Introduction

The present invention relates to a storage container securable into the boot of a car, optionally including deployable seating.

Background to the Invention

Storage containers for automobiles, e.g. cars, are well known, either in the form of additional storage elements, such as containers for securing to the roof of the automobile, containers for separating storage areas, e.g. boot tidies, or device for enabling access to difficult to reach spaces, for example the back of the boot adjacent the back of the seats.

CN 206841315 describes a storage box for securing in the boot or trunk of a vehicle. The box include detachable partitioning creating flexible and neat storage. As access to the storage unit is through a lid, the box can only be accessed when nothing else is present in the boot. CN 204701668 describes a vehicle in which the boot or trunk has been designed to include storage draws for containment of and ease of access to stored goods. This system cannot be retrofitted, and thus is not applicable to existing automobiles.

US 2016/0107581 , in the name of Volvo Car Corporation, describes a luggage box, having a hinged lid, and designed to manually slide between a position in which the hinged lid provides the parcel shelf and a position in which the box is adjacent the backrests of the back seats. This storage solution requires the user to manually lift the box from one position to another, and cannot be accessed if the boot of the car is full.

US 6,546,598, in the name of Toyoda Boshoku Corporation, describes another device which acts to partition the boot storage space, providing an upper storage compartment, which can be slid between an extended position for access and a back tilted position for stowage. Again manual lifting of the storage system is required, and access is possibly only when no other goods are present. DE 26 16 500, in the name of Wagner, describes another storage solution. The device is in the form of a tray which can extend from the boot of the vehicle, improving accessibility to any goods. This also requires manual activation.

The boot of a vehicle can also provide a useful place on which to perch, for example when changing shoes after a country walk, or possibly for having a picnic, as the body of the vehicle will provide some shelter from the weather, in particular the wind. However, perching on the boot or tailgate of a vehicle is not comfortable, and risks getting dirt on clothing or even snagging clothing.

An aim of the present invention is to provide alternative and preferably improved storage arrangements in automobiles, in particular which enable ease of access to goods.

A further aim of the invention is to provide stowable seating, enabling the boot/tailgate of a vehicle to be used for seating when the vehicle is stationary.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a storage container that fits into the boot/trunk of a vehicle, the container having a base that lies in use on a floor of the boot/trunk, and a front including an opening directed towards the rear of the vehicle and containing a seat mounted on a shelf, wherein

the shelf is moveable between

a first position in which the seat is inside the container, and

a second position in which a portion of the shelf is exited from the container, revealing the seat.

Usually the seat will be collapsible, and foldable between a collapsed position for stowage, and an unfolded position for use. Thus, in the first position of the shelf, the seat may be collapsed and inside the container, and in the second position in which a portion of the shelf is exited from the container, the seat may be revealed and can be unfolded for use. Preferably the shelf can be slid between its first position and second position. Conveniently, the shelf can be locked to hold it in the first or second positions. Hence, in an example of the container in operation, a user opens the boot / trunk, opens the container front, slides out the shelf in a rearwards direction, revealing the seat on the shelf in a collapsed state, and unfolds the seat to be sat on.

Movement of the shelf may be achieved manually. Preferably, the movement of the shelf is controlled by an actuator held within the container. While the actuator may be advanced manually, the actuator providing assistance to a user, preferably the actuator is powered from a power supply of the vehicle. Hence, a user may deploy the seat from its container by operating the designated switch or other control.

The seat may comprise a seat pad only. More usually, however, the seat comprises a seat pad and a seat back, with the seat back foldable to a collapsed position in which it can be returned to and stowed inside the container. For example, it may fold so as to lie approximately flush against and above the seat pad. Preferably the seat pad and the seat back will be hinged together. The seat back may be additionally or separately connected to the shelf by a hinge. The seat pad may be rotatable on the shelf. A seat pad can be deeper, i.e. in the direction of the legs of a user, than it is wide. Rotatable seat pads may be rotatable between a position in which the seats face perpendicular to the vehicle, to a position in which the seat pad is facing out of the boot/trunk of the vehicle, i.e. rotated approximately 90 degrees. This helps maximise utilisation of the space within the container.

