FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to vehicle accessories, and, more particularly, relates to an impact absorption apparatus for vehicle rear doors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle trunks provide drivers with a beneficial storage or cargo compartment for easily storing and transporting any number of items including bulky and oddly shaped items. Because a trunk often consists of a large, empty area that can then be filled as needed by a user, it is common for only part of the area and volume of a trunk to be used, leaving large void(s) between items and the side walls and rear door of the vehicle. During transportation, the free movement of these loose or unsecured items within the trunk can cause substantial noise that is distracting, annoying, and undesirable to the driver and occupants of the vehicle. When breaking, turning, slowing down, and speeding up, the items are propelled in various directions and hit against the side walls, rear door, and backseat of the vehicle, creating the distracting noise that is heard by riders. Further, said movement can cause injury or damage to the inner surface of the rear door of the vehicle (e.g., scratches, dents, etc.), particularly where cargo items slide with a great speed or velocity. The application of known prior art is limited to pick-up truck vehicles and has limited universal applicability to other types, designs, or forms of vehicles. See, e.g., Kmita et al. (JAC Products Inc.), U.S. Patent No. 9,308,947 B2 (Apr. 12, 2016); Bequette et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,503,036 Bl (Jan. 7, 2003); Mark Willard Vejnar, U.S. Patent No. 6,742,822 B2 (Jun. 1, 2004); Kiester et al. (Projx Inc.), U.S. Patent No. 6,863,328 B2 (Mar. 8, 2005); Smith et al. (GM Global Technology Operations LLC) U.S. Patent No. 7,290,820 Bl (Nov. 6, 2007).

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an impact absorption apparatus for vehicle rear door that overcomes the hereinafore- mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore -known devices and methods of this general type and that is operably configured to significantly reduce the noise produced by freely moving loose or unsecured items placed within the trunk of a vehicle when such items slide and hit against the inside walls of the vehicle’s rear cargo area, and to reduce or prevent the damage caused to the inner surface of the rear vehicle door by such movement.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, an improvement used in combination with a vehicle defining a rear cargo area, having a rear window with a rear window length separating two opposing side edges of the rear window, and having a rear door with a lower edge, with an upper edge opposing the lower edge, with an inner panel interposed between the rear window and the lower edge, with an inner surface, translatably coupled to the vehicle, and operably configured to selectively open with respect to the vehicle and provide outside ambient access to the rear cargo area and to selectively close with respect to the vehicle with the inner surface partially defining the rear cargo area, the improvement comprising an impact absorption apparatus with an outer edge defining an apparatus perimeter; with a rear apparatus surface selectively adhesively coupled to the inner surface of the inner panel interposed between the rear window and the lower edge, and defining, by the apparatus perimeter, a rear surface area; with a front apparatus surface opposing the rear apparatus surface and defining an apparatus thickness separating the rear and front apparatus surfaces; of a deformably resilient material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness and disposed within the rear cargo area; and with a left apparatus side surface, a right apparatus side surface opposing the left apparatus side surface, and an apparatus length separating the left and right apparatus side surfaces, the deformably resilient material of the impact absorption apparatus continually spanning along the apparatus length a distance at least approximately the rear window length.

In accordance with another feature, the impact absorption apparatus is of an EVA polymeric foam material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness and continually spanning along the apparatus length a distance at least approximately the rear window length.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the apparatus thickness is within a range of 0.5-3 inches.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the impact absorption apparatus is of a monolithic structure.

