Abstract: An apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments includes a base disposed on or within a vehicle compartment floor and having a surface that is exposed to the vehicle compartment when the apparatus is in an operative position. A rear panel is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a closed position overlying the base surface and an open position substantially normal to the base surface. A pair or partition panels are pivotally attached to the base surface in adjacent spaced apart relationship and are movable between a closed position in face-to-face relation with the base and an open position substantially transverse to the base surface and the rear panel. A handle is connected to the pair of partitions panels that is configured to be grasped by a user to move the partition panels in tandem from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes an elongate planar panel pivotally attached to a vehicle floor and movable between a stored position in face-to-face contacting relation with the floor and an operative position in spaced-apart, face-to-face relation with the floor such that the panel can serve the function of a table and/or shelf.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of vehicle side frames, one or more movement mechanisms, a back window assembly and an automatic actuator. In another aspect of the present invention, an automotive vehicle includes a front header panel, first and second vehicle side frames, first and second tracks, a sunroof panel, a back window panel and an electrical system operable to coordinate movement of the sunroof panel and the back window panel.

Abstract: A rear luggage compartment structure for a hatchback vehicle includes a trunk board comprising front and rear boards which is changeable between a normal position where the front and rear board are laid on front and rear parts of a rear luggage compartment floor, respectively, and a built-up position where the rear board is held upright and the front board is situated horizontally between a rear seat and the rear board held upright so as thereby to create a luggage storage space over the front board that is accessible from a passenger compartment and a secret box under the front board.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo system comprising a pair of hinged panels which move from a flat cover position providing maximum flat storage for the rear area of a vehicle to multiple additional positions to expose storage bins therebelow to provide storage behind and/or enclose the otherwise open area of the vehicle for security. In a preferred embodiment, such panels include a hinge extending between the panels with the forward most panel being hingedly coupled to a vehicle. The end of one of the panels includes a latch such that the panels can be locked in different positions. In one embodiment, left and right side pairs of first and second panels are provided.

Abstract: A disassemblable orthogonal multilevel storage assembly is configurable into variable sized storage chambers for installation in vehicle passenger compartments and pickup truck beds. The assembly uses a plurality of telescoping panels each having a plurality of apertures spaced apart at equal intervals along designated lines in the panels such that the panels can be interconnected when positioned in horizontal and vertical orientations adjacent one another. Tabs are formed along selected edges of the panels and include a plurality of apertures spaced apart at equal intervals to facilitate interconnection of panels. The storage assembly can be configured to be installed in a passenger compartment when seats are removed from the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A box container and loading space for a motor vehicle are provided, in which the box container is provided with wall parts that are parallelogrammatically movably mounted around axes parallel to each other relative to one another between a collapsed inoperative position and a mounted or erected operational position, particularly for use in passenger vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion system and method of converting a vehicle into a police car or similar emergency vehicle in a manner which is easily installed and removed and designed so that it causes no damage to the vehicle, thereby improving the resale value of the vehicle upon termination of the lease or retirement of the vehicle from service.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base, expandable walls, and a panel. The panel is pivotally attached to the base via the expandable walls and is movable between a closed position in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base and an oven position disposed substantially transverse to the base. The expandable walls each include a plurality of members pinned together at a first end and having opposite free ends. The members of each expandable wall are configured to move from a stacked relationship to a fanned relationship when the panel is moved from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that are manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base with a surface and a rear panel pivotally attached to the base that is movable between a closed position overlying the base surface and an open position substantially normal to the base surface. End panels are movably attached to respective end portions of the rear panel and are movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel. One or more partition panels may be provided that are movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel (or base surface) and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base disposed on or within a vehicle compartment floor and having a surface that is exposed to the vehicle compartment when the apparatus is in an operative (i.e., open) position. A rear panel is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a closed position overlying the base surface and an open position substantially normal to the base surface. End panels are movably attached to respective end portions of the rear panel. The end panels move from their respective stored positions to operative positions in response to movement of the rear panel. One or more partition panels that are movably attached to either the rear panel or to the base surface, may be provided.

