Cargo retention loop

Abstract

The present invention comprises a retention loop device 10 for a cargo area of a vehicle (figure 9). The retention loop device comprises a mounting arrangement 12 and a loop 14 pivotally coupled to th

Description

04 08 £5 TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a cargo retention loop device. Aspects of the invention relate to a retention 5 loop device and to a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a retention loop device in the cargo area of a vehicle. Such devices typically have a mounting arrangement and a loop element pivotally coupled to the mounting arrangement by a hinge. The 10 loop element is pivotable about the hinge between a stowed state and a deployed state. However, there are numerous technical challenges associated with this type of retention loop device. For example, if the hinge is too tight then it can be difficult for a user to pivot the loop element out of the stowed state. Alternatively, if the hinge is too loose, the loop element may rattle during travel of the vehicle. 15 It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a retention loop device and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a retention loop device for a cargo area of a vehicle. The retention loop device comprises a mounting arrangement and a loop element pivotally coupled to the mounting arrangement. The loop element is pivotable between a stowed state and a deployed state. The mounting arrangement comprises one or more retaining elements configured to engage the loop element when 25 the loop element is in the stowed state to resist pivoting of the loop element away from the stowed state. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a retention loop device for a cargo area of a vehicle. The retention loop device comprises a mounting arrangement and a loop element pivotally coupled to the mounting arrangement. The loop element is pivotable between a stowed state and a deployed state. The 30 mounting arrangement comprises one or more retaining elements configured to engage the loop element when the loop element is in the stowed state to resist pivoting of the loop element away from the stowed state. The loop element comprises a hinge portion by which the loop element is pivotally coupled to the mounting arrangement, wherein each of the one or more retaining elements is configured to engage the loop element at a respective position spaced apart from the hinge portion. 35 With this arrangement, the one or more retaining elements act to hold the loop element in the stowed state to reduce the chances of rattling in the stowed state, without the need to tolerance match or very closely control manufacturing tolerances between the loop element and the mounting arrangement in the region of the hinge portion, and / or for additional frictional or sprung components to be added in the region of the hinge portion. 40 This results in an easy-to-use retention loop device which is simpler to manufacture than known alternatives. For example, this differs from some known retention loop devices in which the loop element is retained in the 04 08 £5 stowed state by friction between the hinge portion of the loop element and the corresponding portion of the mounting arrangement, and in which small dimensional variations during manufacture can lead to large variations in the frictional forces generated. This can lead to the frictional forces being insufficient to hold the loop element in the stowed state or, conversely, too high for a user to move the loop element to the deployed 5 state easily. This also differs from some other known devices in which a spring is used in the region of the hinge portion to bias the loop element towards the stowed state and / or to urge a frictional component such as a plastic bush towards the hinge portion to increase friction. Such devices can be effective but require additional components and manufacturing complexity. 10 Optionally, the retention loop device is configured so that the loop element does not contact the one or more retaining elements when in the deployed state. This may improve the ease with which the loop element can be manipulated into the correct deployed position by a user (e.g., when adjusting a cargo strap passed through the loop element). This contrasts with devices which rely on friction between the hinge portion of the loop element and the corresponding portion of the mounting arrangement, which may be harder to move to the 15 correct deployed position due to the frictional forces. The one or more retaining elements comprise one or more protrusions which are configured to interfere with the loop element when pivoting between the deployed state and the stowed state. In other words, the one or more protrusions may extend at least partly into a movement envelope transcribed by the loop element when pivoting between the deployed state and the stowed state, so that the one or more protrusions engage the loop element when pivoting between the deployed state and the stowed state. The mounting arrangement comprises a structural portion for mounting the retention loop device to a cargo area of a vehicle, and a cover. In such embodiments, the one or more protrusions extend from the cover. Such 25 an arrangement allows the structural portion to be made of a strong and rigid material (e.g., a metallic material) while the non-structural cover portion is placed over the top to improve appearance of the final assembly. The one or more protrusions may form part of the cover. The one or more protrusions may be discrete components which are affixed to the cover. Optionally, the one or more protrusions are integral with the cover. This can further simplify manufacture and assembly of the retention loop device by removing the need to provide the 30 retaining elements as separate elements, thereby reducing the number of components required and the complexity of assembly. The cover may be a multi-piece structure. Optionally, the cover is unitary. In such embodiments, the one or more retaining elements may be unitary with the cover. Furthermore, it may be easier to provide the one or more protrusions as part of a cover (e.g., as a moulded plastic cover) than would be possible with a structural portion made of stronger and more rigid material. 