GB1580454A - Panel assemblies for use in vehicles - Google Patents

Description

(54) PANEL ASSEMBLIES FOR USE IN VEHICLES (il) We, ATHAG LIMITED, a British Company, of Carlyon Road, Atherstone Industrial Estate, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 1LQ, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The invention relates to panel assemblies for use in vehicles, or for assembly into cages or runs independently of a vehicle.

Partitioning panels are commonly used to partition off a portion of a vehicle interior, for example to enable a dog or other animal to be transported whilst enclosed in the partitioned-off portion.

Known partitioning panels usually take the form of a metal grille which fits across the inside of a vehicle, the outline shape of the panel being similar to the cross-sectional shape of the vehicle to which it is to be fitted, and means are usually provided to secure the panels firmly in position. One disadvantage of such known partitioning panels is that they enable only one portion of the vehicle to be partitioned-off. Thus, if two animals are to be carried in the vehicle, they both have to travel in the same partitioned-off portion, and this may be undesirable. An object of the invention is to provide a partitioning panel assembly which enables two or more portions of a vehicle interior to be partitioned-off from the remainder.

According to one aspect of the invention, a panel assembly for use in a vehicle includes first and second panels secured together by fixing means and friction-type locating means on the panel assembly arranged to frictionally engage the interior of the vehicle so as to hold the assembly in place, the panels being positioned to define two compartments each of which has one side defined by a portion of the first panel and other side defined by the second panel.

Preferably the second panel has an edge which can be fixed at various locations relatively to the first panel to enable the second panel to extend in a direction transverse to the first panel.

The panel assembly may include third and fourth panels to be secured at or adjacent the ends of the first panel so that two spaces will be defined one each side of the second panel between the second panel and the third and fourth panels. In this manner, a vehicle interior or other space may be divided into two compartments having outer side panels. Such an arrangement is useful to prevent animals such as dogs from damaging the interior trim of the vehicle when being carried in the compartments.

Where an animal is being carried in each compartment at the rear of an estate vehicle or in a van, opening of the rear door of the estate vehicle or van will effectively open all compartments simultaneously, and allow all the animals to leave the compartments. However, it may occasionally be desirable to open only one compartment, leaving the or each remaining compartment closed. In order to achieve this, gate means may be spaced from said first panel so that, in use, the gate means is operable to open or close an entrance to at least one of the compartments whilst the entrance to the or each remaining compartment remains closed.

In such a case, the gate means may be positioned adjacent a door of the vehicle.

The gate means may be mounted for sliding or hinging movement relatively to the first and second panels.

The fixing means preferably comprise a number of friction pads locatable on the vehicle body. Where friction pads are used, they may be arranged to engage the floor and roof of the vehicle.

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to leave the animals in the open for a period of time. In particular, this may be necessary over-night which the drive or other vehicle occupants sleep in the vehicle. In such a case, further panel means may be provided so as to extend between the first and second panels, the first, second and further panel means being arranged to define an enclosure when standing on the ground or other surface. Securing means may be provided for securing the panels to the ground or other surface. Such an arrangement enables the panels, when removed from the vehicle, to be used as an animal cage.

A panel-like floor may be secured beneath the panel assembly. If desired, a panellike roof may extend across the assembled panels.

If desired, additional panels may be included to divide the space in the vehicle into three or more compartments.

The fixing means may slidably secure the second panel and, where provided, the third, fourth and additional panels to the first panel.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a panel assembly for partitioning off from the remainder of the vehicle two rear portions of an estate vehicle or van.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating the addition of sliding gates.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a panel assembly removed from the vehicle for use as an animal enclosure on the ground.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further panel assembly in position behind the rear seat of an estate vehicle.

With reference to Figure 1, the assembly shown comprises a first panel 1 consisting of a metal grille in an outline frame. The panel is intended to fit across the interior of a particular mode of estate car or van, and the shape of the frame corresponds generally to the cross-sectional shape of the vehicle interior. Two parallel rods are fixed to the first panel 1 and each rod is provided with a protective rubber pad on cap 3, 31 at its upper and lower ends respectively.

Each lower cap 31 is attached to its rod 2 by screw threads so that the distance between the caps 3, 31 is variable. Thus, the panel 1 can be rigidly fixed in position within the vehicle by screwing the cap 31 out until the rod 2 is wedged in position.

A second panel 4 also consisting of a metal grille within an outline frame is attachable to the first panel by spring clips, shackles or other means (not shown), so that it extends in a direction generally at rightangles to the first panel and generally along the length of the vehicle towards the rear thereof.

