Fixing device

Abstract

Fixing device (1) for fixing the position of at least one object on a loading platform (3) of a vehicle, comprising a number of hinge brackets (2), wherein each hinge bracket (2) has an upper part (7) and lower part (8) connected by a hinge (9), which are movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the upper part (7) and lower part (8) are folded together on top of each other and wherein in the open position the upper part (7) and lower part (8) are inclined to each other at a predetermined opening angle, and wherein the object is fixed in position on the loading platform (3) by means of the hinge brackets (2) in their open position by means of the lower parts (8) being mounted on the loading platform (3) in a non-slip manner and the upper parts (7) bearing against the side of the object.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fixing device.

[0002] Such a securing device is generally used to fix objects to the loading area of ​​a vehicle. In particular, the securing device is used to fix objects in the trunk of a motor vehicle.

[0003] The trunk of a vehicle is often filled with items such as boxes, packages, and cartons that only occupy part of the cargo area. As a result, these items tend to slide around uncontrollably while the vehicle is in motion, especially when cornering. This not only creates unwanted noise but also poses the risk of damage to the items due to sliding or even tipping over. Furthermore, items such as food can fall out of boxes, cartons, or similar containers, requiring the driver to tediously clean up afterward.

[0004] In principle, it is possible to secure items stored in the trunk using straps or ropes. However, this is time-consuming and cumbersome. Particularly with straps, their length is often not adapted to the items being transported, rendering them unusable. Finally, trunks frequently lack suitable attachment points for ropes or straps.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a fixing device that enables simple and reliable securing of objects on the loading platform of a vehicle.

[0006] The features of claim 1 are provided to solve this problem. Advantageous embodiments and expedient further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a fixing device for securing at least one object on the loading platform of a vehicle, comprising a number of hinge brackets. Each hinge bracket has an upper and lower part connected by a hinge, which are movable between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, the upper and lower parts are folded together. In the open position, the upper and lower parts are inclined relative to each other at a predetermined opening angle. The object on the loading platform is secured in the open position by means of the hinge brackets, such that the lower parts are mounted on the loading platform in a non-slip manner and the upper parts rest against the side of the object.

[0008] The fixing device according to the invention enables simple and reliable securing of objects on the loading platform of a vehicle.

[0009] The hinge angles of the fixing device represent a modular system with which objects of different sizes and geometries are secured on the loading platform against sliding around or tipping over, whereby the objects generally only extend over a portion of the loading platform.

[0010] The hinge brackets function as follows: their lower part is mounted to prevent slippage, while their upper part protrudes from the lower part at an opening angle and rests against the side of the object. The object rests on the lower part of the respective hinge bracket. The weight of the object pressing down on the lower part ensures that it is securely positioned on the loading platform. By using a suitable number and positioning of hinge brackets on the object, unwanted slippage or tilting is prevented. An arrangement of hinge brackets can also be used to secure multiple objects simultaneously.

[0011] A further advantage of the invention is that a hinge bracket, if not needed for fixing objects, can be folded down by means of the hinge. In this closed position, the hinge bracket forms a flat unit that can be stored without requiring much space.

[0012] The hinge of a hinge bracket is generally designed such that the upper and lower parts are folded together in the closed position, lying flat and close to each other. Furthermore, the hinge is designed so that the upper and lower parts can only be opened to a limited angle, which defines the open position.

[0013] The fixing device according to the invention can be used for different loading areas of different vehicles, for example for open loading areas of pick-ups or similar motor vehicles or trailers for motor vehicles.

[0014] The loading area of ​​the floor of a motor vehicle's trunk is particularly advantageous.

[0015] In principle, the loading area can also be formed from the floor of a storage compartment of a smaller boat.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the upper and lower parts of each hinge angle are formed by two surface elements of the same area.

[0017] In the closed position, the surface elements lie completely on top of each other.

[0018] Advantageously, the edge segments of the upper and lower parts of a hinge angle form the hinge.

[0019] Furthermore, the edges of the outer segments of the upper and lower parts advantageously form stops that limit the opening angle of the upper and lower parts.

[0020] The hinge elements are thus integrated into the surface elements themselves, meaning that the hinge bracket, with its surface elements, comprises only a small number of components and can therefore be manufactured cost-effectively. This functionality is further improved and extended by the fact that the edges of the surface element's edge segments form stops that limit the opening angle of the upper part relative to the lower part. Limiting the opening angle results in a defined opening position of the hinge bracket, which is optimally suited for securing objects. The hinge with the stop is particularly advantageous when designed so that the opening angle of the upper and lower parts of a hinge bracket is at least approximately 90°.

