US20180290597A1 - Load floor latches and latch assemblies, and vehicles having the same - Google Patents
Load floor latches and latch assemblies, and vehicles having the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180290597A1 US20180290597A1 US15/480,734 US201715480734A US2018290597A1 US 20180290597 A1 US20180290597 A1 US 20180290597A1 US 201715480734 A US201715480734 A US 201715480734A US 2018290597 A1 US2018290597 A1 US 2018290597A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- latch
- load floor
- lower support
- support arm
- upper clamp
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 title abstract description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 title abstract description 5
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/01—Liners for load platforms or load compartments
- B60R13/011—Liners for load platforms or load compartments for internal load compartments, e.g. car trunks
- B60R13/013—Liners for load platforms or load compartments for internal load compartments, e.g. car trunks comprising removable or hinged parts, e.g. for accessing storage compartments
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R5/00—Compartments within vehicle body primarily intended or sufficiently spacious for trunks, suit-cases, or the like
- B60R5/04—Compartments within vehicle body primarily intended or sufficiently spacious for trunks, suit-cases, or the like arranged at rear of vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D43/00—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements
- B62D43/06—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements within the vehicle body
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
- F16B21/02—Releasable fastening devices locking by rotation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/12—Fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates, e.g. rubber strips, decorative strips for motor vehicles, by means of clips
- F16B5/121—Fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates, e.g. rubber strips, decorative strips for motor vehicles, by means of clips fastened over the edge(s) of the sheet(s) or plate(s)
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/12—Fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates, e.g. rubber strips, decorative strips for motor vehicles, by means of clips
- F16B5/123—Auxiliary fasteners specially designed for this purpose
Definitions
- the technical field generally relates to storage compartments in vehicles, and more particularly relates to load floor latch assemblies for selectively securing and accessing compartments in vehicles.
- Rear cargo spaces and/or trunks of modern automobiles are usually provided with removable load floor panels. These panels ordinarily support the weight of objects placed in the rear cargo spaces or trunks and are removable to allow access to a spare tire, for example, which is commonly stored in a compartment under the load floor panel. It is common for the load floor panel to be held in place by gravity and a floor mat that usually covers the load floor panel.
- the load floor panels are usually equipped with handles that are flush with the top surface of the load floor panel in order to allow a user to remove the panel when necessary.
- this commonly used arrangement has a draw back in that the load floor panel may become dislodged when travelling over rough roads. Further, because the panel is not positively secured in place, it may become loose and rattle around in the trunk resulting in undesirable noises.
- the load floor may be within the same cabin as occupants.
- safety requires that the load floor be held in position in case of a panic brake or crash condition.
- the need persists in the art for a latch to positively secure such load floor panels in place.
- load floor latch assemblies for securing load floors in position. Also, it is desirable to provide load floor latch assemblies that facilitate access to the storage compartment covered by the load floor. In addition, it is desirable to provide latches for securing load floors in a lowered position and for supporting load floors in an elevated position. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.
- a load floor latch assembly is provided for selectively securing and accessing a compartment in a vehicle.
- An exemplary load floor latch assembly includes a load floor having an upper surface and a lower surface. The load floor is positionable at a lowered position.
- the load floor latch assembly further includes a latch including a lower support arm and an upper clamp arm. The latch is rotatable about a pivot axis to a closed configuration for securing the load floor at the lowered position. In the closed configuration the lower support arm supports the lower surface of the load floor and at least a portion of the weight of the load floor is exerted on the lower support arm and applies a torque on the latch to impart a downward force from the upper clamp arm.
- An exemplary vehicle includes a storage compartment and a latch pivotably connected to the vehicle adjacent the storage compartment.
- the vehicle further includes a load floor.
- the load floor is positionable at a lowered position for covering the storage compartment. Further, the load floor is positionable at an elevated position for accessing the storage compartment.
- the latch has a closed configuration in which the latch secures the load floor in the lowered position. Also, the latch has an opened configuration in which the latch supports the load floor in the elevated position.
- An exemplary latch includes a lower support arm having a distal end and a proximal end.
- the latch further includes an upper clamp arm having a distal end and a proximal end.
