EP3347240A1

EP3347240A1 - Hook assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3347240A1
Application number: EP16756980.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthew Oakley; Christopher Brown; Christopher Thorpe
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2015-08-13
Filing date: 2016-08-12
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Also published as: GB2542264B; GB2542264A; WO2017025631A1; GB201514357D0; GB201613850D0

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to hook assembly (1, 101, 201) for use in a vehicle (2). The hook assembly (1, 101, 201) comprises a housing (5, 105, 205) comprising a cavity (43), a hook member (3, 103, 203) pivotally mounted to the housing (5, 105, 205), the hook member (3, 103, 203) being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; and a retaining member (7, 107, 207) disposed within the cavity (43). The hook member (3, 103, 203) comprises a concealing panel (37) configured to conceal at least a portion of an interior of the housing (5, 105, 205) when the hook member (3, 103, 203) is in the deployed position, the concealing panel being configured to cooperate with the retaining member (7, 107, 207) when the hook member (3, 103, 203) is in the stowed position to retain the hook member (3, 03, 203) in the stowed position. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle (2) comprising a hook assembly (1).

Description

HOOK ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hook assembly, and to a vehicle incorporating a hook assembly.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide hook assemblies in motor vehicles to hold items such as garments, bags or the like. These types of hook assemblies are typically mounted to interior trim panels of the motor vehicle. However, such hook assemblies typically take up space in the interior of the vehicle, and may degrade the aesthetics of the inside of the vehicle.

At least in certain embodiments, the present invention sets out to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the problems associated with known hook assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a hook assembly; and to a vehicle incorporating a hook assembly. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hook assembly for use in a vehicle, the hook assembly comprising:

a housing comprising a cavity,

a hook member pivotally mounted to the housing, the hook member being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; and

a retaining member disposed within the cavity;

wherein the hook member comprises a concealing panel configured to conceal at least a portion of an interior of the housing when the hook member is in the deployed position, the concealing panel being configured to cooperate with the retaining member when the hook member is in the stowed position to retain the hook member in the stowed position. The concealing panel may cooperate with the retaining member releasably to retain the hook member in the stowed position.

The housing may comprise a rear wall partially defining the cavity, and the concealing panel may be arranged to conceal at least a portion of the rear wall when the hook member is in the deployed position. The rear wall may comprise an aperture for receiving a fastener, and the concealing panel may be disposed in front of said aperture when the hook member is in the deployed position. For example, the concealing panel may be suitable for concealing a bolt inserted within the aperture and configured to secure the housing to a body structure of the vehicle. The housing may be formed integrally with an interior trim panel of the vehicle, and the concealing panel may be suitable for concealing a fastener configured to secure the interior trim panel to a body structure of the vehicle.

The cavity may comprise an opening for receiving the hook member. The hook member may comprise a closure panel configured to close at least partially the opening when the hook member is in the stowed position. The closure panel may be configured to engage the retaining member when the hook member is in the deployed position to hold the hook member in the deployed position. The closure panel may engage the retaining member to retain the hook member in said deployed position. The closure panel may comprise engaging means to facilitate moving the hook member between the stowed and deployed positions. The closure panel may comprise a ridge or projection for use by a user to move the hook member from the stowed position to the deployed position.

In an embodiment, the concealing panel may comprise a concealing panel end, and the closure panel may comprise a closure panel end. The retaining member may comprise a recess for receiving the concealing panel end when the hook member is in the stowed position, and/or for receiving the closure panel end when the hook member is in the deployed position. The retaining member may be mounted to the housing. In a variant, the retaining member may be formed integrally with the housing.

The retaining member may be a resilient retaining member. The retaining member may, for example, comprise a spring member. In this way, a user overcomes a spring force applied by the spring to disengage the hook member, thereby allowing the hook member to be pivoted from the stowed position and/or from the deployed position. Alternatively, the hook member may be a resilient member such that the concealing panel end and/or the closure panel end may locate in the recess formed in the retaining member. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hook assembly for use in a vehicle, the hook assembly comprising:

a housing comprising a cavity, the cavity having an opening,

a hook member pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; and

a retaining member disposed within the cavity;

wherein the hook member comprises a closure panel configured to close at least partially the opening when the hook member is in the stowed position, the closure panel being configured to engage the retaining member when the hook member is in the deployed position to retain the hook member in the deployed position. The closure panel can cooperate with the retaining member releasably to retain the hook member in the deployed position.

