U.S. patent application number 11/055112 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for vehicle storage structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Betina Hougesen, Randy Johnson, Moonis F. Khan, Sharad Kulkarni.
Application Number | 20060181104 11/055112 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36781637 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060181104 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Khan; Moonis F. ; et
al. |
August 17, 2006 |
VEHICLE STORAGE STRUCTURE
Abstract
A vehicle body structure includes a storage box installed in a
location within the vehicle that is originally arranged and
configured to receive a rear passenger's seat. The storage box has
an upper opening and a cargo cavity that extends downwardly from
the upper opening below an upper surface of the vehicle floor. A
storage cover overlies the upper opening of the storage box. The
storage cover has first and second lids. The first lid is arranged
to move between a closed position covering a forward area of the
cargo cavity and an open position exposing the forward area of the
cargo cavity to the side access opening. The second lid is arranged
to move between a closed position covering a rearward area of the
cargo cavity and an open position exposing the rearward area of the
cargo cavity to the rear access opening.
Inventors: |
Khan; Moonis F.; (Grand
Blanc, MI) ; Johnson; Randy; (White Lake, MI)
; Kulkarni; Sharad; (Farmington Hills, MI) ;
Hougesen; Betina; (Windsor, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
Nissan Technical Center North
America, Inc.
Farmington Hills
MI
|
Family ID: |
36781637 |
Appl. No.: |
11/055112 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/37.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 5/04 20130101; B60N
2/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/037.16 |
International
Class: |
B60N 3/12 20060101
B60N003/12 |
Claims
1. A vehicle body structure comprising: a vehicle side body
including a side access opening and a rear access opening; a
vehicle floor fixedly coupled to the vehicle side body with the
vehicle floor including a cargo surface; a storage box including a
plurality of walls defining an upper opening and a cargo cavity
extending downwardly from the upper opening below the cargo surface
of the vehicle floor; and a storage cover overlying the upper
opening of the storage box, the storage cover including first and
second lids with the first lid being located forwardly of the
second lid in a forward to aft direction of the vehicle floor, the
first lid being arranged to move between a closed position covering
a forward area of the cargo cavity and an open position exposing
the forward area of the cargo cavity to the side access opening,
and the second lid being arranged to move between a closed position
covering a rearward area of the cargo cavity and an open position
exposing the rearward area of the cargo cavity to the rear access
opening.
2. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
first and second lids are connected to one another by a living
hinge extending therebetween.
3. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
first and second lids are covered with a carpeting material that
forms the living hinge.
4. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
living hinge has a pivot axis extending from side to side between
side walls of the vehicle side body.
5. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 2, further
comprising a first restriction member attached to the first lid and
configured to hold the first lid in the open position of the first
lid; and a second restriction member attached to the second lid and
configured to hold the first lid in the open position of the second
lid about the living hinge.
6. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
first and second restriction members are each made from an
elongated flexible material.
7. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
first and second lids are configured to pivot degrees between the
closed and open positions of the first and second lids.
8. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
first and second lids are separable from the vehicle floor as a
single unit.
9. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
storage box is divided into a plurality of discrete storage
spaces.
10. A vehicle body structure comprising: a vehicle floor including
an cargo surface with a primary interior flooring material
overlying the cargo surface of the vehicle floor; a storage box
including a plurality of walls defining an upper opening and a
cargo cavity extending downwardly from the upper opening below the
cargo surface of the vehicle floor; and a storage cover overlying
the upper opening of the storage box, the storage cover including a
first lid with a first vehicle interior facing surface, a second
lid with a second vehicle interior facing surface, and a secondary
interior flooring material overlying the first and second vehicle
interior surfaces of the first and second lids with the secondary
interior flooring material forming a living hinge coupling the
first and second lids together.
11. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the first lid of the storage cover is configured and arranged to
move between a closed position covering a forward area of the cargo
cavity and an open position exposing the forward area of the cargo
cavity, and the second lid is configured and arranged to move
between a closed position covering a rearward area of the cargo
cavity and an open position exposing the rearward area of the cargo
cavity.
12. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the primary and secondary interior flooring materials includes
carpeting materials.
13. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 10, further
comprising: a first restriction member attached to the first lid
and configured to hold the first lid in the open position of the
first lid; and a second restriction member attached to the second
lid and configured to hold the first lid in the open position of
the second lid about the living hinge.
14. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 13, wherein
the first and second restriction members are each made from an
elongated flexible material.
15. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the first and second lids are configured to pivot degrees between
the closed and open positions of the first and second lids.
16. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the first and second lids are separable from the vehicle floor as a
single unit.
17. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the storage box is divided into a plurality of discrete storage
spaces.
18. A vehicle body structure comprising: a vehicle side body
including a side access opening and a rear access opening; a
vehicle floor fixedly coupled to the vehicle side body with the
vehicle floor including an cargo surface; a row of first seats
fixedly coupled to the vehicle floor at a first longitudinal
location within the vehicle side body; a row of second seats
fixedly coupled to the vehicle floor at a second longitudinal
location within the vehicle side body; a third seat receiving
recess formed in the vehicle floor that is configured to receive a
row of third seats; a cargo space between the third seat receiving
recess and the rear access opening; a storage box installed in the
third seat receiving recess, the storage box including a plurality
of walls defining an upper opening and a cargo cavity extending
downwardly from the upper opening below the cargo surface of the
vehicle floor, the storage box being configured to encompass
substantially an entire area of the vehicle floor from the second
seats to the cargo space and laterally between the vehicle side
body; and a storage cover overlying the upper opening of the
storage box.
19. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 18, wherein
the storage cover includes first and second lids with the first lid
being arranged to move between a closed position covering a forward
area of the cargo cavity and an open position exposing the forward
area of the cargo cavity to the side access opening, and the second
lid being arranged to move between a closed position covering a
rearward area of the cargo cavity and an open position exposing the
rearward area of the cargo cavity to the rear access opening.
20. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 19, wherein
the first and second lids are covered with an interior flooring
material forming a living hinge coupling the first and second lids
together.
21. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 20, wherein
the living hinge has a pivot axis extending from side to side
between side walls of the vehicle side body.
22. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 21, wherein
the interior flooring material includes a carpeting material.
23. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 21, further
comprising: a first restriction member attached to the first lid
and configured to hold the first lid in the open position of the
first lid; and a second restriction member attached to the second
lid and configured to hold the first lid in the open position of
the second lid about the living hinge.
24. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 23, wherein
the first and second restriction members are each made from an
elongated flexible material.
25. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 21, wherein
the living hinge is configured such that the first and second lids
pivot 180 degrees between the closed and open positions of the
first and second lids.
26. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 21, wherein
the first and second lids are separable from the vehicle floor as a
single unit.
27. The vehicle body structure as set forth in claim 18, wherein
the storage box is divided into a plurality of discrete storage
spaces.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle body
structure that includes a storage box. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a storage box that is installed in an
area within the vehicle body structure that is arranged and
configured to receive a passenger seat.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Most vehicles have one or two rows of seats with a storage
compartment or storage area in the rear portion of the vehicle
behind the last row of passenger seats. In some vehicles, such as
station wagons, sport utility vehicles and vans, the storage area
behind the last row of seats is a large open area. Depending on the
construction of the vehicle, some vehicles have in floor storage to
provide hidden cargo storage spaces that can accommodate a variety
of cargo loads.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,304 to Hotary et al.
discloses a rear cargo storage assembly that includes a small
storage compartment within the rear floor portion of a vehicle
covered by two removable lid portions. The two lid portions lay
flat in a horizontal orientation to cover the small storage
compartment but can be lifted up and arranged in a vertical
orientation so that grocery bags and/or other cargo can be
supported therebetween.
[0006] However, in recent years, many vehicles have been produced
that are larger and have an optional third row of passenger seats.
Thus, the storage compartments such as the ones disclosed in the
above mentioned patent do not taken advantage of those areas of the
vehicle typically used for installing passenger seats, when the
additional row of passenger seats are not installed. One reason for
this omission is that the portion of the floor of a vehicle body
structure that is formed for receiving a seat those areas of the
vehicle typically used for installing passenger seats has seat
mounts such that storage is not possible when the row of seats are
installed. Moreover, this floor portion of the vehicle body
structure is not always flat and continuous. In other words, if the
last row of passenger seats has been removed, the uneven surfaces
of the floor are unsuitable for cargo without modification.