While the point of (centre of) rotation may be central to the seat pad, it may eccentric, moving the seat pad as it rotates outwards from the centre of the vehicle and across the surface of the shelf, to a position in which the seat pad extends beyond the boundary of the shelf and container, i.e. now over a footprint wider than the width of the container in which the seat is stored. This allows two seats, if present, to be spaced apart. In the container, one or more seats may hence be provided. Typically two seats will be provided, however, one or three seats may be provided. Such seats are each designed to seat a single user. One seat may be provided, more of a bench-type, which extends the width of the shelf, to enable more than one person to sit on the same seat at the same time.

Preferably the shelf also supports a table. The table may be movable between a lowered position in which it can be stowed in the container and a raised position for easier access by person(s) sitting on the seat(s). When stored, the top of the table is generally below or slightly below the level of the inside dimension of the container. Conveniently it can be raised, once exited from its container, above the seat pad level so that drinks, plates etc are at a sensible height for whoever is on the seat.

Preferably the container further includes a hinged lid. As noted above, the shelf can be slid out to a second position in which a portion of the shelf is exited from the container, leaving a second, rearward portion of the shelf still inside but now at or closer to the front. The lid enables access to this rearward portion of the shelf which is still within the container in the second position. This rearward portion can be constructed to provide additional storage, now available in the second position. Conveniently, formations on the secondary storage can engage with formations on the hinged lid, such that lifting the lid results in the secondary storage being lifted for presentation.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a storage container that fits into the boot/trunk of a vehicle, the container having a base supported in use on a floor of the boot/trunk, and a front including an opening directed towards the rear of the vehicle, and containing a shelf, divided into two sections,

wherein the shelf is moveable between

a first position in which the shelf is fully within the container; and

a second position in which a primary portion of the shelf is exited from the container, and a secondary, rearwards portion of the shelf is within the container, and wherein the container further comprises a hinged lid gives access to the secondary portion of the shelf when in the second position. Conveniently the primary section of the shelf may support a storage tray, open at the top.

Alternatively and preferably, the shelf may support one or more seats, as described elsewhere herein.

Preferably the secondary portion of the shelf is provided as one or more storage trays. These are easily accessed by lifting of the hinged lid of the container. Such secondary storage may be provided whether the primary portion of the shelf supports seating or primary storage.

Conveniently when in the second position a proximal end of the secondary portion of the shelf engages in an underside side of the hinged portion of the top, such that on lifting of the top, the secondary portion is tilted forwards.

While the movement of the shelf may be operated manually, preferably, the movement of the shelf is controlled by an actuator held within the container. While the actuator may be advanced manually, the actuator providing assistance to a user, preferably the actuator is powered from a power supply of the vehicle.

Conveniently the top of the container may be covered with a material to mimic the base of the boot/trunk of the vehicle into which the container is placed. For example the top of the container may be covered with carpet, leather, rubber or veneer. Preferably the container is connected to the vehicle by hooks in base of the container which are connectable to supports attached to the vehicle.

The invention hence provides a new and inventive storage container for the boot/trunk of a vehicle, optionally including deployable seating, supported on the tailgate of the vehicle.

Examples To help understanding of the invention, two specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the storage container;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the boot/trunk of a vehicle, with its tailgate down, into which the storage container can be fitted;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the storage container of Fig. 1 , fitted into the vehicle of

Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the fitting of the container;

Fig. 5 is a side perspective view of the fitting of the container;

Fig. 6 is side view of the connection of the container of Fig. 1 to the vehicle of

Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is an expanded view of the connection of the container to the vehicle; Fig. 8 is perspective view of an electrical connection from the container to the vehicle;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the deployment of the shelf according to a first embodiment in which seats are deployed;

Fig. 10 shows the direction of movement of the shelf and seats of Fig. 8 during deployment;

Fig. 11 is a schematic drawing showing the rotation of the seats from the stowed position to the deployed position;

Fig. 12 is a top view of the shelf after deployment, showing the seats and table; Fig. 13 shows the deployment of a shelf over the tailgate of the vehicle;

Fig. 14 shows the seats opened for use after deployment;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the deployment of a table on the shelf;

Fig. 16 shows the table and seats ready for use;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the top of the container open for access to the secondary storage;

Fig. 18 is another perspective view of the top of the container open for access to the secondary storage;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the top of the container open for access and the seats open for use;

Fig. 20 is a side view of the top open and the seats deployed; Fig. 21 shows an expanded view of the control buttons of the container of Fig.

