GB2559751A - Improvements in or relating to a vehicular accessory attachment system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An accessory attachment system for a vehicle providing a plurality of attachment points for an item to be secured, comprising a panel 200 made up of a combined web ladder layer 208 defining the plurality of attachment points in at least one ladder section, a backing layer 206 adapted to fit the predetermined location, wherein the combined web ladder layer 208 is adapted to be fixed to the backing layer to thereby form the panel. The system provides for rigid anchor points for securing items in vehicles.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Jaguar Land Rover Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Abbey Road, Whitley, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV3 4LF, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Matthew James Furlong Adrian Smith (51) INT CL:

B60R 7/00 (2006.01) B60R 11/06 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2008/109069 A1 US 20130193179 A1 US 20110120791 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60R

Other: WPI, EPODOC, Patent Fulltext (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Jaguar Land Rover

Patents Department W/1/073, Abbey Road, Whitley, COVENTRY, CV3 4LF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Improvements in or relating to a vehicular accessory attachment system and method Abstract Title: Vehicular accessory attachment system (57) An accessory attachment system for a vehicle providing a plurality of attachment points for an item to be secured, comprising a panel 200 made up of a combined web ladder layer 208 defining the plurality of attachment points in at least one ladder section, a backing layer 206 adapted to fit the predetermined location, wherein the combined web ladder layer 208 is adapted to be fixed to the backing layer to thereby form the panel. The system provides for rigid anchor points for securing items in vehicles.

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Application No. GB1702511.5

RTM

Date :18 August 2017

Intellectual

Property

Office

The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

Cordura 500D

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO A VEHICULAR ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to improvements in or relating to a vehicular accessory attachment system and method, particularly, but not exclusively, to a vehicular accessory attachment webbing ladder system and method. Aspects of the invention relate to a system, to a vehicle including such a system and to a method for using and installing such a system.

BACKGROUND

The space available for storing items in a vehicle such as a car is often limited. In addition, it can be advantageous to stow items to limit or restrain their movement.

For many years a system known as the Pouch Attachment Ladder System or PALS has been used by the military to carry equipment in the field. There are a number of similar related technologies, such as ALICE (All Purpose Lightweight Carrying Equipment) and others. PALS is a grid of webbing used to attach smaller equipment onto load-bearing platforms, such as vests and backpacks. PALS was first used on MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load carrying Equipment) rucksacks, but is now found on a variety of tactical equipment in many military situations.

PALS consists of webbing sewn onto the load-bearing equipment. There are several ways to attach items from locking clips to straps that weave through the webbing. Equipment is securely attached to the webbing and thus to the clothing or backpack of a soldier. The webbing may be made by laser cutting a single piece of fabric rather than webbing straps being sewn onto the clothing or backpack.

The PALS system is an effective way to attach equipment to a backpack or clothing and ensures that the equipment that needed is always readily at hand. PALS is not generally adapted for use in a vehicle. Removable seat covers using existing PALS or MOLLE spacing are commercially available, but do not provide a robust solution for heavy items due to their manner of operation. In addition, the seat covers are by their very nature flexible and thus are similar in nature to the clothes and backpacks mentioned above.

There is no provision of a PALS type system which can be used within a vehicle which provides a rigid anchor point for securing items in the vehicle. Such a need thus exists.

As a result, the present invention has been devised to mitigate or overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an accessory attachment system for a vehicle wherein the accessory attachment system is adapted in use to provide a plurality of attachment points for receiving a fastener of an item to be secured, so that the item is restrained from moving, wherein the accessory attachment system comprises: a panel adapted to be located in a vehicle at a predetermined location and wherein the panel comprises: a combined web ladder layer defining said plurality of attachment points in at least one ladder section; a backing layer adapted to fit the predetermined location; wherein the combined web ladder layer is adapted to be fixed to the backing layer to thereby form the panel.

Advantageously, the combined web ladder layer comprises a first layer and a second layer.

Advantageously, the first layer comprises the one or more ladder sections each ladder section having a plurality of rungs each rung providing one of said plurality of attachment points.

Advantageously, the first layer comprises a nylon material.

Advantageously, the first layer is laser cut to define the or each ladder section.

Advantageously, the first layer is cut to define the or each ladder section and a hem is sew around each rung.

Advantageously, the first layer comprises a plurality of ladder sections running vertically relative to the predetermined location of the panel.