[0007] In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an
improved vehicle body structure that utilizes uneven surfaces
within the vehicle such that those surfaces become usable level
cargo spaces. This invention addresses this need in the art as well
as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from this disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It has been discovered that if the last row of passenger
seats has been removed, there is useful space that can be converted
into a storage compartment or box. In view order to take advantage
of this unused space in the vehicle, the present invention was
conceived. One object of the present invention is to provide a
storage compartment or box that utilizes the area where an optional
row of passenger seats can be installed.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a vehicle
body structure is provided that basically comprises a vehicle side
body, a vehicle floor, a storage box and a storage cover. The
vehicle side body includes a side access opening and a rear access
opening. The vehicle floor is fixedly coupled to the vehicle side
body with the vehicle floor including a cargo surface. The storage
box includes a plurality of walls defining an upper opening and a
cargo cavity extending downwardly from the upper opening below the
cargo surface of the vehicle floor. The storage cover overlies the
upper opening of the storage box. The storage cover includes first
and second lids with the first lid being located forwardly of the
second lid in a forward to aft direction of the vehicle floor. The
first lid is arranged to move between a closed position covering a
forward area of the cargo cavity and an open position exposing the
forward area of the cargo cavity to the side access opening. The
second lid is arranged to move between a closed position covering a
rearward area of the cargo cavity and an open position exposing the
rearward area of the cargo cavity to the rear access opening.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle body structure
is provided that basically comprises a vehicle floor, a storage box
and a storage cover. The vehicle floor has a cargo surface with a
primary interior flooring material overlying the cargo surface of
the vehicle floor. The storage box is installed on a portion of the
vehicle floor, and includes a plurality of walls defining an upper
opening and a cargo cavity extending downwardly from the upper
opening below the cargo surface of the vehicle floor. The storage
cover overlies the upper opening of the storage box. The storage
cover includes a first lid with a first vehicle interior facing
surface, a second lid with a second vehicle interior facing
surface, and a secondary interior flooring material overlying the
first and second vehicle interior surfaces of the first and second
lids with the secondary interior flooring material forming a living
hinge coupling the first and second lids together.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the invention, a vehicle body
structure is provided that basically comprises a vehicle side body,
a vehicle floor, a row of first seats, a row of second seats, a
third seat receiving recess, a cargo space, a storage box and a
storage cover. The vehicle side body has a side access opening and
a rear access opening. The vehicle floor is fixedly coupled to the
vehicle side body with the vehicle floor including an cargo
surface. The row of first seats is fixedly coupled to the vehicle
floor at a first longitudinal location within the vehicle side
body. The row of second seats is fixedly coupled to the vehicle
floor at a second longitudinal location within the vehicle side
body. The third seat receiving recess is formed in the vehicle
floor that is configured to receive a row of third seats. The cargo
space is located between the third seat receiving recess and the
rear access opening. The storage box is installed in the third seat
receiving recess. The storage box includes a plurality of walls
defining an upper opening and a cargo cavity extending downwardly
from the upper opening below the cargo surface of the vehicle
floor. The storage box is configured to encompass substantially an
entire area of the vehicle floor from the second seats to the cargo
space and laterally between the vehicle side body. The storage
cover overlies the upper opening of the storage box.
