ADJUSTABLE LOADING FLOOR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

An adjustable loading floor system for a vehicle comprises a support frame with a first side element, a second side element positioned opposite the first side element, and a support element. A first guide element is provided on the first side element. The first guide element includes a first continuous guide track having a first plurality of adjustment tabs. A second guide element is provided on the second side element. The second guide element includes a second continuous guide track having a second plurality of adjustment tabs. A floor plate comprises a first guide element and a second guide element. The first guide element is displaceable along the first continuous guide track, and the second guide element is displaceable along the second continuous guide track to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the disclosure relates to the technology of adjustable loading surfaces and, in particular, to an adjustable loading floor system for a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicles incorporate various options for storing and transporting a wide range of items. Vehicles incorporate rear storage areas, e.g., the trunk, and / or front storage areas, e.g., the front trunk. The trunk and front trunk typically comprise a fixed volume. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans typically incorporate rear storage areas whose volume can be adjusted, e.g., by folding or removing the seats. Fixed storage volumes are limited in their usability. Storage volumes that can be adjusted by operating the seats are often impractical, as a compromise must be made between seating space and storage space.

[0003] Certain vehicles may include a storage area with a removable floor panel. When removed, additional cargo space becomes visible and available for use. Once removed, the removable floor panel must be stored. Storing the removable floor panel is inconvenient, particularly because the removable floor panel is typically stored in an area away from the vehicle. In other cases, the removable floor panel may have a single adjustment position. Although a single adjustment position is better than no adjustment, the limited adjustment is often inconvenient for a user. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an adjustable support surface in a vehicle storage area. Further, it is desirable to provide an adjustable support surface that can be arranged in multiple positions while remaining in the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0004] An adjustable load floor system for a vehicle includes, according to one non-limiting example, a support frame including a first side member, a second side member disposed opposite the first side member, and a beam member extending between the first side member and the second side member. A first guide member is provided on the first side member. The first guide member includes a first continuous guide track having a first plurality of adjustment ribs. A second guide member is provided on the second side member. The second guide member includes a second continuous guide track having a second plurality of adjustment ribs. A floor panel is coupled to the support frame. The floor panel includes a beam surface, a first guide member, and a second guide member.The first guide member is slidable through the first continuous guideway and the second guide member is slidable through the second continuous guideway to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment webs and the second plurality of adjustment webs.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first side member comprises a first top surface and the second side member comprises a second top surface, the first top surface comprising a first opening connected to the first guide member and the second top surface comprising a second opening connected to the second guide member.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each of the first continuous guideway and the second continuous guideway includes an adjustment portion and a reset portion.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each of the first plurality of adjustment ribs is spaced along the adjustment portion of the first continuous guideway and each of the second plurality of adjustment ribs is disposed along the adjustment portion of the second continuous guideway.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first side member includes a first lower edge and the second side member includes a second lower edge, wherein one of the first plurality of adjustment ribs is disposed at the first lower edge and one of the second plurality of adjustment ribs is disposed at the second lower edge.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the bottom plate comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the first guide element protrudes outwardly from the first side edge and the second guide element protrudes outwardly from the second side edge.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the bottom plate comprises a bottom surface, wherein the first guide member is attached to the bottom surface at the first side edge and the second guide member is attached to the bottom surface at the second side edge.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first guide member comprises a teardrop shape having a first end with a first radius and a second end with a second radius different from the first radius.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first guide member includes a first curved side and a second curved side opposite the first side, the first curved side and the second curved side extending between the first end and the second end.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the described features, the first curved side is convex and the second curved side is concave.

