VEHICLE UNDERBODY CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A cargo management system for a motor vehicle, the cargo management system including: a storage compartment located in a floor of the motor vehicle, a first panel configured to be stored flush with the vehicle floor to cover the storage compartment in a stowed position and to pivot upwardly to a vertical position to form a first partition in a deployed position, a second panel configured to pivot relative to the first panel to form a second partition in the deployed position, and at least one foldable basket that is stored within the storage compartment in the vehicle floor in a folded basket configuration in the stowed position and is deployed upwardly to a deployed basket configuration.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cargo management systems and, more particularly, to a ground-mounted cargo management system for a vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor vehicles are commonly used to transport cargo on board the vehicle. For example, motor vehicles are often used to transport cargo such as food, goods and bagged food, beverage containers, and other cargo items. Motor vehicles typically include various types of storage compartments, trays, cup holders, and other structures for storing one or more cargo items. It would be desirable to provide a vehicle cargo organizer that is compact and versatile. SUMMARY OF REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cargo management system for a motor vehicle, the cargo management system including: a storage compartment located in a floor of the motor vehicle; a first panel configured to be stored flush with the vehicle floor to cover the storage compartment in a stowed position and to pivot upwardly to a vertical position to form a first partition in a deployed position; a second panel configured to pivot relative to the first panel to form a second partition in the deployed position; and at least one foldable basket that, in a folded basket configuration, is stored within the storage compartment in the vehicle floor in the stowed position and is deployed upwardly to a deployed basket configuration.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - a third plate configured to pivot relative to the first plate to form a third partition in the deployed position; - a hinge coupling the first panel to the second and third panels, the hinge being substantially vertically oriented in the deployed position; - a second plate configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate, and a third plate configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate; - a second plate and a third plate, each configured to rotate to a position parallel to the first plate; - at least one foldable basket comprising a first basket having foldable walls that are folded out into the configuration of the unfolded basket; - a first basket positioned in a first area defined by the first plate and the second plate; - at least one foldable basket, further comprising a second basket; - a second plate positioned in a second area defined by the first plate and the third plate; - a first and a second foldable basket configured to be folded and stored within the storage compartment under the vehicle floor; and - a first panel further comprising a handle and a locking mechanism for locking the first panel in the stowed position.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a cargo management system for a motor vehicle is provided, the cargo management system including: a storage compartment located in a floor of the motor vehicle, a first panel configured to be stowed flush with the vehicle floor to cover the storage compartment in a stowed position and to pivot upwardly into a vertical position to form a first partition in a deployed position, a second panel configured to pivot relative to the first panel to form a second partition in the deployed position, a third panel configured to pivot relative to the first panel to form a third partition in the deployed position,wherein the first panel and the second panel define a first partitioned area and the first panel and the third panel define a second partitioned area, and at least one foldable basket that is stored in the stowed position within the storage compartment in the vehicle floor and unfolded upwards into a unfolded basket position.

[0006] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - a hinge coupling the first panel to the second and third panels, the hinge being substantially vertically oriented in the deployed position; - a second plate configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate, and a third plate configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate; - a second plate and a third plate, each configured to rotate to a position parallel to the first plate; - at least one foldable basket comprising a first basket having foldable walls that are folded out into the configuration of the unfolded basket; - a first basket positioned in the first separated area defined by the first plate and the second plate; - a second plate positioned in a second area defined by the first plate and the third plate; - a first and a second basket configured to be folded and stored within the storage compartment under the vehicle floor; and - a first panel further comprising a handle and a locking mechanism for locking the first panel in the stowed position.