[0012] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that includes a
vehicle body structure equipped with a storage box in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle body
structure depicted in FIG. 1, from an elevated angle showing the
rear portion of the vehicle with a rear hatch removed to reveal
details of the interior of the vehicle body structure, including a
storage box cover that conceals the storage box, in accordance with
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle depicted
in FIGS. 1 and 2 with portions of the vehicle removed to show
details of the interior of the vehicle including the second row of
seats, the rearward cargo deck and the storage box, in accordance
with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is another perspective view, similar to FIG. 3, with
the second row of seats removed to reveal details of the storage
box cover and the rearward cargo space, in accordance with the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is another perspective view, similar to FIG. 4, with
the storage box cover and the storage box removed from the vehicle
body structure to show details of a portion of the vehicle floor
arranged and configured to receive a third row of seats, in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the storage box and storage
box cover, shown removed from the vehicle, in accordance with the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the storage box similar to
FIG. 6, with the storage box cover removed, in accordance with the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 perspective view of the storage box similar to FIG. 6
with a rearward lid of the storage box cover fully opened, in
accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 perspective view of the storage box similar to FIG. 6
with a forward lid of the storage box cover fully opened, in
accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a partial longitudinal cross-section of a portion
of the vehicle body structure showing selected details of the
vehicle body structure, the storage box and the storage box cover,
in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of portions of FIG. 10, showing
details of portions of the floor of the vehicle body structure, the
storage box and storage cover, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a partial transverse cross-section of a portion
of the vehicle body structure showing selected details of the
vehicle body structure, the storage box and the storage box cover,
in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the storage box and
the storage box cover, showing the cover restriction members that
restrict movement of the forward and rearward lids of the storage
box cover, in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a side schematic view of the storage box and the
storage box cover, showing the rearward lid of the storage box
cover in a partially open position and restrained from opening any
further by one of the restriction members; and
[0028] FIG. 15 is a side schematic view of the storage box and the
storage box cover, showing the forward lid of the storage box cover
in a partially open position and restrained from opening any
further by another one of the restriction members.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be
explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following
descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are
provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting
the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0030] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle V is
illustrated that has a vehicle body structure 10 that can
accommodate three rows of passenger seats within the interior of
the vehicle V in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention. The vehicle body structure 10 is equipped with a first
row of passenger seats 11 and a second row of passenger seats 12
with the third row seat area having a storage box 14 when the third
row of passenger seats is removed in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention. While the present invention is
used with the vehicle body structure 10 that can accommodate three
rows of passenger seats, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from this disclosure that the present invention can be used
in a vehicle body structure has two rows of passenger seats with
the storage box 14 installed in the area of the second row of
passenger seats when the second row of passenger seats are
removed.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the storage box 14 is located
behind the second row of seats 12 within the interior of the
vehicle in the area where the third row of passenger seats would
other wise be installed. The storage box 14 provides additional
compartment storage space within the vehicle V. A storage box cover
17 conceals the storage box 14 and its contents, as shown in FIG.
2. The storage box cover 17 is flat and rests at approximately the
same level as a cargo surface 18 at the rear of the vehicle V.
Thus, the storage box cover 17 provides an extended flat cargo
space within the vehicle V in concert with the cargo surface 18, as
is described in greater detail below. The storage box 14 and the
storage box cover 17 of the present invention, are described in
greater detail below following a brief description of portions of
the vehicle body structure 10. Description of those portions of the
vehicle body structure 10, such as suspension and power train
elements and structural components well known in the art are
omitted for brevity.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the primary parts of the
vehicle body structure 10 includes the storage box 14 and the
storage box cover 17 that are installed on a vehicle floor 19 of
the vehicle V. However, in accordance with other aspects of the
invention, the vehicle body structure 10 further includes a pair of
vehicle side body portions 20, a pair of side door openings 22, a
rear hatch 23, and a rear hatch opening 24.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the vehicle floor 19 of the
vehicle body structure 10 is fixedly coupled to the vehicle side
body portions 20 in a manner well known in the art, for instance,
welding techniques. The vehicle floor 19 is preferably formed of a
sheet metal material that is molded, pressed or stamped into
appropriate dimensions, but can alternatively be formed of a
composite material, metal alloys, or any other material that
provides the structural integrity necessary to support the elements
installed within the vehicle V. The vehicle floor 19 is typically
covered with an interior flooring material, such as automotive
carpeting.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the storage box 14 and the
storage box cover 17 lie on the vehicle floor 19 behind the second
row of seats 12 and forward of the cargo surface 18. The storage
box cover 17 is at approximately the same level as the cargo
surface 18 thereby increasing the available flat cargo space
available within the vehicle V. Note that the second row of seats
12 has been removed in FIG. 4 to provide greater clarity.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the second row of seats 12, the storage
box 14 and the storage box cover 17 have removed to expose the
vehicle floor 19. The vehicle floor 19 includes an upper surface 28
that is configured and arranged to support the first and second row
of seats 11 and 12 as well as a third row of seats (not shown) when
the storage box 14 is not installed. Basically, the upper surface
28 includes a first row seat area (not shown) with a first mounting
portion (not shown), a second row seat area 32 with a second
mounting portion 34, a third row seat area 36 with a third mounting
portion 38 and the cargo surface 18. It should be noted that in
FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the third row seat area 36 and the third mounting
portion 38 are not visible because the storage box 14 of the
present invention is installed and is covered by the storage box
cover 17.
