Abstract:
The cargo management device ( 24 ) includes a frame having a pair of parallel support beams extending between a first and second end. The frame may be made of multiple frame portions that are attached to each other using hinges or other like mechanisms. The frame also has a plurality of cross beams extending between the pair of parallel support beams. A plurality of securing devices allows articles to be attached or secured to the frame between the frame and the vehicle floor ( 18 ). The cargo management device ( 24 ) also includes an attachment mechanism attaching the frame to the two opposing sidewalls ( 12,14 ) of the motor vehicle spaced apart from the vehicle floor ( 18 ) so that the articles being stored may he suspended from the frame or organized using netting and the like.

Description:
BACKGROUND ART  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    This invention relates generally to a cargo management device for a motor vehicle. More particularly, this invention relates to a cargo management device for subdividing, organizing, supporting and retaining articles in the cargo area of a motor vehicle.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Motor vehicles, including sport utility vehicles, vans, station wagons and hatchbacks offer large interior cargo areas for loading, storing, supporting and transporting various articles within the motor vehicle. The cargo area is typically defined by a load floor extending between the back side of the rearward-most seat assembly and hatch of the vehicle and between opposing lateral interior side walls of the vehicle. However, organizing and retaining articles within a large cargo area is quite difficult.  
           [0005]    Several types of accessories have been employed to assist in organizing, stabilizing and retaining articles with the cargo area. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,132 discloses a box-type cargo liner made of flexible, semi-rigid material such as ABS plastic which easily slides into and out of the cargo area for supporting and hauling articles in the vehicle and for protecting the cargo area from damage.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,213 discloses another type of cargo area organizer including a plurality of parallel slats, which normally serve as cargo skids, extending longitudinally from the hatch of the cargo area and hinged to the load floor. The free ends of the slats are interconnected by a transverse cross-rail to define a rack, which may be pivoted upwardly and secured in a canted position to the sidewalls of the motor vehicle. The rack, in the canted position, defines a plurality of cargo receiving spaces for maintaining articles placed in the rack in an upright position during operation of the motor vehicle. The cargo storage accessory devices of the prior art and those set forth above are limited in their versatility and stowage capability within the cargo area of the vehicle.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    A cargo management device subdivides a cargo area of a motor vehicle defined between two opposing sidewalls and above a vehicle floor interconnecting the two opposing sidewalls. The cargo management device includes a frame having a pair of parallel support beams extending between a first and second end. The frame also has a plurality of cross beams extending between the pair of parallel support beams. A plurality of securing devices allows articles to be attached or secured to the frame between the frame and the vehicle floor. The cargo management device also includes an attachment mechanism attaching the frame to the motor vehicle spaced apart from the vehicle floor. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    Advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle cargo area and cargo management device in a use position according to the invention;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in a folded position;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the invention and a storage case;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention secured to the rear of the motor vehicle and supporting the storage case for use as a table;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the attachment between one embodiment of the invention and the rear of the motor vehicle; and  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention as used as a stand-alone table. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0016]    Referring to FIG. 1, a rear cargo area of a motor vehicle  11 , such as a sport utility vehicle (SUV), van, or station wagon, is generally indicated at  10 . The rear cargo area  10  is generally rectangular in shape and defined by spaced apart vertical sidewalls  12 ,  14  on either side of the motor vehicle  11  that are interconnected by spaced apart horizontal walls  16 ,  18 . The upper wall  16  is typically known as the roof  16 , and the bottom wall is typically known as the floor  18 . The cargo area  10  is further defined between the rear portion of a rear seat back  20  and a tailgate, or lift gate,  22  of the vehicle to enclose the area  10 .  
         [0017]    The invention, a cargo management device generally indicated at  24 , is removably attachable between each of the sidewalls  12 ,  14  of the motor vehicle  11 . In FIG. 1, the cargo management device  24  is spaced above the floor  18  in a cargo management position.  
         [0018]    Referring to FIG. 2, the cargo management device  24  includes a ladder-type frame construction having symmetrical frame halves  26 ,  28 . The first half  26  includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel support beams  30 ,  32  extending longitudinally between first and second ends  34 ,  36 . In the embodiment shown, two cross beams  38 ,  40  extend between the support beams  30 ,  32 . The first crossbeam  38  is an end beam that creates a U-shaped frame of the support beams  30 ,  32  and the first end beam  38 . The end beam  38  extends between the two first ends  34  of the support beams  30 ,  32 . Although not necessary, the two cross beams  38 ,  40  are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the support beams  30 ,  32 . It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there may be any number of cross beams extending between the first and second ends  34 ,  36  for adding structural rigidity to the cargo management device  24 .  
