U.S. patent application number 14/555760 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for vehicle cargo liner assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kevin Keun KIM. Invention is credited to Kevin Keun KIM.
Application Number | 20160152194 14/555760 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55969575 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160152194 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Kevin Keun |
June 2, 2016 |
VEHICLE CARGO LINER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An apparatus is for a vehicle having a vehicle section. The
apparatus includes a vehicle cargo liner assembly configured to be
received in the vehicle section of the vehicle, and the vehicle
cargo liner assembly having oppositely-facing liner side walls. The
apparatus also includes a movable liner panel pivotally mountable
to the oppositely-facing liner side walls in such a way that the
movable liner panel is pivotally movable, at least in part, between
a panel-storage position and a panel-deployed position.
Inventors: |
KIM; Kevin Keun;
(Mississauga, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIM; Kevin Keun |
Mississauga |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
55969575 |
Appl. No.: |
14/555760 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/37.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/14 20130101; B60R
13/01 20130101; B60R 9/06 20130101; B60R 2013/016 20130101; B60J
7/141 20130101; B60P 7/0892 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 13/01 20060101
B60R013/01; B60P 7/14 20060101 B60P007/14; B60J 7/14 20060101
B60J007/14; B60R 9/06 20060101 B60R009/06 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for a vehicle having a rear open-top flat-bed cargo
area, the apparatus comprising: a vehicle cargo liner assembly
being configured to be received in the rear open-top flat-bed cargo
area of the vehicle; and the vehicle cargo liner assembly being
configured to: (A) be placed onto the rear open-top flat-bed cargo
area of the vehicle, (B) shield an inner-side of the rear open-top
flat-bed cargo area from damage once the vehicle cargo liner
assembly is placed onto the rear open-top flat-bed cargo area, and
(C) be removable from the rear open-top flat-bed cargo area; and
the vehicle cargo liner assembly including: oppositely-facing liner
side walls; and a movable liner panel being pivotally mountable to
the oppositely-facing liner side walls in such a way that the
movable liner panel is pivotally movable between a panel-storage
position and a panel-deployed position; and a back wall assembly
spanning across and between the oppositely-facing liner side walls
and being positioned at a rear portion of the vehicle cargo liner
assembly; and a floor assembly from which the oppositely-facing
liner side walls and the back wall assembly extend upwardly
therefrom, and the oppositely-facing liner side walls, the floor
assembly and the back wall assembly being configured to provide a
cargo space for storing cargo in the vehicle; and a wheel well
section positioned on the oppositely-facing liner side walls, in
which the wheel well section, in use, interfaces with the wheel
wells of the vehicle; and the movable liner panel including: a
first end section; and a second end section being spaced apart from
the first end section; and a pivot assembly being positioned at and
mounted to the first end section of the movable liner panel; and
the pivot assembly being configured to permit pivotal movement of
the movable liner panel between the panel-storage position and the
panel-deployed position; and the pivot assembly also being
configured to pivotally couple the movable liner panel to the
oppositely-facing liner side walls at a position that is proximate
to the floor assembly; and a first latch assembly being positioned
at and mounted to the second end section of the movable liner
panel; and the first latch assembly being spaced apart from the
pivot assembly; and the first latch assembly being configured to
operatively latch the movable liner panel in any one of the
panel-storage position and the panel-deployed position so that the
movable liner panel may be securely kept at any one of the
panel-storage position and the panel-deployed position; and a latch
handle being configured to selectively latch the movable liner
panel to the oppositely-facing liner side walls in such a way that
there is no relative movement between the movable liner panel and
the oppositely-facing liner side walls, and the movable liner
panel, in use, forms cargo areas on opposite sides of the movable
liner panel within the interior of the vehicle cargo liner
assembly.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the vehicle cargo liner
assembly is formed from a plastic material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the vehicle includes a pickup
truck.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the movable liner panel
includes: a first movable liner panel; and a second movable liner
panel being spaced apart from the first movable liner panel.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: in the
panel-storage position, the movable liner panel is moved to abut,
at least in part, the floor assembly, and the movable liner panel
is aligned horizontally.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: in the
