DIVIDER PANEL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE

A system of divider panels for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a first divider panel that separates a front seating area from a rear seating area of the vehicle. A second divider panel separates the rear seating area from a cargo area of the vehicle. A third divider panel separates the rear seating area into two separate areas. The first, second and third dividers may be removably coupled in the interior cabin of the vehicle by mounting points defined in the roof of the vehicle, the floor of the vehicle, and seating support structure of the vehicle.

FIELD

This document relates, generally, to divider panels for a motor vehicle, and in particular to divider panels that can be secured into a roof panel of the motor vehicle to partition the interior cabin of the motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND

A motor vehicle typically includes a body and a roof coupled to the body. The body and the roof may define, for example, an interior cabin, an engine compartment, a cargo compartment and the like.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, a divider system for a vehicle includes a first divider panel configured to be removably coupled in a first portion of an interior cabin of a vehicle, wherein the first divider panel extends between a roof portion and a floor portion of the vehicle, and between a first lateral side portion and a second lateral side portion of the vehicle, to separate a first cabin area and a second cabin area of the interior cabin of the vehicle, the first divider panel including a first panel section defining an upper portion of the first divider panel; a second panel section coupled to the first panel section and defining a lower portion of the first divider panel; a first coupling portion provided at an upper end portion of the first panel section, including a plurality of protrusions configured to be removably received in corresponding mounting points formed in the roof portion of the vehicle; and a second coupling portion provided at a lower end portion of the second panel section, including a plurality of openings configured to provide for removable coupling of the lower end portion of the second panel section to the floor portion of the vehicle, wherein the first divider panel is configured to be supported in the interior cabin of the vehicle via the coupling of the first panel section to the roof portion and the second panel section to the floor portion of the vehicle, independent of a first support pillar and a second support pillar respectively provided at the first lateral side portion and the second lateral side portion of the vehicle.

In some implementations, the divider system includes at least one bracket coupled to a corresponding rail structure fixed to the floor portion of the vehicle, wherein the second coupling portion of the first divider panel is configured to be removably coupled to the rail structure via the at least one bracket.

In some implementations, the at least one bracket includes a first bracket coupled to a first rail structure supporting a first seat in the first cabin area; and a second bracket coupled to a second rail structure supporting a second seat in the first cabin area.

In some implementations, a plurality of fasteners extend through the plurality of openings in the second coupling portion of the first divider and into the first bracket and the second bracket to removably couple the lower portion of the first divider to the floor portion of the vehicle.

In some implementations, the first panel section of the first divider panel includes a rigid frame surrounding a rigid material that is at least partially transparent.

In some implementations, the divider system includes a second divider panel configured to divide the second cabin area from a third cabin area of the interior cabin of the vehicle, the second divider panel including a third coupling portion provided at an upper end portion of the second divider panel and configured to be removably coupled to the roof portion of the vehicle; and a fourth coupling portion provided at a lower end portion of the second divider panel and configured to be removably coupled to corresponding mounting points provided in a rear seat support structure of the vehicle.

In some implementations, the third coupling portion is configured to be removably secured between a frame portion of the third cabin area and a door of the third cabin area.

In some implementations, the third coupling portion includes a plurality of protrusions configured to be removably received in corresponding mounting points formed in the roof portion of the vehicle.

In some implementations, the second divider panel includes a rigid frame surrounding a rigid material that is at least partially transparent.

In some implementations, the divider system includes a third divider panel configured to divide the second cabin area into a first section and a second section, the third divider panel including a fifth coupling portion provided at an upper end portion of the third divider panel, including a plurality of protrusions configured to be removably received in corresponding mounting points formed in the roof portion of the vehicle; and a sixth coupling portion provided at a lower end portion of the third divider panel and configured to removably couple the lower end portion of the third divider panel to the floor portion of the vehicle.

In some implementations, the divider system includes at least one fastener extending through at least one corresponding opening in the sixth coupling portion and into at least one corresponding mounting point in the floor portion of the vehicle to removably couple the lower end portion of the third divider panel to the floor portion of the vehicle.

In some implementations, the divider system includes a seventh coupling portion at a rear end portion of the third divider panel and configured to removably couple the rear end portion of the third divider panel to a corresponding portion of a seat installed in the second cabin area.

