Vehicle boot mat with storage configuration

Abstract

Vehicle Trunk Mat with Storage Configuration The invention relates to a vehicle trunk mat (22) (12), comprising: a first (30) and a second (34) panel; a third (38) and a fourth (40) panel, arranged between the first and second panels; and a first (50) and a second (52) hinge, articulating the first and third panels, and the second and fourth panels, respectively. The third and fourth panels are hinged to each other. The mat is capable of being moved between a first flat configuration and a second configuration, in which the third and fourth panels are raised relative to the first and second panels. The mat includes at least one cutout extending across the fourth panel between two portions of the second hinge, such that, in the second configuration, said cutout forms a recess (70) in the fourth panel. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle trunk mat with storage configuration

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle boot mat, in particular a motor vehicle mat, said mat extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the mat comprising: a first and a second panel, aligned in the transverse direction; and at least a third and a fourth panel, arranged between the first and second panels in the transverse direction, the mat further comprising at least a first and a second hinge extending in the longitudinal direction, the first hinge articulating the first and third panels together, the second hinge articulating the second and fourth panels together.

[0002] Such a mat, notably known from document FR3075123, allows the vehicle trunk to be arranged in several different configurations, depending on the load.

[0003] In a vehicle trunk, it is advantageous to provide means of securing small objects that may move around in the trunk during transport. For fragile items, such as glass bottles, this reduces the risk of breakage.

[0004] For example, document DE 102012022772 describes a chest having a deformable base, allowing for the arrangement of compartments for storing objects.

[0005] The present invention aims to improve existing solutions and to offer a chest allowing a modular arrangement for the storage of small objects.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a trunk mat of the aforementioned type, further comprising a hinge element connecting the third and fourth panels to each other; the mat being able to be moved between: a first configuration, in which the third and fourth panels are coplanar with the first and second panels; and a second configuration, in which the third and fourth panels are raised relative to the first and second panels. Furthermore, the second hinge comprises at least two discontinuous portions along the longitudinal direction, the mat further comprising at least one cutout extending onto the fourth panel between said two portions of the second hinge, such that, in the second configuration, said at least one cutout forms at least one recess in the fourth panel.

[0007] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the trunk mat comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0008] - at least one cutout defines at least one tab projecting from the second panel according to the transverse direction;

[0009] - the second hinge comprises a plurality of discontinuous portions according to the longitudinal direction, the carpet further comprising a plurality of cutouts, each cutout extending over the fourth panel between two adjacent portions of the second hinge, so that, in the second configuration, each cutout forms a recess in the fourth panel;

[0010] - the articulation element comprises: a fifth panel, arranged between the third and fourth panels along the transverse direction; and a third and fourth hinge extending along the longitudinal direction, the third and fourth hinge articulating the fifth panel, respectively to the third and fourth panels;

[0011] - the fourth hinge comprises at least two discontinuous segments according to the longitudinal direction; and at least one cutout extends over the fifth panel between said two segments of the fourth hinge, so that, in the second configuration, at least one recess extends over the fourth and fifth panels;

[0012] - the fourth hinge comprises a plurality of discontinuous segments according to the longitudinal direction; and each cutout extends over the fifth panel between two adjacent segments of the fourth hinge, so that, in the second configuration, each recess extends over the fourth and fifth panels.

[0013] - the trunk mat comprises: a side panel, adjacent to the first panel according to the transverse direction opposite the third panel; and a lateral hinge extending along the longitudinal direction and articulating the first panel and the lateral panel together.

[0014] The invention further relates to a vehicle trunk, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a compartment. This compartment includes first and second side walls, substantially vertical; and a substantially horizontal base, arranged between said first and second side walls in the transverse direction. The vehicle trunk further includes a trunk mat as described above, arranged on the base of the compartment, such that at least the first and second panels are in contact with said base.

[0015] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the chest comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0016] - the second panel of the trunk carpet is fixed to the bottom of the compartment;

[0017] - the side panel of the trunk mat has an end edge, opposite the side hinge; the second panel of the trunk mat is fixed to the bottom of the trunk. compartment near the first side wall; and the compartment and the trunk mat are configured so that: in the first configuration of the trunk mat, the side hinge of said mat is substantially in contact with the second side wall of the compartment; and in the second configuration of the trunk mat, the end edge of the side panel is substantially in contact with said second side wall, the third and fourth panels of the trunk mat thus being kept in relief relative to the first and second panels.

[0018] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a trunk as described above.

[0019] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0020] [fig. 1] [fig. 1] is a partial schematic view of a vehicle comprising a carpet of chest according to an embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration;

[0021] [fig.2] [fig.2] is a partial schematic view of the vehicle in [fig.1], the carpet of trunk being in a second configuration; and

[0022] [fig.3] [fig.4] Figures 3 and 4 are top views of the trunk mat of Figures 1 and 2, respectively in the first and second configurations.