In accordance with another feature, the inner panel 706 disposed beneath the rear window 710 is of a substantially rigid and flexible material having a panel thickness, the apparatus thickness 400 at least twice the panel thickness.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, at least 90% of the rear surface area of the rear apparatus surface is selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled to the inner surface of the inner panel interposed between the rear window and the lower edge.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the rear apparatus surface is selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled to the inner surface of the inner panel with double-sided tape.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention includes a central impact member body with a left end surface, a right end surface, a lower end surface, and an upper end surface; a left impact member defining the left apparatus side surface and selectively removably coupled to the left end surface of the central impact member body with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; a right impact member defining the right apparatus side surface and selectively removably coupled to the right end surface of the central impact member body with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; and an upper impact member selectively removably coupled to the right end surface of the central impact member body with a hook- and-loop coupling configuration, the central impact member body, the left impact member, the right impact member, and the upper impact member collectively defining the rear apparatus surface and the front apparatus surface. In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a left comer impact member defining, with the left impact member, the left apparatus side surface and selectively removably coupled to the left impact member and the upper impact member with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; and a right comer impact member defining, with the right impact member, the right apparatus side surface and selectively removably coupled to the right impact member and the upper impact member with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration, the right impact member, the upper impact member, the left comer impact member, and the right comer impact member collectively defining the rear apparatus surface and the front apparatus surface.

In accordance with the invention, an improvement used in combination with a vehicle defining a rear cargo area, having two opposing outside vehicle cargo edges and an upper outside vehicle cargo edge forming, with the two opposing outside vehicle cargo edges, a cargo area perimeter, defining a rear cargo opening providing access to the rear cargo area, and having a rear door with a lower edge, with an inner panel including an inner surface, translatably coupled to the vehicle, and operably configured to selectively open with respect to the vehicle and provide outside ambient access to the rear cargo area and the rear cargo opening and to selectively close around the cargo area perimeter of vehicle and with the inner surface of the inner panel partially defining the rear cargo area and substantially spanning a cargo opening width separating the two opposing outside vehicle cargo edges, the improvement comprising an impact absorption apparatus with an outer edge defining an apparatus perimeter; with a rear apparatus surface selectively adhesively coupled to the inner surface of the inner panel and defining, by the apparatus perimeter, a rear surface area; with a front apparatus surface opposing the rear apparatus surface and defining an apparatus thickness separating the rear and front apparatus surfaces; of a deformably resilient material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness and disposed within the rear cargo area; and with a left apparatus side surface, a right apparatus side surface opposing the left apparatus side surface, and an apparatus length separating the left and right apparatus side surfaces, the deformably resilient material of the impact absorption apparatus continually spanning along the apparatus length a distance at least approximately the cargo opening width.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the vehicle includes a rear window with a rear window length separating two opposing side edges of the rear window, the rear door with an upper edge opposing the lower edge of the rear door, with the inner panel interposed between the rear window and the lower edge, the the rear apparatus surface selectively adhesively coupled to the inner surface of the inner panel interposed between the rear window and the lower edge, and the deformably resilient material of the impact absorption apparatus continually spanning along the apparatus length a distance at least approximately the rear window length.

In accordance with a further feature, the impact absorption apparatus is of an EVA polymeric foam material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness and continually spanning along the apparatus length a distance at least approximately the rear window length.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the apparatus thickness is within a range of 0.5- 3 inches. In accordance with a further feature, the impact absorption apparatus is of an EVA polymeric foam material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness and continually spanning along the apparatus length a distance at least approximately the cargo opening width.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of absorption ridges disposed on the front apparatus surface of the impact absorption apparatus.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, another embodiment of the present invention further comprises a central impact member body with a left end surface, a right end surface, a lower end surface, and an upper end surface; a left impact member defining the left apparatus side surface and selectively removably coupled to the left end surface of the central impact member body with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; a right impact member defining the right apparatus side surface and selectively removably coupled to the right end surface of the central impact member body with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; andan upper impact member selectively removably coupled to the right end surface of the central impact member body with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration, the central impact member body, the left impact member, the right impact member, and the upper impact member collectively defining the rear apparatus surface and the front apparatus surface.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the impact absorption apparatus also includes a left comer impact member defining, with the left impact member, the left apparatus side surface and selectively removably coupled to the left impact member and the upper impact member with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; and a right comer impact member defining, with the right impact member, the right apparatus side surface and selectively removably coupled to the right impact member and the upper impact member with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration, the right impact member, the upper impact member, the left comer impact member, and the right comer impact member collectively defining the rear apparatus surface and the front apparatus surface.

