Storage system for retaining small items in a confined space within a larger cargo area of a motor vehicle

• US 10,513,226 B2
• Filed: 09/08/2017
• Issued: 12/24/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Tena Han, Luis Adrian, Vargas Garcia, Carmen Frida
• Primary Examiner(s): Pape, Joseph D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ivey, Dana D
• Application Number:
  US15/698,757
• Publication Number:
  US 20190077320A1
• Time in Patent Office: 837 Days
• Field of Search: 296 3714
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0036 Luggage compartment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0063 using adhesive means, e.g. hook and loop fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0087 around two axes
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 5/04 arranged at rear of vehicle B60R5/003, B60R5/006 take precedence; external trunks arranged at rear of vehicle B60R9/065
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/02 in separate luggage compartment B60R7/005 takes precedence

Abstract

Various storage system embodiments are described. Each storage system is displaceable between a stowed position and an erected configuration wherein the storage system provides a storage compartment for retaining and protecting smaller delicate items from being displaced and potentially damaged within the greater expanse of a cargo compartment of a motor vehicle.

Claims

1. A storage system, comprising:

a plurality of panels having perimeters including a first set of crenulations allowing said plurality of panels to be interconnected into a multiwalled structure defining a storage compartment;

a receiver formed in a cargo compartment floor, said plurality of panels being received and held in said receiver when stowed; and

a first set of lug receivers in sidewalls of a cargo compartment and a second set of lugs receivers in a rear face of a rear seat oriented toward said cargo compartment wherein said first set of crenulations include a plurality of alternating projecting lugs and notches and said receiver comprises a recessed bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls having a second set of crenulations cooperating to receive and hold said first set of crenulations.

2. The storage system of claim 1, further including a third set of lug receivers in said recessed bottom wall.

3. The storage system of claim 2, wherein said projecting lugs of at least one panel of said plurality of panels are received in lug receivers in said sidewalls of said cargo compartment and said third set of lug receivers in said recessed bottom wall.

4. The storage system of claim 3, wherein said projecting lugs of a second panel of said plurality of panels are received in said lug receivers in said rear face of said rear seat and said notches of said at least one panel of said plurality of panels.

5. The storage system of claim 2, wherein said projecting lugs of at least one panel of said plurality of panels are received in lug receivers in said rear face of said rear seat and said third set of lug receivers in said recessed bottom wall.

6. A storage system, comprising:

a plurality of panels having perimeters including a first set of crenulations allowing said plurality of panels to be interconnected into a multiwalled structure defining a storage compartment, wherein said first set of crenulations include a plurality of alternating projecting lugs and notches; and

a first set of lug receivers in sidewalls of a cargo compartment and a second set of lugs receivers in a rear face of a rear seat oriented toward said cargo compartment.

7. The storage system of claim 6, further including a third set of lug receivers in said recessed bottom wall.

8. The storage system of claim 7, wherein said projecting lugs of at least one panel of said plurality of panels are received in lug receivers in said sidewalls of said cargo compartment and said third set of lug receivers in said recessed bottom wall.

9. The storage system of claim 8, wherein said projecting lugs of a second panel of said plurality of panels are received in said lug receivers in said rear face of said rear seat and said notches of said at least one panel of said plurality of panels.

10. The storage system of claim 7, wherein said projecting lugs of at least one panel of said plurality of panels are received in lug receivers in said rear face of said rear seat and said third set of lug receivers in said recessed bottom wall.