GB2390587A - Apparatus for dividing a luggage storage space - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for dividing a luggage storage space is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a base layer (101); at least two side walls (102), each connected to said base layer (101) at a hinge (501) and moveable about said hinge (501) between an upright position and a storage position, wherein each said side wall (102) comprises a first wall portion (102) configured to slideably mount a second wall portion (103), said first wall portion (102) extending to form a second end of a said side wall and said second wall portion (103) extending to form a first end of a said side wall, sliding movement of said second wall portion (103) varying the length of said side wall between said first and second ends.

Description

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-1 APPARATUS FOR DIVIDING A LUGGAGE STORAGE SPACE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for dividing a luggage storage 5 space and particularly although not exclusively to apparatus for dividing a vehicle luggage storage space into a plurality of compartments for storage of luggage.

Backaround to the Invention

It is known in the prior art to store items of luggage in the boot or trunk of a

o vehicle e.g. a car, van or other automobile. Luggage which is loaded directly into the vehicle boot is unrestrained and is known to move throughout the boot space during transit of the vehicle. This is undesirable as the luggage casing can become damaged. Where the item of luggage is not of a kind which is securely closeable the contents of the luggage can spill from the luggage as the luggage is :s moved around the boot space. For example, groceries are often transported in plastic or paper carrier bags having an opening which is not securely closeable.

If these bags are allowed to move freely in the boot space during transit the contents of the carriers are prone to spillage which can result in damage to the goods. Prior art apparatus seeks to address this problem by providing apparatus for

the division of a vehicle boot space into several compartments to which luggage can be loaded. Examples of the prior art include US 5,819,996, GB 2247651, EP

0743228, FR 2752790, US 5,715,978, GB 2114073, FR 2742394, US 4,728,584,

25 GB 2267876, WO 88/08379, DE 4234812, GB 2292548, US 5,584,412, DE

4015556.

US 5,819,996 discloses an organizer for storing items in a vehicle boot.

Side and end walls are provided, the length of the side walls being adjustable.

30 The apparatus is disadvantageous as the entire apparatus must be removed in

he e À e a. -2 order to permit transport of larger items of luggage which have a size greater than that which can be received by the compartments formed by the apparatus.

GB 2247651 discloses an apparatus for dividing a vehicle boot. Partitioning means are provided which are located in the boot space by adjustable clamping means including telescoping arms. This apparatus is also required to be removed from the boot space in order to allow for transport of large luggage items. Jo EP 0743228 discloses apparatus for dividing a vehicle boot into two compartments and having two guide rails which are spaced apart on the boot floor and a support plate located between the guide rails, the support plate being movable at right angles to the guide rails through use of roller units. The support plate can be swiveled from a horizontal position where the support plate is lying 15 on the boot floor to a supported vertical position. The length of each of the support plates is fixed and the available adjustment of the compartment size formed by the device is limited.

Prior art apparatus for dividing the boot space of a vehicle is generally bulky

20 and comprises unwieldy and complex mechanical arrangements. The resulting apparatus is typically required to be pre-fitted to the vehicle by a fitment specialist. Once installed, the apparatus impares the functional use of the boot space for transport of large luggage items of greater size than the compartments defined by the apparatus. To transport such large luggage items the driver of the :s vehicle is required to remove the apparatus. For those prior art apparatus for

which pre-fitment is required, removal of the apparatus from the boot space is often a difficult and time consuming operation and in some cases is not possible without the aid of a removal specialist.

3 o The prior art therefore presents the problem of how to provide apparatus for

secure transport of luggage items within a vehicle luggage storage space, e.g car boot, which restricts the range of movement of the luggage during transport,

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À.e -3 accepts luggage items of a range of sizes, optimizes the available storage space and is arranged to be repositioned so that the storage space can be used for storage and/or transport of larger luggage items without the need to undergo a complex removal or disassembly process of the apparatus.