1 ;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the container according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the container of Fig. 22 secured into the boot of a vehicle;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the container of Fig. 23 with the tray expended; Fig. 25 is a side perspective view of the container of Fig. 22 with the tray extended;

Fig. 26 is a side perspective view of the container of Fig. 22 with the front portion of the top raised to provide access to the tray;

Fig. 27 is a front perspective view of the container of Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is a side perspective view of the container if Fig. 22 with the tray extended and the secondary storage open; and

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the container of Fig. 22 in a vehicle and fully opened for access.

Referring initially to Fig. 1 , the invention relates to a storage container 1 designed and dimensioned to fit into the boot/trunk 10 of a vehicle. The container can be designed for fitting into any vehicle in which the tailgate of the vehicle is openable, or in which the opening of the boot/trunk cover provides level access to the floor 12 of the boot/trunk, and can be designed such that the profile of the container precisely matches that of the floor of the boot/trunk. The container 1 has an upper surface 2, which may be covered in a material to match with floor of the boot of the vehicle, or may be otherwise decorated. The covering may be carpet, leather, veneer, rubber or other suitable covering.

The container also has a back 4, designed to be flush against the inside end 14 of the boot, and two sides 6, also designed to be flush against the sides 16 of the boot.

Fig. 2 shows the inside of a boot or trunk of a vehicle, in which the tailgate is open, and Fig. 3 shows the container of Fig. 1 fitted into the boot of Fig. 3. The container is fitted as shown in Figs. 4 - 7. Levers 20 on the edges of the upper surface 2 of the container are lifted, extending hooks 22, connected to the levers 20 through a series of linkages 24, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The container 1 is then pushed into position, and the levers 20 are retracted, retracting the hooks 22, which engage in fittings 26 in the floor 12 of the boot of the vehicle, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The fittings 26 comprise brackets permanently attached to the sheet metal under the boot of the vehicle. Small apertures are provided in the covering of the floor of the boot, and these apertures are covered in guide bezels to aid access to the brackets. On placing the container 1 into the correct position, the hooks align with the fittings and enter the apertures. Retraction of the hooks 22 engages then with the fittings 26, securing the container into position in the boot. While this embodiment shows the provision of two connectors, more may be provided. Removal of the container may be achieved by extending the levers 20, releasing the hooks 22, which allows the container to the lifted and slid out of the boot. The fittings may be initially provided in the vehicle during manufacture, or may be retro-fitted by connected to the body of the car at a later stage.

The container also include means for electrically connecting with the electrical system of the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 7. In this embodiment a power cable 28 is provided to attach the container 1 , to a power source in the corner of the boot/trunk. Many vehicles are provided with a connection to a power source in the boot/trunk of the vehicle. If such a connection is not provided during manufacture, such a connection can be retrofitted.

The front 8 of the container 1 is openable as will be described in relation to the two embodiments. The design and connection of the container as set out above is common between all embodiments.

Common to each embodiment is the present of an electrically operated shelf opening from the front face of the container, i.e. towards the open boot/trunk of the vehicle. The shelf is electrically deployed on depression of a button on the top 2 of the container, which activates an actuator within the container to slide the shelf forwards. The shelf can provide storage or seating, as described below. Once the shelf has been advanced, the front portion 3 of the container can be raised, either manually or electrically to reveal secondary storage, which had been advanced to this forward position with advancement of the shelf. In some embodiments, the advancement of the secondary storage brings it into a position in which the back of the storage engages with a catch on the underside of the front section 3 of the top 2, such that raising of the front section 3 also raises the secondary storage to a presentation angle. This will be explained in further detail below in relation to each embodiment. The front section of the top 2 will be secured in the closed position using magnets, or other closured mechanism. To retract the shelf, a second button can be depressed, which causes the actuator to retract the shelf into the container. This can be actuated only when the top 2 is closed.