Advantageously, the first layer comprises a hem around the edge thereof adapted in use to overlay an edge of the panel.

Advantageously, the second layer comprises a webbing material.

Advantageously, the second layer comprises Cordura 500D.

Advantageously, the second layer is bonded to the first layer using a bonding material.

Advantageously, the second layer is sewn to the first layer.

Advantageously, the backing layer comprises at least one of a rigid and a semi-rigid layer formed to be of a predetermined shape to fit the predetermined location.

Advantageously, the backing layer comprises at least one of a metal and a polymer.

Advantageously, the accessory attachment system may be adapted for use in the vehicle as a panel.

Advantageously, the accessory attachment system may be adapted for use in the vehicle as a seat back.

Advantageously, the backing layer comprises cargo netting material.

Advantageously, the accessory attachment system may be adapted for use in the vehicle as a cargo net.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle including an accessory attachment system according another aspect of the invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing an accessory attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims the method comprising the steps of: forming a combined web ladder layer defining a plurality of attachment points in at least one ladder section; a backing layer (206) adapted to fit a predetermined location; wherein the combined web ladder layer (208) is adapted to be fixed to the backing layer to thereby form a panel adapted to be located in a vehicle at the predetermined location.

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 is schematic diagram showing the inside of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the make-up and construction of a panel for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3a is a schematic diagram showing further details a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3b is a schematic diagram showing further details of the figure 3a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view of the figure 3a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a panel being fixed to a location in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5a is a schematic diagram showing a panel for a seat back of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5b is a schematic diagram showing the make-up and construction of figure 5a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5c is a schematic diagram showing the make-up and construction of figure 5a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5d is a cross-sectional view of a panel in figure 5c panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6a is a schematic diagram showing the make-up and construction of a panel for use as a cargo net, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6b is a schematic diagram showing more details of the panel in figure 6a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7a-d is a series of figure showing an item being attached to a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 8, 9 and 10 are examples of possible panel shapes for use in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a vehicular accessory attachment system and method for use in a vehicle or car to secure items therein to prevent them from moving around in the vehicle. A car includes a variety of compartments and panels making up some of the interior space or cabin space of the car. Compartments may include covers or doors and may be used to store items and equipment in the car. Panels can be found throughout the cabin space on most surface without another feature or function. The present invention acknowledges the large numbers of panels in the car and seeks to make use of at least some of the panels as an additional accessory attachment system and method. This system and method can be used to secure items in the car thereby, optimizing the space and suing panels to supply an extra storage facility. The panels are constructed in a new and inventive manner and enable a PALS type system to be adapted for use in a vehicular environment.

Referring to figure 1, a vehicle in the form of a car 100 is shown. The car 100 includes at least a roof, body, doors, a chassis, vehicular framework, wheels, engine, a transmission system and internal features. The internal features include at least seats, panels, equipment for driving the vehicle, entertainment and electronic systems, accessories and other passenger facilities. As shown in figure 1, through the tail gate 102, the car 100 includes at least two seats 104. In addition, at least two folded down seats 106 are shown in the body of the vehicle. The body 108 of the vehicle incudes a variety of panels around the internal space in the vehicle. The panels may be located on the sides, front, rear, floor or roof of the car, the back or seats etc... The number and shape of panels will depend on their location within the internal space. Any panel within the car can be adapted in accordance with the present invention to become an accessory attachment system.

Referring to figure 2 a new and inventive panel for use in a vehicle will now be described. The term panel as used herein in intended to encompass panels, surfaces, sections etc. which may be found in the interior and in some cases the exterior of a vehicle. Wherever or whatever the panel is may be adapted to include the accessory attachment system of the present invention.

A panel shown generally at 200 includes a first upper layer 202; a second middle layer 204 and an third lower lever 206 giving rise to a three layer construction. The combination of the first and second layers 202 and 204 form a combined web ladder layer shown generally as 208. In an embodiment, the combined web ladder layer 208 is slightly bigger than the third layer 206.

