LOADING AREA STORAGE SYSTEM WITH A CONCEALED VEHICLE LOADING AREA

Abstract

Loading area storage system, including: a foldable cover arrangement (10) for selectively covering a floor of a vehicle loading area (14), wherein the cover arrangement (10) comprises the following: a first and second rectangular plate (20, 22) each with a front and a back side in a parallel relationship to each other; and one or more mechanical hinges (26) for pivotally attaching the second plate (22) to the floor of the loading area (14); characterized by the fact that the first and second plates (20, 22) are pivotably connected to each other along adjacent side edges of the two plates (20, 22) so that the two plates (20, 22) can be folded in relation to each other in such a way that the cover arrangement (10) forms an upright first configuration in which the backs of the two plates (20, 22) face each other, or the plates (20, 22) can be unfolded to a second configuration in which the first and second plates (20, 22) are in a common plane that covers the loading area floor (12); wherein at least one mechanical hinge (26) is connected to the second plate (22) at a side edge of the second plate (22) opposite the side edge of the second plate (22) at which the second plate (22) is pivotably connected to the first plate (20); wherein a storage container (34) is attached to the front of the second plate (22), the storage container having one or more storage compartments (42), the storage container (34) being a foldable, open-topped container made of flexible material; and wherein, when the first and second plates (20, 22) are in the erect first configuration, the storage container (34) is exposed to the loading area (14) and can be converted into an unfolded configuration to provide the one or more storage compartments (42) for storing one or more items, and wherein, when the first and second plates (20, 22) are in the second configuration, the storage container (34) can be converted into a folded configuration and hidden in front of the loading area (14).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a functional cargo organizer for use in the loading area of ​​a vehicle and in particular to a loading area storage system according to the preamble of the claim as is known essentially from DE 10 2006 006 087 A1.

[0002] Essentially comparable loading area storage systems are also described in documents US 2015 / 0 175 080 A1, US 8 215 693 B2, US 6 375 055 B1 and WO 2016 / 086 086 A1.

[0003] Vehicles typically include an area that can be used to transport various types of cargo. Such cargo areas can have different configurations, such as the bed of an SUV, a crossover or hatchback, or the trunk of a sedan. In these and other cargo areas, the floor can be a large, flat surface, often used to store and / or transport various items, such as groceries, luggage, sporting goods, tools, bags, household items, briefcases, office supplies, childcare items, toys, other purchases, and the like. However, during transport, these items tend to become disorganized, tipping over and scattered across the cargo area.It is therefore desirable to organize these items and restrict their movement so that they cannot scatter and tip over, causing chaos during vehicle transport.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of making a generic loading area storage system more user-friendly. SUMMARY

[0005] This problem is solved with a loading area storage system having the features of claim 1.

[0006] Implementations may include one or more of the following features: A bearing system in which a flexible hinge connects the first and second panels adjacent to each other, and the hinge extends along the width of the adjacent first and second panels. A bearing system in which the vehicle's cargo area is generally located behind one or more vehicle seats and between spaced-apart interior walls of a vehicle. A bearing system in which the first and second panels include a carpet layer configured to be exposed in the cargo area when the first and second panels are in a common-plane configuration. A bearing system in which the first and second panels are at 90 degrees to the cargo area floor in the substantially upright configuration. A bearing system in which the cargo area floor includes an elastomeric material layer.A storage system in which the storage container incorporates a plurality of interconnected coupling devices, each coupling device being configured to be functionally attached to a respective attachment point located on one or more loading area side walls to hold the storage container in the unfolded configuration. A storage system in which: the storage container has two side walls that are foldable and unfoldable relative to each other by rotating at a fold; the storage container further comprising a rear wall connected to the side walls; wherein, when the storage container is in the folded configuration, the side walls are pivoted via the fold into positions substantially parallel to and pressed against the second panel, and the rear wall is pressed substantially against the substantially parallel side walls.A storage system in which the back wall of the storage container is reinforced by a rigid material. A storage system in which: the one or more storage compartments are defined by a plurality of foldable dividers; each end of each divider being attached at each end to an inner surface of the storage container; each divider, when in an unfolded orientation, abutting a corresponding corner of the interior of the storage container; and each divider, when in a folded orientation, having an inverse perpendicular relationship to the respective corner to create a storage compartment defined by the area between the respective corner and the divider. A storage system in which each foldable divider is reinforced by one or more boards.