- An opening is defined between the lower support arm and the upper clamp arm to receive an object to be secured.
- the latch also includes a body interconnecting the proximal end of the lower support arm and the proximal end of the upper clamp arm. Further, the latch includes a pivot member located on the lower support arm and about which the latch rotates between a closed configuration and an opened configuration.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary vehicle including a load floor covering a storage compartment in accordance with an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the load floor of FIG. 1 shown in an elevated position over a storage compartment in accordance with an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an end of a load floor in a lowered position and of the sides of two latches in the closed configuration securing the load floor in accordance with an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 4 is as side schematic view of an exemplary latch of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary latch of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle structure for pivotable connection with the latch of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of an end of a load floor in a lowered position and of the side of a latch in the closed configuration securing the load floor in accordance with an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of an end of a load floor in an elevated position and of the side of a latch in the opened configuration supporting the load floor in accordance with an embodiment herein.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 80 .
- the vehicle 80 has a rear door or gate 82 that is opened to reveal a load compartment 84 .
- the load compartment 84 is provided with a storage compartment or cavity 90 (shown in FIG. 2 ) such as for holding a spare tire, tools, or the like.
- the vehicle 80 is provided with a detachable load floor 100 .
- the load floor 100 lies over the cavity 90 in a lowered position, thereby covering the cavity 90 .
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the load floor 100 overlying the cavity 90 formed in the vehicle 80 of FIG. 1 .
- an interior structure 91 such as a collar or wall, of the vehicle 80 bounds and defines the cavity 90 .
- the load floor 100 includes a first side 101 and a second side 102 .
- the load floor includes a trailing end 103 and a leading end 104 .
- the load floor 100 includes a lower surface 105 and an upper surface 106 .
- the exemplary upper surface 106 is formed with a central region 107 and with recessed portions 108 lower than the central region 107 , i.e., portions where the thickness of the load floor 100 is reduced.
- the central region 107 is planar; however, the central region 107 may be molded with various forms, such as for use in storage, support, traction, or the like.
- Each recessed portion 108 may be formed with a notch 109 (as shown in FIG. 3 and described below).
- the load floor 100 is reversible such that the lower surface 105 or the upper surface 106 may be placed facedown over the cavity 90 .
- each surface 105 and 106 is provided with recessed portions 108 and notches 109 for engagement with the latches described herein, but may have differently formed central regions 107 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary load floor 100 , overlying the cavity 90 formed in the vehicle 80 .
- the load floor 100 is shown in a lowered position 111 .
- the load floor is moveable between the lowered position 111 and an elevated position 112 (as shown in FIG. 8 ).
- a latch assembly 200 is pivotably mounted to the vehicle 80 adjacent the cavity 90 and is moveable between the closed configuration 201 and an opened configuration 202 (shown in FIG. 8 ).
- the exemplary latch assembly 200 supports, engages and secures the load floor 100 in the lowered position 111 .
- the latch assembly 200 is configured to raise the load floor 100 to the elevated position 112 (shown in FIG. 8 ).
- the exemplary latch assembly 200 includes at least one latch 210 .
- the latch assembly 200 includes a first latch 211 at the first side 101 of the load floor 100 and a second latch 212 at the second side 102 of the load floor 100 .
- the latches 211 and 212 are structurally identical and, when appropriate, each is referred to herein as latch 210 for simplicity of description.
- FIG. 4 illustrates more clearly the structure of each latch 210 .
- An exemplary latch 210 includes a lower support arm 220 , an upper clamp arm 230 , and a body 240 interconnecting the lower support arm 220 and the upper clamp arm 230 .
- the lower support arm 220 has a distal end 221 and a proximal end 222 .
- the lower support arm 220 includes an upper surface 223 and a lower surface 224 .
- the upper clamp arm 230 has a distal end 231 and a proximal end 232 .
- the upper clamp arm 230 includes an upper surface 233 and a lower surface 234 .
- the upper clamp arm 230 includes a projection 235 that extends downward from the lower surface 234 .
- the upper clamp arm 230 may be formed with a hollow 236 to form a graspable grip 237 for a user to disengage the upper clamp arm 230 from the load floor 100 .
