Versatile tonneau cover and storage system for a motor vehicle

A storage system for a motor vehicle includes a floor panel, a cargo space overlying the floor panel, a storage compartment underlying the floor panel and a versatile tonneau cover. The tonneau cover is displaceable between a storage position in the storage compartment and at least one use position in the cargo space. A shelf support is provided in the cargo space above the floor panel. In one use position, the tonneau cover rests on the shelf support forming a shelf to hold different items.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to the motor vehicle equipment field and, more particularly, to a versatile tonneau cover and a storage system for a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND

The usefulness of the cargo space in SUVs, crossovers, hatchbacks and wagons may be greatly enhanced by means that separate and retain items transported in that space. The goal is to avoid potential damage to those items due to sudden shifting and movements caused by the motion of the motor vehicle including those produced under cornering forces or heavy braking. Toward this end, Ford Motor Company previously introduced a portable storage system that is disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,537. That system incorporates hinged side members that may be deployed to support a removable shelf at different heights in the storage compartment.

This document relates to a new and improved storage system incorporating a versatile tonneau cover that is displaceable between a storage position in a storage compartment underlying a floor panel and multiple use positions for partitioning the cargo space above the floor panel in substantially any desired manner. Further, the storage system incorporates a unique and novel lighting system tailored to meet the changing needs of the vehicle operator based upon the manner in which the tonneau cover is utilized to partition the cargo space. Accordingly, the present storage system set forth in this document represents a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, a new and improved storage system is provided for a motor vehicle. That storage system may be broadly described as comprising a floor panel, a cargo space overlying the floor panel, a storage compartment underlying the floor panel and a tonneau cover displaceable between a storage position in the storage compartment and at least one use position in the cargo space.

In one possible embodiment, the storage system further includes a shelf support in the cargo space above the floor panel. This shelf support functions to support the tonneau cover in a first use position spaced above the floor panel. In this position, the tonneau cover extends substantially parallel to the floor panel thereby forming a shelf that divides the cargo space in a horizontal plane.

In one possible embodiment, the shelf support includes a first section and a second section divided by a gap. The tonneau cover may be supported in the gap in a second use position with the tonneau cover substantially perpendicular to the floor panel. Thus, in this position, the tonneau cover functions as a vertical partition which divides the cargo space into two separate areas.

A first light source may be provided in the first section of the shelf support and a second light source may be provided in a second section of the shelf support. A first actuator switch is provided for the first light source and a second actuator switch is provided for the second light source. The first light source is activated when the tonneau cover is positioned on the first section of the shelf support. The second light source is activated when the tonneau cover is positioned on the second section of the shelf support. Both light sources are activated when the tonneau cover is positioned on both sections of the shelf support. Thus, it should be appreciated that the lighting is adapted specifically to illuminate the area under the tonneau cover, however the tonneau cover is positioned on the shelf support, in order to provide light where it is most needed by the vehicle operator.

In one possible embodiment, the tonneau cover includes a first portion and a second portion and may be selectively provided in a first, expanded configuration and a second, contracted configuration. In one possible embodiment, the first and second portions are connected together via a living hinge. Thus, in this embodiment, the first and second portions may be folded open into the expanded configuration or folded together into the contracted configuration.

In another possible embodiment, the second portion of the tonneau cover is telescopingly received within the first portion. A partition may be provided in the first portion of the tonneau cover. That partition is selectively displaceable between an undeployed position flush with or against a face of the tonneau cover and a deployed position projecting from the face of the tonneau cover. A locking hinge connects the partition to the first portion of the tonneau cover. This hinge allows the angle at which the partition projects from the tonneau cover to be adjusted as desired so that the partition provides an additional divider for the cargo space when the tonneau cover is in one of the use positions.

In another, alternative embodiment, an opening is provided in a face of the first portion of the tonneau cover and a storage net covers that opening. Thus, when the tonneau cover is positioned on the shelf support and utilized as a shelf, one may use the cargo net to store smaller items and prevent them from shifting and rolling around in the larger expanse of the cargo space.

In accordance with yet another aspect, the storage system includes a receiver for receiving and holding the tonneau cover in the storage position beneath the floor panel. In one possible embodiment, the receiver comprises two opposed channels carried on an underside of the floor panel. Further, the floor panel includes a relief opening and the tonneau cover includes a handle accessible through that relief opening when the tonneau cover is in the storage position.

Still further, the storage system may include a tilt mechanism for the floor panel. In one possible embodiment, the tilt mechanism includes a control handle and at least one rotating cam. The tilt mechanism is displaceable between a home position wherein the floor panel rests flush with a floor of the motor vehicle and a tonneau cover access position wherein the floor panel is engaged by the cam and tilted upwardly with respect to the floor. This allows one to easily slide the floor panel out of the receiver channels for deployment in one of the use positions.

In accordance with an additional aspect, a tonneau cover is provided for a motor vehicle. That tonneau cover has the necessary structural rigidity and versatility of design to function as a tonneau cover, a shelf and a partition as desired by the user. The tonneau cover includes a body having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is telescopingly received in the first portion. Further, the body may be selectively provided in a first, expanded configuration when the second portion is extended from the first portion and a second, contracted configuration when the second portion is retracted into the first portion. In one possible embodiment, the tonneau cover further includes a partition in the first portion that is selectively displaceable between an undeployed position flush with or against a face of the tonneau cover and a deployed position projecting from the face of the tonneau cover. A locking hinge connects the partition to the first portion and allows the partition to be locked in substantially any angular orientation desired when projecting from the face of the tonneau cover. This allows one great versatility in partitioning the cargo space in a manner most effective to increase its usefulness. Further, an opening is provided in the face of the first portion of the tonneau cover and a storage net may be provided for covering that opening. This storage net provides an additional feature for holding smaller items and preventing them from shifting and moving around in the cargo space during vehicle operation.

In the following description, there are shown and described several preferred embodiments of the storage system and versatile tonneau cover. As it should be realized, the storage system and tonneau cover are capable of other, different embodiments and their several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the storage system and tonneau cover as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the storage system and tonneau cover, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawing figures illustrating the storage system10for a motor vehicle V. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the storage system10may be broadly described as including a floor panel12, a cargo space, generally designated by reference numeral14, overlying the floor panel, a storage compartment16underlying the floor panel and a tonneau cover18. The tonneau cover18includes a handle20. The floor panel12includes a relief opening22to allow one to see and access the handle20even when the tonneau cover18is in the storage position. The tonneau cover18is displaceable between a storage position underlying the floor panel12within the storage compartment16as illustrated inFIG. 1and various use positions in the cargo space14as illustrated in, for example,FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 8.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 11a-11c, the tonneau cover18may be easily removed from the storage position beneath the floor panel12. More specifically, when the tonneau cover18is in the storage position it is held in a receiver24provided on the underside of the floor panel12. In the illustrated embodiment, that receiver24comprises two opposed channels26. As illustrated inFIG. 11a, when in the storage position, the tonneau cover18rests in those channels26.

A tilt mechanism28(seeFIG. 11a-11c) connected to the floor or frame of the vehicle V allows one to easily access and remove the tonneau cover18from the storage position. As illustrated, the tilt mechanism28comprises a control handle30connected by the axle32to two cooperating eccentric cams34that are provided outboard of the channels26.FIG. 11aillustrates the relative position of the control handle30and the cams34when the floor panel12is in the home or flat position illustrated inFIG. 1.

The tilt mechanism28is utilized to displace the floor panel12into the tonneau cover access position illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 11b. More specifically, one engages the control handle30and rotates the control handle, axle32and cams34through 90° (see action arrow A) so that the eccentric cams34tilt the floor panel12upwardly (see action arrow B inFIG. 2). This is to allow one to easily slide of the cover18out of the channels26by means of the handle20(seeFIGS. 2 and 11c). The tonneau cover18may then be placed in any one of the various use positions illustrated inFIGS. 3-5, 8 and 9.

In one possible embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 10a-10c, the tonneau cover18includes a first portion36and a second portion38connected together by means of a living hinge40. When in the storage position, the first and second portions36,38of the tonneau cover18are folded together so that the tonneau cover assumes a contracted configuration see, for example,FIGS. 2, 11a-11cand10a. As illustrated inFIGS. 10c,4and5, the cover18may also be completely unfolded into an expanded or flat configuration.FIG. 10bshows the unfolding of the two portions36,38in an intermediate position between the contracted configuration illustrated inFIG. 10aand the fully expanded configuration illustrated inFIG. 10c.

An alternative embodiment of tonneau cover18is illustrated inFIGS. 6, 6a,6band9. As illustrated in these Figures, the tonneau cover18is of the telescoping type wherein the first portion42includes an interior space44and the second portion46is telescopingly received within that space in the first portion. Thus, the tonneau cover18is displaceable between a contracted configuration illustrated inFIG. 6aand an expanded configuration illustrated inFIG. 6b. As further illustrated inFIGS. 6, 6aand6bin one possible embodiment, an opening48is provided in the first portion42. When in the contracted position ofFIG. 6a, the second portion46closes that opening48. However, when in the expanded position ofFIG. 6b, the second portion46is withdrawn from the space44and the opening48is opened allowing access to the storage net50covering the opening. Thus, when the tonneau cover18of this embodiment is oriented in a horizontal position as a shelf and is in the expanded configuration, one may place small items in the storage net50through the opening48where they may conveniently be held for access. If desired, the tonneau cover18may then be the displaced into the contracted configuration with the second portion46closing the opening48and capturing those items in storage net50. A stop45at the end of the second portion46abuts the lugs47on the first portion42at the fully expanded position.

In yet another alternative embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, the tonneau cover may include one or more partitions52that are connected by means of locking hinges54to a face56of the first portion42. In an undeployed position, the partitions52may rest against or be flush with the face56. When deployed, the partitions52may be positioned to project from the face at a number of different, desired angles where they are locked by the hinges54. As should be appreciated, these partitions52allow the cargo space14to be divided up or partitioned in a number of different ways as best suited by the user to suit the cargo space to the user's needs when transporting different items.

As further illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, 7-9 and 12a-12d, the storage system10also includes a shelf support generally designated by reference number60. Shelf support60includes a first section62and a second section64divided by a gap66. As illustrated inFIG. 3, when the tonneau cover18is in the contracted configuration, it may be position to rest upon the first section62of the shelf support60which extends along each side wall68of the cargo space14. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the tonneau cover18may be provided in the expanded configuration and rested in a second use position on both the first and second section62,64of the shelf support60. Here it should be appreciated that the tonneau cover18has sufficient structural rigidity to function as a shelf to hold a briefcase BR (FIG. 5) or the like. Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the tonneau cover18may be disposed substantially horizontally, spaced from and parallel to the floor panel12on the shelf support60and thereby partition the cargo space14into an upper section70and a lower section72. Alternatively, as best illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the tonneau cover18may be provided in the contracted configuration and inserted into the gap66between the first and second section62,64in order to function as a vertically oriented partition dividing the cargo space14into a forward section74and a rearward section76. See alsoFIG. 9showing how the partitions52may then be used to further divide the rearward section76as desired.

Reference is now made toFIGS. 12a-12dillustrating yet another aspect of the storage system10. As illustrated, a first light source80may be provided on the underside of the first shelf support section62while a second light source82may be provided on the underside of the second shelf support section64. Similarly, a first actuator switch84is provided on the top face of the first shelf support section62while a second actuator switch86is provided on a top face of the second shelf support section64. The actuator switches84,86may comprise, for example, micro switches within the shelf support60, proximity sensor switches between the cover18and the shelf support60or magnet switches. As illustrated inFIG. 12b, when the tonneau cover18is positioned on either section62or64of the shelf support60, the associated switch84is triggered and the associated light source80,82is activated thereby lighting the area of the cargo space14underlying the cover18. Thus, when the tonneau cover18is in the contracted configuration and positioned on the first section62of the shelf support60, the first actuator switch84is triggered and the first light source80is energized. In the event the cover18in the contracted configuration is positioned on the second section64of the shelf support60, it is the second light source82, not the first light source80, that is activated. In contrast, if the tonneau cover18is in the expanded configuration and is positioned on and supported by both of the first and second sections62,64of the shelf support60, then both switches84,86are triggered and both light sources80,82are activated. Thus, it should be appreciated that the storage system10incorporates an adaptive lighting system that provides light where needed beneath the tonneau cover18no matter where the tonneau cover is positioned on the shelf support60thereby providing illumination to the covered area of the cargo space14for the visual benefit of the vehicle operator.

In summary, the storage system10that is the subject matter of this document provides a number of substantial benefits. The storage system10includes a versatile tonneau cover18that may be configured in expanded and contracted configurations and positioned in various use positions to partition or divide the cargo space14into a number of useful configurations adapted to suit the changing needs of the vehicle operator depending upon the cargo being transported. Advantageously, the tonneau cover18has sufficient rigidity to function as a shelf if desired. Further, in various embodiments it may include a storage net50and adjustable projecting partitions52to further divide the storage compartment14in the manner most useful for the vehicle operator.

In addition, the storage system10includes an adaptive lighting system including the light sources80,82on the underside of the first and second section62,64of the shelf support60. These light sources80,82operate independently to provide lighting of the cargo space14underneath the tonneau cover18to aid the vehicle operator in seeing objects under the cover. When the tailgate of the vehicle is closed, these light sources80,82may be extinguished in the manner of the dome light commonly provided in motor vehicles.