[0023] Figures 1 and 2 are partial views of a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 10 is preferably a land vehicle and more particularly a motor vehicle.

[0024] The vehicle 10 includes in particular a trunk 12, partially schematically shown in figures 1 and 2. The trunk 12 is in particular intended to receive objects 14, 16 transported by the vehicle 10.

[0025] Consider an orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) defined with respect to the vehicle 10. The Z direction represents the vertical. The X direction, or longitudinal direction, represents a direction of movement of the vehicle, considered to be horizontal. The trunk 12 is preferably located at the rear of the vehicle 10, along a direction of movement of said vehicle.

[0026] The trunk 12 includes in particular a compartment 20 and a trunk mat 22.

[0027] Compartment 20 includes, in particular, a bottom 24 as well as a first 26 and a second 28 side walls. The bottom 24 and the side walls 26, 28 are fixed relative to a chassis (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The bottom 24 is arranged between the first 26 and second 28 side walls along the Y direction, or transverse direction, perpendicular to X.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the base 24 extends substantially along a plane (X, Y); and each side wall 26, 28 extends substantially along a plane (X, Z). The base 24 has a width 29 along the Y direction, between the two side walls 26, 28.

[0029] The chest carpet 22 is shown alone, in top view, in figures 3 and 4.

[0030] The trunk mat 22 comprises a plurality of panels 30, 34, 38, 40, 42, 44, articulated to each other and aligned along the Y direction.

[0031] More specifically, the trunk mat 22 comprises a first panel 30, or central panel. Preferably, a width 32 along Y of the first panel 30 is greater than or equal to 50% of the width 29 of the bottom 24 of the compartment 20.

[0032] The trunk mat 22 further comprises a second panel 34. In the embodiment shown, said second panel 34 forms a first end along Y of the mat 22. The second panel 34 includes in particular a first end edge 36 of the mat 22, said first edge 36 extending along X.

[0033] The trunk carpet 22 further comprises a third 38 and a fourth 40 panels, arranged between the first 30 and second 34 panels according to Y.

[0034] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the trunk mat 22 further comprises a fifth panel 42, arranged between the third 38 and fourth 40 panels along Y. Optionally, the fifth panel 42 comprises a gripping element 43, such as a handle.

[0035] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the trunk mat 22 further comprises a sixth panel 44, adjacent to the first panel 30 along Y. The sixth panel 44 includes in particular a second end edge 46 of the mat 22, said second edge 46 extending along X.

[0036] Preferably, each of the end edges 36, 46 of the mat 22 is substantially straight.

[0037] According to one embodiment, each of the panels 30, 34, 38, 40, 42, 44 extends over the entire length of the carpet 22 along the longitudinal direction X.

[0038] The trunk mat 22 further comprises a plurality of hinges 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 extending along X. A first hinge 50 articulates the first 30 and third 38 panels to each other. A second hinge 52 articulates the second 34 and fourth 40 panels to each other. A third 54 and a fourth 56 hinges articulate the fifth panel 42 to the third 38 and fourth 40 panels, respectively. A sixth hinge 58 articulates the first 30 and sixth 44 panels to each other.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the panels 30, 34, 38, 40, 42, 44 and the hinges 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 of the carpet 22 are formed from a single piece. Each hinge corresponds, for example, to a reduction in the thickness of the carpet material compared to the adjacent panels.

[0040] Alternatively, at least one hinge 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 includes an added piece, fixed to the adjacent panels. Such an added piece is, for example, a strip of flexible material, attached to each of the panels.

[0041] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the second hinge 52 is discontinuous. More precisely, the second hinge 52 is formed of a plurality of portions 60, separated from each other along X.

[0042] Furthermore, the mat 22 comprises a plurality of cutouts 62, substantially identical. Each cutout 62 is situated between two adjacent portions 60 of the second hinge 52. Each end of the same cutout 62 terminates at one of said adjacent portions 60. In the embodiment shown, each cutout 62 has, in particular, a U-shaped form.

[0043] Each cutout 62 defines a tongue 64, formed as one piece with the second panel 34. Each tongue 64 forms a projection along Y with respect to said second panel.

[0044] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the fourth hinge 56 is discontinuous. More precisely, the fourth hinge 56 is formed of a plurality of segments 66, spaced apart from each other along X. Furthermore, each cut 62 of the carpet 22 extends onto the fifth panel 42, between two adjacent segments 66 of the fourth hinge.

[0045] Preferably, in the trunk 12 of the vehicle 10, the second panel 34 and / or at least some of the tabs 64 are fixed to the bottom 24 of the compartment 20, for example by gluing or riveting, or by means of clips. Preferably, said fixing is carried out so that the first end edge 36 of the carpet 22 extends close to or in contact with the first side wall 26 of the compartment 20.