panel-deployed position, the movable liner panel is aligned
vertically.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cover assembly
being configured to be positioned on a top section of the vehicle
cargo liner assembly in such a way that the cover assembly is moved
to cover, at least in part, the interior of the vehicle cargo liner
assembly to prevent ingress of unwanted elements.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the cover assembly includes
flat panel sections pivotally attached to each other in such a way
that a portion of the cover assembly is pivotally movable to expose
a section of the interior of the vehicle cargo liner assembly that
is defined, at least in part, by the movable liner panel.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a latch handle
being configured to selectively latch the movable liner panel to
the oppositely-facing liner side walls in any one of the
panel-storage position and the panel-deployed position.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a torsion spring
assembly being configured to interact with the movable liner panel
and the oppositely-facing liner side walls.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the torsion spring assembly
is configured to provide pivoting force to the movable liner panel
once the movable liner panel has become unlatched from the
oppositely-facing liner side walls.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. An apparatus, comprising: a vehicle having a rear open-top
flat-bed cargo area; a vehicle cargo liner assembly being
configured to be received in the rear open-top flat-bed cargo area
of the vehicle; and the vehicle cargo liner assembly being
configured to: (A) be placed onto the rear open-top flat-bed cargo
area of the vehicle, (B) shield an inner-side of the rear open-top
flat-bed cargo area from damage once the vehicle cargo liner
assembly is placed onto the rear open-top flat-bed cargo area, and
(C) be removable from the rear open-top flat-bed cargo area; and
the vehicle cargo liner assembly including: oppositely-facing liner
side walls; and a movable liner panel being pivotally mountable to
the oppositely-facing liner side walls in such a way that the
movable liner panel is pivotally movable between a panel-storage
position and a panel-deployed position and a back wall assembly
spanning across and between the oppositely-facing liner side walls
and being positioned at the rear portion of the vehicle cargo liner
assembly; and a floor assembly from which the oppositely-facing
liner side walls and the back wall assembly extend upwardly
therefrom, and the oppositely-facing liner side walls, the floor
assembly and the back wall assembly being configured to provide a
cargo space for storing cargo in the vehicle; and a wheel well
section positioned on the oppositely-facing liner side walls, in
which the wheel well section, in use, interfaces with the wheel
wells of the vehicle; and the movable liner panel including: a
first end section; and a second end section being spaced apart from
the first end section; and a pivot assembly being positioned at and
mounted to the first end section of the movable liner panel; and
the pivot assembly being configured to permit pivotal movement of
the movable liner panel between the panel-storage position and the
panel-deployed position; and the pivot assembly also being
configured to pivotally couple the movable liner panel to the
oppositely-facing liner side walls at a position that is proximate
to the floor assembly; and a first latch assembly being positioned
at and mounted to the second end section of the movable liner
panel; and the first latch assembly being spaced apart from the
pivot assembly; and the first latch assembly being configured to
operatively latch the movable liner panel in any one of the
panel-storage position and the panel-deployed position so that the
movable liner panel may be securely kept at any one of the
panel-storage position and the panel-deployed position; and a latch
handle being configured to selectively latch the movable liner
panel to the oppositely-facing liner side walls in such a way that
there is no relative movement between the movable liner panel and
the oppositely-facing liner side walls, and the movable liner
panel, in use, forms cargo areas on opposite sides of the movable
liner panel within the interior of the vehicle cargo liner
assembly.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Some aspects generally relate to (and are not limited to)
and apparatus (and method therefor). The apparatus includes a
vehicle cargo liner assembly and a movable liner panel mountable to
the vehicle cargo liner assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Truck-bed liners (cargo liners) provide a protective coating
(liner) configured to shield (at least in part) the inner-side of a
truck bed from damage, and to provide a skid resistant surface
allowing cargo to stay in place, depending on circumstances. There
are two broad classifications of bed liners: (A) the drop-in type,
and (B) the Spray on or in type. The drop-in type bed liner is
applied (dropped) to the truck bed, and may be removed for
cleaning. The spray-in type bed liner requires specific preparation
to allow the coating to adhere correctly to the truck bed, and the
better the coating may adhere can determine the length of life for
the coating once applied to the truck bed.