         [0019]    The second half  28 , wherein like primed numerals represent similar structures in the first half  26 , includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel support beams  30 ′,  32 ′ extending longitudinally between first and second ends  34 ′,  36 ′. A cross or end beam  38 ′ interconnects the first ends  34 ′ of the support beams  30 ′,  32 ′ forming a generally U-shaped second half  28 . A cross beam  40 ′ extends generally perpendicular to and interconnects the support beams  30 ′,  32 ′ between the first and second ends  34 ′,  36 ′ for adding structural rigidity to the cargo management device  24 .  
         [0020]    The cargo management device  24  further includes a pair of hinge mechanisms  42 ,  44 , such as a pivot pins, pivotally interconnecting the second ends  36  of the support beams  30 ,  32  to the second ends  36 ′ of the support beams  301 ,  32 ′, respectively. The hinge mechanisms  42 ,  44  allow the cargo management device  24  to be fully extended to a full frame position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or to a folded position with the first half  26  overlying the second half  28 , as shown in FIG. 3. The hinge mechanism  42 ,  44  may include a locking mechanism for locking the cargo management device  24  in the full frame position or the folded position.  
         [0021]    Further, an elongated slot  46 ,  46 ′ is formed in each of the end beams  38 ,  38 ′ between the support beams  30 ,  32 ,  30 ′,  32 ′, respectively, for providing a handle to carry the cargo management device  24  in the folded position.  
         [0022]    As shown in FIG. 2, when the cargo management device  24  is hinged or pivoted to the full frame position, the first and second halves  26 ,  28  are aligned longitudinally and the beams define a plurality of frame openings  50 ,  52 ,  54 . As may be seen from the embodiment shown in the Figures, the frame openings  50 ,  52 ,  54  are generally rectangular in shape. The shapes of the frame openings  50 ,  52 ,  54  may vary depending on the orientations of the beams.  
         [0023]    Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cargo management device  24  further includes a plurality of hooks  60  projecting into the openings  50 ,  52 ,  54 . More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a hook  60  extends from each corner portion of each opening  50 ,  52 ,  54  formed or defined by the intersection of the cross beams  38 ,  38 ′,  40 ,  40 ′ with the support beams  30 ,  30 ′,  32 ,  321 . The hooks  60  will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.  
         [0024]    Still further, the cargo management device  24  includes a pair of attachment pins  62 ,  64  projecting longitudinally from the outside portion of each support beam  30 ,  30 ′,  32 ,  32 ′ for securing the cargo management device  24  to the cargo area  10  as will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0025]    Referring now to FIG. 4, the underside of the cargo management device  24  is shown. Each of the beams  30 ,  30 ′,  32 ,  32 ′,  38 ,  38 ′,  40 ,  40 ′ have a generally U-shaped cross-section and each half  26 ,  28  is formed as an integral one-piece frame member typically of molded plastic. Each of the elongated support beams  30 ,  30 ′,  32 ,  32 ′ form or define an elongated channel  70 ,  70 ′,  72 ,  72 ′. Similarly, each of the cross beams  40 ,  40 ′ form or define an elongated cross channel  80 ,  80 ′. A leg support frame  82  is recessed within the channels  70 ′,  72 ′ and cross channel  80 ′ of the second half  28  as shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the leg support frame  82  includes pair of upright main legs  84 ,  86  extending longitudinally between a first telescoping end  88  and a second distal end  90 . The distal ends  90  are pivotally coupled by pins  92  to the support beams  30 ′,  32 ′ within the channels  70 ′,  721 , respectively. The main legs  84 ,  86  are interconnected by a cross leg  93  recessed with the channel  80 ′. It should be appreciated that the leg support frame  82  may be recessed within the channels  70 ,  72  and cross channel  80  of the first half  28  or a leg support frame  82  may be coupled and recessed within each half  26 ,  28  of the cargo management device  24  without varying from the scope of the invention.  