[0046] On the other hand, the rest of the mat 22 is not permanently fixed to the compartment 20. As will be described below, the first panel 30 is in particular able to be moved along Y relative to the bottom 24 of the compartment 20.

[0047] In particular, the mat 22 is mobile between a first configuration, shown in Figures 1 and 3, and a second configuration, shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0048] In the first configuration, the first 30, second 34, third 38, fourth 40 and fifth 42 panels are arranged coplanarly, in contact with the bottom 24 of the compartment 20. The said panels 30, 34, 38, 40, 42 thus form a flat surface, suitable for receiving a first large object 14, such as for example a suitcase.

[0049] Preferably, the compartment 20 and the mat 22 are configured so that, in the first configuration, the sixth hinge 58 extends close to or in contact with the second side wall 28. In particular, the sum of the widths along Y of the panels 30, 34, 38, 40 and 42 is chosen to be substantially equal to the width 29 of the bottom 24.

[0050] Thus, in the first configuration, the sixth panel 44 is away from the background 24. In the embodiment shown, the sixth panel 44 is pressed against the second side wall 28. In an unshown variant, the sixth panel 44 is folded over the first panel 30.

[0051] In the second configuration, the first 30 and second 34 panels are arranged coplanarly, in contact with the bottom 24 of the compartment 20. The first panel 30 is closer along Y to the second panel 34 than in the first configuration.

[0052] Furthermore, in the second configuration, the third 38, fourth 40 and fifth 42 panels are arranged in relief relative to the first 30 and second 34 panels.

[0053] Preferably, the third 38 and fourth 40 panels have a substantially equal width along Y. In the second configuration, the third 38, fourth 40 and fifth 42 panels thus form a substantially rectangular relief in relation to the background 24. More precisely, in the second configuration, each of the third 38 and fourth 40 panels is substantially arranged in a plane (X, Z); and the fifth panel 42 is arranged in a plane (X, Y), raised in relation to the first and second panels 30, 34.

[0054] The tabs 64 defined by the cutouts 62 are in contact with the base 24, possibly held in place by fasteners. In the second configuration, each cutout 62 thus forms a recess 70 extending over the fourth 40 and fifth 42 panels.

[0055] In the second configuration, the mat 22 thus defines a storage space 72, located between the first side wall 26 of the compartment 20 and the third panel 38 in relief from the bottom 24.

[0056] In particular, the recesses 70 form storage spaces for second, smaller objects 16. In the example shown, the recesses 70 have a shape particularly suited to storing bottles 16 comprising a cylindrical body 74 arranged vertically. At the level of the fifth panel 42, each recess 70 notably has a rounded shape 76.

[0057] Furthermore, in the second configuration, the sixth panel 44 is in contact with the bottom 24. Preferably, a width along Y of said sixth panel is chosen so that in the second configuration, the second end edge 46 of the conveyor belt 22 is substantially in contact with the second side wall 28 of the compartment 20. Said contact prevents the first panel 30 from sliding towards said second side wall, thus maintaining the conveyor belt 22 in the second configuration.

[0058] According to alternative embodiments, the recesses 70 have a shape adapted for storing objects other than bottles in an upright position, in particular objects of non-cylindrical shape.

[0059] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the trunk mat does not include of the fifth panel; and the third 38 and fourth 40 panels are directly connected to each other by a hinge. In the second configuration, the third and fourth panels then form a roughly triangular projection relative to the bottom 24 of compartment 20. Recesses similar to the recesses 70 can be made in the fourth panel 40 to receive objects in the storage space 72. These objects are, for example, bottles in a horizontal position, or other objects of similar dimensions.

[0060] A method for using the trunk 12 of the vehicle 10 will now be described. It is assumed that the second panel 34 is fixed to the bottom 24 of the compartment 20 and that the carpet 22 is in the first configuration of Figures 1 and 3.

[0061] A user grasps the fifth panel 42, possibly by its handle 43, in order to lift it from the bottom 24 of the compartment 20. The first panel 30 is thus moved along Y against the bottom 24, towards the second panel 34.

[0062] In parallel, if necessary, the user lowers the sixth panel 44 into contact with the bottom 24, so as to wedge the second end edge 46 of the mat 22 into contact with the second side wall 28 of the compartment 20. In an alternative not shown, the mat 22 has removable means for fixing to the bottom 24, such as clips or Velcro.

[0063] The mat 22 is thus positioned in the second configuration. The user then places objects 16 in the storage space 72 thus formed, and in particular in the recesses 70. The objects 16 are, for example, bottles, preferably chosen so that the rounded shape 76 of the recesses 70, at the level of the fifth panel 42, substantially surrounds each cylindrical body 74 arranged vertically.

