features between the upper collection container 26 and the rear seat 22 adjacent to the recess 196, as well as other similar fixing features 200. The upper collection container 26 has an upper collection container internal volume 202 designed to accommodate various items in the stowed and accessible positions 28, 30.In various embodiments, in the stowed position 28, an underside 204 of the upper collection container 26 is essentially flush with the rear side 126 of the rear seat 22 adjacent to the upper collection container 26. The upper collection container 26 may have an upper collection container handle 206 or another similar gripping feature designed to allow the user to move the upper collection container 26 between the stowed and accessible positions 28, 30. In various embodiments, the upper container lid 192 may also serve as a third platform level 208 on which various items can be placed.It is provided that the third platform level 208 can interact with a second extendable barrier 140, which can be extended from one side of the rear loading area 12 to the other, or it can have an operable element of the upper collection container 26 to provide a barrier for the substantial fixation of objects on the third platform level 208 of the upper collection container 26. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 6 and 9, the rear seat 22 of the vehicle 14 can have one or more headrests 220 extending from the upper section 190 of the rear seat 22 and adjustable vertically to accommodate users of different heights. A rear face 222 of the headrest 220 can have an operable hook 224 that can be rotated on a hook hinge 226 between a vertical position 228 and a horizontal position 230. In this way, hanging objects, such as hangers, bags, luggage, and other suspended materials, can be placed on the operable hook 224 in the horizontal position 230 to secure such objects in the rear cargo area 12.The operable hook 224 may have a suspension tab 232 at its end to prevent objects hanging on the operable hook 224 from slipping off its end during operation of the vehicle 14. The headrest 220 may have a tab recess 234 designed to receive the suspension tab 232 when the operable hook 224 is in the vertical position 228, in which the suspension tab 232 can interact with the tab recess 234 to provide a mate between the operable hook 224 and the rear 222 of the headrest 220, substantially fixing the operable hook 224 in the vertical position 228.It is provided that, after objects have been placed on the operable hook 224, the operable hook 224 can be positioned in the vertical position 228 to secure hanging objects essentially between the operable hook 224 and the rear surface 222 of the headrest 220, thus preventing these objects from falling off the operable hook 224. Furthermore, it is provided that in various embodiments the operable hook 224 can rotate laterally instead of vertically to create space for hanging objects behind the headrest 220. Additionally, in various embodiments, two or more operable hooks 224 can be arranged on the rear surface 222 of each headrest 220 to provide additional space for hanging objects in the rear cargo area 12 of the vehicle 14. Referring again to the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6, it is provided that if the rear seat 22 is divided into two or more seat sections 46, the multi-tiered storage system 10 can similarly be divided into storage sections 44 to correspond to the configuration of the seat sections 46. The storage section 44 of the multi-tiered storage system 10 behind each of the seat sections 46 can be individually operated to provide a wide range of storage configurations. For clarification, and not as a limitation, a portion of the multi-tiered storage system 10 behind a seat section 46 can be completely closed to provide storage space for larger items or to utilize the operable hook 224 behind one of the headrests 220.Other storage sections 44 of the multi-tier storage system 10 behind separate corresponding seating sections 46 can be arranged in other configurations to provide one or more levels of shelving, generally up to three levels, in various embodiments for placing smaller items on each level or in the various areas, compartments, and collection containers of each storage section 44 of the multi-tier storage system 10. It is intended that the multi-tier storage system 10 can have more than three levels of shelving in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the multi-level storage system 10 can be made of a variety of materials, including, without limitation, wood, metal, plastic, composites, combinations thereof, and other substantially robust materials that can be used for storage purposes in a vehicle 14. If the multi-tier storage system 10 is arranged next to a rear seat 22 that can be moved forwards and backwards, and if the rear seat 22 can be reclined and raised into various positions, the multi-tier storage system 10 can, in various embodiments, also be designed to adapt to such movements of the rear seat 22. When the rear seat 22 is moved between a forward and aft position, the frame pivot points 82 between the platform hinge 86 and the lower collection container can be designed to move laterally with the movement of the rear seat 22. If the middle platform 16 is arranged in the upper position 20, the middle platform 16 can move with the rear seat 22 in such a configuration without being moved from its horizontal position.When the middle platform 16 is moved into the lower position 18, the middle platform frame 80 can be extended and retracted so that the middle platform 16 can engage in the front compartment 60 of the lower collection container 41 to provide a cover for the front compartment 60 when the rear seat 22 is moved laterally. Alternatively, when the middle platform 16 is in the lower position 18, it can be extended within the middle platform frame 80 so that it fits correctly onto the front compartment 60 of the lower collection container.When the rear seat 22 is moved forward or backward while the middle platform 16 is in the lower position 18, the extension features of the middle