In some implementations, the divider system includes at least one fastener extending through at least one corresponding opening in the seventh coupling portion and into at least one corresponding mounting point in the seat installed in the second cabin area to removably couple the rear end portion of the third divider panel to the seat.

In some implementations, the first divider panel is configured to restrict access between the first cabin area and the second cabin area; the second divider panel is configured to restrict access between the second cabin area and the third cabin area; and the third divider panel is configured to restrict access between the first section and the second section of the second cabin area.

In some implementations, the first cabin area is a front seating area of the vehicle; the second cabin area is a rear seating area of the vehicle; and the third cabin area is a cargo area of the vehicle.

In another general aspect, a method of installing a divider system in a vehicle includes installing a first divider panel in an interior cabin of the vehicle, independent of a first support pillar and a second support pillar respectively provided at a first lateral side portion and a second lateral side portion of the vehicle, to separate a first cabin area from a second cabin area of the interior cabin, including coupling a first coupling portion at an upper end portion of the first divider panel to a roof portion of the interior cabin, including removably inserting a plurality of protrusions at the upper end portion of the first divider panel into a corresponding plurality of mounting points formed in a roof portion of the interior cabin; and securing a second coupling portion at a lower end portion of the first divider panel to a floor portion of the interior cabin, including removably fastening the second coupling portion to at least one rail structure coupled to the floor portion of the interior cabin.

In some implementations, securing the second coupling portion of the first divider panel to the floor portion of the interior cabin includes installing a plurality of fasteners through a plurality of openings in the second coupling portion and into a first bracket coupled to a first rail structure and a second bracket coupled to a second rail structure, the first rail structure securing a first seat in the first cabin area to the floor portion of the interior cabin, and the second rail structure securing a second seat in the first cabin area to the floor structure of the interior cabin.

In some implementations, the method includes installing a second divider panel in the interior cabin, to separate the second cabin area from a third cabin area of the vehicle, including:

positioning a third coupling portion at an upper end portion of the second divider panel between a frame and a door coupled to the frame, the frame being positioned between the second cabin area and the third cabin area, and the door being coupled to the frame for access to the third cabin area; and installing a plurality of fasteners through a plurality of openings in a fourth coupling portion at a lower end portion of the third divider panel and into an upper end portion of a seat in the second cabin area.

In some implementations, the method includes installing a third divider panel in the second cabin area of the interior cabin, including coupling a fifth coupling portion at an upper end portion of the third divider panel to a roof portion of the interior cabin, including removably inserting a plurality of protrusions at the upper end portion of the third divider panel into a corresponding plurality of mounting points formed in the roof portion of the interior cabin; and securing a sixth coupling portion at a lower end portion of the third divider panel to a floor portion of the interior cabin, including removably fastening the second coupling portion to the floor portion of the interior cabin.

In some implementations, the third divider panel extends from the first divider panel to the second divider panel to separate the second cabin area into a first section and a second section. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In configuring a vehicle for a particular use or application, it may be desirable to separate an interior cabin of the vehicle into separate areas, or compartments, for example, in a manner in which at least some, or all, of the compartments inaccessible from another of the compartments. For example, a vehicle to be equipped and/or configured for use as a public safety vehicle may benefit from the ability to separate, or establish a barrier between a rear seating area and a front seating area, and/or between the rear seating area and a cargo compartment of the vehicle. Such barriers may restrict access to the front seating area and/or the cargo compartment from the rear seating area, and in particular may restrict access to the front seating area and/or the cargo compartment by a passenger in the rear seating area. Similarly, a vehicle to be equipped and/or configured for use as a public safety vehicle may benefit from the ability to separate, or divide the rear seating area into separate seating areas. Such dividers may restrict access between seating sections in the rear seating area, to isolate one rear seat passenger from another rear seat passenger, to restrict access to equipment and the like stored in one of the seating sections, and the like.

