Tool tray for storing equipment and tools in a vehicle

Abstract

Storage trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) of a vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040), the storage trough comprising: a lower surface (803; 823; 863; 883) recessed relative to a floor (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969) of a passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042) of the vehicle; a first side surface (804; 824; 864; 884) extending upwardly from the lower surface to the floor on a first side of the trough; and a second side surface (805; 825; 865; 885) extending upwardly from the lower surface to the floor on a second side of the trough, wherein: the recess extends unhindered from the passenger compartment of the vehicle to a storage space (101; 201; 501) of the vehicle, characterized by that the storage space (101; 201; 501) is arranged longitudinally in front of the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042).

Description

introduction

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool tray for storing equipment and tools in a vehicle. For example, a vehicle may include a recessed, permanent tray that extends the entire length of the interior (accessible from the front and rear) and can withstand dirt, water, snow, or debris.

[0002] DE 20 2016 001 221 U1, DE 20 2008 009 872 U1, and DE 44 38 909 C1 describe transport containers or devices of a vehicle, each having a lower surface and two side surfaces extending upwardly from the lower surface and extending from the passenger compartment of the vehicle to a storage space of the vehicle. DE 296 15 812 U1 discloses an armrest arrangement that forms a recess in the backrest of a vehicle through which elongated cargo can be pushed.

[0003] US 7 641 209 B2 describes a conversion assembly for enabling or improving the accessibility of a front-wheel drive vehicle for a wheelchair, the assembly comprising rear suspension mountings for attachment to the structure of the vehicle in place of an existing rear suspension, so that a part of a floor panel of the vehicle with sufficient width to accommodate the width of a wheelchair can be lowered between the rear suspension mountings.

[0004] US 5,137,413 A discloses an improvement to a vehicle, such as a minivan, for transporting wheelchair users or large and bulky objects. A minivan with a rear folding axle and a rear-opening door is converted into the improved minivan. The improved minivan features a false floor, a rear body panel with a cutout corresponding to the false floor, a pivoting ramp providing access to the false floor, and a system for lowering the minivan to make it more accessible for wheelchair-bound persons or to facilitate the loading of bulky objects.

[0005] In view of the known storage containers and devices, an object of the present invention is to improve the possibilities for storing and transporting equipment and devices, in particular long, bulky objects, in a vehicle. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention relates to an equipment or storage trough of a vehicle for storing equipment and tools, as well as to a vehicle having such an equipment or storage trough, according to the preambles of claims 1, 7, and 18. Various embodiments are defined by the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention will be described in detail according to one or more different embodiments with reference to the following figures. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and represent merely typical or exemplary embodiments. These drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the concepts disclosed herein and are not to be construed as limiting the breadth, scope, or applicability of these concepts. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily to scale for clarity and ease of illustration. Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an illustrative vehicle with a storage tray, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a side view of an illustrative vehicle with a storage tray, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a front view of an illustrative vehicle with a storage trough, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a rear view of the vehicle from Fig. 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an illustrative vehicle having a storage tray with an insert, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an illustrative vehicle interior with an illustrative storage compartment, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an illustrative vehicle interior with an illustrative storage tray recessed from a floor, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 8 shows longitudinal cross-sectional views of several illustrative troughs, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 9 shows longitudinal cross-sectional views of several illustrative trays with inserts, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and Fig. 10 shows side views of several illustrative vehicles with various body configurations, according to some embodiments of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a tray for storing equipment in a vehicle. For example, under certain circumstances, a vehicle occupant may wish to store relatively long items while avoiding the risk of damaging or soiling the vehicle interior. In another example, the occupant may wish to access equipment or gear stored in a storage compartment of the vehicle, and the tray may provide such access from the passenger compartment. As used herein, the terms tray, storage tray, and equipment tray are interchangeable and describe a space configured and arranged for the storage of items in a vehicle.

[0009] Fig. 1 shows a top view of an illustrative vehicle 100 having a storage tray 110, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the vehicle 100 includes a passenger compartment 102, a storage compartment 101, a cargo bed 103, and a storage tray 110. For example, the tray 110 may be a recessed, permanent tray extending the entire length of the interior (e.g., across the storage compartment 101, the passenger compartment 102, or both, with front and rear access) in which items that may accumulate dirt, water, snow, or debris may be stored. Accordingly, an occupant in the passenger compartment 102 may access equipment from the tray 110 that may extend into the storage compartment 101 (e.g., items such as skis, fishing rods, lumber, or other relatively long items).For example, the tray 110 may allow longer objects to be stored inside the vehicle, improve accessibility to the exterior of the vehicle, allow objects to be moved relatively easily without damaging the interior, or a combination thereof. In one illustrative example, the vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle with a front storage area (e.g., referred to as a front trunk or frunk).