The end 5 of the second panel 4 remote from the first panel 1 is shaped to enable it to be positioned adjacent the rear door of the estate car or van, so that, in use, the assembly will divide the rear of the vehicle into two separate compartments, both of which are partitioned off from the remainder of the vehicle. The relative size of the two compartments can be varied by altering the point at which the second panel 4 is attached to the first panel 1. If desired, two or more panels 4 can be provided for dividing the rear of the vehicle into three or more compartments.

The rod 6 is fixed to the second panel 4, and at its other end it carries a channel member 8 which fits around the top of the rear door frame of the vehicle. A rubber cap 7 for bearing against the vehicle floor is attached by screw threads to the lower end of the rod 6 so that the distance between the cap 7 and the channel member 8 can be varied, thus enabling the second panel 4 to be securely wedged in place.

If the interior of the vehicle roof is not flat, it may be necessary to make the second panel 4 lower than the highest part of the roof, and therefore possibly lower than the highest part of the first panel, so that the second panel can be used other than in alignment with the highest part of the roof.

Reference will now be made to Figures 2 and 4 in which panels corresponding to those panels shown in Figure 1 carry the same reference numerals. Two rods 9, 91 fit across the interior of the vehicle adjacent the rear door and wedged in position by means of adjustable caps 10, 101. Two sliding doors 11, 12 consisting of metal grilles in outline frames are mounted on the rods 9, 91. The door 11 is mounted so as to be slidable to the right as viewed in Figure 1 into a position behind the door 12, and the door 12 is mounted so as to be slidable to the left into a position in front of the door 11. In this manner, the left and right-hand compartments can be opened independently to prevent animals in the compartments from leaving when the rear door of the vehicle is opened. The doors 11, 12 may be hinge mounted, of the up-andover type or simply in the form of lift-off panels. Alternatively, the doors 11, 12 may be replaced by a flexible mesh sheet which can be rolled up to open the appropriate compartment. The sheet can be retained in its unrolled position by a lock or other suitable means on the floor of the vehicle.

The roll-up door could be fixed at one end to the panel 1, to a frame carried by the panel 1 or to support means independent of the panels 1, 4 and doors 11, 12 could be mounted on a simple sub-frame to be positioned in the rear of the vehicle. Although two doors 11, 12 have been described, one door, or three or more doors could be provided depending on the number of compartments required. Where a roll-up door is associated with the panel 1 it could follow the contour of the roof and thereby protect the roof trim.

Where an estate car is to be used for sleeping purposes, for example when on holiday, it is often necessary to leave in the open any animal which has been carried in the rear of the vehicle. In such circumstances, the panel assembly may be removed from the vehicle and assembled on the ground as shown in Figure 3. The panel 1 and two panels 4 provide a side and two end portions of a cage, the other side being provided by doors such as 11, 12 or by a further panel 13. The panels are interconnected by suitable clips 14 and may be fastened to the ground by means of staples 15. To avoid damaging the rubber caps, the caps 31, 7 at the lower ends of the rods 2, 6 can be removed prior to stapling the assembly to the ground. If desired, a roof panel and/or floor panel may be provided for the assembly shown in Figure 3. Where several animals are to be kept in the cage and it is desired to keep them apart, additional panels 4 may be used to divide the cage into the desired number of compartments.

If desired, the panels 1, 4 can be made so as to be adjustable in length and/or in height.

Reference will now be made to Figure 4.

In Figures 1 to 3, the panel 1 is shaped so as to correspond generally to the crosssectional shape of the vehicle, and the or each panel 4 shaped so as to fit closely adjacent the rear door of the vehicle. As is well known, estate cars and vans vary in size and, with the foregoing panel assemblies it is necessary to provide panels of different sizes in order to cater for different makes of vehicle. The arrangement shown in Figure 4 overcomes this problem and comprises a transverse panel 20 attached by suitable connectors 22 to side panels 23. The two panels 23 extend rearwardly of the estate vehicle having a floor F behind the rear passenger seat S. The panels 23 extend between wheel arch protrusions 24 and are connected at their rear ends to a further transverse panel 25. If desired, the panel 25 could be replaced by gates similar to those shown in the assembly of Figure 2. A further panel 26 extends between the front and rear panels 21, 25. The size of compartments 27, 28 defined by the assembly may be varied by altering the transverse position of the panel 26. Additional panels 26 may be provided to form extra compartments. If desired floor and/or roof panels may be provided and can be attached to the assembled panels in any suitable manner.

The assembly is secured within the vehicle by means of caps 29, 30 at the upper and lower ends respectively of rods 32 secured to the panels 20, 23.

