Suspension arrangement for suspending an object in a vehicle interior

Abstract

A suspension arrangement (12) for suspending an object within an interior (15) of a vehicle (10), the suspension arrangement (12) comprising: a base (42) configured to be attached to a component inside the vehicle (10), the base (42) comprising an anchor wall (52), first and second side walls (54, 55) extending from the anchor wall (52), and a retaining wall (56) adjacent to the first and second side walls (54, 55) and opposite the anchor wall (52), the anchor wall (52), the first and second side walls (54, 55), and the retaining wall (56) cooperating to define a channel (86) having a longitudinal axis (46); and a hanger (44) which is displaceable within the channel (86) along the longitudinal axis (46), the hanger (44) comprising a first portion (88) configured to be disposed within the channel (86) of the base (42) and a second portion (90) comprising a hook (92) configured to support the object, wherein the first portion (88) has an inner surface (94) oriented toward the anchor wall (52) when the hanger (44) is disposed in the channel (86), and an outer surface (102) oriented toward the retaining wall (56) when the hanger (44) is disposed in the channel (86), characterized in that the hanger (44) is movable within the channel (86) between a locked configuration and a unlocked configuration, wherein the hanger (44) is disposed within the channel (86) when the hanger (44) is in the locked configuration, wherein the hanger (44) is removed from the channel (86) such that the hanger (44) is completely detached from the base (42) when the hanger (44) is in the unlatched configuration, wherein the base (42) further comprises a stop wall (58) extending from the anchor wall (52) between the first side wall (54) and the second side wall (55), and wherein the stop wall (58) engages the first portion (88) of the hanger (44) to prevent displacement of the hanger (44) in a first direction beyond a first position when the first portion (88) of the hanger (44) is inserted into the channel (86).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, as well as aspects of the description not otherwise considered prior art at the time of filing, are not expressly or implicitly considered prior art to the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to suspension assemblies for suspending an object within a vehicle interior.

[0003] Some vehicle interiors have excess space that can be used for storage. For example, a vehicle may include storage space in the rear of a cabin, in a trunk, in door pockets, in a glove compartment, between seats, or behind seats. Typically, vehicle storage compartments are open and empty. This allows occupants to use the empty space to store large or bulky objects with minimal interference with the vehicle's interior structure.

[0004] JP 3 023 545 U discloses a hanging arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. JP H04-104 976 U discloses a curtain rod to which a hook is attached. JP 3 013 170 U discloses a mounting structure for a rear seat mounting component. DE 10 2005 034 040 B4 discloses an anti-theft hanging display rack with sliding blocks mounted in a rail. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a versatile and robust suspension arrangement.

[0006] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will become more fully understood with reference to the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rear storage compartment of a vehicle including a tonneau cover and a hanger assembly mounted to an underside of the tonneau cover in accordance with the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the rear storage compartment of the vehicle attached to a side wall in the rear storage compartment; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the rear storage compartment with the hanging assembly attached to a seat back; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the suspension arrangement of Fig. 1 including a hanger and a bracket, the hanger being arranged in a locked configuration; Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the suspension assembly of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a bottom of the suspension assembly of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a bottom of the base of the suspension assembly of Fig. 4; Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the suspension arrangement of Fig. 4, taken on line 8-8 from Fig. 6; and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the suspension arrangement of Fig. 4, taken on line 9-9 from Fig. 6.

[0008] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] As mentioned above, some vehicles are equipped with an abundance of storage space. Storage space located in a trunk or cargo area of the vehicle is often open and unobstructed to allow for the storage of large or bulky items. Passengers also frequently use the open storage space for smaller items, such as shopping bags.

[0010] A significant portion of storage space is wasted when it is used for small items that are difficult to stack. More specifically, when one shelf of the storage area is occupied by small items, the vertical space within the storage area remains unused. Even if the items within the storage area can be stacked vertically, they often slide around, increasing the likelihood of damage to the items and causing distraction and inconvenience to the occupants. The usable storage space within the storage area can be increased by incorporating organizational features such as shelves, pockets, and hooks within the storage area. However, these storage features take up storage space and can hinder large objects, limiting the use of the storage space to smaller objects.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a hanging assembly for hanging an object within a vehicle interior. The hanging assembly increases the usable area by allowing a user to hang objects over other objects stored on a floor of the storage area. The hanging assembly may also be more easily accessible to the user than the floor of the storage area.