[0007] Furthermore, a vehicle with a loading area storage system according to the invention is proposed, wherein the second plate is pivotably attached to the floor of the loading area by means of at least one mechanical hinge.

[0008] Implementations may include one or more of the following features: A vehicle in which a flexible hinge connects the first and second panels adjacently, with the hinge extending along the width of the adjacent first and second panels. A vehicle in which the first and second panels include a carpet layer configured to be exposed in the cargo area when the first and second panels are configured as a common plane. A vehicle in which the cargo area floor includes an elastomeric material layer. A vehicle in which the storage container includes multiple interconnected hook devices, each hook device configured to be functionally attached to a respective hold-down anchor located on the respective inner vehicle sidewall to maintain the storage container in the deployed configuration.Vehicle in which: the storage container has two side walls which are foldable and unfoldable relative to each other by rotating at a fold, the storage container further comprising a rear wall which is connected to the side walls; wherein, when the storage container is in the folded configuration, the side walls are pivoted via the fold into positions which are substantially parallel to the second plate and are pressed against it, and the rear wall is pressed substantially against the substantially parallel side walls.A vehicle in which: the one or more storage compartments are defined by a plurality of foldable partitions; wherein each end of each partition is attached at each end to an inner surface of the storage container; wherein each partition, when in an unfolded orientation, abuts a corresponding corner of the interior of the storage container; and wherein each partition, when in a folded orientation, has an inverse perpendicular relationship to the respective corner to create a storage compartment defined by the area between the respective corner and the partition.

[0009] The above features and advantages, as well as further features and advantages of the present teachings, will easily become apparent from the following detailed description of the teachings when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle loading area storage system according to one aspect; Fig. Figure 1B is another perspective view of the exemplary vehicle loading area storage system of Fig. 1A; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary storage system according to a different aspect; Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the exemplary storage system according to a different aspect; Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a mechanical hinge of the exemplary vehicle loading area storage system by Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C is a perspective view of a folded corner of the storage container of the exemplary vehicle loading area storage system by Fig. 3A; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary storage system according to a different aspect; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary holding configuration for the exemplary storage compartment according to one aspect; Fig. Figure 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary storage container of the exemplary storage system according to one aspect; Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the exemplary storage container from a different perspective; Fig. Figure 6C is a perspective view of the exemplary storage container from a different perspective; and Fig. 6D is a perspective view of the exemplary storage container from a different perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take different and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be shown larger or smaller to illustrate the details of certain components. Consequently, the structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be understood as limiting, but merely as a representative basis to convey to those skilled in the art the various ways in which the present invention may be used.As experts understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to create embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The illustrated combinations of features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features, consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, may be desirable for specific applications and implementations.

[0011] As in the Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, a foldable cover assembly with an insertable storage container is generally identified by reference numeral 10. Under normal circumstances, the cover assembly 10 is adapted to cover the floor 12 of the vehicle's loading area 14 in a selected manner and may also be referred to as a "loading cover" or "tonneau cover". The cover assembly 10 can cover selected sections of the loading area floor 12 of certain vehicle types, such as SUVs and pickup trucks (e.g., the cargo bed). When installed in an SUV, the cover assembly 10 can be formed behind a pair of the vehicle seats 16 (rows 1 or 2) and between the spaced-apart inner walls 18.

[0012] The cover arrangement comprises two different panels, a first cover panel 20 and a second cover panel 22, which are connected parallel to each other and made of a rigid material such as plastic, metal, or fiberglass. These panels 20, 22 also have an essentially rectangular shape and are arranged in a common-plane configuration that is coplanar with the loading area floor 12 and essentially overlaps with a skirting board installed on the loading area floor 12. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows a live hinge 24 extending along the width of the cover assembly 10, positioned between the adjacent first and second panels 20, 22, allowing the first panel 20 to pivot away from the baseboard 28 and be pressed against the second panel 22. A locking mechanism 23 can be implemented to hold the first panel 20 down while coplanar with the loading area floor 12 and to release it to allow the first panel 20 to fold back onto the second panel 22. A handle (not shown) can also be provided on the rear of the first panel 20 to facilitate folding the panel away from the baseboard 28.The experienced professional will also see that the reverse side of the first and second plates 20, 22 may include a layer of carpet 32 ​​(characterized by the speckled texture) which may be exposed to the rest of the loading area 14 while the plates are in the common plane configuration.