[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be better understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following applies in the drawings: Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle having a cargo management system according to an example, illustrated in a stowed position mounted flush with a floor; Fig. 1A is a side perspective view of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle illustrating the cargo management system in a first deployed position; Fig. 1B is a side perspective view of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle illustrating the cargo management system in a further deployed position; Fig. 2 is an enlarged top perspective view of the cargo management system shown in the stowed position; Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system shown in a partially deployed position; Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system shown in a further deployed position; Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system shown in a further deployed position; Fig. 6 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system according to an example, shown supporting cargo in the form of a plurality of food bags; Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system showing the deployment of a partially deployed first basket; Fig. Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system showing the first basket in a fully deployed position; Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system showing the first basket relative to a second basket; Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system showing the first and second baskets in a deployed position; Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system showing the first and second baskets in a stacked position; Fig. 12 is a top perspective view of the cargo management system in a partially stowed position, showing the first and second baskets in the stowed configuration in an exploded view, outside the storage compartment; and Fig. Figure 13 is an exploded view of the cargo management system including the partitions and the first basket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to designate the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not to scale, and certain components are enlarged relative to other components for emphasis and clarity.

[0010] For the purposes of description in this document, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “right”, “left”, “back”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. However, it is to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics are not to be considered limiting with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0011] The presently illustrated embodiments consist primarily of combinations of method steps and equipment components related to a cargo management system for a vehicle. Accordingly, the equipment components and method steps are represented in the drawings by conventional symbols where appropriate, with only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure being shown, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the description herein. Furthermore, like reference numerals represent like elements in the description and the drawings.

[0012] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a listing of two or more elements, means that each of the listed elements may be employed individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0013] herein, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one entity or act from another entity or act, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or acts. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, article, or device that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, procedure, article, or device. An element that "comprises a...' does not exclude, without further limitation, the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or device incorporating that element.

[0014] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and properties are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or greater or lesser if desired, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint being referenced. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range includes "about" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about."It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the domains are significant both relative to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0015] The terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to indicate that a described characteristic is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean that a surface is flat or approximately flat. Furthermore, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal to or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may refer to values ​​within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "the," "the," "a," or "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and are not intended to be limited to "only one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] Regarding the Fig. 1-1B illustrates an automobile or motor vehicle 10 generally in the form of a passenger vehicle, including a cargo management system 20 according to one embodiment. The motor vehicle 10 includes a passenger compartment 12 typically defined by a body having access doors and a plurality of wheel and tire assemblies connected to the axles of the motor vehicle 10. The passenger compartment 12 generally defines a passenger compartment including a plurality of seating assemblies, including a driver's seat 16A and a front passenger seat 16B provided in a front row of seats 16, and a rear row of seats 18 including rear seat assemblies 18A, 18B, and 18C. It should be understood that the motor vehicle 10 may include more or fewer seating options and various other storage options and accessories according to various embodiments.

[0018] The motor vehicle 10 is configured to accommodate and transport a driver and one or more passengers as occupants in the passenger compartment 12 of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 is also configured with cargo space and the cargo management system 20 to transport cargo including one or more cargo items. The cargo can be transported in the passenger compartment 12 as well as at other locations on the motor vehicle 10.

[0019] The motor vehicle 10 is shown having a floor 14 extending generally across the underside of the passenger compartment 12. The floor 14 may provide underlying support for the first and second row seats 16 and 18 and a footwell for passengers and cargo space. The floor 14 may be made of metal with a carpet overlay and / or a plastic or rubber floor mat overlay. The cargo management system 20, which is generally Fig. 1 is shown mounted flush with the upper surface of the floor 14, with the cargo management system 20 in a stowed position. The cargo management system 20 can be moved from the flush-mounted stowed position in the floor 14 to a deployed use position, as shown in Fig. 1A, or unfolded into a further deployed position of use, as shown in Fig. 1B, which extends above the floor 14 to enable and support the storage and transport of one or more cargo items in the motor vehicle 10. It is understood that the cargo management system 20 cannot be deployed into a use position in the footwell of an occupied seat, such as the footwell immediately in front of the rear seat assembly 18C in the rear row of seats 18, which is indicated by an "X" on the seat in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, indicating that the seat is unavailable.