Summarv of the Invention The inventor has realised the problems with prior art boot dividing apparatus

and has accordingly provided a novel apparatus comprising a base sheet layer for placement on the floor surface of a luggage storage space, the base sheet To layer having side walls hinged at the base sheet layer which are movable between a substantially co-planar folded position with the base sheet layer to a substantially upright position. Each of the side walls comprises a first and second wall portion wherein the second wall portion is slideably mounted at the first wall portion such that the length of the side walls can be telescopically adjusted by sliding movement of the second wall portion. The side walls further comprise at least one flap member hinged at an end of the side walls for formation of end walls. By providing the side walls and flap members with hinges the apparatus can 20 be moved from an upright position for use in dividing the luggage storage space for storage and/or transport of luggage items to a storage position wherein the side walls and flap members are moved about their respective hinges and folded so as to be substantially co- planar with the base sheet layer.

25 In preferred embodiments one end of each of the side walls is profiled to match that of a rear surface of a set of vehicle seats such that the side walls can abut said rear surface to maximise use of a boot space for luggage transport.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided 3 o apparatus for dividing a luggage storage space comprising: a base layer; and

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- at least two side walls, each connected to said base layer at a hinge and movable about said hinge between an upright position and a storage position, wherein each said side wall comprises a first wall portion configured to slideably mount a second wall portion, said first wall portion extending to form a second end of a said side wall and said second wall portion extending to form a first end of a said side wall, sliding movement of said second wall portion varying the length of said side wall between said first and second ends; Preferably, at least one said side wall further comprises at flap member connected to said first end by a hinge; and said flap member comprises fastening means for fastening said flap s member to an adjacent side wall to form a first end wall, said end wall being transverse to said side walls.

Altematively, said side wall further comprises at least one of a first flap member connected to said first end by a hinge and a second flap member go connected to said second end by a hinge, each said flap member comprising fastening means for fastening said flap member to a corresponding flap member on an adjacent side wall to form first and second end walls respectively, said end walls transverse to said side walls.

: Preferably, said first wall portion comprises a cavity, said second wall portion slideably mounted in said cavity.

Preferably, said wall portion comprises at least one groove formed at an edge of said first wall portion, said second wall portion slideably mounted in said 3 0 groove.

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À. À Àa. -5 Preferably, each said side wall comprises both first and second flap members. Preferably, said side wall second end is profiled to correspond to the angle 5 of a vehicle seat rear surface to enable said second end to be positioned, in use, so as to abut said rear surface.

Preferably, said first and second flap members are movable about said respective hinges between a storage position wherein said flap members are To substantially co-planar with a respective side wall and an in-use position wherein said flap members extend transverse to a respective side wall.

Preferably, said second flap members are shaped such that, in said storage position, said flaps lie within the width of a said respective side wall.

Suitably, two adjacent said side walls and respective first and second end walls define a compartment, the dimensions of said compartment variable by sliding movement of said second wall portions.

20 Preferably, in forming either said first or second end walls, portions of respective said flap members overlap.

Preferably, said fastening means comprises hook and loop type fastening means, wherein a strip of hook components is arranged on an overlapping 25 portion of one flap member and a strip of loop components is arranged on an overlapping portion of a corresponding overlapping flap member, overlap of flaps meshing said hook and loop components together.

Preferably, said apparatus further comprises one or a plurality of dividing o members for dividing a main compartment into sub-compartments.

À e. ere ee. e e Àe À À À. -6 Preferably, said base layer further comprises fastening means configured to fasten said base layer to a boot floor surface.

Preferably, said side walls and flaps are movable about said respective 5 hinges to be arranged substantially co-planar with said base layer in said storage position. Preferably, said base layer, side walls and flaps are made of fabric material.

To Preferably, said fabric material encloses at least one stiffening sheet, said at least one stiffening sheet forming one or more of said base layer, side walls or flap members.

Preferably, said base layer, side walls and flap members are formed integrally from a continuous material sheet.

