Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to storage compartments for automotive vehicles including electric and hybrid vehicles and more particularly to systems for providing through body storage combined with step function for automotive vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles.

Electric vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, are of great interest for transportation applications and can provide benefits of low or zero emissions, quiet operation and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. However, conventional electric vehicles have relatively low rates of utilization. One of the challenges associated with electric vehicles observed by the present inventors is effective configuration of storage space for such vehicles.

The present inventors have observed a need for enhancing efficient utilization of storage space in automotive vehicles including electric vehicles. Exemplary approaches described herein may address such needs.

<CIT> discloses a pickup truck conversion and a method of providing the same involving placing an access opening in the side wall of the pickup truck between the door and the rear-wall of the cab. In axial alignment with said access opening there is provided a frame assembly filling all or part of the space between the side walls and the rear-seat of the truck. The frame assembly defines a storage area therewithin, which can accept various storage means such as hinged storage boxes, various sliding drawers, tool boxes, a work bench, and the like, which are removable and which are slideably mounted within the frame assembly to provide easy access to the stored materials from outside of the pickup truck.

<CIT> discloses a truck comprising a motorized body including a chassis and a cab. The cab includes opposed sidewalls, one of which includes an access opening having front and rear edge portions. The door that covers the access opening comprises upper and lower panels. The lower panel is pivotally attached to the front edge portion of the opening to rotate about a first substantially vertical axis of rotation between open and closed positions. The upper panel is hinged to the rear edge portion of the opening to rotate about a second substantially vertical axis of rotation between open and closed positions. The upper and lower panels are sized and configured such that, when each is rotated to its closed position, each spans the opening of the cab, and the upper panel is disposed above the lower panel. In such a configuration, the lower panel can be closed to protect the driver, and the upper panel can be moved to its open position to provide ventilation.

<CIT> discloses an extended cab pickup truck has split rear seats and a load receiving container is positioned between the rear seats. The rear wall of the cab defines a rear opening below the rear window and a rearwardly facing opening of the container registers with the rear opening of the cab at the level of the load bed of the truck. An external door selectively closes the rear opening. The container has an internal opening that is in communication with the cab for access to the load receiving container.

<CIT> discloses a storage compartment formed on the lateral side of a pick-up truck to have a door that will open to a generally horizontal position to permit use thereof as a step to facilitate access to the interior of the cargo bed. The storage compartment door is pivotally supported by a pivot mechanism that is supported from the underside of the pick up box to provide sufficient support thereof to withstand the weight of a person utilizing the door as a step. The door is also provided with supplemental support members interconnecting the door and the underside of the pick up box. When closed, the door conceals the pivot mechanism to provide a smooth, clean line on the exterior surface of the truck. The opened door allows access to a storage compartment that preferably extends beneath a portion of the cargo bed to allow storage of small items in a contained compartment.

An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment is disclosed, having a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment assembly located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first, fixed step member and a second step member hingedly attached to the first step member, wherein the first step member has a weight bearing horizontal step surface when the first door is open and wherein the first step member still comprises a step surface (<NUM>) when when the second step member is open, e.g., to facilitate access to a roof of the automotive vehicle. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

The automotive vehicle may have a latch mechanism to secure and lock the first door in a closed position. The storage compartment assembly may have a second door at a second opening of the storage compartment, the second opening at the second side of the automotive vehicle. The automotive vehicle may have a safety lock that prevents vehicle operation when the first door is open. The first door may be capable of opening downward, such that when open, the first door is substantially parallel to a ground surface. The automotive vehicle may be, e.g., a truck such as a pickup truck, and the storage compartment may be located such that it is not positioned under a truck bed of the truck.

The closable integrated storage compartment assembly may comprise at least one wall enclosing a storage space, the storage space extending through a width of the automotive vehicle, and is located adjacent to a vehicle cabin and rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle and wherein the automotive vehicle further comprises a first mechanism configured to open and close the first door, and a second mechanism configured to open and close the second door.

The first door and//or second door may be configured to open downward to provide a weight-bearing step configured to support a load of up to <NUM> (<NUM> lbs). The storage space may be located such that it is not positioned in the cabin. The automotive vehicle may have a wiring harness supplying electrical power to the first door. The automotive vehicle may have sensors in electrical communication with the wiring harness, e.g., to detect open and closed positions of the first and/or second doors.

The first door may be configured to swing open downward and stop at a horizontal position to provide the weight-bearing horizontal step. The automotive vehicle may further comprise an access door to the storage space from the cabin. The cargo space may be located rearward of a rear seat of the automotive vehicle, and the automotive vehicle may further comprise a third door between the storage space and the cargo space, the third door configured to be opened to permit access to the storage space from the cargo space.