[0020] The cargo management system 20 has a first panel 50 which serves as a lid in the horizontally stowed position and further serves as a first partition in the vertically deployed positions. The first panel 50 has, as shown in Fig. 2 has an upper surface 22 which is mounted flush with the upper surface of the base 14 and covers an opening 30 which provides access to a recessed storage compartment 34 below the base 14, as in Fig. 12. The first panel 50 is generally rectangular with rounded corners to cover the generally rectangular opening 30. The opening 30 defines the open upper end of the recessed compartment 34 formed in and extending below the floor 14. The first panel 50 has a horizontal hinge 24 installed along one edge that allows the first panel 50 to pivot at least about ninety degrees (90°) between the stowed and deployed positions shown in Fig. 3-5. A handle 26, such as a recessed handle, is provided near an edge of the first panel 50 opposite the hinge 24 to allow a user to grasp the first panel 50 to move the first panel 50 to rotate between the stowed and deployed positions. Additionally, a snap-lock latch 28 is provided in the first panel 50 to lock the first panel 50 in the stowed position and to unlock the first panel 50 to allow the first panel 50 to pivot between the stowed and deployed positions. The snap-lock latch 28 may include a locking mechanism, such as a keyed lock, to secure the first panel 50 of the cargo management system 20 in the stowed position.

[0021] The cargo management system 20 further includes a second panel 52 and a third panel 54 pivotally coupled and connected to the first panel 50 by a three-way hinge 56. The second and third panels 52 and 54 can be stowed in a position parallel to the first panel 50 beneath the first panel 50 in the stowed position. When the first panel 50 is in the vertically deployed position forming the first partition, as shown in Fig. 3, the second plate 52 can be arranged as shown in Fig. 4, the third plate 54 can be rotated relative to the first plate 50 about the three-way hinge 56 approximately ninety degrees (90°) into a deployed separation position. In addition, the third plate 54, which is shown in Fig. 4 folded against the second plate 52, can be rotated relative to the first plate 50 by approximately two hundred and seventy degrees (270°) about the three-way hinge 56 into a deployed separation position of one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) from the second plate 52, as shown in Fig. 5. Accordingly, the second panel is orthogonal to the first panel and the third panel is orthogonal to the first panel. In this position, the first panel 50, the second panel 52, and the third panel 54 separate the cargo storage area of ​​the passenger compartment into compartmentalized areas that can stabilize and support cargo items transported within the motor vehicle 10. The second panel 52 has a triangular upper portion and a foot 52A at the lower outwardly facing end configured to interlockingly engage a slot 52B in the floor 14 to retain the second panel 52 in the deployed position.The third panel 54 similarly has a triangular upper portion and a foot 54A at the lower outwardly directed end configured to interlockingly engage a slot 54B in the floor 14 to retain the third panel 54 in the deployed position. The partitioned regions include a first partition region defined on two sides by the first panel 50 and the second panel 52, and a second partition region defined on two sides by the first panel 50 and the third panel 54. As shown in FIG. Fig. 6, cargo in the form of a plurality of storage bags 90, such as food bags, can be placed within each of the partitioned areas to allow for safer transport of the cargo.

[0022] The cargo management system 20 can further be deployed into further deployed positions, as shown in the Fig. 7-11. At least one deployable basket, including a deployable first basket 40A, is contained in the stowed position within the underlying cargo compartment 34 and below the first panel 50. When the first panel 50, the second panel 52, and the third panel 54 are fully deployed as vertical partitions, the first basket 40A can be deployed from the stowed, folded position or other space-saving position to a deployed use position contained in Fig. 8 is shown, as in Fig. 7 by pulling the upper end of the first deployable basket 54 upwardly, such as on a pair of handles 72. The first basket 40A generally includes hinged lower and upper walls 60 and 62 at opposite lateral side and end walls 70 at opposite ends. The hinged lower and upper walls 60 and 62 are operatively connected to a horizontally oriented hinge 64, which allows the lower and upper walls 60 and 62 to fold into the folded position shown in Fig. 12 and extend into the unfolded position as shown in Fig. 8. The end walls 70 can be folded onto the upper end of the first basket 40A in the folded position and can rotate about a horizontal hinge 71 to extend downward into a vertical position when the lower and upper side walls 60 and 62 extend their full length in the unfolded position. As shown in Fig. 8, the deployable first basket 40A includes four walls configured generally in a rectangular shape to form a compartment made available for storing one or more pieces of cargo.

