GB2534905A

GB2534905A - Adaptable storage

Info

Publication number: GB2534905A
Application number: GB1501896.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ovens David; Smith Simon
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-05
Filing date: 2015-02-05
Publication date: 2016-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-05
Also published as: GB201501896D0; GB2534905B

Abstract

A vehicle (11, Fig. 17) and vehicle storage compartment (10, Fig. 1) having a rear opening defined in part by a rear edge of the vehicle load floor and to a load floor assembly 1 for the vehicle. The load floor assembly includes a first, fixed part 2 and a second part 3 that is movable and possibly lockable with respect to the first part between a stowed position in which the first and second parts together provide the load floor 20, 30 of the vehicle and a deployed position in which the second portion extends at an angle from the first portion. The second part may extend from the rear edge of the load floor assembly at a right angle relative to the first part to obstruct the rear opening and/or to provide a usable work surface by deploying a panel (32, Fig. 7) from the second part. Or the second part may extend out of the rear opening to provide an extension to the load floor or a seat, or extend orthogonally from the first part inward from the rear edge to separate the load floor. Control systems for operating the adaptable load floor, or load space door are also disclosed.

Description

ADAPTABLE STORAGE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to adaptable storage for vehicles and particularly, but not exclusively, to an adaptable storage compartment for vehicles with an adaptable base. Aspects of the invention relate to a load floor assembly, to a storage compartment, to a vehicle and to a controller.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide vehicles with two-part rear doors, which is also known as a split tailgate. A two-part rear door is normally split horizontally at a convenient vertical position of the door, for example at or just below the intersection between the rear windscreen and solid section.

The main purpose of a split tailgate is to facilitate opening of the rear door, for example where the rear door would otherwise be large and cumbersome. Split tailgates also enable easy access to the rear of the vehicle, for example by enabling the upper portion of the door to be opened while leaving the lower portion of the door in place. This can be useful, for example where loose items are on the load floor of the vehicle adjacent the rear door and would otherwise fall out of the vehicle if the door was opened entirely. Opening the lower portion of the door provides full access to the rear of the vehicle, aids loading of large items by acting as an extended load floor and can also be used as a seat when the vehicle is parked.

Developments in vehicle design, for example component and assembly weight reduction and power-assisted opening of rear doors, have resulted in a move towards more single-piece tailgates, particularly given their reduced parts complexity as compared to split tailgates.

However, it would be desirable to retain the secondary benefits of split tailgates with the use of single-piece doors.

It is a non-exclusive aim of the present invention to provide an arrangement that offers at least some of the benefits of split tailgates for use in vehicles having a single-piece rear door.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a load floor assembly, to a storage compartment, to a vehicle and to a controller as claimed in the appended claims. Other aspects relate to methods of operating or reconfiguring an adaptable load floor and to modules, controllers, apparatus and systems for controlling such a load floor assembly or storage compartment or vehicle and to computer program elements for executing such methods. For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention, unless they are incompatible therewith.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a load floor assembly for a vehicle storage compartment, the assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion movable or deployable with respect to the first portion between a stowed position or condition in which the first and second portions together provide, in use, a load floor or load floor surface and a deployed position or condition in which the second portion extends from the first portion at an angle relative thereto.

The provision of a load floor with a second portion movable relative to a first portion between stowed and deployed positions enables modern vehicles with a single piece tailgate to benefit from the advantages of split tailgate designs without at least some of the drawbacks. As used hereinafter, the term 'position' when referring to stowed and/or deployed (or other) positions should be interpreted to refer to a position or a condition.

The load floor or load floor surface provided by the first and second portions may be provided or defined within a storage compartment, e.g. inboard of a rear opening thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage compartment for a vehicle, which storage compartment may comprise a load floor assembly as described above.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle storage compartment comprising a first load floor portion and a second load floor portion movable or deployable with respect to the first load floor portion between a stowed position in which the first and second load floor portions together provide, in use, a load floor or load floor surface, e.g. within the storage compartment, and a deployed position in which the second portion extends from the first portion at an angle relative thereto.

