Collapsible storage apparatus for vehicle cargo compartments

• US 20030209919A1
• Filed: 06/19/2003
• Published: 11/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brian Flaman, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Thomas F.J. Gehring
• Original Assignee: Brian Flaman, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Thomas F.J. Gehring
• Inventors: Jankowski, Ireneusz, Havidic, Dejan, Gehring, Thomas F.J., Flaman, Brian
• Granted Patent: US 6,676,184 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/37.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/02 in separate luggage compartment B60R7/005 takes precedence

Abstract

Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base disposed on or within a vehicle compartment floor and having a surface that is exposed to the vehicle compartment when the apparatus is in an operative (i.e., open) position. A rear panel is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a closed position overlying the base surface and an open position substantially normal to the base surface. End panels are movably attached to respective end portions of the rear panel. The end panels are movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel. The end panels move from their respective stored positions to operative positions in response to movement of the rear panel from its closed position to its open position. One or more partition panels that are movably attached to either the rear panel or to the base surface, may be provided. Each partition panel divides the compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position. Each partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel (or base surface) and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor and a floor covering disposed on the floor, the apparatus comprising:

a rear panel pivotally attached to the floor covering and comprising opposite front and rear sides and opposite first and second end portions, wherein the rear panel is movable between a closed position wherein the front side is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an open position wherein the rear panel is disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and defines a storage compartment for receiving items therein that is partially enclosed by the floor covering and the rear panel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the rear panel that is configured to urge the rear panel to the open position.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the floor covering is disposed on the rear side of the rear panel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first end panel movably attached to the first end portion of the rear panel, wherein the first end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel, and wherein the first end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a second end panel movably attached to the second end portion of the rear panel, wherein the second end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel, and wherein the second end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first end panel movably attached to the floor covering, wherein the first end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel, and wherein the first end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a second end panel movably attached to the floor covering, wherein the second end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel, and wherein the second end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the front side of the rear panel, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a handle attached to the partition panel, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user and used to move the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the floor covering, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flexible material attached to the floor covering and to the front side of the rear panel that divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when the rear panel is moved to the open position.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a pair of partition panels movably attached to the floor covering in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship, wherein each partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel so as to divide the storage compartment into multiple sections; and

a handle connected to the pair of partition panels that is configured to be grasped by a user and to move the partition panels from the stored positions to the operative positions.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more projections extending from the rear panel front side, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising cargo netting attached to the rear panel and configured to enclose the storage compartment and items stored within the storage compartment.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in the open position.

16. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor, the apparatus comprising:

a base disposed on the floor and having a surface exposed to the vehicle compartment; and

a rear panel pivotally attached to the base and comprising opposite front and rear sides and opposite first and second end portions, wherein the rear panel is movable between a closed position wherein the front side is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base surface and an open position wherein the rear panel is disposed substantially normal to the base surface and defines a storage compartment for receiving items therein that is partially enclosed by the base and the rear panel.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the rear panel that is configured to urge the rear panel to the open position.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the base is disposed partially beneath the floor, and wherein the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor when in the closed position.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and on the rear side of the rear panel, and wherein the floor covering on the rear side of the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor covering disposed on the floor when the rear panel is in the closed position.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the base surface comprises a portion having a sloped orientation relative to horizontal.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a first end panel movably attached to the first end portion of the rear panel, wherein the first end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the first end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a second end panel movably attached to the second end portion of the rear panel, wherein the second end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the second end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

23. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a first end panel movably attached to the base, wherein the first end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the first end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a second end panel movably attached to the base, wherein the second end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the second end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

25. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the front side of the rear panel, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising a handle attached to the partition panel, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user and used to move the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

27. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the base surface, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

28. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a flexible material attached to the base and to the front side of the rear panel that divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when the rear panel is moved to the open position.

29. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising:

a pair of partition panels movably attached to the base surface in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship, wherein each partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel so as to divide the storage compartment into multiple sections; and

a handle connected to the pair of partition panels that is configured to be grasped by a user and to move the partition panels from the stored positions to the operative positions.

30. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising one or more projections extending from the rear panel front side, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

31. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising cargo netting attached to the rear panel and configured to enclose the storage compartment and items stored within the storage compartment.

32. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in the open position.

33. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor, the apparatus comprising:

a base disposed on the floor and having a surface exposed to the vehicle compartment;

a rear panel pivotally attached to the base and comprising opposite front and rear sides, opposite first and second end portions, and opposite edge portions, wherein the rear panel is movable between a closed position wherein the front side is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base surface and an open position wherein the rear panel is disposed substantially normal to the base surface;

a handle attached to the rear panel, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user; and

first and second end panels movably attached to the respective first and second end portions of the rear panel, wherein the respective first and second end panels are movable between respective stored positions in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and respective operative positions disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel in space-apart substantially parallel relationship, wherein the first and second end panels move from the respective stored positions to the respective operative positions in response to movement of the rear panel, via the handle, from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the base, rear panel, and first and second end panels define a storage compartment for receiving items therein.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the rear panel that is configured to urge the rear panel to the open position.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the base is disposed partially beneath the floor, and wherein the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor when in the closed position.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and on the rear side of the rear panel, and wherein the floor covering on the rear side of the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor covering disposed on the floor when the rear panel is in the closed position.

37. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the base surface comprises a portion having a sloped configuration.

38. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the front side of the rear panel, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

39. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the base surface, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections.

40. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising one or more projections extending from the rear panel front side, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

41. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising cargo netting attached to the rear panel and configured to enclose the storage compartment and items stored within the storage compartment.

42. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in the open position.

43. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising a flexible material attached to the base and to the front side of the rear panel that divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when the rear panel is moved to the open position.

44. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor, the apparatus comprising:

a base disposed on the floor and having a surface exposed to the vehicle compartment;

a rear panel pivotally attached to the base and comprising opposite front and rear sides, opposite first and second end portions, and opposite edge portions, wherein the rear panel is movable between a closed position wherein the front side is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base surface and an open position wherein the rear panel is disposed substantially normal to the base surface;

a partition panel movably attached to the front side of the rear panel, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel; and

first and second end panels movably attached to the respective first and second end portions of the rear panel, wherein the respective first and second end panels are movable between respective stored positions in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and respective operative positions disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel in space-apart substantially parallel relationship;

wherein movement of the partition panel from the stored position to the operative position causes the rear panel to move from the closed position to the open position which, in turn, causes the first and second end panels to move from the respective stored positions to the respective operative positions whereby a storage compartment is defined.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the rear panel that is configured to urge the rear panel to the open position.

46. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising a handle attached to the partition panel, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user and to facilitate movement of the partition panel from the stored position to the operative position.

47. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the base is disposed partially beneath the floor, and wherein the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor when in the closed position.

48. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and on the rear side of the rear panel, and wherein the floor covering on the rear side of the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor covering disposed on the floor when the rear panel is in the closed position.

49. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the base surface comprises a portion having a sloped configuration.

50. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising one or more projections extending from the rear panel front side, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

51. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising cargo netting attached to the rear panel and configured to enclose the storage compartment and items stored within the storage compartment.

52. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in the open position.

53. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising a flexible material attached to the base and to the front side of the rear panel that divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when the rear panel is moved to the open position.

54. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor, the apparatus comprising:

a base disposed on the floor, comprising opposite first and second end portions, opposite first and second edge portions, and a surface exposed to the vehicle compartment;

first and second expandable walls extending from the base surface adjacent the respective first and second end portions; and

a panel pivotally attached to the base and comprising opposite first and second end portions, wherein the first and second end portions of the panel are connected to the respective first and second expandable walls, and wherein the panel is movable between a closed position in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base surface and an open position disposed substantially transverse to the base surface, wherein the base, first and second expandable walls and panel define one or more storage compartments for receiving items therein.

55. The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the panel that is configured to urge the panel to the open position.

56. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the panel comprises an aperture formed therethrough, and further comprising cargo netting overlying the aperture.

57. The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the panel in the open position.

58. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the expandable walls comprise a plurality of members configured to move from a stacked relationship to a fanned relationship when the panel is moved from the closed position to the open position.

59. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the expandable walls comprise cargo netting.

60. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of elongate panels pivotally attached to the floor in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship, wherein each panel comprises opposite front and rear sides, wherein the panels are collectively movable between closed and open positions, wherein the front side of each panel is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the floor when in the closed position, and wherein the panels are collectively disposed substantially transverse to the floor when in the open position to define a plurality of storage compartments or receiving items therein.

61. The apparatus of claim 60, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to one or more panels that is configured to urge the panels to the open position.

62. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and wherein the floor covering is disposed on the rear side of one or more of the panels.

63. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the panels are in substantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship.

64. The apparatus of claim 60, further comprising a handle configured to collectively move the panels between the closed and open positions.

65. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor, the apparatus comprising:

an elongate panel pivotally attached to the floor and movable between a stored position in face-to-face contacting relation with the floor and an operative position in spaced-apart, face-to-face relation with the floor such that the panel can serve the function of a table and/or shelf.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising a handle connected to the panel that is configured to be grasped by a user and to move the panel between the stored and operative positions.

67. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and wherein the floor covering is disposed on the panel.

68. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of walls pivotally attached to the floor, wherein the walls are configured to overlie the floor in a folded, flat configuration, and to unfold into a storage compartment for receiving items therein.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising a handle connected to one of the walls that is configured to be grasped by a user and to unfold the walls into a storage compartment.

70. A vehicle, comprising:

a compartment comprising a floor and a floor covering disposed on the floor; and

an apparatus for storing items within the compartment, comprising;

a rear panel pivotally attached to the floor covering and comprising opposite front and rear sides and opposite first and second end portions, wherein the rear panel is movable between a closed position wherein the front side is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an open position wherein the rear panel is disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and defines a storage compartment for receiving items therein that is partially enclosed by the floor covering and the rear panel.

71. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the rear panel that is configured to urge the rear panel to the open position.

72. The vehicle of claim 70, wherein the floor covering is disposed on the rear side of the rear panel.

73. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising a first end panel movably attached to the first end portion of the rear panel, wherein the first end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel, and wherein the first end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

74. The vehicle of claim 73, further comprising a second end panel movably attached to the second end portion of the rear panel, wherein the second end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel, and wherein the second end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

75. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising a first end panel movably attached to the floor covering, wherein the first end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel, and wherein the first end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

76. The vehicle of claim 75, further comprising a second end panel movably attached to the floor covering, wherein the second end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel, and wherein the second end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

77. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the front side of the rear panel, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

78. The vehicle of claim 77, further comprising a handle attached to the partition panel, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user and used to move the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

79. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the floor covering, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

80. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising a flexible material attached to the floor covering and to the front side of the rear panel that divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when the rear panel is moved to the open position.

81. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising:

a pair of partition panels movably attached to the floor covering in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship, wherein each partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the floor covering and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the floor covering and to the rear panel so as to divide the storage compartment into multiple sections; and

a handle connected to the pair of partition panels that is configured to be grasped by a user and to move the partition panels from the stored positions to the operative positions.

82. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising one or more projections extending from the rear panel front side, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

83. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising cargo netting attached to the rear panel and configured to enclose the storage compartment and items stored within the storage compartment.

84. The vehicle of claim 70, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in the open position.

85. A vehicle, comprising:

a compartment comprising a floor; and

an apparatus for storing items within the compartment, comprising;

a base disposed on the floor and having a surface exposed to the vehicle compartment; and

a rear panel pivotally attached to the base and comprising opposite front and rear sides and opposite first and second end portions, wherein the rear panel is movable between a closed position wherein the front side is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base surface and an open position wherein the rear panel is disposed substantially normal to the base surface and defines a storage compartment for receiving items therein that is partially enclosed by the base and the rear panel.

86. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the rear panel that is configured to urge the rear panel to the open position.

87. The vehicle of claim 85, wherein the base is disposed partially beneath the floor, and wherein the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor when in the closed position.

88. The vehicle of claim 87, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and on the rear side of the rear panel, and wherein the floor covering on the rear side of the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor covering disposed on the floor when the rear panel is in the closed position.

89. The vehicle of claim 85, wherein the base surface comprises a portion having a sloped orientation relative to horizontal.

90. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising a first end panel movably attached to the first end portion of the rear panel, wherein the first end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the first end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

91. The vehicle of claim 90, further comprising a second end panel movably attached to the second end portion of the rear panel, wherein the second end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the second end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

92. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising a first end panel movably attached to the base, wherein the first end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the first end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

93. The vehicle of claim 92, further comprising a second end panel movably attached to the base, wherein the second end panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the second end panel moves from the stored position to the operative position in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

94. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the front side of the rear panel, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

95. The vehicle of claim 94, further comprising a handle attached to the partition panel, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user and used to move the rear panel from the closed position to the open position.

96. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the base surface, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

97. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising a flexible material attached to the base and to the front side of the rear panel that divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when the rear panel is moved to the open position.

98. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising:

a pair of partition panels movably attached to the base surface in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship, wherein each partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel so as to divide the storage compartment into multiple sections; and

a handle connected to the pair of partition panels that is configured to be grasped by a user and to move the partition panels from the stored positions to the operative positions.

99. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising one or more projections extending from the rear panel front side, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

100. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising cargo netting attached to the rear panel and configured to enclose the storage compartment and items stored within the storage compartment.

101. The vehicle of claim 85, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in the open position.

102. A vehicle, comprising:

a compartment comprising a floor; and

an apparatus for storing items within the compartment, comprising;

a base disposed on the floor and having a surface exposed to the vehicle compartment;

a rear panel pivotally attached to the base and comprising opposite front and rear sides, opposite first and second end portions, and opposite edge portions, wherein the rear panel is movable between a closed position wherein the front side is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base surface and an open position wherein the rear panel is disposed substantially normal to the base surface;

a handle attached to the rear panel, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user; and

first and second end panels movably attached to the respective first and second end portions of the rear panel, wherein the respective first and second end panels are movable between respective stored positions in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and respective operative positions disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel in space-apart substantially parallel relationship, wherein the first and second end panels move from the respective stored positions to the respective operative positions in response to movement of the rear panel, via the handle, from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the base, rear panel, and first and second end panels define a storage compartment for receiving items therein.

103. The vehicle of claim 102, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the rear panel that is configured to urge the rear panel to the open position.

104. The vehicle of claim 102, wherein the base is disposed partially beneath the floor, and wherein the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor when in the closed position.

105. The vehicle of claim 104, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and on the rear side of the rear panel, and wherein the floor covering on the rear side of the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor covering disposed on the floor when the rear panel is in the closed position.

106. The vehicle of claim 102, wherein the base surface comprises a portion having a sloped configuration.

107. The vehicle of claim 102, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the front side of the rear panel, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel in response to movement of the rear panel from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when in the operative position.

108. The vehicle of claim 102, further comprising a partition panel movably attached to the base surface, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the base surface and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel, and wherein the partition panel divides the storage compartment into multiple sections.

109. The vehicle of claim 102, further comprising one or more projections extending from the rear panel front side, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

110. The vehicle of claim 102, further comprising a flexible material attached to the base and to the front side of the rear panel that divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when the rear panel is moved to the open position.

111. The vehicle of claim 102, further comprising cargo netting attached to the rear panel and configured to enclose the storage compartment and items stored within the compartment.

112. The vehicle of claim 102, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in the open position.

113. A vehicle, comprising:

a compartment comprising a floor; and

an apparatus for storing items within the compartment, comprising;

a base disposed on the floor and having a surface exposed to the vehicle compartment;

a rear panel pivotally attached to the base and comprising opposite front and rear sides, opposite first and second end portions, and opposite edge portions, wherein the rear panel is movable between a closed position wherein the front side is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base surface and an open position wherein the rear panel is disposed substantially normal to the base surface;

a partition panel movably attached to the front side of the rear panel, wherein the partition panel is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel; and

first and second end panels movably attached to the respective first and second end portions of the rear panel, wherein the respective first and second end panels are movable between respective stored positions in face-to-face relation with the rear panel front side and respective operative positions disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel in space-apart substantially parallel relationship;

wherein movement of the partition panel from the stored position to the operative position causes the rear panel to move from the closed position to the open position which, in turn, causes the first and second end panels to move from the respective stored positions to the respective operative positions whereby a storage compartment is defined.