In accordance with a further feature, the rear apparatus surface is selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled to the inner surface of the inner panel with double-sided tape.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an impact absorption apparatus, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific stmctural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user’s perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the impact absorption apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an impact absorption apparatus, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the impact absorption apparatus, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the impact absorption apparatus, in accordance with the present invention; FIGS. 4-5 depict elevational side views of the impact absorption apparatus, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the impact absorption apparatus, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of the impact absorption apparatus disposed on a rear door of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the impact absorption apparatus, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient impact absorption apparatus selectively removably couplable to an inside surface of a tailgate (e.g., an SUV tailgate), wherein the apparatus is of a deformably resilient material (e.g., a polymeric foam) operably configured to prevent items from moving around and/or making noise when transported in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. Embodiments of the invention provide a plurality of impact members operably configured to collectively define a rear and front apparatus surface and to provide added padding around the edges of the impact absorption apparatus for improved impact absorption. The present invention is beneficially configured to be utilized in combination with any vehicle having a tailgate, hatch, trunk, or other comparable rear cargo area, whether covered or uncovered.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective rear view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of an impact absorption apparatus 100 (referred to hereinafter as “apparatus 100” for brevity), as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, is operably configured to be used in combination with a vehicle 700 defining a rear cargo area 702, having a rear window 710 with a rear window length 710 separating two opposing side edges of the rear window, and having a rear door 704 with a lower edge 710, with an upper edge 712 opposing the lower edge 710, with an inner panel 706 interposed between the rear window 710 and the lower edge 710, with an inner surface 708, translatably coupled to the vehicle 700, and operably configured to selectively open with respect to the vehicle 700 and provide outside ambient access to the rear cargo area 702 and to selectively close with respect to the vehicle 700 with the inner surface 708 partially defining the rear cargo area 702. The vehicle 700 may generally be any type of vehicle including, without limitation, an SUV, pick-up truck, or sedan. The rear cargo area 702, more commonly referred to as the trunk of a vehicle, is designed to house and store various items for a user and to facilitate easy and convenient transportation of the same. In accordance with the various types of vehicles 700 available in the industry, the rear door 704 can be a tailgate, hatch, etc., and in some embodiments, a trunk. The rear door 704 is translatably coupled to the vehicle 700, wherein “translatably coupled” is defined herein as capable of being rotatably or linearly coupled, such that the rear door 704 may be opened and closed by lifting the lower edge 710 of the rear door 704 or pulling a left or right side edge of the rear door 704 outwardly away from the vehicle 700. When the rear door 704 is closed, the inner surface 708 of the rear door 704 partially defines the rear cargo area 702, in conjunction with the inner surface of each side of the vehicle and the rear surface of the last row of vehicle seating. During transport, therefore, noise is generated by loose or unsecured cargo items sliding and hitting against the inner surface 708 of the rear door 704, the inner surface of each side of the vehicle, and/or the rear surface of the last row of vehicle seating (which may, in some situations, be the rear surface of the driver’s seat or the rear surface of the front passenger seat).

The apparatus 100 comprises an outer edge 102 defining an apparatus perimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus perimeter comprises a length of approximately 40 inches and a height of approximately 15.77 inches for an apparatus perimeter of 111.54 inches.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 is of a monolithic structure (wherein “monolithic” is defined as a single, indivisible structure). In alternate embodiments, some or all portions of the apparatus 100 may be modular and selectively couplable to beneficially facilitate user adjustability and customizability to different types, designs, and forms of vehicles and, more specifically, of rear cargo areas 702.

The apparatus 100 also has a rear apparatus surface 104 selectively adhesively coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 interposed between the rear window 710 and the lower edge 710, and defining, by the apparatus perimeter, a rear surface area. In one embodiment, the rear apparatus surface 104 is selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 with double-sided tape. In another embodiment, the rear apparatus surface 104 is selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 using a hook-and-loop coupling configuration. In alternate embodiments, however, a comparable adhesive or coupling configuration may be used to selectively adhesively couple the rear apparatus surface 104 to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706.