[0036] The second row seat area 32 is a contoured surface as shown
in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 having both planar and curved sections thereof.
The second row seat area 32 is dimensioned for providing leg room
for passengers seated in the second row of seats 12. The second row
seat area 32 can be completely planar or can have several planar
sections and/or curved sections depending upon the design of the
vehicle V. The second mounting portion 34 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of
the vehicle floor 19 is located behind and adjacent to the first
row seat area (not shown). The second mounting portion 34 includes
mounting hardware such as threaded bolt holes or locking pins (not
shown) for supporting the second row of seats 12. Similarly, the
second row of seats 12 includes corresponding hardware for
connecting the second row of seats 12 to the second mounting
portion 34 in a longitudinal orientation with respect to the
vehicle V.
[0037] The third row seat area 36 of the vehicle floor 19 includes
multi-dimensional surfaces as shown in FIGS. 5, 10 and 11. The
third row seat area 36 can be planar or can have several planar and
curved sections depending upon the design of the vehicle V. The
third row seat area 36 is dimensioned for legroom for passengers
seated in a third row of seats (not shown). In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 11, the third row seat area 36 includes a first section
36a, a second section 36b and a third section 36c. The first
section 36a is generally planar in the area depicted in FIG. 11.
The first section 36a is angled with respect to the second section
36b. The section 36c is also angled with respect to 36b. It should
be noted from FIG. 11 that in the depicted portion of the third row
seat area 36, the first, second and third sections 36a, 36b and 36c
are each generally planar. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the second
section 36b of the third row seat area 36 is shown with several
recessed sections 36d.
[0038] The third mounting portion 38 of the vehicle floor 19 is
located behind and adjacent to the third row seat area 36. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the third mounting portion 38
includes a first section 38a and a second section 38b. The first
section 38a is generally planar in the area depicted in FIG. 10.
The second section 38b is inclined with respect to the first
section 38a. The first section 38a of the third mounting portion 38
includes mounting hardware such as threaded bolt holes 40 or
alternatively, locking pins (not shown) for supporting the unshown
third row of seats. With the third row of seats omitted, the third
row seat area 36 provide space for installation of the storage box
14 and the storage box cover 17 of the present invention, as shown
in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 10. Moreover, the storage box 14 is mounted to
the floor using the same mounting structure (first section 38a with
the hole 40) that is used to mount the third row of seats.
[0039] The cargo surface 18 is located behind the third mounting
portion 38. The cargo surface 18 defines a large cargo space, as is
more clearly shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10. In the depicted
embodiment, the cargo surface 18 is a removable cover 41 that
provides access to a supplemental storage compartment 42, as
indicated in FIG. 10. The removable cover 41 is opened by operating
a latch handle 43 (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5). The removable cover 41
includes a latch mechanism (not shown) connected to the latch
handle 43 that allows the removable cover 41 to be opened revealing
the supplemental storage compartment 42. The removable cover 41 is
preferably pivotally coupled to the vehicle floor 19 in a
conventional manner (not shown). The unshown pivoting coupling to
the vehicle floor 19 is preferably provided proximate a forward
edge 41a of the removable cover 41. Accordingly, the forward edge
41a is prevented from moving upwardly with the removable cover 41
in a closed position.
[0040] It should be understood from the drawings and description
herein that the supplemental storage compartment 42 is an optional
feature of the vehicle V. Further, in an alternate embodiment the
cargo surface 18 can be a non-movably fixed portion of the vehicle
floor 19. In the alternate embodiment there is no supplemental
storage compartment 42 and no removable cover 41.
[0041] The cargo surface 18 is accessed through the rear hatch
opening 24 when the rear hatch 23 is in an open position. The cargo
surface 18 can also be accessed via the door openings 22.
[0042] A detailed description of the storage box 14 and storage box
cover 17 is now provided, with reference to FIGS. 6 through 15. The
storage box 14 and the storage box cover 17 are shown removed from
the vehicle V in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9. Further, the storage box 14 is
shown without the storage box cover 17 in FIG. 7.
[0043] The storage box 14 of the present invention is installed on
top of the third row seat area 36 via the third mounting portion
38, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 10, 11 and 12. The storage box 14 is
designed to conform to the shape of the third row seat area 36 such
that the storage box cover 17 is maintained level with the cargo
surface 18, thereby extending the flat cargo space within the
vehicle V. Specifically, the storage box cover 17 and the cargo
surface 18 form a generally planar surface upon which to place
cargo with the storage box cover 17 closed.