[0023] The first basket 40A, which Fig. 8 in the unfolded configuration, can be moved to another separation area defined by the first plate 50 and the third plate 54, as shown in Fig. 9. Under the first basket 40A in the folded stowed position there is a deployable second basket 40B, which can also be unfolded from the folded stowed position shown in Fig. 9 can be seen, into the unfolded position, as shown in Fig. 10. The deployable second basket 40B similarly includes lower and upper walls 60 and 62 on opposite lateral sides connected by a horizontal hinge 64, and end walls 70 that pivot about the horizontal hinge 71 between a stowed and deployed position, similar to the configuration of the first deployable basket 40A. In the fully deployed position, the first and second baskets 40A and 40B are made available to store one or more cargo items within any one of the partition areas, as shown in Fig. 10, or they can be stacked on top of each other, as in Fig. 11, or in other areas in the motor vehicle 10.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 12, the deployable first and second baskets 40A and 40B are shown in the compact folded configuration and expanded and removed from the storage compartment 34 formed in the floor 14 with the first panel 50 vertically oriented in the lid-open or partition position. It should be understood that the first and second baskets 40A and 40B can be folded into the compact folded configuration and re-stowed within the storage compartment 34, and the first panel 50 defining the lid can be rotated to the closed position when the cargo management system 20 is no longer deployed for use in storing cargo.

[0025] With reference to Fig.13, the partition areas created by the first, second, and third plates 50, 52, and 54 and the first basket 40A are further shown in exploded view. As can be seen, the first, second, and third plates 50, 52, and 54 are each connected to the three-way hinge 56, which interconnects the plates 50, 52, and 54 via hinge pins 57A and 57B and advantageously allows the second and third plates 52 and 54 to pivot relative to the first plate 50 about a vertical axis defined by the three-way hinge 56. The first plate 50 is connected to the horizontal hinge 24 via the hinge pin 25 at its bottom edge.

[0026] The first basket 40A has a horizontal hinge 64 connecting the lower wall 60 to the upper wall 62 on each opposite side and includes a horizontal hinge pin 65. Further, the end walls 70 each include a horizontal hinge pin 71 at the upper end, allowing the end wall 70 to pivot between the upper horizontal position and the downwardly deployed position. Additionally, the lower edge of the lower walls 60 is hingedly connected to a base 84 via a horizontal hinge 66 and hinge pins 67. The upper edge of the upper walls 62 is hingedly connected to an upper frame 80 via horizontal hinges 82 and hinge pins 83. The pair of handles is further pivotally connected to the upper frame 80 via pivot connectors 73 at opposite ends. Thus, the first basket 40A can be folded into a compact, low-profile configuration when not in use to store cargo.It is understood that the second basket 40B may be configured the same or similar to the first basket 40A.

[0027] Accordingly, the cargo management system 20 advantageously provides improved management of cargo within the passenger compartment 12 of the motor vehicle 10. The cargo management system 20 is compact and versatile and can be stored flush with the floor 14 or deployed to provide compartmentalized areas with partitions, and can further provide storage capabilities within one or more deployable baskets to advantageously assist in the transport of cargo within the motor vehicle 10.