In accordance with a further feature, the apparatus 100 also includes a front apparatus surface 300 opposing the rear apparatus surface 104 and defining an apparatus thickness 400 separating the rear and front apparatus surfaces 104, 300. The apparatus thickness 400 (seen in FIGS. 4-5) is approximately 2.10 inches in an exemplary embodiment but may be within a range of 0.5 inches to 3 inches in preferred embodiments. The thickness of the apparatus beneficially improves the impact absorption of the apparatus 100 such that the impact from sliding cargo items is absorbed, minimal noise is produced, and no damage is caused to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706. A greater apparatus thickness 400 may correspond to a greater or improved noise or impact absorption.

It should be understood that terms such as, “front,” “rear,” “side,” top,” “bottom,” and the like are indicated from the reference point of a viewer viewing the apparatus 100 from its front apparatus surface 300 when the apparatus 100 is adhesively coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 of the rear door 704 (see

FIG. 7)

The apparatus 100 is of a deformably resilient material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness 400 and disposed within the rear cargo area 702. In an exemplary embodiment, the deformably resilient material is an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) polymeric foam material with good low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, and hot and resistance to UV radiation. This deformably resilient material provides the apparatus 100 with its impact and shock absorbing characteristics to beneficially reduce the noise and damage that is generated or caused by cargo items that are propelled by the speed of the moving vehicle 700 during operation of the vehicle 700 and that hit the inner panel 706 of the rear door 704 as a result thereof. The apparatus also has a left apparatus side surface 106, a right apparatus side surface 200 (depicted in FIG. 2) opposing the left apparatus side surface 106, and an apparatus length 202 (depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6) separating the left and right apparatus side surfaces 106, 200, the deformably resilient material of the impact absorption apparatus continually spanning along the apparatus length 202 a distance at least approximately the rear window length 710, wherein “approximately” is defined herein as within approximately 95% of the rear window length 710. The apparatus length 202 is approximately 40 inches in one embodiment and is operably configured to cover most, if not all, of the inner panel 706 that is interposed between the rear window 710 and the lower edge 710 of the rear door 704 to better protect the inner panel 706 against any stray sliding cargo items. Preferably, the deformable material spans the entire length of the rear window 710 or the length of the rear door to beneficially vehicles having a trunk.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 is of an EVA polymeric foam material that separates at least 90% of the apparatus thickness 400 and continually spans along the apparatus length 202 a distance at least approximately the rear window length 710 to protect the inner panel 706 against any stray sliding cargo items by spanning a larger surface area and comprising a greater thickness of the deformably resilient material.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the inner panel 706 disposed beneath the rear window 710 may be of a substantially rigid and flexible material having a panel thickness 402, the apparatus thickness 400 at least twice the panel thickness 402. This feature beneficially improves the noise and shock absorption function of the apparatus 100 as there is a greater amount of deformably resilient material, i.e., a greater apparatus thickness 400, in comparison to the thickness of the inner panel 706.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, at least 90% of the rear surface area of the rear apparatus surface 104 is selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 interposed between the rear window 710 and the lower edge 710. This feature beneficially ensures the apparatus 100 remains coupled to the inner panel 706 for prolonged periods of time to obviate the hassle and inconvenience involved in having to repeatedly re-couple the apparatus 100 to the inner panel 706. By having at least 90% of the rear surface area of the rear apparatus surface 104 coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706, a stronger and more lasting coupling bond is created between the apparatus 100 and the inner panel 706. In one embodiment, only the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 has the rear apparatus surface 104 selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled thereto. In other embodiments, however, the inner surface 724 of one or more inner side panel(s) 726, 728 have a rear apparatus surface selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled thereto, thereby shielding the sides or inner surfaces 724 of the side panel(s) 726, 728 in addition to the inner surface of the rear door 704. Therefore, in some embodiments, the inner surfaces of the panel(s) defining rear cargo area 702 includes the apparatus 100 selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled thereto in a configuration that completely, or of a height described herein, covers the inner surfaces of the panel(s) defining rear cargo area 702.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 also includes a central impact member body 108 with a left end surface, a right end surface, a lower end surface, and an upper end surface; a left impact member 110 defining the left apparatus side surface 106 and selectively removably coupled to the left end surface of the central impact member body 108 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; a right impact member 112 defining the right apparatus side surface 200 and selectively removably coupled to the right end surface of the central impact member body 108 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; and an upper impact member 114 selectively removably coupled to the right end surface of the central impact member body 108 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration, the central impact member body 108, the left impact member 110, the right impact member 112, and the upper impact member 114 collectively defining the rear apparatus surface 104 and the front apparatus surface 300. FIG. 8 best depicts the central impact member body 108, the left impact member 110, the right impact member 112, and the upper impact member 114. Preferably, the left, right, and upper impact members 110, 112, 114 are all selectively removably coupled to the central impact member body 108 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration to allow users to quickly and easily customize the apparatus 100 to best fit the make, model, and design of any given vehicle. In alternate embodiments, however, the left, right, and upper impact members 110, 112, 114 may be selectively removably coupled to the central impact member body 108 using an alternate coupling means. Collectively, the central impact member body 108, the left impact member 110, the right impact member 112, and the upper impact member 114 define the rear apparatus surface 104 and the front apparatus surface 300.