[0021] In the open position, the upper part is therefore at least approximately perpendicular to the lower part of the hinge angle.

[0022] According to a constructively advantageous embodiment, the surface elements of a hinge angle each consist of a sheet metal part.

[0023] For example, the surface elements can be made of stainless steel sheet or galvanized sheet metal.

[0024] The sheet metal parts can be easily processed using bending processes, in order to form the elements of the hinge in particular.

[0025] The thicknesses of the surface elements correspond to the typical thicknesses of sheet metal parts in the mm range.

[0026] Advantageous are lengths and widths of a surface element in the range of 1 to 2 dm.

[0027] In particular, the length of a surface element, formed by the extension in the direction of the hinge, is significantly greater than the width of the surface element.

[0028] It has proven particularly advantageous if the widths of the surface elements are approximately 8 to 10 cm, especially 9 cm, and the lengths of the surface elements are approximately 15 to 18 cm, especially 16 cm.

[0029] These hinge brackets, dimensioned in this way, form compact, easy-to-handle modules that can be easily attached to an object to be fixed by a single user. Furthermore, these hinge brackets ensure that objects are securely fixed in position.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, a non-slip coating is provided on the underside of the lower part of a hinge bracket.

[0031] When an object is fixed with the hinge bracket, the object rests on the lower part of the respective hinge bracket and thus presses the lower part against the loading surface, ensuring a non-slip hold of the hinge bracket on the loading surface, while the upper part of the hinge bracket, which protrudes from the lower part at the opening angle, holds the object laterally.

[0032] The non-slip coating extends over the entire surface of the base.

[0033] Because the non-slip coating extends over the entire surface of the base, a particularly good adhesion of the base to the loading platform is achieved.

[0034] The non-slip surface is advantageously made of rubber.

[0035] This ensures a particularly good hold of the hinge angles on the loading platform.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, a hook and loop fastener is attached to the back of the upper part of a hinge bracket, facing away from the lower part.

[0037] This design can be used for space-saving storage of the hinge bracket when it is not needed to fix an object in place. For this purpose, the hinge bracket is attached in its closed position to a wall element of the vehicle adjoining the loading area using the hook-and-loop fastener.

[0038] Advantageously, the Velcro strap extends over the entire length of the top.

[0039] In principle, hinge brackets of different shapes and sizes can be used to fix objects in position.

[0040] It is particularly advantageous that all hinge angles are identically designed.

[0041] The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1: Exemplary embodiment of the fixing device according to the invention with an arrangement of hinge brackets. Fig. 2: First perspective view of a hinge angle in its open position. Fig. 3: Second perspective view of the hinge angle in its open position. Fig. 4: Perspective view of the hinge angle according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in its closed position. Fig. 5: Side view of the hinge angle in the closed position.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the fixing device 1 according to the invention with an arrangement of hinge angles 2.

[0043] The fixing device 1 is used in the present case to fix objects in position on the floor of a trunk of a motor vehicle, which forms a loading area 3.

[0044] The trunk is in Fig. Figure 1 is highly schematic and shows a partial representation with two right-angled walls 4, 5 protruding from the ground. The object to be fixed is, in this case, a box 6.

[0045] In this case, box 6 is stored in a corner of the trunk, with two sides of box 6 resting against the walls 4,5 of the trunk. The exposed sides of box 6 are each secured with a hinge bracket 2.

[0046] Of course, other arrangements of items in the trunk are also possible. The number of hinge brackets used to fix the items in place can also vary.

[0047] In the present case, the hinge angles 2 are identical, but this is not mandatory.

[0048] The Fig. Figures 2 to 5 show an embodiment of a hinge bracket 2, wherein the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the hinge angle 2 in an open position and the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in a closed position.

[0049] The hinge bracket 2 has an upper part 7 and a lower part 8, which are connected by a hinge 9. The upper part 7 and lower part 8 are each formed by a surface element, which in this case consists of a sheet metal part. The surface elements have the same area.

[0050] As can be seen particularly from the Fig. Figures 2 to 4 show that the surface elements of a hinge angle 2 are rectangular in shape.

[0051] Typically, the length and width of a surface element are on the order of 1 to 2 dm.

[0052] In the present case, the length of a surface element, formed by the extension in the direction of hinge 9, is significantly greater than the width of the surface element.

[0053] The hinge 9, which articulately connects the lower part 8 to the upper part 7 of the hinge angle 2, is formed by edge segments of the surface elements. The hinge elements 10 forming the hinge 9 are produced by bending the sheet metal parts forming the surface elements.

