U.S. patent application number 09/880564 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-31 for cargo retention system.
Invention is credited to Bush, Neil J., Caye, Mark A., Cole, Joanne H., Fevre, James P. Le, Haupt, Gregary A., Judy, Benjamin R., Larsen, Lance E., Spykerman, David J., Whitley, Roger A., Zimmermann, Detlef.
Application Number | 20020011505 09/880564 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22239557 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020011505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cole, Joanne H. ; et
al. |
January 31, 2002 |
Cargo retention system
Abstract
A cargo retention system for a vehicle having a seat is
described. The seat has a seat bottom with an upper surface and a
seat back with a front surface. The intersection of the upper
surface and the front surface defines a bight. The cargo retention
system includes a first anchorage adapted to be coupled to the
vehicle. A portion of the first anchorage is adapted to be
positioned in the bight. A retainer releasably interconnects a
vehicle accessory and the first anchorage.
Inventors: |
Cole, Joanne H.; (Ann Arbor,
MI) ; Larsen, Lance E.; (Southfield, MI) ;
Bush, Neil J.; (Pinckney, MI) ; Caye, Mark A.;
(Allen Park, MI) ; Haupt, Gregary A.; (Brighton,
MI) ; Judy, Benjamin R.; (Grandville, MI) ;
Spykerman, David J.; (Zeeland, MI) ; Whitley, Roger
A.; (Brighton, MI) ; Zimmermann, Detlef;
(Schwerte, DE) ; Fevre, James P. Le; (South Lyon,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John M. Lazarus
FOLEY & LARDNER
Firstar Center
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee
WI
53202-5367
US
|
Family ID: |
22239557 |
Appl. No.: |
09/880564 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09880564 |
Jun 13, 2001 |
|
|
|
09358267 |
Jul 21, 1999 |
|
|
|
60093552 |
Jul 21, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/275 ;
224/534 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 5/00 20130101; B60R
7/043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/275 ;
224/534 |
International
Class: |
B60R 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cargo retention system for a vehicle accessory located in a
vehicle having a seat, the seat having a seat bottom with an upper
surface and a seat back with a front surface, the intersection of
the upper surface and the front surface defining a bight, the cargo
retention system comprising: a first anchorage adapted to be
coupled directly to the vehicle; a portion of the first anchorage
adapted to be positioned in the bight; a retainer releasably
interconnecting a vehicle accessory and the first anchorage;
wherein the vehicle accessory is other than a child seat or a child
and is selected from the group consisting of a container, a rigid
platform, an appliance and a side cushion.
2. The cargo retention system of claim 1, wherein the retainer
includes a latch having a hook shaped end for releasable coupling
to the anchorage.
3. The cargo retention system of claim 1, further including a
second anchorage positioned transverse to the first anchorage and a
second retainer interconnecting the vehicle accessory and the
second anchorage.
4. The cargo retention system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle
accessory is adapted to be positioned on the upper surface of the
seat bottom.
5. The cargo retention system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle
accessory is adapted to be biasedly loaded against the front
surface of the seat back.
6. The cargo retention system of claim 1, wherein the retainer
includes a cargo net.
7. The cargo retention system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle
accessory includes a strap adapted for coupling to the seat
bottom.
8. The cargo retention system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle
accessory is adapted for interconnecting the first anchorage from a
position behind the seat.
9. The cargo retention system of claim 1, wherein the retainer
includes a latch detachably coupled to the first anchorage.
10. The cargo retention system of claim 1, wherein the first
anchorage includes a striker portion for engaging the retainer, the
striker adapted to be positioned within the bight.
11. A device for detachably interconnecting a vehicle accessory to
a child restraint system of a vehicle, the child restraint system
including a lower anchorage coupled to the vehicle, the device
comprising: an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably couple
the vehicle accessory to the lower anchorage; wherein the vehicle
accessory is other than a child seat or a child and is selected
from the group consisting of a container, a rigid platform, an
appliance and a side cushion.
12. The device for detachably interconnecting a vehicle accessory
to a child restraint system of a vehicle of claim 11, wherein the
attachment mechanism includes a latch having a first end and a
second end, the first end adapted to be coupled to the vehicle
accessory, the second end bifurcated to include a pair of legs
adapted for engaging the lower anchorage.