The storage compartment may comprise a rear opening that may be defined at least in part by an outer edge or lip of the load floor.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle, which vehicle may comprise a storage compartment as described above or a load floor assembly as described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a first load floor portion and a second load floor portion movable or deployable with respect to the first load floor portion between a stowed position in which the first and second load floor portions together provide, in use, a load floor or load floor surface, e.g. within the storage compartment, and a deployed position in which the second portion extends from the first portion at an angle relative thereto.

The vehicle may comprise a rear door for selectively closing an opening of the storage compartment, for example wherein the second portion is located within the storage compartment when the rear door is in the closed position and/or when the second portion is in one or each of the deployed position and the stowed position.

The first portion may comprise a recess within which the second portion is received or receivable, for example in the stowed position. The second portion may be lockable or securable in the deployed position and/or in the stowed position. The first portion may comprise a fixed portion and/or the second portion may comprise a movable portion. The load floor may provide or correspond, in use, to the base or floor of a vehicle storage compartment in which it is comprised.

The second portion may extend substantially orthogonally or at a right angle, e.g. an angle of substantially 90 degrees, relative to the first portion in the deployed position. The second portion may extend vertically or be upstanding in the deployed position. The second portion may be configured to obstruct, in use, the rear opening of the storage compartment in the deployed position.

The second portion may be movable between the stowed position and two or mare deployed positions. The second portion may be lockable or securable in at least one of the deployed positions. The aforementioned deployed position may comprise a first deployed position. The second portion may be movable to a second deployed position. The second portion may extend, in use, out of the rear opening of the storage compartment, for example in the second deployed position. The second portion may provide an extension to the load floor of when the second portion extends out of said rear opening. The second portion may lie parallel or extend at a substantially straight angle, for example at an angle of substantially 180 degrees, with respect to the first portion, e.g. when the second portion extends out of said rear opening.

The assembly may comprise a tether, which may be connected to a free end or edge of the second portion, e.g. when the second portion extends out of said rear opening. The tether may be connectable to the storage compartment or to a vehicle within which the assembly is comprised in use. The tether may be connected at or adjacent a first end to the free end or edge of the second portion and/or may be connectable at or adjacent a second end to the storage compartment or vehicle. The tether may be flexible or semi-flexible and/or may comprise a cable or cable stay or any other suitable line. Alternatively, the tether may be rigid or semi-rigid and/or may comprise a linkage or any other suitable form of attachment.

The second portion may be connected, e.g. pivotally connected, at or adjacent an outer or rear edge of the first portion or load floor when in the second deployed position.

The second portion may be movable to a third deployed position. In the third deployed position, the second portion may separate, in use, the storage compartment. It will be appreciated that in embodiments the second portion may be movable between the stowed position and only one deployed position, which may be any one of the first, second or third deployed position. Similarly, the second portion may be movable between the stowed position and only two deployed positions, one of which corresponds to the first position and a second of which corresponds to the third position. Similarly, the two deployed positions may comprise the first and second positions.

In the third deployed position, the second portion may be inboard, e.g. spaced inwardly from, an outer edge or lip of the first portion or load floor assembly. In the third deployed position, the second portion may extend substantially orthogonally relative to the first portion. The second portion may extend vertically or be upstanding in the third deployed position. The second portion may define, in use, at least part of a secondary or subsidiary compartment between the rear opening of the storage compartment and the second portion when in the third deployed position.

In embodiments, the assembly comprises a third portion, which may be connected to the second portion and/or movable relative thereto. The third portion may be positionable, configurable, lockable or securable in a stowed position, for example in which it lies against, in or contiguous with the second portion. The third portion may lie against a side thereof that is lowermost when the second portion is in the stowed position and/or uppermost when the second portion is in the second deployed position.

The third portion may be movable between the stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the third portion may extend substantially orthogonally relative to the second portion. The third portion may extend horizontally when the second and third portions are both in their respective deployed positions. The third portion may be pivotable about approximately 90 degrees or 270 degrees from its stowed position to its deployed position. The third portion may extend, in use, toward and/or out of the rear opening of the storage compartment when the second and third portions are both in their respective deployed positions.

The third portion may be movable to the deployed position when the second portion is in its first or third deployed position. The third portion may extend horizontally when the second portion is in its first or third deployed position and the third portion is in its deployed position.

The third portion may comprise a support surface, e.g. a horizontal support surface, for receiving thereon one or more items when the third portion is in its deployed position.

