Modular vehicle package tray

Abstract: A package tray (10) for a motor vehicle comprises a generally planar first surface element (36), a second surface element (38) substantially parallel and attached to the first surface element (36) having an access surface (44) exposed to the trunk of the motor vehicle, a cavity (24,26,28) formed in the access surface (44) for receiving an electronic module (30,32,34), a sealed resonance chamber for improved acoustical performance, and fastening means (46,48,50,52) for releasably affixing the electronic modules in the cavity.

Description: The present invention relates to a vehicle package tray. More particularly, the invention is directed to a package tray for a motor vehicle including, inter alia, at least one cavity for receiving an electronic module. Modern motor vehicles generally include a package tray mounted on the automobile body structure between the rear seat back and the rear window. Such package trays typically are sufficiently rigid and strong to support small articles placed thereon as well as support and house a rear centre high-mounted stop lamp, a set of acoustical speakers, with a sealed resonance chamber, various storage compartments, and the like. Electrical wiring for activating the stop lamp and speakers is generally routed through the interior of the package tray, or beneath the package tray within the trunk of the vehicle. U.S. Patent No. 5,171,054 discloses a package tray for a motor vehicle incorporating transverse reinforcing channels through which electrical cables connected to the stop lamp and audio speakers are routed. It is also well-known that modern motor vehicles contain various electronic modules dispersed throughout the vehicle. Many times, these electronic modules are positioned in locations which are difficult to access in order to assemble, test, repair, or replace them. DE 3424544C is concerned with a radio receiver for a vehicle in which the bass speaker therefor is located in the luggage boot and is attached to the underside of a package tray adjacent the inlet of a ventilation duct passing into the passenger compartment. The bass speaker protrudes from the underside of the package tray and is prone to damage as luggage is landed into the boot. It must be noted that the prior art referred to hereinabove has been collected and examined only in light of the present invention as a guide. It is not to be inferred that such diverse art would otherwise be assembled absent the motivation provided by the present invention, nor that the cited prior art, when considered in combination, suggests the present invention absent the teachings herein. It would be desirable to take advantage of the ease of accessibility and modular characteristic of an automobile package tray in determining the location and configuration for installing electronic modules within a modern motor vehicle. According to the present invention we provide a package tray for a motor vehicle, comprising: a generally planar first surface element extending substantially to the periphery of the package tray, said first surface element including a finish surface adapted to be exposed to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle when the package tray is installed therein; a generally planar second surface element substantially parallel and attached to the first surface element, said second surface element including an access surface adapted to be exposed to the trunk of the motor vehicle when the package tray is installed therein; and fastening means by which an electronic module is attached to the access surface characterised by at least one moulded cavity formed in the access surface of the second surface element for receiving the said electronic module; and said fastening means being located for releasably affixing the electronic module into the cavity. The invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a package tray embodying the features of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the access surface of the package tray of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the package tray of Figures 1 and 2. Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown generally at 10 a package tray embodying the features of the present invention. The upper surface of the package tray 10 includes conventional features such as, for example, speaker grills 12 and 14, a storage bin 16, additional receptacles 18 and 20 for storing convenience items such as a flashlight and folding umbrella, and a recess 22 for mounting a centre high-mounted stop lamp. Moreover, this upper surface of the package tray 10 may be at least partially covered with a decorative fabric or embossed finish material (not specifically shown). As seen in Figure 2, the underside of the package tray 10 includes cavities 24, 26 and 28 for receiving electronic modules 30, 32 and 34, respectively, as will be explained in further details hereinafter. Referring now to Figure 3, the package tray 10 comprises a first surface element 36 and a second surface element 38. These surface elements 36 and 38 may be prepared from conventional plastic materials such as, for example, polypropylene using any conventional moulding technique. A preferred method for manufacturing the first and second surface elements 36 and 38 is by blow moulding, a well-known forming process. The first and second surface elements 36 and 38 are generally planar in configuration. Despite the fact that the surface elements 36 and 38 contain surface irregularities, such as the storage bin 16, receptacles 18 and 20, a recess 22, and cavities 24, 26 and 28, the surface elements 36 and 38 generally lie in substantially parallel, horizontal planes when the package tray 10 is installed between the seat back and rear window of a motor vehicle. The first surface element 36 includes a finish surface 40 which comprises substantially the entire upper surface of the package tray as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The first surface element 36 extends in a generally planar fashion substantially to the periphery of the package tray 10. As is readily apparent in Figure 3, a flange 42 extends around the peripheral marginal edge of the package tray 10 for ease of mounting the package tray 10 into the automotive vehicle body structure. The finish surface 40 of the first surface element 36 is exposed to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle when the package tray 10 is installed therein, as is well-known in the art. The second surface element 38 of the package tray 10 extends in a generally planar fashion, substantially parallel and attached to the first surface element 36. The second surface element 38 includes an access surface 44 which is exposed to the trunk of the motor vehicle when the package tray 10 is installed therein. Cavities 24, 26 and 28 are formed in the access surface 44 of the second surface element 38, for receiving conventional electronic modules 30, 32, and 34, respectively. Examples of the types of electronic modules which are conventionally used in motor vehicles include, but are not necessarily limited to, audio system amplifiers, telephone transceivers, electronic relays, shock dampening modules, anti-lock brake control modules, radio receiver modules, compass/navigation modules, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Although Figure 2 specifically illustrates three electronic modules and three cavities, the present invention contemplates any number of electronic modules and cavities; but at least one module and corresponding cavity. The present invention furthermore includes fastening means, for releasably affixing the electronic modules into their corresponding cavities. The fastening means illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 comprises a plurality of tabs 46 and slots 48 formed in the access surface 44 of the second surface element 38, and a corresponding edge 50 and lugs 52 on the electronic modules. To releasably affix the electronic module 32 into the cavity 26, the lugs 52 of the electronic module 32 are inserted into the slots 48, and the module is rotated toward the access surface 44 until the edge 50 of the module 32 is forced past the tabs 46, so that the module 32 is urged tightly against and in intimate contact with the access surface 44 within the cavity 26. As will be readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art, any conventional fastening means, such as a screw or bolt, press pins, retainer clips etc. (not specifically shown) may be used and will have the same operability and utility as the fastening means specifically illustrated in the figures. The electronic modules 30, 32 and 34 may easily be accessed via the trunk cavity of the motor vehicle for removal, repair, or replacement.