35 The cover may be mounted to the structural portion in any suitable manner. For example, the cover and / or the structural portion may comprise one or more clips by which a snap-fit connection is made. Alternatively, the cover may be fixed to the structural portion using a releasable fastener, such as a threaded bolt. In such embodiments, a fastener cap may be provided over the releasable fastener. In an embodiment, the structural 40 portion is fixed to a body of the vehicle by the same releasable fastener (e.g., threaded bolt) which is used to fix the cover to the structural portion. 04 08 £5 Optionally, the cover comprises a plastic material, optionally a thermoplastic polymer, optionally acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Such a cover can easily be moulded with the one or more retaining elements having the correct shape. Furthermore, such a cover may be durable and deflectable, which facilitates snap-fitting of 5 the cover to the structural portion and / or snap-fitting the loop element in place in the stowed state. Optionally, the structural portion comprises a metallic material, optionally steel. Optionally, the structural portion comprises a piece of material folded overthe hinge portion of the loop element 10 to form a hinge. Optionally, the mounting arrangement comprises a single component, optionally a moulded plastic component, optionally a thermoplastic polymer component, optionally an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) component. 15 Optionally, the loop element further comprises a free end portion opposite the hinge portion, wherein the one or more protrusions are configured to interfere with the loop element at a position closer to the hinge portion than the free end portion. Such an arrangement provides a mechanical advantage to a user when moving the free end portion of the loop element in order to engage / disengage the one or more protrusions. Optionally, the one or more protrusions are configured so as to resiliently deflect during a transition of the loop element to and / or from the stowed state. Optionally, each of the one or more protrusions is mounted to a resiliently deflectable wall of the mounting arrangement. The one or more protrusions being configured so as to resiliently deflect during a transition of the loop element 25 to and / or from the stowed state allows a close fit to be provided between the loop element and the one or more protrusions when the loop element is in the stowed state. For example, during transition to the stowed state the one or more retaining elements may be resiliently deflected before the loop element “snaps” into place in the stowed position. 30 The protrusion(s) being mounted to a resiliently deflectable wall of the mounting arrangement may allow the protrusions to be made of a rigid and durable material, whilst still being deflectable in order to allow the loop element to transition to / from the stowed state. Alternatively, the one or more protrusions may be made of a resilient material (e.g., a synthetic or natural rubber) which is resiliently deformable (e.g., compressed) when engaging with the loop element as it moves to / from the stowed state. 35 Optionally, the one or more protrusions and the loop element are shaped to form a snap-fit engagement when the loop element is in the stowed state. Such a snap-fit engagement provides a secure means for resisting movement of the loop element out of the stowed state. 40 Optionally, each of the one or more protrusions defines a ramp surface which is angled to bias the loop element towards the stowed state. Such a ramp surface may reduce the likelihood of accidentally transitioning out of 04 08 £5 the stowed state, and may also reduce rattling when the loop element is in the stowed state. In addition, such a ramp surface may make it easier to lift the loop element out of the stowed state when required by facilitating a gradual deflection of the protrusion and / or loop element as the loop element is pushed along the ramp surface. 5 Optionally, the loop element has a curved cross-sectional shape, at least in the region of the one or more protrusions. The ramp surface may also have an at least partly curved shape, i.e. may have an at least partly concave outer surface. In some embodiments, the ramp surface conforms to a portion of the curved-cross sectional shape. In this way, a greater area of the loop element may be contacted by the ramp surface than if 10 a straight ramp surface was to contact the loop element at a tangent to the curved cross-section. Optionally, each of the one or more protrusions comprises a chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge configured to guide the loop element to the stowed state. It will be understood that such a chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge may make it easier to push the loop element into the stowed state when required by facilitating a gradual 15 deflection of the protrusion and / or loop element as the loop element is pushed along the chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge. Optionally, each of the one or more protrusions defines an apex between the ramp surface and the chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge. Optionally, each of the one or more protrusions is configured to overlap at least 5%, optionally at least 10%, of the width of a cross-sectional shape of the loop element when the loop element is in the stowed state. Overlapping by at least 5% (e.g., at