In embodiments, the second portion is pivotable, for example about an axis or a first axis, between the stowed position and the first or second deployed position. Additionally or alternatively, the second portion may be pivotable about a second axis between the stowed position and the third deployed position. The second axis may be different from the first axis. The second portion may be pivotally connected at or adjacent the outer edge or lip of the load floor assembly, for example by or about the first axis. The second portion may be pivotally connected at a position spaced inwardly from the outer edge or lip, for example by or about the second axis to the load floor assembly. At least one of the axes may be provided by a pair, e.g. a respective pair, of retractable pins each receivable within a respective recess or aperture.

In embodiments, one or more of the pins are comprised in or associated with the second portion and the recesses or apertures are comprised in or associated with one of the storage compartment, load floor assembly or first portion, or vice versa. The first axis may be comprised or located at or along a first edge, e.g. longitudinal edge, of the second portion.

The first axis may be provided by one or a pair of pins or rod ends extending from one or both ends of the first edge. The second axis may be comprised or located at or along a second edge, e.g. longitudinal edge, of the second portion. The second axis may be provided by one or a pair of pins or rod ends extending from one or both ends of the second edge. The second portion may be lockable or securable in at least one of the deployed positions by one of the pairs of retractable pins being receivable within a further pair of recesses or apertures, which may be in the storage compartment.

In embodiments, there comprises one or more first pivot recesses or apertures for cooperating with a first pin or pair of pins to provide the first axis and one or more second pivot recesses or apertures for cooperating with a second pin or pair of pins to provide the second axis. Additionally or alternatively, there may comprise one or more locking recesses or apertures for cooperating with a pin or a pair of pins, for example the second pin or pair of pins, to lock the second portion in the first deployed position. There may comprise one or more locking recesses or apertures for cooperating with a further pin or pair of pins, for example the first pin or pair of pins, to lock the second portion in the third deployed position. It is further envisaged that this configuration may be reversed, e.g. wherein the recesses or apertures may be comprised in or associated with the second portion and the pins may be comprised in or associated with the load floor assembly or first portion or storage compartment or vehicle.

In embodiments, one or more of the pins or rod ends are retractable or movable between deployed and retracted positions, e.g. to allow pivoting about the axis or to selectively lock the second portion in one or more stowed and deployed positions.

The pin or pins may be biased, for example resiliently biased, toward one of the positions, e.g. toward the or a deployed position. The pin or pins may be biased by a spring. The second portion may comprise one or more actuators for moving one or more, for example each pair, of pins between its positions. The actuator may be configured to move the one or more pins from their deployed position to their retracted position. The actuator may be rotatably actuated.

The load floor may comprise a locking or securing means, which may be associated with or comprised in the one or more recesses or holes. The locking or securing means may comprise a lock, latch or catch that may be operable by an actuator or manually using a predetermined urging force applied to the second portion to engage or disengage the one or more pins with or within the recesses or holes. The second portion may be movable between the stowed position and two or more deployed positions and lockable or securable in at least one, e.g. each, deployed positions by a locking means or a respective locking means.

The second portion may comprise one or more of a frame, side members and a body or panel, e.g. a main body or panel. The body or panel may be movable or deployable relative to the frame or side members.

In embodiments, the third portion is pivotable, for example about an axis, between the stowed and deployed positions. The axis may be comprised or located at or along an edge, e.g. a longitudinal edge, of the third portion. The axis may be provided by one or more pins extending from one or both ends of the edge.

In embodiments, the assembly comprises a substitute floor, which may extend between the first and second portion, e.g. when the second portion is in a deployed position. The substitute floor may be located below or beneath the second portion, e.g. when the second portion is in the stowed position.

The substitute floor may be positionable in a stowed position, e.g. in which a surface or upper surface thereof is lower than or depressed in relation to the load floor or load floor surface. The substitute floor may be suitable for receiving one or more articles on the lowered surface or within a depression or recess defined thereby. Additionally or alternatively, the substitute floor may be deployable to a deployed position, for example from the stowed position. The substitute floor may be adjacent, extend from or be contiguous with the load floor or load floor surface in the deployed position. The substitute floor may bridge substantially a gap between the load floor or load floor surface and the second portion.

