Transport box with integrated, laterally expandable volume extension

Abstract

Transport box (1) for mounting on a vehicle, which can be attached to a carrier frame on the trailer hitch, o with side openings (2) and (5) on opposite side walls, o with each an integrated, laterally extendable transport device (3) or (4), characterized in that the transport devices (3) or (4) are attached directly to the box and can be extended laterally without additional attachments in order to increase the internal volume.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of vehicle accessories, in particular a transport box (1) which can be mounted on the rear of a motor vehicle by means of a trailer hitch and whose storage volume can be extended lengthwise by means of laterally extendable integrated extension devices (2). State of the art

[0002] Transport boxes designed to attach to vehicles are well-known and used to create additional storage space outside the vehicle. For transporting longer items like skis, separate roof boxes or ski racks are often used, mounted on the vehicle roof or rear. These solutions are frequently impractical, as roof boxes are not easily accessible, and standard rear-mounted transport boxes are often insufficient for long items or require additional, separately mounted components.

[0003] From EP 2 368 766 A3 (DE 10 2010 012 772 A1) a transport box at the rear of the vehicle is known, which can be extended on both sides by separate fixed devices. A disadvantage of this is that these side parts must be mounted and dismounted separately. Object of the invention

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a transport box that can be easily extended to transport elongated objects such as skis without the need for additional support systems or attachments that have to be separately mounted, dismounted and then stowed away. Solution to the task

[0005] This task is solved by a transport box (1) for mounting on a vehicle, which has an opening on each of its opposite side walls (2) and (5). A flexible extension device (3) or (4) is attached to each of these openings, which can be extended laterally, i.e., widthwise, without the use of any additional parts. This integrated, laterally extendable device allows the storage volume to be expanded laterally as needed.

[0006] The extension devices can be made of flexible material, such as a tear-resistant, weather-resistant fabric or silicone (4), or of a combination of several materials (3), such as plastic, weather-resistant fabric, silicone or rubber.

[0007] These elements are designed to be unfolded flexibly (4) or accordion-style (3), creating additional storage space that can accommodate bulky items such as skis or fishing rods that extend beyond the original width of the transport box.

[0008] After use, the laterally integrated flexible elements (3) or (4) can be folded together and completely retracted into the interior of the transport box or stowed away. The side openings are protected or can be closed by hinged lid elements (6) that are flush with the surface on the sides of the transport box (7). Advantages of the invention • Expansion of transport capacity only when needed, without permanently increasing the box volume. • No additional support systems or attachments are necessary. • Protected transport of skis and similarly shaped objects. • Easy handling thanks to foldable elements integrated into or on the transport box. • No impairment of vehicle dimensions or aerodynamics under normal conditions. Reference symbol list 1 transport box 2 side element 3 Flexible extension device 4 Tear-resistant flexible material 5 side element 6 Hinged lid element 7 Surface Transport Box Drawings

[0009] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings and accompanying figures. The embodiments shown in the drawings serve only for illustration and do not limit the scope of protection. • Fig. Figure 1 shows a transport box according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with telescopically extendable side panels that allow an expansion of the available interior space. • Fig. 2 shows the transport box according to Fig. 1 in a folded state, allowing for space-saving storage and simplified transport. • Fig. Figure 3 shows a folding or collapsible system for moving the side panels between a retracted and an extended position. • Fig. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the transport box in which the lateral extension is formed by flexible, fabric-like elements which can be closed by a lid. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 368 766 A3

[0003] DE 10 2010 012 772 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Transport box (1) for mounting on a vehicle, which can be attached to a carrier frame on the trailer hitch, o with side openings (2) and (5) on opposite side walls, o each with an integrated, laterally extendable transport device (3) or (4), characterized by , that the transport devices (3) or (4) are attached directly to the box and can be extended laterally without additional attachments to increase the internal volume. [2] Transport box according to claim 1, characterized by that the side transport devices (3) or (4) are made of flexible material or a combination of flexible materials such as weather-resistant fabric, plastic, silicone or rubber. [3] Transport box according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the transport devices (3) (4) can be unfolded flexibly or accordion-like. [4] Transport box according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the flexible side elements (2) and (5) can be folded together after use and returned to the interior of the transport box or stowed away close to it. [5] Transport box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the side openings (2) and (5) can be closed by lid elements (6) which are flush with the surface of the transport box (7). [6] Transport box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the side extensions are designed to be weatherproof, so that skis, fishing rods or similar elongated objects can be transported safely.

Images