A system of divider panels, in accordance with implementations described herein, may be coupled to an interior cabin of a vehicle, to selectively divide the interior cabin into separate containment areas within the interior cabin of the vehicle. Installation of the divider panels may restrict access between the separate containment areas within the interior cabin of the vehicle. The installation of one or more divider panels in the interior cabin of the vehicle to restrict access between compartments and/or isolate compartments in the interior cabin of the vehicle from each other may allow the vehicle to be configured for a particular application. Such applications may include, for example, a public safety application in which passenger(s) held in the rear seating area are to be isolated from public safety officer(s) in the front seating area of the vehicle, passenger(s) held in the rear seating area are to be isolated from each other and/or from equipment stored in the cargo compartment and/or the rear seating area, and the like. In some implementations, the system may include a first divider panel that provides a barrier between the rear seating area and the front seating area of the interior cabin of the vehicle. In some implementations, the system may include a second divider panel that provides a barrier between the rear seating area and the cargo compartment of the vehicle. In some implementations, the system may include a third divider panel that extends between the first divider panel and the second divider panel to provide a barrier between a first section of the rear seating area and a second section of the rear seating area.

In some implementations, one or more of the divider panels may be secured at a first end portion thereof to a roof portion of the vehicle. For example, the roof portion of the vehicle may include mounting points configured to specifically receive and secure coupling portions of the divider panels, to facilitate the installation of the divider panels in the interior cabin of the vehicle. One or more of the divider panels may be secured at a second end portion thereof to a floor portion of the vehicle. The one or more divider panels may be secured in this manner from the interior cabin of the vehicle. The one or more divider panels may be selectively installed in the interior cabin of the vehicle, so that the interior cabin can be configured and separated into compartments as necessary for a particular application. The one or more divider panels may be removed and replaced, from the interior cabin of the vehicle, to reconfigure the arrangement of compartments in the vehicle as necessary for a particular application. The system of divider panels may provide a modular solution to the

The modular nature of the system of divider panels, in accordance with implementations described herein, may provide flexibility in the arrangement, and rearrangement, of divider panels to define compartments and/or segregate/isolate areas within the interior cabin of the vehicle as necessary for a particular application. The coupling, or securing, or mounting of the divider panels at mounting points provided in the roof portion of the vehicle may allow the removal and replacement of divider panels to be accomplished without extensive removal and replacement of other interior components of the vehicle, and without extensive modification of other interior components of the vehicle, thus facilitating the customization of the interior cabin of the vehicle as necessary for a particular user and/or a particular application of the vehicle.

FIG.1Aillustrates installation of an example first divider panel100in an example vehicle10, in accordance with implementations described herein. In the view shown inFIG.1A, a door (not shown inFIG.1A) is open relative to a door frame90and support pillar80of the example vehicle10, so that a portion of a rear cabin area30, a portion of a rear seat40, a portion of a roof50, a portion of a floor60of the vehicle10, and the installed first divider panel100are visible. In the example shown inFIG.1A, the first divider panel100is installed so as to separate the rear cabin area30from a front cabin area20of the vehicle10. In particular, the first divider panel100may be installed so as to restrict access to the front cabin area20from the rear cabin area30of the vehicle10. In the arrangement shown inFIG.1A, a top portion of the first divider panel100is coupled to, or mounted to, or secured to the roof50of the vehicle10. In particular, the top portion of the first divider panel100may be secured to an interior portion of the roof50. In some examples, mounting points provided in the roof50may be accessible from the interior cabin of the vehicle10to facilitate the mounting or securing of the top portion of the first divider panel100to the roof50. In the arrangement shown inFIG.1A, a bottom portion of the first divider panel100is coupled to, or mounted to, or secured to the floor60of the vehicle10. In particular, the bottom portion of the first divider panel100may be secured to the floor60via support rail structure65supporting front seats21,22(seeFIGS.2D and2E) installed in the front cabin area20.

FIGS.1B(1) and1B(2) illustrate installation of an example second divider panel200in the example vehicle10, in accordance with implementations described herein. In particular, inFIG.1B(1) the second divider panel200is visible via the door frame90of the example vehicle10. InFIG.1B(2), a cargo area door (not shown) is open relative to a cargo area frame95defining an access opening into a cargo area35of the vehicle10, behind the rear cabin area30. In the example shown inFIGS.1B(1) and1B(2), the second divider panel200is installed so as to separate the rear cabin area30from the cargo area35of the vehicle10, or restrict access to the cargo area35from the rear cabin area30of the vehicle10. In the arrangement shown inFIGS.1B(1) and1B(2), a top edge portion of the second divider panel200defines a coupling portion225that provides for coupling of the top portion of the second divider panel200to the vehicle10. In some examples, the coupling portion225may be secured between the cargo area frame95and the cargo area door (not shown). In some examples, the top portion of the second divider panel200may be coupled to, or mounted to, or secured to an interior portion of the roof50. In some examples, mounting points provided in the roof50may be accessible from the interior cabin of the vehicle10to facilitate the mounting or securing of the top portion of the second divider panel200to the roof50. In the arrangement shown inFIGS.1B(1) and1B(2), a bottom portion of the second divider panel200may define a coupling portion215that is coupled to, or mounted to, or secured to a top portion of the rear seat40of the vehicle10. In some examples, the bottom portion of the second divider panel200may be secured to a rear portion of an upper ledge portion42of the rear seat40via, for example, mounting points defined in the rear seat40.