[0028] It is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the foregoing structure without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

[0029] According to the present invention, there is provided a cargo management system for a motor vehicle, comprising: a storage compartment located in a floor of the motor vehicle; a first panel configured to be stored flush with the vehicle floor to cover the storage compartment in a stowed position and to pivot upwardly to a vertical position to form a first partition in a deployed position; a second panel configured to pivot relative to the first panel to form a second partition in the deployed position; and at least one foldable basket that, in a folded basket configuration, is stored within the storage compartment in the vehicle floor in the stowed position and is unfolded upwardly to a deployed basket configuration.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a third plate configured to pivot relative to the first plate to form a third partition in the deployed position.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a hinge coupling the first panel to the second and third panels, the hinge being substantially vertically oriented in the deployed position.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the second plate is configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate, and the third plate is configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the second plate and the third plate are each configured to rotate to a position parallel to the first plate.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the at least one foldable basket comprises a first basket having foldable walls that are folded out into the configuration of the unfolded basket.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first basket is positioned in a first region defined by the first plate and the second plate.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the at least one foldable basket further comprises a second basket.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the second plate is positioned in a second region defined by the first plate and the third plate.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first and second baskets are configured to be folded and stored within the storage compartment under the vehicle floor.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first panel further comprises a handle and a locking mechanism for locking the first panel in the stowed position.

[0040] According to the present invention, there is provided a cargo management system for a motor vehicle, comprising: a storage compartment located in a floor of the motor vehicle; a first panel configured to stow flush with the vehicle floor to cover the storage compartment in a stowed position and to pivot upwardly to a vertical position to form a first partition in a deployed position; a second panel configured to pivot relative to the first panel to form a second partition in the deployed position; a third panel configured to pivot relative to the first panel to form a third partition in the deployed position, the first panel and the second panel defining a first partitioned area, and the first panel and the third panel defining a second partitioned area;and at least one foldable basket which is stored in the stowed position within the storage compartment in the vehicle floor and is unfolded upwards into an unfolded basket position.;

[0041] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a hinge coupling the first panel to the second and third panels, the hinge being substantially vertically oriented in the deployed position.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the second plate is configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate, and the third plate is configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the second plate and the third plate are each configured to rotate to a position parallel to the first plate.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the at least one foldable basket comprises a first basket having foldable walls that are folded out into the configuration of the unfolded basket.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first basket is positioned in the first separated area defined by the first plate and the second plate.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the second plate is positioned in a second region defined by the first plate and the third plate.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first and second baskets are configured to be folded and stored within the storage compartment under the vehicle floor.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first panel further comprises a handle and a locking mechanism for locking the first panel in the stowed position.

Claims

[1] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle, the cargo management system comprising: a storage compartment located in a floor of the motor vehicle; a first panel configured to be stored flush with the vehicle floor to cover the storage compartment in a stowed position and to pivot upwardly to a vertical position to form a first partition in a deployed position; a second plate configured to pivot relative to the first plate to form a second partition in the deployed position; and at least one foldable basket which, in a folded basket configuration, is stored in the stowed position within the storage compartment in the vehicle floor and is unfolded upwards into a unfolded basket configuration. [2] The cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a third panel configured to pivot relative to the first panel to form a third partition in the deployed position. [3] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising a hinge coupling the first panel to the second and third panels, the hinge being substantially vertically oriented in the deployed position. [4] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the second plate is configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate and the third plate is configured to move to a position orthogonal to the first plate. [5] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the second plate and the third plate are each configured to rotate to a position parallel to the first plate. [6] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one foldable basket comprises a first basket having foldable walls that are unfolded into the configuration of the unfolded basket. [7] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the first basket is positioned in a first area defined by the first plate and the second plate. [8] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the at least one foldable basket further comprises a second basket. [9] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the second plate is positioned in a second area defined by the first plate and the third plate. [10] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the first and second baskets are configured to be folded and stored within the storage compartment under the vehicle floor. [11] A cargo management system for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the first panel further comprises a handle and a locking mechanism for locking the first panel in the stowed position.

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