GB2584685A

GB2584685A - Cargo connection systems

Info

Publication number: GB2584685A
Application number: GB1908335.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Murray James; Moffatt Ben; Neugebauer James
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2019-06-11
Filing date: 2019-06-11
Publication date: 2020-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-11
Also published as: GB201908335D0; GB2584685B

Abstract

A rail system 100 for securing, and providing electrical power to, cargo within a motor vehicle 2, thus allowing in-travel use and/or charging of cargo. The system 100 comprises a rail 110, with at least one electrical contact 112 extending along its length; and an attachment 120, which can be releasably attached to the rail 110. The attachment 120 has a cargo attachment point 122, such as an eyelet strap, or clip; a power supply point 124 for providing electricity to the cargo; and an electrical contact 126 connected to the power supply point 124, and to the rail’s 110 electrical contact(s) 112 when the attachment 120 is coupled to the rail 110. A coupling portion 128 of the attachment 120 is receivable within a recess 114 of the rail 110; and the rail 110 can be formed integrally with, and extend discontinuously across, a body/trim panel 6, 8, 10, 12.

Description

Cargo connection systems

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a cargo connection system for a motor vehicle and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a cargo connection system for improving the positions of points on the vehicle for securing and providing power to items of cargo.

Background

When an item of cargo is being transported within a cargo area of the vehicle, it may be desirable for the item of cargo to be secured, to prevent the item of cargo from moving around inside the cargo area during transportation.

Additionally, it may be desirable to provide power, e.g. electrical power, to the item of cargo whilst it is secured within the cargo area. For example, items of cargo may comprise electrical devices, such as power tools and/or mobile computing devices, and it may be desirable to provided power to such items of cargo, e.g. so that the electrical devices can continue operating during transit and/or so that batteries of the electrical device are charged when arriving at a destination.

Vehicles may comprise one or more power points provided within the cargo area for providing power to items of cargo within the cargo area. However, the power points are often inconveniently located relative to the positions in which the items of cargo are secured during transit, which can make it difficult to continue providing power to the items of cargo whilst the items of cargo are secured.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a rail system for securing and/or providing power to an item of cargo within a motor vehicle, the system comprising: a rail for extending along an interior surface of the vehicle, wherein the rail comprises one or more first electrical contacts extending along a length of the rail; and an attachment configured to releasably couple to the rail, e.g. such that the position of the attachment is fixed relative to the rail, the attachment comprising a cargo fixing point, for coupling an item of cargo to, such that the item of cargo can be secured relative to the rail, and a power supply point for electrically coupling to an item of cargo in order to provide power to the item of cargo, wherein the attachment further comprises a second electrical contact, electrically connected to the power supply point, wherein the rail and/or attachment are configured such that the second electrical contact is electrically connected to the first electrical contact when the attachment is coupled to the rail.

The attachment may be coupled to the rail at substantially any position along the length of the rail. The attachment may be slidably mounted relative to the rail.

The rail may comprise a recess. The attachment may comprise a coupling portion. At least part of the coupling portion may be receivable within the recess in order to couple the attachment to the rail.

The first electrical contacts may be arranged within the recess, e.g. on an interior surface of the recess. The second electrical contacts may be provided on the coupling portion of the attachment, e.g. in an exterior surface of the coupling portion. The second electrical contacts may be provided on the part of the coupling portion that is receivable within the recess. At least a part of the coupling portion may be deformable. The coupling portion, or part thereof, may be configured to be deformed by a projection of the attachment to engage first and second side walls of the recess and thereby couple the attachment to the rail. Additionally or alternatively, at least a part of the coupling portion may be resilient and may be configured to engage the first and second side walls of the recess by virtue of its resilience to couple the attachment to the rail. In such arrangements, the projection may be omitted.

The coupling portion, e.g. the part of the coupling portion receivable within the recess, may comprise first and second deformable side walls. The projection may be arranged between the deformable side walls of the coupling portion. The projection may be configured to urge the deformable side walls of the coupling portion outward, such that the deformable side walls of the coupling portion engage the side walls of the recess.