The hook member may comprise a concealing panel configured to conceal at least a portion of an interior of the housing when the hook member is in the deployed position. The concealing panel may be configured to cooperate with the retaining member when the hook member is in the stowed position to retain the hook member in the stowed position.

The housing may comprise a stop member. The hook member may be configured to engage the stop member to inhibit the pivoting movement of the hook member. The hook member may comprise a projection configured to engage the stop member to inhibit the pivoting movement of the hook member towards the deployed position when the hook member has reached the deployed position.

The housing may comprise at least one pivot member extending on a pivot axis about which the hook member is configured to pivot. The housing may comprise a first pivot member and a second pivot member. Each pivot member may be in the form of a pivot pin for locating in a bearing aperture formed in the hook member. The pivot pin may comprise a cylindrical or part-cylindrical bearing surface for cooperating with the bearing aperture in the hook member. The hook member may comprise a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms defining a locating channel for receiving the at least one pivot member. The first and second arms may define respective first and second inner surfaces for guiding the at least one pivot member into the bearing aperture.

Upon application of a load, the first and second arms may be configured to move towards each other in order partially or completely to close the locating channel. A stop member may be disposed to inhibit rotation of one of said first and second arms such that said locating channel closes.

The pivot member may be configured to allow removal of the hook member from the housing when the hook member is in an intermediate position between the stowed position and the deployed position. The at least one pivot member may comprise a first guide surface and a second guide surface. The first and second guide surfaces may be substantially planar and defined by respective chord lines in each pivot member. The first and second guide surfaces may be parallel to each other. The first and second guide surfaces may be arranged to align with the inner surfaces of the first arm and the second arm when the hook member is in a predetermined angular orientation. In this predetermined angular orientation, the first and second guide surfaces may be configured to travel between first and second arms to allow removal of the hook member from the housing. The predetermined angular orientation may, for example, be an angle between 30 and 60 degrees offset from the stowed position of the hook member. For example, the predetermined angular orientation may be of 45 degrees.

The hook assembly may comprise retaining means for retaining the hook member in the housing. The retaining means may comprise retaining projections or bumps formed in said hook member for engaging the at least one pivot member. To remove the hook assembly, a force may be applied to displace the retaining means past the at least one pivot member. The retaining means may thereby help prevent the hook member being inadvertently removed from the housing, for example during transition between said stowed and deployed positions. Alternatively, the retentions means may comprise at least one retaining recess formed in said hook member. The hook member may comprise first and second retaining recesses configured to receive the ends of respective first and second pivot members. In order to remove the hook member, a force may be required to displace the first and second member pins from said first and second retaining recesses. The first and second retaining recesses may comprise circular profiles to enable the hook member to pivot relative to the housing.

The hook member may be configured so as to define a predetermined failure location, such that the hook member breaks or substantially deforms at the predetermined failure location when a force above a predetermined threshold is applied to the hook member. The predetermined threshold value may be selected such that the hook member breaks or deforms at the predetermined failure location before damage occurs to other components of the hook assembly or components of a vehicle in which the hook assembly is disposed. The inclusion of a predetermined failure location in the hook member is advantageous as it guards against damage to other components of the hook assembly and the vehicle in which the hook assembly is disposed. In this way, more expensive components of the hook assembly and vehicle are protected in the event of a high load being applied to the hook member and repair of the hook assembly simply requires replacing of the hook member which may be carried out at relatively little expense and inconvenience, perhaps by the user themselves. The predetermined failure location may be defined by a groove in the hook member. The groove may define a line of weakness of the hook member. The hook member may break along the line of weakness when a force is applied to the hook member that is above the predetermined threshold.

In this way, the predetermined threshold value can be easily adjusted by changing the dimensions of the groove. According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a hook assembly as described herein.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 a shows an exploded view of a hook assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 b shows a perspective view of the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 a, the hook being in a deployed position;

Figure 1 c shows a perspective view of the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 a, the hook being in an intermediate position;

Figure 1 d shows a perspective view of the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 a, the hook being in a stowed position;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the hook comprised in the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 a;

Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the housing comprised in the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 a; Figure 3b shows a perspective view of the housing comprised in the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 a with the retaining member fastened to the housing;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the retaining member comprised in the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 a;

Figure 5a shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the hook assembly shown in

Figure 1 d, the hook being in the stowed position;

Figure 5b shows a first vertical cross-sectional view of the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 b, the hook being in the deployed position;