The first layer 202 of the panel is made from a composite material such as nylon, Dyneema, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, polythene, natural fibres such as cotton, wool etc. The first layer includes a grid pattern 210 of spaces or slots 212 and solid material 214. The slots 212 may be made by laser cutting the layer 202 to remove material and thereby form the slots 212. The remainder of the material forms the solid material sections 214 of the grid. The use of a laser cutting technique, means that the slots are all the same shape, size and distance from one another. In addition, as the edges of the slots are made with a laser they are “crisp” and less likely to fray and thus do not need further machining to neaten the edges. The slots 212 may be made by different methods than laser cutting if desired. For example, the slots 212 may be formed by normal cutting and a seam 215 sewn round the slot to reinforce and neaten the edges thereof and for aesthetic reasons. The seam 215 is optional if the laser cutting method is used to form the slots 212.

The slots 212 and the material 214 may have any necessary sizes and shapes to form the grid pattern 210. The grid 210 includes a plurality of ladder sections 216 each including a plurality of ladder rungs 218. Each ladder section is separated from the next in the horizontal direction. The spacing of respective ladders will depend on the needs of the overall panel, but may, for example, be between about 20mm to 30mm. Each slot 212 of each ladder section 216 is about 10mm in height and about 80mm in length. The slots are separated from one another by about 40mm to 50mm in the vertical direction.

There may be additional material at the extremes of the grid pattern 210. These additional edges may be used for attaching the first layer of other parts of the panel or to the second layer, as will be described in greater details below. The extremes, may also include eyelets (not shown) which may be of use if the panel is adapted to be used as a cargo net.

The second layer 204 is a solid layer made from a material such as Cordura 500 Denier (500D). Cordura is the brand name for a collection of fabrics used in a wide array of products and is known for its durability and resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs. Cordura fabrics are usually made of nylon, but may be blended with cotton or other natural fibres. Cordura 500D is not easy to bendable mould, or sew and thus is not an easy fabric to use in many environments. However it has good strength, rigidity and durability which makes it well adapted for the uses proposed by the panels of the present invention.

The combined web ladder layer 208 is formed by joining the first and second layers 202 and 204 respectively. The first and second layers 202,204 may be joined by bonding or any other appropriate fixing mechanism. The bonding may be carried out using a bonding material, such as a glue, by thermal bonding, sewing or any other type of fixing process or system. The first and second layers may be bonded in the gaps between the ladder sections 216 and around the edges of the grid pattern 210. There is generally no bonding between respective slots 212, under the rungs 218 in each ladder structure. This means that there are gaps between the first and second layer 202, 204, in the region of the rungs 218 which can be used to attach items to the panel. In an embodiment the first and second layer 202, 204 may also be bonded in the vicinity of rungs 218 for some of the ladder section 216. This will reduce the choice in location of any items secured to the combined web ladder layer 208, but may make the overall combined web ladder layer 208 stronger and more rigid.

In addition and/or instead of bonding, the first and second layers may be joined by sewing the two layers together along the gaps between the respective ladder sections 216 and around the edges to form a seam 220. The formation of the seam at the edges is of particular interest and will be discussed in great details below.

It should be noted that the use of bonding alone, may be sufficient for joining the first and second layers 202 and 204. However, in hot climates or if the panel is to be located in an area of the vehicle which may be exposed to heat, the bonding may be more susceptible to failure. In these cases it may be necessary to bond and sew the first and second layers 202, 204 together.

The nature of the material of the second layer 204 may make the bonding process less susceptible to failure as there is a degree of flexibility in the combined web ladder layer 208 which can mean bonding is more effective. For each different panel and/or location of panel, the most appropriate mode of joining the first and second layer 202, 204 will be adopted.

When the first and second layer 202, 204 are bonded together the first layer 202 may be slightly larger than the second layer 204. In this embodiment, when the seam 220 is formed, the edge of the first layer may then be folded over under itself, towards the second layer and the first layer may be stitched around the edge to form a small hem (shown generally as 222) which runs around the edge of the grid. This hem 222 overlies the third layer 206 at the edges thereof and helps to prove a good seal between the panel 200 and its location and also to protect users from exposure to any sharp edges on the third layer 206.

The third or backing layer 206 is a solid substrate which is formed of a shape appropriate for the location of the panel 200. The third layer 206 is rigid or semi rigid, depending on the use and location of the final panel 200. The third layer 206 may be made from an appropriate metallic material such as for example aluminium, steel, magnesium, etc.; or an appropriate polymer material, such as nylon, polycarbonate, ABS. etc. The combined web ladder layer 208 is attached to the third layer 206 by bonding or any other appropriate fixing mechanism. The bonding may be carried out using a bonding material, such as a glue, by thermal bonding or any other type of fixing process or system. In this way the panel 200 is formed having a first 202, second 204 and third 206 layers, forming the three layer structure mentioned above. The panel 200 can then be located at a desired location in the vehicle.