- the body 240 is connected to the lower support arm 220 at the proximal end 222 and is connected to the upper clamp arm 230 at the proximal end 232 .
- An opening 250 is defined between the lower support arm 220 and the upper clamp arm 230 to receive an object, such as the load floor 100 when the load floor is in the lowered position 111 and the latch 210 is in the closed configuration 201 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the projection 235 of the upper clamp arm 230 is received within the notch 109 of the load floor 100 and engages the load floor 100 to prevent movement of the load floor 100 .
- the load floor 100 is secured at the lowered position 111 by the latch assembly 200 .
- the latch 210 is formed with a pivot member 254 , such as a rod, for engagement with the vehicle 80 .
- Pivot member 254 provides for rotation of the latch 210 about a pivot axis 255 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet.
- the pivot member 254 may be cylindrical and be fitted into a corresponding groove 95 formed in the vehicle 80 .
- the pivot member 254 is formed in the lower support arm 220 between the distal end 221 and the proximal end 222 .
- an arbitrary coordinate system is designated with an x-axis 301 in the x- or horizontal direction and a y-axis 302 in the y- or vertical direction.
- the pivot axis 255 is located at a first distance 271 in the x-direction from the body 240 .
- the distal end 221 of the lower support arm 220 is located at a second distance 272 in the x-direction from the body 240 .
- the second distance 272 is greater than the first distance 271 .
- the distal end 231 of the upper clamp arm 230 is located at a third distance 273 in the x-direction from the body 240 . In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the third distance 273 is greater than the first distance 271 and less than the second distance 272 .
- the uppermost portion 229 of the upper surface 223 near the distal end 221 of the lower support arm 220 is located at a first height 281 in the y-direction from the pivot axis 255 .
- the first height 281 is greater than zero.
- the lower surface 234 of the distal end 231 of the upper clamp arm 230 is located at a second height 282 in the y-direction from the pivot axis 255 .
- the second height 282 is greater than the first height 281 .
- FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the exemplary latch 210 while FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the portion of the vehicle 80 that engages latch 210 .
- the lower support arm 220 of the latch 210 is formed with a first branch 291 and a second branch 292 separated by a gap 294 .
- the pivot member 254 extends along the pivot axis 255 from the first branch 291 across the gap 294 to the second branch 292 .
- the body 240 of the latch 210 is connected to each branch 291 and 292 and also extends across the gap 294 .
- the vehicle 80 forms a groove 95 extending in the direction of the pivot axis 255 .
- the vehicle 80 includes a curved cylindrical projection 96 that bounds the groove 95 .
- the vehicle 80 is formed with an opening 98 through which the pivot member 254 may pass when inserted into the groove 95 .
- the opening 98 may be formed with a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the pivot member 254 , to allow for snap fit engagement.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the movement of the latch 210 between the closed configuration 201 and the opened configuration 202 , and the movement of the load floor 100 between the lowered position 111 and the elevated position 112 .
- the latch 210 is rotated about the pivot axis 255 in the direction of arrow 307 from the closed configuration 201 to the opened configuration 202 , and is rotated about the pivot axis 255 in the direction of arrow 308 from the opened configuration 202 to the closed configuration 201 .
- the latch 210 secures the load floor 100 at the lowered position 111 in which the load floor covers the storage compartment or cavity 90 of the vehicle 80 .
- the latch 210 automatically locks the load floor 100 in the lowered position 111 through engagement between the notch 109 and the projection 235 .
- the latch 210 holds the load floor 100 at the lowered position despite a vertical upward force on the load floor 100 due to a panic braking situation or a vehicle crash.
- a force in the direction of arrow 307 may be applied to the latch 210 by a user grasping and pulling the grip 237 of the upper clamp arm 230 . The upward component of such force removes the projection 235 from the notch 109 formed in the load floor 100 . Further, the force results in the rotational movement of the latch 210 about the pivot axis 255 in the direction of arrow 307 .
- the distal end 221 of the lower support arm 220 is moved upward from a lowest position in FIG. 7 to a raised position in FIG. 8 .