The rear opening may be at least partially defined by an outer or peripheral edge of the load floor. There may comprise a rear door for selectively closing the rear opening, for example wherein said second portion is located within the storage compartment when the rear door is in a closed position. The door may be movable between a closed position in which the door closes the rear opening, and an open position in which the door does not close the rear opening. The load floor or second portion may be located or positioned within the vehicle or storage compartment when the rear door is in the closed position. The second portion may extend across most or at least half of the width of the opening. The second portion may, for example, extend across at least three quarters or four fifths or nine tenths of the width of the opening.

In some embodiments, movement of the second and/or third portions of the load floor is automated or controlled or carried out using actuation means, such as one or more motors or actuators. Similarly, retraction of the pins or rod ends may be automated or controlled or carried out using actuation means, such as one or more motors or actuators.

There may be provided a control system for controlling the actuation means and at least one device for receiving a user input such as a request to move the second and/or third portions between their respective retracted and deployed positions. The control system may include one or more electronic controllers which may be operable by a user to move the second and/or third portions automatically when the door is opened. The control system may prevent or inhibit closure of the door when the second portion is in the second deployed position and/or prevent movement of the second portion to the second deployed position under certain predefined conditions such as when the door is in a closed or partially closed position.

There may be provided a sensing means, which may comprise one or more sensors, to sense or measure one or more characteristics or conditions. In embodiments, the sensing means is configured to sense or measure one or more environmental characteristics or conditions indicative of one or more of: load on the second and/or third portions, a current deployment state of the second and/or third portions, and the presence of an obstruction that might interfere with the moving or operation of the second and/or third portions. In embodiments, the control system is configured to prevent movement of the second and/or third portions under certain conditions or circumstances, such as if a load or obstruction is detected by the sensing means.

There may be provided a manual override to allow an operator to move the second and/or third portion manually. The manual override may be configured to disable the control system and/or the actuation means. Additionally or alternatively, the manual override may decouple or disengage at least part of the actuation means from at least one of the first, second, or third portions. In embodiments, the manual override comprises a handle or lever. In embodiments, the actuation means may comprise a fluid powered actuator and the manual override is a fluid valve which is opened to enable manual movement of the second and/or third portions.

The second and/or third portions may be securable in their retracted position and/or in their deployed position, for example by a force applied by the actuation means or by the tether. In some embodiments, the actuation means may comprise a locking means.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for operating a load floor assembly or storage compartment or vehicle, e.g. as described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for operating the load space door of a vehicle, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an electrical signal indicative of a state of deployment of a movable load floor portion; detect that the movable load floor portion is deployed based on the value(s) indicative of a state of opening of the movable load floor portion; and in dependence upon said detection, inhibit the automatic closure of the door when the movable load floor portion is in the deployed position.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for operating an adaptable load floor for a vehicle storage compartment with a rear opening, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an electrical signal indicative of an operator command to deploy a load space extension; in dependence on receipt of said signal, detect that the rear load space door of a vehicle is at least partially open to at least partially expose a rear opening and a load floor located within a storage compartment of the vehicle; and in dependence on to said detection, automatically moving a movable portion of the load floor with respect to a fixed portion thereof between a stowed or substantially upright position, e.g. in which the movable portion at least partially obstructs the opening, and a deployed position in which the movable portion extends out of the opening and provides an extension to the load floor.

The control system may comprise a controller having at least one electronic processor and an electrical input for receiving one or more electrical signals. The controller may comprise an electronic memory device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein.

The one or more signals may have a value indicative of a state of deployment of the movable load floor portion. The processor may be configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to: detect that the movable load floor portion is deployed based on the value(s) indicative of a state of opening of the movable load floor portion; and in dependence upon said detection, inhibit the automatic closure of the door when the movable load floor portion is in the deployed position.

The processor may be configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to: detect a user request to deploy the load space extension based on receipt of said electrical signal indicative of an operator command to deploy a load space extension, and, optionally, in dependence upon said detection, command an actuator to move, e.g. automatically, the movable load floor portion between the stowed or substantially upright position and the deployed position in which the movable load floor portion extends out of the opening and provides an extension to the load floor.

