"DOORS OFF" STORAGE

Abstract

Vehicle (10), comprising: a loading area (14); a recessed area (18) defined in a loading floor (22); and a door restraint system (26) positioned in the recessed area (18), comprising: a joint plate (30) comprising a joint mount (34); and a locking arm (38) comprising a locking element (42), wherein the hinge plate (30) and the locking arm (38) are configured to suspend a vehicle door (46) between them.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle doors and in particular to the storage of vehicle doors. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Some vehicles can be switched between a configuration with both doors open and a "doors off" configuration. Therefore, it may be desirable to be able to store the doors in the vehicle while it is in the "doors off" configuration.

[0003] The following patents are known from the prior art: US 2007 / 0 181 624 A1, US 2016 / 0 362 064 A1, US 2006 / 0 065 688 A1, US 2005 / 0 258 200 A1, US 2006 / 0 011 684 A1, and US 2006 / 0 289 578 A1. These patents each describe vehicles comprising a loading platform and a door restraint system located outside the vehicle. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a loading platform. A recessed area is defined in a loading platform. A door restraint system is positioned in the recessed area. A hinge plate includes a hinge bracket. A locking arm includes a locking element. The hinge plate and the locking arm are configured to suspend a vehicle door between them.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a recessed area defined in a loading floor. A door restraint system is positioned in the recessed area. An articulating plate includes an articulating bracket. A locking arm includes a locking element. The articulating plate and the locking arm can operate between an extended and a retracted position and are configured to support a door.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a loading platform. A recessed area is defined in a loading floor. A door restraint system is positioned in the recessed area. An articulating plate includes a plurality of articulating brackets positioned across the articulating plate. A locking arm includes a locking element. The articulating plate and the locking arm are configured to suspend a door on the loading platform.

[0007] These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to the person skilled in the art by reading the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following is a description of the figures in the accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and views of the figures may have been enlarged or shown schematically for the sake of clarity and accuracy.

[0009] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective rear view of a vehicle in a "doors open" configuration according to at least one example; Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a door restraint system in a non-deployed position according to at least one example; Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the door restraint system in an unfolded position according to at least one example; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a door inserted into the door restraint system, according to at least one example; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a door restraint system in an extended position according to at least one example; and Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a multitude of doors being held back in the door restraint system, according to at least one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the invention are set out in the following detailed description and are apparent to the person skilled in the art from the description or can be deduced from the implementation of the invention as described in the following description, taking into account the patent claims and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] In the sense used here, the expression "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0012] In this writing, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or sequence between such units or actions.

[0013] In relation to Fig. In reference 1-5, reference numeral 10 now generally refers to the vehicle. The vehicle 10 includes a loading platform 14. A recessed area 18 is defined in a loading floor 22 of the loading platform 14. A door restraint system 26 is positioned in the recessed area 18. The door restraint system 26 includes an articulated plate 30, which has an articulated bracket 34. A locking arm 38 includes a locking element 42. The articulated plate 30 and the locking arm 38 are configured to suspend a vehicle door 46 between them.

[0014] Vehicle 10 is depicted in a "doors open" configuration. Vehicle 10 is capable of operating in both "doors open" and "doors closed" configurations. In the "doors open" configuration, Vehicle 10 incorporates a multitude of doors 46 (e.g., driver and passenger doors) positioned around the vehicle, thus enclosing an interior or passenger cabin. The doors 46 are operable between a closed and an open position. Essentially, Vehicle 10 can operate in a "doors open" configuration with the doors 46 attached to a frame of the vehicle 10. In the "doors closed" configuration, one or more of the doors 46 can be removed before operation (e.g., driving) of Vehicle 10, thereby achieving enhanced ventilation and / or a desired aesthetic appearance.It is understood that, although vehicle 10 is depicted as an off-road vehicle, vehicle 10 could equally be a truck, a car, a van, or any other vehicle that can benefit from doorless operation.

[0015] In the "Doors Off" configuration, the doors 46 can be stored on the loading platform 14 of the vehicle 10. The loading platform 14 can be positioned at the rear of the vehicle 10's interior cabin. The loading platform 14 can be accessed via a rear door 60. The rear door 60 can be operated in either an open or closed position. In the open position, the rear door 60 allows the vehicle doors 46 to move into and out of the loading platform 14.

[0016] In relation to Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the door restraint system 26 is now positioned in the recessed area 18 of the loading floor 22 of the loading platform 14. In the illustrated example, the recessed area 18 can enclose a partition 68. The partition 68 can have a height less than or equal to that of the recessed area 18. In other words, an upper surface of the partition 68 can be flush with or below the loading floor 22. The partition 68 is shown as a single continuous structure but can correspond to a multitude of separate structures, each with a different size or height. In operation, the partition 68 can function to support the hinge plate 30 and / or the locking arms 38.For example, the partition 68 can be positioned deep enough in the recessed area 18 such that, while the hinge plate 30 and / or the locking arms 38 are in the retracted position, rear surfaces of the hinge plate 30 and / or the locking arms 38 can be substantially flush with the loading floor 22. The partition 68 can define one or more coupling features to secure and / or restrain the hinge plate 30 and the locking arms 38 to the partition 68. For example, the partition 68 can include magnets, straps, detents, and / or other features configured to engage the hinge plate 30 and / or the locking arms 38. It is understood that examples of the door restraint system 26 include a coupling feature in the partition 68, as well as a release feature (e.g., a switch, a lever, a button, etc.).) can include, which allows the coupling feature to be deactivated.

[0017] The door restraint system 26 includes both the hinge plate 30 and the locking arms 38. In the illustrated example, the hinge plate 30 is a single continuous structure; however, it is understood that the hinge plate 30 may be interrupted or formed from a variety of structures similar to those of the locking arms 38. The hinge plate 30 is shown positioned forward of the vehicle relative to the locking arms 38; however, it is understood that the locking arms 38 may be positioned forward of the vehicle relative to the hinge plate 30. The hinge plate 30 may be made of a metal, a polymer, and / or combinations thereof. The hinge plate 30 may have a width substantially equal to that of the recessed area 18, such that a portion of the recessed area 18 is covered while the hinge plate 30 is in the retracted position.The hinge plate 30 defines a hinge end face 30A and a rear hinge surface 30B. As previously explained, the rear hinge surface 30B can be substantially flush with the loading floor 22 while the hinge plate 30 is in its retracted position. It is understood that the rear hinge surface 30B can be positioned below or above the loading floor 22 without deviating from the gauges provided here. Furthermore, one or more doors and / or flaps can obscure the recessed area so that the hinge plate 30 and / or the locking arms 38 are not visible. In addition, the recessed area 18 can extend deep enough and / or the hinge plate 30 and the locking arms 38 can be positioned high enough to allow items to be stowed in the recessed area 18.

[0018] One or more hinge brackets 34 can be positioned on the plate end face 30A. In the illustrated example, there is a plurality of hinge brackets 34 arranged across the hinge end face 30A. In the illustrated example, the hinge brackets 34 can be designated as upper hinge bracket 34A and lower hinge bracket 34B. In other words, the hinge plate 30 includes an upper and a lower hinge bracket 34A, 34B. It is understood that the hinge plate 30 can include only the upper hinge bracket 34A and / or the lower hinge bracket 34B. The hinge brackets 34 are positioned at a sufficient distance from a top surface of the hinge plate 30 so that the hinge plate 30 can contact the partition 68 without interference. The hinge brackets 34 can be positioned in straight rows, or the hinge brackets 34 can be positioned at different heights across the hinge plate 30.The hinge brackets 34 can be positioned at different heights across the hinge plate 30 based on differences in the position of hinges 80 from door 46 to door 46. For example, the hinges 80 of the front doors 46 may be spaced differently than the hinges 80 of the rear doors 46. Accordingly, the hinge brackets 34 can be placed in a variety of positions to accommodate differently designed doors 46. The hinge brackets 34 can be defined as a single unit by the hinge plate 30, or they can be separate structures. In examples where the hinge brackets 34 are separate structures from the hinge plate 30, the hinge brackets 34 can be detachably connected to the hinge plate 30. In other words, a user may be able to remove and / or rearrange the hinge brackets 34.

[0019] In operation, the hinge brackets 34 are configured to couple to hinges 80 of the vehicle door 46. Each hinge bracket 34 can include a base 84 and a pin 88. The base 84 is coupled to the hinge end face 30A of the hinge plate 30. The pin 88 extends from the base 84 in a substantially vertical direction while the hinge plate 30 is in the unfolded position. The pins 88 are configured to slide through the hinges 80, so that the door 46 is held by the hinge plate 30. The hinges 80 of the door 46 can engage with both the upper and lower hinge brackets 34A, 34B. According to various examples, the hinge brackets 34 can include one or more coupling features configured to secure the hinges 80 of the vehicle doors 46 to the hinge brackets 34.For example, the optional coupling features may include a strap, a locking mechanism, a locking feature, and / or other coupling features configured to restrain the vehicle joint 80 on the pin 88. In still other examples, the pins 88 may be of such a length that movement of the joints 80 off the pins is unlikely.