[0044] Referring specifically to FIGS. 6-10, the storage box 14 is
preferably a one-piece, unitary member molded form a rigid plastic
material. Alternatively, the storage box 14 is formed of any of a
variety of materials, such as metal, molded plastic or composite
materials. The storage box 14 basically includes two opposing side
walls 44, a front wall 46, a back wall 48, a lower wall 50, a
forward peripheral ridge 52a and a rearward peripheral ridge 52b.
The two opposing side walls 44, the front wall 46 and the back wall
48 define a cargo cavity 53 having an upper opening 54 that can
receive cargo placed therein. Two divider walls 55 and 56 are also
formed in the storage box 14 to partition the cargo space within
the storage box 14 into three smaller compartments. Specifically,
the divider wall 55 divides the cargo space within the storage box
14 into a forward cargo section 53a and a rearward cargo section
53b (see FIGS. 7, 8 and 9). The divider wall 56 divides the forward
cargo section 53a into two smaller areas. In the depicted
embodiment, the divider walls 55 and 56 are fixed portions within
the storage box 14. However in an alternative embodiment, the
divider walls 55 and 56 can be removable. In any event, the storage
box 14 is preferably divided into a plurality of discrete storage
spaces.
[0045] The two opposing side walls 44 of the storage box 14 have
generally the same shape. As indicated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the two
opposing side walls 44 have a deep portion 44a and a shallow
portion 44b to conform to the differing depths of the third row
seat area 36 and third mounting portion 38. The front wall 46 is
generally planar but includes at least one recessed portion 46a to
accommodate the irregular shape(s) of the third row seat area 36.
Similarly, the back wall 48 is contoured to accommodate irregular
shapes of the third mounting portion 38.
[0046] The lower wall 50 of the storage box 14 is also formed with
contours in order to complement and generally conform to the shape
of the first, second and third sections 36a, 36b and 36c and the
first and second sections 38a and 38b that all define of the third
row seat area 36. In other words, the lower wall 50 is formed with
lower wall sections 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d and 50e that make it
possible for the storage box 14 to rest evenly and securely on the
third row seat area 36. Specifically, the lower wall section 50a is
dimensioned to lie evenly over the first section 36a of the third
row seat area 36. The lower wall section 50b is dimensioned to lie
evenly over the second section 36b of the third row seat area 36.
The lower wall section 50c is dimensioned to lie evenly over the
third section 36c of the third row seat area 36. The lower wall
section 50d is dimensioned to lie evenly over the first section 38a
of the third mounting portion 38. And finally, the lower wall
section 50e is dimensioned to lie evenly over the second section
38b of the third mounting portion 38.
[0047] The forward peripheral ridge 52a of the storage box 14
extends along the top of the front wall 46 between the two opposing
side walls 44 of the storage box 14. The forward peripheral ridge
52a is formed with and fixedly attached to a forward portion of the
two opposing side walls 44 and an upper edge of the front wall 46.
As more clearly seen in FIG. 11, the forward peripheral ridge 52a
is formed with a recess 58 that restricts movement of the storage
box cover 17.
[0048] The rearward peripheral ridge 52b is integrally formed with
the walls of the storage box 14 and extends rearward relative to
the vehicle V. The rearward peripheral ridge 52b extends under the
forward edge 41a of the removable cover 41.
[0049] The storage box 14 is separable from the vehicle floor 19 as
a modular unit. The storage box 14 is releasably attached to the
vehicle floor 19 by bolts 59 that extend through the bolt holes 40
(see FIGS. 10 and 11). By removing the bolts 59, the storage box 14
can be removed from the vehicle V.
[0050] The storage box cover 17 is installed atop the storage box
14 covering the upper opening 54 of the storage box 14 as shown in
FIGS. 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In a closed position shown in FIG. 6, the
storage box cover 17 contacts and rests on the two side walls 44,
the recess 58 of the peripheral ridge 52 and the back wall 48. In
an alternative embodiment, the storage box cover 17 can
additionally contact and rest on the divider walls 54 and 55,
depending on the height of the divider walls 54 and 55. Forward
movement of the storage box cover 17 is restricted by the recess 58
formed on the peripheral ridge 52.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15, the
storage box cover 17 includes a forward opening first lid 60, a
rearward opening second lid 62, and a living hinge 64. The storage
box cover 17 also includes first and second restriction members 66
and 68, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. The first and second lids
60 and 62 are separable from the vehicle floor 19 and the storage
box 14 as a single unit.