Figure 5c shows a second vertical cross-sectional view of the hook assembly shown in Figure 1 a, the hook being in the deployed position;

Figure 6a shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a hook assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the hook being in the stowed position;

Figure 6b shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the hook assembly shown in Figure 6a, the hook being in an intermediate position;

Figure 6c shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the hook assembly shown in

Figure 6a, the hook being removed from the housing;

Figure 7a shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a hook assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the hook being in the stowed position;

Figure 7b shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the hook assembly shown in Figure 7a, the hook being in a deployed position;

Figure 7c shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the hook assembly shown in Figure 7a further comprising a pivot pin;

Figure 8 shows a hook member of a hook assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the hook member defining a predetermined failure location; and

Figure 9 shows a vehicle incorporating a hook assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A hook assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 a to 5c. The hook assembly 1 is configured to be used in a vehicle 2, and is in particular configured to be integrated into an interior side trim panel of a load space of the vehicle 2. The hook assembly 1 is intended to support one or more items, such as a bag or a garment, to the interior side trim panel of the load space of the vehicle 2.

As shown in Figure 1 a to 1 d, the hook assembly 1 comprises a hook member 3 and a housing 5. The hook member 3 is pivotally mounted to the housing 5 to enable rotation relative to the housing 5 about a pivot axis X. The hook assembly 1 comprises a retaining member, and fastening means in the form of a bolt 9. The retaining member can be in the form of a resilient retaining member, for example formed from a resilient material. In the present embodiment, the retaining member is a spring member 7. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper" and "lower" are herein used in relation to the orientation of the housing 5 on the interior trim panel of the vehicle 2.

As shown in Figures 1 b to 1 d, the hook member 3 is rotatable between a deployed position in which at least a portion of the hook member 3 projects out of the housing 5 (as shown in Figure 1 b), and a stowed position in which the hook member 3 is disposed within the housing 5 (as shown in Figure 1 d). In the deployed position, the hook member 3 is suitable for supporting or hanging an item. To pivot between the deployed and the stowed positions, the hook member 3 moves through intermediate positions (one of which is shown in Figure 1 c), in which the hook member 3 is partially deployed out of the housing 5.

As shown in Figure 2, the hook member 3 comprises a longitudinal closure panel 1 1 , a first region 13 and a second region 15. The closure panel 1 1 is configured to close at least partially the housing 5 when the hook member 3 is in the stowed position. The closure panel 1 1 comprises an outer wall 17 and an inner wall 19. The outer wall 17 is provided with a transverse ridge 21 to facilitate manipulation of the closure panel 1 1 to pivot the hook member 3 from the stowed position to the deployed position.

The first region 13 and the second region 15 are disposed on respective sides of the pivot axis X. The first region 13 comprises a hook 23 suitable for receiving an item to be supported. An aperture 25 (visible in Figure 1 a) is provided in the hook 23 for receiving a fastening element such as a karabiner (not shown). In the present embodiment, the hook 23 and the closure panel 1 1 are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. In a variant (not shown), the hook 23 and the closure panel 1 1 could be arranged to form an acute included angle. The ridge 21 is provided in the second region 15, opposite to the hook 23.

The second region 15 is formed with a first arm 27 and a second arm 29. The first arm 27 comprises a concealing panel 37, a longitudinal projection 38 and a first arm end 39. The concealing panel 37 and the longitudinal projection 38 extend substantially perpendicular to each other. In particular, the concealing panel 37 and the longitudinal projection 38 are inclined at an angle of 88° relative to each other to accommodate a draft angle for moulding the housing 5. As will be described below, the concealing panel 37 is configured to conceal at least partially the housing 5 when the hook member 3 is in the deployed position, and the longitudinal projection 38 is configured to limit the pivoting movement of the hook member 3 when the hook member 3 has reached the deployed position, thereby determining the deployed position of the hook member 3. The longitudinal projection 38 is arranged substantially parallel to the closure panel 1 1 . In the present embodiment, the longitudinal projection 38 is angularly offset from the closure panel 1 1 , for example inclined at an angle of 2 °, to accommodate a draft angle for moulding the housing 5. The second arm 29 comprises a second arm end 40. The second arm end 40 is provided with an inner protrusion 36 facing the first arm end 39. The first and second arm ends 27, 29 extend generally parallel to each other and form a C-shaped configuration defining a locating channel 31 and a bearing aperture 33. The locating channel 31 is configured to allow the hook member 3 to be removed when the hook member 3 is in a predetermined, intermediate deployed position. The bearing aperture 33 has a part-circular profile and extends along the pivot axis X. As will be explained in more detail below, the inner protrusion 36 and the first arm end 39 are configured to be displaced towards each other partially or completely to close the locating channel 31 when a load is applied to the hook 23. The hook member 3 is made of a rigid plastics material, but could be made of other materials, such as metal.

