The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 23, 2003
Filed:
Feb. 17, 2000
Stephane L. LeTrudet, Wixom, MI (US);
SAI Automotive USA-SAL, Inc., Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for storing cargo in a vehicle having a flat horizontal surface, such as a van or an SUV, is disclosed. Strips, which may be separate or part of a unitary member, have openings adapted to receive pins. The openings have vertical sections extending downwardly and horizontal sections extending forward in the direction of vehicle travel. The bins have an upper storage area and pins mounted at the bottom of the bin. The bin is mounted to the strips by directing the pins first through the vertical section and then through the horizontal section of the openings. The pins may extend outwardly from a reduced width area at the bottom of the bin, or may be centrally mounted at the bottom of the bin. Alternatively, pins are mounted to the strips and openings are formed in the bins. The strips may be formed into a unitary frame. Flat filler boards are also provided which may be placed between the strips when no storage bin is used in order to provide a flat surface.