Preferably, said apparatus further comprises an additional sheet member arranged to cover said apparatus during use.

go Suiatably, at least one portion of said apparatus has a wipe clean surface applied thereto.

In preferred implementations the apparatus of the present invention is retro fitted to a vehicle boot.

Brief Description of the Drawinas

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, 3 o specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

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-7 Fig. 1 illustrates diagrammatically an external perspective view of a vehicle boot housing the apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention with the side walls arranged in a first position; Fig. 3 illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first To embodiment of the present invention with the side walls arranged in a second position; Fig. 4 illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention with the side walls arranged in a first :5 position and selected flap members arranged in a closed position; Fig. 5A illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention with the side walls arranged in a first position wherein one of the side walls is in a folded position; Fig. 5B illustrates diagrammatically an end view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention in accordance with the arrangement illustrated in Figure 5A; 2 Fig. 6A illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention with the side walls arranged in a first position, one of the side walls in folded position, the flap members of the upright side walls in closed position; 3 o Fig. 6B illustrates diagrammatically an end view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention in accordance with Figure 6A;

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À,. -8 Fig. 7A illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention with the side walls and flap members in folded position; Fig. 7B illustrates an end view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention in accordance with Figure 7A; Fig. 8 illustrates diagrammatically an external perspective view of a second end of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention as o assembled for use; Fig. 9A illustrates diagrammatically an external perspective view of a side wall of the apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention; :s Fig. 9B illustrates a cross-section through the line l-l of Fig. 9A; Fig. 10 illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the first end of a side wall of the second embodiment of the present invention.

go Figure 11 illustrates schematically a cross-section elevation view of a side wall in an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Descrintion of the Best Mode for Carrvina Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode 2s contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough

understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not o been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

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Referring to Figure 1 herein there is illustrated diagrammatically an external perspective view of the boot space of a car 100 housing the apparatus of the present invention in accordance with a first embodiment. In the first embodiment the apparatus of the present invention forms a boot divider comprising a base 5 sheet 101 formed of a flexible material sheet arranged to be spread out on the floor surface of a vehicle boot space. The base layer 101 is provided in oversized form and on fitting of the apparatus the user can optionally trim the perimeter of the base layer to fit the boot space. It is not essential for the base layer 101 to fill the entire available floor surface of the boot space and optionally To the base layer 101 may be formed to cover only the area of the compartments defined by the apparatus.

The base layer 101 is made of fabric material, e.g. nylon, vinyl or other plastics material, having a wipe clean and non-slip surface protecting the main 15 floor surface of the boot.

At least two side walls 102 are connected to the base layer 101 by hinges.

Each side wall 102 is formed from a sheet of material movable about the hinge from a folded position in which the side wall 102 lies adjacent the base layer 101 2 o in substantially co-planar arrangement to an upright position where the side wall 102 is substantially orthogonal to the main plane of the base layer 101. Each side wall comprises a first wall portion 102 formed from a stiffened sheet material e.g. vinyl covered card, plastics or hardboard covered in a fabric material. The first wall portion 102 comprises two layers of sheet material spaced apart to s define a cavity between the two layers of sheet material. A second wall portion 103 comprising a material sheet, e.g. made of vinyl covered card, plastics or hardboard and covered in fabric, is slideably mounted in the cavity formed by the first wall portion. Sliding of the second wall portion 103 in one of the directions indicated by arrow 104 adjusts the length of the side wall.

Each side wall defines a first end arranged towards the rear of the vehicle and a second end arranged towards the interior of the vehicle. At the first end,

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-10 each side wall further comprises a flap member connected to the side wall by a hinge and formed from a sheet of material corresponding to the material sheet forming the side walls. In use, each flap member arranged at the first end is extended to a position transverse to the connected side wall and extending to the 5 adjacent side wall to overlap with a corresponding first flap member hinged from an adjacent side wall. Fastening means provided on each flap member enable connection of the corresponding flap members to form a first end wall 107.