least 10%) may allow forwearofthe one or more protrusions over repeated stowing / deployment cycles while still ensuring secure retention of the loop element in the stowed state. In 25 other words, if some of a protrusion becomes worn, a remaining amount of the protrusion may still sufficiently overlap the loop element in order to resist movement out of the stowed state. Optionally, the one or more protrusions are configured to engage an inside edge of the loop element when the loop element is in the stowed state. This can provide a more compact arrangement than if the one or more 30 protrusions were configured to engage an outside edge of the loop. For example, this arrangement may allow the loop element to define an outer edge of the entire retention loop device, without requiring a surrounding portion of the mounting structure. Optionally, the retention loop device comprises a centring arrangement configured to laterally align the loop 35 element with respect to the mounting arrangement when the loop element is in the stowed state. In other words, the centring arrangement is configured to provide an approximately equal gap between the loop element and the mounting arrangement on lateral sides of the loop element. This can provide a neater assembly, without the need to so closely control the tolerance stack-up between the lateral sides of the loop element and the sides of the mounting arrangement and may facilitate easier gripping of the loop element by 40 a user for movement of the loop element out of the stowed state. Optionally, the centring arrangement is provided by the one or more retaining elements; optionally, wherein the centring arrangement comprises a first retaining element configured to engage a first lateral side of the loop element and a second retaining element configured to engage a second lateral side of the loop element opposite to the first lateral side. Using the one or more retaining elements to laterally align the loop element 5 with respect to the mounting arrangement can provide a simple means of centring the loop element. It will be understood that the loop element has a “lateral” direction which is parallel to the hinge portion of the loop element, and a “longitudinal” direction which is perpendicular to the hinge portion of the loop element. 10 It will be understood that the term “lateral side” of the loop element refers to a portion of the loop element which extends transverse to the hinge portion (e.g., perpendicular to the hinge portion), and which comprises an outer edge of the loop element in a direction parallel to the hinge portion. Optionally, the retention loop device comprises a plurality of retaining elements. Having a plurality of retaining 15 elements may provide better resistance against movement out of the stowed state. Furthermore, this may provide an element of redundancy in the case that one of the retaining elements becomes damaged or worn. Optionally, the loop element comprises a ferrous material and the one or more retaining elements comprise one or more magnets configured to magnetically engage the loop element when the loop element is in the stowed position. Optionally, the one or more retaining elements comprise a high-friction material (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber). 25 Optionally, the one or more retaining elements comprise a series of ridges or ribs configured to interact with a portion of the loop element as it transitions to or from the stowed state. For example, the series of ridges or ribs may extend in a longitudinal direction which is approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the loop element as it transitions to or from the stowed state. The series of ridges or ribs may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicularto said longitudinal direction. In this way, as the loop element 30 transitions to or from the stowed state, the loop element may engage each ridge or rib in succession. Put another way, such a series of ridges or ribs can be considered as a series of longitudinal projections which are configured to interfere with the loop element when pivoting between the deployed state and the stowed state. Optionally, the one or more retaining elements are made of plastic, optionally a thermoplastic polymer, 35 optionally acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a cargo area. The cargo area comprises one or more retention loop devices as disclosed herein. 40 Such a vehicle benefits from the advantages of the retention loop device outlined above. 04 08 £5 04 08 25 Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, 5 unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 10 One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A and 1B show perspective views of a retention loop device according to an embodiment in stowed and deployed states, respectively; 15 Figure 2 shows a top view of the retention loop device of Figure 1 in the stowed state; Figure 3 shows a lateral sectional view taken along plane A-A of the retention loop device of Figures 1 and 2 in the stowed state; Figure 4 shows an enlarged portion of the lateral sectional view of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the retention loop device of Figures 1 to 4; Figure 6A and 6B show perspective views of a structural portion and loop element of the retention loop device of Figures 1 to 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the cover of the retention loop device of Figures 1 to 6B; Figure 8 shows a plan view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 9 shows a rearview of the vehicle of Figure 8. 25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION A retention loop device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures 1A to 7. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the retention loop device is 30 installed in a vehicle. With reference to Figures 1A to 5, there is illustrated a retention loop device 10 for a cargo area of a vehicle. The retention loop device 10 has a mounting arrangement 12 and a loop element 14 pivotally coupled to the mounting arrangement 12. In particular, the loop element 14 has a hinge portion 16 by which the loop element 35 14 is pivotally coupled to the mounting arrangement 12. The hinge portion 16 defines a hinge axis A (illustrated on Figure 5) about which the loop element 14 is pivotable. The loop element 14 is pivotable between a stowed state (as illustrated in Figure 1A) and a deployed state (as illustrated in Figure 1B) in which the retention loop device can be used as an anchor point for a tie-down or strap used to secure cargo in the cargo area of a vehicle, for example in the boot or trunk of a passenger car. 40 04 08 £5 It will be understood that the loop element 14 has a “lateral” direction which is parallel to the hinge portion 16, and a “longitudinal” direction which is perpendicular to the hinge portion 16. As will be described in more detail below, the mounting arrangement 12 has one or more retaining elements 5 18 configured to engage the loop element 14 when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state to resist pivoting of the loop element 14 away from the stowed state. The one or more retaining elements 18 reduce the chances of the loop element 14 rattling in the stowed state, which may reduce the extent to which tolerances have to be controlled in the pivotal coupling between the loop element 14 and the mounting arrangement 12. Further, the one or more retaining elements 18 may eliminate the requirement to add additional frictional components 10 to the pivotal coupling between the loop element 14 and the mounting arrangement 12, which results in a retention loop device 10 which is cheaper and simpler to manufacture than known alternatives. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the one or more retaining elements 18 is configured to engage the loop element 14 at a respective position spaced apart from the hinge portion 16. For example, as illustrated in 15 Figure 2, the respective positions at which the one or more retaining elements 18 are configured to engage the loop element 14 are spaced apart from the hinge portion 16 by a distance D1. The retention loop device 10 is configured so that the loop element 14 does not contact the one or more retaining elements 18 when in the deployed state (as best illustrated in Figure 1B). In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more retaining elements 18 are in the form of one or more protrusions 20 which are configured to interfere with the loop element 14 when pivoting between the deployed state and the stowed state. In other words, the one or more protrusions 20 extend at least partly into a movement envelope transcribed by the loop element 14 when pivoting between the deployed state and the stowed state, 25 so that the one or more protrusions 20 engage the loop element 14 when pivoting between the deployed state and the stowed state. The loop element 14 has a free end portion 22 opposite the hinge portion 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the free end portion 22 extends parallel to the hinge portion 16. The loop element 14 also has first and second 30 lateral sides 44A, 44B which connect the hinge portion 16 to the free end portion 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second lateral sides 44A, 44B extend transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the hinge portion 16. In this way, the loop element 14 has an approximately rectangular (e.g., square) shape. In alternative embodiments, the loop element 14 has a different shape. For example, the loop element 14 may have a D-shape, or a triangular shape, with the first and second lateral sides 44A, 44B being arranged at a 35 non-perpendicular angle to the hinge portion 16 and meeting at an apex opposite the hinge portion 16, the apex defining the free end portion 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more protrusions 20 are configured to interfere with the loop element 14 at a position closer to the hinge portion 16 than the free end portion 22. For example, as illustrated in Figure 40 2, the one or more retaining protrusions 20 are configured to interfere with the loop element 14 at a position which is spaced apart from the hinge portion 16 by a first distance D1, and spaced apart from the free end 04 08 £5 portion 22 by a second distance D2 which is greater than the first distance D1. It will be understood that a user may push / pull the free end portion 22 in order to pivot the loop element 14 between the stowed and deployed states. Therefore, having the second distance D2 being greater than the first distance D1 provides a mechanical advantage when engaging / disengaging the one or more protrusions 20 during such pivoting. 5 The one or more protrusions 20 are configured so as to resiliently deflect during a transition of the loop element 14 to and / or from the stowed state. This allows a close fit to be provided between the loop element 14 and the one or more protrusions 20 when the loop element is in the stowed state (as best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4). During transition to the stowed state, the one or more retaining elements 20 may be resiliently deflected 10 before the loop element 14 “snaps” into place in the stowed position. Put another way, the one or more protrusions 20 and the loop element 14 are shaped to form a snap-fit engagement when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state. Such a snap-fit engagement provides a secure means for resisting movement of the loop element 14 out of the stowed state. 