- the lower support arm 220 raises the load floor 100 from the lowered position 111 of FIG. 7 to the elevated position 112 of FIG. 8 for accessing the cavity 90 , i.e., for providing a user with access to the cavity 90 .
- the latch 210 may hold the opened configuration 202 shown in FIG. 8 and support the load floor 100 at the elevated position 112 despite the weight of the load floor 100 and typical objects stored on the load floor 100 , due to friction between the pivot member 254 and the groove 95 .
- the latch 210 when the latch 210 is in the opened configuration 202 and the lower support arm 220 holds the load floor 100 in the elevated position 112 over the storage compartment 90 , the load floor 100 rests on the lower support arm 220 and the downward force on the lower support arm 220 resulting from the weight of the load floor 100 and objects thereon does not apply a sufficient torque on the latch 210 to pivot the latch 210 in the direction of arrow 308 to the closed configuration 201 .
- a user may apply a force, such as downward force onto the load floor 100 or in the direction of arrow 308 onto the body 240 or upper clamp arm 230 , to overcome the friction and move the latch 210 about the pivot axis 255 to return the latch 210 to the closed configuration 201 .
- Such movement allows the load floor 100 to return to the lowered position 111 .
- the load floor 100 when in the lowered position 111 , the load floor 100 is located between the lower support arm 220 and the upper clamp arm 230 . As shown in FIG. 8 , when in the elevated position 112 , the load floor 100 is located over the lower support arm 220 .
- leading end 104 of the load floor 100 may be pivotably mounted to the vehicle 80 , such as to the interior structure 91 about an axis 310 .
- the latch pivot axes 255 are perpendicular to the load floor pivot axis 310 .
- the load floor 100 pivots open such that the trailing end 103 of the load floor 100 is raised from the cavity 90 and the leading end 104 of the load floor 100 pivots about the axis 310 when the latches 210 are opened.
- the entire load floor 100 including both ends 103 and 104 , may be raised by the latches 210 when opened.
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Abstract
Description
- The technical field generally relates to storage compartments in vehicles, and more particularly relates to load floor latch assemblies for selectively securing and accessing compartments in vehicles.
- In view of increasing social awareness of the impact of automobiles on the environment, there is a demand to minimize the overall mass of vehicle while still meeting the feature requirements of the consumer. By reducing the mass of the interior components of the vehicle, several goals can be achieved. Among these goals is the overall weight of the vehicle, which can be minimized to thereby reduce the power and fuel required to operate the vehicle. The reduction of the size of the interior components of vehicles has led to a need for more efficient use of interior space. Various types of storage containers for the interior of the vehicle have been proposed to handle this ever increasing need.
- Rear cargo spaces and/or trunks of modern automobiles are usually provided with removable load floor panels. These panels ordinarily support the weight of objects placed in the rear cargo spaces or trunks and are removable to allow access to a spare tire, for example, which is commonly stored in a compartment under the load floor panel. It is common for the load floor panel to be held in place by gravity and a floor mat that usually covers the load floor panel. The load floor panels are usually equipped with handles that are flush with the top surface of the load floor panel in order to allow a user to remove the panel when necessary. However, this commonly used arrangement has a draw back in that the load floor panel may become dislodged when travelling over rough roads. Further, because the panel is not positively secured in place, it may become loose and rattle around in the trunk resulting in undesirable noises. Further, for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and wagon type vehicles, the load floor may be within the same cabin as occupants. Thus, safety requires that the load floor be held in position in case of a panic brake or crash condition. The need persists in the art for a latch to positively secure such load floor panels in place.
- Accordingly, it is desirable to provide load floor latch assemblies for securing load floors in position. Also, it is desirable to provide load floor latch assemblies that facilitate access to the storage compartment covered by the load floor. In addition, it is desirable to provide latches for securing load floors in a lowered position and for supporting load floors in an elevated position. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.