The second end of each side wall is arranged to be pushed up against the JO rear surface 105 of the vehicle seat so as to abut the rear surface 105 and to maximize the available storage space provided by the apparatus. To provide a rigid apparatus each side wall further comprises at least one second flap member hinged along the second end of the side wall so as to extend in use in a direction transverse to the main plane of the side wall towards an adjacent side wall to s overlap with a corresponding second flap member extending from said adjacent side wall to form a second end wall 106. Fastening means provided on each second flap member are arranged to connect to fasten the corresponding flap members together to form the second end wall 106.

JOIn the first embodiment, both first and second end walls are preferred in order to maintain the rigidity of the apparatus during use, although only one of said first and second end walls is an essential element.

By providing three side walls, the two peripheral side walls each having one sfirst flap member and one second flap member and the central side wall having two first flap members and two second flap members 106; by positioning each side wall in an upright position and extending the respective flap members towards adjacent side walls to fasten to corresponding flap members by use of appropriate fastening means, two rigid compartments are provided for storage of 30luggage items. Two further compartments are formed between the peripheral side walls and vehicle boot side walls. The length of each compartment is

À.À e:.e be: À. s.-e À.e:e..e.: . . -11 adjustable by sliding the second wall portions towards or away from the second end of the side wall in one of the directions indicated by arrow 104.

The number of side walls can be varied to provide alternative numbers of compartments. At least two side walls are required to form one compartment.

The second end of each side wall is profiled to have an angle approximately corresponding to the angle of the rear facing sloping surface 105 of the car rear seats. This chamfer allows the second end of the apparatus to be pushed tightly 10 into the rear facing surface 105 of the car seats along the length of the second end to optimize the available luggage transport space of the apparatus.

The sliding mounting of each second side wall portion 103 in the cavity defined by the respective first side wall portion 102 provides a telescopic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of each side wall and the associated length of the respective compartment(s). Additional dividers 108 in the form of sheet members are optionally arranged to be removably inserted across the width of each compartment for further sub-division of each compartment. Referring to Figure 2 herein, there is illustrated diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention in use with the side walls in a first position wherein each second wall portion 103 has been pushed into the cavity of the first wall portion 102. This adjustment allows the 2 s apparatus to be fitted to vehicles having a range of boot sizes. At one long side of the base layer 101, the base layer is extended to form a protective sheet portion 201 which is arranged to extend upwardly to cover the rear interior wall of the car boot.

so Each side wall first wall portion 102 second end is profiled 202 and connected to a second flap member 203 by means of a hinge 204. At the first end of each side wall second wall portion 103 a hinge 206 connects the side wall

À.À A:.. be: :. ':. Àe '. e.. À:: -12 to a first flap member 205. In Figure 2, each first and second flap member is respectively overlapped with the corresponding flap member formed at an adjacent side wall to form first end walls and second end walls respectively.

Each hinge 204, 206 is formed by a seam connecting the side wall and flap member. The seams are formed by stitching, glueing or radio frequency (RF) welding the sheet material forming respective side wall portions and flap members. Alternatively, a mechanical hinge is incorporated. The first and second end walls formed provide rigidity to the apparatus and enclose each Lo compartment to prevent escape of luggage to be placed therein.

Figure 3 illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention in use wherein the second wall portion 103 has been slid out of the first wall portion 102 such that the side wall uprights define a second position of the apparatus in which the length of each compartment is extended. This is suitable for carriage of luggage in vehicles with larger boot spaces.

Figure 4 illustrates diagrammatically a plan view of the apparatus of the first 20 embodiment of the present invention wherein each side wall is illustrated in upright position and the first and second flap members 203, 205, forming end walls of one compartment, are folded to a closed position in substantially co-

planar arrangement with the respective attached side walls. The second compartment has first and second flap members extended to form respective first 2 and second end walls as in Figure 2. Folding of the flap members about respective hinges is the first step in folding away of the apparatus to enable use of the entire boot space for transport of large luggage items.