15 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the one or more protrusions 20 is formed on, and thus extends from, a resiliently deflectable wall 24 of the mounting arrangement 12. This may allow the one or more protrusions 20 to be made of a rigid and durable material (e.g., a hard plastics material), whilst still being deflectable in order to transition to / from the stowed state. Alternatively, the one or more protrusions 20 may be made of a resilient material (e.g., a synthetic or natural rubber) which is resiliently deflected (e.g., compressed) by the loop element 14 in the stowed state. As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, each of the one or more protrusions 20 defines a ramp surface 26 which is angled to face towards the stowed position, at least partly. In this manner, the ramp surface 26 is angled to bias the loop element 14 towards the stowed state. Such a ramp surface 26 may reduce the likelihood of 25 accidentally transitioning out of the stowed state, and may also reduce rattling when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state. In addition, such a ramp surface 26 may make it easier to pivot the loop element 14 out of the stowed state when required, by facilitating a gradual deflection of the respective protrusion 20 and / or loop element 14 as the loop element 14 is pushed along the ramp surface 26. 30 In the illustrated embodiment, the loop element 14 has a curved cross-sectional shape 28. In particular, the curved cross-sectional shape 28 is a circular cross-sectional shape 28, but other curved cross-sectional shapes (e.g., oblong shapes) may be provided. The ramp surface 26 of each protrusion 20 is partly concave and conforms to a portion of the curved-cross sectional shape 28 (as best illustrated in Figure 4). In this way, a greater area of the loop element 14 may be contacted by the ramp surface 26 than if a straight ramp surface 35 26 was to contact the loop element 14 at a tangent to the curved cross-section 28. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the one or more protrusions 20 has a chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge 30 configured to guide the loop element 14 to the stowed state. It will be understood that such a chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge 30 may make it easier to push the loop element 14 into the stowed state 40 when required, by facilitating a gradual deflection of the respective protrusion 20 and / or loop element 14 as the loop element 14 is pushed along the chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge 30. Each of the one or more protrusions 20 defines an apex 32 between the ramp surface and the chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge 30. The chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge 30 is provided on a first side of the apex 32 which is engaged by the loop element 14 before the loop element 14 passes the apex 32 when pivoting to 5 the stowed state. The ramp surface 26 is provided on a second side of the apex 32 which is engaged by the loop element 14 after it has passed the apex 32 when pivoting to the stowed state. It will be understood that when pivoting from the stowed to the deployed state, the loop element 14 will engage the ramp surface 26 and the chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge 30 in the opposite order (i.e., engaging the ramp surface 26 first before passing the apex 32, and then the chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge 30 second after passing the 10 apex 32). In alternative embodiments, the one or more protrusions 20 have a different shape. For example, the one or more protrusions 20 may have a square or rectangular shaped cross-section. 15 In some embodiments, each of the one or more protrusions 20 is configured to overlap at least 5%, optionally at least 10%, of the width 34 of the cross-sectional shape 28 of the loop element 14 when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state. For example, Figure 4 illustrates an overlap distance 36 which is approximately 10% of the overall width 34 of the cross-sectional shape 28 of the loop element 14. Such a partial overlapping provides a secure arrangement since the overlapping portion of the protrusion 20 may resist movement out of the stowed state. Furthermore, overlapping by at least 5% (e.g., at least 10%) may allow for wear of the one or more protrusions 20 over repeated stowing / deployment cycles. In other words, if some of a protrusion 20 becomes worn, a remaining amount of the protrusion 20 may still sufficiently overlap the loop element 14 in order to resist movement out of the stowed state. 25 In alternative embodiments, the one or more protrusions 20 are configured to overlap the cross-sectional shape 28 of the loop element 14 to a lesser extent, or not at all. For example, in some embodiments, when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state the one or more protrusions 20 may be resiliently deflected by the loop element 14 at a tangent to the curved cross-sectional shape 28 (e.g., by virtue of being mounted to a deflectable wall, or being made of resilient material) instead of overlapping the loop element 14. It will be 30 understood that such a resilient deflection may result in a reaction force applied by the one or more protrusions 20 to the loop element 14 in order to resist movement out of the stowed state. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more protrusions 20 are configured to engage an inside edge 38 of the loop element 14 when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state (e.g., as best illustrated in Figure 2). This 35 provides a more compact arrangement than if the one or more protrusions 20 were configured to engage an outside edge 40 of the loop element 14. In alternative embodiments the one or more protrusions 20 may be configured to engage the outside edge 40 of the loop element 14. For example, the one or more protrusions 20 may be provided on a further portion of 40 the mounting structure 12 which at least partly surrounds the outer edge 40 of the loop element 14 when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state. 