The projection may be movable relative to the coupling portion. The projection and/or the coupling portion may be shaped such that moving the projection relative to the coupling portion causes the projection to engage the deformable side walls and urge the deformable side walls outwardly. For example, the attachment may be configured such that the projection can be displaced, e.g. linearly, in a direction perpendicular to the outward directions in which the side walls are urged, e.g. so that the projection passes between the first and second sidewalls.

Additionally or alternatively, the projection may be rotatable relative to the coupling portion, e.g. about an axis extending in the direction perpendicular to the outward directions. The projection, and optionally the deformable side walls, may shaped such that rotating the projection relative to the coupling portion causes the projection to engage the deformable side walls and urge the deformable side walls outwardly.

The one or more second electrical contacts may be provided on the coupling portion, e.g. on the part of the coupling portion receivable within the recess. The first and second electrical contacts may be arranged such that the second electrical contacts engage the first electrical contacts when the side walls of the coupling portion are urged outwards.

The rail system may comprise a body or trim panel of the motor vehicle. The rail may be formed in the body or trim panel. For example, the rail may be formed by a stamped feature of the body or trim panel. The rail may extends discontinuously across a dimension of the body or trim panel, e.g. across a length or width of the body or trim panel. The rail may be formed by or at weight saving openings formed, e.g. stamped, into the body or trim panel. The rail may extend, e.g. principally extend, in a longitudinal direction of the rail.

The rail may comprise first and second flanges arranged on opposing lateral sides of the rail. The first and second flanges may extend along a length, e.g. substantially the total length, of the rail, e.g. in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The recess may be defined by, e.g. formed between, the first and second flanges. For example, the first and second flanges may form first and second side walls of the recess.

The rail may comprise a substantially planar base plate. The planar base plate of the rail may comprise part of a panel portion of a body or trim panel of the vehicle. The rail may further comprise an opening formed in the base plate. The first and second flanges may depend from the base plate, e.g. at an angle, such as approximately 90 degrees, relative to the plane of the base plate, along laterally opposing edges of the opening. The opening may extend in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The plane of the base plate may be parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rail. The first and second flanges may form side walls of the rail recess.

One or more of the first electrical contacts may comprise electrically conductive material coupled to the first and/or second flanges. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the first electrical contacts is formed by the first or second flange.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a rail system for securing an item of cargo within a motor vehicle, the system comprising: a rail for extending along an interior surface of the vehicle; and an attachment configured to releasably couple to the rail, the attachment comprising a cargo fixing point, for coupling an item of cargo to, such that the item of cargo can be secured relative to the rail.

The rail may comprise one or more first electrical contacts extending along a length of the rail.

The attachment may comprise a power supply point for electrically coupling to an item of cargo in order to provide power to the item of cargo. The attachment may further comprise a second electrical contact electrically connected to the power supply point.

The attachment may be configured such that the second electrical contact is electrically connected to the first electrical contact when the attachment is coupled to the rail.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a rail for use in the above-mentioned system. The rail may be for extending along an interior surface of the vehicle. The rail may comprises one or more first electrical contacts extending along a length of the rail.

The rail may be integrally formed with a body or trim panel for the motor vehicle. For example, the rail may comprise the panel having a recess formed therein. The recess may be formed by an opening formed, e.g. stamped, in the panel. Side walls of the recess may be formed by flanges depending from one or more edges of the opening.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an attachment for use in the above-mentioned system. The attachment may comprise a cargo fixing point for coupling an item of cargo to, such that the item of cargo can be secured relative to the rail. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment may comprise a power supply point for electrically coupling to an item of cargo in order to provide power to the item of cargo. The attachment may further comprise a second electrical contact electrically connected to the power supply point. The second electrical contact may be for electrically connecting to the first electrical contact when the attachment is coupled to the rail.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. For example, any combination of the features described in relation to the first aspect of the disclosure may combined with features of the other aspects of the disclosure. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. In particular, the features descried in relation to the first aspect may be combined with the features of the other aspects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising a cargo connection system according to the present disclosure; Figure lb is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising another cargo connection system according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an attachment of the cargo connection system coupled to a rail of the cargo connection system; Figures 3a, 3b and 3c are cross sectional views of rails for the cargo connection system according to arrangements of the present disclosure; Figures 4a and 4b are a side views of an attachment for coupling to the rails shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, in disengaged and engaged configurations respectively; and Figures 5a and 5b are side views of another attachment for coupling to the rails shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, in disengaged and engaged configurations respectively.