In the present embodiment, the housing 5 is moulded into the interior side trim panel of the load space of the vehicle 2. As shown in Figure 3a and 3b, the housing 5 is generally cup- shaped for receiving the hook member 3. The housing 5 comprises a frame 41 , a cavity 43 and an opening 45. The frame 41 defines a reference plane which is substantially co-planar with the interior side trim panel. The opening 45 is formed in the reference plane and is configured to receive at least a portion of the hook member 3. The opening 45 is sized to allow pivoting movement of the hook member 3 between the stowed position and the deployed position. The opening 45 has a rectangular shape. When the hook member 3 is in the stowed position, the closure panel 1 1 at least substantially closes the opening 45. Thus, the cavity 43 is closed by the closure panel 1 1 when the hook member 3 is in the stowed position. The closure panel 1 1 is disposed substantially flush with the frame 41 of the interior side trim panel to form a substantially continuous surface.

The cavity 43 is defined by a rear wall 47, an upper wall 49, a lower wall 51 and left and right side walls 53, 55. A transverse rib 57 is provided in the cavity 43 and extends substantially horizontally across the cavity 43. The transverse rib 57 forms a partition within the cavity 43 to form an upper compartment 59 and a lower compartment 60. The upper compartment 59 is configured to receive the hook 23 when the hook member 3 is in the stowed position. As shown in Figure 3a, the rear wall 47 comprises an upper aperture 61 and a lower aperture 63. The upper aperture 61 is located on the rear wall 47, between the transverse rib 57 and the lower aperture 63, and, as shown in Figure 3b, is suitable for receiving the bolt 9. The lower aperture 63 is located on the rear wall 47 below the upper aperture 61 and, as shown in Figure 3b, is suitable for receiving at least partially the spring member 7. The housing 5 comprises a stop member in the form of left and right shoulders 65 extending from the left and right side wall 53, 55 respectively (only the left shoulder 65 is visible in Figures 3a and 3b). As will be described below, the left and right shoulders 65 are configured to cooperate with the longitudinal projection 38 of the hook member 3 to inhibit the pivoting movement of the hook member 3 when the hook member 3 has reached the deployed position, thereby determining the deployed position of the hook member 3.

The housing 5 comprises a pivot member in the form of left and right pivot pins 69 extending from the left and right side walls 53, 55, respectively. The left and right pivot pins 69 define the pivot axis X. The left and right pivot pins 69 have a circular cross section and are configured to locate in the bearing aperture 33 of the hook member 3, so that the hook member 3 pivots about the left and right pivot pins 69, when the hook member 3 is moved between the stowed and deployed positions.

The housing 5 further comprises left and right locating recesses 71 located in the left and right side walls 53, 55 respectively (only the left locating recess 71 is visible in Figures 3a and 3b).

The spring member 7 is disposed within the cavity 43. The spring member 7 is fitted in the cavity 43 of the housing 5 during the assembly of the interior trim panel. In the present embodiment, the spring member 7 is mounted to the rear wall 47 of the housing 5 with the bolt 9. As shown in Figure 4, the spring member 7 comprises a mounting portion 73 and a retaining portion 75. The mounting portion 73 comprises a mounting wall 77 having a mounting aperture 79, and comprises a left tab 83 and a right tab 85 opposed to the left tab 83. When the spring member 7 is mounted to the housing 5, the mounting aperture 79 aligns with the upper aperture 61 of the rear wall 47. The mounting aperture 79 is suitable for receiving the bolt 9 to mount the housing 5 of the trim panel to a body structure of the vehicle 2. The left tab 83 is configured to locate in the left locating recess 71 of the housing 5, and the right tab 85 is configured to locate in the right locating recess 71 of the housing 5, to locate the spring member 7 relative to the housing 5. The retaining portion 75 comprises a recess 87 suitable for releasably receiving a distal end of the concealing panel 37 when the hook member 3 is in the stowed position, and suitable for releasably receiving a distal end 88 of the closure panel 1 1 when the hook member 3 is in the deployed position, the distal end being arranged at the end opposite to the hook 23. When the spring member 7 is mounted to the housing 5, the recess 87 locates in the lower aperture 63 of the rear wall 47. The retaining portion 75 is provided as a recess feature operative to retain the hook member 3 in its stowed and deployed positions. The retaining member 7 thus acts to "lock" the hook member 3 in its stowed and deployed positions, thereby minimising rattling of the hook member 3 in the assembly 1 when the vehicle is in motion. The bolt 9 is configured to secure the housing 5 of the trim panel to a body structure of the vehicle 2. The bolt 9 is also configured to fasten the spring member 7 to the rear wall 47 of the housing 5. To mount the spring member 7 to the housing 5, the bolt 9 is inserted in the mounting aperture 79 of the spring member 7 and in the upper aperture 61 of the rear wall 47 of the housing 5. As will be described below, the bolt 9 is at least partially hidden by the concealing panel 37 of the hook member 3 when the hook member 3 is in the deployed position.