[0064] Each bottle 16 is thus held in place by the first side wall 26 and the edges of a cut 62 of the conveyor belt 22. The risk of breakage during transport of said bottles is thus reduced.

[0065] After transporting and removing the bottles 16, the user can return the conveyor belt 22 to its initial configuration. To do this, they grasp the sixth panel 44 and straighten it. Simultaneously, they pull laterally on said sixth panel 44 to bring the sixth hinge 58 into contact with the second side wall 28. This pull folds the third 38, fourth 40, and fifth 42 panels into contact with the bottom 24. In this way, the conveyor belt 22 is positioned in its initial configuration.

[0066] The mat 22 of the trunk 12, as described above, thus allows the storage space of said trunk to be easily adjusted according to the type of object 14, 16 to be transported. The mat 22, as described above, is easy to manufacture, for example as a single piece, and easy for a user to handle.

Claims

Claims

1. Carpet (22) for the trunk (12) of a vehicle (10), in particular a motor vehicle, said carpet extending in a longitudinal direction (X) and a transverse direction (Y), the carpet comprising: a first (30) and a second (34) panel, aligned in the transverse direction; and at least a third (38) and a fourth (40) panel, arranged between the first and second panels in the transverse direction, the carpet further comprising at least a first (50) and a second (52) hinge extending in the longitudinal direction, the first hinge articulating the first and third panels to each other, the second hinge articulating the second and fourth panels to each other, the carpet further comprising an element (42, 54, 56) for articulating the third and fourth panels to each other; the mat being able to be moved between: a first configuration, in which the third (38) and fourth (40) panels are coplanar with the first and second panels; and a second configuration, in which the third and fourth panels are raised relative to the first and second panels; the second hinge comprising at least two portions (60) discontinuous in the longitudinal direction, the mat further comprising at least one cutout (62) extending over the fourth panel between said two portions of the second hinge, so that, in the second configuration, said at least one cutout forms at least one recess (70) in the fourth panel; said mat being characterized in that the articulation element comprises: a fifth panel (42), arranged between the third and fourth panels in the transverse direction; and a third (54) and a fourth (56) hinge extending in the longitudinal direction, the third and the fourth hinge articulating the fifth panel, respectively to the third and to the fourth panels; so that in the second configuration, the fifth panel (42) is raised relative to the first and second panels.

2. Vehicle trunk mat according to claim 1, wherein at least one cutout (62) defines at least one tab (64) projecting relative to the second panel in the transverse direction.

3. A vehicle trunk mat according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second hinge (52) comprises a plurality of portions (60) discontinuous in the longitudinal direction, the mat further comprising a plurality of cutouts (62), each cutout extending over the fourth panel (40) between two adjacent portions of the second hinge, such that, in the second configuration, each cutout forms a recess (70) in the fourth panel.

4. Vehicle trunk mat according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the fourth hinge (56) comprises at least two segments (66) discontinuous in the longitudinal direction; and at least one cutout (62) extends on the fifth panel (42) between said two segments of the fourth hinge, so that, in the second configuration, the at least one recess (70) extends on the fourth and fifth panels.

5. A vehicle trunk mat according to claim 4 taken in combination with claim 3, wherein: the fourth hinge comprises a plurality of segments (66) discontinuous in the longitudinal direction; and each cutout (62) extends over the fifth panel (42) between two adjacent segments of the fourth hinge, so that, in the second configuration, each recess (70) extends over the fourth and fifth panels.

6. Vehicle trunk mat according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a side panel (44), adjacent to the first panel (30) in the transverse direction opposite the third panel; and a side hinge (58) extending in the longitudinal direction and articulating the first panel and the side panel to each other.

7. Vehicle trunk (12), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising: - a compartment (20), comprising: a first (26) and a second (28) side walls, substantially vertical; and a substantially horizontal bottom (24), arranged between said first and second side walls in the transverse direction; and - a vehicle trunk mat (22) according to one of the preceding claims, arranged on the bottom (24) of the compartment, so that at least the first (30) and second (34) panels are in contact with said bottom.

8. A vehicle trunk according to claim 7, wherein the second panel (34) of the trunk mat is secured to the bottom (24) of the compartment.

9. A vehicle trunk according to claim 8, wherein: - the trunk mat is according to claim 6; - the side panel (44) of the trunk mat has an end edge (46), opposite the side hinge; - the second panel (34) of the trunk carpet is fixed to the bottom of the compartment near the first side wall (26); and - the trunk compartment and carpet are configured so that: - in the first configuration of the trunk mat, the side hinge (58) of said mat is substantially in contact with the second side wall (28) of the compartment; and - in the second configuration of the trunk mat, the end edge of the side panel is substantially in contact with said second side wall, the third (38) and fourth (40) panels of the trunk mat thus being held in relief relative to the first and second panels.

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