13. The device for detachably interconnecting a vehicle accessory
to a child restraint system of a vehicle of claim 11, wherein the
attachment mechanism includes a flexible member having a hook
adapted for releasably coupling to the lower anchorage.
14. A cargo retention system for a vehicle comprising: a vehicle
accessory; a seat having a seat bottom with an upper surface and a
lower surface, the seat also having a seat back with a front
surface and a back surface, the seat back extending generally
upwardly from the seat bottom; a bight at the intersection of the
upper surface of the seat bottom and the front surface of the seat
back; an anchorage adapted for attachment to the vehicle, the
anchorage having a portion thereof disposed in the bight; and a
retainer interconnecting the vehicle accessory to the anchorage;
wherein the vehicle accessory is other than a child seat or a child
and is selected from the group consisting of a container, a rigid
platform, an appliance and a side cushion.
15. A cargo retention system for a vehicle having child safety
device anchorages within the interior of the vehicle, the cargo
retention system comprising: a vehicle accessory adapted for
releasably engaging the anchorages; an electrification system
adapted for supplying electrical power from the anchorages to the
vehicle accessory; wherein the vehicle accessory is other than a
child seat or a child and is selected from the group consisting of
a container, a rigid platform, an appliance and a side cushion.
16. The cargo retention system of claim 15, wherein said
electrification system includes an electrical connector adapted to
be mounted in proximity with one of the anchorages and a mating
electrical connector coupled to the vehicle accessory.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/358,267, filed Jul. 21, 1999, entitled
"Cargo Retention System", which is hereby incorporated by reference
therein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a system for
retaining cargo within the passenger compartment of a motor
vehicle. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a
cargo retention system employing the lower anchorages provided for
securing a child safety seat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Safety considerations, and in some geographical areas,
legislation, require that small children traveling in a vehicle be
restrained by equipment specifically designed for this purpose. It
shall be noted, however, that existing restraint systems are
generally designed for improving the safety of adults traveling in
the vehicle and are generally not suitable for occupants below a
certain height or weight. Accordingly, the most commonly used
apparatus for restraining small children in motor vehicles is a
child safety seat. Today, the child safety seat is generally
secured to the vehicle by way of the seat belts within the adult
restraint system.
[0004] The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
Department of Transportation has issued a final rule establishing a
new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard under 49 C.F.R. .sctn.571
and .sctn.596, requiring motor vehicle manufacturers to provide
motorists with a new way of installing child restraints. In the
future, vehicles will be equipped with child restraint anchorage
systems that are standardized and independent of the vehicle seat
belts.
[0005] The new independent system will have two lower anchorages
and one upper anchorage. Each lower anchorage will include a rigid,
round rod or bar unto which a hook or a jaw-like buckle connector
may be coupled. The bars will be located at the intersection of the
vehicle seat bottom and seat back. The new independent anchorage
system will be required to be installed at two rear seating
positions. In addition, a tether anchorage will be required at a
third position. This final rule also amends the child restraint
standards. The new standards require the child restraints to be
equipped with means for attaching to the new independent anchorage
system.
[0006] The New Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard further
defines the geometry of the lower anchorage as including a six
millimeter diameter bar having length not less than 25 millimeters
but not more than 44 millimeters. In addition, the spacing between
the lower anchorages, measured as the distance from the center of
the length of one bar to the center of the length of the other bar,
must be equal to 280 millimeters. Each of these lower anchorages
must be rigidly attached to the vehicle such that they will not
deform more than five millimeters when subjected to a 100 Newton
force in any direction.
[0007] With the advent of the standardized anchorage system
previously described, an excellent opportunity is presented to use
the anchorage system for cargo as well. Accordingly, it is an
object of the present invention to provide a cargo retention system
for securing cargo within the passenger compartment of a vehicle
during operation.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
electrification system in cooperation with the cargo attachment
system.