The operation of the hook assembly 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 5a to 5c.

When the hook member 3 is in the stowed position (Figure 5a), the hook 23 is stowed in the upper compartment 59 of the cavity 43 and contacts the rear wall 47 of the housing 5. The rear wall 47 defines the stowed position, and prevents the hook member 3 from pivoting beyond the stowed position. The cavity 43 is closed by the closure panel 1 1 , which closes the opening 45. The concealing panel 37 is received in the recess 87 of the spring member 7 to hold the hook member 3 in the stowed position. The hook member 3 is pivoted by a user from the stowed position to the deployed position, for example by engaging the ridge 21 of the closure panel 1 1 . The user pushes the closure panel 1 1 so that it pivots into the cavity 43 and the hook 23 pivots outwardly so as to project out of the housing 5. When the hook member 3 reaches the deployed position (Figures 5b and 5c), the closure panel 1 1 is at least partly disposed within the cavity 43 and the hook 23 is exposed in an operative position. In this position, the concealing panel 37 is arranged to conceal the bolt 9 from view. In the present embodiment, the hook member 3 pivots through approximately 90 degrees as it travels from the stowed position to the deployed position. The longitudinal projection 38 of the hook member 3 abuts the left and right shoulders 65 of the housing 5 when the hook member 3 is in the deployed position. The hook member 3 is thereby prevented from further rotation beyond the deployed position. Moreover, the distal end 88 of the closure panel 1 1 locates in the recess 87 of the spring member 7 to retain the hook member 3 in the deployed position. The user can then hang an item, such as a garment, on the hook 23, or secure the item through a karabiner fixed in the aperture 25 of the hook 23.

When the hook member 3 is no longer required, the hook member 3 can be pivoted back to the stowed position such that the closure panel 1 1 closes the opening 45. In the stowed position, the closure panel 1 1 is substantially aligned with the frame 41 of the interior side trim panel. The distal end of the concealing panel 37 locates in the recess 87 of the spring member 7 to retain the hook member 3 in the stowed position.

Applying a load on the hook 23, for example when an object is supported on the hook 23, causes the hook member 3 to undergo elastic deformation such that the second arm 29 moves towards the first arm 27. In particular, as the first arm 27 is prevented from moving by the left and right shoulders 65, the inner protrusion 36 of the second arm 29 comes into contact with the first arm end 39, thereby closing the locating channel 31 . The left and right pivot pins 69 cannot be displaced through the locating channel 31 when it is in this closed configuration. Therefore, whilst under load, the hook member 3 is secured to the housing 5 and cannot be removed from the housing 5.

In certain circumstances, for example for servicing, it may be necessary to remove the hook member 3 from the housing 5. To remove the hook member 3 from the housing 5, the hook 23 is unloaded (for example by removing an object supported on the hook 23). The hook member 3 is maintained in the deployed position such that the closure panel 1 1 is retained in the spring member 7. The action of unloading the hook 23 restores the hook member 3 to its original un-deformed state. When the hook member 3 is being pulled away from the housing 5 the resilience of the hook member 3 causes the first and second arms 27, 29 to move apart, such that the inner protrusion 36 of the second arm 29 moves away from the first arm end 39, widening the locating channel 31 , such that the pivot pins 69 are displaceable through the locating channel 31 . The hook member 3 can then be removed from the housing 5. When pulling the hook member 3 out of the housing 5, the pivots pins 69 are displaced out of the bearing aperture 33, through the locating channel 31 .