Detailed Description

With reference to Figure la, a vehicle 2, such as a motor vehicle, comprises a body structure 4 comprising a plurality of body panels, such as first and second side panels 6, 8, roof panel 10 and floor panel 12. The body panels 6, 8, 10, 12 together define an interior space of the vehicle within which cargo may be stored during journeys made by the vehicle.

In the arrangement shown in Figure la, the body panels 6, 8, 10, 12 form the interior surfaces of the vehicle 2. However, in other arrangements, the vehicle 2 may comprise one or more trim panels, which may be mounted on the inner surfaces of one or more of the body panels 6, 8, 10, 12, and the interior surfaces of the vehicle 2 may be formed by the trim panels.

The vehicle 2 further comprises a cargo connection system 100, according to arrangements of the present disclosure. The cargo connection system 100 comprises one or more rails 110 extending along interior surfaces of the vehicle, e.g. along the body or trim panels. The rails 110 may be fixedly coupled to the vehicle 2, e.g. to one or more of the body panels 6, 8, 10, 12. As described below, in some arrangements, the rails 110 may be formed integrally with one or more the body panels 6, 8, 10, 12.

As depicted, the rails 110 may extend vertically along the first and second side panels 6, 8. One, two or more rails 110 may be provided along the first and/or second side panels 6, 8, which may be spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other arrangements, one or more rails may be provided extending along the side panels 6, 8 longitudinally relative to the vehicle. In such arrangements, the longitudinally extending rails 110 may be spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction.

One or more rails 110 may additionally or alternatively be arranged to extend along the roof panel 10. As depicted, the rails may extends across the roof panel in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The rails provided on the roof panel may be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, one or more rails may be provided extending along the roof panel of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In such arrangements, the longitudinally extending rails may be spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction of the motor vehicle.

Although in the arrangement shown in Figure 1, none of the rails 110 are provided on the floor panel 12. It is envisaged that in other arrangements, one or more rails may additionally or alternatively be arranged to extend along the floor panel 12 in a lateral and/or longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle. Any longitudinally extending rails may be spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction of the motor vehicle and any laterally extending rails may be spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

The rails 110 may extend discontinuously along the body panels 6, 8, 10, 12. For example, as shown in Figure lb, each of the rails 110 may comprise two, three, four or more than four rail sections extending across the body panel in the direction of the rail. The cargo connection system 100 further comprises one or more attachments 120 that are detachably couplable to the rails 110. When the attachments 120 are coupled to the rails 110, the positions of the attachments 120 may be fixed relative to the rails 110.

The attachments 120 may be slidably mounted on the rails, such that the attachments 120 can be slid along the rails 110 in longitudinal directions of the rails.

The attachments 120 comprise a cargo fixing point 122, such as an eyelet, strap, shackle, clip or any other connector, for coupling an item of cargo to the attachment 120. Coupling the item of cargo to a particular attachment 120 at the cargo fixing point 122 may enable the item of cargo to be secured relative to one of the rails 110, e.g. when the particular attachment 120 is coupled to one of the rails.

The cargo fixing point 122 may be configured such that an item of cargo, e.g. having appropriate fixing features, can be coupled directly to the attachment 120. For example, when the cargo fixing point 122 comprises a shackle or clip, a strap or eyelet provided on the item of cargo may be coupled directly to the shackle or clip. In some arrangements, the cargo fixing point 122 may be complementary in shape to a fixing feature provided on a particular item of cargo, to enable the particular item of cargo to be coupled directly to the attachment 120. Alternatively, the cargo fixing point 122 may be configured to facilitate an item of cargo being coupled to the attachment 120 using a strap, rope or chain, or any other attaching means.

The attachment 120 may further comprise a power supply point 124. The item of cargo may be electrically connected to the power supply point 124 on the attachment 120 in order to receive a supply of electrical power via the attachment. As depicted, the power supply point 124 may comprise a socket for receiving a plug provided on the item of cargo.