[0013] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, a pair of mechanical hinges 26 (e.g., a raised drum hinge) pivotally connects the second panel 22 to the baseboard 28, allowing the second panel 22 to fold relative to the cargo floor 12 towards the vehicle seats 16 and away from the baseboard 28. When the first and second panels 20, 22 are correctly folded relative to each other, they form an upright configuration, with the first and second panels 20, 22 generally pressed together in an upright position (i.e., at 90 degrees relative to the cargo floor 12 – as indicated by arrows 27). The experienced professional will understand that the baseboard 28 is the section of the cargo floor 12 that can be removably covered by a spare wheel well (not shown).

[0014] With further reference to Fig. 2. A layer of elastomeric material, e.g., polyurethane elastomer 30 (represented by the diagonal lines), can be attached to the back of the baseboard 28 for heavy-duty use in the vehicle loading area 14. This allows, for example, large objects (e.g., bicycles, construction equipment, etc.) to be placed on the loading area floor 12 when the first and second panels 20, 22 are formed into an upright configuration without damaging the first and / or second panel 20, 22 or the carpet layer 32 (if such a layer is present). This polyurethane elastomer layer 30 can also be used to place dirt- and / or dust-covered objects without discoloring the first and / or second panel 20, 22 or the carpet layer 32.The experienced professional will also notice that the polyurethane elastomer layer 30 can also provide a traction pattern to maintain the correct positioning of the first and second plates 20, 22 in the configuration of the common plane.

[0015] A collapsible, open-top storage container 34 made of generally flexible soft film material is attached to the front of the second plate 22 (e.g., via fastening mechanisms such as screws or pins, or via an adhesive). Thus, this collapsible storage container 34 is exposed to the rest of the loading area 14 when the plates 20, 22 are in the upright configuration (see Fig. 3A) and obscured when plates 20, 22 are in the common plane (see Fig. 1) With further reference to Fig. 3C, the two side plates 36 of the container 34, while the container is exposed, can be folded relative to each other at a crease 38 and towards the center of the container. Furthermore, in the folded state, both side plates 36 are bent at the crease 38 to such an extent that they are defined by two segments that run substantially parallel to the second plate 22, with one segment pressed against the front of the plate. The rear wall 40 of the container is also pressed against these folded segments, so that the segments are firmly arranged between the rear wall 40 and the second plate 22. In a broader sense, such folding allows the storage container 34 to be folded substantially flat when the rear wall 40 is moved towards the front of the second plate 22. With further reference to Fig. 2. The baseboard 28 and the front of the second panel 22 can also include corresponding recesses 39, 41, which provide an area for concealed storage of the folded storage container 34, while the panels 20, 22 have the configuration of a common plane.

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the container 34 can otherwise be unfolded by pulling / tugging towards the rear end of the loading area 14, allowing the side walls 36 to unfold by pivoting away from the center of the container. Furthermore, when the container 34 is unfolded, numerous storage compartments 42 can be created, which, for example, make it possible to store and keep food 44 in an organized manner, e.g., during vehicle travel. With further reference to Fig. 5. The storage container 34 can be maintained in an unfolded configuration by implementing hooks 46 (e.g., carabiners) attached to the storage container 34 (e.g., at or near one of the corners of the container). As shown, each hook 46 can be functionally attached to a corresponding fastening anchor 48 (e.g., a metal loop) mounted on one of the inner side walls 18.

[0017] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 6A to 6D, each storage compartment 42 can be defined by the area between an unfolded partition 50 made of flexible material such as canvas and the respective corner of the container 34. Thus, in its unfolded state, each partition 50 is pressed against and corresponds to the inner surface of the respective corner 34 of the container. However, when unfolded, each partition is moved towards the center of the container 34 and bent centrally at a fold 52 to form an inverse perpendicular relationship to the respective corner (represented by angle indicators 54), which divides the storage space of the container interior 34 into several storage compartments 42. Therefore, when properly configured, each storage compartment 42 has a square cross-section 56 and is defined on two sides by the corresponding partition 50 and on the other two sides by the respective inner corner of the container 34.Furthermore, two boards 58 made of lightweight, semi-flexible plastic material can be attached to both sides of each partition 50 and around the central fold 54 (e.g., with tacks) to reinforce the sides of the storage compartment created by the partition 50. These boards 58 can also hold and stabilize the corresponding partition 50 in its unfolded state. The experienced professional will also recognize that the partitions 50 can help stabilize the exposed container 34, regardless of whether it is in its folded or unfolded state. With reference to . Fig. 6B A board 60 made of rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, fiberglass) can also be attached to the rear wall 40 (e.g., with tacks) to maintain and stabilize the shape of the container 34 in its unfolded configuration. With reference to Fig.6D, the experienced professional will ensure that 34 different configurations of storage compartments 42 can be set up within the confines of the container.