The subject matter described herein may provide various technical advantages, including the following. Exemplary integrated storage compartments as disclosed herein may provide useful, unobstructed storage space for substantially a full width of an automotive vehicle that does not interfere with occupant seating. Exemplary door(s) that seal the exemplary integrated storage compartment may be configured to serve as horizontal steps when open, i.e., on which a user may step, to improve accessibility of items located on the roof or in the trunk or in a cargo bed or truck bed of the automotive vehicle, e.g., to provide an easy path to step into a storage bed of the automotive vehicle from the ground. Exemplary door(s) that seal the exemplary integrated storage compartment may be configured to provide horizontal exterior seating surfaces (i.e., exterior to the vehicle cabin) for occupants when the automotive vehicle is parked. Exemplary integrated storage compartments as disclosed herein may increase the storage space and enhance utilization of space available of an automotive vehicle including an electric vehicle.

Exemplary details and variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.

An exemplary integrated side-access storage compartment of an automotive vehicle is disclosed herein according to various nonlimiting examples. For any examples, the automotive vehicle may be a passenger vehicle, a pickup truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), etc., each of which may have one or more rows of seats to accommodate human passengers. The storage compartment may be integrated into the body of the automotive vehicle. The storage compartment may have a storage compartment door that may open sideways or downward. The storage compartment door may incorporate a weight-bearing (load-bearing) step on which a user may sit or on which a user may step to facilitate user access to a roof or cargo space (e.g., cargo bed, which may also be referred to as a truck bed) of the automotive vehicle. The storage compartment may extend though the full width of the automotive vehicle. The storage compartment may be located adj acent to a cabin of the automotive vehicle and integrated into a body thereof, and may be located rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle and forward of a set of rear wheels, wherein at least a portion of the storage compartment may be positioned forward of a forward wall of a cargo space. The storage compartment may include a forward door to permit access to the storage compartment from the cabin. The storage compartment may also include rear door to permit access to the storage space from the cargo space located rearward of the storage space. Other exemplary aspects are also disclosed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of an automotive vehicle <NUM>, such as an electric vehicle, with a side-access storage compartment, which may also be referred to as a storage space, a side bin, or storage bin. An automotive vehicle <NUM> may have a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>. A cabin <NUM> is typically located between the front and rear portions of the vehicle. The cabin <NUM> may include entry doors <NUM>. There may be one, two, three, four, or five or more entry doors <NUM> to the cabin <NUM>, which may contain one or more rows of seating for human occupants. Automotive vehicle <NUM> has a right side <NUM> and a left side <NUM>. Left side <NUM> may be referred to as a driver side of the vehicle, and right side <NUM> may be referred to as a passenger side of the vehicle. In cases where the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle that does not require or is not configured for a human driver, the left side of the vehicle may still be referred to as a driver side as a matter of convenience. One or more of the entry doors may be located on the left side <NUM> of the vehicle, and one or more entry doors may be located on the right side <NUM> of the vehicle.

Automotive vehicle <NUM> typically has a roof <NUM>. Roof <NUM> may have racks or other equipment for storage (not shown). Automotive vehicle <NUM> may have a chassis or unibody <NUM>. Automotive vehicle <NUM> may have a cargo space, such as cargo bed or truck bed <NUM> or, alternatively, a trunk. Cargo bed <NUM> is typically located at the rear portion <NUM> of the vehicle. Automotive vehicle <NUM> may have one or more front wheels <NUM> and one or more rear wheels <NUM>. Automotive vehicle <NUM> may be a unibody truck, which may have a storage bed. The body of the automotive vehicle <NUM> may be constructed of steel alloy and/or aluminum alloy or other materials as conventionally known in the art.

In an example, automotive vehicle <NUM> may have a side-access storage compartment <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a storage bin or side bin. Storage compartment <NUM> may be closable and lockable. Storage compartment <NUM> may be integrated into a body of the automotive vehicle. Storage compartment <NUM> may be located toward the rear of the vehicle cabin <NUM>, e.g., rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle. As with other examples disclosed herein at least a portion of the storage compartment <NUM> may be located forward of a forward wall of the cargo bed <NUM>, or cargo space, or trunk in examples where a trunk is utilized, and preferably at least one-half the volume of the storage compartment <NUM> is located forward of a forward wall of such a rear cargo space. Storage compartment <NUM> may be located forward of the rear wheel <NUM> and may have one or more openings <NUM>. An opening <NUM> to the storage compartment <NUM> may be at the left side <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM>. Another opening <NUM> to the storage compartment <NUM> may be at the right side <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> may extend through the full width of the vehicle <NUM>, such that it has openings <NUM> on both the left side <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM> and on the right side <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM>.

Some of openings <NUM> or each of openings <NUM> may have a storage compartment door <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> may include at least one sidewall <NUM> enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first (e.g., left) side of the automotive vehicle to a second side panel at a second (e.g., right) side of the automotive vehicle. If storage compartment <NUM> extends through the full width of the vehicle <NUM>, or extends between two storage compartment openings, then it may have doors <NUM> on both ends to cover each of the openings <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> may be lockable. Volume of the storage space may be between <NUM> cubic meters (<NUM> cubic feet) and <NUM> cubic meters (<NUM> cubic feet), between <NUM> cubic meters (<NUM> cubic feet) and <NUM> cubic meters (<NUM> cubic feet), between <NUM> cubic meters (<NUM> cubic feet) and <NUM> cubic meters (<NUM> cubic feet), or between <NUM> cubic meters (<NUM> cubic feet) and <NUM> cubic meters (<NUM> cubic feet).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating another example <NUM> of an automotive vehicle <NUM> with a side-access storage compartment. Automotive vehicle <NUM> in this example may have a rear portion <NUM> with a rear cargo space (trunk) <NUM>, e.g., behind a row of occupant seating, that may be internal to the rear portion <NUM>. Rear cargo space <NUM> may be referred to as a trunk or as a cargo bed. As in this example, the rear portion <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM> may have no trunk. Automotive vehicle <NUM> may have a storage compartment <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> may include at least one sidewall <NUM> enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment <NUM> and extending from a first side panel at a first (e.g., left) side of the automotive vehicle to a second side panel at a second (e.g., right) side of the automotive vehicle. Storage compartment <NUM> may have one or more openings <NUM>. Each of openings <NUM> may have a storage compartment door <NUM>. One opening <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM> may be on the left side <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> may extend through the full width of the automotive vehicle <NUM>, such that it has openings <NUM> on both the left side <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM> and on the right side <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM>. If storage compartment <NUM> extends through the full width of the automotive vehicle <NUM>, then it may have doors <NUM> on both ends to cover each of the openings <NUM>. One or more of doors <NUM> may have a storage receptacle <NUM>, which may include a cover such as a hinged cover. Storage compartment <NUM> may have an entry door <NUM> from a trunk space <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> may have a storage space located adjacent to a vehicle cabin <NUM> and forward of a cargo space <NUM> of the automotive vehicle <NUM>, e.g., such that at least a portion of the storage compartment is located forward of a forward wall of the cargo space <NUM>. In an example, a seat-back of a rear seat of the automotive vehicle <NUM> may serve as a forward wall of the cargo space. In the example of <FIG>, the cargo space may be located at the rear of the automotive vehicle <NUM> and span an area behind and above the rear wheels of the automotive vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of an automotive vehicle <NUM> with a storage compartment having a storage compartment door that opens laterally while retaining an upright, vertical orientation. In this example, automotive vehicle <NUM> may have a storage compartment <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> may include at least one sidewall <NUM> enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment <NUM> and extending from a first side panel at a first (e.g., left) side of the automotive vehicle to a second side panel at a second (e.g., right) side of the automotive vehicle. Storage compartment <NUM> may have one or more openings <NUM>. Each of the openings <NUM> may have a storage compartment door <NUM>. Diagram <NUM> shows the storage compartment door <NUM> in an open position. When storage compartment door <NUM> is in an open position, opening <NUM> is open and accessible. When storage compartment door <NUM> is open, it may be possible to place items for storage into the storage compartment <NUM>, or to remove items from the storage compartment <NUM>. Diagram <NUM> shows an example where the storage compartment door <NUM> in its open position is located to the rear of the opening <NUM>. Mechanism <NUM> allows for opening and closing of the storage compartment door <NUM>. Mechanism <NUM> may be a sliding mechanism (e.g., a powered sliding mechanism such as conventionally used in minivan side doors), or a hinge, or a set of hinges, or another opening mechanism. Storage compartment door <NUM> in its open position may have its exterior surface facing away from the vehicle. This may occur, for example, when mechanism <NUM> is a sliding mechanism. Storage compartment door <NUM> in its open position may have its exterior surface facing toward the vehicle. This may occur, for example, when mechanism <NUM> is a hinge mechanism. The automotive vehicle <NUM> may have one or more front seats <NUM> and may have one or more rear seats <NUM>. The automotive vehicle <NUM> may have a cargo space behind a rear seat <NUM> that is in addition to and different from the storage compartment <NUM>, as is the case with other examples disclosed herein. The automotive vehicle <NUM> may also have a cargo space behind a front seat <NUM> and in front of a rear seat <NUM> that is in addition to and different from the storage compartment <NUM>, as is the case with other examples disclosed herein.

In some examples, storage compartment <NUM> may be positioned rearward of a seat <NUM> that has a back 307A and a base 307B. Seat <NUM> may be a rear seat of the automotive vehicle, or a front seat of the automotive vehicle, e.g., where storage compartment <NUM> may be positioned rearward of a single row of seats of the automotive vehicle <NUM>. In some examples, storage compartment <NUM> may be positioned longitudinally between two rows of seats of the automotive vehicle <NUM>. In such instances the storage compartment <NUM> may further be positioned such that as least a portion thereof is positioned below a vehicle floor of the automotive vehicle, e.g., such that about one-half the vertical height of the storage compartment <NUM>, or more, is positioned below a floor level of the automotive vehicle <NUM>. In some examples, storage compartment <NUM> may be positioned in an automotive vehicle without seats (e.g., for driverless vehicles, or in an automotive vehicle with only a single driver seat.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating an example of a vehicle with a side compartment having a hinged door. Vehicle <NUM> may have a storage compartment <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> may include at least one sidewall <NUM> enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment <NUM> and extending from a first side panel at a first (e.g., left) side of the automotive vehicle to a second side panel at a second (e.g., right) side of the automotive vehicle. Storage compartment <NUM> may have one or more openings <NUM>. Each opening <NUM> may have a storage compartment door <NUM>. Mechanism <NUM> allows for opening and closing of the storage compartment door <NUM>. In the example illustrated in diagram <NUM>, mechanism <NUM> may be a hinge or a set of hinges. Storage compartment door <NUM> may be open in such a way that maintains an upright, vertical orientation such that its surface that faces the opening <NUM> when in a closed position, faces outward, i.e., away from the vehicle, when in an open position. Storage compartment door <NUM> may open toward the rear of the vehicle, or toward the front of the vehicle, or up (toward the top of the vehicle), or down (toward the bottom of the vehicle).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of a storage compartment structure. Storage compartment <NUM> may have a first opening <NUM> on the left side of the vehicle. Storage compartment <NUM> may have a second opening <NUM> on the right side of the vehicle. Storage compartment <NUM> may have one or more sidewalls <NUM>. Sidewall(s) <NUM> may be a continuous wall that is entirely curved in cross section, a continuous wall that includes both curved portions and straight portions in cross section, or a continuous wall with straight and/or curved portions in cross section with defined edges between sidewalls. In examples, the sidewall(s) may be composed of several pieces of panel material assembled together. If wall <NUM> is composed of several pieces, they may be connected together by welding, or with fasteners, or by glue, or using another means of connecting components. Sidewall(s) <NUM> may be made out of plastic, metal alloy such as steel sheet or aluminum alloy sheet or the like, composite materials, or other suitable material. Sidewall(s) <NUM> may be fabricated by stamping and bending the material into a suitable shape and joining the material at the edges, extruding the material, or by any other suitable approach or combination of processes. Sidewall(s) <NUM> may have one or more corner regions <NUM>. Alternatively, sidewall(s) <NUM> may have a smooth surface, such that it has no abrupt corners. In examples, sidewall(s) <NUM> is smooth and without gaps or corners in circumferential direction. In examples, the sidewall(s) <NUM> may be configured in cross section such that adjacent portions of sidewall(s) transition one to the other with a radius of curvature no less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches) where the corner region supports an extruded weather-strip seal and no less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches) where the corner supports a molder weather-strip seal. In some examples, the storage compartment may be shaped in cross section in a substantially rectangular shape, e.g., square shape, such as shown in <FIG> for instance. In other examples, the storage compartment may be shaped in cross section in an asymmetric shape, e.g., a polygon shape with no right angles between one sidewall portion and an adjacent sidewall portion and with one sidewall that is longer in cross section than the rest of the sidewalls, such as illustrated in the example of <FIG>. Such a storage compartment <NUM> with a polygon shape in cross section may have <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more sidewall portions that include straight portions, with or without abrupt corners therebetween. Dimensions of the storage compartment may include nominal height, width, and depth in the following ranges: height <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> inches), width <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> inches), depth <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM> - <NUM> inches). These dimensions are exemplary, and the storage compartment is not limited to these dimensions.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of a storage compartment door (or side bin door) in an open position providing a horizontal step surface. Example <NUM> shows a storage compartment opening <NUM> and a storage compartment door <NUM>. In this example, storage compartment door <NUM> opens downward, toward the bottom of the vehicle. A movement of the storage compartment door <NUM> between its closed position to its open position may be provided by one or more hinges <NUM> attached to both the vehicle and the door <NUM>. In examples, there are two or more hinges <NUM>. Storage compartment door <NUM> may have an outer door panel <NUM>. Door panel <NUM> may have an internal surface <NUM> and an external surface (not shown). Storage compartment door <NUM> may have a door housing <NUM>, and door housing <NUM> may have door side surface <NUM>. Storage compartment door <NUM> may have a door seal <NUM> and a step surface <NUM>. The door <NUM> may be secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism including a body side latch part <NUM> and a door side latch part <NUM>, as illustrated schematically in <FIG>. Any suitable latching mechanisms known in the art may be used in this regard. In some examples, step surface <NUM> faces up when storage compartment door <NUM> is in an open position. Storage compartment door <NUM> may be designed such that its capable of being opened downward such that a planar major surface thereof (e.g., surface <NUM>) is substantially parallel to a ground surface (i.e., to within about ± <NUM> degrees of a horizontal direction) or opened to the side such that a planar major surface thereof is substantially perpendicular to a ground surface (i.e., parallel to within about ± <NUM> degrees of a vertical direction) depending upon the placement of hinges <NUM> that connect the door <NUM> to a body portion <NUM> of the vehicle body.

When storage compartment door <NUM> is in a closed position, external surface of the door panel <NUM> may be flat with the side of the vehicle. In a closed position, door side surface <NUM> may fit inside vehicle side opening <NUM>. Vehicle side opening <NUM> may have a surface <NUM>, such that there is a small gap between surface <NUM> and door side surface <NUM> when storage compartment door <NUM> is in a closed position. When storage compartment door <NUM> is in a closed position, door seal <NUM> may seal a gap between storage compartment door <NUM> and a storage flange <NUM>. Such seal may be designed to prevent access of moisture or other contaminants into the storage compartment when storage compartment door <NUM> is closed.

Storage compartment door <NUM> may be further connected to the vehicle chassis with a door strap <NUM> that may limit the travel of the door <NUM> and/or reduce a load on the hinges <NUM> if a load is placed on the storage compartment door, such as a human stepping on the step surface <NUM>. Door strap <NUM> may be made out of plastic, or metal, or cable, or other suitable material. Storage compartment door <NUM> may be supported by one or several door straps <NUM>. Storage compartment door <NUM>, and the associated opening mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism) may be constructed of strong materials such as steel or aluminum alloy or other suitable material so as to withstand heavy loads of, e.g., <NUM> (<NUM> lbs), <NUM> (<NUM> lbs), <NUM> (<NUM> lbs), or more, which may be placed on the storage compartment door in its open position when used as a step or other support surface. In some examples a door cable <NUM> may be connected to a motorized closing mechanism pulls the cable over a pulley (not shown) at the vehicle chassis.

Storage compartment door <NUM> may be designed to serve as a seat as well as a step when in its open position. For example, the door <NUM> may be configured such that the step surface <NUM> will be positioned at a comfortable distance from the ground (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> inches)) for a typical sitting adult when storage compartment door <NUM> is in its open position and such that the width and depth of the step surface <NUM> can comfortably accommodate a sitting adult; eliminating sharp edges and corners from the surfaces of the storage compartment door <NUM> to avoid injuring a sitting person.

Configuring the storage door <NUM> such that the step surface <NUM> is at a height of <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> inches) from ground when in the open position provides a useful step height such that the person standing on it may comfortably reach the roof of the vehicle to place an item on the roof or to remove an item from the roof. The step surface <NUM> also provides a convenient means such that a person stepping on it also may comfortably reach to remove or place items in a cargo bed of the vehicle. The step surface <NUM> also provides a convenient means such that the person standing on it may comfortably step into or out of the cargo bed of the vehicle. Step surface <NUM> can be a non-skid surface. Step surface <NUM> can be a rubberized surface, or an abrasive non-skid surface.

Storage door <NUM> may be designed, depending on the need of a vehicle user, to open either downward such that the step surface <NUM> is substantially horizontal (i.e., parallel to the ground surface) when storage door <NUM> is fully open, or sideways such that the surface <NUM> is substantially vertical (i.e., perpendicular to the ground surface) when storage door <NUM> is fully open.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of a storage compartment door in a closed position to seal against a vehicle side panel (not shown). In a closed position, storage compartment door <NUM> may be vertical. Storage compartment door <NUM> may move between an open and closed positions using one or more hinges <NUM>. In an example, there are two hinges <NUM>. Hinges <NUM> may be supported by hinge brackets <NUM>. Hinge brackets <NUM> may be attached to a chassis rail or unibody portion <NUM>. Storage compartment door <NUM> may be equipped with a wiring harness <NUM>. Storage compartment door <NUM> may be equipped with one or more sensor devices <NUM>, e.g., such as magnetic sensing devices or sending devices, or other sensors, to detect open and/or closed door position. Sensor devices <NUM> may be in electrical communication with the wiring harness <NUM>. In some examples, the sensor devices <NUM> may be magnets that may trigger corresponding mating magnetic detection sensors located at a predetermined position at a vehicle wall that corresponds to the location of the magnets when the door is in a closed position, and in such a situation, the wiring harness <NUM> may be placed at the vehicle wall instead of at the storage compartment door <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of a storage compartment door connection to vehicle. In this example, storage compartment door <NUM> may be connected to the vehicle using one or more hinges <NUM>. In an example, there are two hinges <NUM>. Hinges <NUM> may be supported by a hinge support member <NUM>. Hinge support member <NUM> may be connected to and supported by a hinge support bracket <NUM>. Hinge support bracket <NUM> may be attached to a chassis rail or unibody portion <NUM>. In an open position, storage compartment door <NUM> may uncover storage opening <NUM>. In a closed position, storage compartment door <NUM> may close storage opening <NUM> such that door panel <NUM> may be in proximity with storage opening <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating an assembly <NUM> of a storage compartment door in an open position with a second step in a closed position. Storage compartment door <NUM> is connected to a body portion <NUM> of the automotive vehicle via one or more hinges <NUM> and moves between its open and closed positions using the one or more hinges <NUM>. In examples, there may be two or more hinges <NUM>. The storage compartment door <NUM> has a second step member <NUM> movably attached, e.g., with a hinge mechanism, to a fixed step member portion <NUM>. Diagram <NUM> shows storage compartment door <NUM> in an open position and second step member <NUM> in a closed (down) position such that a stepping surface <NUM> thereof is even with a stepping surface <NUM> of fixed step member portion <NUM>. An exemplary hinge (<NUM> in <FIG>) is hidden when the storage compartment door <NUM> is in an position and when the second step member <NUM> is in the closed (down) position shown in <FIG>. A cable <NUM> or door strap may be attached at one end to the storage compartment door <NUM> and connected at another end thereof to the vehicle chassis to limit the travel of and support the storage compartment door <NUM>. In some examples cable <NUM> may be connected to a motorized closing mechanism pulls the cable over a pulley (not shown) at the vehicle chassis.

<FIG> shows the storage compartment door <NUM> in an open position and a second step member <NUM> in an open position. Second step member <NUM> may move between its open and closed positions using rails, or hinges, or another suitable mechanism. The second step member <NUM> is moved by a user between its open and closed positions using one or more hinges <NUM>. In examples, there are two or more hinges <NUM>. When the second step member <NUM> is in an open (up) position, storage compartment door <NUM> may provide two step surfaces - a first step surface <NUM> and a second step surface <NUM>, both of which may be suitable for sitting or standing or supporting items. In such a position, step surface <NUM>, which was available for stepping, sitting, supporting, etc., with the position shown in <FIG>, is inaccessible for stepping, sitting, supporting, etc., with the position shown in <FIG>.

The second step surface <NUM> may be advantageously configured to be higher (farther above ground) than the first step surface <NUM>. The higher second step surface <NUM> may allow a more convenient platform to reach or place items on the roof of the vehicle, or in a cargo bed. Having two step surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> when storage compartment door <NUM> is in its open position also provide advantages of providing more support surfaces on which to place items, permitting two people to sit on the storage compartment door, and providing an easier path for stepping from the ground into cargo bed. In some examples, the storage compartment door <NUM> may be configured with three steps, whereby a third step member may be attached to the second step member <NUM> with hinges such as discussed above.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating an assembly <NUM> of a storage compartment door <NUM> in an open position wherein the storage compartment door <NUM> includes an insert <NUM> that covers a cavity <NUM> in the door <NUM> and for which the insert <NUM> can provide a positioning mechanism for articles being carried in the storage compartment <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken in along vertical plane and extending in a lateral direction along a length of the storage compartment <NUM> from a left side of the vehicle to the right side of the vehicle with the storage compartment door <NUM> in a closed position. In this example, storage compartment door <NUM> moves between its open and closed positions relative to body portion <NUM> using one or more hinges <NUM>. The exemplary storage compartment door <NUM> includes an insert <NUM> that, when attached to the door <NUM>, covers the cavity <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may include a first panel <NUM>, a second panel <NUM> attached to the first panel, and one or more positioning members <NUM>. The shape of the first panel <NUM> and second panel <NUM> may be configured to mate with the shape of the cavity <NUM>. When the insert <NUM> is attached to the storage compartment door <NUM>, and when the storage compartment door <NUM> is down in an open position (horizontal in this example), the exposed, upward-facing surface of first panel <NUM> can serve as a step member on which a user can step to access a roof of the automotive vehicle or gain better access to a truck bed of the automotive vehicle. An exemplary hinge (<NUM> in <FIG>) is hidden when the storage compartment door <NUM> is in an position and when the second step member <NUM> is in the closed (down) position shown in <FIG>. As shown in this example, the hinge(s) <NUM> can be configured to be sufficiently strong and be limited in travel so that the storage compartment door <NUM> can serve as a weight-bearing step, e.g., configured to support up to <NUM> (<NUM> pounds), without the need for a cable or door strap to limit the movement of the door <NUM>. In addition, a motorized opening and closing mechanism controlled by suitable switches, circuitry and wiring may be attached to the vehicle body and the door <NUM> to open and close the door. In some examples, a cable or door strap (not shown) may be attached at one end to the storage compartment door <NUM> and connected at another end thereof to the vehicle chassis to limit the travel of and support the storage compartment door <NUM>, such as described in connection with <FIG>. Suitable latching and locking mechanisms for permitting the door to open and securely close may be used as noted elsewhere herein.

As shown in the cross sectional view of <FIG>, the insert <NUM> can be removed from the storage compartment door <NUM>, if desired, and placed onto a bottom surface <NUM> of the storage compartment <NUM> in order to support and secure one or more articles <NUM> being carried in the storage compartment <NUM>. Such articles <NUM> may be elongated, such as a snow ski (as illustrated in <FIG>), a piece of lumber, or other long item. Where the storage compartment <NUM> includes two storage compartment doors <NUM>, one at each side (left and right) of the automotive vehicle, a second similar insert <NUM> can be provided at the other side of the vehicle on the bottom surface <NUM> of the storage compartment <NUM>. The insert(s) <NUM> may be secured to the bottom of the storage compartment <NUM> at predetermined locations using any suitable latches, slots, anchors, recesses, or other suitable way of securing the inserts <NUM> to limit their movement and secure them in place. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, with the insert(s) <NUM> secured to the bottom surface <NUM> of the storage compartments <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> is open an exposed, providing additional lateral space into which a lengthy article <NUM> may extend. In fact, the lateral extent of the storage compartment <NUM> (from the left side to the right side of the automotive vehicle) may span <NUM> or more, being limited by the ultimate width of the vehicle and the storage compartment door(s) <NUM> as apparent from the discussion above.

Exemplary aspects of the exemplary insert <NUM> are further shown in <FIG>. As shown therein, the positioning members <NUM> may be configured to extend from the plane of the second panel <NUM>, e.g., in the form of adjacent fingers between which are formed slots <NUM> into which articles may be inserted to be secured when the insert <NUM> is positioned at the bottom surface <NUM> of the storage compartment <NUM>. In this regard, the positioning members <NUM> (or fingers) may be formed of a resilient material that may deform and/or bend and/or be compressed, such as foam rubber, e.g., covered with a durable fabric or plastic covering. The positioning members <NUM> may be formed integrally with the second panel <NUM> such that both are made of the material(s), or the positioning members <NUM> may be attached to the second panel <NUM> using any suitable fastening mechanism, e.g., adhesives, clips, etc. Moreover, one or more of the positioning members <NUM> may be removable from and reattachable to the second panel <NUM> using any suitable attachment mechanisms (e.g., clips, slots, etc.) so as to provide flexibility in configuring the positioning members <NUM> to accommodate articles of different sizes.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating another exemplary assembly <NUM> of a side-access storage compartment door in an open position. In the example of <FIG>, a storage compartment door <NUM> includes a first member <NUM> (door member) connected to a body portion <NUM> of an automotive vehicle via one or more hinges <NUM> and that opens sideways via the one or more first hinges <NUM> exposing the storage compartment <NUM>. The exemplary storage compartment door <NUM> also includes a second member <NUM> (step member) that folds downward from the door member <NUM> of the compartment door <NUM> via one or more second hinges <NUM>. The step member <NUM> includes a step surface <NUM> that is oriented substantially horizontally when the step member <NUM> is folded down to provide a convenient stepping surface for a user. The door member <NUM> also includes a surface <NUM> that is oriented substantially vertically, so as to be substantially perpendicular to the step surface <NUM>. As such, when the door member <NUM> is open and when the step member <NUM> is folded down, the combination of the door member <NUM> and step member <NUM> can be configured as a seat for a user, such that the step surface <NUM> provides a horizontal seating surface and the surface <NUM> provides a vertical back-support surface for the user. As with other examples herein, surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may be made of any suitable materials such as rubber, polymer materials, composites, etc., and the step surface <NUM> may be configured as a non-skid surface, e.g., roughened or patterned with grooves or the like to provide secure footing for a user. In other respects, other structural and functional features of door members and step members of a side-access storage compartment door described herein are applicable to the example of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating another exemplary assembly <NUM> of a side-access storage compartment door in an open position. In the example of <FIG>, a storage compartment door <NUM> includes a first member <NUM> (door member) that opens sideways via one or more first hinges <NUM> in combination with one or more sliding rail members <NUM>, each of which includes a first rail <NUM> and a second rail <NUM>, exposing the storage compartment <NUM>. In this example, exemplary storage compartment assembly also includes a second member <NUM> (step member) that folds downward from a body portion <NUM> of the automotive vehicle via one or more second hinges <NUM>. In this example, the second rail <NUM> slides relative to the first rail <NUM>, and the second rail <NUM> is additionally connected to a rear surface of the door member <NUM> via one more third hinges (hidden in <FIG>). Through the combination of the first and third hinges and the first and second rails <NUM> and <NUM>, the door member <NUM> is configured to swing and slide open relative to the body portion <NUM>. The step member <NUM> includes a step surface <NUM> that is oriented substantially horizontally when the step member <NUM> is folded down to provide a convenient stepping surface for a user. A major surface <NUM> of the door member <NUM> is oriented substantially vertically when the door member <NUM> is both open or closed, so as to be substantially perpendicular to the step surface <NUM>. As with other examples herein, surface <NUM> may be made of any suitable materials such as rubber, polymer materials, composites, etc., and the step surface <NUM> may be configured as a non-skid surface, e.g., roughened or patterned with grooves or the like to provide secure footing for a user. In other respects, other structural and functional features of door members and step members of a side-access storage compartment door described herein are applicable to the example of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating another exemplary assembly <NUM> of a side-access storage compartment door in an open position. In the example of <FIG>, a storage compartment door <NUM> includes a first member <NUM> (door member) that opens sideways via one or more first hinges <NUM> in combination with one or more sliding rail members <NUM>, each of which includes a first rail <NUM> and a second rail <NUM>, exposing the storage compartment <NUM>, such as descried above in connection with <FIG>. In this example, exemplary storage compartment assembly also includes a second member <NUM> (step member) that slides outward from a body portion <NUM> of the automotive vehicle via one or more third rails <NUM> positioned in a slot <NUM> of body portion <NUM>. In this example, the step member <NUM> is configured to slide out of and back into slot <NUM>, relative to and along with the rails <NUM> that support the step member <NUM>. In addition, the opening and closing of the door member <NUM> is as described for the example of <FIG>, wherein the second rail <NUM> slides relative to the first rail <NUM>, and the second rail <NUM> is additionally connected to a rear surface of the door member <NUM> via one more third hinges (hidden in <FIG>). Through the combination of the first and third hinges and the first and second rails <NUM> and <NUM>, the door member <NUM> is configured to swing and slide open relative to the body portion <NUM>. With the door member <NUM> in an open position, the step member <NUM> can be slid outward, e.g., via pulling outward with the hand of a user. In addition, the step member <NUM> includes a step surface <NUM> that is oriented substantially horizontally when the step member <NUM> is slid outward to provide a convenient stepping surface for a user. A major surface <NUM> of the door member <NUM> is oriented substantially vertically when the door member <NUM> is both open or closed, so as to be substantially perpendicular to the step surface <NUM>. As with other examples herein, surface <NUM> may be made of any suitable materials such as rubber, polymer materials, composites, etc., and the step surface <NUM> may be configured as a non-skid surface, e.g., roughened or patterned with grooves or the like to provide secure footing for a user. In other respects, other structural and functional features of door members and step members of a side-access storage compartment door described herein are applicable to the example of <FIG>.

It should also be understood that as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Finally, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meanings of "and" and "or" include both the conjunctive and disjunctive and may be used interchangeably unless the context expressly dictates otherwise; the phrase "exclusive or" may be used to indicate situation where only the disjunctive meaning may apply. In addition, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "about" and/or "approximately" refers to ± <NUM>% of the quantity indicated, unless otherwise indicated. In addition, use of the term "based on," above and in the claims is intended to mean, "based at least in part on," such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

Claim 1:
An automotive vehicle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with a storage compartment, comprising:
a cabin (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a set of rear wheels (<NUM>) located behind the cabin;
a cargo space (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a closable integrated storage compartment assembly (<NUM>) located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels, at least a portion of the closable integrated storage compartment being positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space, comprising:
at least one sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle,
a first opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and
a first door (<NUM>) at the first opening, wherein the first door comprises a first, fixed step member (<NUM>) characterized in that the first door further comprises
a second step member (<NUM>) hingedly attached to the first step member, wherein the first step member has a weight-bearing horizontal step surface (<NUM>) when the first door is open and wherein the first step member comprises a step surface (<NUM>) when the second step member is open.