- A load floor latch assembly is provided for selectively securing and accessing a compartment in a vehicle. An exemplary load floor latch assembly includes a load floor having an upper surface and a lower surface. The load floor is positionable at a lowered position. The load floor latch assembly further includes a latch including a lower support arm and an upper clamp arm. The latch is rotatable about a pivot axis to a closed configuration for securing the load floor at the lowered position. In the closed configuration the lower support arm supports the lower surface of the load floor and at least a portion of the weight of the load floor is exerted on the lower support arm and applies a torque on the latch to impart a downward force from the upper clamp arm.
- An exemplary vehicle is provided and includes a storage compartment and a latch pivotably connected to the vehicle adjacent the storage compartment. The vehicle further includes a load floor. The load floor is positionable at a lowered position for covering the storage compartment. Further, the load floor is positionable at an elevated position for accessing the storage compartment. The latch has a closed configuration in which the latch secures the load floor in the lowered position. Also, the latch has an opened configuration in which the latch supports the load floor in the elevated position.
- An exemplary latch is provided and includes a lower support arm having a distal end and a proximal end. The latch further includes an upper clamp arm having a distal end and a proximal end. An opening is defined between the lower support arm and the upper clamp arm to receive an object to be secured. The latch also includes a body interconnecting the proximal end of the lower support arm and the proximal end of the upper clamp arm. Further, the latch includes a pivot member located on the lower support arm and about which the latch rotates between a closed configuration and an opened configuration.
- The present subject matter will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary vehicle including a load floor covering a storage compartment in accordance with an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the load floor ofFIG. 1 shown in an elevated position over a storage compartment in accordance with an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an end of a load floor in a lowered position and of the sides of two latches in the closed configuration securing the load floor in accordance with an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 4 is as side schematic view of an exemplary latch ofFIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary latch ofFIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle structure for pivotable connection with the latch ofFIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of an end of a load floor in a lowered position and of the side of a latch in the closed configuration securing the load floor in accordance with an embodiment herein; and -
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of an end of a load floor in an elevated position and of the side of a latch in the opened configuration supporting the load floor in accordance with an embodiment herein. - The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the subject matter claimed herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of avehicle 80. Thevehicle 80 has a rear door orgate 82 that is opened to reveal aload compartment 84. Theload compartment 84 is provided with a storage compartment or cavity 90 (shown inFIG. 2 ) such as for holding a spare tire, tools, or the like. As shown inFIG. 1 , thevehicle 80 is provided with adetachable load floor 100. Theload floor 100 lies over thecavity 90 in a lowered position, thereby covering thecavity 90. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of theload floor 100 overlying thecavity 90 formed in thevehicle 80 ofFIG. 1 . InFIG. 2 , aninterior structure 91, such as a collar or wall, of thevehicle 80 bounds and defines thecavity 90. As shown, theload floor 100 includes afirst side 101 and asecond side 102. Also, the load floor includes atrailing end 103 and a leadingend 104. Further, theload floor 100 includes alower surface 105 and anupper surface 106. As shown, the exemplaryupper surface 106 is formed with acentral region 107 and withrecessed portions 108 lower than thecentral region 107, i.e., portions where the thickness of theload floor 100 is reduced. In the illustrated embodiment, thecentral region 107 is planar; however, thecentral region 107 may be molded with various forms, such as for use in storage, support, traction, or the like. Eachrecessed portion 108 may be formed with a notch 109 (as shown inFIG. 3 and described below). In exemplary embodiments, theload floor 100 is reversible such that thelower surface 105 or theupper surface 106 may be placed facedown over thecavity 90. For such embodiments, eachsurface recessed portions 108 andnotches 109 for engagement with the latches described herein, but may have differently formedcentral regions 107. -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of anexemplary load floor 100, overlying thecavity 90 formed in thevehicle 80. InFIG. 3 , theload floor 100 is shown in a loweredposition 111. The load floor is moveable between the loweredposition 111 and an elevated position 112 (as shown inFIG. 8 ). - In