FIGS.1C(1) and1C(2) illustrate installation of an example third divider panel300in the example vehicle10, in accordance with implementations described herein. In the view shown inFIG.1C(1), a door (not shown inFIG.1C) is open relative to the door frame90and support pillar80of the example vehicle10, and the installation of the third divider panel300in the rear cabin area30is visible through the access defined by the door frame90and support pillar80.FIG.1C(2) illustrates the third divider panel300as viewed from the front cabin area20. In the example shown inFIGS.1C(1) and1C(2), the third divider panel300is installed so as to separate the rear cabin area30into a first rear cabin area31and a second rear cabin area32. In particular, installation of the third divider panel300may restrict access to the second rear cabin area32from the first rear cabin area31, and may restrict access to the first rear cabin area31from the second rear cabin area32. In this example arrangement, the first rear cabin area31and the second rear cabin area32are each configured for seating, simply for purposes of discussion an illustration. In some examples, the first rear cabin area31and/or the second rear cabin area32may be configured or equipped in other manners. For example, in addition to seating, the first rear cabin area31and/or the second rear cabin area32may be configured for equipment storage and/or transport, canine transport, and the like.

In the arrangement shown inFIGS.1C(1) and1C(2), a top portion of the third divider panel300is coupled to, or mounted to, or secured to the roof50of the vehicle10. In particular, the top portion of the third divider panel300may be secured to an interior portion of the roof50. In some examples, mounting points provided in the roof50may be accessible from the interior cabin of the vehicle10to facilitate the mounting or securing of the top portion of the third divider panel300to the roof50. In some examples, a bottom portion of the third divider panel300may be coupled to, or mounted to, or secured to the floor60of the vehicle10. In some examples, a rear end portion of the third divider panel300and/or an intermediate portion of the third divider panel300may be coupled to, or mounted to, or secured to a corresponding portion of the rear seat40.

FIG.2A(1) is a plan view of a first configuration of the example first divider panel100.FIG.2A(2) is a plan view of a second configuration of the example first divider panel100.FIG.2Bis a side view of the example first divider panel100. In particular,FIG.2A(1) is a plan view in which the example first divider panel100includes a first panel100A and a second panel100B.FIG.2A(2) is a plan view in which the example first divider panel100is formed as a single panel. As shown inFIGS.2A(1),2A(2) and2B, the first divider panel100(including the first panel100A and the second panel100B in the implementation shown inFIG.2A(1) or the single panel shown inFIG.2A(2)) may include a first section110and a second section120. The first section110may include an upper panel112supported within a frame114, with a plurality of first coupling portions115arranged on an upper portion of the frame114. The first coupling portions115may be coupled in mounting portions in the roof50of the vehicle10(to be described below with respect toFIGS.2C(1) and2C(2)). The example first coupling portions115may include protrusions that are inserted into mounting portions in the roof50of the vehicle10. The first coupling portions115of the example first divider panels100shown inFIGS.2A(1) and2A(2) can include more, or fewer, protrusions, arranged differently than shown in this example. In some examples, fasteners such as bolts may be inserted through openings in the first coupling portions115and into the mounting portions in the roof50of the vehicle10, instead of, or in addition to the protrusions.

In some examples, the upper panel112may be transparent or translucent, to provide for visibility through the upper panel112. For example, a transparent or translucent upper panel112may provide a driver in the front cabin area20with visibility to the rear of the vehicle10, for example via a rearview mirror. In an example in which the vehicle10is equipped for public safety, a transparent or translucent upper panel112may allow a public safety officer in the front cabin area20to view passengers and/or equipment in the rear cabin area30. The upper panel112may be made of, for example, a polycarbonate material, a mesh material, and other such materials that may provide for overall rigidity of the upper panel112, alone or together with the frame114, while also providing for visibility therethrough.

