VEHICLE WITH LOADING FLOOR RETAINING ROD

Abstract

A vehicle cargo storage system is configured to be located within the floor of a vehicle. The system includes a compartment configured to extend into and beneath the vehicle floor, a cargo floor cover that moves between a closed position covering the compartment and an upright open position to expose the compartment, and a support bar coupled to the underside of the cargo floor cover. The support bar is configured to be stowed at the bottom of the cargo floor cover and extends into a folded-out position, extending downward from the cover to support it in the open position.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to vehicle storage systems and in particular to a loading floor support for a vehicle cargo storage system. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with storage compartments for cargo. For example, the rear cargo area of ​​a vehicle may include a concealed storage compartment located in a recessed area beneath the cargo floor and featuring a removable load floor cover. Quite often, a spare tire or other items can be stored within this rear cargo compartment. It would be desirable to provide a cargo storage system that allows for efficient access to this compartment. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle cargo storage system is configured to be located in the floor of a vehicle. The vehicle cargo storage system comprises a compartment configured to extend in and under the floor of the vehicle, a cover movable between a closed position covering the compartment and an upright open position for exposing the compartment, and a support bar coupled to a lower side of the cover. The support bar is configured to be stowed at the lower side of the cover and unfolds into a deployed position extending downward from the cover to support the cover in the open position. Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the support rod includes a hinge that connects one end of the support rod to the underside of the cover; - the hinge includes a pin that is rotatably coupled to a connector; - the cover has a groove on the underside, with the support rod being stowed in the groove in the stowed position; - the groove is configured to engage the retaining rod by friction; - the cover is a loading floor cover that provides a loading floor when closed, - the compartment is located in a rear section of the vehicle; - the support bar has an outer end configured to be supported on the ground in the extended position; - the support bar is configured to engage a loading edge plate on the cargo floor; - the loading sill plate has an element configured to engage the outer end of the grab bar; and - The cover has a cover hinge.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle cargo storage system is configured to be located in a vehicle's cargo floor. The vehicle cargo storage system comprises a compartment configured to extend into and under the vehicle's cargo floor, a cargo floor cover movable between a closed position that covers the compartment and provides a loading floor, and an upright open position to expose the compartment, and a support bar pivotally coupled to a lower side of the cargo floor cover. The support bar is configured to be stowed at the lower side of the cargo floor cover and unfolds into a deployed position extending downward from the cargo floor cover to support the cargo floor cover in the open position, with a hinge connecting one end of the support bar to the lower surface of the cargo floor cover.

[0005] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the hinge includes a pin that is rotatably coupled to a connector; - the loading floor cover has a groove on the lower side, with the retaining bar being stowed in the groove in the stowed position; - the groove is configured to engage the retaining rod by friction; - the compartment is located in a rear section of the vehicle; - the support bar has an outer end configured to engage the ground when extended; - the support bar is configured to engage a loading edge plate in the extended position; - the loading sill plate has an element configured to engage the outer end of the grab bar; and - The cover has a cover hinge.

[0006] These and other features, advantages and functions of the present disclosure are better understood and comprehended by the person skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a motor vehicle having a cargo storage system which, according to one embodiment, includes a loading floor cover in a closed position covering a storage compartment in a rear cargo area; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of the motor vehicle, showing the cargo storage system with the loading floor cover in an open position and supported by a support bar; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the cargo storage system with the loading floor cover in the closed position; Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the cargo storage system with the load floor cover in the open position, showing the support bar stowed in the load floor cover; Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the cargo storage system with the loading floor cover in the open position and a partially extended support bar; Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the cargo storage system with the loading floor cover in the open position and the support bar fully extended; and Fig. Figure 7 is an expanded view of the support bar, stowed in and removed from the load floor cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0008] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or similar parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not to scale, and certain components have been enlarged in relation to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

[0009] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in this document; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment; some schematic representations may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching the skilled person the diverse applications of the present disclosure.

[0010] For the purposes of description in this text, the terms "above", "below", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0011] The illustrated embodiments presented here primarily consist of combinations of process steps and equipment components relating to a vehicle cargo storage system that includes a fold-out loading floor support bar. Accordingly, the equipment components and process steps have been represented in the drawings, where appropriate, by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the present description. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and the drawings refer to identical elements.

[0012] In this context, the expression "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements means that each of the listed elements can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0013] In this writing, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such unit or action between such units or actions. It is intended that the terms "includes," "comprehensive," or any other variation thereof cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, article, or facility comprising an enumeration of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, article, or facility. An element that "includes..."The presence of “ein” does not, without further limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility that includes the element.

