Abstract:
An apparatus for releasably mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The apparatus includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto.

Description:
This appln. is a Div. of Ser. No. 09/358,222 filed Jul. 21, 1999 abn., which claims benefit of Prov. No. 60/093,552 filed Jul. 21, 1998. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a floor mounted retention system for a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a retention system which is removably secured to the floor of a vehicle having removable seats. The retention system is secured to the floor of the vehicle by utilizing the seat attachment locations provided in the floor of the vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many motor vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles, mini-vans, and full size vans, provide seats that are removably attached to the floor of the vehicle. Such removable seats typically have a floor mounted retention system that enables the seat to be removed from the vehicle. Because of the removable nature of such seats, an operator of a vehicle may increase the cargo carrying capacity of the vehicle by removal of the seat. 
     While removal of the seats increases the cargo carrying capacity of the vehicle, it is nevertheless often inconvenient to transport certain items such as bicycles in which there is a preferred orientation for storing the item. For example, it is often desirable to store bicycles in an upright orientation so as to minimize the possibility of damage to the bicycle as well as to items surrounding the bicycle. In addition, storing a bicycle in an upright orientation maximizes the storage space in the area around the bicycle. While there are devices such as exterior racks that are capable of mounting bicycles, skis, and construction materials, these devices subject the cargo to inclement weather and an increased possibility of theft if the vehicle is left unattended. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a floor mounted retention system that may be removably secured to the attachment points that are used to secure a removable passenger seat. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a floor mounted bicycle retention system having rails that may be fixed in position or slidably extended outside of the vehicle passenger compartment while loading and unloading the bicycle. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage device removably attached to the floor of the vehicle for transporting construction materials such as tubing and wood planks. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an electrified floor mounted retention system for conveniently supplying electrical power to vehicle accessories located in the rearward portion of the passenger compartment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device for releasable mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The device includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following specification and by reference to the drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view of the interior of a motor vehicle equipped with removable seats constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary floor attachment constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the floor attachment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the floor mounted retention system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a latch mechanism constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the floor mounted retention system constricted in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the floor mounted retention system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a floor mounted bicycle retention system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate, extendable retention system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 — 11  in FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sliding ramp constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a flexible strap coupling arrangement constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electrified floor attachment constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is no way intended to limit the invention, or its application, or uses. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a floor mounted retention system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally identified at reference numeral  10 . The floor mounted retention system  10  is shown operatively associated with a vehicle  12  having a floor panel  14 . The floor panel  14  includes a series of floor links  16  arranged in rows to provide attachment points for conventional removable seats  18 . Depending upon the particular vehicle construction, the floor links  16  are typically provided at the second row seating position, the third row seating position and, if provided, the fourth row seating position within the vehicle  12 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that any combination of floor link locations may be utilized within an embodiment of the floor mounted retention system  10  as will be described in detail hereinafter. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the floor link  16  is commonly recessed below the interior surface  20  of the floor panel  14  for ease of use of the cargo area once the seats  18  have been removed. The floor link  16  typically includes a cylindrical body  22  having flattened flanges  24  at each end. Each of the flanges  24  includes a fastener aperture  26  for receipt of a fastener  28 . The fastener  28  is disposed within the aperture  26  and threadingly engages a vehicle body structural member  29 . A recess  30  is defined by the floor panel  14  to provide clearance for the various attachment mechanisms described below. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the first embodiment of the floor mounted retention system  10  includes an attachment mechanism  32  having a singular latch  34  for detachably interconnecting a frame  36  to the floor link  16 . The frame  36  includes a plate  37  and four arms  38  extending generally parallel to the floor panel  14 . In addition, each arm  38  includes a downwardly extending leg  40  to provide stable support for a vehicle accessory (not shown) mounted to the frame  36 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that the frame  36  is merely exemplary and that a frame including more or less than four arms is within the scope of the present invention. For example, the frame  36 , may include no arms  38  at all. Specifically, a flat plate or a ring placed in contact with the floor panel  14  would provide the requisite support. 
     The latch  34  is depicted as a toggle clamp having a releasable pivotable hook  44  for detachable engagement with the floor link  16 . While the releasable pivotable hook  44  is shown in FIG. 4, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide other attachment mechanisms, may be used including a scissors latch, a spring loaded hook, or other device capable of releasably grasping the floor link  16 . For example, latch  25  shown in FIG. 5 includes a generally “C” shaped body  27  having a first wall  29  and a second wall  31  interconnected by an end wall  33 . The latch  25  also includes a slidable pin  35  operable in a deployed position and a retracted position. The latch  25  also includes a spring means (not shown) for biasing the slidable pin  35  into the deployed position thereby interconnecting the first wall  29  and the second wall  31 . The latch  25  further includes a button  51  coupled to the slidable pin  35  whereupon axial movement of the button  51  causes the slidable pin  35  to move from the deployed position to the retracted position. It will be appreciated that other types of attachment mechanisms may be used including a scissors latch, a spring loaded hook, or other device capable of releasably grasping the floor link  16 . 
     With specific reference to FIG. 6, a second embodiment of the floor mounted retention system is depicted by the reference numeral  39 . The retention system  39  includes an attachment mechanism  46  having a frame  41 , a stabilizer bar  42 , a fixed hook  48  and a releasable pivotable hook  50 . While the releasable pivotable hook  50  is shown on the forward portion of the attachment mechanism  46 , it is within the scope of the present invention to provide the fixed hook  48  at the forward edge of the attachment mechanism  46  with the releasable pivotable hook  50  at the rearward edge. In addition, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide another releasable pivotable hook (not shown) in place of the fixed hook  48 . 
     The frame  41  and the stabilizer bar  42  provide support for a vehicle accessory  43 . It is contemplated that the vehicle accessory  43  may include a cooler, a cargo storage box, a tool box, a clothes rack, a gun case, or any other cargo retention device. In addition, it should be noted that the attachment mechanism  46  need not include the stabilizer bar  42 , but may simply include a plate or ring in contact with the interior surface  20  of the floor panel  14 . 
     A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG.  7 . In this regard, the floor mounted retention system  45  according to this embodiment includes a plurality of hooks  47  that may be used to engage a plurality of floor links  16 . In addition, the floor mounted retention system  45  further includes a latch  49  that may be releasably secured to one of the floor links  16 . Accordingly, when the floor mounted retention system  45  is to be used, the hooks  47  are first placed over the corresponding number of floor links  16  and then the latch  49  is placed over another floor link  16 . 
     Referring to FIG. 8, a fourth embodiment of the floor mounted retention system used to secure a bicycle is shown at reference numeral  52 . The floor mounted retention system  52  generally includes a plurality of retention rails  54  and  56 , an attachment mechanism  58 , and a frame  60 . The retention rails  54  and  56  may be connected to the frame  60  by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, bolting, welding, bonding, adhesively adhering and snap interconnection. The attachment mechanism  58  includes a plurality of fixed hooks  62  and releasable pivotable hooks  64  coupled to the frame  60  by similar means. The attachment mechanism  58  may be mounted in a plurality of different locations along the length of the frame  60  to allow a full longitudinal adjustment of the frame  60  and the rails  54  and  56  relative to the floor links  16 . Accordingly, the floor mounted retention system  52  may accommodate for variance in floor link locations across vehicle product lines. In the preferred embodiment, the floor mounted retention system  52  interconnects eight separate floor links  16  to the frame  60 . It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide an attachment mechanism  58  utilizing one or two floor links, which, by way of the frame  60 , may support one or more bicycles and retention rails  54  and  56 . 
     Following the removal of the seat  18  from the vehicle  12 , the floor mounted retention system  52  is installed by first lowering the fixed hooks  62  into the corresponding recesses  30  and subsequently inserting the releasable pivotable hooks  64  within the corresponding recesses  30 . Each of the releasable pivotable hooks  64  is then rotated into an engaged position such that the system  52  is securely held to the floor panel  14 . A shroud  66  may be utilized to cover the components of the attachment mechanism  58  thereby increasing aesthetic appeal as well as limiting the possibility of inadvertent release of the system  52  from the vehicle  12 . An alternate embodiment of the shroud  66  includes a depression and an integral net (not shown) for storing gear such as a helmet and gloves. 
     As shown in FIG. 9, a connector system  67  includes the retention rails  54  and  56 . The retention rail  54  has a generally U-shaped upwardly facing channel  68  within which the tires of the bicycle are seated. A set of securing straps  70  may be utilized to prevent the tires of the bicycle from becoming dislodged from the U-shaped channel  68  during vehicle operation. A stanchion  72  is coupled to a forward end  73  of the retention rail  54  to which the front forks of the bicycle may be releasably interconnected. Storage of the bicycle front wheel, which has been removed to provide attachment of the forks to the stanchion  72 , may be accomplished by securing the front tire within the U-shaped channel  68  and securing the tire to the frame of the bicycle as shown. A stanchion  74  similar to the stanchion  72  is attached to a rearward end  78  of the retention rail  56 . A quick release hub spear  80 , commonly known in the art, is shown releasably interconnected to the stanchion  76  for mounting a second bicycle to the floor mounted retention system  52  if necessary. While the embodiment of the floor mounted retention system  52  shown in FIG. 9 requires removal of the front wheel of the bicycle, alternate methods may be utilized which allow both wheels to remain on the bicycle. Such methods would include a linkage that is pivotally mounted to the retention rail  54  or  56  and pivots upward to connect to the down tube  82  of the bicycle. At the end distal to the pivot end of the linkage, the linkage would provide a clamp or strapping means to interconnect the down tube  82  and the rails. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11 depict an alternate embodiment of the floor mounted retention system  152 . The majority of the components with this embodiment are generally the same as those previously described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. For clarity, similar components are labeled with like numerals increased by 100. As shown in FIG. 10, the retention rails  154  and  156  may slide along the length of a frame  160  thereby allowing the rails  154  and  156  to extend past an opening in the vehicle body to provide simplified installation and removal of the bicycles from the vehicle  12 . The rails  154  and  156  may be interconnected to move in unison or may be independent to individually slide longitudinally along the frame  160 . 
     Referring to FIG. 11, a fastener  162  is disposed within a mounting aperture formed in the retention rail  154 . The fastener  162  is further disposed through a longitudinal slot  166  extending substantially the length of the frame  160 . Further, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a separate multi-piece retention rail assembly having a lower portion that is fixed to the frame  160  and an upper portion which is allowed to traverse fore and aft along the longitudinal axis of the lower piece. 
     Referring to FIG. 12, a fifth embodiment of the floor mounted retention system is depicted at numeral  84 . The floor mounted retention system  84  includes a generally planar ramp  86  that is interconnected to the vehicle  12  via clamp assemblies  88 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that the clamp assemblies  88  may be of the form earlier described as a latch or a hook, or may further include a clip removably interconnected to the floor link  16 . The ramp  86  is operable to be moved from a stowed position located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle  12  to an extended position shown in phantom line representation. The ramp  86  is of sufficient length to contact the ground while in the extended position thereby providing assistance to a user when loading and unloading the vehicle  12 . 
     Yet another embodiment of the floor mounted retention system is shown in FIG.  13  and is depicted at numeral  89 . A flexible strap  90  includes a pair of clips  92  attached to each end thereof for removable connection with the floor links  16 . The flexible strap  90  may be constructed from an elastic material capable of exerting a force on a variety of cargo or may be adjustable in length to accommodate a variety of cargo shapes and sizes. The embodiment disclosed in FIG. 13 may also include a net (not shown) having a plurality of clips  92  for securing loose articles to the floor links  16 . 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 14, an electrification system  94  may be incorporated for use with the floor mounting retention system of the present invention. In general, the electrification system  94  functions by providing remote access to vehicle power through points adjacent to or located at the floor links  16 . In the embodiment at FIG. 14, a female power connector  96  is located within the recess  30  adjacent the cylindrical body  22  of the floor link  16 . In order to supply power to an electrical appliance such as a radio, a cooler, a child&#39;s toy, a television or other entertainment device, a male power connector (not shown) disposed on the floor mounted retention system is engaged with the female connector  96  at the same time the latch or hook is engaged with the floor link  16 . 
     Another embodiment of the electrification system  94  includes supplying positive potential electrical energy to one of the floor links  16  within the floor mounted retention system while a separate floor link or a series of floor links  16  are electrically connected to ground. Accordingly, once a device such as an air compressor (not shown) is coupled to the appropriate pair of positive and negative electrified floor links, a circuit will be complete without requiring any additional cords or connections. 
     The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.