Cover assembly for a vehicle storage compartment striker

An improved method and apparatus relating to vehicle storage compartments is disclosed. Specifically, the apparatus relates to the concealment of vehicle storage compartment strikers and the method of manufacturing the apparatus. The improvement relates to the elimination of some metal components while maintaining durability of the apparatus.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses regarding vehicle storage compartments and more particularly to methods and apparatuses regarding the concealment of vehicle storage compartment strikers.

B. Description of Related Art

Within the automotive industry, it is often considered aesthetically appealing to conceal mechanical parts from the view of the automobile owner. Specifically, apparatuses are known and used to conceal the striker of vehicle trunk connection mechanisms. One known apparatus is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.FIG. 1shows a rear storage compartment portion10of a vehicle rear trunk andFIG. 2shows a close-up perspective view of the cover assembly12. A flap20is supported by a shaft18, springs16and17, and a metal bracket14. The metal bracket14is the foundation of this prior art assembly, as the metal bracket14, shaft18, and springs16and17create the mechanism by which the flap20rotates. The cover assembly12is assembled prior to being fastened into the storage compartment assembly10. Once the springs16and17and flap20are installed on the shaft18, the shaft18is then secured onto the metal bracket14. From there, the two sides of the meal bracket14are fastened onto the rear storage compartment assembly10.

While the just described apparatus generally works well for its intended purpose, it does have limitations. One limitation is the complexity and the component cost associated with manufacturing the automobile trunk connecting mechanisms. Another limitation is the use of the metal bracket. Such metal components increase the cost associated in manufacturing the assembly, increase weight of the automobile and make assembly more complex.

Therefore, what is needed is a trunk connecting mechanism that is lighter, less complex to manufacture and minimizes costs associated with the manufacture, while maintaining the required robustness of the apparatus.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, a vehicle comprises a frame, a locomotion source operatively supported to the frame that provides locomotion for the vehicle, a storage compartment assembly comprising a storage compartment operatively supported to the frame, a lid that is closeable to substantially cover the storage compartment and that is openable to provide access to the storage compartment, a compartment portion formed in either the storage compartment or the lid, the compartment portion having an opening, a connection mechanism that connects the lid to the storage compartment in a closed condition to cover at least a portion of the storage compartment, the connection mechanism comprising, a striker positioned within the opening formed in the compartment portion, a latch mechanism that latches to the striker, the latch mechanism positioned on the other of the storage compartment or the lid, a cover assembly that substantially covers the opening, the cover assembly comprising a flap that is positionable to cover at least a portion of the opening and that is positionable to provide access to the striker, a shaft about which the flap pivots, the shaft having a first end with a knurled portion and a second end, a shaft support structure that supports the shaft to the compartment portion; the shaft support structure comprising a first extension surface positioned on one side of the opening and having a first hole that receives the knurled portion of the shaft creating a press fit with the first extension, and a second extension surface positioned substantially on the opposite side of the opening and having a second hole that receives the second end of the shaft, and a spring that biases the flap to cover the opening, and when the lid is closed, it causes a portion of the latch mechanism to contact the flap and pivot the flap to provide access to the post and causes the latch mechanism to latch to the striker.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the method of constructing the cover assembly includes a flap that covers at least a portion of the opening having a first and a second support sleeve, a shaft having a first end with a knurled portion and a second end; a support structure having an extension surface having a first hole on one side of the opening and a second hole on the opposing side of the opening; and a spring, beginning by inserting the first end of the shaft into the first hole on the first side of the support structure opening, inserting the knurled end of the shaft into the first flap support eyelet, inserting the knurled end of the shaft into the second flap support eyelet, inserting the spring around the knurled end of the shaft, and inserting the knurled end of the shaft into the second hole on the opposing side of the support structure opening, fastening the knurled end of the shaft to the extension surface and securing the spring into the flap support position.

One advantage of this invention is that it streamlines construction of the assembly, as it eliminates certain parts that were required in the prior art. The elimination of components required for manufacture shortens the time required for manufacture and saving ultimately saves money.

Another advantage of this invention is the robust nature of the assembly no longer requires that certain metal components be used. Metal is still required to be used for the spring and shaft, however, all other parts are made of less costly materials. This also saves money in manufacturing costs.

Still other benefits and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components,FIG. 3shows a vehicle21including a storage compartment assembly38using a cover assembly24according to one embodiment of this invention. The vehicle21may include a frame11, a locomotion source13, and seating for at least one occupant15. While the vehicle21shown is an automobile, it is to be understood that the cover assembly24of this invention will work with any vehicle chosen with the skill of a person of skill in the art including, for some non-limiting examples, trucks, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, and boats. Similarly, while the storage compartment assembly38shown in this embodiment is positioned at the rear of the vehicle21and is commonly known as a “trunk,” it is to be understood that the cover assembly24of this invention will work with any storage compartment assembly positioned at any location on the vehicle21.