Referring to Figure 5A herein there is illustrated diagrammatically a plan 30 view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention with the side walls in non-extended first position. Having folded away first and second flap members of one of the side walls 102, as illustrated in Figure 4, the side wall

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-13 has been folded about hinge 501, connecting the side wall 102 to the base layer 101, to a folded position in which the folded side wall is substantially co-planar with the base layer 101. A compartment defined by the remaining two adjacent side walls, which remain upright in Figure 5A, is still functional for storage and 5 transport of luggage in this arrangement. First and second flap members 205, 203 operable for forming first and second end walls for the compartment which has been disassembled are in folded closed position.

Figure 5B illustrates an end view of the apparatus of the first embodiment of 10 the present invention according to the arrangement of Figure 5A. The Figure is not drawn to scale, the folded side wall having a height of 15 mm from the base layer 101 when in folded position.

In Figure 6A the first and second flap members 205, 203 of the remaining assembled compartment of Figure 5A have been folded about their respective hinges to a closed position substantially co-planar with the main plane of each respective side wall. Figure 6B illustrates an end view of this arrangement.

In Figure 7A each of the remaining upright side walls of Figure 6A have o been folded about hinges 501 each extending along the longitudinal length of the lower side of each side wall first portion to a flat folded position in which the side wall is substantially co-planar with the base layer 101. The first and second flap members 203, 205 are folded to lie in substantially the same plane.

2 5 Figure 7B illustrates an end view of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 7A and illustrates the arrangement of flaps and side walls relative to the base layer 101. Figure 7B is not drawn to scale and the height of the folded side walls is approximately 15 mm.

So Each of the longitudinal hinges 501 formed along the base of each side wall connecting each side wall to the base layer 101 is formed by a seam which is

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-14 formed by stitching, glueing or radio frequency (RF) welding of the material sheet forming the side wall or is optionally provided by a mechanical hinge.

Figure 8 illustrates an external perspective view of the second end of the s assembled apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention. In use, the second end abuts a rear facing surface of the vehicle rear seats and the second end 204 of each wall portion 102 is profiled to have an angle corresponding to the angle of the rear facing surface of the vehicle seats such that the wall portion may be pushed up to abut said rear surface. The second Lo flap members 203 are hinged at second end 204 and are extended towards adjacent side walls such that a portion of each second flap member overlaps (the overlapped portion of a second flap member outlined by a dashed line in Figure 8). Where the apparatus is used in other luggage storage spaces, the angle of second end 204 is configured to approximately correspond to a surface to which s it is pushed up against.

Referring to Figure 7A and 8 herein the shape of the second flap members is formed such that when folded in closed position and substantially coplanar with the main plane of the respective side wall the second flap member 203 lies o within the width of the side wall. This is advantageous in that each side wall can be positioned in the upright position before the second flap member is extended transversely from the side wall to a transverse position wherein a corresponding second flap member from an adjacent side wall is moved to a corresponding transverse position for overlap and fastening. This design avoids impingement of :5 the second flap members on the base layer during movement of the side walls from a folded position to an upright position.

Each flap member is provided with fastening means. For each pair of flap members arranged to form a respective end wall fastening means are arranged 3 o in the region of the overlapping portion of each flap members to enable fastening of the two flap members to form a respective end wall. In one arrangement, one flap member comprises a strip of hook type fastening means with the

:: Àe À:::: e: see -15 corresponding flap member forming the respective end wall having a strip of loop type fastening means. On overlap of the hook and loop type fastening means the end wall is securely formed but is arranged for ease of disassembly when necessary. One type of hook and loop type fastening means is provided by the 5 Velcro System. Other suitable fastening arrangements include corresponding studs or clips formed on respective flap members for fastening of flap members to form an end wall. Many types of fastening means are available and are well known to the man skilled in the art.