platform frame 80 and / or the middle platform 16 can accommodate this movement without the middle platform 16 disengaging from its engagement with the lip 240 of the front container 60 of the lower collection container 24. If the rear seat 22 can be tilted between reclined and upright positions, the features of the multi-tiered storage system 10 can also be adapted analogously in various embodiments to accommodate this rotational movement of the rear seat 22. When the rear seat 22 is moved between the reclined and upright positions, the various features arranged in the rear seat 22, including, without limitation, the latch 120 for receiving the central platform 16 in the upper position 20, the upper collection containers 26, and an operable hook 224, can be automatically adjusted by mechanical alignment features in the rear seat 22.These mechanical features of the rear seat 22 can serve to maintain a substantially horizontal configuration of the central platform 16, the upper storage container 26, and the operable hook 224 when the rear seat 22 is rotated between the reclined and upright positions. The adjustment movements of the multi-tiered storage system 10 to accommodate the movements of the rear seat 22 can be operated individually in separate subdivided seat sections 46 and the corresponding storage sections 55 of the multi-tiered storage system 10, which are subdivided according to the subdivisions in the rear seat 22. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the design of the described invention and other components is not limited to a specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be formed from a variety of different materials, unless otherwise described herein. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connected" (in all its forms, connect, connection, joined, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect connection of two components (electrical or mechanical) to one another. Such a connection may be stationary or movable. Such a connection may involve the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate parts formed integrally as a single body, either to each other or to the two components. Such a connection may be permanent, removable, or detachable, unless otherwise specified. It must also be noted that the design and arrangement of the elements of the invention, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, serve only for illustration. Although only some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, the person skilled in the art reading this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter.For example, elements shown as molded in one piece may consist of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be molded in one piece; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise modified; the length or width of the structures and / or elements, connecting links, or other elements of the system may be varied; the type or number of adjustment positions between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system may be constructed from a variety of different materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a variety of different colors, textures, and combinations. Consequently, all these variations are included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, alterations and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. It is understood that all described methods or steps within the described methods can be combined with other disclosed methods or steps for forming structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and methods disclosed herein serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted as limiting. It is also understood that variations and modifications to the above-mentioned structures and methods can be made without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that these concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise.

Claims

A multi-level storage system (10) for a vehicle (14), comprising: a middle platform (16) that can be operated between lower and upper positions (18, 20); a rear seat (22) designed to receive the middle platform (16) horizontally in the upper position (20); a lower collection container (24) arranged under and behind the rear seat (22) and at least partially covered by the middle platform (16) in the lower position (18);and an upper collection container (26) which is connected to the rear seat (22) and is rotatable between stowed and accessible positions (28, 30), characterized in that the rear seat (22) has, in addition to the multi-tiered storage system (10), a latch (120) which is designed to engage in a central platform flap (122) which is arranged at the rear edge (124) of the central platform (16), wherein the central platform flap (122) is designed to engage in the latch (120) of the rear seat (22) in order to arrange the central platform (16) in a horizontal configuration when it is in the upper position (20). Storage system according to claim 1, wherein the lower collection container (24) has a front container (60) and a rear container (62) with a lid (64) and wherein the front container (60) is covered by the middle platform (16) in the lower position (18). Storage system according to claim 1, further comprising: a middle platform frame (80) which is hinged to at least one edge of the middle platform (16) and extends to the lower collection container (24), wherein the middle platform frame (16) rotates about the lower collection container (24) to serve the middle platform (16) between the upper and lower positions (20, 18), and wherein the middle platform (16) is substantially horizontal in the upper and lower positions (20, 18). Storage system according to claim 3, further comprising: a retractable net that can be operated between a retracted position next to a side wall (142) of a vehicle (14) and an extended position over a rear loading area (12) of the vehicle (14), wherein the retractable net is designed to define a middle level boundary next to at least one edge of the middle platform (16) in the upper position (20). Storage system according to claim 1, wherein the rear seat (22) has