[0003] When applied correctly, the value of the drop-in type bed
liner is that it resists denting and scratching and holds shape
firmly yet is flexible enough to not crack when the truck navigates
through rough terrain, etc. Unlike a metal bed of the truck, the
drop-in type bed liner is configured to absorb vibration to protect
the cargo stored in or on the drop-in type bed liner. Whereas the
painted metal of the metal bed of the truck will chip and rust
under rough conditions, polyurethane coatings (and any equivalent
thereof) associated with the drop-in type bed liner is configured
to prevent, at least in part, damage from scratching and most
chemicals and therefore avoid (reduce) rusting.
SUMMARY
[0004] It will be appreciated there exists a need to mitigate (at
least in part) at least one problem associated with vehicle cargo
liners. After much study of the known systems and methods with
experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution
has been identified and is articulated as follows:
[0005] Existing drop-in type truck-bed liners (cargo liners) do not
facilitate a better way to allow cargo to stay in place. When the
truck is driven over rough terrain, the cargo placed in the drop-in
type truck-bed liner may inadvertently shift and become damaged.
What is needed is a mechanism to reduce the possibility of
inadvertent shifting of the cargo once the cargo is received on the
truck-bed liner.
[0006] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem
associated with existing vehicle cargo liners, there is provided
(in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is
for a vehicle having a vehicle section. The apparatus includes (and
is not limited to) a vehicle cargo liner assembly configured to be
received in the vehicle section of the vehicle. The vehicle cargo
liner assembly has oppositely-facing liner side walls. The
apparatus also includes a movable liner panel pivotally mountable
to the oppositely-facing liner side walls. This is done in such a
way that the movable liner panel is pivotally movable, at least in
part, between a panel-storage position and a panel-deployed
position.
[0007] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem
associated with existing vehicle cargo liners, there is provided
(in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus
includes (and is not limited to) a vehicle, a vehicle cargo liner
assembly, and a movable liner panel. The vehicle has a vehicle
section. The vehicle cargo liner assembly is configured to be
received in the vehicle section of the vehicle. The vehicle cargo
liner assembly has oppositely-facing liner side walls. The movable
liner panel is pivotally mountable to the oppositely-facing liner
side walls. This is done in such a way that the movable liner panel
is pivotally movable, at least in part, between a panel-storage
position and a panel-deployed position.
[0008] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem
associated with existing vehicle cargo liners, there is provided
(in accordance with a major aspect) a method. The method is for a
vehicle having a vehicle section. The method includes (and is not
limited to) a providing operation, including providing a vehicle
cargo liner assembly configured to be received in the vehicle
section of the vehicle, in which the vehicle cargo liner assembly
has oppositely-facing liner side walls. The method also includes a
mounting operation, including pivotally mounting a movable liner
panel pivotally to the oppositely-facing liner side walls. This is
done in such a way that the movable liner panel is pivotally
movable, at least in part, between a panel-storage position and a
panel-deployed position.
[0009] Other aspects are identified in the claims.
[0010] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments
may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of
the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated
by reference to the following detailed description of the
non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 (SHEET 1 of 14 SHEETS) depicts a view of an
embodiment of an apparatus 100 for a vehicle 900 having a vehicle
section 902;
[0013] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2B-1, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H (SHEETS 2 to 6
of 14 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E (SHEETS 7 to 9 of 14 SHEETS)
depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1; and
[0015] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F and 4G (SHEETS 10 to 14 of 14
SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG.
1.
[0016] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be
illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and
fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an
understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other
details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[0017] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
components throughout the several figures of the Drawings. Elements
in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity
and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the
elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other
elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed
embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements
that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments
are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the
embodiments of the present disclosure.
LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
[0018] 100 apparatus [0019] 102 vehicle cargo liner assembly [0020]
104A oppositely-facing liner side walls, or side wall [0021] 104B
oppositely-facing liner side walls, or side wall [0022] 106 movable
liner panel [0023] 106A first movable liner panel [0024] 106B
second movable liner panel [0025] 108 panel-storage position [0026]
110 panel-deployed position [0027] 112 back wall assembly [0028]
114 floor assembly [0029] 116 pivot assembly [0030] 116A first
pivot assembly [0031] 116B second pivot assembly [0032] 118A first
latch assembly [0033] 118B second latch assembly [0034] 120A
direction path [0035] 120B direction path [0036] 120C direction
path [0037] 120D direction path [0038] 124 cover assembly [0039]
126 wheel well section [0040] 127 wheel well notch [0041] 128 latch
handle [0042] 130 torsion spring assembly [0043] 132 lateral sides
[0044] 134 front section [0045] 136 rear section [0046] 138 panel
channel [0047] 138A first panel channel [0048] 138B second panel
channel [0049] 140 liner assembly [0050] 900 vehicle [0051] 902
vehicle section [0052] 904 tail gate [0053] 906 wheel wells [0054]
908 truck bed
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[0055] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and
is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the
application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the
word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example,
instance, or illustration." Any implementation described as
"exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the
implementations described below are exemplary implementations
provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the
embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the
scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by
the claims. For the description, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and
derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the
drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or
implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background,
Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be
understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the
attached drawings, and described in the following specification,
are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts
defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise. It is understood that the phrase "at least one" is
equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations,
modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent
thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be
understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter
provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to
the particular aspects depicted and described.
[0056] FIG. 1 depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus 100
for a vehicle 900 having a vehicle section 902. Specifically, FIG.
1 depicts a rear perspective view of the apparatus 100 positioned
above the vehicle 900 (in a ready position to be installed to the
vehicle 900).
[0057] The apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a vehicle
cargo liner assembly 102 and a movable liner panel 106. The vehicle
cargo liner assembly 102 is of the drop-in type bed liner (that is,
the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 is inserted or dropped into
the vehicle 900). The apparatus 100 provides an improved
arrangement for facilitating cargo to stay in place once received
in the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102. When the vehicle 900 is
driven over rough terrain, the cargo held in the vehicle cargo
liner assembly 102 is less likely to become inadvertently damaged
because of unintended shifting of the cargo in the vehicle cargo
liner assembly 102. The vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 reduces,
at least in part, the possibility of inadvertent shifting of the
cargo once the cargo is received on the truck-bed liner. In order
to achieve this, the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 used the
movable liner panel 106.
[0058] The vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 is configured to be
received in the vehicle section 902 of the vehicle 900. The vehicle
cargo liner assembly 102 has oppositely-facing liner side walls
104A, 104B. The oppositely-facing liner side walls 104A, 104B are
hereafter referred to as the side wall 104A and the side wall 104B.
The vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 is configured to receive cargo
items (for example). The vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 also
includes a back wall assembly 112 that spans across and between the
side wall 104A and the side wall 104B (and is positioned at the
rear portion of the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102). The vehicle
cargo liner assembly 102 also includes a floor assembly 114. The
side wall 104A, the side wall 104B and the back wall assembly 112
all extend upwardly (substantially vertically) from the floor
assembly 114. The side wall 104A, the side wall 104B, the back wall
assembly 112, and the floor assembly 114 are formed or configured
to provide a cargo space (for storing cargo in the vehicle 900).
The vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 may be formed (molded) from a
plastic material (and any equivalent thereof).
[0059] In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there
is a method associated with the apparatus 100. The method is for
the vehicle 900 having the vehicle section 902. The method includes
a providing operation, including providing the vehicle cargo liner
assembly 102 configured to be received in the vehicle section 902
of the vehicle 900, in which the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102
has oppositely-facing liner side walls 104A, 104B. The method
further includes a mounting operation, including pivotally mounting
the movable liner panel 106 pivotally to the oppositely-facing
liner side walls 104A, 104B. This is done in such a way that the
movable liner panel 106 is pivotally movable, at least in part,
between a panel-storage position 108 and a panel-deployed position
110.