114. The vehicle of claim 113, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the rear panel that is configured to urge the rear panel to the open position.

115. The vehicle of claim 113, further comprising a handle attached to the partition panel, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user and to facilitate movement of the partition panel from the stored position to the operative position.

116. The vehicle of claim 113, wherein the base is disposed partially beneath the floor, and wherein the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor when in the closed position.

117. The vehicle of claim 116, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and on the rear side of the rear panel, and wherein the floor covering on the rear side of the rear panel is substantially flush with the floor covering disposed on the floor when the rear panel is in the closed position.

118. The vehicle of claim 113, wherein the base surface comprises a portion having a sloped configuration.

119. The vehicle of claim 113, further comprising one or more projections extending from the rear panel front side, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

120. The vehicle of claim 113, further comprising cargo netting attached to the rear panel and configured to enclose the storage compartment and items stored within the storage compartment.

121. The vehicle of claim 113, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in the open position.

122. The vehicle of claim 113, further comprising a flexible material attached to the base and to the front side of the rear panel that divides the storage compartment into multiple sections when the rear panel is moved to the open position.

123. A vehicle, comprising:

a compartment comprising a floor; and

an apparatus for storing items within the compartment, comprising;

a base disposed on the floor, comprising opposite first and second end portions, opposite first and second edge portions, and a surface exposed to the vehicle compartment;

first and second expandable walls extending from the base surface adjacent the respective first and second end portions; and

a panel pivotally attached to the base and comprising opposite first and second end portions, wherein the first and second end portions of the panel are connected to the respective first and second expandable walls, and wherein the panel is movable between a closed position in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base surface and an open position disposed substantially transverse to the base surface, wherein the base, first and second expandable walls and panel define one or more storage compartments for receiving items therein.

124. The vehicle of claim 123, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to the panel that is configured to urge the panel to the open position.

125. The vehicle of claim 123, wherein the panel comprises an aperture formed therethrough, and further comprising cargo netting overlying the aperture.

126. The vehicle of claim 123, further comprising a locking member configured to releasably secure the panel in the open position.

127. The vehicle of claim 123, wherein the expandable walls comprise a plurality of members configured to move from a stacked relationship to a fanned relationship when the panel is moved from the closed position to the open position.

128. The vehicle of claim 123, wherein the expandable walls comprise cargo netting.

129. A vehicle, comprising:

a compartment comprising a floor; and

an apparatus for storing items within the compartment, comprising;

a plurality of elongate panels pivotally attached to the floor in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship, wherein each panel comprises opposite front and rear sides, wherein the panels are collectively movable between closed and open positions, wherein the front side of each panel is in overlying, face-to-face relation with the floor when in the closed position, and wherein the panels are collectively disposed substantially transverse to the floor when in the open position to define a plurality of storage compartments for receiving items therein.

130. The vehicle of claim 129, further comprising at least one biasing device attached to one or more panels that is configured to urge the panels to the open position.

131. The vehicle of claim 129, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and wherein the floor covering is disposed on the rear side of one or more of the panels.

132. The vehicle of claim 129, wherein the panels are in substantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship.

133. The vehicle of claim 129, further comprising a handle configured to collectively move the panels between the closed and open positions.

134. A vehicle, comprising:

a compartment comprising a floor; and

an apparatus for storing items within the compartment, comprising;

an elongate panel pivotally attached to the floor and movable between a stored position in face-to-face contacting relation with the floor and an operative position in spaced-apart, face-to-face relation with the floor such that the panel can serve the function of a table and/or shelf.

135. The vehicle of claim 134, further comprising a handle connected to the panel that is configured to be grasped by a user and to move the panel between the stored and operative positions.

136. The vehicle of claim 134, wherein a floor covering is disposed on the floor and wherein the floor covering is disposed on the panel.

137. A vehicle, comprising:

a compartment comprising a floor; and

an apparatus for storing items within the compartment, comprising a plurality of walls pivotally attached to the floor, wherein the walls are configured to overlie the floor in a folded, flat configuration, and to unfold into a storage compartment for receiving items therein.

138. The vehicle of claim 137, further comprising a handle connected to one of the walls that is configured to be grasped by a user and to unfold the walls into a storage compartment.