04 08 £5 As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments the one or more protrusions 20 are made of plastic. For example, a thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It will be understood that the shape of the one or more protrusions 20 (e.g., including the ramp surface 26 and 5 chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge 30 on either side of an apex 32) can easily be made from a plastics material (e.g., by injection moulding). ABS may be particularly suitable for such protrusions 20, since it is a durable material which may resist wear / damage during repeated cycles of stowing and deployment of the loop element 14. 10 Although the one or more retaining elements 18 have been described in relation to the one or more protrusions 20 of the illustrated embodiment, it will be understood that the retaining element(s) 18 can take any suitable form. For example, the loop element 14 could include a ferrous material and the one or more retaining elements 18 could comprise one or more magnets configured to magnetically engage the loop element 14 when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state. In another example, the one or more retaining elements 18 could 15 comprise a high-friction material (e.g., natural orsynthetic rubber). In another example, each retaining element 18 could comprise a series of ridges configured to interact with a portion of the loop element 14 (e.g., an inside edge 38) as it transitions to or from the stowed state. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention loop device 10 has a centring arrangement 42 configured to laterally align the loop element 14 with respect to the mounting arrangement 12 when the loop element is in the stowed state. In other words, the centring arrangement 42 is configured to provide an approximately equal gap between the loop element 14 and the mounting arrangement 12 on the lateral sides 44A, 44B of the loop element 14. 25 In the illustrated embodiment, the centring arrangement 42 is provided by the one or more retaining elements 18. In particular, the centring arrangement 42 has a first retaining element 18 configured to engage the first lateral side 44A of the loop element 14 and a second retaining element 18 configured to engage the second lateral side 44B of the loop element 14. This provides a simple means of centring the loop element 14. 30 In alternative embodiments, a different centring arrangement 42 is provided. For example, centring formations of the loop element 14 and mounting structure 12 (e.g., protrusions and corresponding recesses) may be provided on or proximal to the hinge portion 16 and / or the free end portion 22. As mentioned above, the illustrated retention loop device 10 has two retaining elements 18. However, in 35 alternative embodiments, a single retaining element 18, or greater than two retaining elements 18 may be provided. Where there is a plurality of retaining elements 18, this may provide better resistance against movement of the loop element 14 out of the stowed state. Furthermore, this may provide an element of redundancy in the case that one of the retaining elements 18 becomes damaged or excessively worn. 40 Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, the mounting arrangement 12 will be described in more detail. The mounting arrangement 12 has a structural portion 46 for mounting the retention loop device 10 to a cargo area of a 04 08 £5 04 08 £5 vehicle, and a cover 48. Such an arrangement allows the structural portion 46 to be made of a strong and rigid material (e.g., a metallic material such as steel) while the non-structural cover portion 48 gives a good finish. In the illustrated embodiment, the structural portion 46 is a piece of material (e.g., steel or other metallic 5 material) folded over the hinge portion 16 of the loop element 14 to form a hinge. In this way, the structural portion 46 has a lower member 50A (best shown in Figures 5 and 6B) and an upper member 50B which overlaps the lower member 50A (best shown in Figures 5 and 6A). The structural portion 46 has an aperture 52 for receiving a fastener (e.g., a bolt - not shown) to secure the 10 structural portion 46 to a body of a vehicle. In particular, there is a lower aperture 52A through the lower member 50A and an upper aperture 52B through the upper member 50B. The lower and upper apertures 52A, 52B are generally aligned so that a fastener can be passed through both apertures. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower aperture 52A is wider than the upper aperture 52B. This provides some tolerance so that the lower and upper apertures 52A, 52B do not need to be exactly aligned (e.g., coaxially aligned), which 15 allows for variations in the process of folding the upper member 50B over the lower member 50A. It will be understood that the structural portion 46 can be stamped and then folded from sheet material (e.g., sheet metal), which may be simpler than other manufacturing techniques such as casting. Alternatively, the structural portion 46 may have a different construction (e.g., formed as a casted or machined piece of material). In such embodiments, the loop element 14 may have first and second ends which are bent and inserted into a bore of the structural portion 46 to form the hinge portion 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the structural portion 46 also has a locating protection 54 for engaging a locating aperture in a body of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the locating projection 54 is coupled to the lower member 25 50A. It will be understood that such a locating projection 54 will facilitate installation within a vehicle. Furthermore, when a fastener is received in the aperture 52, the locating projection 54 will resist rotation of the retention loop device 10 about a longitudinal axis of the fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more protrusions 20 extend from the cover 48 (e.g., as best illustrated 30 in Figure 7). In particular, the one or more protrusions 20 each extend from a respective side wall 24 of the cover 48 which is, in this embodiment, resiliently deflectable so that the loop element 14 can pass the one or more protrusions 20 during a transition to / from the stowed state. It will be understood that the side wall 24 may be resiliently deflectable by virtue of having a comparatively small thickness in comparison to its width and / or length. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 24 each have a recess 72 for receiving the hinge portion 35 16 of the loop element 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 48 has a base 74 which surrounds the side walls 24. The base 74 is configured to extend underneath the loop element 14 when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 3). In particular, the base 74 is configured to extend under the first and second lateral 40 sides 44A, 44B and the free end portion 22 when the loop element 14 is in the stowed state. The base 74 has one or more base apertures 76, each being provided in the vicinity of one of the projections 20. The base 04 08 £5 aperture(s) 76 may facilitate deflection of the respective protrusion 20 (e.g., via deflection of the side wall 24) during a transition of the loop element 14 to / from the stowed state. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 48 is made of a plastic material. For example, a thermoplastic polymer 5 such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In this way, the one or more protrusions 20 can be integrally formed with the cover 48 (e.g., by injection moulding). In alternative embodiments, the one or more protrusions 20 are produced separately and then mounted on the cover 48 (i.e., to the respective side wall 24). As best illustrated in Figure 5, the cover 48 is configured to be coupled to the structural portion 46 by a snap-10 fit engagement. In particular, the cover 48 has a first formation 56 for engaging a first end region 58 of the structural portion 46 (e.g., the end of the structural portion 46 folded over the hinge portion 16 of the loop element 14), and a second formation 60 for engaging a second end region 62 of the structural portion 46 (e.g., an end of the structural portion 46 distal the hinge portion 16 of the loop element 14). 15 In the illustrated embodiment, the first formation 56 is a resilient clip which forms a snap-fit connection with the structural portion 46, and the second formation 60 defines a hook with an inner edge 64 for receiving the second end region 62 of the structural portion 46, and an outer edge 66. In this embodiment, the outer edge 66 has a chamfer, bevel, or fillet for guiding the second formation 60 over the second end region 62 of the structural portion 46 (e.g., for snap-fitting the second formation 60 over the second end region 62). In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 48 has a releasing tab 68 proximal to the second formation 60. The releasing tab 68 is configured so that when it is pushed and / or pulled the cover 48 flexes in the region of the second formation 60 to release the snap-fit engagement between the cover 48 and the structural portion 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasing tab 68 is bent to define a recess 70, which may be used to receive 25 a screwdriver or other suitable tool to facilitate flexing of the releasing tab 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper member 50B is bent so that it is spaced apart from the lower member 50A at the second end region 62 of the structural portion 46. The second formation 60 engages the upper member 50B (i.e., so that a portion of the second formation 60 is configured to be located in a space between 30 the lower and upper members 50A, 50B at the second end region 62 of the structural portion 46). In alternative embodiments, the second formation 60 is configured to snap over both the lower and upper members 50A, 50B. In such embodiments, the upper member 50B may be flush against the lower member 50A at the second end region 62. 35 In some embodiments, the mounting arrangement 12 is a single component, instead of separate structural and cover portions. For example, the mounting arrangement 12 could be provided as a moulded plastic component (e.g., moulded from a thermoplastic polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)). In such embodiments, the loop element 14 may have first and second ends which are bent and inserted into a bore of 40 the mounting arrangement 12 to form the hinge portion 16. In some embodiments where the mounting arrangement 12 is a single component, the mounting arrangement 12 may include an aperture 52 for a fastener. A fastener cap may be positioned over the aperture 52 in order to cover an end the fastener. 5 Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 200 has a cargo area 202, illustrated schematically by dashed lines. The cargo area 202 has one or more retention loop devices 10 of the kind illustrated in Figures 1 to 7. In particular, the cargo area 202 has four retention loop devices 10 (although only two retention loop devices are shown in the rearview of Figure 9). 10 In Figure 8, the loop element 14 of each retention loop device 10 is in the stowed state. In Figure 9, the loop elements 14 are in the deployed state. An object 204 is positioned within the cargo area 202, and a strap 206 is passed through the loop elements 14 in order to secure the object 204. 15 It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. It should also be noted that whilst the appended claims set out particular combinations of features described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed. 04 08 £5