With reference to Figure 2, the rail 110 may comprise one or more first electrical contacts 112 extending along a length of the rail. In some arrangements, the first electrical contacts 112 may extend along substantially the complete length of the rail 110.

The attachment 120 may comprise one or more second electrical contacts 126 electrically connected to the power supply point 124. As shown in Figure 2, the rail 110 and the attachment 120 are configured such that, when the attachment 120 is coupled to the rail 110, the second electrical contacts are 126 are electrically connected to the first electrical contacts 112, e.g. to respective ones of the first electrical contacts 112.

The vehicle 2 may comprise an electrical system comprising battery (not shown) and the first electrical contacts 112 may be electrically connected to the electrical system such that power from the battery can be supplied to the power supply point 124 of the attachment 120 via the rail 110 that the attachment 120 is coupled to.

As shown in Figure 2, the rail 110 may comprise a recess 114. The recess 114 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the rail 110. The attachment 120 may comprise a coupling portion 128. At least part of the coupling portion 128 may be configured to be received within the recess 114 of the rail 110 in order to couple the attachment to the rail 110, e.g. such that the position of the attachment 120 is fixed relative to the rail 110.

One or more of the first electrical contacts 112 of the rail 110 may be arranged within the recess 114. For example, the first electrical contacts 112 may be provided on interior surfaces defining the recess 114. The second electrical contacts 126 may be provided on the coupling portion 128 of the attachment, e.g. on an exterior surface of the coupling portion 128. As depicted, when the coupling portion 128, or part thereof, is received within the recess 114, the first electrical contacts 112 may be electrically connected to the second electrical contacts 126.

With reference to Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, in some arrangements, the rail 110 may comprise a substantially planar base portion 116, an opening 118 formed in the base portion 116 and first and second flanges 119a, 119b depending from the base portion 116 at opposing lateral sides of the opening 118. The recess 114 of the rail 110 may be defined between the first and second flanges 119a, 119b. In other words, the first and second flanges 119a, 119b may define first and second side walls of the recess 114 respectively.

As depicted, the first and second flanges 119a, 119b may depend from the base portion 116 at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the base portion. The width of the recess 114, e.g. defined between the first and second flanges 119a, 119b, therefore varies, e.g. decreases or increases, over the depth of the recess 114 from the base portion 116. In other arrangements, the first and second flanges 119a, 119b may depend from the base portion 116 at an angle of less than 90 degrees, or substantially equal to 90 degrees, relative to the base portion 116. For example, the first and second flanges 119a, 119b may be arranged at an angle of between 80 degrees and 110 degrees relative to the plane of the base portion 116.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 3a, the first electrical contact 112 of the rail 110 is formed by the first flange 119a. The first flange 119a may by formed from an electrically conductive material, such as steel. In some arrangements, a protective coating, such as paint or a power coating, may be provided over a portion of the surface of the first flange 119a. However, the protective coating may not be present, e.g. may be removed, from areas of the surface of the first flange 119a that contacts the second electrical contacts 126 when the attachment 120 is coupled to the rail 110.

For example, the protective coating may be removed from the area of the surface of the first flange 119a forming part of the interior surface of the recess 114. In other arrangements, the second flange 119b may additionally or alternatively form the first electrical contact 112.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 3b, one of the first electrical contacts 112a is formed by a first strip of electrically conductive material 130 provided within the recess 114. As depicted, the first strip of electrically conductive material 130 may be coupled to the second flange 119b and may cover a portion of the interior surface of the recess 114 formed by the second flange 119b.

The first flange 119a may form a further first electrical contact 112b, e.g. in the same way as the first flange of the arrangement shown in Figure 3a. The first strip of electrically conductive material 130 may be electrically isolated from the further first electrical contact 112b, e.g. from the first flange 119a.

In some arrangements, the first and second flanges 119a, 119b may be integrally formed with the base portion 116 of the rail 110. Accordingly, the first and second flanges may be electrically coupled to one another via the base portion 116. It may therefore be desirable for the first strip of electrically conductive material 130 to be electrically insulated from the flange that it is coupled to, e.g. the second flange 119b.