[0010] Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of an illustrative vehicle 200 with a storage tray 210, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle 200 may be the same as or similar to the vehicle 100 of Fig. 1 (e.g., a storage trough 210 similar to the trough 110 of Fig. 1). As illustrated, the vehicle 200 includes a passenger compartment 202, a storage compartment 201, a cargo floor 203, and a storage tray 210. As illustrated, the storage tray 210 has a length 211 that is greater than a length of the passenger compartment 202, the storage compartment 201, or the cargo floor 203. For example, as illustrated, the length 211 is approximately equal to the sum of the lengths of the passenger compartment 202 and the storage compartment 201. Because the tray 210 is positioned lower than the rest of the interior (e.g., recessed into the floor of the passenger compartment 202), the tray 210 can serve as a natural place for debris to accumulate and be easily removed (e.g., a basin).

[0011] Fig. 3 shows a front view of an illustrative vehicle 300 with a storage tray 310, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a rear view of the vehicle 300 of Fig. 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle 300 includes a first seat 305, a second seat 306, which are arranged as a first row of seats (e.g., a front row of seats), and seats 307, which may be rear seats (e.g., a rear bench seat). A well 310 is arranged within the vehicle 300 and extends from the front of the vehicle 300 to the rear of the vehicle 300 through the passenger compartment. As illustrated, the well 310 may be recessed into the floor 301 of the vehicle 300 and may include side and top surfaces that extend above the floor 301 (e.g., when passing under the seats 305-307, through partition walls, when covered (e.g., by a cover), or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the well 310 need not have a constant front-to-rear height (e.g.,The tray 310 may have varying vertical clearance along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 300. In some embodiments, the tray 310 may be sloped, curved, or otherwise change height along the longitudinal axis (i.e., front to rear) of the vehicle 300 to maintain clearance from other components, create a low area that serves as a basin (e.g., for liquids), create more vertical clearance, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the tray 310 extends unobstructed from a passenger compartment of the vehicle 300 to a storage area of ​​the vehicle 300.

[0012] The illustrative hollows that are in Fig. 1-4 may include tie-downs, bungee cords, nets, or straps to prevent items from moving. In some embodiments, the troughs of Fig. 1-4 the storage of relatively long objects in the vehicle interior, with the objects being accessible from outside the vehicle. For example, the recesses of Fig. 1-4 allow items to be easily moved in and out without damaging the vehicle interior (e.g., the storage compartment or passenger compartment). The troughs of the present invention allow for the storage of, for example, a full set of skis, snowboards, lumber, or other long items that can pass through the interior unhindered or without potentially damaging the vehicle interior.

[0013] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an illustrative vehicle 500 having a storage tray 510 with an insert 530, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle 500 includes a storage compartment 501 (e.g., a hood compartment, a front compartment, or frunk), a storage compartment 503 (e.g., a cargo bed), a passenger compartment 502, a hood 520, a tray 510 (e.g., extending from the storage compartment 501 across the passenger compartment 502 to the storage compartment 503), and an insert 530 (e.g., illustrated in a removed state). As illustrated, the insert 530 is configured to be removed from the storage tray 510 by accessing the insert 530 from the storage compartment 501, the storage compartment 503, or both. The recess 510 can have open areas (e.g. in the passenger compartment 502 or in the storage spaces 501 and 503), passages (e.g.by a firewall, a wall of the loading area or other partition), covers or a combination thereof.

[0014] In one illustrative example, the insert 530 may be configured to be disposed along the storage trough 510. In some embodiments, a lower portion of the insert 530 is recessed relative to the floor of the passenger compartment 502 when installed. A vehicle user may wish to store a relatively long item, which may be longer than any of the storage compartment 501, the storage compartment 503, and the passenger compartment 502. The user may access the trough 510 from either or both of the storage compartments 501 and 503 to stow the item by inserting the item into the trough 510 (e.g., by sliding the item along the insert 530) or retracting the insert 530 from a stowed configuration (e.g., as illustrated, wherein the item may be placed on the insert 530 and then the insert 530 may be re-stowed). For illustration purposes, the user can lift the hood 520 (e.g.B. as illustrated) to open the storage compartment 501, and then either remove the insert 530 or slide the item into the well 510 without removing the insert 530. To further illustrate, the user may lift the hood 520 (e.g., as illustrated) to open the storage compartment 501, and then either remove the insert 530 or slide the item into the well 510 without removing the insert 530. In some embodiments, the insert 530 is configured for placement within the well 510 and is removable (e.g., items may be stored directly within the well 510 on a lower surface of the well 510). For example, removing the insert 530 may provide more storage space within the well 510. Under certain circumstances, dirt, liquid (e.g.,Water or spills) or debris may accumulate in the tray 510 or on the insert 530 inserted therein because the lower surface of the tray 510 and / or insert 530 is / are located below a floor of the passenger compartment 502. In some such cases, the user may rinse, clean, wash, or otherwise dispose of the collected material, thereby allowing for easy cleaning of the tray storage area (e.g., tray 510 and / or insert 530).

[0015] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an illustrative vehicle interior 600 (e.g., a passenger compartment thereof) with an illustrative storage tray, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the tray 610 extends through the firewall of the vehicle (e.g., a front bulkhead), below the instrument console 650 (e.g., in some embodiments, a tray extends through an instrument console), along the floor 640 of the vehicle interior 600 (e.g., the vehicle seats are not illustrated). Floor portions 641 and 642 of the floor 640 are disposed on either side of the tray 610, with the tray 610 recessed into the floor. For illustration, in some embodiments, the floor 640 of the vehicle may be carpeted, while the trough 610 may be rubberized, plastic, or otherwise impervious or more impervious to water. Although in Fig. 6, the well 610 may extend into a forward storage compartment, through the passenger compartment (e.g., a front bulkhead or firewall of the vehicle interior 600), and extend rearward to a rear storage compartment (e.g., a truck bed, a trunk, a hatch area behind a row of seats, or a storage area in a van). For illustrative purposes, items stored in or along the well 610 may be accessed from the vehicle interior 600 or from one or both ends of the vehicle, depending on which storage compartments the well 610 extends into.

[0016] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an illustrative vehicle interior 700 having an illustrative storage tray recessed from a floor, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the tray 710 extends through the firewall of the vehicle (e.g., a front bulkhead), below the instrument console 750, along the floor 740 of the vehicle interior 700 (e.g., the vehicle seats are not illustrated). The insert 711 is disposed along the tray 710 and includes straps 712 and 713 for securing items stored in the tray 710. The floor portions 741 and 742 of the floor 740 are disposed on either side of the tray 710 and the insert 711, with the tray 710 and the insert 711 recessed into the floor 740.For illustration, in some embodiments, the floor 740 of the vehicle may be carpeted, while the tray 710 may be rubberized, plastic, or otherwise impervious, or more impervious to water (e.g., waterproof). Although in . Fig. 7, the tray 710 may extend into a forward storage compartment, through the passenger compartment (e.g., a front bulkhead or firewall of the vehicle interior 700), and extend rearward to a rear storage compartment (e.g., a truck bed, a hatch area behind a row of seats, or a storage area in a van). For illustrative purposes, items stored in or along the tray 710 and insert 711 may be accessed from the vehicle interior 700 or from one or both ends of the vehicle, depending on which storage compartments the tray 710 (e.g., and insert 711) extend into.

[0017] Fig. 8 shows longitudinal cross-sectional views of several illustrative troughs, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Illustrated in plate 800 is a trough 802 disposed in floor 809 below floor portion 801. Trough 802 includes bottom surface 803 and side surfaces 804 and 805 (e.g., first and second side surfaces). As illustrated, trough 802 forms a rectangular recess with relatively sharp corners (e.g., with a relatively small radius of curvature where bottom surface 803 meets side surfaces 804 and 805). In some embodiments, floor 809 includes a first material (e.g., carpet, mat, or plastic), and trough 802 includes a second material that is different from the floor material. For example, the second material is waterproof or water-resistant (e.g., plastic or rubber).

[0019] Plate 820 illustrates a trough 822 disposed in the bottom 829 below the bottom portion 821. The trough 822 includes the bottom surface 823 and the side surfaces 824 and 825 (e.g., first and second side surfaces). As illustrated, the trough 822 forms a rounded rectangular depression with smoothed or otherwise contoured corners (e.g., compared to the trough 802 of plate 800, which has a relatively larger radius of curvature where the bottom surface 803 meets the side surfaces 804 and 805).