[0052] With specific reference to FIGS. 11, 13, 14 and 15, the
first lid 60 is made of rigid planar material or member 70 such as
plywood, molded plastic or a composite material of sufficient
strength to support heavy cargo placed thereon. The rigid planar
member 70 is further covered with a carpeting material 72 that is
glued or otherwise fixedly attached thereto. The carpeting material
72 is one of a variety of interior flooring materials that can be
used to cover the rigid planar member 70.
[0053] The first lid 60 includes an inner surface 60a that covers
the forward cargo section 53a and an outer surface 60b that is
provided with a pair of strap handles 73. The first lid 60 opens to
expose the forward cargo section 53a by pivoting about the living
hinge 64. The first lid 60 can pivot about the living hinge 64 and
pivot axis A (see FIG. 6) approximately 180 degrees from a closed
position shown in FIG. 6 to an open position shown in FIG. 9. The
first lid 60 can lie flat atop the second lid 62 when fully opened,
as shown in FIG. 9. The first lid 60 is oriented such that the
forward cargo section 53a is easily accessed from the second row of
seats 12 and the side door openings 22, as indicated in FIGS. 3 and
4.
[0054] The second lid 62 is also made of a rigid planar material 74
such as plywood, molded plastic or a composite material of
sufficient strength to support heavy cargo placed thereon. The
rigid planar material 74 is further covered with the carpeting
material 72 that is glued or otherwise fixedly attached thereto.
The second lid 62 includes an inner surface 62a that covers the
rearward cargo section 53b and an outer surface 62b that includes
at least one strap handle 75. The second lid 62 opens to expose the
rearward cargo section 53b by pivoting about the living hinge 64.
The second lid 62 can pivot about the living hinge 64 and pivot
axis A (FIG. 6) approximately 180 degrees from a closed position
shown in FIG. 6 to an open position shown in FIG. 8. The second lid
62 can lie flat atop the first lid 60 when fully opened, as shown
in FIG. 8. The second lid 62 is oriented such that the rearward
cargo section 53b is easily accessed from the rear hatch opening
24, as indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0055] Side to side movement of the storage box cover 17 is
restricted by the side body portions 20, as shown in FIG. 12.
Rearward movement of the storage box cover 17 is restricted by the
forward edge 41a of the removable cover 41, as shown in FIG. 10. As
was mentioned above, forward movement of the storage box cover 17
is restricted by the peripheral ridge 52 on the recess 58.
[0056] It should be understood from the drawings and description
herein that the carpeting material 72 forms the living hinge 64
that connects the first and second lids 60 and 62. However, it
should also be understood from the drawings and description herein
that the living hinge 64 can be formed by any of a variety of
interior flooring materials that have flexibility and durability
sufficient to support the first and second lids 60 and 62 and serve
as a hinge therebetween.
[0057] With specific reference now to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, the
first restriction member 66 is an elongated flexible member that
has first and second ends and is preferably made of rope or other
flexible material with sufficient strength to restrict movement of
the first lid 60. The first end of the first restriction member 66
is removably attached to a connector 80 fixed to the first lid 60
proximate a forward edge thereof, as shown in FIG. 13. The second
end of the first restriction member 66 is removably attached to a
fastener 81 fixed to the storage box 14 to restrict movement of the
first lid 60. With the first restriction member 66 attached to both
the storage box 14 and the first lid 60, the first lid 60 is
restricted to movement of less than 180 degrees of the fully open
position, and preferably to approximately 100 degrees about the
living hinge 64 as shown in FIG. 15. The first lid 60 remains in a
generally vertical orientation with the first restriction member 66
attached thereby making closing the first lid 60 easier. It should
be understood from the drawings and description herein that the
first restriction member 66 has been detached from the first lid 60
in FIG. 9.