Claims

04 08 £51. A retention loop device for a cargo area of a vehicle, the retention loop device comprising a mounting arrangement and a loop element pivotally coupled to the mounting arrangement, wherein:5 the loop element is pivotable between a stowed state and a deployed state;the mounting arrangement comprises one or more retaining elements configured to engage the loop element when the loop element is in the stowed state to resist pivoting of the loop element away from the stowed state;the loop element comprises a hinge portion by which the loop element is pivotally coupled to the 10 mounting arrangement; andeach of the one or more retaining elements is configured to engage the loop element at a respective position spaced apart from the hinge portion, wherein the one or more retaining elements comprise one or more protrusions which are configured to interfere with the loop element when pivoting between the deployed state and the stowed state and wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a structural portion for 15 mounting the retention loop device to a cargo area of a vehicle, and a cover, wherein the one or more protrusions extend from the cover.

2. The retention loop device of claim 1, wherein the loop element further comprises a free end portion opposite the hinge portion, wherein the one or more protrusions are configured to interfere with the loop element at a position closer to the hinge portion than the free end portion.

3. The retention loop device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more protrusions are configured so as to resiliently deflect during a transition of the loop element to and / or from the stowed state; optionally, wherein each of the one or more protrusions is mounted to a resiliently deflectable wall of the mounting arrangement.

4. The retention loop device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more protrusions and the loop element are shaped to form a snap-fit engagement when the loop element is in the stowed state.

5. The retention loop device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the one or more protrusions defines 30 a ramp surface which is angled to bias the loop element towards the stowed state.

6. The retention loop device of claim 5, wherein the loop element comprises a curved cross-sectional shape and wherein the ramp surface conforms to a portion of the curved-cross sectional shape.35 7 The retention loop device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the one or more protrusionscomprises a chamfered, bevelled, or filleted edge configured to guide the loop element to the stowed state.

8. The retention loop device of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the one or more protrusions is configured to overlap at least 5%, optionally at least 10%, of the width of a cross-sectional shape of the loop 40 element when the loop element is in the stowed state.9 The retention loop device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more protrusions are configured to engage an inside edge of the loop element when the loop element is in the stowed state.

10. The retention loop device of any preceding claim, wherein the retention loop device comprises a 5 centring arrangement configured to laterally align the loop element with respect to the mounting arrangement when the loop element is in the stowed state.

11. The retention loop device of claim 10, wherein the centring arrangement is provided by the one or more retaining elements; optionally, wherein the centring arrangement comprises a first retaining element 10 configured to engage a first lateral side of the loop element and a second retaining element configured to engage a second lateral side of the loop element opposite to the first lateral side.

12. The retention loop device of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of retaining elements.15 13. A vehicle comprising a cargo area, the cargo area comprising one or more retention loop devicesaccording to any preceding claim.LOCXICO

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