The one or more signals may have a value indicative of a state of opening of the load space door. The one or more signals may have a value indicative that the door has been opened, e.g. to a predetermined position. The electronic processor may be configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to: detect that the rear load space door of a vehicle is at least partially open based on the value(s) indicative of a state of opening of the load space door; and in dependence upon said detection, command the movable load floor portion to move between the stowed or substantially upright position and the deployed position in which the movable load floor portion extends out of the opening and provides an extension to the load floor.

The control system or processor may be configured to prevent or inhibit movement of the movable load floor portion when the door is in a closed or partially closed position.

The one or more signals may have a value indicative of a load on the movable load floor portion. The processor may be configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to: detect that there is a load on the movable load floor portion based on the value(s) indicative of a load on the movable load floor portion; and in dependence upon said detection, inhibit movement of the movable load floor portion.

The electronic processor may be operable to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to operate the movement of the movable load floor portion as described hereinabove.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating an adaptable load floor for a vehicle storage compartment with a rear opening, e.g. a load floor as described above.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a load floor assembly, which method comprises moving or deploying a portion of the load floor from a stowed position in which the first and second portions together provide a load floor or load floor surface to a deployed position in which the second portion extends from the first portion at an angle relative thereto and in which the second portion obstructs the opening or separates the load floor of the vehicle storage compartment or provides an extension to the base or floor of the vehicle storage compartment.

Further aspects of the invention provide one or more modules, controllers, apparatus and/or systems for controlling the load floor or storage compartment or vehicle, e.g. according to the above method, and/or to computer program elements for executing such methods.

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

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of the rear of a vehicle storage compartment according to an embodiment of the invention with the adaptable load floor in a stowed condition; Figure 2 shows a view similar to that of Figure 1 with the second part of the load floor moving from the stowed condition towards a first deployed position; Figure 3 shows a view similar to that of the previous Figures with the second part in the first deployed position; Figure 4 is a side schematic view of the arrangement of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a partial perspective view with the second part of the load floor moving from the first deployed position of Figure 3 toward a second deployed position; Figure 6 shows a view similar to Figure 5 with the second part in the second deployed position; Figure 7 is a side schematic view of the arrangement of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a view similar to Figure 3 with a third part of the load floor moving from a stowed condition toward a deployed position; Figure 9 shows a view similar to Figure 8 with the third part in the deployed position; Figure 10 is a side schematic view of the arrangement of Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a partial perspective view with the second part of the load floor moving from the stowed condition of Figure 1 to a third deployed position; Figure 12 shows a view similar to Figure 11 with the second part in the third deployed position; Figure 13 is a side schematic view of the arrangement of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a schematic view of a releasable connection between a pivot pin actuator mechanisms and corresponding pivot pins; Figure 15 is a schematic view of the releasable connection between the pivot pins and the upper locking holes of side frame; Figure 16 is a schematic view of the releasable connection between the pivot pins and the lower locking holes of the side frame; and Figure 17 is a perspective view of the rear of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An adaptable vehicle load floor 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.

As illustrated in the Figures, an adaptable load floor assembly 1 is incorporated in a storage compartment 10 of a vehicle 11. The load floor assembly 1 includes a base 2 and a deployable section 3 that is reconfigurable between five different configurations including a stowed condition as shown in Figure 1, a barrier configuration as shown in Figures 3 and 4, an extended load floor configuration as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a shelf configuration as shown in Figures 9 and 10 and a partition configuration as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The vehicle 11 includes a door 12 hinged along a horizontal axis to the top of the rear opening that engages with a lock feature 11a at the centre of a lip 11b adjacent the end of the load floor assembly 1.

As shown more clearly in Figures 4 and 13, the base 2 includes a load surface 20, a base frame 21, a pair of upright side frames 22 and a substitute floor 23. The base frame 21 includes a pair of side rails 25. The load surface 20 is secured to and supported by the base frame 21 and extends between and lies contiguous with the side rails 25. Each side frame 22 includes a square-shaped recess with four locking holes 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d one at each of its corners. The upper corners of the recess of the side frame 22 are chamfered and each chamfered corner includes a semi-circular notch 28a, 28b concentric with a respective one of the upper locking holes 27a, 27b. The base frame 21 also includes a pair of semi-circular notches 28c, 28d concentric with a respective one of the lower locking holes 27c, 27d.