A hook assembly 101 , according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is shown in Figures 6a to 6c. The further embodiment corresponds closely to the previous embodiment and like reference numerals have been used for like components, albeit incremented by 100 for clarity.

The hook assembly 101 comprises left and right pivot pins 169 about which the hook member 103 is configured to pivot when the hook member 103 is moved between the stowed and deployed positions. The hook assembly 101 according to the present embodiment allows the hook member 103 to be removed from the housing 105 in an intermediate position in which the closure panel 1 1 1 of the hook member 103 is inclined with respect to the housing 105. In particular, the hook member 103 can be removed when the closure panel 1 1 1 is inclined at a predetermined angle a relative to the reference plane defined by the frame 141 . The predetermined angle a can, for example, be between 30 and 60 degrees. Other predetermined angles may also be used and are also useful. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6a to 6c, the predetermined angle a is 45 degrees.

Each pivot pin 169 is in the form of a straight cylinder extending along the pivot axis X and truncated by first and second parallel planes arranged symmetrical about a first diametral plane of the cylinder. Each pivot pin 169 therefore comprises first and second curved (part- circular) bearing surfaces 189 defined by portions of the lateral surface of the cylinder, and first and second flat guide surfaces 191 defined by the first and second parallel planes. The first and second bearing surfaces 189 are disposed opposite to each other about the lateral surface of the cylinder, symmetrical about a second diametral plane of the cylinder. The first and second bearing surfaces 189 are connected to each other via the first and second flat guide surfaces 191 . The first and second flat guide surfaces 191 are inclined with respect to the reference plane defined by the frame 141 at a predetermined angle a of 45 degrees. As will be explained below, the first and second flat guide surfaces 191 are configured to guide the first and second arms 127, 129 of the hook member 103 to allow removal of the hook member 103 when it is in an intermediate position in which the closure panel 1 1 1 is inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the reference plane. The operation of the hook assembly 101 of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6a to 6c will now be described with reference to these figures. When the hook member 103 is in the stowed position (as shown in Figure 6a), the bearing aperture 133 of the hook member 103 is supported by the first and second bearing surfaces 189 of each pivot pin 169. The opposing surfaces of the first and second arms 127, 129 are not aligned with the first and second guide surfaces 191 of the pivot pins 169, thereby preventing the hook member 103 from being removed from the housing 105.

When the hook member 103 is moved from the stowed position towards the deployed position, the bearing aperture 133 pivots on the first and second bearing surfaces 189. When the hook member 103 has reached the intermediate position in which the closure panel 1 1 1 is inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the reference plane, the first and second guide surfaces 191 are aligned with the opposing faces of the first and second arms 127, 129 which define the surfaces of the locating channel 131 (as shown in Figure 6b). Therefore, when the hook member 103 is pulled out of the housing 105, the first and second arms 127, 129 are guided out of the housing 105 by the first and second guide surfaces 191 , so that the hook member 103 can be removed from the housing 105 (as shown in Figure 6c).

A hook assembly 201 , according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is shown in Figures 7a, 7b and 7c. This further embodiment corresponds closely to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6a to 6c, and like reference numerals have been used for like components, albeit incremented by 100 for clarity.

The hook assembly 201 comprises a hook member 203 pivotably mounted in a housing 205. The hook member 203 is pivotable between stowed and deployed positions. The hook assembly 201 comprises left and right pivot pins about which the hook member 203 is configured to pivot. The hook member 203 may be removed from the housing 205 when it is disposed in an intermediate position between said stowed and deployed positions. In particular, the hook member 203 may be removed when the closure panel 21 1 is inclined at a predetermined angle a with respect to the frame 241 which defines the reference plane of the housing 205. The hook assembly 201 comprises a spring member 207 for cooperating with the hook member 203. Specifically, the spring member 207 is operable to retain the hook member 203 in said stowed and deployed positions. The hook member 203 comprises first and second sidewalls 292 each having an engaging surface 293 for cooperating with the spring member 207. Each engaging surface 293 comprises a part-circular surface 294, a first recess 295 and a second recess 296. The part-circular surface 294 is centred on the pivot axis X of the hook member 203. The spring member 207 is biased against said engaging surface 293 and is maintained under tension irrespective of the angular orientation of the hook member 203. The first and second recesses 295, 296 are formed at opposite ends of the part-circular surface 294 and define end-stops to limit the pivoting motion of the hook member 203. The spring member 207 locates in said first recesses 295 to retain the hook member 203 in said stowed position, as shown in Figure 7a. Conversely, the spring member 207 locates in said second recesses 296 to retain the hook member 203 in said deployed position, as shown in Figure 7b. The spring member 207 and the first and second recesses 295, 296 are arranged such that the force required to open and to close the hook member 203 is substantially equal. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the first and second recesses 295, 296 are not visible when the hook member 203 is deployed.