The second section120of the first divider panel100may be coupled to the frame114of the first section110or integrally formed with the frame114of the first section110. A plurality of second coupling portions125may be arranged along a lower portion of the second section120. The second coupling portions125may provide for the coupling of the second section120of the first divider panel100to corresponding support structure (to be described below with respect toFIGS.2D and2E) at the floor of the vehicle10. The second section120of the first divider panel100may be made of a material that provides for overall structural rigidity of the first divider panel100, such as, for example, a metal material such as aluminum or other such materials.

In some examples, perforations127may be formed in a portion of the first divider panel100. The perforations127may provide for airflow into the rear cabin area30. In the example shown inFIGS.2A(1) and2A(2), the perforations127are formed in a lower portion of the second section120of the first divider panel100, corresponding to an area under the seats21,22in the front cabin area20. In some arrangements, ducting of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of the vehicle10may provide airflow from under the seats21and/or22, through the perforations127, and into the rear cabin area30. In some examples, perforations127may be formed in the first divider panel100at a position corresponding a console positioned between the seats21,22in the front cabin area20, to provide airflow into the rear cabin area30. The material of the frame114and the upper panel112of the first section110, together with the material of the second section120, may provide for a level or amount or degree of structural rigidity that allows the first divider panel100to be stably mounted or installed in the vehicle10by the first coupling portions115at the top portion of the first divider panel100and the second coupling portions125at the bottom portion of the first divider panel100. In some examples, the first divider panel100may be stably mounted in the vehicle10without additional coupling support at the opposite lateral ends thereof, which would require disassembly, reconfiguration and the like of the corresponding support pillars80at the interior sides of the vehicle10. The mounting of the first divider panel100will be described in more detail below with respect toFIGS.2C(1) through2F.

FIG.2C(1) is a side view, andFIG.2C(2) is a perspective view, of an example coupling of the first coupling portion(s)115of the first divider panel100to the roof50of the vehicle10, in accordance with implementations described herein. As shown inFIGS.2C(1) and2C(2), the roof50may include an interior panel51coupled to an exterior panel52. The interior panel51may define an interior roof surface of the interior cabin of the vehicle10. The roof50may include a plurality of mounting points55. Various components, accessories and the like may be selectively mounted to the roof50via the mounting points55.FIG.2C(1) illustrates one of a plurality of mounting points55that may be formed in the roof50. In the example shown inFIG.2C(1), the example mounting point55extends through the interior panel51and into the exterior panel52.FIG.2C(1) illustrates one of the plurality of first coupling portions115of the first divider panel100received in, or coupled in, or mounted in, or installed in the mounting point55. Mounting of the first coupling portions115of the first divider panel100into corresponding mounting points55defined in the roof50(i.e., by the protrusions inserted into the mounting points55, fasteners inserted through the first coupling portions115and into the mounting points55and/or a combination thereof) may provide structural support at the top portion of the first divider panel100for mounting of the first divider panel100in the interior cabin of the vehicle10. In some examples, the protrusions of the first coupling portions115may be slidably received in, or press fit into the corresponding mounting points55. In some examples, the first coupling portions115secured to the corresponding mounting points55in other ways.

FIG.2Dillustrates a bracket150which can be fixed to support structure at the floor60of the vehicle10to couple, or secure, the bottom portion of the first divider panel100to the vehicle10.FIG.2Eillustrates the bracket150fixed to a support rail structure65which is in turn fixed to the floor60the vehicle10.FIG.2Fillustrates a bottom portion of the first divider panel100fixed to the support rail structure65via the bracket150. The support rail structure65may be structure that is already in place in the vehicle10to support the installation of the front seats in the front cabin area20of the vehicle10. Thus, the mounting of the support bracket150to the existing support rail structure65, and the mounting of the bottom portion of the first divider panel100to the support bracket150may be accomplished making use of existing structural components in the vehicle10, and without removal and/or replacement and/or reconfiguration of existing structure.

In the example arrangement shown inFIG.2E, a first bracket150A is fixed to a first support rail structure65A supporting a first seat21in the front cabin area20of the vehicle10, and a second bracket150B is fixed to a second support rail structure65B supporting a second seat22in the front cabin area20of the vehicle10. In the example arrangement shown inFIG.2F, the second coupling portion125A of the second section120of the first divider panel100is then coupled to the first bracket150A fixed to the first support rail structure65A, and the second coupling portion125B of the second section120of the first divider panel100is coupled to the second bracket150B fixed to the second support rail structure65B.