The dimensions of the complete panel assembly can be chosen so that the assembly will fit easily within small production estate cars and, therefore, in more larger estate cars and vans. By selecting dimensions in this manner, it is necessary simply to manufacture panels of fixed sizes which will form an assembly suitable for various makes of estate car. This is particularly advantageous as tooling costs are minimised and orders can be met quickly.

A further advantage of using the panel assembly of Figure 4 is that it may be removed from the vehicle in its assembled form and placed directly on the ground for use as a run or kennel. Alternatively, the assembly could be taken from the vehicle and placed directly on a trolley to enable dogs to be easily transported from place to place at a Dog Show.

In the foregoing examples, the panels could be formed from sheet metal rather than grilles within outline frames. Also, various panels could be made so as to be adjustable in length and/or in height.

Instead of using the upper caps 3 in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, each side of the panel 1 could be provided with a projecting support, the end of which is locatable beneath the top of an adjacent window frame of the estate vehicle. One of the projecting members would preferably incorporate screw means to enable its length to be adjusted. In use, the panel 1 would be placed in the estate car and the projections located on the window frames. The lower caps 31 would then be adjusted so as to raise the panel 1 to urge the projections into firm engagement with the window frames.

Although the panel assemblies have been particularly described as being for use in a space at the rear of an estate vehicle, it is envisaged that an assembly such as that shown in Figure 4 could be arranged so that the panels lie between the front passenger seat S' with the rear sheet S in its stowed position, or behind the front and rear passenger seats.

The advantage of interconnecting the panels by means of spring clips, shackles or similar means is that the assemblies may easily be taken apart for stowage. Also by using suitable connectors for interconnecting the panels, the assembled units can easily be collapsed and folded up for stowage.

Alternatively the panels connected directly to panel 1 in Figures 1 to 3 could be permanently attached to it and slidable relatively thereto to enable the size of the compartment to be varied.

The panels may be chromium plate, galvanised, or coated with a suitable plastics material.

Although the panel assembly shown in Figure 4 is generally rectangular, the panels could be arranged so that the completed assembly is of an alternative configuration.

Instead of holding selected panels together by connectors they could be welded or brazed together.

The term vehicle as used herein includes caravans caravanettes and trailers and any conveyance in or by which objects animals or people are transported.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A panel assembly for use in a vehicle including first and second panels secured together by fixing means, and friction-type locating means on the panel assembly arranged to frictionally engage the interior of the vehicle so as to hold the assembly in place, the panels being positioned to definis two compartments each of which has one side defined by a portion of the first panel and another side defined by the second panel.

2. A panel assembly, according to Claim 1, in which the second panel has an edge which can be fixed at various locations relatively to the first panel to enable the second panel to extend in a direction transverse to the first panel.

3. A plant assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, including third and fourth panels to be secured at or adjacent the ends of the first panel so that two spaces will be defined one each side of the second panel between the second panel and the third and fourth panels.

4. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim in which gate means is spaced from said first panel so that, in use, the gate mans is operable to open or close an entrance to at least one of the compartments.

5. A panel assembly according to Claim 4, in which the gate means is arranged to be positioned adjacent a door of the vehicle.

6. A panel assembly, according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the gate means is mounted for sliding or hinging movement relatively to the first and second panels.

7. A panel assembly according to Claim 4 or 5 in which the gate means comprises a roll-up mesh sheet one end of which is fixed relative to the first panel.

8. A panel assembly, according to any preceding claim in which the friction-type locating means comprises pads arranged to engage the floor or roof of the vehicle.

9. A panel assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 3, in which further panels are provided so as to extend between the first and second panels, the first, second and further panel means enabling the assembly to be used as to define an enclosure detached from the vehicle.

10. A panel assembly according to Claim 9, in which securing means is provided for securing the panels to the ground or other surface on whch the detached enclosure stands.

11. A panel assembly, accorling to any preceding claim in which a panel-like roof extends across and is secured to the assembled panels.

12. A panel assembly, according to Claim 7 in which the mesh sheet is arranged to extend from a position adjacent the first panel and over the top of the compartments to form a mesh roof.

13. A panel assembly, according to any preceding claim, in which a panel-like floor extends beneath and is secured to the assembled panels.

14. A panel assembly, according to Claim 3, in which additional panels are included to divide the space into three or more compartments.

15. A panel assembly, according to any preceding claim in which the fixing means slidably secures the second panel and, when provided, the fourth and additional panels to the first panel.

16. A vehicle in which there is mounted a panel assembly according to any preceding

Claims (1)

1. claim.

   17. A panel assembly constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

   18. A panel assembly constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

   19. A panel assembly constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

   20. A panel assembly constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

   21. In a vehicle, a panel assembly according to any preceding claim.