The third or backing layer 206 may include one or more mechanical fixing points 226 which are located on the reverse of the third layer 206. These fixing points 226 may include a mechanical fixing method, such as nuts and bolts, press studs, rivets, fir trees, adhesives, welding, weld nuts, adhesive pads, Velcro type connections, etc... The fixing points 226 are useable to fix the panel 200 in the required location during construction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the rear of the panel, may have other additional features (not shown). For example, the panel 200 may include a stand which can be deployed and enable the panel 200 to stand unaided on the ground. In this way when the panel is loaded with equipment or items it may be removed from the vehicle and taken to another location where the equipment or items are needed. In another embodiment the reverse of the panel 200 may include a hook for attaching the panel 200 in its required location but that can also be used to relocate the panel 200 to a different place if required. The manner in which the panel 200 can be adapted to be to removable from the vehicle and portable is without limit and any appropriate manner of achieving this is intended to be included in the present invention.

As shown in figures 3a and 3c, in one embodiment, the second layer 204 may include a series of loops or slots (not shown per se) on the reverse side for attaching the combined web ladder layer 208 to the third layer 206.

In addition, the loops or slots may be adapted to be tensioned by a tensioner 302 so that the combined web ladder layer 208 is taut when attached to the third layer 206. The tensioning may be facilitated by means of a cord or the like passing through the loops and slots and enabling the combined web ladder layer 208 to be tensioned in any required direction before it is fixed to the third layer 206. The tensioner may comprise a ratchet type tensioner. In an embodiment, the tensioner 302 may allow for the removal of the bonding and/or stitching along the vertical axis of the combined web ladder layer 208 as the tension of this layer can be adjusted to provide the strength that would have otherwise been provided by the bonding and/or stitching.

Referring to figure 3c a number of locator slots 310 are positioned on the back of the third layer 206 to locate and align the combined web ladder layer 208. There are a number of holes 312 in the third layer and webbing 314 is woven in and out of the loops in the second layer and the holes 310 to enable the tensioner 302 to tension the combined web ladder layer 208 to the third layer by for example pulling on a tensioning strap 316.

As shown in figure 3b, the panel 200 may include a portion which is made up of the combined web ladder layer 208, 304, and another portion which is not 306. The other portion may include another accessory, for example a zipable pocket 308. If pocket is inserted full length along the first and second layers, the tensioner may be used instead of bonding or stitching in the area of the pocket. In an embodiment, the whole accessory attachment system could act as a pocket between some or all of the first 202 and second 204 layers. Alternatively, an additional layer may be inserted between the second 204 and third 206 layers to provide a pocket.

In one embodiment, where the panel 200 is to be applied or used in an area having restricted access for fitting or the like, it may be necessary to join the first and second layers 202, 204 in situ. This is due to the fact that both the overall panel 200 and/or the combined web ladder layer 208 are relatively thick and may be difficult to manipulate and fit into a relatively small gap. In this situation, the second layer 204 may be attached to the third or backing layer 206 before the first and second layers 202, 204 are joined. In an embodiment, this may mean that the third layer 206 is located in the required location. The second layer 204 is crumpled up to allow it to be located in the vicinity of the required location near the third layer 206. The crumpled second layer 204 is then flattened and possibly tensioned using tensioner 308. The second layer 204 is then attached to the third layer 206 by an appropriate fixing process. Thereafter the first layer 202 is bonded to the second layer as previously described but in situ.

The final panel may be made fully or partially of the three layer structure including the combined web ladder layer 208 and the third or backing layer 206. In some embodiments the panel may comprise only a certain portion or portions having this three layer structure. In others the whole of a panel mat include the three layer structure. There are many possible choices.

The fact that the panels 200 have a three layer structure offers other advantages. One notable function is the fact that there three layer structure provides an additional sound proofing function within the cabin space of the vehicle. Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) is a measure of how much “unpleasant noise” is heard while the vehicle is being driven. There is a continual quest to reduce NVH and thus make the driving experience more pleasurable. The panel 200 of the present invention with its three layer structure assists in this quest. If necessary the panels may be still further adapted to include additional dampening layers or elements which help to reduce cabin noise.