[0060] In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there
is also provided another aspect of the apparatus 100. In accordance
with this aspect, the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited
to) the combination of the vehicle 900, the vehicle cargo liner
assembly 102, and the movable liner panel 106. The vehicle 900 has
the vehicle section 902. The vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 is
configured to be received in the vehicle section 902 of the vehicle
900, in which the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 has
oppositely-facing liner side walls 104A, 104B. The movable liner
panel 106 is pivotally mountable to the oppositely-facing liner
side walls 104A, 104B. This is done in such a way that the movable
liner panel 106 is pivotally movable, at least in part, between a
panel-storage position 108 and a panel-deployed position 110.
[0061] The movable liner panel 106 is pivotally mountable to the
oppositely-facing liner side walls 104A, 104B. This is done in such
a way that the movable liner panel 106 is pivotally movable, at
least in part, between a panel-storage position 108 (depicted in
FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2E) and a panel-deployed position 110 (depicted in
FIGS. 2B, 2D and 2F).
[0062] By way of an embodiment (and not limited thereto), the
apparatus 100 is adapted in such as what that the vehicle cargo
liner assembly 102 includes a truck-bed liner having a wheel well
section 126 positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle cargo liner
assembly 102 (at the side wall 104A and the side wall 104B). The
vehicle 900 includes a pickup truck (or truck) having a tail gate
904, and wheel wells 906 positioned on opposite sides of the
vehicle 900. The vehicle section 902 includes a rear open bed
section as well. The wheel well section 126 is configured to
interface with the wheel wells 906 of the vehicle 900. The vehicle
section 902 includes a rear open-top flat-bed cargo area or cargo
section (otherwise known as a bed). It will be appreciated that the
apparatus 100 may be installed to any type (make or model) of the
vehicle 900 where room exists on or in the vehicle 900 sized to
(configured to) receive and support the apparatus 100 (and any
items or cargo items to be received in the apparatus 100).
[0063] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2B-1, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H depict views
of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. By way of example
(and not limited thereto), for these embodiments of the apparatus
100, the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 may be usable (deployed)
as a long-version truck-bed liner (to fit rear truck beds that are
relatively longer in length). Specifically, there are two instances
of the movable liner panel 106 deployed with the vehicle cargo
liner assembly 102 (for these embodiments).
[0064] Specifically, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict perspective rear
views of embodiments of the apparatus 100. FIG. 2B-1 depicts a top
view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100. FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D
depict cross-sectional views of embodiments of the vehicle cargo
liner assembly 102 of the apparatus 100 taken through the line A-A
of FIG. 2A and the line B-B of FIG. 2B (respectively). The side
wall 104A and the side wall 104B of the vehicle cargo liner
assembly 102 are not depicted in FIGS. 2C and 2D. FIGS. 2E, 2F, 2G
and 2H depict perspective rear views of embodiments of the
apparatus 100 installed to the vehicle 900.
[0065] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2E, the
apparatus 100 is depicted in the panel-storage position 108.
Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2B, 2D and 2F, the apparatus
100 is depicted in the panel-deployed position 110.
[0066] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 2F, the movable
liner panel 106 includes a first movable liner panel 106A and also
includes a second movable liner panel 106B spaced apart from the
first movable liner panel 106A.
[0067] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 2F, the first
movable liner panel 106A includes a first pivot assembly 116A. The
first movable liner panel 106A includes a first latch assembly
118A. The second movable liner panel 106B includes a second pivot
assembly 116B. The first movable liner panel 106A includes a second
latch assembly 118B. The first pivot assembly 116A and the second
pivot assembly 116B includes, by way of a specific embodiment, a
hinge or a piano hinge, a pin assembly, etc., and any
equivalent.
[0068] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2C, in the panel-storage
position 108, the first movable liner panel 106A is moved to abut
(at least in part) the floor assembly 114 and is aligned
horizontally. In the panel-storage position 108 (depicted in FIG.
2C), the second movable liner panel 106B is moved to abut (at least
in part) the floor assembly 114 and is aligned horizontally. In the
panel-deployed position 110, the first movable liner panel 106A is
aligned vertically. In the panel-deployed position 110, the second
movable liner panel 106B is aligned vertically.
[0069] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 2F, the first
pivot assembly 116A is configured to permit pivotal movement
(rotational movement) of the first movable liner panel 106A between
the panel-storage position 108 (depicted in FIG. 2C) and the
panel-deployed position 110 (depicted in FIG. 2D). In the
panel-storage position 108 (depicted in FIG. 2C), the first movable
liner panel 106A is movable along the first up direction path
120A.
[0070] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 2F, the second
pivot assembly 116B is configured to permit pivotal (rotational)
movement of the second movable liner panel 106B between the
panel-storage position 108 and the panel-deployed position 110. In
the panel-storage position 108 (depicted in FIG. 2C), the second
movable liner panel 106B is movable along the second up direction
path 120B.
[0071] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2D, in the
panel-deployed position 110, the first movable liner panel 106A is
movable along the first down direction path 120C. The first pivot
assembly 116A is configured to pivotally couple the first movable
liner panel 106A to the side wall 104A (as depicted in FIGS. 2A and
2B). In the panel-deployed position 110, the second movable liner
panel 106B is movable along the second down direction path 120D.
The second pivot assembly 116B is configured to pivotally couple
the second movable liner panel 106B to the side wall 104B (as
depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B).
[0072] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 2F, in
accordance with an option, the first movable liner panel 106A
includes a first latch assembly 118A. The first latch assembly 118A
is configured to operatively latch the first movable liner panel
106A in any one of the panel-storage position 108 and/or the
panel-deployed position 110. In this manner, the first movable
liner panel 106A may be securely (fixedly) kept at the
panel-storage position 108 and/or the panel-deployed position
110.
[0073] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 2F, in
accordance with an option, the second movable liner panel 106B
includes a second latch assembly 118B. The second latch assembly
118B is configured to operatively latch the second movable liner
panel 106B in any one of the panel-storage position 108 and/or the
panel-deployed position 110. In this manner, the second movable
liner panel 106B may be securely (fixedly) kept at the
panel-storage position 108 and/or the panel-deployed position
110.
[0074] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B-1, the floor
assembly 114 defines a wheel well notch 127 positioned on opposite
lateral sides 132 of the floor assembly 114. The wheel well notch
127 is also positioned between the opposite end sections (that is,
the front section 134 and the rear section 136, respectively) of
the floor assembly 114. It will be appreciated that the first
movable liner panel 106A and the second movable liner panel 106B
are not depicted in FIG. 2B-1 (for the sake of convenient depiction
of the floor assembly 114).
[0075] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIG. 2G and FIG.
2H, the apparatus 100 further includes a cover assembly 124
configured to be positioned on a top section of the vehicle cargo
liner assembly 102. This is done in such a way that the cover
assembly 124 is moved to cover, at least in part, the interior of
the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102 to prevent the ingress of
unwanted elements (such as, rain, snow, dirt, etc.). The cover
assembly 124 includes flat panel sections that are pivotally
attached to each other. This is done in such a way that a portion
(or a section) of the cover assembly 124 may be pivotally moved to
expose a section of the interior of the vehicle cargo liner
assembly 102 that is contained or defined (at least in part) by the
movable liner panel 106. As depicted, there are three sections of
the cover assembly 124 that correspond to the sections defined by
the instances of the movable liner panel 106 deployed in the
apparatus 100.
[0076] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E depict views of embodiments of
the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. By way of example (and not limited
thereto), for these embodiments of the apparatus 100, the vehicle
cargo liner assembly 102 may be usable (deployed) as a
short-version truck-bed liner. Specifically, there is one instance
of the movable liner panel 106 deployed with the vehicle cargo
liner assembly 102 (for these embodiments). Specifically, FIGS. 3A
to 3E depict perspective rear views of the apparatus 100.