[0014] A vehicle, according to one non-limiting example, includes a body having a cargo area; and an adjustable load floor system disposed in the cargo area. The adjustable load floor system includes a support frame having a first side member, a second side member disposed opposite the first side member, and a beam member extending between the first side member and the second side member. A first guide member is provided on the first side member. The first guide member includes a first continuous guide track having a first plurality of adjustment ribs. A second guide member is provided on the second side member. The second guide member includes a second continuous guide track having a second plurality of adjustment ribs. A floor panel is coupled to the support frame.The base plate comprises a support surface, a first guide element, and a second guide element. The first guide element is movable through the first continuous guideway, and the second guide element is movable through the second continuous guideway to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment webs and the second plurality of adjustment webs.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first side member comprises a first top surface and the second side member comprises a second top surface, the first top surface comprising a first opening connected to the first guide member and the second top surface comprising a second opening connected to the second guide member.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each of the first continuous guideway and the second continuous guideway includes an adjustment portion and a reset portion.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each of the first plurality of adjustment ribs is spaced along the adjustment portion of the first continuous guideway and each of the second plurality of adjustment ribs is disposed along the adjustment portion of the second continuous guideway.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first side member includes a first lower edge and the second side member includes a second lower edge, wherein one of the first plurality of adjustment ribs is disposed at the first lower edge and one of the second plurality of adjustment ribs is disposed at the second lower edge.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the bottom plate comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the first guide element protrudes outwardly from the first side edge and the second guide element protrudes outwardly from the second side edge.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the bottom plate comprises a bottom surface, wherein the first guide member is attached to the bottom surface at the first side edge and the second guide member is attached to the bottom surface at the second side edge.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first guide member comprises a teardrop shape having a first end with a first radius and a second end with a second radius different from the first radius.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first guide member comprises a first curved side and a second curved side opposite the curved first side, the first curved side and the second curved side extending between the first end and the second end.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first curved side is convex and the second curved side is concave.

[0024] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features, advantages and details are listed only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings in which: Fig. Figure 1 is a right rear perspective view of a vehicle with an adjustable loading floor according to a non-limiting example; Fig. Figure 2 is a disassembled view of the adjustable loading floor with a support frame and a floor plate according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 3 a perspective view from the top right of a guideway of the support frame of Fig. 2 is. Fig. 4 a perspective view from the top left of a guide element of the base plate of Fig. 2 according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 5 is a top right perspective view of the base plate moving from a first adjustment position according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 6 a perspective view from the top right of the base plate of Fig. 5 passing through a second adjustment position according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 7 a perspective view from the top right of the base plate of Fig. 6, which, according to a non-limiting example, is arranged in a third setting position; and Fig. 8 is a plan view of the guide element passing through the guide track from the first adjustment position through the second adjustment position to the third adjustment position, according to a non-limiting example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference characters designate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0027] A vehicle according to a non-limiting example is generally rated at 10 in Fig. 1. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 in which a plurality of seats 23 may be arranged, and a cargo area 34, shown in the form of a trunk 36. The cargo area 34 may be used as storage space for various items related to the vehicle (e.g., spare tires, tools, and the like) as well as non-vehicle-related items such as shopping bags, suitcases, and the like. The cargo area 34 includes an adjustable load floor system 50 that can change the amount of storage volume available in the trunk 36. At this point, it should be understood that the adjustable load floor system 50, although associated with a rear storage area (e.g., trunk 36), may also be used in a front storage area, e.g., a front trunk (not shown).

[0028] With reference to Fig. 2 and with further reference to Fig. 1, the adjustable load floor system 50 includes a support frame 52 and a floor panel 54. As will be explained in more detail herein, the floor panel 54 is selectively height-adjustable to change an overall configuration of the cargo area 34. As will be explained further herein, the cargo area 34 can be adjusted so that the floor panel 54 does not need to be removed and stored outside of the vehicle 10. At this point, it should be understood that the support frame 52, while shown as a separate element, may also be integrated into the vehicle 10. That is, internal components (not shown) may be molded to form features of the support frame 52.

[0029] In one non-limiting example, the support frame 52 includes a first side member 60, a second side member 62, a support member 64, and an end wall 66. The support member 64 and the end wall 66 extend between and are connected to the first side member 60 and the second side member 62. The first side member 60 includes a first upper surface 68 and a first lower edge 70. Similarly, the second side member 62 includes a second upper surface 74 and a second lower edge 76. A bottom wall 78 extends between and is connected to the first lower edge 70 and the second lower edge 76. The bottom wall 78 may also be connected to the support member 64 and the end wall 66.

