A floor that can be positioned inside the cargo area of ​​a utility vehicle.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floor for a cargo area of ​​a commercial vehicle comprising a panel (1) made of a composite material. The invention also relates to the method of installing the floor, the commercial vehicle comprising such a floor and a ready-to-assemble unit (also called a "kit") for a method of installing a floor for a cargo area of ​​a commercial vehicle. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Floor positionable inside the loading space of a utility vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor for a cargo space of a utility vehicle comprising a panel made of a composite material. The invention also relates to the method of installing the floor, the utility vehicle comprising such a floor and a ready-to-assemble assembly (also called a "kit") for a method of installing a floor for a cargo space of a utility vehicle.

[0002] The installation of loading space floors of a rolling utility vehicle is known. This installation is typically carried out in the art using wooden or metal panels, possibly covered with a non-slip material, generally installed by the user of the utility vehicle or by a third-party company specializing in the production of such floors. The installation methods, which involve mainly artisanal techniques, therefore vary enormously. These installation operations on the initial floor of the utility vehicle (i.e. bare, as currently sold) are also tedious. They nevertheless have the advantage of generally resulting in the creation of a structure offering sufficient mechanical resistance. The panels can be fixed directly to the sheet metal or any other attachment point.However, it is generally recommended not to perforate the original floor of the vehicle so as not to weaken its structure. While such techniques allow for customization of the cargo area floor of a commercial vehicle, many users desire a commercial vehicle whose cargo area floor already has a supplied interior finish, installed by the vehicle manufacturer and usable as such. Alternatively, for vehicles already in circulation or sold without such floors, there is a need for an easy-to-install device, possibly in the form of a kit, which users could implement themselves.

[0003] The invention aims to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and in particular to provide means for installing floors in the loading spaces of utility vehicles.

[0004] Thus, one of the aims is to propose a floor for a loading space of a aforementioned rolling utility vehicle whose design allows easy implementation by a manufacturer of such utility vehicles, as well as to provide an easy-to-install device, possibly in the form of a kit, which users can implement themselves.

[0005] A first aspect according to the present invention therefore relates to a floor for a utility vehicle loading space comprising a panel characterized in that the panel (1) is made of a composite material in the form of a multi-layer composite blank comprising at least one layer of synthetic material sandwiched between two layers of metal, characterized in that said panel comprises: - at least one folding line in a first direction for folding said panel and allowing its installation in the loading space of a utility vehicle; and - at least one folding line in a second direction for folding said panel for storage before installation.

[0006] One of the advantages of the invention is therefore to propose a floor for the loading space of a rolling utility vehicle of simplified design, high mechanical resistance, easy to assemble.

[0007] These floors must also have sufficient final mechanical resistance for such floors.

[0008] The multi-layer blank comprising at least two metal layers ensures mechanical resistance of the panel produced from a single piece.

[0009] The synthetic material is for example chosen from the group of synthetic materials formed by polyolefins, polyesters, polyurethanes, mineral polymers, polycarbonates, and the metal is, preferably, aluminum.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the layer of synthetic material is greater than or equal to 6.5 times the cumulative thickness of the layers of metal.

[0011] In a particular embodiment, the thickness of the layer of synthetic material is 2.6y and the cumulative thickness of the metal layers is 0.4y, y representing a length such as one millimeter.

[0012] Preferably, the thickness of each layer of metal is 0.2 mm ± 0.05 mm and the thickness of the layer of synthetic material is 2.6 mm ± 0.05 mm. The total thickness of the composite blank is preferably between 2 and 4 mm, such as 3 mm.

[0013] The fold line in a first direction is advantageously oriented longitudinally relative to the utility vehicle, once the floor is installed. By “longitudinal” orientation, it is understood in the context of the present invention a direction going from the front end of the vehicle towards the rear of the vehicle and vice versa.

[0014] Preferably, the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction. Thus, the positioning and then installation of the floor are facilitated by such an arrangement of the folding lines.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, one of the two layers of metal has been machined at each fold line.