[0077] The panel-storage position 108 is depicted in FIGS. 3C, 3D
and 3E. The panel-deployed position 110 is depicted in FIGS. 3A and
3B.
[0078] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A, the
apparatus 100 further includes a latch handle 128. The latch handle
128 is configured to selectively latch the movable liner panel 106
to the side wall 104A and the side wall 104B (in response to
operation by a user). The movable liner panel 106 is depicted in
the panel-deployed position 110, and the movable liner panel 106 is
latched to the side wall 104A and the side wall 104B. This is done
in such a way that there is no relative movement between the
movable liner panel 106 and the side wall 104A and the side wall
104B. The movable liner panel 106, once positioned in the
panel-deployed position 110, forms storage areas (cargo areas) on
opposite sides of the movable liner panel 106 within the interior
of the vehicle cargo liner assembly 102.
[0079] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the latch
handle 128 is operated in such a way that the movable liner panel
106 becomes de-latched (uncoupled) from the side wall 104A and the
side wall 104B. In this manner, the movable liner panel 106 is now
ready to me pivotally moved from the panel-deployed position 110
(the vertical position depicted in FIG. 3B) to the panel-storage
position 108 (the horizontal position depicted in FIG. 3C). The
user may manipulate movement of the movable liner panel 106, or
more simply the user may release the movable liner panel 106 (once
the movable liner panel 106 is uncoupled) and gravity pulls the
movable liner panel 106 to the panel-storage position 108 depicted
in FIG. 3C.
[0080] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3C, the movable
liner panel 106 is placed in the panel-storage position 108, and
remains unlatched with the side wall 104A and the side wall 104B.
It will be appreciated that in accordance with an option, the
movable liner panel 106 is latched to the side wall 104A and the
side wall 104B (once actuated by the latch handle 128). In this
manner, the movable liner panel 106 may remain in a secured stored
position within the interior of the vehicle cargo liner assembly
102.
[0081] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3D and 3E,
the apparatus 100 further includes a torsion spring assembly 130.
The torsion spring assembly 130 is positioned on (or proximate to)
the pivot assembly 116. The torsion spring assembly 130 is
configured to interact with the movable liner panel 106 and the
side wall 104A and/or the side wall 104B. Once the movable liner
panel 106 has become latched with the side wall 104A and/or the
side wall 104B, the torsion spring assembly 130 cannot pivotally
move the movable liner panel 106. The torsion spring assembly 130
is configured to provide pivoting force to the movable liner panel
106 once the movable liner panel 106 has become unlatched from the
side wall 104A and the side wall 104B. For example, an instance of
the torsion spring assembly 130 may be positioned at opposite sides
of the movable liner panel 106 proximate to the side wall 104A and
the side wall 104B. The torsion spring assembly 130 is configured
to move the movable liner panel 106 (with assistance from the
torsion spring assembly 130): (A) from the panel-storage position
108 depicted in FIG. 3E) to the panel-deployed position 110
(depicted in FIG. 3D) and/or (B) from the panel-deployed position
110 (depicted in FIG. 3D) to the panel-storage position 108
(depicted in FIG. 3E).
[0082] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F and 4G depict views of
embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.
[0083] Specifically, FIGS. 4A and 4E depict top views, FIGS. 4B, 4C
and 4D depict side views, and FIGS. 4G and 4G depict views end
views.
[0084] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A, the floor
assembly 114 is configured for deployment on or in a long bed
version of the vehicle 900 (depicted in FIG. 1). The floor assembly
114 defines a wheel well notch 127 positioned on opposite lateral
sides 132 of the floor assembly 114. The wheel well notch 127 is
also positioned between the front section 134 and the rear section
136 of the floor assembly 114. It will be appreciated that the
first movable liner panel 106A and the second movable liner panel
106B (as depicted in FIG. 2B) are not depicted in FIG. 4A (for the
sake of convenient depiction of the floor assembly 114). The floor
assembly 114 also defines a first panel channel 138A positioned at
the front section 134. The first panel channel 138A is sized to
receive the first movable liner panel 106A (depicted in FIG. 4C) in
such a way that the first movable liner panel 106A is flush mounted
to the floor assembly 114 once the first movable liner panel 106A
is operatively received in the first panel channel 138A (as
depicted in FIG. 4A). The floor assembly 114 also defines a second
panel channel 138B positioned at the rear section 136. The second
panel channel 138B is sized to receive the second movable liner
panel 106B (depicted in FIG. 4C) in such a way that the second
movable liner panel 106B is flush mounted to the floor assembly 114
once the second movable liner panel 106B is operatively received in
the first panel channel 138A (as depicted in FIG. 4A).