The resultant panel has many options in terms of use and the processes of manufacture. In addition, the panel can be located in a variety of different locations.

Within a vehicle there are many places which are covered with a panel either to conceal something or just for aesthetic purposes and comfort of the user of the vehicle. A panel 200 according to the present invention can be formed and shaped to fit any location and then during manufacture can be located in one or more of these locations in the vehicle. For example, the panel 200 may be located on the body of the vehicle, form part of the dash board, in the door or the trunk of the vehicle or any other location imaginable. In some types of vehicle it may be appropriate to include a panel 200 made in accordance with the present invention on an external portion of the vehicle. In this embodiment there may be adaptations to the panel to make it sturdier and also weatherproof.

Referring to figure 4 the manner in which a panel may be attached to the vehicle will now be described. A panel 200 according to the present invention is shown in cross section being located in a load space channel or hole 400. The load space channel is shaped to receive the required panel 200 and includes fixing points 402 equivalent to those 226 on the reverse of the panel for fixing the panel 200 in the load space channel 400. The load space channel 400 includes a ditch 404 around the edge into which the edges of the second layer 204 of the panel are inserted. This can be carried out by hand or using an appropriate tool. This is required as the second layer 204 is not easily foldable and generally slightly overhangs the third layer206. The first layer 202 and associated hem 222, then make an aesthetically pleasing outer layer for the panel and hide any rough edges of the second and/or third layers 204, 206.

Referring to figure 5a, in an embodiment, the panel 200 may be attached to a seat 500, either as a fitted element or as an added extra seat back cover. If the panel is to be fitted o the seat during manufacture the third layer may be made of an appropriate polymer as is standard in the manufacture of seats. Referring to figure 5 b, the first and second layers 202, 204 are combined to for the combined web ladder layer 208 as described above. The combined web ladder layer 208 is then bonded to the third layer 206. The panel 200 is then attached to a material layer 501 of the seat 500. This attachment may be made by bonding or sewing or any other conventional process for manufacturing the seat. The seat back panel may be adapted to be used of any of the seats in the vehicle whether they are permanent or not. The panel may be applied to seat which are sometimes folded away to provide more space for carrying other item. If these types of seats are fitted with the panel 200, when they are folded away the panel 200 may be exposed on the floor of the car, thereby providing an additional accessory attachment point or system even when the seats are folded away.

Referring to figure 5c, in an embodiment, a retro fit seat back panel 502 may be provide for a seat that is already located in a vehicle. In this case the panel 200 is shaped to attach to the back of the seat by an appropriate fixing. In an embodiment, this may make use of the current back seat pocket 504. The panel is made to fit into the pocket and can be merely placed therein to attach the panel to the back of the seat. The panel may include a hook 506 that can be located over the edge of the pocket 504 so that the panel 502 overlies the pocket 504. There may also be a spacer 508, as shown in figure 5d, between the seat and the panel so that the current back of the seat is not damaged by the panel. As mentioned above the rear of the panel may include a stand or equivalent element for making the panel free standing in the field if needed. The stand can be made by adapting the hook 506 to be extendable to form a solid base for the panel.

Referring to figure 6, in an embodiment, the panel 200 may be adapted to serve the function of a cargo net 600 as well as a support of other items and equipment using the combined web ladder layer 208. The cargo net may include elasticated straps 602 to secure the cargo net 600 at the necessary tether points, shown nominally as 604. In an embodiment, the third layer 206 may be dispensed with and the cargo net 600 is made from the combined web ladder layer 208 and the straps 602. In another embodiment, the whole of the cargo net 600 may be formed from a panel 200 as described above using the normal cargo net material as the third layer 206 of the panel. In a preferred embodiment (not shown) the cargo net may include a portion that is made of cargo netting material and a substantially centrally located panel 200 made as described above. The tensioning of the cargo net can be achieved as normal or using the tensioning mechanism on the reverse of the second layer as described above.

In an embodiment, as shown in figure 6b, the cargo net may include hooks 606 and 608. At one end the hooks can be attached to the roof rack 610 of the vehicle and at the other may be tethered to the ground using a tent hook 612 or the like. In this way the cargo net can be used as a shelter. The cargo net 600 is shown supporting items or equipment 614, attached thereto.