[0012] In one example, the hanging assembly includes a base attached to a component in a storage compartment of the vehicle and a hanger that is completely removable from the base. A user can connect the hanger to the base to use a hook of the hanger to support a hanging object. The user can detach the hanger from the base when the hook is not in use. The removable design allows the user to remove obstructions from the storage compartment to create additional space for storing or transporting larger objects. The user can also remove the hanger from the base to prevent damage to the hanger when not in use. Damaged hangers can be easily replaced.The user can also remove the hanger and replace it with another hanger of a different design, for example, a hanger with a different hook type or made of a different material.

[0013] In another example, the hanging assembly includes a base attached to a component within the vehicle and a hanger that is slidable along a longitudinal axis of the base. In this way, the hanging assembly allows the user to change the position of a hook on the hanger to optimize storage space within a storage area. The user can also move the hanger along the longitudinal axis between a first and a second position, where the first position allows the user to conveniently place an object on the hook and the second position provides a better position for storing or concealing the object.

[0014] In various embodiments, the hanging assembly is attached to a cargo cover in the rear storage area of the vehicle. The hanging assembly includes a base attached to an underside of the cargo cover and a hanger slidably inserted into the base. When the cargo cover is pivoted to a closed position, the hanging assembly, and thus an object hanging from the hanging assembly, is concealed from persons outside the vehicle.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 1, a vehicle 10 includes a plurality of suspension assemblies 12 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The vehicle 10 further includes a rear storage area 14 within an interior 15 of the vehicle 10. For example, the rear storage area 14 may be located within a passenger compartment or in a trunk. The rear storage area 14 is at least partially defined by a floor 16, two opposing side walls 18, and a bulkhead 20. In various implementations, the bulkhead 20 may be omitted, such that the rear storage area 14 is at least partially defined by one or more seatbacks (not shown).

[0016] The vehicle 10 also includes a tailgate or rear door 22 with a window 24. The tailgate 22 moves between an open position (see Fig. 1) and a closed position (not shown). The tailgate 22 opens to provide access to the rear storage area 14. The tailgate 22 closes to prevent access to the rear storage area 14 and contains objects stored in the rear storage area 14.

[0017] The rear storage area 14 also includes a load compartment cover 26 which can be adjusted between an open position ( Fig. 1) and a closed position (not shown). When the load compartment cover 26 is in the closed position, the rear storage area 14 is concealed such that it is not visible from an exterior side 28 of the vehicle. Specifically, this means that when the load compartment cover 26 and the tailgate 22 are closed, a person outside the vehicle 10 cannot see the contents of the rear storage area 14 through the window 24 of the tailgate 22. The load compartment cover 26 is connected to a component in the interior of the vehicle 10, such as the vehicle bulkhead 20. The load compartment cover 26 is pivotable about a pivot axis 30 that extends in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0018] The suspension assemblies 12 are attached to a component in the rear storage area 14. For example, the suspension assemblies 12 can be attached to an underside 32 of the load compartment cover 26, as shown in Fig. 1. The hanger assemblies 12 are movable with the cargo cover 26. Although three (3) hanger assemblies 12 are illustrated, additional or fewer of the hanger assemblies 12 may be incorporated into the rear storage area 14 within the scope of this disclosure.

[0019] An occupant can use the rear storage area 14 to store and transport items within the vehicle 10. The user can place objects on the floor 16 and hang them from the hanging assemblies 12. The hanging assemblies 12 increase the usable space within the storage area 14. For example, the hanging assemblies 12 can be used to hang objects above other objects stored on the floor 16. When the load cover 26 is closed, the hanging assemblies 12 are concealed by the load cover 26.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 2, another view of the rear storage area 14 of the vehicle 10 is shown. The storage area 14 further includes a cross member net 33 extending between the opposite side walls 18. The cross member net 33 is adjacent to the tailgate 22 (shown in Fig. 1) when the tailgate 22 is in the closed position.