The apparatus may further include a left comer impact member 116 defining, with the left impact member 110, the left apparatus side surface 106 and selectively removably coupled to the left impact member 110 and the upper impact member 114 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; and a right comer impact member 118 defining, with the right impact member 112, the right apparatus side surface 200 and selectively removably coupled to the right impact member 112 and the upper impact member 114 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration, the right impact member 112, the upper impact member 114, the left comer impact member 116, and the right comer impact member 118 collectively defining the rear apparatus surface 104 and the front apparatus surface 300. The left and right comer impact members 116, 118 are particularly useful when housing and/or transporting particularly large or tall cargo items in the rear cargo area 702 and are designed to cover all remaining crevices that may not be entirely covered by the central impact member body 108, the left impact member 110, the right impact member 112, and the upper impact member 114.

An improvement has also been disclosed that is operably configured to be used in combination with a vehicle 700 defining a rear cargo area 702, having two opposing outside vehicle cargo edges 714, 716 and an upper outside vehicle cargo edge 718 forming, with the two opposing outside vehicle cargo edges 714, 716, a cargo area perimeter, defining a rear cargo opening 720 providing access to the rear cargo area 702, and having a rear door 704 with a lower edge 710, with an inner panel 706 including an inner surface 708, translatably coupled (i.e., capable of being rotatably or linearly coupled) to the vehicle 700, and operably configured to selectively open with respect to the vehicle 700 and provide outside ambient access to the rear cargo area 702 and the rear cargo opening 720 and to selectively close around the cargo area perimeter of vehicle 700 and with the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 partially defining the rear cargo area 702 and substantially spanning a cargo opening width 722 separating the two opposing outside vehicle cargo edges 714, 716. Said another way, the inner panel 706 may completely span from side-to-side on the edges, i.e., from the first opposing outside vehicle cargo edge 714 to the second opposing outside vehicle cargo edge 716, or is approximately 85-90% of the cargo opening width 722. The improvement comprises an impact absorption apparatus 100 that is operably configured to be used in combination with a vehicle trunk.

The impact absorption apparatus 100 includes an outer edge 102 defining an apparatus perimeter; a rear apparatus surface 104 selectively adhesively coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 and defining, by the apparatus perimeter, a rear surface area; a front apparatus surface 300 opposing the rear apparatus surface 104 and defining an apparatus thickness 400 separating the rear and front apparatus surfaces 104, 300; is of a deformably resilient material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness 400 and disposed within the rear cargo area 702; and has a left apparatus side surface 106, a right apparatus side surface 200 opposing the left apparatus side surface 106, and an apparatus length 202 separating the left and right apparatus side surfaces 106, 200, the deformably resilient material of the impact absorption apparatus continually spanning along the apparatus length 202 a distance at least approximately the cargo opening width 722 (i.e., within approximately 95% of the cargo opening width 722). Preferably, the rear apparatus surface 104 is selectively, adhesively, and directly coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 with double-sided tape for a secure fit.