Event seating

Turning now to Fig. 9, inside the container is provided a shelf 130, which is deployed from the container by an actuator (not shown). In this embodiment, the front 108 of the container 101 , is connected to the shelf by a hinge 1 1 1 , with the first action of the deployment being opening of the hinge 1 11 and lowering of the front 108.

On the shelf is provided a pair of seats 120, each having a seat base 122 and a seat back 124. As shown in Fig. 10, on opening of the front 108 of the container, the seats are released and swivel from an inwards (of the container) facing position to an a outwards (of the vehicle) facing position. As shows, the seats 120 are stowed in a inwards facing position, but on deployment swivel to an outwards facing position. They are rotated by a rod system affixed to the back of the seat 120, that pulls the seat round as the shelf is extended. The pivot is off centre to the seat 120, swings the seat outboard of the shelf as it rotates, to space the seats further apart for use. Thus, when rotated, the seat pad extends beyond the (imaginary, extended) boundary of the container. The seats should rotate in essentially the time taken to deploy the shelf. As discussed, the first stage of the deployment is the lowering of the front 108 of the container, and this enables the rotation of the seats. Fig. 1 1 is a schematic of the rotation of the seats 102, from the stowed position, in which the shelf is retracted, to the deployed position, in which the shelf is extended. Fig. 12 provides a top view of the deployed shelf with seats. As can be seen in the final position the seats are slightly turned towards each other. This is more convivial where both seats are to be used. Alternatively the seats can be deployed such that they face directly away from the vehicle, or even slightly away from the other seat. Where the vehicle into which the container is fitted has an openable tailgate, the tailgate must be opened before deployment of the seating. The shelf will deploy over the tailgate, which provides additional support for the shelf, as shown in Fig. 13. Once the shelf 130 and seats 120 have been deployed, the back 124 of the seats need to be raised for use. While this may be driven by an actuator, typically this will be done manually by a user, simply by opening the back 124, which is connected to the seat 122 by a hinge 126. Fig. 14 shows the opening of the seats, with the arrows indicating the direction in which the backs 124 are raised.

The shelf 130 is also provided with a table 140. As shown in Fig. 15, the table can also be raised to an extended position, in which is above the level of the shelf 130 and convenient for a user of the seats 120. The table is raise by struts 142. Again while the movement of the struts may be electrically actuated, typically this will be carried out manually by a user. In another alternative, the table may be raised using a “push/push” mechanism, whereby depression of one side of the table results in release of the table from a catch mechanism (not shown) such that is can be grabbed and manually raised. The table is also returned to the flush position by pushing the table until the catch reengages. The table 140 may be raised before or after the seats are opened. Fig. 16 shows the table 140 extended and the backs 124 of the seats 120 raised for user.

The seating provides the user with a comfortable rear facing vantage point in the rear of the vehicle in which to sit. This is significantly more comfortable that simply sitting or perching on the tailgate or edge of tht boot of a vehicle, and also prevents the risk of grease or grime from the vehicle passing on to the clothing of the user. The seats are particularly convenient for use during picnics, where sitting on the ground is not possible to comfortable, or when changing footwear for example. A footstool (not shown) may also be provided with the container 101 , which may be stored in the boot of the vehicle on top of the container 101. This can be unfolded and placed on the ground by the seats, to provide further comfort for the users. Turning now to Figs. 17 - 20, the container also includes a secondary storage area 150 positioned behind the shelf 130, and is accessed by raising the front portion 103 of the top 102 of the container 101. Additionally the secondary storage area 150 is titled to a presentation position to allow ease of access by the user.

As the actuator means draws the shelf 130 forwards, the secondary storage area 150 is also drawn forward, as these elements are connected. At this forward position, corners 152 of the secondary storage area 150 engage in latches 154 on the lower surface 156 of the front portion 103 of the top 102 of the container.

A further actuator 158 is provided for raising of the front portion 103 of the top 102 of the container, and this action also raises the secondary storage area 150 into the presentation position as shown, due to the engagement of the corners 152 of the storage area 150 with the latches 154 in the top 103. While operation of the actuator as shown is manual, the actuator eases the lifting of the top 103. Alternatively the actuator may be operated electrically. The raising action presents to storage area 150 for ease of access by a user.