[0020] In plate 840, a trough 842 is illustrated disposed in the bottom 849 below the bottom portion 841. The trough 842 includes a contoured surface that does not have clear bottom and side portions, but rather forms a concave storage trough in the bottom 849. As illustrated, the trough 842 forms a curved recess with a relatively larger minimum radius of curvature than either the trough 802 of plate 800 or the trough 822 of plate 820. Accordingly, a trough may include side surfaces (e.g., flat or curved portions of the cross-section) and a bottom surface that are not clearly distinguishable, and accordingly, the surfaces corresponding to the "bottom" and "sides" may be flexibly defined.For illustration, the bottom surface may enclose the lowest region of the well 842, while the side surfaces may enclose the uppermost regions of the well 842, wherein the boundary between the bottom surface and side surfaces is drawn arbitrarily or based on a suitable criterion (e.g., a particular slope or distance may define the boundary).

[0021] Illustrated in plate 860 is a recess 862 disposed in floor 869 below floor portion 861. The recess 862 includes the bottom surface 863 and the side surfaces 864 and 865 (e.g., first and second side surfaces), with the cover 868 disposed to cover the recess 862 (e.g., to provide an upper surface that interfaces with a storage area, a passenger compartment, or both). As illustrated, the cover 868 is connected to the side surface 864 at the hinge 867 and engages the side surface 865 at the latch 866. As illustrated, the cover 868 can be rotated about the hinge 867 (e.g., after unlocking the latch 869, which may include a magnetic lock or a mechanical lock) to provide access to the tray 862 from above.Accordingly, in some embodiments, a tray may include a removable cover, a movable cover, a collapsible cover, a flexible cover, multiple cover sections, or a combination thereof. The cover 866 may extend the entire length of the tray 862 or any suitable portion thereof (e.g., in only some compartments, divider areas, or a combination thereof). As illustrated, the cover 868 is disposed above the floor portion 861, but in some configurations may be disposed below the floor portion 861 or at a level (e.g., flush with) it.In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a cover 868 arranged to at least partially cover the tray 862, and the cover 868 is connected to a side surface of the tray at the hinge 867 to enable the cover 868 to secure or provide access to items within the tray 862. For example, the vehicle may include one or more covers 868, each covering a portion of the tray 862 and each independently arranged to secure or provide access to at least a portion of the tray 862 (e.g., items stored therein).

[0022] Illustrated in panel 880 is a trough 882 disposed in floor 889 below floor portion 881. Trough 882 includes bottom surface 883 and side surfaces 884 and 885 (e.g., first and second side surfaces), with tie-down device 888 disposed to at least partially cover trough 882 (e.g., to secure or bundle items within trough 882). As illustrated, tie-down device 888 is connected to side surface 884 at bracket 887 and may be attached to a feature 886 (e.g., a loop as illustrated) on top of side surface 885. Tie-down device 888 may include a strap, net, bungee cord, or other suitable securing device that may be attached to bracket 887 to secure items within trough 882. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a trough may include a removable tie-down device, an expandable tie-down device (e.g.,an elastic strap), a loop or D-ring for securing a tie-down device, any other suitable components for securing items in the trough 882, or any combination thereof.

[0023] The tie-down device 888 may be a single tie-down device or may include a plurality of tie-down devices (e.g., more than one tie-down device) arranged along the length of the well 882 or any suitable portion thereof (e.g., in only some compartments, bulkhead areas, or a combination thereof). Illustratively, tie-down devices (e.g., straps) may be included to prevent long items from moving or slipping. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes one or more tie-down devices (e.g., a single tie-down device, a set of tie-down devices, each similar to the tie-down device 888) arranged to at least partially cover the well 882 and configured to secure items within the well 882. The one or more tie-down devices (e.g.,each similar to the lashing device 888) may be connected to a side surface of the trough at respective brackets similar to the bracket 887 (e.g., attachment points with fastening material).

[0024] Fig. 9 shows longitudinal cross-sectional views of several illustrative trays with inserts, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] In the plate 900, a trough 902 is illustrated, which is arranged in the floor 909 below the floor portion 901. The insert 906 is arranged on top of the trough 902 and is configured to translate along the trough 902 (e.g., to slide along the trough 902). As illustrated, the trough 902 forms a recess with curved transitions from the side surfaces to a bottom surface, similar to the trough 822 of the plate 820 of Fig. 8), and the insert 906 has a similar cross-sectional shape. The insert 906 may be removable, movable (e.g., slidable or liftable), or otherwise stowable, dustable, or replaceable. In some embodiments, the insert 906 need not be removable or movable and may be configured to be permanently installed.