FIG. 3 , alatch assembly 200 is pivotably mounted to thevehicle 80 adjacent thecavity 90 and is moveable between theclosed configuration 201 and an opened configuration 202 (shown inFIG. 8 ). In theclosed configuration 201 ofFIG. 3 , theexemplary latch assembly 200 supports, engages and secures theload floor 100 in the loweredposition 111. Further, when moved from theclosed configuration 201 to the openedconfiguration 202, thelatch assembly 200 is configured to raise theload floor 100 to the elevated position 112 (shown inFIG. 8 ). - The
exemplary latch assembly 200 includes at least onelatch 210. InFIG. 3 , thelatch assembly 200 includes afirst latch 211 at thefirst side 101 of theload floor 100 and asecond latch 212 at thesecond side 102 of theload floor 100. Thelatches latch 210 for simplicity of description. -
FIG. 4 illustrates more clearly the structure of eachlatch 210. Anexemplary latch 210 includes alower support arm 220, anupper clamp arm 230, and abody 240 interconnecting thelower support arm 220 and theupper clamp arm 230. InFIG. 4 , thelower support arm 220 has adistal end 221 and aproximal end 222. Further, thelower support arm 220 includes anupper surface 223 and alower surface 224. Theupper clamp arm 230 has adistal end 231 and aproximal end 232. Further, theupper clamp arm 230 includes anupper surface 233 and alower surface 234. Also, theupper clamp arm 230 includes aprojection 235 that extends downward from thelower surface 234. As further shown, theupper clamp arm 230 may be formed with a hollow 236 to form agraspable grip 237 for a user to disengage theupper clamp arm 230 from theload floor 100. As shown, thebody 240 is connected to thelower support arm 220 at theproximal end 222 and is connected to theupper clamp arm 230 at theproximal end 232. - An
opening 250 is defined between thelower support arm 220 and theupper clamp arm 230 to receive an object, such as theload floor 100 when the load floor is in the loweredposition 111 and thelatch 210 is in theclosed configuration 201 as shown inFIG. 3 . InFIG. 3 , theprojection 235 of theupper clamp arm 230 is received within thenotch 109 of theload floor 100 and engages theload floor 100 to prevent movement of theload floor 100. As result, theload floor 100 is secured at the loweredposition 111 by thelatch assembly 200. - As further shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thelatch 210 is formed with apivot member 254, such as a rod, for engagement with thevehicle 80.Pivot member 254 provides for rotation of thelatch 210 about apivot axis 255 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet. As shown, thepivot member 254 may be cylindrical and be fitted into a correspondinggroove 95 formed in thevehicle 80. In theexemplary latch 210, thepivot member 254 is formed in thelower support arm 220 between thedistal end 221 and theproximal end 222. - In
FIG. 4 , an arbitrary coordinate system is designated with anx-axis 301 in the x- or horizontal direction and a y-axis 302 in the y- or vertical direction. As shown, thepivot axis 255 is located at afirst distance 271 in the x-direction from thebody 240. Further, thedistal end 221 of thelower support arm 220 is located at asecond distance 272 in the x-direction from thebody 240. Thesecond distance 272 is greater than thefirst distance 271. As further shown, thedistal end 231 of theupper clamp arm 230 is located at athird distance 273 in the x-direction from thebody 240. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4 , thethird distance 273 is greater than thefirst distance 271 and less than thesecond distance 272. - As further shown in
FIG. 4 , theuppermost portion 229 of theupper surface 223 near thedistal end 221 of thelower support arm 220 is located at afirst height 281 in the y-direction from thepivot axis 255. Thefirst height 281 is greater than zero. Thelower surface 234 of thedistal end 231 of theupper clamp arm 230 is located at asecond height 282 in the y-direction from thepivot axis 255. Thesecond height 282 is greater than thefirst height 281. -
FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of theexemplary latch 210 whileFIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the portion of thevehicle 80 that engageslatch 210. InFIG. 5 , thelower support arm 220 of thelatch 210 is formed with afirst branch 291 and asecond branch 292 separated by agap 294. Thepivot member 254 extends along thepivot axis 255 from thefirst branch 291 across thegap 294 to thesecond branch 292. Further, thebody 240 of thelatch 210 is connected to eachbranch gap 294. - In