Claims: A package tray for a motor vehicle, comprising: a generally planar first surface element (36) extending substantially to the periphery of the package tray (10), said first surface element (36) including a finish surface (40) adapted to be exposed to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle when the package tray (10) is installed therein; a generally planar second surface element (38) substantially parallel and attached to the first surface element (36), said second surface element including an access surface (44) adapted to be exposed to the trunk of the motor vehicle when the package tray (10) is installed therein; and fastening means by which an electronic module is attached to the access surface (44) characterised by at least one moulded cavity (24,26,28) formed in the access surface (44) of the second surface element (38) for receiving the said electronic module (30,32,34); and said fastening means (46,48,50,52) being located for releasably affixing the electronic module (30,32,34) into the cavity (24,26,28). A package tray according to Claim 1, further including a flange (42) extending around the peripheral marginal edge of the package tray. A package tray according to Claim 1, wherein the first surface element includes an audio speaker grill (12,14). A package tray according to Claim 1, wherein the first surface element includes a storage bin. A package tray according to Claim 1, wherein the first surface element includes a receptacle. A package tray according to Claim 1, wherein the first surface element includes a recess for a centre high-mounted stop lamp. A package tray according to Claim 1, wherein the first surface element is at least partially covered with a decorative fabric. A package tray according to Claim 1, wherein the first surface element is at least partially covered with an embossed finish material. A package tray according to Claim 1, including a plurality of cavities. A package tray according to Claim 9, including a plurality of electronic modules.

Inventors: LANGRAN PHILIP ANTHONY, SIMPLICEAN IONEL EUGENE, LANGRAN, PHILIP ANTHONY, SIMPLICEAN, IONEL EUGENE
Applicants: FORD MOTOR CO, FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B60R11
IPC codes: B60R11