at least two operable seat sections (46) and wherein each operable seat section (46) has a corresponding middle platform (16), a lower collection container (24) and an upper collection container (26). Storage system according to claim 5, wherein the rear seat (22) has three operable seat sections (46). Storage system according to claim 1, wherein the upper collection container (26) has an operable lid (64) and wherein the rear seat (22) has an upper section (190) defining a recess (196) which receives the upper collection container (26) in the stowed position (28), and wherein the upper collection container (26) is hinged to the rear seat (22) next to a lower edge (198) of the recess (196). Storage system according to claim 1, wherein the rear seat (22) has a headrest (220) with a back (222) and wherein a hook (224) operable between open and closed positions is connected to the headrest (220) next to the back (222). Rear storage system for a vehicle (14), comprising: an operable frame (80) with a platform (16); a rear seat (22) having a holder for horizontally receiving the platform (16) in an upper position (20) of the frame (80); a lower collection container (24) having an upper lip (240) designed to receive the platform (16) when the frame (80) is in a lower position (18);and an upper collection container (26) which is attached to the rear seat (22) and can be rotated between stowed and accessible positions (28, 30), characterized in that the rear seat (22) has, in addition to the multi-tiered storage system (10), a latch (120) which is designed to engage in a central platform flap (122) which is arranged at the rear edge (124) of the central platform (16), wherein the central platform flap (122) is designed to engage in the latch (120) of the rear seat (22) in order to arrange the central platform (16) in a horizontal configuration when it is in the upper position (20). Storage system according to claim 9, wherein the lower collection container (24) has a front container (60) and a rear container (62) with a lid (64) and wherein the front container (60) is covered by the platform (16) when the frame (80) is in the lower position (18). Storage system according to claim 9, wherein the frame (80) is hinged to at least one edge of the platform (16) and extends to the lower collection container (24), and wherein the frame (80) rotates about the lower collection container (24) between the upper and lower positions (20, 18), and wherein the platform (16) is substantially horizontal when the frame (80) is in the upper and lower positions (20, 18). Storage system according to claim 11, further comprising: a retractable net that is operable between a retracted position next to a side wall (142) of a vehicle (14) and an extended position over a rear loading area (12) of the vehicle (14), wherein the retractable net in the extended position is designed to define a platform boundary next to at least one edge of the platform (16) in the upper position (20). Storage system according to claim 9, wherein the rear seat (22) has at least two operable seat sections (46) and wherein each operable seat section (46) has a corresponding platform (16), a lower collection container (24) and an upper collection container (26). Storage system according to claim 9, wherein the upper collection container (26) has an operable lid (192) and wherein the rear seat (22) has an upper section (190) defining a recess (196) which receives the upper collection container (26) in the stowed position, and wherein the upper collection container (26) is hinged to the rear seat (22) next to a lower edge of the recess (196). Storage system according to claim 9, wherein the rear seat (22) has a headrest (220) with a back (222) and wherein a hook (224) operable between open and closed positions is connected to the headrest (220) next to the back (222). Storage system according to claim 13, wherein the rear seat (22) has three separate seat sections (46). A multi-level storage system (10) for a vehicle (14), comprising: a lower collection container (24); a middle platform (16) with an operable frame (80) attached to the lower collection container (24), wherein the middle platform (16) at least partially surrounds the lower collection container (24) when the frame (80) is in a lower position (18); a rear seat (22) designed to horizontally accommodate the middle platform (16) when the frame (80) is in the upper position;and a stowable upper storage container (26) which can be operated between stowed and accessible positions (28, 30), characterized in that the rear seat (22) has, in addition to the multi-tiered storage system (10), a latch (120) which is designed to engage in a central platform flap (122) which is arranged at the rear edge (124) of the central platform (16), wherein the central platform flap (122) is designed to engage in the latch (120) of the rear seat (22) in order to arrange the central platform (16) in a horizontal configuration when it is in the upper position (20). Storage system according to claim 17, wherein the operable frame (80) is hinged to at least one edge of the middle platform (16) and extends to the lower collection container (24), and wherein the operable frame (80) rotates about the lower collection container (24) between the upper and lower positions (20, 18) and wherein the middle platform (16) is substantially horizontal when the frame (80) is in the upper position (20) and the lower position (18). Storage system according to claim 18, further comprising a retractable net that can be operated between a retracted position next to a side wall (142) of a vehicle (14) and an extended position over a rear loading area (12) of the vehicle (14), wherein the retractable net in the extended position is designed to define a platform boundary next to at least one edge of the middle platform (16) in the upper position (20). Storage system according to claim 17, wherein the rear seat (22) has at least two operable seat sections (46) and wherein each operable seat section (46) has a corresponding middle platform (16), a lower collection container (24) and a stowable upper collection container (26).

Images