[0018] Spatial terms, such as "inner," "outer," "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, can be used here to better describe the relationship of an element or piece of equipment to other elements or properties, as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms can encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as "below" or "under" other elements or properties would then be oriented "above" other elements or properties. Therefore, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation from above and from below.The device can be oriented differently (rotated by 90 degrees or in other directions) and the spatially related keywords used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

[1] Loading area storage system, comprising: a foldable cover arrangement (10) for selectively covering a floor of a vehicle loading area (14), wherein the cover arrangement (10) comprises the following: a first and second rectangular plate (20, 22) each with a front and a back side in a parallel relationship to each other; and one or more mechanical hinges (26) for pivotally attaching the second plate (22) to the floor of the loading area (14); characterized by , that the first and second plates (20, 22) are pivotably connected to each other along adjacent side edges of the two plates (20, 22) so that the two plates (20, 22) can be folded in relation to each other in such a way that the cover arrangement (10) forms an upright first configuration in which the backs of the two plates (20, 22) face each other, or the plates (20, 22) can be unfolded to a second configuration in which the first and second plates (20, 22) are in a common plane that covers the loading area floor (12); wherein at least one mechanical hinge (26) is connected to the second plate (22) at a side edge of the second plate (22) which is opposite the side edge of the second plate (22) at which the second plate (22) is pivotably connected to the first plate (20); wherein a storage container (34) is attached to the front of the second plate (22), the storage container having one or more storage compartments (42), the storage container (34) being a foldable, open-topped container made of flexible material; and wherein, when the first and second plates (20, 22) are in the erect first configuration, the storage container (34) is exposed to the loading area (14) and can be converted into an unfolded configuration to provide the one or more storage compartments (42) for storing one or more items, and wherein, when the first and second plates (20, 22) are in the second configuration, the storage container (34) can be converted into a folded configuration and hidden in front of the loading area (14). [2] Loading area storage system according to claim 1, wherein a flexible hinge (24) connects the first and second plates (20, 22) adjacent to each other and the hinge (24) extends along the width of the adjacent first and second plates (20, 22). [3] Loading area storage system according to claim 1, wherein the loading area floor (12) includes an elastomeric material layer (30). [4] Loading area storage system according to claim 1, wherein the storage container (34) includes a plurality of interconnected coupling devices, each coupling device being configured to be functionally attached to a respective attachment point located on one or more loading area side walls (18, 38) to hold the storage container (34) in the unfolded configuration. [5] Loading area storage system according to claim 1, wherein: the storage container (34) has two side walls (38) which can be folded and unfolded relative to each other by rotation at a fold, the storage container (34) further comprising a rear wall (40) which is connected to the side walls (38); and wherein, when the storage container (34) is in the folded configuration, the side walls (38) are pivoted over the fold into positions parallel to the second plate (22) and pressed against it, and the rear wall (40) is pressed against the parallel side walls (38). [6] Loading area storage system according to claim 1, wherein: the one or more storage compartments (42) are defined by a plurality of foldable partitions; wherein each end of each partition is attached at each end to an inner surface of the storage container (34); wherein each partition, when in an unfolded orientation, abuts a corresponding corner of the interior of the storage container (34); and wherein each partition, when in a folded orientation, has an inverse perpendicular relationship to the respective corner in order to create a storage compartment defined by the area between the respective corner and the partition. [7] Vehicle comprising: a loading area (14) which is generally formed behind one or more vehicle seats (16) and between spaced-apart inner walls of a vehicle; and a loading area storage system according to claim 1, wherein the second plate (22) is pivotably attached to the floor (12) of the loading area (14) by means of the at least one mechanical hinge (26).

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