Multi-positional vehicle shelf

• US 6,176,535 B1
• Filed: 05/10/2000
• Issued: 01/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Walczowski, George, Chaloult, Brian, Mihelich, Thomas D
• Primary Examiner(s): Dayoan, D. Glenn
• Assistant Examiner(s): ENGLE, PATRICIA LYNN
• Application Number:
  US09/568,602
• Time in Patent Office: 258 Days
• Field of Search: 296/26.08, 296/26.09, 296/26.1, 296/26.11, 296/37.16, 296/191, 296/195, 296/69, 296/24.1, 224/495, 224/496, 224/497, 224/542, 224/564, 224/925, 248/235, 248/240.04, 211/134, 211/186, 211/187, 108/109
• US Class Current: 296/37.16
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/3011 the back-rest being hinged on the cushion, e.g. "portefeuille movement"
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/3013 the back-rest being hinged on the vehicle frame
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/36 into a loading platform B60N2/065 takes precedence
• 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 5/045 collapsible or transformable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 224/925 Carrier for grocery bag

Abstract

A partitioning system for use in the storage area of a vehicle is disclosed. The partitioning system includes a multipurpose shelf that can be positioned in a plurality of different locations. The shelf can be disposed (1) horizontally near the top of the rear row of seats to act as a security cover; (2) horizontally along the floor in the storage area; (3) horizontally to cooperate of a folded last row of seats to provide a generally flat surface from the end gate into the passenger area; (4) vertically and adjacent to the rear row of seats; and (5) horizontally, while the end gate is open, such that the shelf extends beyond the storage area as defined by a closed end gate. The shelf includes a pivotable support leg that may contact the vehicle body to support the shelf in this horizontal position that extends beyond the storage area defined by a closed end gate.

Claims

1. A partitioning system for use in a storage area of a vehicle, said storage area defined by a row of seats, a closed end gate, two side walls, and a floor, said partitioning system comprising:

a shelf capable of being located in a plurality of positions;

a system of operable formations adapted to support said shelf in a plurality of positions, said system of operable formations includes a forward curved formation to limit forward horizontal movement while allowing pivotal movement of said shelf and a rear L-shaped formation to provide support and limit rearward horizontal movement of said shelf, said forward curved formation and said L-shaped formation cooperate to support said shelf in a horizontal manner in a first position of said plurality of positions.

2. The partitioning system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said system of operable formation includes a second forward curved formation and a second rear L-shaped formation disposed vertically below said first forward curved formation and said first rear L-shaped formation.

3. The partitioning system as set forth in claim 2, wherein said second forward curved formation and said second rear L-shaped formation are interconnected by a base portion, said base portion, said second forward curved formation, sand said second rear L-shaped formation cooperate to support said shelf in a horizontal in a second position of said plurality of positions.

4. The partitioning system as set forth in claim 3, wherein said shelf includes a forward and rearward stop, said forward stop adapted to contact said first or second curved formation and said rearward stop adapted to contact first or second L-shaped formation.

5. The partitioning system as set forth in claim 4, wherein said system of operable formations includes a third forward curved formation disposed vertically below said second forward curved formation.

6. The partitioning system as set forth in claim 4, wherein said shelf includes a slot formed near said forward stop that is adapted to receive said L-shaped formation while said shelf is in a third position of said plurality of positions, said L-shaped formation and said slot cooperate to limit forward and rearward horizontal movement of said shelf.