[0009] The present invention is intended to provide an attachment
system for various cargo and cargo retention devices incorporating
the lower anchorages previously described. Because the lower
anchorages are specifically designed to restrain a child and a
child's safety seat in a collision, the lower anchorages are
excellent locations for securing cargo within the passenger
compartment of a motor vehicle.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A cargo retention system for a vehicle having a seat is
described. The seat has a seat bottom with an upper surface and a
seat back with a front surface. The intersection of the upper
surface and the front surface defines a bight. The cargo retention
system includes a first anchorage adapted to be coupled to the
vehicle. A portion of the first anchorage is adapted to be
positioned in the bight. A retainer releasably interconnects a
vehicle accessory and the first anchorage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The various advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following
specification and by reference to the drawings which include:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly
depicting a portion of the cargo retention system of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary lower anchorage
device;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
cargo retention system constructed in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
latch system constructed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of a front anchorage constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
latch system constructed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
latch system constructed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of second embodiment of the
cargo retention system constructed in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
cargo 5 retention system;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
cargo retention system of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
cargo retention system of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an electrification system
constructed in accordance with the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a passenger side support
arrangement in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The following description of the preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is no way intended to limit the
invention, or its application, or uses.
[0026] With reference to the drawings, a cargo retention system is
generally identified at reference numeral 10 constructed in
accordance with the teachings of an embodiment of the present
invention. A vehicle 12 is shown having a seat 14 intended to
provide one or more seating positions for occupants of the vehicle
12. In the preferred embodiment, a portion of the cargo retention
system 10 is shown as being fixed to the vehicle floor. One skilled
in the art will appreciate that it is within the scope of the
present invention to incorporate the cargo retention system 10 as
part of a vehicle seat or vehicle seat frame located at any one of
the seating positions within the vehicle. In addition, any type of
vehicle including, but not limited to, planes, trains and
automobiles incorporating a child safety seat restraint system may
also incorporate the cargo retention system 10 of the present
invention.
[0027] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the seat 14 includes a
generally horizontal seat bottom 16 and a seat back 18 extending
generally upwardly at the rear of the seat bottom 16. The
intersection of the seat bottom 16 and the seat back 18 is
generally referred to as a bight or bight line 20. The cargo
retention system 10 includes a plurality of lower anchorages 22
positioned within or projecting from the bight line 20 as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, the lower anchorage 22 includes a
straight, horizontal and transversely extending striker portion 24.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the existing
legislation regarding uniform child restraint anchorages defines
the geometry of the striker portion 24 alone and not the complete
lower anchorage 22. Accordingly, the lower anchorage 22 shown in
the drawings is merely exemplary and other designs may be suitable
for use in conjunction with the cargo retention system 10 of the
present invention.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower anchorage 22 further
includes a pair of downwardly extending and axially spaced apart
legs 26. Each of the legs 26 includes a longitudinally extending
portion 28, an arcuate portion 30 and a vertical portion 32
terminating at a base plate 34. As mentioned earlier, the base
plate 34 is merely an exemplary structure coupled to a floor pan 36
of the vehicle 12. Accordingly, the striker portion 24 may be
coupled to the seat 14 via a mounting bracket or seat frame not
shown.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, a cargo box 38 is shown in an operable
position coupled to the vehicle 12 via the cargo retention system
10 of the present invention. In general, the cargo box 38 may be
any number of shapes and sizes and may include solid or mesh sides.
In addition, inside dividers 37 may be added to further assist the
vehicle operator in organizing cargo. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that the cargo box 38 may also include a pivotable top
or a removable lid (not shown) for enclosing at least a portion of
the cargo box 38. In the preferred embodiment, the striker portions
24 are approximately six millimeters in diameter and at least 25
millimeters long. Each pair of lower anchorages 22 are preferably
spaced apart 280 millimeters as measured from the center of each
striker portion 24. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
geometry of the downwardly extending legs 26 may vary based on the
geometry of the specific vehicle equipped with the lower anchorages
22 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0031] The cargo box 38 includes two longitudinally extending
latches 40 spaced apart a predetermined distance 42. Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the latches 40 includes a generally planar
body 44 having a first end 46 coupled to the cargo box 38. In
addition, each of the latches 40 includes a hook 48 positioned at a
second end 50. The hook 48 includes an inner surface 49 adapted to
engage the striker portion 24 of the lower anchorage 22. A spring
clasp 51 is included as an optional feature for further retaining
the striker portion 24. The spring clasp 51 is normally biased to
contact the inner surface 49 thereby requiring an externally
applied force to the clasp 51 if decoupling is desired.