In one example installation procedure, the brackets150(the first bracket150A and the second bracket150B in the example shown inFIGS.2D-2F) may be installed on the corresponding rail structure65(the first rail structure65A and the second rail structure65B in the example shown inFIGS.2D-2F) of the vehicle10. The first coupling portions115of the first divider panel100may be inserted into and secured in the corresponding mounting points55in the roof50. With the first coupling portions115of the first divider panel100received in the respective mounting points55in the roof50, the bottom portion of the second section120of the first divider panel100may then be positioned in place against the brackets150installed on the support rail structures65, i.e., with the coupling portion125A positioned against the first bracket150A installed on the first support rail structure65A, and the coupling portion125B positioned against the second bracket150B installed on the second support rail structure65B. With the coupling portions125A,125B at the bottom portion of first divider panel100aligned with the brackets150A,150B in this manner, fasteners155may be inserted through the coupling portions125A,125B and into the brackets150A,150B to fix the bottom portion of the first divider panel100to the rail structure65A,65B, which is in turn fixed to the floor60of the vehicle10.

Attachment, or mounting, or coupling, or securing of the top portion of the first divider panel100and the bottom portion of the first divider panel100to existing structure of the vehicle10in the manner described above may allow the first divider panel100to be secured in place in the vehicle10. Installation of the first divider panel100in this manner may be accomplished without removal and/or replacement of existing components, without reconfiguration and/or destruction of existing structure, and the like. In general, installation of existing/known divider/barrier systems into a vehicle typically involve the time consuming and costly removal, reconfiguration, reconstruction and the like of the various components of the lateral support pillars80of the vehicle10. In contrast, the ability to mount the first divider panel100to structural components of the roof50and to structural components of the floor60of the vehicle10, in accordance with implementations described herein, may allow the first divider panel100to be securely and stably mounted to existing vehicle structure, without destruction and reconstruction of the side support pillars80. Thus, the first divider panel100installed in this manner may extend from the roof50to the floor60of the vehicle10, and between opposite lateral side portions of the interior cabin area to the support pillars80. The first divider panel100may be supported in this position through the securing or coupling provided at the roof50and the floor60of the vehicle10, independently from the side support pillars80at the opposite lateral side portions of the interior cabin area. The support provided at the top portion and the bottom portion of the first divider panel100installed in this manner may obviate the need for securing side portions of the first divider panel100to the side support pillars80at the opposite lateral side portions of the interior cabin area of the vehicle10, which would otherwise involve disassembly, reconfiguration, reassembly and the like of the side support pillars80.

FIG.3A(1) is a rear view of a first configuration of the example second divider panel200, in accordance with implementations described herein.FIG.3A(2) is a rear view of a second configuration of the example second divider panel200, in accordance with implementations described herein. The second divider panel200may include a panel212supported within a frame214. A first coupling portion215at a lower portion of the second divider panel200may include one or more openings215A. The first coupling portion215and openings215A may provide for the coupling of the second divider panel200to corresponding support structure such as, for example support structure associated with the rear seat40of the vehicle10. In the example shown inFIG.3A(1), the second divider panel may include a second coupling portion225at an upper end portion of the panel212. In the example shown inFIG.3A(1), the second coupling portion225may be defined by an upper portion of the frame214of the second divider panel200, which may be secured between the cargo area frame95and a corresponding portion of a cargo area door positioned against the cargo area frame95in a closed position of the cargo area door, such that the second coupling portion225is secured between the cargo area frame95and the cargo area door.

In the example shown inFIG.3A(2), the example second divider panel200includes one or more protrusions225A arranged on an upper portion of the frame214corresponding to the second coupling portion225. The one or more protrusions225A may be coupled in mounting portions in the roof50of the vehicle10(to be described below with respect toFIG.3B). The example shown inFIG.3A(2) includes three protrusions225A, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The second divider panel200can include more, or fewer, protrusions225A, arranged differently than shown in this example.