Irrespective of the nature of the panel 200 or the manner of deployment thereof, all the panels according to the present invention include the combined web ladder layer 208 which may be used to secure items or equipment and ensure that the items or equipment cannot move around the vehicle and are restrained. The rungs 218 of the ladder and/or the ladder sections define one or more attachment points for items and/or equipment. One or more than one attachment points may be used to attach items or equipment as the case may be.

Figure 7 shows panel 200, onto which a bag 700 is being attached. The bag include two straps 702 and 704, each of which is attached to the bag at one end and which include a mechanical fastener 706 at the other end. The mechanical fastener has a matching fastener 708 on the surface of the bag 700. The straps 702, 704 are threaded through one or more of the ladder rungs 218 of two different ladder sections 216. The fasteners on each strap 706 are then engaged with the matching fastener 708 on the bag 700. In this way the bag 700 is now securely attached to the panel 200 and will not move around the vehicle in an unrestrained manner. In the example, shown, the bag has two straps which engage respective ladder sections. It will be clear that the item to be attached to the combined web ladder layer 208 may be attached in a single attachment point or any combination of attachment points, such as a rung of the ladder 218 and/or a ladder section 216. In the example shown the bag is fastened to the panel by a popper combination 706, 708. Other fasteners may be used instead.

For instance, a cord that can be knotted, a carabiner or similar attachment, a hook, Velcro, a toggle, a magnetic attachment and any other appropriate attachment.

As previously mentioned the panel 200 may be any shape or size to be fitted to any required location in the vehicle. Figure 8, 9 and 10 show example of three different panels which may be used in different locations.

The above described accessory attachment system and method may have many variations as described above. Equally many variations not specifically described above will be understood to be included within the many options and embodiments which make up the present invention. Any modifications made to the above examples are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims (20)

1. An accessory attachment system for a vehicle wherein the accessory attachment system is adapted in use to provide a plurality of attachment points for receiving a fastener of an item to be secured, so that the item is restrained from moving, wherein the accessory attachment system comprises:

a panel adapted to be located in a vehicle at a predetermined location and wherein the panel comprises:

a combined web ladder layer defining said plurality of attachment points in at least one ladder section;

a backing layer adapted to fit the predetermined location;

wherein the combined web ladder layer is adapted to be fixed to the backing layer to thereby form the panel.

2. An accessory attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the combined web ladder layer comprises a first layer and a second layer.

3. An accessory attachment system according to claim 2, wherein the first layer comprises the one or more ladder sections each ladder section having a plurality of rungs each rung providing one of said plurality of attachment points.

4. An accessory attachment system according to claim 3, wherein the first layer comprises a nylon material.

5. An accessory attachment system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the first layer is laser cut to define the or each ladder section.

6. An accessory attachment system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the first layer is cut to define the or each ladder section and a hem is sew around each rung.

7. An accessory attachment system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of ladder sections running vertically relative to the predetermined location of the panel.

8. An accessory attachment system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the first layer comprises a hem around the edge thereof adapted in use to overlay an edge of the panel.

9. An accessory attachment system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the second layer comprises a webbing material.

10. An accessory attachment system according to claim 9, wherein the second layer comprises Cordura 500D.

11. An accessory attachment system according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the second layer is bonded to the first layer using a bonding material.

12. An accessory attachment system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the second layer is sewn to the first layer.

13. An accessory attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer comprises at least one of a rigid and a semi-rigid layer formed to be of a predetermined shape to fit the predetermined location.

14. An accessory attachment system according to claim 13, wherein the backing layer comprises at least one of a metal and a polymer.

15. An accessory attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted for use in the vehicle as a panel.

16. An accessory attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted for use in the vehicle as a seat back.

17. An accessory attachment system according to claim 13 wherein the backing layer comprises cargo netting material.

18. An accessory attachment system according claim 17, adapted for use in the vehicle as a cargo net.

19. A vehicle including an accessory attachment system according to any one of 5 the preceding claims.

20. A method of manufacturing an accessory attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims the method comprising the steps of:

forming a combined web ladder layer defining a plurality of attachment points in 10 at least one ladder section;

a backing layer adapted to fit a predetermined location;

wherein the combined web ladder layer is adapted to be fixed to the backing layer to thereby form a panel adapted to be located in a vehicle at the predetermined location.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1702511.5 Examiner: Bryce D'Souza