[0026] In the plate 920, a trough 922 is illustrated, which is arranged in the floor 929 below the floor portion 921. The insert 926 is arranged on top of the trough 922 and is configured to translate (e.g., slide along the trough 922) via the rails 924 and 925. As illustrated, the trough 922 forms a recess with curved transitions from the side surfaces to a bottom surface, similar to the trough 822 of the plate 820 of Fig. 8), and the insert 926 has a similar cross-sectional shape. The insert 926 can not only be movable over the rails 924 and 925, but can also be removed. In some embodiments, the insert 926 need not be removable and can be configured to be permanently coupled to the rails 924 and 925. The rails 924 and 925 can include a sliding interface, a bearing interface (e.g., roller bearings), a roller interface, a bushing interface (e.g., with an intermediate interface material having a relatively lower coefficient of friction), a telescoping interface, any other suitable interface, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the rails 924 and 925 include one or more mechanisms or systems, such as a pulley system, a rack and pinion system, a spring-loaded system (e.g.,to assist in re-stowing the insert 926), a dampening system (e.g., to prevent impact of the insert 926 at the ends of the travel path), a locking system (e.g., to provide one or more equilibrium positions), a latch system (e.g., to securely hold the insert 926 in a particular position), a locking system (e.g., to prevent displacement of the insert 926), or any combination thereof. For illustrative purposes, the trough 922 may include one or more rails (e.g., rail 924, rail 925, or other suitable rails, or combination thereof), and the insert 926 is configured to translate along the one or more rails.

[0027] In plate 940, a trough 942 is illustrated, which is disposed in the bottom 949 below the bottom portion 941. The insert 946 is disposed on top of the trough 942 and is configured to translate (e.g., slide along the trough 942) across interfaces formed by features 944, 945, 947, and 948. As illustrated, the trough 942 forms a recess with curved transitions from the side surfaces to a bottom surface, similar to the trough 822 of plate 820 of Fig. 8), and insert 946 has a similar cross-sectional shape. Insert 946 includes features 944 and 945 (e.g., illustrated as protrusion features on the underside of insert 946) that engage features 947 and 948 of trough 942 (e.g., illustrated as protrusion features laterally offset from features 944 and 945). The interface between features 944 and 947, as well as between features 945 and 948, may include a sliding interface, a bearing interface (e.g., roller bearings), a roller interface (e.g., including one or more rollers), a bushing interface (e.g., with an intermediate interface material having a relatively lower coefficient of friction), any other suitable interface, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments, the interface between the insert 946 and the trough 942 includes one or more mechanisms or systems, such as a pulley system, a rack and pinion system, a spring-loaded system (e.g., to assist in re-stowing the insert 946), a dampening system (e.g., to prevent impact of the insert 946 at the ends of its travel), a locking system (e.g., to provide one or more equilibrium positions), a latch system (e.g., to securely hold the insert 946 in a particular position), a locking system (e.g., to prevent displacement of the insert 946), or any combination thereof. Although illustrated as a set of protrusion features, either one or both of an insert and a trough may include one or more recess features, one or more protrusion features, or a combination thereof.To illustrate, the well 942 may include one or more features (e.g., feature 947, feature 948, or any other suitable feature or combinations thereof), and the insert 946 includes one or more mating features (e.g., feature 944, feature 945, any other suitable feature, or combinations thereof) that form a sliding interface with the one or more features of the well 942.

[0028] Illustrated in plate 960 is a trough 962 disposed in floor 969 below floor portion 961. As illustrated, trough 962 includes features 964 and 965 (e.g., illustrated as conical lips) that bear against floor 969 to align trough 962, support trough 962, facilitate relative sliding between trough 962 and floor 969, or a combination thereof. As illustrated, floor 969 includes a recess 968 (e.g., a cutout, depression, hole, or other opening extending below the level of floor 969) in which trough 962 is disposed. In some embodiments, the recess 968 may receive the trough 962 without a gap or space (e.g., the trough 962 may fit snugly against the recess 968).In some embodiments, the trough 962 need not abut the surfaces of the recess 968, and a gap may exist between the portions of the trough 962 and the recess 968 (e.g., as illustrated). As illustrated, the trough 962 forms a recess with curved transitions from side surfaces to a bottom surface, generally similar to the trough 822 of the plate 820 of FIG. Fig. 8). The trough 962 includes features 964 and 965 (e.g., illustrated as protrusion features on the outer edges of the trough 962) that engage the floor 969 (which may include, e.g., recesses, guides, or other mating interface to features 964 and 965). The interface between features 964 and 965 and the floor 969 may include a sliding interface, a bearing interface (e.g., roller bearings), a roller interface (e.g., including one or more rollers), a bushing interface (e.g., with an intermediate interface material having a relatively lower coefficient of friction), any other suitable interface, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the interface between the trough 962 and the floor 969 includes one or more mechanisms or systems, such as a pulley system, a rack and pinion system, a spring-loaded system (e.g.,to assist in re-stowing the tray 962), a dampening system (e.g., to prevent impact of the tray 962 at the ends of the travel path), a locking system (e.g., to provide one or more equilibrium positions), a latch system (e.g., to securely hold the tray 962 in a particular position), a locking system (e.g., to prevent displacement of the tray 962), or any combination thereof. The tray 962 need not be removable or movable and may, for example, be fixedly installed in the floor 969. Further, although illustrated as a set of lips, either or both of a tray and a floor may include one or more recess features, one or more projection features, one or more step features, any other suitable features for interconnection, or a combination thereof.