FIG. 6 , the structure of thevehicle 80 that engages thelatch 210 is more clearly illustrated. As shown, thevehicle 80 forms agroove 95 extending in the direction of thepivot axis 255. Specifically, thevehicle 80 includes a curvedcylindrical projection 96 that bounds thegroove 95. Further, thevehicle 80 is formed with anopening 98 through which thepivot member 254 may pass when inserted into thegroove 95. Theopening 98 may be formed with a width slightly smaller than the diameter of thepivot member 254, to allow for snap fit engagement. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the movement of thelatch 210 between theclosed configuration 201 and the openedconfiguration 202, and the movement of theload floor 100 between the loweredposition 111 and theelevated position 112. As shown, thelatch 210 is rotated about thepivot axis 255 in the direction ofarrow 307 from theclosed configuration 201 to the openedconfiguration 202, and is rotated about thepivot axis 255 in the direction ofarrow 308 from the openedconfiguration 202 to theclosed configuration 201. - In
FIG. 7 , thelatch 210 secures theload floor 100 at the loweredposition 111 in which the load floor covers the storage compartment orcavity 90 of thevehicle 80. In theclosed configuration 201, thelatch 210 automatically locks theload floor 100 in the loweredposition 111 through engagement between thenotch 109 and theprojection 235. As a result, thelatch 210 holds theload floor 100 at the lowered position despite a vertical upward force on theload floor 100 due to a panic braking situation or a vehicle crash. To unlock or disengage thelatch 210 and theload floor 100, a force in the direction ofarrow 307 may be applied to thelatch 210 by a user grasping and pulling thegrip 237 of theupper clamp arm 230. The upward component of such force removes theprojection 235 from thenotch 109 formed in theload floor 100. Further, the force results in the rotational movement of thelatch 210 about thepivot axis 255 in the direction ofarrow 307. - As a result, the
distal end 221 of thelower support arm 220 is moved upward from a lowest position inFIG. 7 to a raised position inFIG. 8 . Thelower support arm 220 raises theload floor 100 from the loweredposition 111 ofFIG. 7 to theelevated position 112 ofFIG. 8 for accessing thecavity 90, i.e., for providing a user with access to thecavity 90. - In the
elevated position 112 of theload floor 100 inFIG. 8 , access is provided to the storage compartment orcavity 90 underlying theload floor 100. Thelatch 210 may hold the openedconfiguration 202 shown inFIG. 8 and support theload floor 100 at theelevated position 112 despite the weight of theload floor 100 and typical objects stored on theload floor 100, due to friction between thepivot member 254 and thegroove 95. In other words, when thelatch 210 is in the openedconfiguration 202 and thelower support arm 220 holds theload floor 100 in theelevated position 112 over thestorage compartment 90, theload floor 100 rests on thelower support arm 220 and the downward force on thelower support arm 220 resulting from the weight of theload floor 100 and objects thereon does not apply a sufficient torque on thelatch 210 to pivot thelatch 210 in the direction ofarrow 308 to theclosed configuration 201. A user may apply a force, such as downward force onto theload floor 100 or in the direction ofarrow 308 onto thebody 240 orupper clamp arm 230, to overcome the friction and move thelatch 210 about thepivot axis 255 to return thelatch 210 to theclosed configuration 201. Such movement allows theload floor 100 to return to the loweredposition 111. - When the
load floor 100 is lowered and thelatch assembly 200 is closed, such as inFIG. 7 , at least a portion of the weight of theload floor 100 is exerted on thelower support arm 220 and applies a torque on thelatch 210 about thepivot axis 255 to impart a downward force from theupper clamp arm 230 onto theupper surface 106 of theload floor 100. Therefore, upward jostling of the vehicle may not result in dislodging theload floor 100 from thevehicle 80. Also, when theload floor 100 is lowered and thelatch assembly 200 is closed, such as inFIG. 7 , thebody 240 contacts theside 101 of theload floor 100. As a result, side to side movement of theload floor 100 may be inhibited. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , when in the loweredposition 111, theload floor 100 is located between thelower support arm 220 and theupper clamp arm 230. As shown inFIG. 8 , when in theelevated position 112, theload floor 100 is located over thelower support arm 220. - Cross-referencing
