Multiple configuration bulkhead

• US 6,474,713 B1
• Filed: 08/21/2001
• Issued: 11/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Ruck, George Edward, Saville, Dave Roy
• Primary Examiner(s): Pedder, Dennis H.
• Application Number:
  US09/682,330
• Time in Patent Office: 441 Days
• Field of Search: 296/26.08, 296/146.15, 296/146.16, 296/190.08, 296/190.11, 296/183, 296/24.1, 280/748, 410/121, 410/129
• US Class Current: 296/24.43
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/026 Rigid partitions inside vehicles, e.g. between passengers and load compartments B60R21/12 takes precedence

Abstract

A multiple configuration bulkhead for a cargo vehicle including an operator space having a seat with a seat back, a cargo space having a predetermined width and height adjacent the operator space, a stationary portion therebetween extending substantially the width and height of the cargo space having a cut out portion, and a removable upper portion detachably carried by the cut out portion of the stationary portion.

Claims

1. A multiple configuration bulkhead for a cargo vehicle comprising:

an operator space having at least one seat with a seat back;

a cargo space having a predetermined width and height adjacent the operator space;

a stationary portion extending substantially the width and height of the cargo space, intermediate the go cargo and operator spaces, having a cut out portion; and

a removable upper portion having a cavity with a predetermined depth detachably carried by the cut out portion of the stationary portion operable between a first position wherein the cavity extends into the cargo space and reversible to a second position wherein the cavity extends into the operator space.

2. The multiple configuration bulkhead as defined in claim 1, wherein the stationary portion has a front surface adjacent to the seat back.

3. The multiple configuration bulkhead as defined in claim 1, wherein the stationary portion has an upper end wherein the cut out portion is located.

4. The multiple configuration bulkhead as defined in claim 1, wherein the stationary portion has an upper edge whereon the removable upper portion is carried.

5. The multiple configuration bulkhead as defined in claim 1, wherein the removable upper portion has a cut out window portion.

6. The multiple configuration bulkhead as defined in claim 1, wherein the removable upper portion can be pivoted rearward a predetermined distance when detached.

7. A multiple configuration bulkhead for a cargo vehicle comprising:

an operator space having at least one seat with a seat back;

a cargo space having a predetermined width and height adjacent the operator space;

a stationary portion extending substantially the width and height of the cargo space, intermediate the cargo and operator spaces, having a cut out portion;

a removable and reversible upper portion adjacent the seat back detachably carried by the cut out portion of the stationary portion; and

wherein the removable and reversible upper portion has a cavity with a predetermined depth adapted to receive the seat back when in a first operator space facing position.

8. The multiple configuration bulkhead as defined in claim 7, wherein the stationary portion has a front surface adjacent to the seat back.

9. The multiple configuration bulkhead as defined in claim 7, wherein the removable and reversible upper portion has a cut out window portion.

10. The multiple configuration bulkhead as defined in claim 7, wherein the removable and reversible upper portion can be reversed and reattached in a second cargo space facing position thereby allowing maximum cargo capacity.