[0032] The preferred embodiment of the present invention shows the
striker portion 24 and a portion of the longitudinally extending
portions 28 extending forwardly beyond the bight line 20. However,
it may be beneficial to provide a lower anchorage 22 having
shortened longitudinally extending portions 28 such that the
striker portion 24 is positioned within the bight line 20 in
contact with the seat bottom 16 and the seat back 18. Positioning
the striker portion 24 within the bight line 20 offers improved
comfort when an adult occupant is seated in the seating position
incorporating the cargo retention system 10 of the present
invention. If the striker portion 24 is positioned within the bight
20, the seat back 18 may be marked to indicate the location of each
of the lower anchorages 22 in order to assist the user.
[0033] One variation of the present invention includes sizing the
body 44 of the latches 40 to preload the cargo box 38 against the
seat 14. Specifically, when the cargo box 38 is in the operable
position as shown in FIG. 3, an outside wall 52 of the cargo box 38
contacts a front surface 54 of the seat back 18 prior to engagement
of the hook 48 with the striker portion 24. Accordingly, the cargo
box 38 is biasedly loaded against both the seat bottom 16 and the
seat back 18.
[0034] An additional, extendable retention system 56 constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 5. The extendable retention system 56 includes a flexible
strap 58 having a first end coupled to the lower anchorage 22. An
opposite distal end of the flexible strap 58 includes a hook 60
configured to engage a lower edge 62 of the seat bottom 16. After
engaging the latches 40 with the lower anchorages 22, the flexible
strap 58 may be adjusted to impart a load on the seat bottom 16
thereby retaining the cargo box 38 as desired. An alternate
embodiment of the extendable retention system 56 includes attaching
the cargo box 38 to the lower anchorages 22 via the latches 40 as
shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the first end of the flexible strap
58 is coupled to the cargo box 38 while the distal end having the
hook 60 engages the lower edge 62 of the seat bottom 16.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 6, a second embodiment of a latch 64 may
be used to detachably interconnect a variety of storage devices or
cargo retention systems to the lower anchorages 22. The latch 64
includes a generally rectangular body 66 having a width 67
terminating at a jaw-like bifurcated end 68. The bifurcated end 68
includes a bull nose 70 and ajaw 72 spaced apart a predetermined
distance 74 defining a slot 75. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that the width 67 and the predetermined distance 74 are
sized to closely cooperate with the striker portion 24 of the lower
anchorage 22. Specially, the width 67 may be maximized to provide
an engagement length of approximately 25 millimeters to resist a
torsional moment in the direction of arrow 76. The predetermined
distance 74 may be minimized while allowing slidable engagement
with the striker portion 24 of the lower anchorage 22 in an attempt
to further limit rotation in the direction of the arrow 76.
Furthermore, the predetermined distance 74 may be reduced such that
a mild interference fit is present upon inserting the latch 64 over
the striker portion 24. Accordingly, the ends 70 and 72 will
further space apart upon insertion of the striker portion 24 into
the slot 75.
[0036] Based on the aforementioned geometry of latch 64, it will be
appreciated that the latch 64 may be utilized with or without a
retractable pin or clip 78. Notwithstanding the fact that the latch
64 will function properly without additional hardware, many
manufacturers may wish to include the retractable pin or clip 78 to
further resist withdrawal of the latch 64 from the lower anchorage
22 during vehicle operation.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of the latch system
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention is depicted at reference numeral 80. The latch system 80
includes a generally "C" shaped body 82 having a first wall 84 and
a second wall 86 interconnected by an end wall 88. The latch system
80 further includes a slidable pin 90 operable in a deployed
position and a retracted position. The latch system 80 also
includes a spring means (not shown) for biasing the slidable pin 90
into the deployed position thereby interconnecting the first wall
84 with the second wall 86. The third embodiment of the latch
system 80 also includes a button 92 interconnected to the slidable
pin 90 whereupon axial movement of the button 92 forces the
slidable pin 90 from its normally deployed position to the
retracted position. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
latch embodiments previously described are merely exemplary and
that a variety of clips and retainers may be utilized to
interconnect the cargo retention system 10 to the lower anchorage
22.