Abstract: A cover device for a gap behind a rear seat unit and a vertical partition of a motor vehicle extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle as well as a side paneling consists of plate-shaped elements arranged on each side of a cartridge for a blind. These plate-shaped elements comprise a finger-shaped tongue as well as a rectangular plate, which are constructed in one piece. The plate-shaped elements are deflectable with respect to the cartridge by way of swivelling axes.

Abstract: A protecting device for securing a storage space in the interior of a vehicle has a winding shaft associated, both in the pullout and in the rollup direction, with a control device which determines the rotations of the winding shaft as well as a selected protective position of the flat shaped article, and which, independently of the determined position, limits the pullout path for the flat shaped article to a length corresponding to the selected protective position, or releases it to be completely pulled out.

Abstract: A separating device (13) includes a separating net or a separating grid (14) of a flexible material. On two edges (16, 17) of the separating net (14) that run parallel to one another, in each case a stiffening strut (19, 21) is provided. One of the two stiffening struts (19) serves for the anchoring of the separating device underneath the vehicle roof while the other stiffening strut (21) is anchored at a distance from the roof lining, for example on the (rear) seat back or on the floor of the load compartment. The two stiffening struts (19, 21) contain in each case a hinge (30). In this manner the separating device (13) can be folded up along its width and thereupon rolled-up. A packing device (96, 97) in the form of a pocket provided on the separating device (13) serves for securing of the folded separating device (13) in the packed position.

Abstract: A covering device for the load space of a motor vehicle, having a flexible surface structure, is held, in a rollable or extendable manner, on a winding shaft supported solidly with the loading space. A coiled spring apparatus for exerting the force for rolling up onto the surface structure is provided on the winding shaft. A form-stable extending element is positioned on one frontal end area of the surface structure. The surface structure is guided over its path of extension within the load space by a guiding device, in that at least one locking device for blocking the surface structure relative to the guiding device is provided in at least one partially-extended working position, and in that a manually-triggerable releasing device, by which the locking of the surface structure can be ended, is provided for the locking device.

Abstract: A cargo bin lid hinge including a body member, a first hinge arm, and a second hinge arm. The first extends from said body member and is being generally aligned with the body member. The second hinge arm extends from the body member, and is curved and extends away from a plane of the body member. The first and second hinge arms cooperate to define an elongated hinge pin-receiving receptacle. The hinge pin has a flat surface that facilitates snap-fitting assembly of the hinge thereon.

Abstract: A device for covering the cargo space of a passenger vehicle is provides which includes a cover shade, including flexurally stiff louvers, which is movably guided on lateral guide rails. To open the cargo space, the cover shade can be transferred into a storage position behind a seat arrangement. To facilitate handling, a drive device is connected to the cover shade for opening and closing the cover shade. The drive device may include a drive motor with two synchronously drivable drive cables which drive the cover shade on its two lengthwise sides to allow the cover shade to be easily removed from its storage position.

Abstract: A cover device for a gap behind a rear seat unit and a vertical partition of a motor vehicle extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle as well as a side paneling consists of plate-shaped elements arranged on each side of a cartridge for a blind. These plate-shaped elements comprise a finger-shaped tongue as well as a rectangular plate, which are constructed in one piece. The plate-shaped elements are deflectable with respect to the cartridge by way of swivelling axes.

Abstract: A flexible planar structure unit is provided as load-space securing element, the unit being arranged extended in a protective position in the vicinity of the moveable rear-section arrangement in such a way that loads which are located in the load space, or at least a person who is located on a seat arrangement facing counter to the direction of travel in the load space is protected with points of attachment to the vehicle bodywork being provided for securing the planar structure unit in the extended protective position.