To Referring to Figures 9 and 10 herein, there is illustrated side wall designs in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9A illustrates one side wall comprising first wall portion 901 having chamfered second end 902 shaped to fit a surface against which the apparatus is pushed up against. A second wall portion 903 is slideably mounted at first wall portion 901 and comprises at least one flap member 905 moveable about second wall portion 903 first end at a hinge 906. First wall portion 901 is formed from plastics material, e.g. extruded polypropylene sheet material, and each long side of the first wall portion 901 is shaped to form a curved flange 904 defining a groove or channel into which second wall portion 903 is inserted. Second wall portion 903 20 iS made from plastics material, e.g. extruded polypropylene sheet, cut to an appropriate length and aof dimensions suitable for insertion into the groove defined by flanges 904 so as to be slideably mounted in first wall portion 901 for telescopic adjustment of the overall length of the side wall. Each second wall portion 903 comprises an integral flap member 905 formed by heat scoring a 2 5 hinge 906 into the second wall portion 903. Referring to Figure 9B, a cross-section along the line l-l of Figure 9A is

illustrated showing the upper and lower grooves formed by upper and lower flanges 904 of first wall portion 901 and mounting of second wall portion 903 for so sliding movement.

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-16 Figure 9A illustrates one of the peripheral side walls of the apparatus. For each internal side wall first end, two flap members are provided, each extending in opposing transverse directions from the main plane of the side wall. Referring to Figure 10 herein a plan view of an internal side wall first end is illustrated. Side 5 wall 1001 is formed from polypropylene sheet material as described in respect of Figure 9A. Two further polypropylene sheet members are heat welded to side wall 1001 second end to form flap members. A hinge 1005 is heat scored in each flap member 1002 separating the flap member into a strip 1003 adhered to a respective side of the side wall 1001 in a region of the side wall 1001 first end.

JO Strip 1003 is connected to each respective flap member 1002 via heat scored hinge 1005. In Figure 10, each hinge 1005 is shown as a curved line forclarity.

Each strip 1003 is optionally further attached to side wall 1001 by use of fastening members 1004, e.g. pin members extending through each strip 1003 15 and side wall 1001.

The remaining features of the apparatus of the second embodiment are in accordance with the first embodiment. The construction of the side walls of the second embodiment provides a side wall of simple construction affording for 20 decreased manufacturing costs.

In a third embodiment, the first end wall 107 is formed from one flap member. The flap member extends from one side wall 102 to a second side wall.

The flap member is connected to either side wall by a hinge. In use, the flap 25 member arranged at the first end is extended to a position transverse to the connected side wall and extending to the adjacent side wall. The flap member is further connected to the adjacent side wall using fastening means, thereby forming an end wall 107.

30 In this embodiment, a second end wall abutting the rear surface 105 is not provided.

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À . À -17 The hinges connecting the end wall to two adjacent side walls may be removable, thereby allowing the end wall to be removed completely from the apparatus. Alternatively, the end wall can be folded away about the hinge when the apparatus is not in use.

In a further embodiment, the end walls and flaps comprise a rigid tubular frame and a fabric stretched across tubular frame to prevent luggage from escaping. Referring to Figure 11 herein, there is illustrated schematically a cross-

section elevation view of a side wall.

The side wall comprises a first wall portion 102 and a second wall portion 103. The first wall portion 102 comprises a rigid hollow section 1101, and the second wall portion 103 comprises a rigid section 1102. The rigid hollow section 1101 of the first wall portion 102 has two ends, each of which allow ingress into 15 the rigid hollow section 1101. It has been found that tubular section is best for this purpose, although other cross sectional shapes can be used. The rigid section 1102 of the second wall portion 103 also has two ends. These ends are configured to fit into the two respective ends of the rigid hollow section 1101 of the first wall portion 102. The rigid section 1102 of the second wall portion 103 is 2 0 therefore configured to fit inside a cavity 1103 formed by the rigid hollow section 1101 of the first wall portion 102. In this way, the second wall portion 103 can be slideably adjusted in the directions shown by the arrow 1104 relative to the first wall portion 102 to alter a length of the side wall. The rigid section of the second portion may also be hollow.