The deployable section 3 includes a main body panel 30, a pair of side members 31, between which the main body panel 30 is mounted, and a secondary panel 32 pivotally attached to the upper edge of the main body panel 30. Each side member 31 includes a tether 33, first and second pivot pins 34, 35 both on an outer side adjacent the upper end thereof and a body panel locking pin hole 36 on an inner side adjacent the upper end thereof. The tether 33 is retractably mounted to an upper portion of a respective side member 31. Each pivot pin 34, 35 is retractable into the side member 31 and operable by a respective actuator mechanism 34a, 35a on the main body panel 30. As illustrated in Figure 14, each of the pivot pin actuators mechanism 34a, 35a is releasably connected to a respective one of the pivot pin pairs 34, 35 by cooperating key features 37a, 37b in the actuator mechanism 34a, 35a and pins 34, 35 and each pivot pin pair 34, 35 is resiliently biased toward the deployed position by a compression spring 38.

The main body panel 30 is pivotally mounted between the side members 31 by a pair of lower pins (not shown) received within bearings (not shown) mounted to the lower end of the side members 31 with one end of each tether 33 secured to a respective upper end of the body panel 30. The upper end of the main body panel 30 also includes a pair of retractable locking pins 36a for cooperating with the locking pin holes 36 of the side members 31, thereby to secure the main body panel 30 to the side members 31 such that it extends between and contiguous with the side members 31. The main body panel 30 includes the first pivot pin actuator mechanism 34a, the second pivot pin actuator 35a and a locking pin actuator 36b. Operation of the body panel locking pin actuator 36b, which involves sliding it toward the right in this embodiment, both retracts the locking pins 36a and simultaneously disengages the actuator mechanisms 34a, 35a and pins 34, 35, as illustrated by the arrow A in Figure 14.

As illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, each pivot pin 34, 35 includes a stepped end providing a engagement portion 34b, 35b. As illustrated in Figure 15, each of the upper locking holes 27a, 27b is sized to receive the engagement portion 34b, 35b of one of the pivot pins 34, 35. As illustrated in Figure 16, each of the lower locking holes 27c, 27d includes a bearing 29 sized to receive the engagement portion 34b, 35b of one of the pivot pins 34, 35 to facilitate rotation of the pins 34, 35.

When the load floor assembly 1 is in the stowed condition, as shown in Figure 1, the first pair of pivot pins 34 engage a first pair of the lower locking holes 27c and the second pair of pivot pins 35 engage the second pair of lower locking holes 27d.

In use and starting with the load floor assembly 1 in the stowed condition, a user grips and actuates the first pivot pin actuator mechanism 34a, which is done by clockwise rotation in this embodiment. Actuation of the first pivot pin actuator mechanism 34a causes the first pair of pivot pins 34 to retract from the first pair of lower locking holes 27c and into the main body panel 30 thus freeing the innermost edge of the deployable section 3. As illustrated by Figure 2, the user then pulls the first pivot pin actuator mechanism 34a to lift the deployable section 3 into an upstanding orientation and rotates the actuator mechanism 34a back to its original orientation to release the first pivot pins 34, which then engage a first pair of the upper locking holes 27a to secure the deployable section 3 in the barrier configuration. In this position, the substitute floor is slightly lower than the load surface 20, thereby providing a depression in the load floor assembly 1. It is also envisaged that the first pivot pin actuator mechanism 34a could be spring loaded such that it returns automatically to the original orientation upon release.

The user may then reconfigure the load floor assembly 1 into the open configuration shown in Figures 6 and 7 by sliding the main body panel locking pin actuator 36a to the right and pulling it downwardly. As explained above, operation of the body panel locking pin actuator 36a retracts the locking pins 36b and disengages the actuator mechanisms 34a, 35a from the pins 34, 35, thereby allowing the main body panel 30 to pivot as shown in Figure 5 from the barrier configuration to the extended load floor configuration, where it extends out of the rear opening of the vehicle 11 to aid loading of large items by acting as an extended load floor and/or to provide a support surface, e.g. a seat. As shown in Figure 7, pivoting the main body panel 30 relative to the side members 31 also causes the substitute floor 23 to be raised into a position that substantially bridges the gap between the load surface 20 and the body panel 30, while the tethers 33 support the main body panel 30 in this position.