         [0026]    The leg support frame  82  may be pivoted about the support beams  30 ′,  32 ′ from a stowed position recessed within the channels, as shown in FIG. 4, to an upright support position extending generally perpendicular from the beams  30 ′,  32 ′, as shown in FIG. 5, for supporting the halves  26 ,  28  in a generally horizontal and planar position, as will be further discussed below. The first telescoping ends  88  are slidably adjustable along the main legs  84 ,  86  to provide vertical adjustment of the leg support frame  82  when supporting the frame halves  26 ,  28  in a horizontal position.  
         [0027]    A storage case  100  is also shown in FIG. 4. The storage case  100  includes a first half  102  and a second half  104  each having a planar surface  106 ,  106 ′ surrounded by an upstanding border surface  108 ,  108 ′ defining a clam-shell type case. The upstanding border surfaces  108 ,  108 ′ are hingedly connected by pivot pins  110 ,  112  for hinging the first and second halves  102 ,  104  of the case  100  between an open position, as shown in FIG. 4, and a closed position as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the halves  102 ,  104  further includes a carrying handle  114 ,  114 ′ projecting transversely from the border surfaces  108 ,  108 ′, respectively, for carrying the case  100  in the closed position. The length and width defined by the upstanding border surfaces  108 ,  108 ′ when the case  100  is in the open position is slightly larger than the overall length and width of the cargo management device  24  is the full extended position so that the cargo management device  24  may be received within the case  100  and stowed therein. Specifically, the cargo management device  24  may be placed within the case  100  such that the first and second halves  26 ,  28  are supported on the planar surfaces  106 ,  106  of the first and second halves  102 ,  104  of the case  100 , respectively. The hinge mechanisms  42 ,  44  of the cargo management device  24  will align with the pivot pins  110 ,  112  of the case  100 , such that when the case  100  in pivoted to the closed position, the cargo management device  24  is pivoted to the folded position therein. The case  100  and device  24  may then be stowed with the cargo area  10  of the vehicle by the floor  18  or secured to the seat back  20  by straps  120 ,  122 , as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0028]    In use, referring again to FIG. 1, the cargo management device  24  may be removably secured between the sidewalls  12 ,  14  of the cargo area  10  and supported thereby above the vehicle floor  18 . The attachment pins  62 ,  64  are matingly received and secured within attachment receptacles  130 ,  132  on the side walls  12 ,  14 . The receptacles  130 ,  132  may be those used for securing a cargo area cover as is commonly known to one skilled in the art. The cargo management device  24  provides a support frame or structure for supporting various articles in an upright position between or within the openings  50 ,  52 , and  54  in the cargo area. Additionally, the hooks  60  may be used for supporting a cargo netting  140 , or bags  150 , such as grocery bags. This allows articles, shown as sporting equipment in FIG. 1, to be suspended from the cargo management device  24  or organized by the cargo netting  140  that depends therefrom.  
         [0029]    The cargo management device  24  may also be removed from attachment between the sidewalls  12 ,  14  and hinged to the folded position for storage within the case  100 , or independently of the case  100 . The cargo management device  24  and case  100  may be stowed on the floor  18 , or against the seat back  20  in the cargo area as shown.  
         [0030]    Alternatively, referring to FIG. 5, the cargo management system  24  can be removed from the cargo area  10  and placed into a table configuration. For use as a table, the cargo management device  24  is removed from the cargo area  10  and one of the end beams  38 ,  38 ′ is supported on the bumper or floor  18  of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 5. The cargo management device  24  projects outwardly and generally horizontally from the floor  18  above the ground adjacent the vehicle. The leg support frame  82  is then pivoted from its recessed position to its upright support position extending generally vertically from the bottom of the cargo management device  24  with the support ends  88  of the legs  84 ,  86  supported on the ground. The case  100  may be hinged to the open position and supported on top of the cargo management device  24  to form a flat table surface extending from the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 6, the cargo management device  24  has an attachment means for securing the end beam  38  to the vehicle bumper or floor  18  and prevent incidental disengagement therefrom. Specifically, the bumper of the vehicle, shown at  120 , includes a recessed cylinder  122  for receiving a cylindrical nub  124  projecting from the end beam  38  of the cargo management device  24  for supporting and securing the cargo management device  24  on the bumper  120 . The case  100  is then supported on top of the cargo management device  24  to provide a planar table as shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0031]    An alternative embodiment of a cargo management device  224  is shown in FIG. 7. The cargo management device  224  integrates the ladder type frame construction and the storage case by interconnecting the storage-case to the frame or molding the device  224  as a one-piece member. The cargo management device  224  includes a ladder-type frame construction having symmetrical frame halves  226 ,  228 . The first half  226  includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel support beams  230 ,  232  extending longitudinally between first and second ends  234 ,  236 . One cross beam  238  is configured as an end beam and is interconnected between the first ends  234  of the support beams  230 ,  232  forming a generally U-shaped first half  226 . Another cross beam  240  extends generally perpendicular to and interconnects the support beams  230 ,  232  between the first and second ends  234 ,  236  for adding structural rigidity to the device  224 . The second half  228  similarly includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel support beams  230 ′,  232 ′ extending longitudinally between first and second ends  234 ′,  236 ′. A cross or end beam  238 ′ is interconnected between the first ends  234 ′ of the support beams  230 ′,  232 ′ forming a generally U-shaped second half  228 . And another cross beam  240 ′ extends generally perpendicular to and interconnects the support beams  230 ′,  232 ′ between the first and second ends  234 ′,  236 ′ for adding structural rigidity to the device  224 . The intersection of the support beams  230 ,  230 ′,  232 ,  232 ′ with the cross beams  240 ,  240 ′ and end beams  238 ,  238 ′ create a plurality of generally rectangular frame openings  250 ,  252 ,  254 .  
         [0032]    The underside of the cargo management device  224  is similar in design to the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 4. Leg support frames  282 ,  282 ′ may be recessed against the underside of the respective halves  226 ,  228 . As both leg support frames  282 ,  282 ′ are identical, support frame  282  will be described. Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the leg support frame  282  includes pair of upright main legs  284 ,  286  extending longitudinally between a first telescoping end  288  and a second distal end  290 . The distal end  290  is pivotally coupled by pins  292  to the support beams  230 ,  232 , respectively. The leg support frames  282 ,  282 ′ may be pivoted about the support beams  230 ,  232  from a stowed position recessed against the underside of the halves  226 ,  228 , to an upright support position extending generally perpendicular from the beams  230 ,  232  for supporting the halves  226 ,  228  in a generally horizontal and planar position, as shown in FIG. 7, and as will be further discussed below. The first telescoping ends  288  are interconnected by a cross leg  294  for providing further stability. Furthermore, the telescoping ends are slidably adjustable along the main legs  284 ,  286  to provide vertical adjustment of the leg support frame  282  when supporting the frame halves  226 ,  228  in a horizontal position.  
         [0033]    Covers  300 ,  300 ′ are also shown in FIG. 7. Each cover  300 ,  300 ′ is rotationally connected to the support beam  232 ,  232 ′ and is supported by the opposing support beam  230 ,  230 ′ as well as the end beams  238 ,  238 ′ and cross beams  240 ,  240 ′. More specifically, the cover  300  is generally planer and rectangular in shape and comprises front and rear edges  302 ,  304  and side edges  306 ,  308 . The covers  300 ,  300 ′ are rotationally connected along the rear edges  302 ,  304  to the support beam  232 ,  232 ′, respectively, by a hinge mechanism, such as a piano hinge. The covers  300 ,  300 ′ further have an arcuate shaped opening  310 ,  310 ′ along the front edge  302 ,  304  which act as a handle for lifting the covers  300 ,  300 ′ to provide access to the openings  250 ,  252 ,  254 . It should be appreciated that the openings  310 ,  310 ′ can be a variety of configurations, such as a rigid loop, tether strap, or button pull, so as to achieve a handle function without varying from the scope of the invention.  
         [0034]    In use, referring again to FIG. 1, the cargo management device  224  may be removably secured between the sidewalls  12 ,  14  of the cargo area  10  as described in the first embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 7, the device  224  provides a support frame or structure for supporting various articles in an upright position between or within the openings  250 ,  252 ,  254  in the cargo area. In order to access the openings  250 ,  252 ,  254 , the covers  300 ,  300 ′ must first be rotated into an open position.  
         [0035]    Alternatively, referring to FIG. 7, the cargo management system  224  can be removed from the cargo area  10  and placed into a table configuration. For use as a table, the device  224  is removed from the cargo area  10  and the leg support frames  282 ,  282 ′ are then pivoted from their recessed position to their upright support position extending generally vertically from the bottom of the device  224  with the support ends  288  of the legs  284 ,  284 ′,  286 ,  286 ′ supported on the ground. This forms a flat table surface, which is free standing from the vehicle.  
         [0036]    The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.  
         [0037]    Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.