[0020] The door restraint system 26 includes one or a plurality of locking arms 38. The locking arms 38 define a locking front 38A and a locking rear 38B. In the illustrated example, the door restraint system 26 includes four locking arms 38; however, it is understood that the door restraint system 26 can include fewer or more than four locking arms 38. The locking arms 38 are coupled to opposite sides of the recessed area 18 with respect to the hinge plate 30. The locking arms 38 can be independently movable or they can move together. In other words, the locking arms 38 can be independently rotated between the retracted and extended positions. The locking arms 38 are positioned rearward of the vehicle relative to the hinge plate 30.The locking arms 38 include locking elements 42 configured to engage a door lock 96 of the vehicle door 46. The locking elements 42 are positioned on the locking front 38A. The locking elements 42 can be moved up and down on the locking arms 38 and can be rotated about the locking arm 38. Furthermore, the locking elements 42 can be removed and reattached to the locking arms 38. The locking elements 42 can generally have a U-shaped structure, similar to latches present on the door sills of the vehicle 10, configured to engage the locks 96 of the vehicle doors 46. In still other examples, the locking elements 42 can be pins or other structures configured to engage the vehicle door locks 96. The locking arms 38 can be shorter or longer than the joint plate 30.

[0021] The joint plate 30 and the locking arm 38 can be moved between an unfolded ( Fig. 2B) and not unfolded ( Fig. 2A) position. The articulating plate 30 is coupled to the loading floor 22 by a pivot pin 30C, and the locking arm 38 is coupled to the loading floor by a locking pin 38C. The pivot pin and the locking pin 30C, 38C are configured to allow the articulating plate 30 and the locking arm 38 to each rotate into and out of the recessed area 18. In other words, the pivot pin and the locking pin 30C, 38C are configured to allow the articulating plate 30 and the locking arm 38 to rotate between the extended and the retracted positions. In the retracted position, the articulating end face 30A of the articulating plate 30 and the locking front face 38A point in an inward direction into the recessed area 18.Therefore, the joint mounts 34 and the locking elements 42 can be concealed in the recessed area 18 while the door restraint system 26 is in the retracted position. Furthermore, as previously explained, the rear joint surface 30B and the rear locking surface 38B are substantially flush with the load floor 22 while the door restraint system 26 is in the retracted position.

[0022] In the deployed position, the door restraint system 26 is configured to support and restrain the vehicle doors 46. The hinge plate 30 and / or the hinge pin 30C may include or be coupled to a locking feature that secures the hinge plate 30 in place. The hinge plate 30 and the locking arm 38 are substantially vertical in the deployed position. The hinge pin and the locking pin 30C, 38C may allow the hinge plate 30 and the locking arms 38 to rotate into a substantially flat position relative to the load floor 22. In other words, the hinge plate 30 and the locking arms 38 may rotate upwards by up to approximately 180° from the retracted position. While in the unfolded position, the locking elements 42 can extend substantially parallel to the loading floor 22 and the pins 88 can run substantially perpendicular to the loading floor 22.By allowing the joint plate 30 and the locking arms 38 to rotate upwards by up to 180° from the unfolded position, the insertion and coupling of the doors 46 into the door restraint system 26 can be simplified.

[0023] In relation to Fig.3-5 The door restraint system 26 is now configured to support one or more vehicle doors 46 on the loading platform 14. The hinge plate 30 and the locking arm 38 are configured to suspend and / or hook the vehicle door 46 on the loading platform 14 and above the recessed area 18. It is understood that the terms suspend and / or hook may nevertheless be applicable in examples where one or more of the doors 46 are at least partially supported by the partition 68. In the illustrated example, the door restraint system 26 supports the doors 46 vertically and in a forward and backward direction; however, it is understood that the door restraint system 26 can suspend the doors 46 in a manner from the passenger side to the driver's side. Furthermore, the door restraint system 26 can be reoriented so that the doors 46 can be stored horizontally (e.g.,(The door restraint system can be positioned in a wall of the vehicle 10), without deviating from the teachings provided here.

[0024] According to at least one exemplary door restraint process, a first step can be taken to remove the doors 46 from the vehicle 10. Next, the door can be placed near the loading platform 14 (e.g., on the loading platform 14 and / or outside the vehicle 10 on the ground by the rear door 60). Next, the hinge plate 30 can be moved from the unextended position in the recessed area 18 to the extended position. In one example, a user of the door restraint system 26 can manually lift the hinge plate 30. In another example, the hinge plate 30 can be mechanically actuated between the unextended and extended positions. It is understood that the locking arm 38 can also be moved to the extended position at this time. Once the hinge plate 30 has been extended, the doors 46 can be loaded individually into the door restraint system 26.The hinges 80 of the doors 46 are positioned over the pins 88 of the hinge brackets 34. In examples where the hinge plate 30 encompasses both the upper and lower hinge brackets 34A, 34B, the hinges 80 can be slid over both. The hinges 80 are then slid downward over the pins 88 and fitted onto the bases 84 of the hinge brackets 34. At this point, the optional coupling feature can be engaged. Once the hinges 80 of the door 46 are secured to the hinge brackets 34, the locking element 42 of the locking arm 38 can be engaged with the lock 96 of the door 46. A user can push the locking element 42 into the lock 96 and / or rotate the door 46 to couple the lock 96 to the locking element 42. The process can be repeated to refill the door restraint system 26.Once the user wishes to remove the doors 46 from the door restraint system 26, the door 46 can be decoupled from the door restraint system 26 by actuating a handle 100 on the door 46. Actuating the handle 100 decouples the locking element 42 from the door lock 96. Once the locking element 42 has been removed, the locking arm 38 can be moved to the loading platform 22, allowing the hinges 80 of the door 46 to be lifted from the pins 88. Once the hinges 80 of the door 46 have been removed from the pins 88, the door 46 can be removed from the loading platform 14 and reattached to the vehicle 10.