With reference now toFIGS. 3 and 3A, the storage compartment assembly38may include a storage compartment33and a lid or top27. The storage compartment33may have side walls23and a floor portion25though the specific design of the storage compartment33is not important for this invention. The lid27may be placed in a “closed” position where it covers the storage compartment33to protect any cargo stored in the storage compartment33. The lid27may also be placed in an “open” position where it permits access to the storage compartment33for use in loading or unloading cargo. To move the lid27between its closed and open positions, it may be pivotally connected to the storage compartment33though the specific way in which the lid27is adjusted between a closed and open position is not important for this invention.

With reference now toFIGS. 3,3A,4, and5, a connection mechanism26may be used to connect the lid27to the storage compartment33. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5, the connection mechanism26may be made up of two parts: a striker28and a latch mechanism30. As is well known by those of skill in the art, the latch mechanism30engages the striker28in to hold the lid27to the storage compartment33. For the embodiment shown, the striker28has or defines a groove29that receives a pivotal component (not shown) of the latch mechanism30. To open the lid27, the pivotal component is moved out of engagement with the groove29in the striker28. In one embodiment, the connection mechanism26also includes a lock mechanism (not shown). As the operation of latch mechanisms30are well known to those of skill in the art, further detail will not be provided here.

With reference again toFIGS. 3 and 3A, it should be noted that the striker28is positioned within an opening34. By placing the striker28within the opening34, the striker28is less conspicuous and thus is less likely to interfere with the loading and unloading of cargo from the storage compartment assembly38. To assist with identifying the location of this invention, the term “compartment portion” will now be defined. Compartment portion, given reference number40, is the portion of the storage compartment assembly38that comprises the opening34and thus the striker28. For the embodiment shown, the compartment portion40is formed in the storage compartment33while the latch mechanism30is attached to the lid27. In another embodiment, the compartment portion40is formed in the lid27and the latch mechanism30is attached to the storage compartment33. It should be understood that this invention will work well regardless of the location of the compartment portion40.

With reference now toFIGS. 3,3A and4, the cover assembly24is used to cover the opening34formed in the compartment portion40. The cover assembly24may include a shaft46and a flap36that is pivotally attached to the shaft46. The flap36covers the opening34whenever the lid27is in the open position. As the lid27is placed into the closed position, the latch mechanism30contacts the flap36, causing the flap36to pivot with respect to the shaft46so that the latch mechanism30can engage the striker28in a known manner. The cover assembly24may also include a biasing device66that in one embodiment is a spring that biases the flap36into the position to cover the opening34. In a specific embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, the spring66may be supported by the shaft46extending through the torsion loops68of the spring66. While a single torsion spring66is shown, it is to be understood that any biasing device chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art will work well with this invention. Some non-limiting examples include two or more torsion springs, other types of springs, a living hinge, etc. The biasing strength of the spring66can be devised using calculations that are well known in the art and can be used with sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. Additionally, in another embodiment, if increased spring strength or durability is desired, multiple springs can be used.

With reference now toFIG. 4, depending on the size and shape of the opening34, the cover assembly24may also include a cap54that is used to cover a portion of the opening34. It should be understood, however, that a cap54is not required for this invention. In one embodiment, the cap54may be fixed to the opening34and may be used to prevent the flap36from rotating above the opening34. The cap54has male prongs56that are designed to be mated and fastened to the holes in the compartment portion40. The method and arrangement disclosed inFIG. 4should not be limiting, as there are many different arrangements to securely fasten the cap54to the compartment portion40.

With further reference toFIG. 4, spanning the opening34is the shaft46. In one embodiment, the shaft may be constructed of a metal. As a nonlimiting example, aluminum may be used. The shaft46has a knurled end48and a length STL. Knurling is the process of applying a texture to a cylindrical object and, as a result of the texturing process, the outer diameter of the shaft46increases due to the permanent deformation of the shaft's46material during the texturing process. Knurling one end of the shaft46aids in manufacture of the cover assembly24by allowing for quick construction without the use of conventional mechanical fasteners.

Also shown inFIG. 4are the first and second extension surfaces,58and60respectively. The length STL of the shaft is long enough to span the opening34and fasten the shaft46into the first and second extension surfaces58and60. The extension surfaces58and60are designed to accept the opposing ends of the shaft46. First exterior support ribbing hole62and extension surface58may be designed to accept the end of shaft46having the knurled end48. The second support ribbing hole64may be adapted to have the shaft's46non-knurled end47be press-fit into the correct position through the exterior support ribbing hole62and the extension surface60. In yet another embodiment, the first and second extension surfaces58and60may provide support to the shaft46after being inserted through the exterior support ribbing holes62and64.