[0021] Each of the opposing side walls 18 includes a recessed portion 34 extending to the exterior side 28 of the vehicle 10. The recessed portion 34 creates additional space in the rear storage area 14. However, the additional space may not be usable depending on the location, shape, and size of the recessed portion 34. Thus, the hanger assembly 12 can be attached to the side wall 18 to utilize the additional space created by the recessed portion 34.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 3 shows another view of the interior 15 of the vehicle 10. The vehicle interior 15 includes a first seat 36 with a backrest 38. A second seat (not shown) is arranged behind the first seat 36 such that a passenger in the second seat faces the backrest 38 of the first seat 36. The suspension assembly 12 is attached to the backrest 38 of the first seat 36. The suspension assembly 12 allows the use of a space 40 between the first seat 36 and the second seat without restricting the legroom of the passengers.

[0023] Alternative positions for the hanging assembly 12 are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the hanging assembly 12 is disposed on a dashboard and is used to support a GPS device, a phone, or a tablet. In another example, the hanging assembly 12 is disposed between or adjacent vehicle seats and is used to support a cup, a purse, sunglasses, or a book. In yet another example, the hanging assembly 12 is mounted in a glove compartment and is used to optimize storage space within the glove compartment.

[0024] Based on the Fig. 4-6, the suspension assembly 12 includes a base 42 and a hanger 44. The hanger 44 is movable within the base 42 along a longitudinal axis 46 of the base 42. The hanger 44 can, as in Fig. 4, snap into the base 42, or the hanger 44 can, as shown in Fig. 5, completely detached from the base 42. In this way, the hanger 44 moves between a locked configuration ( Fig. 4) and a disengaged configuration ( Fig. 5) with respect to the base 42. The hanger 44 moves through an intermediate position as shown in Fig. 6, between the locked and unlocked configuration.

[0025] A user can easily remove the hanger 44 from the base 42. For example, the user can pull the hanger 44 along the longitudinal axis 46 to remove it from the base 42 with minimal force and / or without tools (i.e., by hand). When the hanger 44 is in the engaged configuration, the holding force of the hanger 44 within the base 42 is high (i.e., the hanger 44 remains engaged with the base 42 when the hanger assembly 12 is used). The hanger 44 and base 42 can be made of, for example, nylon or polypropylene. However, the hanger 44 and base 42 can be made of other materials to vary the strength, holding force, or withdrawal force.

[0026] The hanger 44 is completely removable from the base 42. The user can attach the hanger 44 to the base 42 by sliding the hanger 44 along the longitudinal axis 46 in a first direction 48. The occupant can also detach the hanger 44 from the base 42 by sliding the hanger 44 along the longitudinal axis 46 in a second direction 50 opposite the first direction 48 until the hanger 44 is released from the base 42. The base 42 includes an anchor wall 52, first and second side walls 54, 55, a retaining wall 56, and a stop wall 58 ( Fig. 7).

[0027] The base 42 can be attached to the component in the vehicle 10 (e.g. as shown in the Fig. 1-3). An outer surface 60 of the anchor wall 52 is adjacent to the component in the vehicle 10 when the base 42 is attached to the component. The anchor wall 52 defines one or more openings 62, each of which receives fasteners 64 ( Fig. 5) to attach the base 42 to the component.

[0028] Each fastener 64 includes a shaft 66 and a head 68. When the base 42 is attached to the component, the shaft 66 extends through the corresponding opening 62 of the base 42 and snaps securely into the component. A surface 70 of the head 68 of the fastener 64 snaps into a bottom surface 72 of the anchor wall 52 of the base 42 to secure the base 42 to the component. As shown in Fig. 7, each opening 62 is depressed such that a proximal end 74 of the fastener 64 is flush with or below the underside 72 of the anchor wall 52 of the base 42.

[0029] In various implementations, the base 42 may be integrally formed with the component. For example, the base 42 may be molded into the sidewall 18 of the rear storage area 14 or into the backrest 38 of the first seat 36. When the base 42 is molded integrally with the component, the fasteners 64 are eliminated from the suspension assembly 12.