[0014] As used in this document, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantitative information and properties are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller if desired, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the term "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood as including the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range includes "approximately" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0015] It is intended that the terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof, as used in this document, indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface is intended to mean that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0016] In the present context, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "just one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 is a wheeled automobile or motor vehicle 10, generally illustrated as being configured with passenger seats for carrying one or more passengers, such as a driver of the vehicle and additional passengers, and for further carrying one or more items as cargo on board the vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 has a vehicle body 12, which generally defines a cabin interior 14. The cabin interior 14 may include various features and trim components. According to the illustration, the cabin interior 14 has an arrangement of passenger seats 16, which may include a front row of passenger seats and one or more rear rows of passenger seats, each configured to accommodate a passenger.The motor vehicle 10 shown in this document is, in one example, a sport utility vehicle (SUV); however, it is understood that the motor vehicle 10 may otherwise be configured as a van, a sedan, a bus, a truck or any other motor vehicle which has a cargo area which is configurable to include a cargo storage system.

[0018] The motor vehicle 10 is shown as a wheeled motor vehicle having a plurality of wheel assemblies 18 on a chassis which generally supports the body 12. At the rear end of the motor vehicle 10 is a rear flap, shown in one example as a tailgate 26, which is generally configured to have upper hinges between an open flap position, which is in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the opening to the cabin interior 14 via a rear opening 24, and to a position with the flap closed, thus sealing the rear opening 24. Near the rear of the vehicle 10, in front of the tailgate 26 and behind the rear passenger seats 16, there is a rear cargo area 20, which has a cargo floor 22. The cargo floor 22 can include a cargo storage system 30, which has a load floor cover 32 that can be positioned over a storage compartment 38 to cover the storage compartment 38 and support a load on the upper surface. One or more cargo items can be located in the storage compartment 38, and cargo items can be placed on the load floor cover 32 in the rear cargo area 20 when it is in the closed position.It is understood that the load floor cover 32 and the storage compartment 38 are easily accessible when the tailgate 26 is in the open position.

[0019] The motor vehicle 10 includes the cargo storage system 30, which in the example shown is located in the rear cargo area 20. It is considered that the cargo storage system 30 could be located elsewhere in the motor vehicle 10, such as within the floor 22 in a central region or a front region, such as a compartment of a front trunk. The cargo storage system 30 has the load floor cover 32, which is configured to act as a lid that is movable to switch between a closed position, which is in Fig. 1 is shown and where storage compartment 38 is covered, and an open position which is in Fig. Figure 2 shows the opening and closing of the cargo floor cover 32, exposing the storage compartment 38 and thus providing access to it. The cargo floor cover 32 has a hinge 36 along one edge and a handle 34 near the opposite edge. To move from the closed position to the open position, the cargo floor cover 32 is rotated upward into an upright and partially vertical position behind the seats 16. The open cargo floor cover 32 exposes the storage compartment 38, which is configured to extend into and under the cargo floor 22 of the vehicle 10 to provide a cargo storage compartment. Thus, in the closed position, the cargo floor cover 32 covers the storage compartment 38 and provides a generally horizontal cargo floor that extends substantially flush with the cargo floor 22 to support cargo and other loads placed upon it.The vehicle cargo storage system 30 includes a fold-out load floor support, shown and described in this document as a support bar 40. The support bar 40 is an elongated element with opposite ends and can be a tube, rod, bar, or other structure capable of supporting the load floor cover 32. The support bar 40 can be made of a polymer material, metal, or wood, as shown in various examples. The support bar 40 is pivotally connected to the underside of the load floor cover 32. When not in use to support the load floor cover 32 in the open position, the support bar 40 can be stowed in an elongated groove 42 in the underside of the load floor cover 32.The elongated groove 42 has a size and shape that are essentially configured similarly to the size and shape of the support rod 40, so that the support rod 40 can engage the groove 42 in a frictional manner and can be supported in it when the support rod 40 is not in use.

[0020] The support bar 40 can be removed from the stowed position, which is in Fig. 4 is shown, in a fully extended position, stretching downwards, as in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the load floor cover 32 supports it and holds it in an open position. The retaining rod 40 can be pivoted away from the groove 42 about a hinge 44 at one end, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 5 is evident, and be rotated further downwards so that the lower opposite second end rests on a surface of the cargo floor 22, such as on a loading edge plate 48, as in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the loading edge plate 48 has an upright stop element 46 which can hold the unfolded end 45 of the support rod 40 in the use position to hold the loading floor cover 32 in the open position. In the open position, a user can access the storage compartment 38 without having to otherwise hold the loading floor cover 32 in the open position.

[0021] The retaining rod 40 has a hinge 44 which, in the illustrated embodiment, connects the retaining rod 40 to the lower surface of the load floor cover 32 within one end of the groove 42. The hinge 44 may include a pivot pin 50 which engages within a pair of openings in the load floor cover 32. An outer joint or connector 52 may connect the end of the retaining rod 40 to the pin 50 and allow the retaining rod 40 to rotate about the pin 50. Thus, the connector 52 and the retaining rod 40 can rotate about the pin 50, while the retaining rod 40 moves between its stowed position, which is in Fig. 4 is shown, and the fully extended position, which is shown in Fig. The number 6 shown rotates.

[0022] During operation, a user can engage the handle 34 in the loading floor cover 32 and pull the loading floor cover 32 upwards, pivoting it at an angle around the hinge 36 into an open position. The user can then engage the outer end 45 of the support rod 40 by gripping it in the groove 42 and, applying sufficient force to overcome the friction between the support rod 40 and the groove 32, rotate the support rod 40 around the hinge 44 to move it into the downward-facing, fully extended position. The lower outer end 45 of the support rod 40 can be positioned adjacent to the upright element 46 on the loading edge plate 48, so that the loading floor cover 32 is fully supported by the support rod 40.To return the load floor cover 32 from the unfolded position to the stowed position, the user can rotate the support rod 40 back into the groove 42 and lower the load floor cover 32 onto the upper edge 60 of the storage compartment 38. Accordingly, the fold-out load floor cover 32, which has the support rod 40, advantageously provides an easy-to-use load floor cover 32 with a hands-free support, allowing a user easy access to the vehicle storage compartment 38 beneath the load floor cover 32 when the load floor cover 32 is in the open position.

[0023] It is understood that variations and modifications to the aforementioned structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts shall be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

[0024] According to the present invention, a vehicle cargo storage system configured to be located in the floor of a vehicle is provided, comprising: a compartment configured to extend into and under the floor of the vehicle; a cover movable between a closed position covering the compartment and an upright open position to expose the compartment; and a support rod coupled to a lower side of the cover, the support rod being configured to be stowed at the lower side of the cover and unfolding into a deployed position extending downwards from the cover to support the cover in the open position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the support rod includes a hinge that connects one end of the support rod to the lower side of the cover.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the hinge comprises a pin that is rotatably coupled to a connector.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the cover has a groove on the lower side, with the retaining rod being stowed in the groove in the stowed position.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the groove is configured to engage the retaining rod by friction.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the cover is a loading floor cover that provides a loading floor in the closed position.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the compartment is located in a rear section of the vehicle.

[0031] In one embodiment, the support rod has an outer end configured to rest on the cargo floor in the extended position. In another embodiment, the support rod is configured to engage a loading edge plate on the cargo floor.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the loading edge plate has an element configured to engage the outer end of the support rod.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the cover has a cover hinge.

[0034] According to the present invention, a vehicle cargo storage system configured to be located in a vehicle's cargo floor is provided, comprising: a compartment configured to extend into and under the vehicle's cargo floor; a cargo floor cover movable between a closed position, which covers the compartment and provides a cargo floor, and an upright open position to expose the compartment; a support rod pivotally coupled to a lower side of the cargo floor cover, the support rod being configured to be stowed at the lower side of the cargo floor cover and unfolding into a deployed position extending downward from the cargo floor cover to support the cargo floor cover in the open position; and a hinge connecting one end of the support rod to the lower surface of the cargo floor cover.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the hinge comprises a pin that is rotatably coupled to a connector.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the loading platform cover has a groove on the lower side, with the retaining bar being stowed in the groove in the stowed position.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the groove is configured to engage the retaining rod by friction.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the compartment is located in a rear section of the vehicle.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the support rod has an outer end configured to engage the ground in the extended position.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the support rod is configured to engage a loading edge plate in the unfolded position.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the loading edge plate has an element configured to engage the outer end of the support rod.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the cover has a cover hinge.

Claims

[1] Vehicle cargo storage system configured to be located in the floor of a vehicle, the vehicle cargo storage system comprising: a compartment configured to extend into and under the floor of the vehicle; a cover that is movable between a closed position, covering the compartment, and an upright open position, to expose the compartment; and a support bar coupled to a lower side of the cover, the support bar being configured to be stowed at the lower side of the cover and unfolding into a deployed position extending downwards from the cover to support the cover in the open position. [2] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 1, wherein the support bar comprises a hinge connecting one end of the support bar to the lower side of the cover. [3] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 2, wherein the hinge comprises a pin rotatably coupled to a connector. [4] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a groove on the lower side, wherein the retaining bar is stowed in the groove in the stowed position. [5] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 1, wherein the groove is configured to engage the retaining bar in a frictional manner. [6] Vehicle cargo storage system according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the cover is a loading floor cover which provides a loading floor in the closed position. [7] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 6, wherein the compartment is located in a rear section of the vehicle. [8] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 1, wherein the support bar has an outer end configured to be supported on the cargo floor in the unfolded position. [9] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 8, wherein the support bar is configured to engage a loading edge plate on the cargo floor. [10] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 9, wherein the loading edge plate has an element configured to engage the outer end of the support bar. [11] Vehicle cargo storage system according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a cover hinge.

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