[0085] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4A, 4B and
4C, side views of the floor assembly 114 is depicted through the
line DD of FIG. 4A. The floor assembly 114 is placed (positioned)
on the truck bed 908 of the vehicle 900 of FIG. 1.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 4C, the first panel channel 138A is sized
to receive the first movable liner panel 106A (depicted in FIG. 4C)
in such a way that the first movable liner panel 106A is flush
mounted to the floor assembly 114 (as depicted in FIG. 4B) once the
first movable liner panel 106A is operatively received in the first
panel channel 138A (as depicted in FIG. 4A). The second panel
channel 138B is sized to receive the second movable liner panel
106B (depicted in FIG. 4C) in such a way that the second movable
liner panel 106B is flush mounted to the floor assembly 114 once
the second movable liner panel 106B is operatively received in the
first panel channel 138A (as depicted in FIG. 4A).
[0087] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4D, a liner
assembly 140 (such as a fabric, etc.) is received in the first
panel channel 138A. The liner assembly 140 is also received in the
second panel channel 138B. The liner assembly 140 is configured to
protect the finish of the first movable liner panel 106A once the
first movable liner panel 106A is received in the first panel
channel 138A. The liner assembly 140 is configured to protect the
finish of the second movable liner panel 106B once the second
movable liner panel 106B is received in the second panel channel
138B. In addition, the liner assembly 140 is configured to protect
the finish of the truck bed 908 once the first movable liner panel
106A is removed from the first panel channel 138A (as depicted in
FIG. 4D). In addition, the liner assembly 140 is configured to
protect the finish of the truck bed 908 once the second movable
liner panel 106B is removed from the second panel channel 138B (as
depicted in FIG. 4D).
[0088] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4E, the floor
assembly 114 is configured for deployment on or in a short bed
version of the vehicle 900 (depicted in FIG. 1). The floor assembly
114 defines a panel channel 138. The panel channel 138 is sized to
receive the movable liner panel 106 (depicted in FIGS. 4F and 4G)
in such a way that the movable liner panel 106 is flush mounted to
the floor assembly 114 once the movable liner panel 106 is
operatively received in the panel channel 138.
[0089] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4F and 4G,
there is depicted an end view of the apparatus 100 taken through
the line EE of FIG. 4E. FIG. 4F depicts the panel-storage position
108. FIG. 4G depicts the panel-deployed position 110. The truck bed
908 of the vehicle 900 of FIG. 1 defines a corrugated outer
surface. The movable liner panel 106 defines a corrugated outer
surface that confirms to the shape of the corrugated outer surface
of the truck bed 908. The corrugated outer surface of the movable
liner panel 106 fits and contacts the corrugated outer surface of
the truck bed 908 (once positioned to do just so). In accordance to
the depicted embodiment, the bottom portion of the floor assembly
114 is shaped to confirm to the top portion of the truck bed 908 of
the vehicle 900 (depicted in FIG. 1).
[0090] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable
scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include
other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural
elements that do not differ from the literal language of the
claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with
insubstantial differences from the literal language of the
claims.
[0091] It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules
described above may be connected with each other as required to
perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of
skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without
having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is
no particular assembly, or component that may be superior to any of
the equivalents available to the person skilled in art. There is no
particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is
superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It
is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject
matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that
the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided
by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the
scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent
claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting
embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the
description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of
the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as
granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase
"includes" is equivalent to the word "comprising." The foregoing
has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The
description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments
(examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are
merely illustrative as examples.
* * * * *