[0030] In various implementations, the base 42 can be removed from the component. For example, the base 42 can include keyhole slots (not shown) instead of the openings 62. The fasteners 64 can extend through the keyhole slots to secure the base 42 to the component. The user removes the base 42 from the component by sliding and lifting the base 42 off the fasteners 64. The fasteners 64 can remain on the component during base removal.

[0031] With reference to the Fig. 4-6, the side walls 54, 55 of the base 42 extend from the anchor wall 52 away from the component and are perpendicular to the anchor wall 52. The stop wall 58 extends from the anchor wall 52 and is perpendicular to the anchor wall 52 and the side walls 54, 55. The stop wall 58 is disposed between the side walls 54, 55. The stop wall 58 is connected to each of the side walls 54, 55 by rounded corner sections 76.

[0032] The retaining wall 56 extends from the side walls 54, 55 and the stop wall 58 and runs perpendicular to the side walls 54, 55 and the stop wall 58. The retaining wall 56 therefore runs parallel to the anchor wall 52. The retaining wall 56 is formed by a first lip 78 which extends from the first side wall 54 to the second side wall 55, a second lip 80 which extends from the second side wall 55 to the first side wall 54, and a third lip 82 which extends from the stop wall 58 to the first and second side walls 54, 55. The third lip 82 connects the first lip 78 and the second lip 80. In this way, the lips 78, 80, 82 of the retaining wall 56 minimize the material and weight of the base 42 because the lips 78, 80, 82 are only present where they engage the hanger 44. In various implementations, the retaining wall 56 extends completely between the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55 (iefrom the first side wall 54 to the second side wall 55). As best shown in the . Fig. 7-9, the first and second lips 78, 80 may extend only along the respective first and second side walls 54, 55 to enable faster release of the hanger 44 from the base 42 when the user slides the hanger 44 along the longitudinal axis 46 to remove the hanger 44 from the base 42. In various implementations, the retaining wall 56 extends the entire length of the base 42 (i.e., from the stop wall 58 to the open end 142).

[0033] An inner surface 84 of the base 42 defines a channel or track 86. Specifically, the anchor wall 52, the first and second side walls 54, 55, and the retaining wall 56 form the channel 86. The hanger 44 is disposed within the channel 86 when in the engaged configuration. The hanger 44 is removed from the channel 86 when in the disengaged configuration.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 5, the hanger 44 includes a first portion 88 and a second portion 90. The first portion 88 of the hanger 44 is disposed within the channel 86 of the base 42 when the hanger 44 is in the latched configuration. The second portion 90 of the hanger 44 includes a hook 92 for supporting the object.

[0035] In various implementations, the hanger 44 includes more than one hook 92. The hooks 92 may be distributed along the longitudinal axis 46, or the hooks 92 may be oriented in different directions relative to the longitudinal axis 46. For example, two hooks 92 may be arranged at -45° and +45°, respectively, relative to the longitudinal axis 46. In various implementations, the hanger 44 includes, in addition to or instead of the hook 92, alternative means for suspending or supporting an object. An alternative may be a ring, a knob, a clip, a clamp, or a pair of prongs.

[0036] The first portion 88 of the hanger 44 includes an inner surface 94 that faces the anchor wall 52 of the base 42 when the hanger 44 is in the locked configuration. Referring to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the first and second flanges 98, 100 extend from the inner surface 94 of the first portion 88 of the hanger 44 toward the anchor wall 52. The first flange 98 engages the first side wall 54 and the anchor wall 52 of the base 42 when the hanger 44 is in the engaged configuration. The second flange 100 engages the second side wall 55 and the anchor wall 52 of the base 42 when the hanger 44 is in the engaged configuration.

[0037] The first portion 88 of the hanger 44 includes a first outwardly extending protrusion 101. The first outwardly extending protrusion 101 extends from the inner surface 94. The first outwardly extending protrusion 101 contacts the inner surface 72 of the anchor wall 52 of the base 42 when the hanger 44 is in the latched configuration. The first outwardly extending protrusion 101 has a square profile. In various implementations, the outwardly extending protrusion 101 includes one or more ribs and / or has a profile with a different shape, such as a rectangle or a circle.

[0038] The first portion 88 of the hanger 44 further includes an outer surface 102 opposite the inner surface 94. The outer surface 102 faces the retaining wall 56 when the hanger 44 is in the latched configuration. The hanger 44 includes third and fourth flanges 104, 106 and a second outwardly extending projection 107 extending from the outer surface 102 of the hanger 44. The second outwardly extending projection 107 has a square profile. In various implementations, the second outwardly extending projection 107 includes one or more ribs and / or has a profile of another shape, such as a rectangle or a circle.

[0039] The third flange 104 engages the first sidewall 54 and the first lip 78 of the retaining wall 56 of the base 42 when the hanger 44 is in the engaged configuration. The fourth flange 106 engages the second sidewall 55 and the second lip 80 of the retaining wall 56 of the base 42 when the hanger 44 is in the engaged configuration. The flanges 98, 100, 104, 106 and the first outwardly extending projection 101 engage the base 42 to counteract the torque applied to the hanger 44, for example, when an object is placed on the hook 92. The flanges 98, 100, 104, 106 also reduce the contact area between the hanger 44 and the base 42 compared to flat contact surfaces without flanges. Thus, the flanges 98, 100, 104, 106 reduce the friction between the hanger 44 and the base 42 and allow the user to remove the hanger 44 from the base 42 with minimal force.

[0040] Back to the Fig. 4-6, the second portion 90 of the hanger 44 includes a first region 108, a second region 110, and a third region 112. The first region 108 of the second portion 90 of the hanger 44 is disposed adjacent the first portion 88 of the hanger 44. The second region 110 of the second portion 90 of the hanger 44 includes the hook 92. The third region 112 of the second portion 90 of the hanger 44 is disposed between the first region 108 and the second region 110.

[0041] The first region 108 of the second section 90 of the hanger 44 includes a first inner surface 114 ( Fig. 5) adjacent to and coplanar with the inner surface 94 of the first portion 88 of the hanger 44. A peripheral edge 116 extends around the inner surface 94 of the first portion 88 and the first inner surface 114 of the second portion 90. A peripheral wall 118 includes the first and second flanges 98, 100 of the first portion 88 and defines the perimeter 116. The first region 108 includes a first outer surface 120 ( Fig. 6) which is adjacent to and coplanar with the outer surface 102 of the first portion 88 of the hanger 44.

[0042] The second region 110 of the second section 90 of the hanger 44 includes a second inner surface or support surface 122 ( Fig. 5) and a second outer surface 124 ( Fig. 6). The second inner surface 122 and the second outer surface 124 are provided with arcuate profiles. The second inner surface 122 engages the hanging object to support the hanging object. The second outer surface 124 includes outwardly extending ribs 126 projecting therefrom. The ribs 126 increase the rigidity of the hook 92 to support the structure when the object is suspended from the hook 92.

[0043] The third region 112 of the second portion 90 of the hanger 44 includes a third inner surface 128 and a third outer surface (not shown). The third inner surface 128 and the third outer surface are at least partially disposed on a hook wall 132. The hook wall 132 is parallel to the stop wall 58 of the base 42 when the hanger 44 is attached to the base 42. Thus, the user can apply force to the hook wall 132 to insert the hanger 44 into the base 42.

[0044] Triangular side walls 134 extend between the third and fourth flanges 104, 106 of the first section 88 of the hanger 44 and the ribs 126 of the second section 90 of the hanger 44. The triangular side walls 134 connect the first outer surface 120 and the third outer surface (not shown) of the second section 90 of the hanger 44. The triangular side walls 134 increase the rigidity of the hanger 44 and serve as structural support when the object is hanging from the hook 92.