A fabric or netting 1105 is fitted over the first wall portion 102 and the second wall portion 103, thereby preventing escape of luggage that is stored in the cavity formed by the side walls. The fabric or netting 1 105 is flexible, thereby allowing it to accommodate different side wall lengths.

In an alternative arrangement, the rigid section of the first wall portion 102 is configured to fit inside a cavity formed by the rigid section 1102 of the second

e À e. À À À -18 wall portion 103, where the rigid section 1102 of the second wall portion 103 is hollow. In this way, the second wall portion 103 can be slideably adjusted in the directions shown by the arrow 1 104 relative to the first wall portion 102 to alter a length of the side wall.

In a further embodiment, to prevent sliding movement of the entire apparatus the base sheet layer 101 is provided with additional fastening means formed on the underside of the base sheet layer to prevent movement of the base sheet layer 101 in the luggage storage space during transport. One JO fastening means arrangement includes use of Velcro strips positioned at corresponding locations on the underside of the base sheet layer and the luggage storage space floor surface. Locating the corresponding Velcro layers over each other prevents movement of the base sheet layer, and consequently the entire apparatus, during transport.

In a further embodiment, base sheet layer 101 further comprises an additional material sheet fixed to, and extending from, the second end of the apparatus forming a sheet arranged to cover the entire apparatus and form an upper covering member which can be spread across the compartments formed go by the apparatus during use. The cover member is made of flexible fabric material such that when not in use the cover member can be rolled away and stored at the second end. This cover member has an additional use wherein automobile rear seats are moved to a folded position, the cover member can be extended to cover the rear surface of the seats, which are uppermost in this folded position, to provide a protective cover to prevent damage to the seats during transport of luggage thereon.

The apparatus of the present invention provides a luggage storage space divider having walls formed integrally with a base sheet such that the walls are 30 continuous with the base sheet via hinges. This allows for the apparatus to be positioned in a storage position wherein the wall portions are folded away by moving wall portions and flap members about their respective hinges. In the

c: e. A: À ..::.:..DTD: À a. -19 storage position the apparatus is folded away to occupy minimal space. Further, it is possible to erect selected side walls to form one or more compartments as desired thereby enabling the luggage storage of a vehicle space to be used to transport various sizes of luggage in the most efficient manner. In addition to the compartments formed between adjacent side walls, additional compartments are formed between the peripheral side walls and the walls of the vehicle luggage storage space.

As the apparatus of the present invention affords ease of fitment and 10 removal, where necessary, the apparatus can be retro-fitted to a plurality of vehicles. By providing means to adjust the length of each compartment, a single size of apparatus is suitable for use in a plurality of sizes of vehicle. This maximizes the number of vehicles which one apparatus can fit and as a result reduces manufacturing costs.

In further alternative embodiments additional flaps can be hingeably mounted along each side wall to provide for further division of each compartment.

For example, where each side wall is made from semi-flexible polypropylene sheet, additional flaps are heat welded to the side wall and heat scored to form a 2 o hinge for flap movement between an in-use and storage position.

To assemble the apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention for use, the following steps are followed: Selected side walls are moved about hinge 501 to an upright position; Selected first flap members 205 are extended to a position transverse to the main plane of each respective side wall to overlap with corresponding adjacent first flap members, fastening means on each 30 said first flap member are connected together, the fastened first flap members forming first end walls;

À ce A: A. en: Àe. A..e À e: À -20 Selected second flap members 203 are moved about their respective hinges to positions transverse to the main plane of each respective side wall, the overlapping flap members fastened together by connection of respective fastening means to form respective second end walls.

Once in the assembled in-use position luggage items can be placed in the compartments formed which restrict the movement of the luggage and allow soft luggage items e.g. carrier bags to sit upright and prevent spillage of the goods contained therein.