The mounting arrangement of the hook member 203 is substantially unchanged from the arrangement described in previous embodiments. In particular, the hook member 203 and the housing 205 are configured to enable the hook member 203 to be removed from the housing when the hook member 203 is arranged at a predetermined angular position relative to the reference plane. Figure 7c also shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the hook assembly, albeit the cross-sectional view has been taken along a vertical plane offset from and parallel to the plane along which the cross-sectional views of Figures 7a and 7b have been taken. The vertical cross-sectional view of Figure 7c clearly shows the pivot pins 269. As shown in Figure 7c, the housing 205 comprises first and second pivot pins 269 for positioning in a locating channel 231 formed by the first and second arms of the hook member 203. The first and second pivot pins 269 each have first and second flat guide surfaces 291 , and first and second bearing surfaces 289. When the first and second flat guide surfaces are aligned with the inner surfaces of the first and second arms, the hook member 203 is removable.

In the present embodiment, the hook member 203 also comprises hook member retaining means 297 arranged to cooperate with the first and second pivot pins 269. The hook member retaining means 297 may be in the form of retaining projections or bumps configured to engage with the first and second pivot pins 269. The hook member retaining means generate a retaining force, which must be overcome to remove the hook member 203 (even when the first and second flat guide surfaces 291 are aligned with the bearing surfaces 289) from the housing 205. The hook member retaining means 297 can thereby help prevent the hook member 203 being inadvertently removed from the housing 205, for example as it transitions between said stowed and deployed positions. This function is particularly useful, in the present embodiment, since the spring member 207 is biased against the engaging surface 293.

In an alternate arrangement, the hook member retaining means may be in form of first and second retaining recesses suitable for receiving the ends of the first and second pivot pins 269. The first and second pivot pins 269 may be located in said first and second retaining recesses when the hook member 203 is mounted to the housing 205. In order to remove the hook member 203, the first and second pivot pins 269 are displaced from said retaining recesses.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the hook member 303 is configured so as to define a predetermined failure location 304. When a load is applied to the hook member 303 that exerts a force on the hook member above a predetermined threshold, the hook member 303 breaks or substantially deforms at the predetermined failure location 304. In this way, the hook member 303 can no longer be used for supporting items and further damage to the assembly is prevented. The predetermined threshold value may be chosen to ensure that the hook member 303 deforms or breaks at the predetermined failure location 304 before damage occurs to any of the surrounding components of the hook assembly 301 , or to other components of a vehicle 2 in which the hook assembly 301 is disposed (e.g. a vehicle trim panel). In one example, the threshold value is chosen such that the predetermined failure location 304 can comfortably withstand a loading of 5kg, and such that the hook member 303 breaks or deforms at the predetermined failure location 304 at a loading between 10kg and 15kg (before damage to surrounding components of the hook assembly 301 and vehicle 2 occur). In other embodiments, other appropriate threshold values may be chosen. The predetermined failure location 304 is defined by a groove 306 in the hook member 303, which defines a line of weakness 308 of the hook member, along which the material of the hook member 303 is thinned. In this embodiment, the groove 306 is generally V-shaped, such that the hook member is configured to break at the predetermined failure location 304 on loading above the predetermined threshold value. In other embodiments, the predetermined failure location 304 may comprise a different shaped groove 306, for example a U-shaped groove, such that the hook member is configured to deform at the predetermined failure location 304. The predetermined threshold value may be adjusted by tuning the geometry of the groove 306.

In other embodiments of the invention, the predetermined failure location 304 may be provided in another suitable way, for example the predetermined failure location 304 may comprise a material having lower strength than the surrounding material of the hook member 303.

The inclusion of a predetermined failure location 304 on the hook member 303 is advantageous as it guards against damage to other components of the hook assembly 301 , and of the vehicle 2. Thus, more expensive components of the hook assembly 301 and vehicle 2 are protected in the event of a high load being applied to the hook member 303, and repair of the hook assembly 301 can be undertaken simply by replacing the hook member 303 at relatively little expense and inconvenience.