In some examples, the panel212may be transparent or translucent, to provide for visibility through the panel212. For example, a transparent or translucent panel212may provide a driver in the front cabin area20with visibility to the rear of the vehicle10, for example via a rearview mirror. The panel212may be made of, for example, a polycarbonate material, a mesh material, and other such materials that may provide for overall rigidity of the panel212, alone or together with the frame214, while also providing for visibility therethrough.

The material of the frame214and the panel212of the second divider panel200may provide for a level or amount or degree of structural rigidity that allows the second divider panel200to be stably mounted or installed in the vehicle10by the first coupling portion215at the lower portion of the second divider panel200and the second coupling portion225at the upper portion of the second divider panel200. In some examples, the second divider panel200may be stably mounted in the vehicle10without additional coupling support at the opposite lateral ends thereof, which would require disassembly, reconfiguration and the like of corresponding support portions of the cargo area frame95of the vehicle10.

As shown inFIG.3B, a plurality of mounting points45may be defined in the ledge portion42of the rear seat40. One or more of the plurality of mounting points45defined in the ledge portion42of the rear seat40may correspond to, or be aligned with the one or more openings215A in the first coupling portion215at the lower portion of the second divider panel200. In one example installation procedure associated with the example second divider panel200shown inFIG.3A(1), with the cargo area door in an open position relative to the cargo area frame95, the first coupling portion215may be positioned on the ledge portion42of the rear seat40, and the second coupling portion225may be positioned against the cargo area frame95. The cargo area door may be closed to secure the second coupling portion between the cargo area door and the cargo area frame95. With the one or more openings215A of the first coupling portion215aligned with the mounting points45defined in the ledge portion42of the rear seat40, fasteners245may be inserted through the openings215A in the first coupling portion215and into the mounting points45in the ledge portion42of the rear seat40, to fix the bottom portion of the second divider panel200to the support structure of the rear seat40.

FIG.3Cillustrates one of the example protrusions225A of the second coupling portion225of the example divider panel200shown inFIG.3A(2), received in, or coupled in, or mounted in, an example mounting point55formed in the roof50of the example vehicle10, the example mounting point55extending through the interior panel51and into the exterior panel52of the roof50. Mounting of the protrusions225A of the second coupling portion225of the second divider panel200shown inFIG.3A(2) into corresponding mounting points55defined in the roof50may provide structural support at the upper portion of the second divider panel200for mounting of the second divider panel200in the interior cabin of the vehicle10. In some examples, the protrusions225A may be slidably received in, or press fit into the corresponding mounting points55. In some examples, the protrusions225A may be received in and/or secured in the corresponding mounting points55in other ways.

In another example installation procedure associated with the example second divider panel200shown inFIG.3A(2), the protrusions225A of the second divider panel200may be inserted into and secured in the corresponding mounting points55in the roof50. With the protrusions225A of the second divider panel200received in the respective mounting points55in the roof50, the lower portion of the second divider panel200may then be positioned in place against the ledge portion42of the rear seat40, with the openings215A in the first coupling portion215aligned with the mounting points45defined in the ledge portion42of the rear seat40. Fasteners245may be inserted through the openings215A and into the mounting points45in the ledge portion42of the rear seat40, to fix the lower portion of the second divider panel200to the support structure of the rear seat40, as shown inFIG.3B.

Attachment, or mounting, or coupling, or securing of the top portion of the second divider panel200and the bottom portion of the second divider panel200to existing structure of the vehicle10in the manner described above may allow the second divider panel200to be secured in place in the vehicle10. Installation of the second divider panel200in this manner may be accomplished without removal and/or replacement of existing components, without reconfiguration and/or destruction of existing structure, and the like. The ability to mount the second divider panel200to structural components of the roof50and to structural components associated with the rear seat40, in accordance with implementations described herein, may allow the second divider panel200to be securely and stably mounted to existing vehicle structure.

FIG.4A(1) is a plan view of one configuration of the example third divider panel300.FIG.4A(2) is a plan view of another configuration of the example second divider panel. In some implementations, the third divider panel300may be defined by a single panel of material that extends from a top portion to a bottom portion of the third divider panel300. In some implementations, the third divider panel300may include a first section310coupled to a second section320. In some implementations, the first section may be transparent, or translucent, to provide for visibility therethrough. As described above, the third divider panel300may be installed in the rear cabin area30, and extend between the first divider panel100and the second divider panel200(if installed) and/or between the first divider panel100and a rear wall (not shown) of the rear cabin area30, to divide the rear cabin area30into the first rear cabin area31and the second rear cabin area32.FIGS.4B(1) and4B(2) illustrate the coupling of the example divider panel300at the roof50of the example vehicle10, between the example first divider panel100and the example second divider panel200.