The additional storage area 150 can be revealed when the seats 120 are in the closed (see Figs. 17 and 18) or opened (see Fig. 19 and 20) positions, but only when the shelf 130 is in the extended forward position.

Actuation of opening of the shelf 130 is via buttons 160 provided on the edge of the top 102 of the container 101. A first button 162, as shown in Fig. 21 activates the actuator to open the front 108 of the container and deploy the shelf 130 with seats 120 and table 140. Once the shelf 130 has been deployed, the secondary storage area 150 can be accessed by manual lifting of the top 103. The top is usually held in the secure closed position by hidden magnets (not shown). These may be electromagnets, which are only switched off, enabling lifting of the top 103, once the shelf has been deployed. Lifting of the top also lifts the secondary storage area 150 for access by a user. A second button 164 is provided for retracting of the shelf, and stowing of the seats and table. This can only be activated once the top 103 has been closed, the table lowered, and the seats 120 closed. Retracting of the shelf 130 also closes the front 108 of the container. After use of the seating 120 and secondary storage area 150, these elements can be stowed in the container 101 for transport. Firstly the top 103 of the container must be closed. Additionally the backs 124 of the seats 120 must be manually lowered onto the seats bases 122, and the table 140 must be stowed. Button 164 can then be pressed, causing the actuator to retract the shelf into the container. This also causes rotation of the seats back into the facing position, with the rotating rod, as described above, causing rotation of the seating. The movement of the shelf back into the container 101 will also force the seats to rotate into the storage position, and the closing of the front 108 will also urge the seats into the final storage position.

Event box

A second embodiment is shown in Figs. 22 - 28, which is also based on the container having the features as described generally above.

Turning first to Fig. 22, the container 201 appears from the outside to be identical to the containers 1 , 101 described with reference to the first embodiment. It fits into the boot/trunk of a vehicle in the same manner described above, as shown in Fig. 23.

However, as shown in Figs. 24 and 25 the shelf 230 is provided with a storage tray 240, which extends from the container by means of an actuator (not shown). The front 208 of the container 201 provided the front of the tray 240, and remains perpendicular to the direction of movement of the tray (i.e. is not opened as in the first embodiment). The storage tray 240 is designed to securely hold good the user may wish to take on their journey, with the goods being out of sight of members of the public even when the boot/trunk of the car is open, unless the tray is exposed. As the top 202 of the container 201 may be covered in a material to replicate the floor of the boot of the car, the public will not even know that concealed storage is provided. As in the previous embodiment, where the container 201 is secured in a car with a lowerable tailgate, the lowered tailgate supports the deployed tray 240.

In this embodiment it is also possible to access the tray 240 by lifting of a front section 203 of the top 202 of the container 201 , as shown in Figs. 26 and 27. As discussed above, the top 203 is usually held in the secure closed position by hidden magnets (not shown). A user may manually lift the top 203 to an open position, with an indentation 209 being provided in the front 208 of the container 201 for a user’s hand. Actuators 258 are provided for assisting in the raising of the front portion 203 of the top 202 of the container. While operation of the actuator as shown is manual, the actuator, typically gas actuators, eases the lifting of the top 103. Alternatively the actuator may be operated electrically.

As in the previous embodiment the container 201 includes secondary storage 250 that is accessible only when the tray 240 is in the extended position, as shown in Figs. 28 and 29. The secondary storage 250 is accessed by raising of the front portion 203 of the top 202 of the container. As described above, this is held in a closed position by concealed magnets, with the lifting of the top 203 being assisted by the provision of the actuators 258. Once the tray 250 and/or secondary storage 250 have been accessed, the tray 240 can be retracted. It is necessary to lower the top 203 of the container, before retracting the tray 204. Buttons 262 and 264 are provided for operation of the tray 240; depression of button 262 extends the tray 240 into the forward position, while depression of button 264 retracts the tray 240 into the closed position.

Further embodiments

Further embodiments of the container can be envisaged. For example the shelf can be provided with one seat, or three seats. If one seat is provided a large table may be provided; whereas if three seats are provided, no table may be present. The seats may be covered in leather, fabric or other material suitable for covering a seat. The table may also be covered with a convenient material, such as leather. The tray 240 may also contain additional dividers to separate the goods stored therein, or additional security for stowed goods.