[0030] In one non-limiting example, the first side member 60 includes a first end 80, a second end 82, and an inner surface 84. The second side member 62 includes a first end portion 86, a second end portion 88, and an inner surface portion 90. A first guide member 92 is disposed within the first side member 60, and a second guide member 94 is disposed on the second side member 62. In one non-limiting example, the first guide member 92 is formed within the first side member 60 adjacent to the first end 80. The second guide member 94 is formed within the second side member 62 adjacent to the first end portion 86. While the guide members 92 and 94 are formed integrally within the respective side members 60 and 62, they may also be formed as a separate structure connected to each side member 60, 62.

[0031] With further reference to Fig. 2, the first guide member 92 includes a first continuous guide track 96 and the second guide member 94 includes a second continuous guide track 98. The first continuous guide track 96 includes a first plurality of adjustment ribs 104 and the second continuous guide track 98 includes a second plurality of adjustment ribs 106. The first plurality of adjustment ribs 104 and the second plurality of adjustment ribs 106 define discrete adjustment positions for the base plate 54. That is, by repositioning the base plate 54 between selected ones of the first and second plurality of adjustment ribs 104 and 106, the height above the base wall 78 is changed.

[0032] With reference now to Fig. 3 with further reference to Fig. 2, the first guide member 92 is described with the understanding that the second guide member 94 comprises a similar structure. By way of non-limiting example, the first continuous guideway 96 includes an adjustment portion 110 and a reset portion 112. Each of the first plurality of adjustment ridges 104 is spaced along the first continuous guideway 96 in the adjustment portion 110. The reset portion 112 is a continuous path between the lowermost of the first plurality of adjustment ridges 104 and a topmost of the first plurality of adjustment ridges 104.

[0033] In one non-limiting example, the first plurality of adjustment ribs 104 includes a first adjustment rib 116 disposed proximate the first upper surface 68, a second adjustment rib 118, and a third adjustment rib 120 disposed on the bottom wall 78. At this point, it should be understood that the number and spacing of the adjustment ribs 104 can vary. The first adjustment rib 116 defines the uppermost adjustment rib, and the third adjustment rib 120 defines the lowermost adjustment rib. Thus, the reset portion 112 defines a continuous path between the third adjustment rib 120 and the first adjustment rib 116. In one non-limiting example, the first upper surface 68 includes a first opening 128 defining an entrance into the first guide member 92.

[0034] With reference now to Fig. 2, a description of the base plate 54 is provided. By way of non-limiting example, the base plate 54 includes a support surface 142 and a bottom surface 144 opposite the support surface 142. The base plate 54 further includes a first side edge 146, a second side edge 148 opposite the first side edge 146, a first end portion 150, and a second end portion 152 opposite the first end portion 150. The second end portion 152 selectively rests on the support member 64 when the base plate 54 is in the uppermost adjustment position.

[0035] In one non-limiting example, a first guide member assembly 156, including a first guide member 158, is disposed along the first side edge 146, and a second guide member assembly 160, including a second guide member 162, is disposed along the second side edge 148. As explained in more detail herein, the first guide member assembly 158 and the second guide member 162 translate through the first guide member 92 and the second guide member 94 to establish the adjustment positions for the bottom plate 54.

[0036] With reference now to Fig. 4, the second guide element assembly 160 is described assuming that the first guide element assembly 156 includes a corresponding structure. The first guide element assembly 160 includes a connector 163 that can be attached to the lower surface 144 adjacent the second side edge 148. The connector 163 consists of a carrier 165 with an outer surface 167. The second guide element 160 protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 167. The second guide element 160 includes a teardrop or raindrop shape with a first end 170 and a second end 172. The second end 172 is opposite the first end 170.

[0037] The first end 170 includes a first radius 178, and the second end 172 includes a second radius 180 that differs from the first radius 178, thereby giving the second guide element 160 the shape of a teardrop or raindrop. The second guide element 160 also includes a first side 182 and a second side 184. The first side 182 is convex, and the second side 184 is concave, giving the teardrop shape a curve. The unique shape of the second guide element 160 provides a smooth transition along the second continuous guide track 98 and a secure fit on each of the second plurality of adjustment ribs 106.

