EXPANDABLE COMPARTMENT FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

An expandable storage compartment for use on a vehicle features an expandable frame comprising a variety of telescopic assemblies that are movable between a collapsed and an extended configuration. A flexible enclosure extends around at least one section of the frame to define a pair of side walls and a back wall corresponding to a size of the frame. A rigid top is coupled to the frame, defining an upper wall, and a rigid bottom wall, defining a base, is also coupled to the frame. The frame moves the flexible material between the collapsed and extended configurations.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a compartment for storing cargo items on a vehicle and relates in particular to an expandable compartment whose size can be adjusted, especially for use on a motor vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with various storage compartments for storing cargo on board. For example, storage compartments may be provided in the center console, the glove compartment, and the rear cargo area. It may be desirable to provide a storage compartment whose size is adjustable to accommodate use in other areas within the vehicle, such as a cargo area. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an expandable storage compartment for use on a vehicle has an expandable frame comprising a plurality of telescopic assemblies movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. A flexible enclosure extends around at least one section of the frame and defines a pair of side walls and a rear wall corresponding to a size of the frame. A rigid top is coupled to the frame and defines an upper wall, and a rigid lower wall, defining a bottom, is also coupled to the frame. The frame and the flexible enclosure are adjustable between the collapsed and extended configurations.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the frame includes a first telescopic assembly and a second telescopic assembly; - the first telescopic assembly includes a first pair of telescopic tubes and the second telescopic assembly includes a second pair of telescopic tubes; - Each of the first and second telescopic assemblies includes a pair of upper tubes that engage with a matching pair of lower tubes; - a variety of pipe supports on the pair of side panels, configured to connect the first and second telescopic assemblies to the pair of side panels; - an extendable shelf having flexible side walls connected to the rigid top, wherein the shelf is movable between a retracted position, in which it is stored near a lower surface of the rigid top, and an extended position, in which it extends vertically downwards from the top and is supported by the side walls; - the flexible side walls comprise a fabric; - the flexible casing contains a fabric; - a net provided on a front wall; - the net is connected to the flexible material via a zipper; and - The zipper includes a first zipper and a second zipper on the pair of side panels.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an expandable storage compartment for use on a vehicle has an expandable frame comprising first and second telescopic assemblies that are movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. A flexible enclosure extends around at least one section of the frame and defines a pair of side walls and a back wall corresponding to one size of the frame. A rigid top is coupled to the frame to define an upper wall, and a rigid lower wall, defining a bottom, is coupled to the frame. The frame and the flexible enclosure are adjustable between the collapsed and extended configurations. An expandable shelf has flexible hanging side walls connected to the rigid top.The shelf can be moved between a collapsed position, in which it is stored near a lower surface of the rigid top, and an extended position, in which it stretches vertically downwards from the top and is supported by the hanging side walls.

[0006] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the first telescopic assembly includes a first pair of telescopic tubes and the second telescopic assembly includes a second pair of telescopic tubes; - Each of the first and second telescopic assemblies includes a pair of upper tubes that engage with a matching pair of lower tubes; - a variety of pipe supports on the pair of side panels, configured to connect the first and second telescopic assemblies to the pair of side panels; - the flexible side walls comprise a fabric; - the flexible casing contains a fabric; - a net provided on a front wall; - the net is connected to the flexible material via a zipper; and - The zipper includes a first zipper and a second zipper on the pair of side panels.

[0007] 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

[0008] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of the rear end section of a motor vehicle with an open tailgate, illustrating an expandable storage compartment in the rear cargo area according to an example; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective side front view of the expandable storage compartment in a collapsed configuration of a first size; Fig. 2A is a perspective side view of the expandable storage compartment, which has a mesh covering a front section; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective side view of the expandable storage compartment, which has been extended into a second-size configuration; Fig. Figure 3A is a perspective side view of the expandable storage compartment in the extended configuration of the second size, with the mesh further extended over the front section; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective side view of the expandable storage compartment in the extended configuration of the second size, which further features a deployed folding shelf; Fig. 4A is a perspective side view of the expandable storage compartment located in Fig. 4 is shown, furthermore with the extended net covering its front section; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective side view of the expandable storage compartment, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, with the zipper of one section of the net open; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective side view of the expandable storage compartment in the extended configuration of the second size, with cargo items exposed on the bottom and middle shelves; and Fig. Figure 7 is a split view of the expandable storage compartment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] Detailed reference is now 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 are enlarged relative to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity. 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 examples of the disclosure, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms.The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed illustration; some schematic diagrams may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document should not be interpreted as restrictive, but merely as a representative basis to teach 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 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 the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0011] The embodiments illustrated herein consist mainly of combinations of process steps and equipment components relating to an expandable storage compartment for use on a vehicle. Accordingly, the equipment components and process steps are, where appropriate, represented in the drawings 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 denote 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 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] In the sense used in this document, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities 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 contains "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] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof are used in this context to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface means that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" means 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 the Fig. Figure 1-7 shows an expandable storage compartment 30 for use in a vehicle 10, such as a motor vehicle, for holding cargo. The expandable storage compartment 30 can be extended and collapsed to fit into different spaces and to hold cargo of varying numbers and sizes, such as small objects, within the cabin interior of the vehicle 10. The expandable storage compartment 30 has an expandable frame comprising a plurality of telescopic elements that are movable between the size of a collapsed and an extended frame, and a flexible enclosure that extends around at least one section of the frame to define a pair of side walls and a rear wall that correspond to the size of the frame.The expandable storage compartment also includes a rigid top that is coupled to the frame and defines an upper wall, and a rigid bottom that defines a base and is coupled to the frame, with the frame moving flexible material that defines case walls between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