[0029] It is understood that everyone who Fig. 8-9 may be combined, modified, or otherwise altered in accordance with the present invention. For example, a trough may be rectangular, rounded, or curved, and may include a strap or other tie-down device, as well as a cover and / or insert.

[0030] Fig. 10 shows side views of several illustrative vehicles with various body configurations, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] The vehicle 1000 includes a tray 1010 that extends from the front compartment 1001 through the passenger compartment 1002, but not to the rear compartment 1003. For example, items may be loaded from the front of the vehicle 1000 into the tray 1010 by opening the panel 1008 (e.g., a hood, bumper fascia, or other suitable exterior panel, or a combination thereof) and passing the items through a bulkhead in the firewall of the vehicle. As illustrated, the well 1010 extends from the front compartment 1001 below the instrument console 1007 (which may include, for example, a steering wheel, air vents and controls, a touchscreen, and user-operated buttons or knobs), below a first row of seats 1005 (e.g., below and / or between front seats), and below a second row of seats 1006 (e.g., below and / or between rear seats).As illustrated, the front compartment 1001 has a length L1 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket), the passenger compartment 1002 has a length L2 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket), and the rear compartment 1003 has a length L3 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket). As illustrated, the tray 1010 has a length of approximately L1+L2 (e.g., items up to L1+L2 in length can be stored in the tray 1010 without protruding from the vehicle 1000).

[0032] In an example not within the claimed scope, the vehicle 1020 includes a tray 1030 that extends from the rear compartment 1023 through the passenger compartment 1022, but not to the front compartment 1021. For example, items may be loaded into the tray 1030 from the rear of the vehicle 1020 by opening the panel 1029 (e.g., a trunk, hatch, bumper fascia, or tailgate, or a combination thereof depending on the vehicle type) and passing the items through a rear bulkhead of the vehicle. As illustrated, the tray 1030 extends from the rear compartment 1023 below a first row of seats 1026 (e.g., below and / or between rear seats) and below a second row of seats 1025 (e.g., below and / or between front seats). As illustrated, the recess 1030 extends to the instrument console 1027 and partially below it.As illustrated, the front compartment 1021 has a length L1 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket), the passenger compartment 1022 has a length L2 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket), and the rear compartment 1023 has a length L3 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket). As illustrated, the tray 1030 has a length of approximately L2+L3 (e.g., items up to L2+L3 in length can be stored in the tray 1030 without protruding from the vehicle 1020).

[0033] The vehicle 1040 includes a tray 1050 that extends from the front compartment 1041 through the passenger compartment 1042 and on to the rear compartment 1043. For example, items may be loaded into the tray 1050 from the front of the vehicle 1040 by opening the panel 1048 (e.g., a hood) and passing the items through a bulkhead in the vehicle's firewall, or from the panel 1049 (e.g., located at a rear of the vehicle 1040) by opening the panel 1049 (e.g., trunk, hatch, tailgate, bumper fascia, or a combination thereof) and passing the items through a rear bulkhead of the vehicle. Any of the illustrative trays, inserts, or other features of the present invention may be incorporated into any of the vehicles 1000, 1020, and 1040 of Fig. 10. As illustrated, the well 1050 extends from the front compartment 1041 below the instrument console 1047 (which may include, for example, a steering wheel, air vents and controls, a touchscreen, and user-operated buttons or knobs), below a first row of seats 1045 (e.g., below and / or between front seats), below a second row of seats 1046 (e.g., below and / or between rear seats), and through the rear storage compartment 1043. Accordingly, the well 1050 is accessible from the front compartment 1041, the passenger compartment 1042, and the rear compartment 1043. For example, in some embodiments, the tray 1050 extends unobstructed from the passenger compartment 1042 of the vehicle 1040 to each of the storage compartments 1041 and 1043 of the vehicle 1040 (e.g., to accommodate long items).For example, items longer than the front compartment 1041, the passenger compartment 1042, and the rear compartment 1043 can be stored using the tray 1050. As illustrated, the front compartment 1041 has a length L1 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket), the passenger compartment 1042 has a length L2 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket), and the rear compartment 1043 has a length L3 (e.g., approximately corresponding to the length indicated by the bracket). As illustrated, the tray 1050 has a length of approximately L1+L2+L3 (e.g., items up to L1+L2+L3 in length can be stored in the tray 1050 without protruding from the vehicle 1040).

