Stowable storage net

• US 8,192,118 B2
• Filed: 05/17/2010
• Issued: 06/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: EXCO Automotive Solutions LP (EXCO Technologies Limited)
• Original Assignee: EXCO Automotive Solutions LP (EXCO Technologies Limited)
• Inventors: Zahorec, Christopher, Bateman, Brian
• Primary Examiner(s): Gordon, Stephen
• Application Number:
  US12/781,081
• Publication Number:
  US 20100290856A1
• Time in Patent Office: 750 Days
• Field of Search: 410/96, 410/97, 410/100, 410/89, 410/117, 410/118, 410/129, 224/563, 224/404, 224/314, 224/318, 87/2
• US Class Current: 410/89
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/005 Nets or elastic pockets tensioned against walls or backrests
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49815 Disassembling

Abstract

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a stowable storage net and a vehicle with a stowable storage net. The storage net comprises a storage area having a front, a back and two sides, the front and back being pivotally connected at one end. Elements are included for providing a predetermined amount of longitudinal elasticity to the storage area. The storage net comprises elements for removably attaching the storage area to a desired surface of the cargo area. The storage net further comprises a storage pouch forming the bottom of the storage net, the two sides of the storage net pivotally mounted proximally to the ends of the storage pouch and configured to fold into the storage pouch, allowing the associated net to fall easily and neatly into the pouch. The storage pouch can further comprise a zipper or other type of closure. Methods and vehicles are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A stowable storage net comprising:

a pouch having an interior accessible from a top portion, the pouch configured to extend between two surfaces;

a net having an open top and two closed sides, each closed side having a pouch end and a free end, wherein the net extends from the pouch with each pouch end movably attached inside opposing ends of the pouch such that each free end is opposite the pouch;

means for removably attaching the pouch and each closed side of the net to each of the surfaces; and

means for closing the pouch along the top portion, wherein the closed sides of the net are configured to move to the interior of the pouch along with the net such that the top portion of the pouch can be closed with the net in the interior.

2. The stowable storage net of claim 1, wherein each closed side of the net is reinforced with a sheath, with the sheath pivotally attached inside an end of the pouch.

3. The stowable storage net of claim 1, further comprising an elastic portion along at least a portion of a perimeter of the open top of the net.

4. The stowable storage net of claim 1, wherein the two surfaces are opposing sides of a truck bed or a trunk of a vehicle.

5. The stowable storage net of claim 1, wherein the means for closing the pouch along the top portion is a zipper.

6. The stowable storage net of claim 1, wherein the pouch includes a drain.

7. The stowable storage net of claim 1, further comprising a spacer member removably attached to opposing sides of the open top of the net and configured to maintain the open top of the net in an open position.

8. The stowable storage net of claim 1, wherein the net has a continuous bottom that lines a bottom of the pouch.

9. The stowable storage net of claim 1, wherein the net has a bottom edge opposite the open top, wherein the bottom edge is attached on the interior of the pouch along pouch walls and below the means for closing the pouch.