Integrated storage apparatus for vehicle cargo compartments

• US 20040020957A1
• Filed: 02/12/2003
• Published: 02/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Collins & Aikman Holdings SA de CV
• Original Assignee: Collins & Aikman Holdings SA de CV
• Inventors: Mamo, Robert, Poliquin, Duane
• Granted Patent: US 6,732,895 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 224/543
• 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

Abstract

Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments are provided and include cover panels that are pivotally secured to cargo compartment walls and are movable between a closed position covering a storage area and an open position substantially transverse to the wall allowing access to the storage area. One or more additional panels may be provided that are movable between respective stored positions and operative positions.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle compartment includes a floor, a wall extending upwardly from the floor, and a storage area formed within the wall, the apparatus comprising:

a cover panel pivotally secured to the wall and movable about a substantially vertical axis between a closed position covering the storage area and an open position substantially transverse to the wall allowing access to the storage area.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second panel pivotally secured to the cover panel and movable between a stored position wherein the second panel is in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the cover panel and an operative position wherein the second panel is disposed substantially transverse to the cover panel and in overlying, face-to-face relationship with the floor.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a third panel pivotally secured to the second panel and movable between a stored position wherein the third panel is in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the second panel and an operative position wherein the third panel is substantially parallel with the second panel and in overlying, face-to-face relationship with the floor.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a fourth panel pivotally secured to the third panel and movable between a stored position wherein the fourth panel is in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the third panel and an operative position wherein the fourth panel is adjacent to and substantially parallel with the cover panel when the cover panel is in its operative position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an extension panel slidably secured to the cover panel and movable from a stored position wherein the extension panel is in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the cover panel and an extended position wherein the extension panel is substantially parallel with the cover panel.

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

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover panel is substantially flush with the wall when in the closed position.

8. A vehicle, comprising:

a cargo compartment comprising a floor, a wall extending upwardly from the floor, and a storage area formed within the wall; and

an apparatus for storing items within the cargo compartment comprising a cover panel pivotally secured to the wall and movable about a substantially vertical axis between a closed position covering the storage area and an open position substantially transverse to the wall allowing access to the storage area.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising a second panel pivotally secured to the cover panel and movable between a stored position wherein the second panel is in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the cover panel rear surface and an operative position wherein the second panel is disposed substantially transverse to the cover panel and in overlying, face-to-face relationship with the floor.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, further comprising a third panel pivotally secured to the second panel and movable between a stored position wherein the third panel is in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the second panel and an operative position wherein the third panel is substantially parallel with the second panel and in overlying, face-to-face relationship with the floor.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a fourth panel pivotally secured to the third panel and movable between a stored position wherein the fourth panel is in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the third panel and an operative position wherein the fourth panel is adjacent to and substantially parallel with the cover panel when the cover panel is in its operative position.

12. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising an extension panel slidably secured to the cover panel and movable from a stored position wherein the extension panel is in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the cover panel and an extended position wherein the extension panel is substantially parallel with the cover panel when the cover panel is in its operative position.

13. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising one or more projections extending from the cover panel, wherein each projection is configured to support articles suspended therefrom.

14. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the cover panel is substantially flush with the wall when in the closed position.