[0016] Preferably, each fold line is formed by thinning the material and in that one of the two layers of metal has been machined is of reduced thickness (i.e. of thickness less than that of the thickness of the layer of metal outside the fold line) or equal to zero at each fold line.

[0017] Advantageously, the panel comprises at least one foldable tab arranged on one of its edges.

[0018] The advantage of at least one tab arranged on one of its edges is to be able to attach the floor to the side walls or a side structure of the loading space.

[0019] Preferably, at least one tab is adapted to ensure the panel is fixed to a utility vehicle.

[0020] More advantageously, the different fixing tabs of the panel are of different sizes and distributed in a regular and / or optimized manner depending on the nature of the utility vehicle to be equipped with said floor.

[0021] Thus, in a particular embodiment, each of the fixing tabs has at least one attachment means such as an opening for a screw.

[0022] Preferably, the opening is circular.

[0023] Preferably, the circular opening has a radius between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm, such as 2.5 mm.

[0024] Advantageously, the fixing tabs are foldable. This allows for easy adaptation to the contours of the vehicle's loading space.

[0025] Thus, preferably, the fixing tabs each comprise at least one fold line. The addition of a fold line facilitates the installation of the floor.

[0026] Preferably, the fixing tabs have a length of between 1 cm and 1 m, preferably between 2 cm and 50 cm, for example between 5 cm and 25 cm, or between 10 cm and 20 cm.

[0027] Preferably, the fixing tabs have a width of between 1cm and 30cm, preferably between 2cm and 15cm, for example between 5cm and 10cm.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the multilayer composite blank is thinned at each fold line. This makes it easier to fold each fixing tab having such thinning.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, at least one tab is adapted to cover a utility vehicle loading space threshold.

[0030] Advantageously, the panel comprises a non-slip surface.

[0031] For example, the non-slip surface is a layer superimposed on one of the two layers of metal, for example obtained by the application of a non-slip paint.

[0032] In one embodiment, the non-slip surface comprises reliefs, for example obtained by embossing the panel, or one of its two metal layers.

[0033] The subject of the present invention also relates to a method of installing a floor according to the present invention characterized in that the panel folded along at least one fold line in a first direction, is introduced into the loading space of a utility vehicle, then unfolded so as to cover the existing floor and fixed, for example by one or more fixing tabs.

[0034] The subject of the present invention therefore relates to a utility vehicle comprising a loading space and a floor positionable inside said loading space, characterized in that the floor conforms to its description above.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the utility vehicle has a weight of less than 5 tonnes laden, preferably less than 3.5 tonnes laden.

[0036] Preferably, the utility vehicle is a van, a van or a pickup truck.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the utility vehicle according to the present invention (i.e. comprising a floor according to the present invention) is characterized in that the floor comprises at least one foldable tab arranged on one of its edges, said tab being adapted to ensure the attachment of the floor to said utility vehicle.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, said utility vehicle according to the present invention (i.e. comprising a floor according to the present invention) comprises a loading space threshold, and is characterized in that the floor comprises at least one foldable tab arranged on one of its edges, said tab being adapted to cover a loading space threshold of the utility vehicle.

[0039] The subject of the present invention further relates to a ready-to-assemble assembly (or "kit") for a method of installing a floor for a loading space of a utility vehicle comprising at least one floor to be fitted inside the loading space, characterized in that the floor conforms to the description given above.

[0040] Advantageously, this kit comprises attachment means such as screws and / or bolts, one or more tools useful for implementing the method as described above, modules for customizing the panel, such as means for hanging tools or merchandise, installation instructions, and / or instructions for using the covering. Brief description of the drawings

[0041] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0042] [Fig-1] represents a schematic perspective view of a panel folded according to the present invention.

[0043] [Fig.2] represents a schematic perspective view of a panel according to the present invention, folded a first time along a fold line for storage.

[0044] [Fig.3] represents a schematic perspective view of a panel according to the present invention, folded twice along two fold lines for storage.

[0045] [Fig.4] represents a schematic perspective view of a panel according to the present invention, folded once completely on itself along a fold line, for its installation as a floor in the loading space of a utility vehicle.

[0046] [Fig.5] represents a schematic perspective view of a panel according to the present invention, folded along a fold line for installation as a floor in the cargo space of a utility vehicle.

[0047] [Fig.6] represents a schematic perspective view of a utility vehicle ac partially picking up a panel according to the present invention, folded once on itself, during insertion into the loading space of said utility vehicle.

[0048] [Fig.7] represents a schematic perspective view of a utility vehicle ac picking up the entirety of a panel according to the present invention, folded once on itself, in the loading space of said utility vehicle.

[0049] [Fig.8] represents a schematic perspective view of a utility vehicle ac picking up a panel according to the present invention being unfolded for its installation to form the floor of the loading space of said utility vehicle.

[0050] [Fig.9] represents a schematic perspective view of a utility vehicle with the panel floor installed according to the present invention.

[0051] As mentioned above, the invention relates to an interior trim device.

[0052] [Fig. 1] represents an embodiment of the invention in which the composite panel 1 comprises a first fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The panel 1 comprises tabs 4, 5 arranged around said panel 1. Certain tabs 4 are sized to allow the panel to be fixed and may thus be designated as “fixing tabs”. A tab 5 is intended to cover the threshold of the loading volume of the utility vehicle, once the panel is installed. The panel 1 will have a shape adapted to the loading space in which it is intended to be installed. For example, the panel 1 may comprise recesses 6 or protrusions 7 to adapt to the morphology of the loading space, such as a wheel arch, protective formwork, a structural element or any other specific feature of the structure of the loading space.Panel 1 can furthermore . include openings 10 to allow access, once the panel is in place in the utility vehicle, to anchor points for example.

[0053] [Fig. 2] represents the embodiment according to [Fig. 1], in which the composite panel 1 is in a storage configuration where the panel 1 has been folded on itself along a fold line 3. As in [Fig. 1], the panel 1 therefore comprises a fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. As in [Fig. 1], the panel 1 comprises tabs 4, 5 arranged around said panel 1. As in [Fig. 1], the panel 1 as represented comprises recesses 6. As in [Fig. 1], the panel 1 as represented comprises openings 10.

[0054] [Fig. 3] represents the embodiment according to figures 1 and 2, in which the composite panel 1 is in another storage configuration where the panel 1 has been folded on itself along a second fold line 3 compared to the configuration shown according to [Fig. 2]. As in figures 1 and 2, the panel 1 therefore comprises a fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. As in figures 1 and 2, the panel 1 comprises tabs 4 arranged around said panel 1. As in figures 1 and 2, the panel 1 as shown has openings 10.

[0055] [Fig. 4] represents the embodiment according to figures 1, 2 and 3 in which the composite panel 1 is in an installation configuration where the panel 1 has been folded back on itself along a fold line 2. As in figures 1, 2 and 3, the panel 1 therefore comprises a fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. As in figures 1, 2 and 3, the panel 1 comprises tabs 4, 5 arranged around said panel 1. As in figures 1, 2 and 3, the panel 1 as shown, comprises recesses 6 or protrusions 7. As in figures 1, 2 and 3, the panel 1 as shown comprises openings 10.

[0056] [Fig. 5] represents the embodiment according to figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 in which the composite panel 1 is in another installation configuration where the panel 1 has been folded on itself along a fold line 2. Unlike [Fig. 4], the panel is not completely folded on itself. The panel is partially folded on itself along the installation fold line 2. The embodiment in [Fig. 5] therefore represents an installation mode, which can be transitional from a completely folded state according to [Fig. 4] to the installation of the panel 1 as a floor. As in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the panel 1 therefore comprises a fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. As in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the panel 1 comprises tabs 4, 5 arranged around said panel 1. As in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the Panel 1 as shown includes recesses 6 or protrusions 7. As in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, Panel 1 as shown includes openings 10.