[0045] The hanger 44 and the base 42 are sized to provide an interference fit to retain the hanger 44 within the channel 86, which is the base 42, when the hanger 44 is in the engaged configuration. Referring to Fig.7, the interference fit is created by inwardly extending protrusions 138 on the inner surface 84 of the base 42. Specifically, the first sidewall 54 includes the protrusion 138, and the second sidewall 55 includes the protrusion 138. The protrusion 138 of the first sidewall 54 extends toward the second sidewall 55, and the protrusion 138 of the second sidewall 55 extends toward the first sidewall 54. The protrusions 138 engage the hanger 44 to create the interference fit. In various implementations, the hanger 44 may include a single protrusion 138 that creates the interference fit.

[0046] In various implementations, the interference fit is created through other geometries. In one example, the interference fit is created based on the size of the channel 86 of the base 42 or the size of the hanger 44 across the entire length of the first and second sidewalls 54, 55. In another example, the hanger 44 includes outwardly extending projections (not shown) that engage the first and second sidewalls 54, 55 of the base 42 to achieve the interference fit.

[0047] The interference fit between the hanger 44 and the base 42 ensures a high retention force. At the same time, the geometry of the protrusions 138 and the size of the interference result in a low insertion force when the user moves the hanger 44 between the disengaged and engaged configurations. The size of the interference is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm and less than or equal to 0.15 mm, optionally 0.1 mm.

[0048] As explained above, the hanging assembly 12 is used for storing hanging items within the interior 15 of the vehicle 10. To use the hanging assembly 12, the user inserts the hanger 44 into an open end 142 of the base 42. The user slides the hanger 44 in the first direction 48 along the longitudinal axis 46 and into the channel 86 of the base 42. The hanger 44 engages the projections 138 of the base 42 as it slides along the longitudinal axis 46 to retain the hanger 44 in the channel 86 of the base 42. The hanger 44 is disposed in the locked configuration when the first portion 88 of the hanger 44 engages the stop wall 58 of the base 42 to prevent further movement of the hanger 44 in the first direction 48.

[0049] The user hangs an object from the hook 92 so that the object is supported by the third inner surface 128 of the second portion 90 of the hanger 44. Because the object exerts a downward force on the hook 92, the anchor wall 52 and the retaining wall 56 of the base 42 support the hanger 44. The user can easily remove the object from the hook 92. The user removes the hanger 44 from the base 42 by sliding the hanger 44 along the longitudinal axis 46 in the second direction 50.

[0050] In various implementations, the position of the hook 92 within the channel 86 of the base 42 is adjustable relative to the component (e.g., along the length of the load cover 26). For example, the base 42 may be significantly longer than the hanger 44, allowing the user to slide the hanger 44 along the longitudinal axis 46 to change the position of the hook 92. In this way, the user can optimally position the hook 92 to avoid obstructions in the rear storage area 14 when placing the object on the hook 92. The user can also slide the hanger 44 to a first position to place the object on the hook 92 and then slide the hanger 44 to a second position, which is less easily accessible than the first position, to store the object on the hook 92.

[0051] In various implementations, the hanger 44 can be removed from the base 42 without translating the hanger 44 about the longitudinal axis 46. In one example, the first and second lips 78, 80 of the retaining wall 56 of the base 42 are hinged to pivot outwardly relative to the respective first and second side walls 54, 55. In another example, the retaining wall 56 is hinged at the third lip 82 and pivotable relative to the stop wall 58.

[0052] Although the hanging assembly 12 is shown in the storage area of the vehicle, alternative positions and uses are contemplated. For example, multiple hanging assemblies within a storage area may be cooperatively configured to support a larger structure, such as a crossbar net, a bungee cord, or a curtain. The larger structure may also be an assembly for use when the vehicle is parked, such as tools or a table. In another example, the hanging assembly includes a clip or prong instead of the hook 92 for supporting a GPS device, a phone, or a tablet. In yet another example, the hanging assembly 12 includes a ring for receiving a beverage within the interior 15 of the vehicle 10.

[0053] The suspension assembly 12 can be used for non-automotive vehicle applications, such as in aircraft, boats, and tractors. The suspension assembly 12 can also be used in any other non-vehicle application where high holding force and low insertion force are desirable for a removable hook. The suspension assembly 12 can be used, for example, on movie theater seats, in a classroom, in an office, or in a home, such as in a closet or kitchen.