Abstract: A secure cover for the open cargo area of a vehicle having a retractable and extendable screen attached to a tubular drum. The ends of the screen are held in an interlocking manner within guides running horizontally along the sidewalls of an open cargo area. The secure cover, when extended, prevents access to the cargo area of the vehicle by persons in the passenger compartment of the vehicle so as to provide a secure cargo area similar to the trunk space of other vehicles.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo system comprising a pair of hinged panels which move from a flat cover position providing maximum flat storage for the rear area of a vehicle to multiple additional positions to expose storage bins therebelow to provide storage behind and/or enclose the otherwise open area of the vehicle for security. In a preferred embodiment, such panels include a hinge extending between the panels with the forward most panel being hingedly coupled to a vehicle. The end of one of the panels includes a latch such that the panels can be locked in different positions. In one embodiment, left and right side pairs of first and second panels are provided.

Abstract: A cargo lid retention device and method for holding a cargo lid in an open position, wherein the retention device includes a fixed hook member, a removable hook member, and a tether. The fixed hook member defines a receptacle that releasably receives the fixed hook member. The receptacle includes an upstanding rim and a resilient fastener which cooperate to hold the removable hook member against undesired movement. The removable hook member is secured to the tether which, in turn, is secured to the cargo lid. The tether cooperates with the removable hook member when the removable hook member is secured to a remote support to maintain the cargo lid in the open position.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of vehicle side frames, one or more movement mechanisms, a back window assembly and an automatic actuator. In another aspect of the present invention, an automotive vehicle includes a front header panel, first and second vehicle side frames, first and second tracks, a sunroof panel, a back window panel and an electrical system operable to coordinate movement of the sunroof panel and the back window panel.

Abstract: A cargo-space cover for a motor vehicle has a fitting permanently mounted in the motor vehicle and a housing having an end cap complementarily fittable in a seat of the fitting. A shaft rotatable in the housing carries a cover sheet windable by a drive motor in the housing on the shaft. A pair of contacts fixed and exposed in the seat and connectable to power circuitry are engageable with a complementary pair of contacts fixed on and exposed at the end cap and positioned so as to engage the respective seat contacts when the end cap is fitted to the seat to connect the motor via the two pairs of contacts to the power circuitry. A latch retains the end cap in the seat with the end-cap contacts in solid contact with the seat contacts.

Abstract: A cargo bin liner is adapted to retain and store a tonneau cover therein. The cargo bin liner includes a central cup-shaped member and a pair of wings that extend outwardly from opposite ends of the cup-shaped wall. The wings include a base wall, forward wall, a rearward wall, and an end wall. The forward and rearward walls are spaced apart a distance that closely corresponds to a width dimension of the tonneau cover received therebetween such that the tonneau cover is snugly fitted against unintended horizontal movement. The end wall includes mounting members that engage terminal ends of the tonneau cover and prevent unintended vertical and horizontal movement of the tonneau cover. The cargo bin liner has a cargo bin lid pivotally secured thereto, and provides engagement surfaces to vertically support the lid when the lid is in a closed position.

Abstract: A luggage compartment structure allows a tray to be detachably placed on a floor surface of the luggage compartment on which a luggage mat is spread, or detachably placed on the undersurface of an upper back panel of the luggage compartment. Further, the luggage compartment structure allows the tray to be accommodated in a recessed storage portion provided in a floorboard member. As a result, the tray can be effectively placed on, over or under the luggage mat of the luggage compartment as required to accommodate various luggage loading configurations.

Abstract: An installation structure of a mid-gate of a sport utility truck that can significantly secure stability and strength of a part where a mid-gate is mounted onto a vehicle body, the structure including: a rear floor panel; a deck floor panel positioned with a predetermined interval over the rear floor panel; a closing panel directly connecting the front portion of the deck floor panel with the rear floor panel; and a mid-gate mounting panel with its rear end being connected with the closing panel, its front end being connected with the rear floor panel and a mid-gate hinge being fixed at its upper surface, thereby reinforcing the mid-gate installed part and restricting the occurrence of twists at the rear cargo loading portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting objects in a vehicle. The device consists of an essentially trough-shaped holding container. The aim of the invention is to make the device more secure and more user-friendly. To this end, the holding container consists of a frame-type fixing part which can be fixed inside the vehicle, and at least one part-container which can be removed from the fixing part to form an access opening in the area of a part for accommodating a spare wheel on the vehicle side.