[0057] [Fig. 6] represents the embodiment according to figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in which the composite panel 1 is being installed in the loading space 8 of a utility vehicle 9. [Fig. 6] represents the folded panel 1 as represented in [Fig. 4] being inserted into the loading space 8. The composite panel 1 is therefore in an installation configuration identical to that represented in [Fig. 4] where the panel 1 has been folded on itself along a fold line 2. The panel 1 therefore comprises a fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The panel 1 comprises tabs 4, 5 arranged around said panel 1. The panel 1 as represented comprises openings 10.

[0058] [Fig.7] represents the embodiment according to figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in in which the composite panel 1 is being installed in the loading space 8 of a utility vehicle 9. [Fig.7] shows the folded panel 1 as shown in [Fig.4] fully inserted into the loading space 8. The composite panel 1 is therefore in an installation configuration identical to that shown in [Fig.4] where the panel 1 has been folded on itself along a fold line 2. The panel 1 therefore comprises a fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The panel 1 comprises tabs 4,5 arranged around said panel 1. The panel 1 as shown comprises openings 10.

[0059] [Fig. 8] represents the embodiment according to figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in which the composite panel 1 is being installed in the loading space 8 of a utility vehicle 9. [Fig. 8] represents the folded panel 1 as shown in [Fig. 5] fully inserted into the loading space 8 and being deployed. The composite panel 1 is therefore in an installation configuration identical to that shown in [Fig. 5] where the panel 1 has been partially folded on itself along a fold line 2. The panel 1 therefore comprises a fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The panel 1 comprises tabs 4, 5 arranged around said panel 1.

[0060] [Fig.9] represents the embodiment according to figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in in which the composite panel 1 has been installed in the loading space 8 of a utility vehicle 9 to form a floor. The panel 1 therefore comprises a fold line 2 in a first direction and three fold lines 3 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The panel 1 comprises a tab 5 arranged and folded so as to cover the threshold of the loading space 8.

[0061] Obviously, other applications of the invention can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Floor for a loading space (8) of a utility vehicle (9) comprising a panel (1) characterized in that the panel (1) is made of a composite material in the form of a multi-layer composite blank comprising at least one layer of synthetic material sandwiched between two layers of metal, characterized in that said panel (1) comprises: - at least one folding line (2) in a first direction for folding said panel (1) and allowing its installation in the loading space (8) of a utility vehicle (9); and - at least one folding line (3) in a second direction for folding said panel (1) for its storage before installation, in that the panel (1) comprises at least one foldable tab (4, 5) arranged on one of its edges and a non-slip surface.

2. Floor according to claim 1, characterized in that the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction.

3. Floor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each fold line is formed by a thinning of material and in that one of the two layers of metal is of reduced thickness or equal to zero at each fold line (2,3).

4. Floor according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the non-slip surface is a layer superimposed on one of the two layers of metal, for example obtained by the application of a non-slip paint.

5. Floor according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the non-slip surface comprises reliefs, for example obtained by embossing the panel (1), or one of its two layers of metal.

6. Method of installing a floor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the panel (1) folded along at least one fold line (2) in a first direction, is introduced into the loading space (8) of a utility vehicle (9), then unfolded so as to cover the existing floor and fixed, for example by one or more fixing tabs (4).

7. Utility vehicle comprising a loading space (8) and a floor positionable inside said loading space (8) characterized in that the floor conforms to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Utility vehicle according to claim 7 characterized in that the floor comprises at least one foldable tab (4) arranged on one of its edges, said tab (4) being adapted to ensure the attachment of the floor to said utility vehicle (9).

9. Utility vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, said utility vehicle (9) comprising a loading space threshold, characterized in that the floor comprises at least one foldable tab (5) arranged on one of its edges, said tab (5) being adapted to cover said loading space threshold.

10. Ready-to-assemble assembly for a method of installing a floor for a loading space (8) of a utility vehicle (9) comprising at least one floor to be attached to the interior of the loading space (8), characterized in that the floor is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5.

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