[0038] With reference now to Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, a transition of the base plate 54 between several adjustment positions is described according to a non-limiting example. The base plate 54 can, as shown in Fig. 5, by lifting the second end portion 152 from the support member 64. At this point, the base plate 54 can be removed, as shown in Fig. 6, are pushed forward so that the first guide element 158 ​​and the second guide element 162 run along the corresponding continuous first guide track 96 and the second continuous guide track 98 into a second setting position. As shown in Fig. 8. In the second setting position, the first guide element 158 ​​rests on the second setting web 118 ( Fig. 3). The second guide element 162 would assume a corresponding position in the second continuous guideway 98.

[0039] A further forward movement of the base plate 54, as in Fig. 7, the first guide element 158 ​​is placed in the third adjustment web 120 and sets up a corresponding position for the second guide element 162, Fig. 8. At this point, the base plate 54 is in the lowest setting position. To return the base plate 54 to the first setting position, Fig. 1, a rearward force is applied, causing the first guide element 158 ​​to move along the return section 112 back to the first adjustment web 116. The use of continuous guide tracks 96 and 98 in the first and second guide elements 92 and 94 allows the user to move the base plate between multiple adjustment positions. Furthermore, the need for external storage is eliminated, as the base element can simply be stored in the lowest adjustment position.

[0040] The terms "a / an" do not imply a quantity limitation, but denote the presence of at least one of the referenced subject matter. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References throughout this specification to "an aspect" mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or property) described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one of the aspects described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it is understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0041] When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is described as being "on" another element, it may be directly on top of the other element, or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0042] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all examination standards are the most recent standard in effect on the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the examination standard appears.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0044] While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalent elements may be substituted without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many changes may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

[1] Adjustable loading floor system for a vehicle, comprising: a support frame having a first side member, a second side member disposed opposite the first side member, and a support member extending between the first side member and the second side member; a first guide member provided on the first side member, the first guide member comprising a first continuous guide track having a first plurality of adjustment ridges; a second guide member provided on the second side member, the second guide member comprising a second continuous guideway having a second plurality of adjustment ribs; and a base plate coupled to the support frame, the base plate comprising a support surface, a first guide member, and a second guide member, the first guide member being slidable through the first continuous guideway and the second guide member being slidable through the second continuous guideway to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment webs and the second plurality of adjustment webs. [2] The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein the first side member comprises a first upper surface and the second side member comprises a second upper surface, the first upper surface comprising a first opening connected to the first guide member and the second upper surface comprising a second opening connected to the second guide member. [3] Adjustable loading floor system according to claim 1, wherein each of the first continuous guideway and the second continuous guideway comprises an adjustment portion and a return portion. [4] The adjustable load floor system of claim 3, wherein each of the first plurality of adjustment ribs is spaced along the adjustment portion of the first continuous guideway and each of the second plurality of adjustment ribs is disposed along the adjustment portion of the second continuous guideway. [5] The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein the first side member includes a first lower edge and the second side member includes a second lower edge, one of the first plurality of adjustment ribs being disposed at the first lower edge and one of the second plurality of adjustment ribs being disposed at the second lower edge. [6] The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein the floor panel comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, the first guide member projecting outwardly from the first side edge and the second guide member projecting outwardly from the second side edge. [7] The adjustable load floor system of claim 6, wherein the floor panel includes a bottom surface, the first guide member is secured to the bottom surface at the first side edge, and the second guide member is secured to the bottom surface at the second side edge. [8] The adjustable load floor system of claim 1, wherein the first guide member comprises a teardrop shape having a first end with a first radius and a second end with a second radius different from the first radius. [9] The adjustable load floor system of claim 8, wherein the first guide member includes a first curved side and a second curved side opposite the first side, the first curved side and the second curved side extending between the first end and the second end. [10] Vehicle comprising: a body with a cargo area; and an adjustable load floor system according to claim 1, arranged in the cargo area.

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