Alternatively, the user can reconfigure the load floor assembly 1 from the barrier configuration of Figure 3 and 4 to the shelf configuration shown in Figures 9 and 10. In this embodiment, the secondary panel 32 is held in place by a magnet latch (not shown), so the lower end of the secondary panel 32 must be pulled firmly to overcome the magnetic latch and the secondary panel 32 is then rotated relative to the main body panel 30 as shown in Figure 8 to a horizontal orientation thereby to provide a horizontal support surface 32a. It is envisaged that the support surface 32a may be used to support one or more items, such as drinks or food and/or it may be used as a workspace or desk space in use.

In situations where a user wishes to separate the storage compartment, for example where a smaller load that is susceptible to movement during travel, the load floor assembly 1 may be reconfigured into the partition configuration shown in Figures 12 and 13. This is achieved starting with the load floor assembly 1 in the stowed condition of Figure 1. The user grips and actuates by clockwise rotation the second pivot pin actuator 35a, which causes the second pair of pivot pins 35 to retract from the second pair of lower locking holes 27d and into the side members 31, thereby freeing the outermost edge of the deployable section 3. As illustrated by Figure 11, the user then pulls the second pivot pin actuator 35a to lift the deployable section 3 into an upright orientation and rotates the actuator 35a back to its original orientation to release the second pivot pins 35, which then engage the second pair of the upper locking holes 27b to secure the deployable section 3 in the partition configuration. It is also envisaged that the second pivot pin actuator 35a could be spring loaded such that it returns automatically to the original orientation upon release.

As illustrated in Figure 13, the substitute floor 23 remains in its lowered position such that the rear of the vehicle provides a small edge to inhibit a load received on the substitute floor 23 from falling out of the vehicle 11 when the rear door 12 is opened after a journey.

Whilst operation of the load floor assembly is manual in this embodiment, it is envisioned that such operation may be automated and/or controlled by a control module 13 of the vehicle either in addition to or as an alternative to the manual actuation described above. In fact, it is considered by the applicants that it would be advantageous in some circumstances to provide one or a series of actuators that are operable automatically to selectively retract one or more of the pins 34, 35, 36b and/or to selectively disengage one or each of the actuator mechanisms 34a, 35a from the pins 34, 35. It will also be advantageous in some circumstances to provide one or a series of motors that are operable automatically to move the deployable section 3 between the various positions described above. In such circumstances, embodiments of the invention may include a control means or module or system and/or an associated program element or algorithm for executing such automatic operation. This operation may be controlled by a user and/or in some circumstances the automatic operation may be partially or entirely autonomous based on predetermined conditions.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A load floor assembly for a vehicle storage compartment, the assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion movable with respect to the first portion between a stowed position in which the first and second portions together provide, in use, a load floor within the storage compartment and a deployed position in which the second portion extends from the first portion at an angle relative thereto.
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Load floor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a recess within which the second portion is received in the stowed position.

Load floor assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second portion is lockable or securable in the deployed position.

Load floor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion extends substantially orthogonally relative to the first portion in the deployed position.

Load floor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion is configured to obstruct, in use, an opening of the vehicle storage compartment in the deployed position.

Load floor assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a third portion connected to the second portion and movable relative thereto between a stowed position in which the third portion lies against the second portion and a deployed position in which the third portion is substantially orthogonal relative to the second portion, wherein the third portion is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the second and third portions are both in their respective deployed positions.

Load floor assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second portion is movable between the stowed position and two or more deployed positions and is lockable or securable in at least one of the deployed positions.

Load floor assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second portion is movable to a second deployed position in which it extends out of the rear opening.
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Load floor assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second portion provides an extension to the load floor of the vehicle storage compartment when the second portion is in the second deployed position.

Load floor assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second portion extends at a substantially straight angle relative to the first portion when the second portion is in the second deployed position.

Load floor assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 10 comprising a tether connected to a free end or edge of the second portion and connectable, in use, to the storage compartment within which the assembly is comprised.

Load floor assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the second portion is movable to a third deployed position in which it separates, in use, the load floor of the vehicle storage compartment.