[0018] With particular reference to Fig. 1. The expandable storage compartment 30 is located, as shown in the illustration, in a rear section of the cabin interior 14, generally within a rear cargo area 15. The vehicle 10 can be a motor vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, generally configured with passenger seats 18 for carrying one or more passengers and a cargo area for carrying cargo. The motor vehicle 10 has a set of wheels and a vehicle body 12, which generally defines a passenger compartment for the cabin interior 14. The cabin interior 14 has a seating area containing the seats 18 and a rear cargo area 15, which is generally located behind the seating area 18.The vehicle body 12 generally includes body panels, side entry doors, a roof and a rear tailgate 16 at the rear end, which serves as a rear access door configured to move into an open position to allow access from the rear end of the motor vehicle 10 to the rear cargo area.

[0019] The cabin interior 14, as shown, has an arrangement of passenger seats 18 in a rear row, typically located behind a front row of passenger seats, which typically includes the driver's and front passenger's seats. The motor vehicle 10 may include additional rows of seats, as is common, for example, in a large van or bus, often with a rear cargo area behind the rearmost row of seats. It is understood that the motor vehicle 10 can be any vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, van, or bus, which has one or more cargo areas available to accommodate the expandable storage compartment 30.

[0020] Behind the rear seat row 18 is the rear cargo area 15, which extends towards the rear end of the vehicle 10. The tailgate 16 closes the door opening 28 at the rear end in the closed position and can expose the rear cargo area 15 in the open position, allowing access to the rear cargo area 15, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows that when the tailgate 16 is in the open position, the expandable storage compartment 30, along with other sections of the cabin interior 14, particularly within the rear cargo area 15, can be accessed. In the example shown, the expandable storage compartment 30 is supported, as depicted, by the floor 20, which is located between a rear wheel arch 24 and the door opening 28 that defines the rear end of the vehicle 10, and adjoins an inner side wall 22 of the vehicle interior 14. The expandable storage compartment 30 can be attached to the floor 20, the inner side wall 22, and / or any other supporting structure by one or more retaining cables and / or fasteners. It is understood that, according to other examples, the expandable storage compartment 30 may be located elsewhere in the vehicle 10.Thus, the expandable storage compartment 30 can be configured to fit into an available space and can provide additional space in a compartment for holding cargo items, especially for holding smaller objects of varying sizes in an organized manner.

[0021] The expandable storage compartment 30 is located in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 2A shows a first-size expandable storage compartment in a collapsed configuration. The expandable storage compartment 30 has a rigid top 34 and a rigid bottom 32, which are generally flat and parallel to each other. The rigid top 34 and the rigid bottom 32 can, for example, be made of a polymer material. The expandable storage compartment 30 also has a left side wall 36, a right side wall 38, and a rear wall 40. It is understood that, according to one embodiment, each of the side walls 36 and 38 and the rear wall 40 can be made of a flexible material, such as a fabric or woven material. According to other embodiments, the side walls 36 and 38 and the rear wall 40 can be made of a stiffer material that can be collapsed and expanded. The flexible side walls can be folded inwards in the upper section when collapsed.

[0022] The front of the expandable storage compartment 30 has an opening 42 at the front, which is in Fig. 2 is shown in an open, exposed position and may be covered with a net 44, which may be in the form of a mesh fabric, as in Fig. 2A. The net 44 can be attached to the front of the side walls 36 and 38 within a zipper 43. The net 44 can be wound into a roll on itself or onto another object, such as a roller, when not in use to cover the front opening 42.

[0023] The expandable storage compartment 30 includes a pair of telescopic assemblies that define a height-adjustable frame, including a first telescopic assembly 50 connected to the left side panel 36 on the left side, and a second telescopic assembly 52 connected to the right side panel 38 on the right side. The telescopic assemblies 50 and 52 include telescopic rods or tubes that can slide relative to each other to extend or retract in size to adjust the height of the expandable storage compartment 30. The first and second telescopic assemblies 50 and 52 are located in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 2A is shown in the fully retracted position, which has the shortest height. Also shown in this configuration is a central shelf 46 in a stowed position parallel to and near the bottom of the top 34, having fabric side walls 48 folded in a compressed state. The central shelf 46 can be a rigid flat panel, such as a polymer sheet. The rigid top 34 further includes a handle 70, which may have two connecting ends and a central handle section configured to be gripped by a user's hand for handling and transporting the expandable storage compartment 30.

[0024] With reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 3A shows the expandable storage compartment 30 in an extended configuration of a larger second size, in which the first and second telescopic assemblies 50 and 52 are extended in height, and the left and right side walls 36 and 38 and the rear wall 40 are extended in height to extend vertically from the top to the bottom. The first telescopic assembly 50 has an upper U-shaped tube configured with lower ends to engage lower tubes 60 at the lower end, extending upward from the rigid base 32. Similarly, the second telescopic assembly 52 also has a U-shaped tube assembly extending downward, with lower ends engaging lower tubes 62 that extend upward from the base 32.The lower tubes 62 have a larger diameter, defining an opening configured to receive upper tubes 60, which have a smaller outer diameter. Accordingly, the upper tube assemblies 54 and 56 engage together within the lower tubes 60 and 62 to allow the telescopic assemblies 50 and 52 to slide into one another, collapsing in size and extending to an increased height, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 3 and Fig. 3A visible.

[0025] The telescopic assemblies 50 and 52 are attached to the corresponding side walls 36 and 38 by engaging matching connecting loops 58 provided on the inner surface of the fabric side walls 36 and 38. In the example shown, the connecting loops 58 can consist of sewn fabric material or joined pieces of material with an open loop, forming a loop of sufficient size to receive and hold the telescopic tubes 60 and 62. It is understood that the telescopic tubes 60 and 62 can engage in other ways to support the side walls with other connectors.

[0026] Network 44 is in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 3A with the first and second zippers 43 attached to the front edge of the side walls 36 and 38. The net 44 can advantageously be extended over the entire front opening 42 to cover the front opening 42, as shown in Fig. 3A is evident. This can be particularly useful if the motor vehicle 10 is transporting one or more larger items.

[0027] The mesh 44 can extend completely or partially over all or part of the front opening 42.

[0028] With reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 4A can remove the middle shelf 46 from the stowed position, which is in Fig. 2 shows the downward-facing usage position of the middle shelf, which is in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the middle shelf 46 can be deployed. When the middle shelf 46 is deployed into the use position, the inner side walls 48 extend downwards to support the middle shelf 46 in a suspended shelf configuration. The middle shelf 46 can be made of a rigid material, as shown in one example. The suspended inner side walls 48 can be made of a flexible material, such as fabric. Thus, one or more cargo items can be stored on the middle shelf 46 and supported by the suspended inner side walls 48, which extend downwards from the top 34. The middle shelf 46 therefore acts as a divider of the space available within the expandable storage compartment 30. The net 44 can be deployed across the entire open front wall, with the middle shelf 46, as shown in Figure 4A, extending downwards. Fig. 4A is evident, has been deployed.

[0029] With reference to the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the expandable storage compartment 30, as illustrated in an example, further attached to the mesh 44 via the zipper 43 on both sides along the front of the front opening 42 and partially removed. The zipper 43 may include a zipper section 43A on the side wall with teeth that engage with teeth on a zipper section 43B on the mesh 44, which has zipper ends 43C. It is understood that when not in use, the mesh 44 can be rolled up and unrolled, or unrolled from a roll, or otherwise attached to cover the open front 42, such as by using hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro®). As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, cargo items 90 and 91 can be stored in the expandable storage compartment 30, which, according to the illustration, are supported both on the floor 32 and on the middle shelf 46.

[0030] With reference to Fig.Figure 7 shows the expandable storage compartment 30 in an extended view, with the expanded storage compartment 30 generally extended to a fully extended position. As can be seen, the lower tubes 62 of the telescopic assemblies 50 and 52 can be fixed to the rigid base 32 and extend upwards within the fastening loops 58 in the left and right side walls 36 and 38. The upper tubes 66 of the telescopic assemblies 50 and 52 can extend downwards within the fastening loops 58 and can be mated with the lower tubes 62 to form the telescopic assembly. Additionally, the telescopic assemblies 50 and 52 can each have a release button 50A or 52A provided at the top, respectively.52A, which is spring-loaded and mechanically connected to a releasable connector to allow the lower rods 62 to be detached and attached to the upper rods 60, in order to fix the upper and lower tubes 60 and 62 at a desired height position or to allow the upper and lower tubes 60 and 62 to move relative to each other to extend or retract in height. A user can simply press buttons 50A and 52A and pull the upper tube assemblies 54 and 56 up or down to adjust the height of the expandable storage compartment 30. Accordingly, an expandable storage compartment 30 is advantageously provided for use on a motor vehicle 10 to accommodate the storage or receiving of cargo, especially smaller items, within the vehicle 10.The expandable storage compartment 30 can be located in any of a number of areas in the vehicle 10 and can be adjusted in size to provide an adjustable height with multiple levels.

[0031] 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 are intended to be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

[0032] According to the present invention, an expandable storage compartment is provided for use on a vehicle, wherein the expandable storage compartment comprises: an expandable frame comprising a plurality of telescopic assemblies movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration; a flexible enclosure extending around at least one section of the frame to define a pair of side walls and a rear wall corresponding to a size of the frame; a rigid top coupled to the frame and defining an upper wall; and a rigid lower wall defining a bottom and coupled to the frame, wherein the frame and the flexible enclosure are adjustable between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration. According to one embodiment, the frame comprises a first telescopic assembly and a second telescopic assembly.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first telescopic assembly comprises a first pair of telescopic tubes, and the second telescopic assembly comprises a second pair of telescopic tubes. According to another embodiment, each of the first and second telescopic assemblies comprises a pair of upper tubes that engage with a pair of lower tubes. According to another embodiment, the foregoing invention is further characterized by a plurality of tube supports on the pair of side walls, configured to connect the first and second telescopic assemblies to the pair of side walls.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the foregoing invention is further characterized by an extendable shelf having flexible side walls connected to the rigid top, wherein the shelf is movable between a collapsed position in which it is stored near a lower surface of the rigid top and an extended position in which it extends vertically downwards from the top and is supported by the side walls.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the flexible side walls comprise a fabric.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the flexible housing comprises a fabric.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a net that is provided on a front wall.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the net is connected to the flexible material via a zipper.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the zipper includes a first zipper and a second zipper on the pair of side walls.

[0040] According to the present invention, an expandable storage compartment is provided for use on a vehicle, wherein the expandable storage compartment comprises: an expandable frame comprising a first and a second telescopic assembly movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration; a flexible enclosure extending around at least one section of the frame to define a pair of side walls and a rear wall corresponding to a size of the frame; a rigid top coupled to the frame and defining an upper wall; a rigid lower wall defining a bottom and coupled to the frame, wherein the frame and the flexible enclosure are adjustable between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration;and an extendable shelf having flexible hanging side walls connected to the rigid top, wherein the shelf is movable between a retracted position, in which it is stored near a lower surface of the rigid top, and an extended position, in which it extends vertically downwards from the top and is supported by the side walls.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first telescopic assembly comprises a first pair of telescopic tubes, and the second telescopic assembly comprises a second pair of telescopic tubes. According to another embodiment, each of the first and second telescopic assemblies comprises a pair of upper tubes that engage with a pair of lower tubes. According to another embodiment, the foregoing invention is further characterized by a plurality of tube supports on the pair of side walls, configured to connect the first and second telescopic assemblies to the pair of side walls.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the flexible side walls comprise a fabric.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the flexible housing comprises a fabric.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a net that is provided on a front wall.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the net is connected to the flexible material via a zipper.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the zipper includes a first zipper and a second zipper on the pair of side walls.

Claims

[1] Expandable storage compartment for use on a vehicle, wherein the expandable storage compartment comprises the following: an expandable frame comprising a variety of telescopic assemblies that are movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration; a flexible enclosure that extends around at least one section of the frame to define a pair of side walls and a back wall corresponding to a size of the frame; a rigid top surface that is coupled to the frame and defines an upper wall; and a rigid lower wall that defines a floor and is coupled to the frame, with the frame and flexible enclosure being adjustable between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration. [2] Storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first telescopic assembly and a second telescopic assembly. [3] Storage compartment according to claim 2, wherein the first telescopic assembly includes a first pair of telescopic tubes and the second telescopic assembly includes a second pair of telescopic tubes. [4] Storage compartment according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and second telescopic assemblies comprises a pair of upper tubes which engage with a pair of lower tubes. [5] Storage compartment according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of tube supports on the pair of side walls configured to connect the first and second telescopic assemblies to the pair of side walls. [6] Storage compartment according to one of claims 1-5, further comprising an expandable shelf having flexible side walls connected to the rigid top, wherein the shelf is movable between a collapsed position in which it is stored near a lower surface of the rigid top and an expanded position in which it extends vertically downwards from the top and is supported by the side walls. [7] Storage compartment according to claim 6, wherein the flexible side walls comprise a fabric. [8] Storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the flexible housing comprises a fabric. [9] Storage compartment according to claim 1, further comprising a net provided on a front wall. [10] Storage compartment according to claim 8, wherein the net is connected to the flexible material via a zipper. [11] Storage compartment according to claim 9, wherein the zipper includes a first zipper and a second zipper on the pair of side walls.

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