Abstract: Cargo storage apparatus are provided that attach to a tailgate door of an open-air style vehicle and include a housing having a hollow interior portion that serves as a compartment for receiving articles therein. An opening is formed in the housing that allow user access to the compartment. An access door is hingedly coupled to the housing and is movable between a closed position covering the opening and an open position allowing access to the compartment via the opening. A carrying handle may be provided to facilitate portability. Lights may be provided that illuminate inside and outside of the cargo storage apparatus compartment. Cup holders, cargo nets, and supporting hooks, promotional indicia, and thermal insulation may also be provided.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle cargo-space cover has two rails flanking the space, fixed in the motor vehicle, and defining a pair of slots. A housing releasably mounted in the vehicle and extending transversely of the rails between rear ends if the slots holds a rotatable shaft around which is wound a flexible cover sheet having a front edge provided with a stiffening bar having outer ends carrying respective slides displaceable along the respective slots and into the housing. Respective stiff tapes connected to the slides extend rearward therefrom into the housing to a drive in the housing that pays the tapes out and thereby pushes the slides forward out of the housing into the slots to deploy the sheet over the space and pulls the stiff tapes back into the housing and thereby pulls the slides back and into the housing to retract the sheet from above the space.

Abstract: A cargo space cover for a motor vehicle, in which the cover includes a flexible flat sheet that is provided with two extended securing elements coaxial to each other and facing opposite sides located on the forward end with respect to the extraction direction that may be fitted into two receptacles affixed to the vehicle when the cover is in an extended position. The securing elements are connected by means of a longitudinally-extending tensioning medium, and the securing elements and the vehicle-mounted receptacles include matching securing sections that form an interlocking restraint of the flat sheet when in an extended position.

Abstract: A removable storage unit for a motor vehicle including a first portion having an open side and defining a storage area, and a second portion having an open side and defining a second storage area. The first and second portions are rotateably coupled together to allow the storage areas to be adjacently located. The removable storage unit preferably has two modes. In the first mode, the storage unit is removed from the motor vehicle, and the open sides of the first and second portions are positioned adjacent one another, which allows for easy transportation of the unit. In the second mode, the storage unit is positioned within the motor vehicle so that the open sides of the first and second portions are oriented substantially coplanar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety net device with a housing, in which a winding shaft is rotationally mounted. The winding shaft is pretensioned by means of a spring motor in the direction of winding of a safety net which is fixed to the winding shaft. The other edge of the safety net is connected to a pull bar which is suspended in the recesses in the car body. In order to minimize the effort required by the user to suspend said device, a holding device absorbs at least part of the pull-back force when the safety net is would back into the housing immediately after the safety net has been pulled out of the housing to enable the pull bar to be suspended in the recesses. The holding device can be released at will in order to roll up the safety net back into the housing.

Abstract: A cargo-space cover for a motor vehicle has a fitting permanently mounted in the motor vehicle and a housing having an end cap complementarily fittable in a seat of the fitting. A shaft rotatable in the housing carries a cover sheet windable by a drive motor in the housing on the shaft. A pair of contacts fixed and exposed in the seat and connectable to power circuitry are engageable with a complementary pair of contacts fixed on and exposed at the end cap and positioned so as to engage the respective seat contacts when the end cap is fitted to the seat to connect the motor via the two pairs of contacts to the power circuitry. A latch retains the end cap in the seat with the end-cap contacts in solid contact with the seat contacts.