Again with reference toFIG. 4, bordering the opening34on three of the four sides may be the exterior support ribbing35. The exterior support ribbing35is a component of the compartment portion40and may, in one embodiment, define the boundaries of the opening34. The opening34may have a width WO about a plane that is parallel to the shaft's46length STL. In one embodiment, shown, the width WO is measured from the one side of the exterior support ribbing35to the opposing side of the exterior support ribbing35.

In one embodiment, the ratio of the shaft total length STL to the width of the opening WO, STL/WO, is less than 1.5. It a more specific embodiment, the ratio STL/WO is less than 1.2. This ratio is represents one of the improvements over the prior art. In the current embodiment, the shaft46is supported by the exterior support ribbing35and the related the first and second extension surfaces58and60as opposed to the shaft being supported by metal brackets bolted to the compartment portion. This elimination of material reduces material cost, reduces manufacturing time and simplifies the design of the cover assembly24.

With reference now toFIG. 4, the flap36receives support via first and second flap support eyelet,37and39that are adapted to receive the shaft46via eyelet openings49. The shaft46is inserted into the support eyelets37,39and thereby gains support of the shaft46. The number of eyelets shown is merely one embodiment and is not meant to be limiting. The support eyelets37and39may extend out of the flap36and provide an additional method of support for the flap36. Additionally, the support eyelets37,39may permit the flap36an axis with which it can rotate. The shaft46may also act as the foundation for the mechanism by which the flap36rotates. When the shaft46is inserted into the support eyelets37,39and thereby gains support of the shaft46, the support eyelets37,39allow for the flap36to rotate about the axis defined by the shaft46. Additionally, the exterior support ribbing35may provide additional support for the shaft46in the form of support pillars52which extend from the exterior support ribbing35of the compartment portion40.

Again referring toFIG. 4, the flap36is capable of having several different shapes. In one embodiment, the flap36has a U-shaped opening42in the center of the flap36and continues to the exterior bounds of the flap36. In another embodiment, and as shown inFIG. 6, the flap36has an ovular opening44that has a continuous closed boundary within the flap36, where the flap extension45provides additional support to the flap36. As shown inFIG. 4, the U-shaped opening42permits unobstructed access to the striker28when the flap36is rotated. Any shape can be used for the opening42, as long as access to the striker28can be obtained by the latch mechanism30. Additionally, in another embodiment,FIG. 4shows the support ribbing50on the underside of the flap36. The support ribbing50reinforces the flap36which will prevent any degradation of the flap36in the many operations it will have during its lifetime.

Additionally, with reference toFIG. 4, when beginning to assemble the cover assembly24, the process begins with the compartment portion40. The shaft46should be inserted into the first exterior support ribbing hole62. The shaft46should continue being inserted going past the first of the support pillars52and through the first flap support eyelets37, past two additional support pillars52and through the second flap support eyelet39. After the shaft46passes another support pillar52, the shaft46is inserted through the spring's66torsion loops68. After emerging from the torsion loops68, the shaft is inserted into the second exterior support ribbing hole64. At that point the knurled end47of the shaft46is secured to the second extension surface60, as well as the trailing end of the shaft46being press-fit into the first extension surface58. Once the shaft46is secured into position and the flap36is able to rotate, the cap54can be installed. By using the top portion70of the cap54to hold the flap36in position, the bottom portion72of the cap can be fastened to the compartment portion40.

With further reference toFIG. 4, once the compartment portion40and cover assembly24is in the finished state, only the flap36is visible to the user. As shown inFIG. 3, is the concealed portion43of the compartment portion40. The opposing side of the compartment portion40(the viewed portion41—not shown) is what is visible by the user when accessing the finished storage compartment assembly38.

Again, with reference toFIG. 4, during operation of the cover assembly24, if there is no force being applied to the cover assembly24, the spring66supports the flap36to a concealing position. This position consists of the flap36concealing the striker28in the opening34and creating a continuous plane on the viewed portion41of the storage compartment portion40. Additionally, the cover assembly is only visible to the user when the trunk lid is open giving access to the storage compartment38. Assuming that the trunk lid is in the open position, and the user desires to close the trunk lid and eliminate access to the storage compartment38, the user applies a downward force to the trunk lid. The trunk lid and latch mechanism30moves closer to coming in contact with the cover assembly24, and as the two components come in contact, the flap36rotates, with the downward force overcoming the bias of the spring66. The striker28remains stationary inside the opening34. As shown inFIG. 5, the latch mechanism30relocates itself (via the trunk lid) to come together with the striker28in the opening34. Once the latch mechanism30contacts the striker28, the latch mechanism30fastens to the striker28effectively locking the trunk lid to the automobile and sealing the storage compartment33. As long as the lid27remains closed, the cover assembly24remains in an open position. Only when the lid27is opened does the cover assembly24, and specifically the flap36rotate into a closed position.

Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modification without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modification and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.