When the compartments are required to be disassembled the respective first and second flap members are released from fastening and folded to substantially co-planar positions with the respective side walls, the side walls are then moved about their respective hinges to align in substantially co-planar 15 arrangement with the base sheet layer 101. As an option, selected side walls may be folded leaving remaining side walls upright defining one or more respective compartments for use.

As the entire assembly can be laid flat during storage there is no need to 20 remove the apparatus from a vehicle luggage storage space when not in use.

The option to erect selected uprights allows for formation of a selected number of compartments leaving a larger adjacent storage space for storage and transport of larger objects. The base sheet layer 101 further provides a protective layer preventing damage to the storage space floor surface.

The apparatus of the present invention has been described in respect of use in a vehicle boot compartment. As the apparatus is a free-standing apparatus, use of the apparatus is not limited to use in vehicles alone, the apparatus being configured for use in any luggage storage space. For example, 30 this could be the cargo bay of an aircraft or the floor space of a cupboard or wardrobe.

Claims (21)

at..,.e.. À. À À - À -21 - Claims:

1. Apparatus for dividing a luggage storage space comprising: a base layer; and at least two side walls, each connected to said base layer at a hinge and movable about said hinge between an upright position and a storage position, wherein each said side wall comprises a first wall portion configured to 10 slideably mount a second wall portion, said first wall portion extending to form a second end of a said side wall and said second wall portion extending to form a first end of a said side wall, sliding movement of said second wall portion varying the length of said side wall between said first and second ends; :s

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one side wall further comprises a flap member connected to said first end by a hinge; and said flap member comprises fastening means for fastening said flap member to an adjacent side wall to form a first end wall, said end wall being 2 o transverse to said side walls.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said side wall further comprises at least one of a first flap member connected to said first end by a hinge and a second flap member connected to said second end by a hinge, each 25 said flap member comprising fastening means for fastening said flap member to a corresponding flap member on an adjacent side wall to form first and second end walls respectively, said end walls transverse to said side walls.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first so wall portion comprises a cavity, said second wall portion slideably mounted in said cavity.

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-22 5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first wall portion comprises at least one groove formed at an edge of said first wall portion, said second wall portion slideably mounted in said groove.

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6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein each said side wall comprises both first and second flap members.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said side wall second end is profiled to correspond to the angle of a luggage storage space To surface to enable said second end to be positioned, in use, so as to abut said surface.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein said first and second flap members are movable about said respective hinges between a 5 storage position wherein said flap members are substantially co-planar with a respective side wall and an in-use position wherein said flap members extend transverse to a respective side wall.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second flap To members are shaped such that, in said storage position, said flaps lie within the width of a said respective side wall.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein two adjacent said side walls and respective first and second end walls define a compartment, 25 the dimensions of said compartment variable by sliding movement of said second wall portions.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein in forming either said first or second end walls, portions of respective said flap 3 o members overlap.

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12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said fastening means comprises hook and loop type fastening means, wherein a strip of hook components is arranged on an overlapping portion of one flap member and a strip of loop components is arranged on an overlapping portion of a corresponding overlapping flap member, overlap of flaps meshing said hook and loop components together.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, said apparatus further comprising one or a plurality of dividing members for dividing a main To compartment into sub-compartments.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said base layer further comprises fastening means configured to fasten said base layer to a floor surface.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 14 wherein said side walls and flaps are movable about said respective hinges to be arranged substantially co-planar with said base layer in said storage position.

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16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15 wherein said base layer, side walls and flaps are made of fabric material.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said fabric material encloses at least one stiffening sheet, said at least one stiffening sheet forming one or more of said base layer, side walls or flap members.

18. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 17 wherein said base layer, side walls and flap members are formed integrally from a continuous material sheet.

19. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an additional sheet member arranged to cover said apparatus during use.

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20. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one portion of said apparatus has a wipe clean surface applied thereto.

21. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims retro-

fitted to a vehicle boot.