Abstract: In a retaining net arrangement the lower edge (16) of the retaining net (13) is fixed in the vehicle with two anchoring elements (24). To the anchoring elements (24) there belong two non-extensible tension elements which are held in the suspended state under a corresponding pre-stressing state by pre-stressing elements. An automatically acting clamping device leads both the pre-stressing forces for the tensioning of the retaining net into the car body (7) and also the increased forces which arise when an object is flung against the retaining net (13).

Abstract: A luggage holding apparatus for a vehicle having a luggage room, a rear floor panel constituting the luggage room and a rear quarter panel constituting the luggage room includes a square opening formed on the rear floor panel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a plurality of rectangular floor boards inlaid into the opening, whose respective long sides length is equal to a length of one side of the opening and whose summation of respective short sides length is equal to the length of the one side of the opening, a band-shaped luggage holding member for holding luggage in the luggage room, a retractor secured to at least one of the floor boards, capable of winding the luggage holding member therein for accommodation, at least one hook provided on at least either of the rear quarter panel and the rear floor panel and a hooking means provided at an end of the luggage holding member for hooking the luggage holding member to the hook.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering device for the load space of a motor vehicle, having a flexible surface structure, which is held, in a rollable or extendable manner, on a winding shaft supported solidly with the loading space. A coiled spring apparatus for exerting the force for rolling up onto the surface structure is provided on the winding shaft. A form-stable extending element is positioned on one frontal end area of the surface structure. The surface structure is guided over its path of extension within the load space by means of a guiding device, in that at least one locking device for blocking the surface structure relative to the guiding device is provided in at least one partially-extended working position, and in that a manually-triggerable releasing device, by means of which the locking of the surface structure can be ended, provided for the locking device.

Abstract: The luggage restraining structure comprises a safety block fixed by securing elements between a rear folding seat and a trunk, the trunk being formed behind the rear folding seat which is collapsible and easy to keep. The luggage restraining structure prevents the luggage from bouncing into the passenger area by the force of inertia of luggage loaded in the trunk in the event of a sudden stop or rear-on collision, thereby protecting the passengers against the impact energy of luggage.

Abstract: A vehicle body has a reconfigurable back panel and window system for use in an extended cab pickup truck or other similar vehicle in which the rear wall of the vehicle is adaptable for use in various optional configurations. A forward convertible compartment communicates with a rear cargo compartment through an access opening in a body frame. A lower closure panel, intermediate crossbar and upper window optionally close the opening to separate the compartments for passenger and cargo use. The window may be removed and stored in the panel, the panel may be pivoted open and the crossbar may be moved with the panel or remain to support the window, all permitting varying degrees of communication between the compartments for carrying passengers or cargo as desired.

Abstract: A vehicle body has a reconfigurable back panel and window system for use in an extended cab pickup truck or other similar vehicle in which the rear wall of the vehicle is adaptable for use in various optional configurations. A forward convertible compartment communicates with a rear cargo compartment through an access opening in a body frame. A lower closure panel, intermediate crossbar and upper window optionally close the opening to separate the compartments for passenger and cargo use. The window may be removed and stored in the panel, the panel may be pivoted open and the crossbar may be moved with the panel or remain to support the window, all permitting varying degrees of communication between the compartments for carrying passengers or cargo as desired.

Abstract: A cover has a roll-up housing mounted in a motor vehicle at a front end of its cargo space, a sheet retractable against spring force out of the housing and having a rear edge, and a stiff end board projecting generally a full width of the sheet at the rear edge thereof and having a front edge juxtaposed with the sheet rear edge. A thick edge bar is fixed to one of the edges and the other of the edges is releasably secured to this edge bar.

Abstract: A frame is for temporary installation in a trunk, which is situated behind the rear seats of a vehicle and opens up into the passenger compartment of this vehicle. In order to horizontally align the frame inside the trunk opening, the size of the frame is adapted to the opening so that the frame encloses the trunk opening as completely as possible. Insert parts may be inserted into the frame as needed. Together with the insert parts placed in the frame, the trunk is horizontally covered in the upward direction. The cover is simultaneously used to partition the trunk into two superposed, separately loadable regions.