[0058] The second restriction member 68 is an elongated flexible
member that has first and second ends and is preferably made of
rope or other flexible material with sufficient strength to
restrict movement of the second lid 62. The first end of the first
restriction member 68 is removably attached to a connector 82 that
is fixed to the second lid 62 proximate a forward edge thereof, as
shown in FIG. 13. The second end of the second restriction member
68 is removably attached to a fastener 83 fixed to the storage box
14 to restrict movement of the second lid 62. With the second
restriction member 68 attached to both the storage box 14 and the
second lid 62, the second lid 62 is restricted to movement of less
than 180 degrees, and preferably to approximately 100 degrees about
the living hinge 64 as shown in FIG. 14. The second lid 62 remains
in a generally vertical orientation with the second restriction
member 68 attached thereby making closing the second lid 62 easier.
It should be understood from the drawings and description herein
that the second restriction member 68 has been detached from the
second lid 62 in FIG. 8.
[0059] The storage box cover 17 is removable as a unit from the
storage box 14. The living hinge 64 connects the first and second
lids 60 and 62, but is not connected to the storage box 14.
Alternatively, the living hinge 64 can be attached to the storage
box 14 by an adhesive, by mechanical fasteners or by VELCRO.TM.. In
another embodiment, the living hinge 64 can be replaced with a
mechanical hinge device (not shown).
[0060] Further, the first and second restriction members 66 and 68
are removably attached to the storage box cover 17. Once the first
and second restriction members 66 and 68 are detached from the
storage box cover, the storage box cover 17 can be lifted from the
storage box 14. With the storage box cover 17 removed, the storage
box 14 is more easily removed
[0061] As should be understood from the drawings and the above
description of the present invention, the storage box 14 and
storage box cover 17 provide two levels of storage for the vehicle
V. First, the storage cavity within the storage box 14 provides a
covered storage compartment suitable for small items that not
accessed often or are to be concealed from view. Since the forward
cargo section 53a and the rearward cargo section 53b of the cargo
cavity 53 are positioned below the storage box cover 17, there is
additional storage space below the surface of the vehicle floor 19.
Items stored in the cargo cavity 53 of the storage box 14 are
hidden from view due to the presence of the storage box cover
17.
[0062] Second, the storage box cover 17 is level with the lid 42 of
the cargo surface 18 thereby extending the level of the vehicle
floor 19 and increasing overall usable cargo space of the vehicle
V. Since multi-dimensional or uneven surfaces the third row seat
area 36 and the third mounting portion 38 of the vehicle floor 19
are covered by the storage box 14 and the storage box cover 17, it
is possible to place larger object in the extended storage space
atop the lid 42 and the storage box cover 17 without the problems
associated with loading items on uneven surfaces.
[0063] While the embodiment described above and shown in the
drawings is directed to a storage box installed over an area
designed to fit a third row of seats within a vehicle, it should be
understood from the drawings and description herein that the
storage box 14 of the present invention can be installed to fit in
any area of a vehicle having uneven surfaces. For instance, the
storage box 14 can alternatively be installed in over the second
row seat area 32 and the second mounting portion 34 of the vehicle
floor 19. Further, the storage box 14 can be installed over any
area of a vehicle floor having uneven or multi-dimensional
surfaces. For example, the lower wall 50 of the storage box 14 can
be modified to include contours and surface features to compliment
any multi-dimensional surface within a vehicle.
[0064] Further, the storage box 14 and the storage box cover 17 are
not limited to use in SUV, such as that depicted in the drawings.
The present invention is installable in vans or passenger vehicles
that have uneven surfaces that can serve as extended cargo space.
The storage box 14 can be formed with any of a variety of contours
such that the side walls and bottom wall conform to uneven
surface(s) on a vehicle floor. With the storage box cover 17
installed on such a storage box, amount the cargo storage area is
increased as well as the cargo deck is increased.
[0065] As used herein, the following directional terms "forward,
rearward, fore, aft, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below
and transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms
refer to those directions of a vehicle equipped with the present
invention. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the
present invention should be interpreted relative to a vehicle
equipped with the present invention. Moreover, terms that are
expressed as "means-plus function" in the claims should include any
structure that can be utilized to carry out the function of that
part of the present invention. The terms of degree such as
"substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a
reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the
end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms
can be construed as including a deviation of at least .+-.5% of the
modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the
word it modifies.
[0066] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore,
the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the
present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for
the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents. Thus, the scope of the invention is
not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
* * * * *