[0054] Furthermore, edge segments of the surface elements form tabs 11, the edges of which form stops that limit the maximum inclination of the upper part 7 to the lower part 8 to an opening angle which in this case is 90°.

[0055] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the upper part 7 and lower part 8 of the hinge bracket 2 in the open position, in which the upper part 7 is inclined relative to the lower part 8 by the opening angle, i.e., the upper part 7 and lower part 8 are at right angles to each other. This opening angle is determined by the stops on the upper part 7 and lower part 8.

[0056] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the upper part 7 and lower part 8 of the hinge angle 2 in the closed position, i.e. in the folded state, in which the upper part 7 rests fully on the lower part 8.

[0057] As from the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, a non-slip coating 12 is attached to the underside of the base 8, advantageously being fixed to the base 8 by adhesive bonding. The non-slip coating 12 is made of rubber, has a constant thickness, and extends over the entire underside of the base 8.

[0058] A hook-and-loop fastener 13 is attached to the reverse side of the upper part 7 of the hinge bracket 2, facing away from the lower part 8, and extends over the entire length of the upper part 7. The hook-and-loop fastener 13 is advantageously attached to the upper part 7 by means of adhesive bonding.

[0059] If a hinge bracket 2 is not needed to fix the position of an object, the upper part 7 is folded onto the lower part 8, i.e. the hinge bracket 2 is in a closed position.

[0060] In this closed position, the hinge bracket 2 can be attached to a wall 4 of the trunk using the hook and loop fastener 13. This allows the hinge bracket 2 to be stored in a space-saving manner.

[0061] For fixing the position of an object, such as the one in Fig. In the box 6 shown in Figure 1, the hinge brackets 2 are inserted in their open position. The lower parts 8 of the hinge brackets 2 rest securely on the loading surface 3, with the box 6, or more generally the object, resting on the upper side of the lower part 8 or hinge bracket 2. The upper parts 7 of the hinge brackets 2 rest against the sides of the box 6, or more generally the object, and secure it against slipping or tipping. Reference symbol list 1 fixing device 2 hinge brackets 3 Loading area 4 Wall 5 Wall 6 boxes 7 Top 8 Lower part 9 hinge 10 hinge element 11 tab 12 coating 13 Velcro straps

Claims

[1] Fixing device (1) for fixing the position of at least one object on a loading area (3) of a vehicle, with a number of hinge angles (2), each hinge angle (2) having an upper part (7) and a lower part (8) connected by a hinge (9), which are movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the upper part (7) and lower part (8) lie folded together on top of one another and wherein in the open position the upper part (7) and lower part (8) are oriented inclined to one another at a predetermined opening angle, and wherein the object is fixed in position on the loading area (3) by means of the hinge angles (2) in their open position in that the lower parts (8) are mounted on the loading area (3) in a non-slip manner and the upper parts (7) rest laterally against the object. [2] Fixing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the loading area (3) is the floor of a trunk of a motor vehicle. [3] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the upper part (7) and lower part (8) of each hinge angle (2) are formed by two surface elements of equal area. [4] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that edge segments of the upper part (7) and lower part (8) of a hinge angle (2) form the hinge (9). [5] Fixing device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that edges of edge segments of the upper part (7) and lower part (8) form stops by which the opening of the upper part (7) and lower part (8) is limited to the opening angle. [6] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the opening angle of the upper part (7) and lower part (8) of a hinge angle (2) is at least approximately 90°. [7] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized bythat the surface elements of a hinge angle (2) each consist of a sheet metal part. [8] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by that the surface elements of a hinge angle (2) are rectangular. [9] Fixing device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the length and width of a surface element are in the order of 1 to 2 dm. [10] Fixing device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the length of a surface element, formed by the extension in the direction of the hinge (9), is significantly greater than the width of the surface element. [11] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that there is a non-slip coating (12) on the underside of the lower part (8) of a hinge angle (2). [12] Fixing device (1) according to claim 11, characterized bythat the non-slip covering (12) extends over the entire surface of the lower part (8). [13] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized by that the non-slip covering (12) is made of rubber. [14] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that a Velcro strip (13) is attached to the back of the upper part (7) of a hinge angle (2) facing away from the lower part (8). [15] Fixing device (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that the Velcro strip (13) extends over the entire length of the upper part (7). [16] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized by that the hinge angle (2) is fastened in its closed position by means of the Velcro strip (13) to a wall element of the vehicle adjoining the loading area (3). [17] Fixing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized bythat all hinge angles (2) are identical.

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