[0034] In an illustrative example of vehicles such as those of Fig. 10, in some embodiments, a well extends within and below a center console (e.g., an instrument console), with the center console extending from a front bulkhead (e.g., the boundary between the front storage area and the passenger compartment) to approximately the rear of a front row of seats (e.g., a well that is shorter than well 1010, which ends at the rear of row of seats 1005). In some embodiments, the lower surface of the center console may be raised to provide sufficient height above the lower surface of the well for storing items (e.g., the center console may at least partially define the height of the well). The well and the items contained therein may, but need not, be accessible from within the passenger compartment. In some embodiments, a well may be located under one or more rear seats (e.g.,a row of rear seats), and the rear seat may also have a lower surface raised above the trench and defining the height of the well. For example, the well 1030 may extend below the row of seats 1026, which may define the height of the well 1030 in at least a portion of the passenger compartment 1022. In some embodiments, the vehicles 1000, 1020, and 1040 of FIG. Fig. 10 include one or more rows of seats, each of which may include one or more seats, a bench seat or a center console.

[0035] In one illustrative example, the vehicle may include a compartment (e.g., front compartments 1001, 1021, or 1041 or rear compartments 1003, 1023, or 1043) accessible from an exterior of the vehicle, separate from the passenger compartment (e.g., passenger compartments 1002, 1022, or 1042). The vehicle may include one or more exterior panels (e.g., hood 520, panel 1008, 1029, 1048, or 1049) configured to provide access to a well (e.g., well 1010, 1030, or 1050) and to restrict access to the well. For example, the passenger compartment (e.g., passenger compartments 1002 or 1042) may include a second row of seats disposed adjacent to the first row (e.g., a front row and a rear row of seats), and the well (e.g., well 1010 or 1050) extends from the compartment (e.g., front compartment 1001 or 1041) past the first row of seats (e.g., front seats) to the second row of seats (e.g., rear seats).

[0036] In another example, the passenger compartment (e.g., passenger compartments 1022 or 1042) may include a second row of seats located adjacent to the first row (e.g., a rear row and a front row of seats), and the well (e.g., well 1030 or 1050) extends from the compartment (e.g., rear compartment 1023 or 1043) past the first row of seats (e.g., rear seats) to the second row of seats (e.g., front seats). In another example, the compartment has a first length (L1 or L3, depending on the configuration), the passenger compartment (e.g., passenger compartments 1002, 1022, or 1042) has a second length (L2), and the well (e.g., well 1010, 1030, or 1050) extends the first length plus the second length (e.g., extends L1+L2 or at least L3+L2). In another example, the compartment may be a front compartment (e.g., front compartments 1001 or 1041) located in front of an occupant compartment (e.g.,Occupant compartments 1002 or 1042), and a front panel (e.g., panel 1008 or 1048) covers or provides access to the well (e.g., well 1010 or 1050). In another example, the compartment may be a rear compartment (e.g., rear compartments 1023 or 1043) located behind an occupant compartment (e.g., occupant compartments 1022 or 1042), and a rear panel (e.g., panel 1029 or 1049) covers or provides access to the well (e.g., well 1030 or 1050).

[0037] The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention. The above-described embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes and not by way of limitation. The present invention may take many forms other than those expressly described herein. Accordingly, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the explicitly disclosed systems and devices, but is intended to include variations and modifications thereof that fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