[0054] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "interlocked," "coupled," "adjacent," "beside," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "direct," a relationship may be a direct relationship when a relationship is described between a first and second element in the above disclosure if no other intervening elements are present between the first and second elements, but may also be an indirect relationship if one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) are present between the first and second elements.As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be understood to mean a logic (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be understood to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0055] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0056] Spatially relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein to better describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation besides the orientation illustrated in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as being "below" or "under" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" can include both an above and below orientation.The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions) and the spatially related keywords used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

[1] A suspension arrangement (12) for suspending an object within an interior space (15) of a vehicle (10), the suspension arrangement (12) comprising: a base (42) configured to be attached to a component inside the vehicle (10), the base (42) comprising an anchor wall (52), first and second side walls (54, 55) extending from the anchor wall (52), and a retaining wall (56) adjacent to the first and second side walls (54, 55) and opposite the anchor wall (52), the anchor wall (52), the first and second side walls (54, 55), and the retaining wall (56) cooperating to define a channel (86) having a longitudinal axis (46); and a hanger (44) which is displaceable within the channel (86) along the longitudinal axis (46), the hanger (44) comprising a first portion (88) configured to be disposed within the channel (86) of the base (42) and a second portion (90) comprising a hook (92) configured to support the object, wherein the first portion (88) has an inner surface (94) oriented toward the anchor wall (52) when the hanger (44) is disposed in the channel (86), and an outer surface (102) oriented toward the retaining wall (56) when the hanger (44) is disposed in the channel (86), characterized by , that the hanger (44) is movable within the channel (86) between a locked configuration and a unlocked configuration, wherein the hanger (44) is disposed within the channel (86) when the hanger (44) is in the locked configuration, wherein the hanger (44) is removed from the channel (86) such that the hanger (44) is completely detached from the base (42) when the hanger (44) is in the unlatched configuration, wherein the base (42) further comprises a stop wall (58) extending from the anchor wall (52) between the first side wall (54) and the second side wall (55), and wherein the stop wall (58) engages the first portion (88) of the hanger (44) to prevent displacement of the hanger (44) in a first direction beyond a first position when the first portion (88) of the hanger (44) is inserted into the channel (86). [2] The hanging assembly (12) of claim 1, wherein the retaining wall (56) of the base (42) has a first lip (78) extending from the first side wall (54) to the second side wall (55) and a second lip (80) extending from the second side wall (55) to the first side wall (54). [3] The hanging assembly (12) of claim 1, wherein the second portion (90) of the hanger (44) includes a hook wall (132) that is parallel to the stop wall (58) when the hanger (44) is disposed in the base (42), the hook wall (132) being disposed between the hook (92) and the first portion (88) of the hanger (44). [4] The hanger assembly (12) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the hanger (44) and the base (42) are sized to form an interference fit between the hanger (44) and the base (42) to retain the hanger (44) within the channel (86) when the hanger (44) is in the latched configuration. [5] A suspension assembly (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first side wall (54) and / or the second side wall (55) comprises a projection (138) extending toward the hanger (44) and engageable with the hanger (44) to form the interference fit. [6] Suspension arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first portion (88) of the hanger (44) further includes first and second flanges (98, 100) extending from the inner surface (94); the first flange (98) is engaged with the first side wall (54) and the anchor wall (52) when the hanger (44) is disposed in the channel (86); and the second flange (100) engages the second side wall (55) and the anchor wall (52) when the hanger (44) is arranged in the channel (86). [7] Suspension arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first portion (88) of the hanger (44) further comprises third and fourth flanges (104, 106) extending from the outer surface (102); the third flange (104) is engaged with the first side wall (54) and the retaining wall (56) when the hanger (44) is disposed in the channel (86); and the fourth flange (106) engages the second side wall (55) and the retaining wall (56) when the hanger (44) is arranged in the channel (86). [8] A suspension assembly (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the hook (92) has an outer surface (124) and a plurality of ribs (126) projecting from the outer surface (124).

Images