FIG. 2 withFIGS. 7-8 , it is noted that thatleading end 104 of theload floor 100 may be pivotably mounted to thevehicle 80, such as to theinterior structure 91 about anaxis 310. It may be seen that the latch pivot axes 255 are perpendicular to the loadfloor pivot axis 310. In such an embodiment, theload floor 100 pivots open such that the trailingend 103 of theload floor 100 is raised from thecavity 90 and theleading end 104 of theload floor 100 pivots about theaxis 310 when thelatches 210 are opened. Alternatively, theentire load floor 100, including both ends 103 and 104, may be raised by thelatches 210 when opened. - While at least one exemplary aspect has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary aspect or exemplary aspects are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration as claimed in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary aspect. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary aspect without departing from the scope herein as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/480,734 US10112543B1 (en) | 2017-04-06 | 2017-04-06 | Load floor latches and latch assemblies, and vehicles having the same |
CN201810259374.3A CN108688582A (en) | 2017-04-06 | 2018-03-27 | Load carrying floor latch and latch assembly and vehicle with latch assembly |
DE102018107750.5A DE102018107750A1 (en) | 2017-04-06 | 2018-04-02 | LOADING LAYERS AND LATCHING ARRANGEMENTS, AND VEHICLES THEREOF |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/480,734 US10112543B1 (en) | 2017-04-06 | 2017-04-06 | Load floor latches and latch assemblies, and vehicles having the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180290597A1 true US20180290597A1 (en) | 2018-10-11 |
US10112543B1 US10112543B1 (en) | 2018-10-30 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/480,734 Expired - Fee Related US10112543B1 (en) | 2017-04-06 | 2017-04-06 | Load floor latches and latch assemblies, and vehicles having the same |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US10112543B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN108688582A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102018107750A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10793074B2 (en) * | 2018-04-06 | 2020-10-06 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Loading surface in a vehicle |
US11230174B2 (en) * | 2018-11-09 | 2022-01-25 | Mclaren Automotive Limited | Luggage storage |
USD1014399S1 (en) * | 2021-11-01 | 2024-02-13 | Manuel McLeod | Cargo cover |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102019102159A1 (en) * | 2019-01-29 | 2020-07-30 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Tool holder |
US11624222B2 (en) | 2020-07-07 | 2023-04-11 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Vehicle including a vehicle cargo area with a vehicle cargo cover having a clip |
CN114408033B (en) * | 2022-03-28 | 2022-06-10 | 蔚来汽车科技(安徽)有限公司 | Spare tire cover mounting structure for vehicle and vehicle |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AUPP955099A0 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 1999-04-29 | Cabscape Holdings Pty Ltd | Access panel |
JP4329982B2 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2009-09-09 | 天馬株式会社 | Storage box with lid |
US7503610B2 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-03-17 | Chrysler Llc | Adjustable vehicle cargo load floor |
US20090108639A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2009-04-30 | International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. | Seat back mounted load floor system and method of making the same |
CN204078450U (en) * | 2014-09-15 | 2015-01-07 | 今创集团股份有限公司 | Hot chain insulation can |
CN106299777B (en) * | 2015-05-11 | 2018-08-28 | 美国莫列斯股份有限公司 | Card edge connector and card edge connector combination |
US9908475B2 (en) * | 2016-07-13 | 2018-03-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Securement system for a storage area of a vehicle |
US10160387B2 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2018-12-25 | Fca Us Llc | Locating system for vehicle load floor panel measurement |
-
2017
- 2017-04-06 US US15/480,734 patent/US10112543B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2018
- 2018-03-27 CN CN201810259374.3A patent/CN108688582A/en active Pending
- 2018-04-02 DE DE102018107750.5A patent/DE102018107750A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10793074B2 (en) * | 2018-04-06 | 2020-10-06 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Loading surface in a vehicle |
US11230174B2 (en) * | 2018-11-09 | 2022-01-25 | Mclaren Automotive Limited | Luggage storage |
USD1014399S1 (en) * | 2021-11-01 | 2024-02-13 | Manuel McLeod | Cargo cover |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN108688582A (en) | 2018-10-23 |
DE102018107750A1 (en) | 2018-10-11 |
US10112543B1 (en) | 2018-10-30 |
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