In some examples, at least a portion of the first section310of the third divider panel300may be transparent or translucent, to provide for visibility therethrough. The third divider panel300(including a single section or the first and second sections310,320) may be made of material(s) that provide for overall rigidity of the third divider panel300.

In the example shown inFIG.4A(1), a plurality of first coupling portions315are arranged on an upper portion of the third divider panel300. The first coupling portions315may be coupled in corresponding mounting points defined in the roof50of the vehicle10. The example shown inFIG.4A(1) includes two first coupling portions315A and315B, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. In the example shown inFIG.4A(1), the first coupling portions315are formed as protrusions that can be inserted into corresponding mounting points defined in the roof50. In the example shown inFIG.4A(2), the first coupling portions315are formed as tabs, including openings through which fasteners may be inserted to couple the upper end portion of the third divider panel300to the roof50of the vehicle10. The third divider panel300can include more, or fewer, first coupling portions315, arranged differently than shown in this example. A plurality of second coupling portions325may be arranged along a lower portion of the third divider panel300. The second coupling portions325may provide for the coupling of the third divider panel300to corresponding support structure at the floor60of the vehicle10.

The material of the third divider panel300may provide for a level or amount or degree of structural rigidity that allows the third divider panel300to be stably mounted or installed in the vehicle10by the first coupling portions315at the top portion of the third divider panel300and the second coupling portions325at the bottom portion of the third divider panel300. In some examples, the first divider panel100may be stably mounted in the vehicle10without additional coupling support at the opposite lateral ends thereof. In some implementations, the third divider panel300may be coupled at a front end portion330thereof to the first divider panel100and/or at a rear end portion340thereof to the second divider panel200and/or to a corresponding portion of the rear seat40.

As shown inFIG.4C, a plurality of mounting points66may be defined in the floor60, at positions corresponding to openings335in the second coupling portion325of the third divider panel300. In one example installation procedure, the first coupling portions315of the third divider panel300may be inserted into and secured in the corresponding mounting points55in the roof50. With the first coupling portions315of the third divider panel300received in the respective mounting points55in the roof50, the bottom portion of the third divider panel300may then be positioned in place against the floor, with the openings335in the second coupling portion325aligned with the mounting points66defined in the floor60. Fasteners345may be inserted through the openings335and into the mounting points66in the floor60, to fix the bottom portion of the third divider panel300to the floor60.FIG.4Dillustrates the third divider panel300installed in the rear cabin area30of the example vehicle10. Installation of the third divider panel300in this manner may be accomplished without removal and/or replacement of existing components, without reconfiguration and/or destruction of existing structure, and the like. The ability to mount the third divider panel300to structural components of the roof50and to structural components associated with the floor60, in accordance with implementations described herein, may allow the third divider panel300to be securely and stably mounted to existing vehicle structure.

FIG.5is a top perspective view of the example vehicle10, with the roof50removed, so that the interior cabin is visible.FIGS.6A through6Hprovide various additional views of the example divider panel system including the example first divider panel100, the example second divider panel200, and the example third divider panel300installed in the example vehicle10. In the example arrangement shown inFIG.5A, the first divider panel100and the second divider panel200are installed in the interior cabin, as described above. In the example arrangement shown inFIG.5, the front cabin area20and the cargo area35are inaccessible from the rear cabin area30, with access between the first rear cabin area31and the second rear cabin area32prohibited by the third divider panel300. The example arrangement and combinations of the configurations of the first, second and third divider panels100,200,300is presented inFIG.5simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. Other example arrangements and/or combinations of the configurations of the first, second and third divider panels100,200,300may also be installed in the example vehicle10.

The modular design and installation alternatives afforded by the plurality of dividers and plurality of mounting points provided throughout the vehicle allow the vehicle to be configured, and re-configured quickly and easily for a variety of different uses and applications. The configuration and re-configuration of the vehicle can be accomplished without removal and/or replacement of additional components, destruction of existing components, structure and the like, provide a cost-effective solution to providing vehicles customized for specific uses and applications.