Abstract: A roller blind (15) comprising a spring actuated roller blind for the luggage area (2) of a vehicle which includes a positive or compulsory guiding device (27) to which the front edge of the roller blind (17) is detachably connectable. The positive guiding device (27) ensures that the roller blind (17) can be moved upwardly to an intermediate position when the tailgate (8) is opened in order to provide easy access to the luggage area without having to fully roll the roller blind (17) back into the roller blind housing (16).

Abstract: A transport container for a motor vehicle having a partition between two compartments has a generally rectangular vehicle frame set in the partition and a generally rectangular device frame fittable in the opening of the vehicle frame. Respective pivot formations on the vehicle frame define a pivot axis parallel to and between vehicle-frame upper and lower members. Respective pivot formations on the device frame between and parallel to device-frame upper and lower members and fittable to the respective vehicle-frame pivot formations allow pivoting of the device frame into a mounted position set in the vehicle frame with the members of the device frame closely juxtaposed with the respective members of the vehicle frame and the frames in direct contact with each other at abutment locations offset from the axis. A latch offset from the axis releasably secures the device frame in the mounted position in the vehicle frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety net device (9) with a housing (11), in which a winding shaft is rotationally mounted. The winding shaft (13) is pretensioned by means of a spring motor (14) in the direction of winding of a safety net (12) which is fixed to the winding shaft (13). The other edge of the safety net (12) is connected to a pull bar (21) which is suspended in recesses (24) in the car body. In order to minimize the effort required by the user to suspend said device, a holding device (25) absorbs at least part of the pull-back force when the safety net (12) is wound back into the housing (11) immediately after the safety net (12) has been pulled out of the housing (11) to enable the pull bar (21) to be suspended in the recesses (24). The holding device (25) can be released at will in order to roll up the safety net (25) back into the housing (11).

Abstract: A plate-like carrier element which is intended for accommodating devices, for example, for picking up and processing signals is arranged in a vehicle body such that, in the event of crash-induced deformation of the same in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, damage to the installed devices is avoided. This is achieved in that the carrier element can be fastened on the vehicle-body floor and the connection between the two is such that crash-induced floor deformation, which takes place in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, results, on the crash side, in an upwardly directed tilting movement of the carrier element, which bears the devices on its top side.

Abstract: An extended cab storage device for storing items behind the front, seat of an extended cab pickup truck. The extended, cab storage device includes a housing comprising a bottom wall, a top wall, and a pair of lateral side walls. Each of the lateral side walls extends below a plane of a bottom surface of the bottom wall. An intermediate horizontal wall generally extends between and is securely coupled to the lateral side walls. The intermediate horizontal wall is generally spaced from the top and bottom walls. Each of the lateral side walls has at least one window extending therethrough.

Abstract: The luggage restraining structure comprises a safety block (30) fixed by securing elements between a rear folding seat (20) and a trunk (11), the trunk (11) being formed behind the rear folding seat (20) which is collapsible and easy to keep. The luggage restraining structure prevents the luggage from bouncing into the passenger area by the force of inertia of luggage loaded in the trunk (11) in the event of a sudden stop or rear-on collision, thereby protecting the passengers against the impact energy of luggage.

Abstract: A cargo area divider for a vehicle is provided which can be automatically transferred into an operative position or a non-operative position by a motor drive. Monitors for locking mechanisms of the operative position serve to dynamically block a roller blind shaft for the divider. Also, it is provided to monitor a loading level of the cargo area and to trigger an automatic transfer of a divider net or a partition wall into the operating position in response to the loading level exceeding a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A storage system is provided for the rear storage compartment of a vehicle. The storage system may include a collapsible cart that is received in tracks in a load floor. Other types of objects may be stored on the load floor or in compartments below the load floor. Compartments may be provided below the load floor on a tray having multiple compartments that is rotatable within a well formed under the load floor. A frame for storing removable trays, bins or the collapsible cart may be used to store objects above the load floor.