[1] Storage trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) of a vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040), the storage trough comprising: a lower surface (803; 823; 863; 883) recessed relative to a floor (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969) of a passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042) of the vehicle; a first side surface (804; 824; 864; 884) extending upwardly from the lower surface to the floor on a first side of the trough; and a second side surface (805; 825; 865; 885) extending upwardly from the lower surface to the floor on a second side of the trough, wherein: the recess extends unhindered from the passenger compartment of the vehicle to a storage space (101; 201; 501) of the vehicle, characterized by , that the storage space (101; 201; 501) is arranged longitudinally in front of the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042). [2] Storage trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) according to claim 1, wherein the trough has a length that is greater than a first length of the storage space (101; 201; 501). [3] The storage tray (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) of claim 1, further comprising an insert (530; 711; 906; 926; 946) configured to be disposed along the tray, wherein a lower portion of the insert, when installed, is positioned relative to the floor (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969) of the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042). [4] The storage trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) of claim 3, wherein the insert (530; 711; 906; 926; 946) is configured to be removable from the trough by accessing the insert from the storage space (101; 201; 501). [5] The storage tray (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) of claim 3, further comprising one or more rails (924, 925), wherein the insert (530; 711; 906; 926; 946) is configured to slide along the one or more rails. [6] The storage tray (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) of claim 3, further comprising one or more features (944, 945, 947, 948), wherein the insert (530; 711; 906; 926; 946) comprises one or more mating features forming a sliding interface with the one or more features. [7] Vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040), comprising: an occupant compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1022; 1042) comprising: a first seat (305) and a second seat (306) arranged in a first row, and a floor (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969) arranged on a floor side of the passenger compartment; a compartment (1001; 1041); and a trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) extending from the compartment to the passenger space between the first and second seats, the trough comprising: an upwardly directed surface (803; 823; 863; 883) forming an interface with the passenger compartment, the upwardly directed surface being recessed relative to the floor of the passenger compartment, characterized by , that the compartment (1001; 1041) is arranged longitudinally in front of the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1022; 1042). [8] The vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040) of claim 7, wherein the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042) further comprises: an instrument console (650; 750; 1007; 1047) arranged at a front side of the passenger compartment; a first floor portion (641; 741; 801; 821; 841; 861; 881; 901; 921; 941; 961) of the floor (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969) disposed below the first seat (305); and a second floor portion (642; 742) of the floor disposed below the second seat (306), wherein the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) extends through the instrument panel between the first floor portion and the second floor portion. [9] Vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040) according to claim 7, wherein: the floor (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969) comprises a first material; and the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) comprises a second material that is different from the soil material. [10] The vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1020; 1040) of claim 7, wherein the compartment (1001; 1021; 1041) is accessible from an exterior of the vehicle, separate from the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042), and wherein the vehicle further comprises a plate (1008; 1048) configured to provide accessibility to the tray (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) and to restrict access to the trough. [11] The vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1020; 1040) of claim 10, wherein the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1022; 1042) further comprises a second row of seats (307; 1006; 1046) disposed adjacent to the first row, and wherein the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) extends from the compartment (1001; 1041) across the first row of seats (305, 306; 1005; 1026; 1045) extends to the second row of seats. [12] The vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040) of claim 10, wherein the compartment (1001; 1041) comprises a first length, the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042) comprises a second length, and the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) extends over the first length plus the second length. [13] The vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1020; 1040) of claim 7, further comprising a cover (868) arranged to cover the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050), the cover being connected to a side surface (864) of the trough at a hinge (867). [14] The vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040) of claim 7, further comprising a tie-down device (888) arranged to at least partially cover the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) and configured to secure objects in the trough, the tie-down device being connected to a side surface (884) of the trough at a bracket. [15] Vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040) according to claim 7, wherein the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) comprises: a lower surface (803; 823; 863; 883) which is recessed relative to the base (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969); a first side surface (804; 824; 864; 884) extending upwardly from the lower surface to the floor on a first side of the trough; and a second side surface (805; 825; 865; 885) extending upwardly from the lower surface to the floor on a second side of the trough. [16] The vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040) of claim 7, further comprising an insert (530; 711; 906; 926; 946) configured to be disposed along the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050), wherein a lower portion of the insert, when installed, is positioned relative to the floor (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969) of the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1042). [17] The vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040) of claim 16, wherein the insert (530; 711; 906; 926; 946) is configured to be removable from the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) by accessing the insert from the compartment (1001; 1041). [18] Vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040), comprising: a first row of seats (305, 306; 1005; 1026; 1045), a floor (301; 640; 740; 809; 829; 849; 869; 889; 909; 929; 949; 969) arranged below the first row of seats; at least one compartment (1001; 1041); and a recess (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) accessible from one end of the vehicle and extending below the first row of seats, the recess comprising: an upwardly directed surface (803; 823; 863; 883) recessed in the floor of the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1022; 1042), characterized by , that the compartment is arranged longitudinally in front of the passenger compartment (102; 202; 502; 600; 700; 1002; 1022; 1042). [19] Vehicle (100; 200; 300; 500; 1000; 1040) according to claim 18, wherein the at least one compartment (1001; 1041) comprises: a front storage space (101; 201; 501) arranged in a front region of the vehicle, wherein the trough (110; 210; 310; 510; 610; 710; 802; 822; 842; 862; 882; 902; 922; 942; 962; 1010; 1050) comprises a length that is greater than a first length of the front storage space.

Images