[0025] The use of the present disclosure can offer a variety of advantages. First, a flush alignment of the joint plate 30 and the locking arm 38 in the unextended position allows for a greater storage capacity of cargo on the loading platform 14, while the door restraint system 26 is not used. Second, positioning the joint brackets 34 and locking elements 42 on the joint end face 30A and the locking front face 38A, respectively, allows the joint brackets 34 and locking elements 42 to remain concealed in the recessed area 18 and not interfere with the cargo on the loading platform 14. Third, in examples where the joint plate 30 is a solid plate, the recessed area 18 can be covered or substantially covered, thus providing concealed storage and increasing the amount of cargo that the vehicle 10 can carry.

[0026] According to various examples, a vehicle includes a loading platform, a recessed area defined in a loading floor, and a door restraint system positioned in the recessed area. The door restraint system includes a hinge plate, including a hinge bracket, and a locking arm, including a locking element. The hinge plate and locking arm are configured to suspend a vehicle door between them. Examples of the vehicle may include any one or a combination of the following features: • The joint brackets are configured to couple to a hinge of the vehicle door; • The locking element is configured to engage with a vehicle door lock; • The door restraint system includes a variety of locking arms; • The joint plate includes an upper and a lower joint bracket; • a swivel joint that couples the joint plate to the loading floor; • The joint plate is positioned forward of the locking arm on the vehicle side; • The joint plate and the locking arm can be operated in both an extended and a retracted position; • the joint plate and the locking arm are essentially vertical in the unfolded position; • A rear surface of the joint plate is flush with the loading floor in the unfolded position; and / or • A rear surface of the locking arm is flush with the loading floor in the unfolded position.

[0027] Modifications to the disclosure are obvious to those skilled in the art and to those who manufacture or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above serve only illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure defined by the following claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalence.

[0028] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms such as couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect joining of two (electrical or mechanical) components to one another. Such a joining may be immovable or movable in nature. Such a joining may be achieved by forming the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional elements intervening in one piece as a single, unified body with one another or with the two components. Such a joining may be permanent in nature or removable or detachable in nature, unless otherwise specified.

[0029] In the sense used here, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantitative data and properties are not exact and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or, if desired, larger or smaller, and reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the term "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, it is understood that the disclosure includes the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range is mentioned "approximately" in the patent specification, the numerical value or the endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the domains are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0030] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof, as used here, are intended to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, an "essentially flat" surface means that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "essentially" means that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "essentially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0031] In the sense used here, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a", "an" mean "at least one" and should not be restricted to "only one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments with two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations, provided they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Exemplary embodiments include the following.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (10), comprising: a loading area (14); a recessed area (18) defined in a loading floor (22); and a door restraint system (26) positioned in the recessed area (18), comprising: a joint plate (30) comprising a joint mount (34); and a locking arm (38) comprising a locking element (42), wherein the hinge plate (30) and the locking arm (38) are configured to suspend a vehicle door (46) between them. [2] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the joint mounts (34) are configured to couple to a joint of the vehicle door (46). [3] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (42) is configured to engage in a locking mechanism (96) of the vehicle door (46). [4] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the door restraint system (26) comprises a plurality of locking arms (38). [5] Vehicle(10) according to claim 1, wherein the joint plate (30) comprises an upper and a lower joint support (34A, 34B). [6] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: a swivel joint that couples the joint plate (30) to the loading floor (22). [7] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the joint plate (30) is positioned forward of the locking arm (38). [8] Vehicle (10) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the joint plate (30) and the locking arm (38) can be operated between an unfolded and a non-unfolded position. [9] Vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the joint plate (30) and the locking arm (38) are substantially vertical in the unfolded position. [10] Vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein a rear surface of the joint plate (30) is flush with the loading floor (22) in the unfolded position. [11] Vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein a rear surface of the locking arm (38) is flush with the loading floor (22) in the unfolded position.

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