[0038] In FIG. 8, a second embodiment of the present invention is
depicted at reference numeral 93. In this embodiment it is shown
that the cargo retention system 10 may be utilized to secure cargo
behind the vehicle seat 14. Specifically, a tie-down strap 94,
having two hooks 96 interconnected by an elastic center section 98,
may be utilized to secure cargo located, behind the vehicle seat
14. As shown in the figure, the tie-down strap 94 may be
interconnected to the lower anchorage 22 at any convenient location
including the vertical portion 32 or the transversely disposed
striker portion 24.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 9, a third embodiment of the cargo
retention system is identified at 99. The system 99 provides an
opportunity for securing cargo behind the passenger seat 14. For
example, a beverage cooler 100 is shown resting on the floor pan 36
behind the vehicle seat 14. The beverage cooler 100 includes at
least one latch 101 interconnected to at least one lower anchorage
22. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the latch
embodiments previously described may be implemented to prevent the
beverage cooler 100 from translating along the floor pan 36 while
operating the vehicle 12. In the preferred embodiment, the latch
101 extends into the bight 20 to engage the striker portion 24.
[0040] With specific reference to FIG. 10, a fourth embodiment of
the cargo retention system 102 includes a cargo net 106 for
securing loose items inside of the vehicle 12. The system 102
includes a plurality of attachment mechanisms 104 releasably
interconnecting the cargo net 106 and the lower anchorages 22. The
cargo net 106 is preferably constructed from an elastic material
capable of conforming to a variety of exterior configurations. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that the attachment mechanisms
104 may include rigid body latches as shown or flexible straps as
earlier described.
[0041] A fifth embodiment of the cargo retention system 108 is
shown at FIG. 11 to include a play table 110 operatively associated
with the seat 14 to provide a substantially level playing surface
112 for a child or other occupant. The play table 110 includes a
pair of longitudinally extending attachment mechanisms 114
releasably coupled to the striker portion 24 of the lower
anchorages 22. As mentioned earlier, it is within the scope of the
present invention for the attachment mechanisms 114 to include
spring clips, hooks, and other devices capable of releasably
grasping the striker portion 24 of the lower anchorage 22.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 12, an electrification system 116 may be
incorporated for use with the cargo retention system 10. In
general, the electrification system 116 functions by providing
remote access to vehicle power through points adjacent to or
located at the lower anchorages 22. In the embodiment depicted at
FIG. 12, a male power connector 118 extends from the body of a
latch previously described. A female power connector 120 is located
adjacent the striker portion 24 to facilitate the supply of power
to an electrical appliance such as a radio, a child's toy, a
television or other entertainment device. One skilled in the art
will appreciate that the interconnection of the male power
connector 118 with the female power connector 120 is simply and
efficiently accomplished at the same time that the latch engages
the striker portion 24 of the lower anchorage 22.
[0043] Another embodiment of the electrification system 116
includes supplying positive potential electrical energy to one of
the lower anchorages 1522 within the cargo retention system 10. A
separate lower anchorage 22 is electrically connected to ground.
Accordingly, once a device such as an electronic child safety seat
(not shown) is coupled to the electrified lower anchorages, the
circuit will be complete without requiring any additional cords or
connections.
[0044] A passenger side support arrangement 122 is illustrated at
FIG. 13 including a compressible pillow 124 releasably coupled to
the lower anchorages 22 via an attachment mechanism 126. The
attachment mechanism 126 includes a plurality of elastic bands 130
each having one end fixed to the pillow 124 and an opposite end
terminating at a hook 128. One skilled in the art will appreciate
that the pillow 124 may be located in a variety of positions and
the center location shown is merely exemplary.
[0045] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the
art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the
accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes,
modifications and variations may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *