Abstract:
The invention proposes a cargo space partition with a first and a second plate-shaped element, wherein the first plate-shaped element is arranged on the back rest of a rear seat or a rear bench seat such that it can be pivoted about an essentially horizontal axis, and wherein the plate-shaped elements are connected to one another such that they can be interlocked and/or moved relative to one another to a limited degree. The invention also proposes a cargo space partition, in which one of the plate-shaped elements is arranged such that it can be displaced essentially perpendicular and in the horizontal direction along a section of the cargo space. In another embodiment, first and second separating members are hingedly connected and includes a locking member that engages a catch member to place the partition in a plurality of different configurations.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention pertains to a cargo space partition for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, particularly a station wagon.  
         [0002]     According to EP 1 283 130 A2, several covers in the form of cargo space partitions are provided behind the rear seat or the rear bench seat of a station wagon. These covers prevent luggage from being thrown from the cargo space into the passenger compartment in case of an emergency braking maneuver or a collision. According to the state of the art, several covers are required in order to take into account the entire range of functions covered by a station wagon. If the cargo space only contains little cargo, if any, it suffices to provide a horizontal cover that lies at the height of the upper edge of the back rest of the rear seat or the rear bench seat. This type of cover does not impair the view of the driver through the rear window. If the cargo space above the upper edge of the back rest of the rear seat or the rear bench seat is also utilized, it is practical to provide a vertical cover a short distance behind the back rest of the rear seat or rear bench seat, wherein this cover extends over the entire width of the motor vehicle and upward to the roof lining. This partition is realized in the form of a net or a comparably transparent interlaced fabric. Depending on the respective application, the unused cover of the cargo space partition can be stored in the rolled-up state.  
         [0003]     These and comparable partitions for the cargo space of a station wagon have the disadvantage that the partition of a cargo space that was enlarged by folding over the back rest of the rear seat or the rear bench seat can only be realized, if at all, after carrying out complicated alterations.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The present invention is based on the objective of developing a cargo space partition that can be very easily adapted to the different configurations of a station wagon.  
         [0005]     Each cargo space partition according to the invention has a high mechanical stability that cannot be easily achieved with conventional nets or the like. In addition, the cargo space partition according to the invention can be arranged in different positions and consequently adapted to the different configurations of a station wagon.  
         [0006]     The cargo space partition according to the invention can be stored in a very small space when it is not in use. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the enclosed figures. The figures show:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional side elevational view through a station wagon of a cargo space partition according to a first embodiment of the invention arranged in one possible position.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional side elevational view of the cargo space partition of  FIG. 1  arranged in a different position.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional side elevational view of the cargo space partition of  FIG. 1  arranged in yet a different position.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional side elevational view of the cargo space partition of  FIG. 1  arranged in yet another position.  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional side elevational view through a station wagon of a cargo space partition according to a second embodiment of the invention arranged in one possible position.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional side elevational view of the cargo space partition of  FIG. 5  arranged in a different position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , the rear region of a station wagon  1  contains a cargo space  11  for transporting cargo. The area  12  situated in front of the cargo space  11  is either provided for accommodating passengers or cargo. The area  12  contains rear seat or a rear bench seat  2  that form(s) part of the motor vehicle equipment. The rear seat or the rear bench seat contains(s) a back rest  22  that can be pivoted about the axis  21 .  
         [0015]     According to the invention, the motor vehicle equipment also includes a first embodiment of a cargo space partition  3  with a first  31  and a second  32  plate-shaped element. The first plate-shaped element  31  is held on an upper section of the back rest  22  such that it can be pivoted about a horizontal axis  33 . Means are provided for holding the plate-shaped elements  31 ,  32  such that they can be moved relative to one another, particularly in a mutually displaceable fashion. This can be advantageously achieved by providing the first plate-shaped element  31  with a pocket  311  for displaceably accommodating the second plate-shaped element  32 . The second plate-shaped element  32  sectionally slides in guides arranged in the interior of the pocket  311  in this embodiment. In this respect, it is also practical to restrict the relative moveability between the plate-shaped elements  31 ,  32  with the aid of limit stops or the like such that the second plate-shaped element  32  is prevented from falling out of the pocket  311 . If it should be possible to optionally remove the second plate-shaped element  32  from the pocket  311 , the limit stops may be realized such that they can be detached by the user. The relative moveability is chosen such that the second plate-shaped element  32  substantially protrudes over the first plate-shaped element  31  on each of the longitudinal edges that lie transverse to the displacement path in one of its respective positions. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved in a particularly simple fashion by designing the pocket  311  such that it extends through the first plate-shaped element  31  and emerges on its two opposite edges.  
         [0016]     According to  FIG. 1 , the first plate-shaped element  31  of the cargo space partition  3  is pivoted downward into an approximately vertical position behind the back rest  22  when the entire cargo space  11  is used. The second plate-shaped element  32  protrudes from the pocket on the upper edge of the first plate-shaped element  31  to such a degree that the opening between the cargo space  11  and the area  12  is at least largely closed. Due to these measures, no objects accommodated in the cargo space  11  can be thrown into the passenger compartment in case the motor vehicle collides with an obstacle, namely even if the cargo space is extensively utilized.  
         [0017]     When the cargo space  11  is used less extensively as shown in  FIG. 2 , i.e., when only the section that approximately lies below the upper edge of the back rest  22  is used, the first plate-shaped element  31  is pivoted into an essentially horizontal position. The second plate-shaped element  32  is pulled out of the pocket  311  beyond its opening that faces away from the rear back rest and covers a section of the used cargo space  11  that lies in the region of the tailgate. In this configuration of the first embodiment of the cargo space partition  3 , the view of the driver through the rear window is not impaired by the upwardly protruding second plate-shaped element  32 .  
         [0018]     However, if the entire cargo space  11  as well as the area  12  is used for storing cargo as shown in  FIG. 3 , the back rest  22  of the rear seat or the rear bench seat  2  is folded forward such that it lies on the seat. The rear side of the back rest  22  is preferably arranged adjacent to the floor of the cargo space  11  such that it lies in the same plane. This simplifies the loading of the station wagon. The cargo space partition  3  essentially extends vertically upward relative to the back rest  22  in this case. The second plate-shaped element  32  is essentially arranged relative to the first plate-shaped element  31  in the same position as described above with reference to the configuration of the cargo space partition  3  shown in  FIG. 2 . In case of a head-on collision or an emergency braking maneuver, this configuration of the cargo space partition  3  prevents the cargo from being thrown into the passenger compartment.  
         [0019]     In the configuration of the station wagon shown in  FIG. 4 , the rear seat or the rear bench seat  2  is collapsed and folded forward in order to utilize the cargo space  11  and the area  12 . The seat and the back rest  22  adjoin one another and are essentially positioned vertically. In this case, the cargo space partition  3  is arranged relative to the station wagon similar to the configuration described above with reference to  FIG. 3 . Both plate-shaped elements  31 ,  32  essentially protrude upward from the horizontal pivoting axis  33  in the region of the back rest  22 . The second plate-shaped element  32  is displaced relative to the first plate-shaped element  31  to such a degree that the opening between the area  12  and the passenger compartment is largely closed.  
         [0020]     Each of the plate-shaped elements  31 ,  32  may be manufactured, for example, of a rigid plate of plastic, wood or metal. In order to impair the view of the driver through the rear window as little as possible, at least the second plate-shaped element  32  may be provided with a window or the like. The window may be closed with a pane of transparent plastic, safety glass or a net in order to prevent the cargo from being thrown through the window opening. In one particularly simple and light-weight embodiment, each of the plate-shaped elements  31 ,  32  is realized in the form of a stable frame with a net or a similar transparent interlaced fabric fixed therein.  
         [0021]     In another embodiment, one of the plate-shaped elements  31 ,  32  is provided with an opening that can be closed and serves for accommodating long objects, particularly skis and ski poles. With respect to the configuration shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it is particularly practical to provide the first plate-shaped element  31  with such an opening.  
         [0022]     When the cargo space partition  3  is used in motor vehicles with a divided rear bench seat or with several back seats  2 , the cargo space  3  may also be vertically divided in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the cargo space partition  3  may also be arranged in a pivoted fashion on only part of the back rest  21  [sic;  22 ] of the rear bench seat  2  or on only one of several back rests. This would make it possible to fold the other part of the back rest  22  or the other back rests forward while the cargo space partition  3  can optionally remain in one of the configurations shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0023]     In an alternative variation of the first embodiment of the cargo space partition  3 , the movable connection between the two plate-shaped elements  31 ,  32  is realized in the form of a pivoted connection. In this case, it would be possible to provide a hinge that has a limited pivoting angle, e.g., a semicircle, and can be locked in both end positions.  
         [0024]     In a second embodiment of the present invention that is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the cargo space  11  contains a cargo floor  41  that forms a stationary part of the floor lining. A movable part of the floor lining  42  is preferably accommodated in a displaceable fashion in a pocket or recess of the stationary floor lining  41 . The movable part of the floor lining  42  preferably can be displaced linearly forward in the direction of the area  12 . A cargo space partition  3  is arranged on the movable part of the floor lining  42 , namely in the front region thereof. This cargo space partition comprises a first plate-shaped element  31  that essentially extends vertically upward from the plane of the convertible floor lining  42 , namely as far as the region of the upper edge of the back rest  22  of the rear seat or the rear bench seat  2 . A second plate-shaped element  32  is movably and/or detachably arranged on the first plate-shaped element  31 . This second plate-shaped element contains an upper section that is designed for closing the opening remaining between the upper edge of the first plate-shaped element  31  and the roof lining of the motor vehicle. Another section on the second plate-shaped element  32  is designed for producing a connection with the first plate-shaped element  31 . The second plate-shaped element  32  is preferably held in a displaceable fashion relative to the first plate-shaped element analogous to the above-described embodiment of the present invention. This holding arrangement may be realized, in particular, such that the second plate-shaped element  32  can be detached from the holding arrangement on demand. The second plate-shaped element  32  is preferably arranged in a displaceable fashion in a pocket in the first plate-shaped element  31  and can be accommodated therein in its entirety in a certain position.  
         [0025]     The back rest  21  of the rear seat or the rear bench seat  2  is not folded over when only the cargo space  11  is used as shown in  FIG. 5 . The movable part of the floor lining  42  is then situated in a position, in which it does not protrude into the area  12 . The second plate-shaped element  32  is arranged in its retracted or extracted position or in a position between the two end positions depending on the utilization of the cargo space  11 .  
         [0026]     If the area  11  [sic;  12 ] is also required for transporting cargo, the back rest  21  of the rear seat or the rear bench seat is folded forward as shown in  FIG. 6 . The movable part  42  of the floor lining protrudes relatively far forward over the converted back rest  21  in order to utilize the entire available cargo space. In this case, the second plate-shaped element  32  is usually displaced forward into its upper position in order to close any openings of the cargo area  11 ,  12  used.  
         [0027]     Alternatively, the second plate-shaped element  32  may also be held in a pivoted fashion on the first plate-shaped element  31  in the above-described embodiment. A hinge with an essentially horizontal pivoting axis is preferably used for connecting an upper region of the first plate-shaped element  31  to an edge of the second plate-shaped element  32  or a section thereof that is situated adjacent to an edge. The hinge may be provided with a stopping mechanism that only allows a semicircular pivoting angle. The hinge preferably can be locked in both end positions.  
         [0028]     The documents, patents and patent applications referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0029]     While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit