Patent Application
20050279793
This invention relates to the seat well space of a motor vehicle. More specifically, it relates to a cargo management system utilizing the seat well space for a motor vehicle.
Motors vehicles are generally equipped with areas for cargo storage. Some vehicles are equipped with trunk space, while others are equipped with storage areas behind the last row of seating. Consumer demand has driven the need to design motor vehicles with adequate cargo storage areas. However, with this demand comes the need for cargo management systems.
Many times, loose or smaller items are stored in the cargo space. While the vehicle is in motion, these loose or smaller items tend to move or roll around in the cargo space. This is undesirable because the items might be damaged or cause damage to the vehicle. As a result, systems have been developed to manage the cargo space and control items that are placed in that space.
While these systems have been effective in managing trunk space or the space behind the last row of seats, none have been able to manage the space that seat wells create. Some motor vehicles now allow for seats to be folded and stowed in the floor of the vehicle. When the seats are deployed, a seat well is left open and empty. When the seats are deployed, this seat well makes an ideal area to store cargo. However, the cargo, if just placed in the seat well, would roll around if not contained somehow. This invention solves the problem of cargo not being secured when stored. This lightweight, stiff yet pliable divider solves the problem of cargo storage within a seat well in an easy and cost-effective manner.
This invention relates to a cargo management system for a motor vehicle with at least one seat well comprising a divider capable of fitting in said at least one seat well and having two positions, stowed or deployed. This divider comprises a stiff, yet pliable material.
The divider is capable of being deployed when the seat in a motor vehicle is deployed. A deployed seat leaves open a seat well in which the divider fits in. The divider height, while deployed, does not exceed the depth of the seat well.
When a user no longer has a need for the divider or the seats must be stowed, the divider can also be stowed. It can be stowed in a pouch on the tailgate of the motor vehicle.
This invention provides a unique storage management system for seat wells, a part of a vehicle which normally would not be an ideal storage area.
This cargo management system for a motor vehicle having at least one seat well 8 comprises a divider 10 capable of fitting in said at least one seat well 8. This divider 10 has two positions. It is either stowed or it is deployed. The divider 10 comprises of a stiff yet pliable material. This divider 10 needs to be somewhat stiff so that it can keep its form and adequately support anything stored within it. However, the divider 10 also needs to be pliable so that it can be folded and stowed.
When not in use, this divider 10 is folded and held in a pouch 14 on the tailgate 12, as seen in
The divider 10 is deployed when the user removes it from its stowed position in the pouch 14 on the tailgate 12 and unfolds it and places it into the seat well 8, as seen in
The above presents a description of the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come with the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.