The hook assembly 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 has been described herein as being mounted in a load space of an automotive vehicle 2. The hook assembly 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 has been described as being disposed in an interior side trim panel of the load space and this arrangement is illustrated in Figure 9. However, it will be appreciated that the hook assembly 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 is not limited to this application. The hook assembly 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 could be mounted to a floor member or a roof member in the load space, for example to secure webbing, a bungee cord, a cargo net or a tension strap. The hook assembly 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 could be installed in a cabin of the vehicle 2, for example in a foot well. Moreover, the hook assembly 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 could be installed externally, for example to receive a bungee cord to secure a tonneau cover.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the hook assembly 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A hook assembly for use in a vehicle, the hook assembly comprising:

a housing comprising a cavity,

a hook member pivotally mounted to the housing , the hook member being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; and

a retaining member disposed within the cavity;

wherein the hook member comprises a concealing panel configured to conceal at least a portion of an interior of the housing when the hook member is in the deployed position, the concealing panel being configured to cooperate with the retaining member when the hook member is in the stowed position to retain the hook member in the stowed position.

2. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a rear wall at least partially defining the cavity, and wherein the concealing panel is arranged to conceal at least a portion of the rear wall when the hook member is in the deployed position.

3. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rear wall comprises an aperture for receiving a fastener, and wherein the concealing panel is disposed in front of said aperture when the hook member is in the deployed position.

4. A hook assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity has an opening for receiving the hook member.

5. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hook member comprises a closure panel configured to close at least partially the opening when the hook member is in the stowed position, and configured to engage the retaining member when the hook member is in the deployed position to retain the hook member in the deployed position.

6. A hook assembly for use in a vehicle, the hook assembly comprising:

a housing comprising a cavity, the cavity having an opening,

a retaining member disposed within the cavity;

wherein the hook member comprises a closure panel configured to close at least partially the opening when the hook member is in the stowed position, the closure panel being configured to engage the retaining member when the hook member is in the deployed position to retain the hook member in the deployed position.

7. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hook member comprises a concealing panel configured to conceal at least a portion of an interior of the housing when the hook member is in the deployed position, and configured to cooperate with the retaining member when the hook member is in the stowed position to retain the hook member in the stowed position.

8. A hook assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member is mounted to the housing.

9. A hook assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the retaining member is formed integrally with the housing.

10. A hook assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is formed integrally with an interior trim panel of the vehicle.

1 1 . A hook assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a stop member, the hook member being configured to engage the stop member to inhibit the pivoting movement of the hook member.

12. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 1 1 , the housing comprising at least one pivot member extending on a pivot axis about which the hook member is configured to pivot, the hook member comprising a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms defining a locating channel for receiving the at least one pivot member; wherein, upon application of a load, the first and second arms are configured to move towards each other in order partially or completely to close the locating channel.

13. A hook assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , the housing comprising at least one pivot member extending on a pivot axis about which the hook member is configured to pivot, wherein the pivot member is configured to allow removal of the hook member from the housing when the hook member is in an intermediate position between the stowed position and the deployed position.

14. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 13, the hook member comprising a first arm and a second arm, the at least one pivot member comprising a first guide surface and a second guide surface, the first and second guide surfaces being parallel to each other, wherein the first and second guide surfaces are arranged to travel between the first and second arms to allow removal of the hook member from the housing when the hook member is in a predetermined angular orientation.

15. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predetermined angular orientation is an angle between 30 and 60 degrees offset from the stowed position of the hook member.

16. A hook assembly as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 comprising retaining means for retaining the hook member in the housing.

17. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the retaining means comprises retaining projections or bumps formed in said hook member for engaging the at least one pivot member.

18. A hook assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook member is configured so as to define a predetermined failure location, such that the hook member breaks or substantially deforms at the predetermined failure location when a force above a predetermined threshold is applied to the hook member.

19. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the predetermined threshold is selected such that the hook member breaks or deforms at the predetermined failure location before damage occurs to other components of the hook assembly or components of a vehicle in which the hook assembly is disposed.

20. A hook assembly as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the predetermined failure location is defined by a groove in the hook member.

21 . A hook assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the groove defines a line of weakness, and wherein the hook member breaks along the line of weakness when a force is applied to the hook member that is above the predetermined threshold.

22. A vehicle comprising a hook assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

23. A hook assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Figures 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 2, 3a, 3b, 4,5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7a, 7b, 7c, or 8.

A vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 9.