In accordance with a further feature, the vehicle includes a rear window 710 with a rear window length 710 separating two opposing side edges of the rear window, the rear door 704 with an upper edge 712 opposing the lower edge 710 of the rear door 704, with the inner panel 706 interposed between the rear window 710 and the lower edge 710, the rear apparatus surface 104 selectively adhesively coupled to the inner surface 708 of the inner panel 706 interposed between the rear window 710 and the lower edge 710, and the deformably resilient material of the impact absorption apparatus continually spanning along the apparatus length 202 a distance at least approximately the rear window length 710 (i.e., within approximately 95% of the rear window length 710).

In one embodiment, the impact absorption apparatus 100 is of an EVA polymeric foam material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness 400 and continually spanning along the apparatus length 202 a distance at least approximately the rear window length 710. As explained above, the deformably resilient material provides the apparatus 100 with its impact and shock absorbing characteristics to beneficially reduce the noise and damage that is generated or caused by cargo items that are propelled by the speed of the moving vehicle 700 during operation of the vehicle 700 and that hit the inner panel 706 of the rear door 704 as a result thereof. To further improve the impact and shock absorbing characteristics of the apparatus 100, the apparatus thickness 400 is within a range of approximately 0.5 inches to 3 inches. In accordance with yet another feature, the impact absorption apparatus 100 is of an EVA polymeric foam material separating at least 90% of the apparatus thickness 400 and continually spanning along the apparatus length 202 a distance at least approximately the cargo opening width 722. This feature ensures the apparatus 100 covers as much surface area of the cargo opening width 722 as possible (or as desired) because when the rear door 704 is closed, the cargo items within the rear cargo area 702 may freely move around the rear cargo area 702 and collide with the inner panel 706 of the rear door 704, thereby causing damage or injury to the inner panel 706 and generating distracting and unpleasant noise.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the apparatus 100 may also include a plurality of absorption ridges 302a-n, wherein “n” refers to any number greater than one, disposed on the front apparatus surface 300 of the impact absorption apparatus 100. The plurality of absorption ridges 302 a-n protrude outwardly away from the front apparatus surface 300 and are operably configured to provide additional noise and shock absorption support to the apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 has 4 absorption ridges 302a-d disposed longitudinally across the front apparatus surface 300.

In accordance with another feature, the apparatus 100 includes a central impact member body 108 with a left end surface, a right end surface, a lower end surface, and an upper end surface; a left impact member 110 defining the left apparatus side surface 106 and selectively removably coupled to the left end surface of the central impact member body 108 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; a right impact member 112 defining the right apparatus side surface 200 and selectively removably coupled to the right end surface of the central impact member body 108 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; and an upper impact member 114 selectively removably coupled to the right end surface of the central impact member body 108 with a hook- and-loop coupling configuration, the central impact member body 108, the left impact member 110, the right impact member 112, and the upper impact member 114 collectively defining the rear apparatus surface 104 and the front apparatus surface 300. As explained above, the left, right, and upper impact members 110, 112, 114 are all preferably selectively removably coupled to the central impact member body 108 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration to allow users to quickly and easily customize the apparatus 100 to best fit the make, model, and design of any given vehicle. FIG. 8 best depicts the central impact member body 108, the left impact member 110, the right impact member 112, and the upper impact member 114.

The apparatus 100 may further comprise a left comer impact member 116 defining, with the left impact member 110, the left apparatus side surface 106 and selectively removably coupled to the left impact member 110 and the upper impact member 114 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration; and a right comer impact member 118 defining, with the right impact member 112, the right apparatus side surface 200 and selectively removably coupled to the right impact member 112 and the upper impact member 114 with a hook-and-loop coupling configuration, the right impact member 112, the upper impact member 114, the left comer impact member 116, and the right comer impact member 118 collectively defining the rear apparatus surface 104 and the front apparatus surface 300. The left and right comer impact members 116, 118 are designed to cover any remaining crevices that may not be entirely covered by the central impact member body 108, the left impact member 110, the right impact member 112, and the upper impact member 114. Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.