For example, the first strip of electrically conductive material 130 may be electrically isolated from the second flange 119b by a protective coating provided over the second flange or a layer of electrically insulating material provided between the first strip of conductive material 130 and the second flange 119b.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 3b, the first strip of conductive material is coupled to the second flange 119b, and the further first electrical contact 112b is formed by the first flange 119a. However, in other arrangements, the first strip of conductive material 130 may be coupled to the first flange 119a, and the further first electrical contact 112b may be formed by the second flange.

The rail 110 may be electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicle, such that the first electrical contact 112a and the further first electrical contact 112b are connected to the battery of the vehicle. The rails 110 may be electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicle, such that the first electrical contact 112a and the further first electrical contact 112b are held at different voltages from one another. For example, the first electrical contact 112b may be electrically connected to a positive terminal of the vehicle battery and the further first electrical contact 112b may be electrically connect to ground or vice versa.

With reference to Figure 3c, in other arrangements, the rail 110 may comprise the first strip of electrically conductive material 130 coupled to the first flange 119a and may further comprise a second strip of electrically conductive material 140 coupled to the second flange 119b. The first and second strips of electrically conductive material 130, 140 may be arranged to cover portions of the surfaces of the first and second flanges 119a, 119b respectively. The first electrical contact 112a and further first electrical contact 112b may be formed by the first and second strips of electrically conductive material 130, 140 respectively.

The first and second strips of electrically conductive material 130, 140 may be electrically isolated from one another and may be electrically isolated from the first and second flanges 119a, 119b, e.g. in the same way as in the arrangement described above with reference to Figure 3b.

The rail 110 may be connected to the electrical system of the vehicle, such that the first electrical contact 112a and the further first electrical contact 112b are held at different voltages from one another. For example, the first electrical contact 112a may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the further first electrical contact 112b may be connected to ground. Alternatively, the first electrical contact 112a and the further first electrical contact 112b may be held at any other voltages between a maximum voltage of the electrical system and a ground voltage.

In some arrangements, the rail 110 may be formed integrally with one of the body panels 6, 8, 10, 12 or trim panels of the vehicle. In such arrangements, the planar base portion 116 of the rail may be formed by a panel portion of the body or trim panel, e.g. forming the interior surface of the vehicle 2.

The opening 118 and the first and second flanges 119a, 119b may be formed as a stamped feature of the body or trim panel. For example, a stamping operation may be used during manufacture of the body or trim panel to form the opening 118 and flanges 119a, 119b. The material forming the first and second flanges 119a, 119b may be material that has been cut from the base portion and bent downwards out of the plane of the base portion, e.g. during the stamping operation. Accordingly, the combined length of the first and second flanges 119a, 119b may be substantially equal to the width of the opening.

In some arrangements, the opening 118 may be formed as a weight saving feature of the body or trim panel. The opening 118 may extend across a dimension, e.g. a length, width or height, of the body or trim panel, e.g. relative to the vehicle when the panel is installed on the vehicle. In some arrangements, the opening 118 may extend discontinuously across the dimension of the body or trim panel.

A plurality of the rails 110 may be formed in one, more than one or each of the body or trim panels of the vehicle 2. The rails 110 may be spaced apart from one another across the body or trim panel in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the rails, as shown in Figures la and lb. With reference to Figures 4a and 4b, an attachment 400, for use in the cargo connection system 100, e.g. in place of the attachment 120, will now be described. The attachment 400 is similar to the attachment 120 and the features described above in relation to the attachment 120 may also apply to the attachment 400.

The attachment 400 comprises a body portion 410 and an attachment portion 420. The attachment portion 420 comprises a coupling portion 422 and a projection 426. The cargo fixing point 122 and/or the power supply point 124 (depicted in Figures la and 1b) may be provided on the body portion 410 of the attachment 400.

The coupling portion 422 comprises a deformable portion 423, which may be configured to be received within the recess 114 of the rail 110, in order to couple to attachment 400 to the rail 110, as described below.

The deformable portion 423 may be configured to deform in order to be received within the recess 114 of the rail. The deformable portion 423 may be configured to engage the side walls of the recess 114, e.g. the flanges 119a, 119b of the rail 110, e.g. by virtue of its resilience, in order to couple the attachment to the rail.

Additionally or alternatively, the attachment 400 may be configured such that the projection 426 can be arranged to deform the deformable portion 423 of the coupling portion 422 such that first and second deformable side walls 423a, 423b of the deformable portion 423 are urged outwards to engage the side walls of the recess 114, thereby coupling the attachment 400 to the rail.

As shown in Figure 4a, the projection 426 may be positioned between the first and second deformable side walls 423a, 423b of the deformable portion. The projection 426 may be movable, e.g. linearly displaceable, relative to the deformable portion 423. The projection 426 and deformable portion 423 may be configured such that moving the projection 426 relative to the deformable portion 423 causes the projection to act against the deformable side walls 423a, 423b of the deformable portion 423 to urge the deformable side walls outwards to engage the side walls of the recess 114.

The projection 426 may be coupled, e.g. fixedly coupled, to the body portion 410 of the attachment 400. The projection 426 may thereby be moved relative to the deformable portion 423 by moving the body portion 410 of the attachment 400 relative to the coupling portion 422 of the attachment.

As depicted in Figures 4a and 4b, the coupling portion 422 may further comprise a base portion 424. The deformable portion 423 may be coupled to the base portion 424. The base portion 424 may be movably coupled to the body portion 410 of the attachment 400. In particular, the base portion 424 may be slidably relative to the body portion 410 in a direction perpendicular to the directions in which the side walls 422a, 422b are urged to contact the flanges 119a, 119b.

As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the base portion 424 of the coupling portion may be movably, e.g. slidably, coupled to the body portion 410 by the projection 426. For example, the projection 426 may be received within an opening formed in the base portion 424 and the base portion 424 may slide along the projection 426 at the opening. In other arrangements, the body portion 424 may be movable coupled to the body portion 410 in any other way.

The projection 426 and the first and second deformable side walls 423a, 423b may be shaped such that, when the projection 426 is displaced between the first and second deformable side walls, the projection acts against the deformable side walls to urge the deformable side walls outwards against the side walls of the recess 114, e.g. against the first and second flanges 119a, 119b.

As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the deformable portion 423 may comprise inwardly projecting protrusions 423c, 423d formed on the deformable side walls 423a, 423b. The protrusions 423cm 423d are arranged to be engaged by the projection 426, when the projection is displaced between the first and second deformable side walls 423a, 423b so that the deformable side walls are urged outwards.

The first and second deformable side walls 423a, 423b and/or the protrusions 423c, 423d, may be configured to grip the projection 426 when the projection has been displaced between the first and second deformable side walls 422a, 422b, in order to resist movement of the projection 426, e.g. so that the projection 426 remains between the deformable side walls 422a, 422b.

The second electrical contacts 126 of the attachment 400 may be provided on the first and second deformable side walls 423a, 423b of the deformable portion 423. The second electrical contacts 126 may be arranged such that the second electrical contacts 126 are electrically connected to the first electrical contacts 112 provided on the rail when the deformable portion 423 is received in the recess 114, e.g. between the first and second flanges 119a, 119b. Additionally or alternatively, the second electrical contacts 126 may be arranged such that they are electrically connected to the first electrical contacts 112 when the first and second deformable side walls 423a, 423b are urged outwards by the projection. For example, the second electrical contacts 126 may be provided at locations on the deformable side walls 423a, 423b that contact one of the flanges 119a, 119b of the rails 110 before the deformable side walls 423a are urged outwards and/or after the deformable side walls 423a have been urge outwards.

With reference to Figures 5a and 5b, in another arrangement, the base portion 424 of the coupling portion 422 may be rotatably coupled to the body portion 410 of the attachment 400. When the base portion 424 is rotated relative to the body portion 410, the projection 426 is rotated relative to the coupling portion 422, e.g. about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the directions in which the first and second deformable side walls are urged to engage the flanges 119a, 119b.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the projection 426 is oval in cross-section, and hence, when the body portion 410 of the attachment 400 is rotated relative to the base portion 424 of the coupling portion 422, the surface of the projection 426 acts as a cam against the deformable side walls 423a, 423b of the coupling portion and/or against the protrusions 423c, 423d, to urge the deformable side walls 423a, 423b outwards against the flanges 119a, 119b. In other arrangements, the projection 426 may be any other shape in cross section, such that the surface of the projection acts as a cam against the deformable portion to urge the deformable side walls outwards.

When the projection 426 engages the deformable side walls 423a, 423b and/or the protrusions 423c, 423d, the side walls 423a, 423b and/or protrusions 423c, 423d may grip the projection 426 and act to resist rotation of the projection. The deformable side walls 423a, 423b and/or the protrusions 423c, 423d thereby act to prevent the projection moving, e.g. rotating, such that the deformable side walls 422a, 422b are no longer urged outwards to engage the flanges 119a, 119b.

The following additional, numbered statements of invention are also included within the specification and form part of the present disclosure: Statement 1. A rail system for securing and/or providing power to an item of cargo within a motor vehicle, the system comprising: a rail for extending along an interior surface of the vehicle, wherein the rail comprises one or more first electrical contacts extending along a length of the rail and an attachment configured to releasably couple to the rail, the attachment comprising a cargo fixing point, for coupling an item of cargo to, such that the item of cargo can be secured relative to the rail, and a power supply point for electrically coupling to an item of cargo in order to provide power to the item of cargo, wherein the attachment further comprises a second electrical contact, electrically connected to the power supply point, wherein the rail and/or attachment are configured such that the second electrical contact is electrically connected to the first electrical contact when the attachment is coupled to the rail.

Statement 2. The rail system of statement 1, wherein the attachment is slidably mounted relative to the rail.

Statement 3. The rail system of statement 1 or 2, wherein the rail comprises a recess and the attachment comprises a coupling portion, wherein at least part of the coupling portion is receivable within the recess in order to couple the attachment to the rail Statement 4. The rail system of statement 3, wherein the first electrical contacts are arranged within the recess, and wherein the second electrical contacts are provided on the coupling portion of the attachment.

Statement 5. The rail system of statement 3 01 4, wherein at least a part of the coupling portion is deformable, and wherein the coupling portion, or part thereof, is configured to be deformed by a projection of the attachment to engage first and second side walls of the recess and thereby couple the attachment to the rail.

Statement 6. The rail system of statement 5, wherein the coupling portion comprises first and second deformable side walls, wherein the projection is arranged between the side walls of the coupling portion, and wherein the projection is configured to urge the side walls of the coupling portion outward, such that the side walls of the coupling portion engage the side walls of the recess.

Statement 7. The rail system of statement 6, wherein the projection is movable relative to the coupling portion and wherein the projection and/or the coupling portion are shaped such that moving the projection relative to the coupling portion causes the projection to engage the deformable side walls and urge the deformable side walls outwardly.

Statement 8. The rail system of statement 7, wherein the projection is rotatable relative to the coupling portion, and wherein the projection is shaped such that rotating the projection relative to the coupling portion causes the projection to engage the deformable side walls and urge the deformable side walls outwardly.

Statement 9. The rail system of any of statements 6 to 8, wherein the one or more second electrical contacts are provided on the coupling portion, and wherein the first and second electrical contacts are arranged such that the second electrical contacts engage the first electrical contacts when the side walls of the coupling portion are urged outwards.

Statement 10. The rail system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the system comprises a body or trim panel of the motor vehicle, wherein the rail is formed in the body or trim panel Statement 11. The rail system of statement 10, wherein the rail is formed by a stamped feature of the body or trim panel.

Statement 12. The rails system of statement 10 or 11, wherein the rail extends discontinuously across a dimension of the body or trim panel.

Statement 13. The rail system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the rail comprises first and second flanges arranged on opposing lateral sides of the rail.

Statement 14. The rail system of statement 13, wherein the rail comprises a substantially planar base plate and an opening formed in the base plate, wherein the first and second flanges depend from the base plate along laterally opposing edges of the opening.

Statement 15. The rail system of statement 13 or 14, wherein one or more of the first electrical contacts comprise electrically conductive material coupled to the first and/or second flanges.

Statement 16. The rail system of any of statements 13 to 15, wherein one or more of the first electrical contacts is formed by the first or second flange.

Statement 17. A rail for use in the system of any of the preceding statements, the rail for extending along an interior surface of the vehicle, wherein the rail comprises one or more first electrical contacts extending along a length of the rail.

Statement 18. The rail of statement 17, wherein the rail is integrally formed with a body or trim panel for the motor vehicle.

Statement 19. An attachment for use in the system of any of statements 1 to 16, the attachment comprising a cargo fixing point for coupling an item of cargo to, such that the item of cargo can be secured relative to the rail, and a power supply point for electrically coupling to an item of cargo in order to provide power to the item of cargo, the attachment further comprising a second electrical contact electrically connected to the power supply point, the second electrical contact for electrically connecting to the first electrical contact when the attachment is coupled to the rail.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A rail system for securing and/or providing power to an item of cargo within a motor vehicle, the system comprising: a rail for extending along an interior surface of the vehicle, wherein the rail comprises one or more first electrical contacts extending along a length of the rail; and an attachment configured to releasably couple to the rail, the attachment comprising a cargo fixing point, for coupling an item of cargo to, such that the item of cargo can be secured relative to the rail, and a power supply point for electrically coupling to an item of cargo in order to provide power to the item of cargo, wherein the attachment further comprises a second electrical contact electrically connected to the power supply point, wherein the attachment is configured such that the second electrical contact is electrically connected to the first electrical contact when the attachment is coupled to the rail.
2. The rail system of claim 1, wherein the attachment is slidably mounted relative to the rail.
3. The rail system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rail comprises a recess and the attachment comprises a coupling portion, wherein at least part of the coupling portion is receivable within the recess in order to couple the attachment to the rail.
4. The rail system of claim 3, wherein the first electrical contacts are arranged within the recess, and wherein the second electrical contacts are provided on the coupling portion of the attachment.
5. The rail system of claim 3 or 4, wherein at least a part of the coupling portion is deformable, and wherein the coupling portion, or part thereof, is configured to be deformed by a projection of the attachment to engage first and second side walls of the recess and thereby couple the attachment to the rail.
6. The rail system of claim 5, wherein the coupling portion comprises first and second deformable side walls, wherein the projection is arranged between the side walls of the coupling portion, and wherein the projection is configured to urge the side walls of the coupling portion outward, such that the side walls of the coupling portion engage the side walls of the recess.
7. The rail system of claim 6, wherein the projection is movable relative to the coupling portion and wherein the projection and/or the coupling portion are shaped such that moving the projection relative to the coupling portion causes the projection to engage the deformable side walls and urge the deformable side walls outwardly.
8. The rail system of claim 7, wherein the projection is rotatable relative to the coupling portion, and wherein the projection is shaped such that rotating the projection relative to the coupling portion causes the projection to engage the deformable side walls and urge the deformable side walls outwardly.
9. The rail system of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the one or more second electrical contacts are provided on the coupling portion, and wherein the first and second electrical contacts are arranged such that the second electrical contacts engage the first electrical contacts when the side walls of the coupling portion are urged outwards.
10. The rail system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a body or trim panel of the motor vehicle, wherein the rail is formed integrally with the body or trim panel.
11. The rail system of claim 10, wherein the rail is formed by a stamped feature of the body or trim panel.
12. The rails system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the rail extends discontinuously across a dimension of the body or trim panel.
13. The rail system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the rail comprises first and second flanges arranged on opposing lateral sides of the rail.
14. The rail system of claim 13, wherein the rail comprises a substantially planar base plate and an opening formed in the base plate, wherein the first and second flanges depend from the base plate along laterally opposing edges of the opening.
15. The rail system of claim 13 or 14, wherein one or more of the first electrical contacts comprise electrically conductive material coupled to the first and/or second flanges.
16. The rail system of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein one or more of the first electrical contacts is formed by the first or second flange.
17. A rail for use in the system of any of the preceding claims, the rail for extending along an interior surface of the vehicle, wherein the rail comprises one or more first electrical contacts extending along a length of the rail.
18. The rail of claim 17, wherein the rail is integrally formed with a body or trim panel for the motor vehicle.
19. An attachment for use in the system of any of claims 1 to 16, the attachment comprising a cargo fixing point for coupling an item of cargo to, such that the item of cargo can be secured relative to the rail, and a power supply point for electrically coupling to an item of cargo in order to provide power to the item of cargo, the attachment further comprising a second electrical contact electrically connected to the power supply point, the second electrical contact for electrically connecting to the first electrical contact when the attachment is coupled to the rail.