Load floor assembly according to claim 12, wherein the second portion is spaced inwardly from an outer edge or lip of the load floor assembly and extends substantially orthogonally relative to the first portion in the third deployed position.

Load floor assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 13 comprising a substitute floor extending between the first portion and the second portion when the second portion is in the second deployed position.

Load floor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion is pivotally connectable at or adjacent an outer edge or lip of the load floor assembly by a first axis and is pivotally connectable by a second axis to the load floor assembly at a position spaced inwardly from the outer edge or lip, the first and second axes each being provided by a respective pair of retractable pins each receivable within a respective recess or aperture.
16. Load floor assembly according to claim 15, wherein the second portion is lockable or securable in at least one deployed position by one of the pairs of retractable pins being receivable, in use, within a further pair of recesses or apertures in the storage compartment.
17. A vehicle storage compartment comprising a load floor assembly according to any preceding claim.
18. A vehicle storage compartment comprising a first load floor portion and a second load floor portion movable with respect to the first load floor portion between a stowed position in which the first and second load floor portions together provide, in use, a load floor within the storage compartment and a deployed position in which the second portion extends from the first portion at an angle relative thereto.
19. Vehicle storage compartment according to claim 18, wherein a rear opening of the storage compartment is defined at least in part by an outer edge or lip of the load floor.
20. A vehicle comprising a storage compartment according to any one of claims 17 to 19.
21. A vehicle comprising a first load floor portion and a second load floor portion movable with respect to the first load floor portion between a stowed position in which the first and second load floor portions together provide a load floor within a storage compartment of the vehicle and a deployed position in which the second portion extends from the first portion at an angle relative thereto.
22. Vehicle according to claim 20 comprising a rear door for selectively closing an opening of the storage compartment, wherein the second portion is located within the storage compartment when the rear door is in the closed position.
23. A control system for operating the load space door of a vehicle, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an electrical signal indicative of a state of deployment of a movable load floor portion; detect that the movable load floor portion is deployed based on the value(s) indicative of a state of opening of the movable load floor portion; and in dependence upon said detection, inhibit the automatic closure of the door when the movable load floor portion is in the deployed position.
24. Control system according to claim 23 comprising a controller having at least one electronic processor, an electrical input for receiving one or more electrical signals and an electronic memory device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the one or more signals have a value indicative of a state of deployment of the movable load floor portion, the processor being configured to access the memory device and to execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to: detect that the movable load floor portion is deployed based on the value(s) indicative of a state of opening of the movable load floor portion; and in dependence upon said detection, inhibit the automatic closure of the door when the movable load floor portion is in the deployed position.
25. A control system for operating an adaptable load floor for a vehicle storage compartment with a rear opening, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an electrical signal indicative of an operator command to deploy a load space extension; in dependence on receipt of said signal, detect that the rear load space door of a vehicle is at least partially open to at least partially expose a rear opening and a load floor located within a storage compartment of the vehicle; and in dependence on to said detection, automatically moving a movable portion of the load floor with respect to a fixed portion thereof between a stowed or substantially upright position in which the movable portion at least partially obstructs the opening and a deployed position in which the movable portion extends out of the opening and provides an extension to the load floor.
26. Control system according to claim 25 comprising a controller having at least one electronic processor, an electrical input for receiving one or more electrical signals and an electronic memory device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the processor is configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to: detect a user request to deploy the load space extension based on receipt of said electrical signal indicative of an operator command to deploy a load space extension, and, in dependence upon said detection, command an actuator to move automatically the movable load floor portion between the stowed or substantially upright position and the deployed position in which the movable load floor portion extends out of the opening and provides an extension to the load floor.
27. Control system according to claim 26, wherein the control system is configured to receive one or more electrical signals having a value indicative of a state of opening of the load space door, the electronic processor being configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to: detect that the rear load space door of a vehicle is at least partially open based on the value(s) indicative of a state of opening of the load space door; and in dependence upon said detection, command the movable load floor portion to move between the stowed or substantially upright position and the deployed position in which the movable load floor portion extends out of the opening and provides an extension to the load floor.
28. Control system according to claim 27, wherein the electronic processor is operable to prevent movement of the movable load floor portion when the door is in a closed or partially closed position.
29. A load floor assembly substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings
30. A vehicle storage compartment substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.