TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to parcel shelf of vehicle and, more particularly, to structure of cushion for restricting the movement of the rear parcel shelf.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Figure 1 illustrates structure of general existing parcel shelf. Figure 2 illustrates structure of existing cushion 102 to restrict movement of the parcel shelf 101. In the conventional design, the parcel shelf 101 which is made of thermoplastic material tends to move inside and downwards with application of back door force while opening and closing of the back door 103. The parcel shelf 101 comprises a horizontal surface 101a and a vertical surface 101b that bents downward at an angle from the horizontal surface 101a at edge facing the back door 103. The existing cushion 102 is mounted on the vertical surface 101b and receives the back door 103. The existing cushion 102 comprises a mounting protrusion 102a and a back door receiving portion 102b connected with the mounting protrusion 102a by a narrow neck 102c. The mounting protrusion 102a is inserted into a mounting hole provided on vertical surface 101b of the parcel shelf 101 and the narrow neck 102c is positioned with the mounting hole and restricts movement of the cushion 102 in forward and rearward directions. While closing and opening of the back door, the back door 103 applies compression force (F2) on the back door receiving portion 102b of the cushion 102 at an angle ‘Ø’ with respect to rotation actuation force (F1).
[0004] Only a component (F2 cos ?) of the back door compression force (F2) acts in the downward direction reducing its efficiency by damaging the back door receiving portion 102b of the cushion 102. The efficiency of back door compression force from a conventional cushion reduces to around 50% due to such a design, considering the value of ? to be 60 degrees. However, the efficiency of back door compression force will further reduce as the angle ‘Ø’ nears 90 degrees.
[0005] With repetitive use, the cushion 102 gets damaged and starts transferring force to the parcel shelf 101 which also gets damaged and deformed. Further, the interference between the back door 103 and the parcel shelf 101 reduces and creates a gap between the parcel shelf 101 and the back door 103. At running condition, the parcel shelf 101 vibrates and creates a disturbing noise inside the vehicle cabin as there is no dampening contact between the back door 103 and the parcel shelf 101.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide a cushion structure that can cater force applied by the back door in any direction and does not deform with application of force.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0008] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a cushion structure for restricting movement of rear parcel shelf by application of back door.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cushion structure that is more efficient in terms of using the compression force (F2) to act against rotation actuation force (F1) and limits the deformation with application of force by the back door in any direction.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cushion structure that can absorb the impact force applied by the back door and restrict movement of rear parcel shelf.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a cushion structure for restricting movement of a rear parcel shelf. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an assembly of a cushion structure with a rear parcel shelf to restrict movement of the rear parcel shelf. The parcel shelf adapted to extend rearward from an upper end portion of a back seat. The cushion structure is positioned in between a back door and the parcel shelf. The cushion structure is mounted on the parcel shelf by means of snap fit. The cushion structure defines an L-shape. The cushion structure comprises a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. A first locking member extends from the horizontal portion and a second locking member extends from the vertical portion; and a latch extends from distal end of the vertical portion. The first locking member is fitted with horizontal portion of the parcel shelf and the second locking member is fitted with vertical portion of the parcel shelf.
[0014] In an aspect, the latch covers end edge of the vertical portion of the parcel shelf and is fitted with the second locking member of the vertical portion of the cushion structure.
[0015] In an aspect, the vertical portion of the L-shaped cushion is configured to support the parcel shelf to avoid sagging.

[0016] In an aspect, the L-shaped cushion structure is made of rubber material.
[0017] In an aspect, angular difference (F) between compression force (F2) and rotation actuation force (F1) applied on the L-shaped cushion structure is at range 150º to 180º.
[0018] In another embodiment, the present subject matter relates to an L-shaped cushion structure mounted on a parcel shelf to restrict movement of the parcel shelf. The L shaped cushion structure comprising a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. A first locking member extends from bottom surface of the horizontal portion and a second locking member extends from inner surface of the vertical portion; and a latch extends from distal end of the vertical portion. The first locking member is fitted with horizontal portion of the parcel shelf, and the second locking member is fitted with vertical portion of the parcel shelf.
[0019] In an aspect, each of the locking members comprises a protrusion ring at a distance from the bottom surface, where the protrusion rings is provided for snap fit locking.
[0020] In an aspect, the horizontal portion of the cushion structure defines a gap in between the bottom surface and upper surface, where the gap extends from one end of horizontal portion to translating region between the vertical portion and the horizontal portion.
[0021] In an aspect, the vertical portion defines a gap in between the inner surface and an outer surface, where the gap covers an end edge portion of the vertical portion of the parcel shelf.
[0022] In an aspect, the L-shaped cushion structure is made of rubber material.
[0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates structure of parcel shelf;
[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates structure of existing cushion with application of force by the back door; and
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates structure of assembly of L-shaped cushion structure with the rear parcel shelf, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0032] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0034] Referring to Fig. 3, the present subject matter relates to an assembly 400 of a cushion structure 300 with a rear parcel shelf 201 for restricting movement of the parcel shelf 201 during application of force by back door 202. The parcel shelf 201, mounted on the vehicle body from an upper end portion of the seat back, is adapted to extend rearward towards the back door 202. Further, one end of the parcel shelf 201 is pivotally mounted above the seat back on the vehicle body or pivotally mounted on the upper portion of the seat back. The cushion structure 300 is in L-shaped structure that is mounted on the parcel shelf 201. The L-shaped cushion structure 300 comprises a horizontal portion 301 and a vertical portion 302. The horizontal portion 301 has a first locking structure 303 that is extending from bottom surface 301a. Similarly, the vertical portion 302 has a second locking structure 304 that is extending from inner surface 302a. Further, a latch 305 extends from the distal end of the vertical portion 302. The latch 305 define a hole to receive the second locking structure 304 after mounting the L-shaped cushion structure 300 on the parcel shelf 201.
[0035] Both the locking members 303, 304 are stud members having at least one protrusion ring 303a, 304a extending outward from outer circumference of the stud. The protrusion rings 303a, 304a are provided at a distance from the bottom surface 301a and the inner surface 302a of the horizontal portion 301 and the vertical portion 302, respectively. The protrusion rings 303a, 304a are provided for snap fit locking. The stud members can be cylindrical or rectangular in shape. Preferably, the stud members are cylindrical studs for each insertion and fitment on the parcel shelf 201.
[0036] The parcel shelf 201 defines a horizontal portion 201a and a vertical portion 201b. The horizontal portion 301 of the L-shaped cushion structure 300 is mounted on a mounting hole provided on the horizontal portion 201a of the parcel shelf 201 by the first locking member 303. The protrusion ring 303a of the locking member 303 provides snap fitting of the horizontal portion 301 and restrict popping out. The vertical portion 302 of the L-shaped cushion structure 300 is mounted on a mounting hole provided on the vertical portion 201b of the parcel shelf 201 by the second locking member 304. The protrusion ring 304a of the locking member 304 provides snap fitting of the vertical portion 302 to the parcel shelf 201 and restrict popping out of the same. The protrusion rings 303a, 304a abut with rear surface that is opposite to mounting surface to restrict coming out of the cushion structure 300 from the parcel shelf 201.
[0037] In an embodiment, an upper surface 301b and the bottom surface 301a of the horizontal portion 301 of the L-shaped cushion structure 300 defines a gap 301c therebetween to absorb impact of force applied by the back door 202. The gap 301c extends from one end of horizontal portion to translating region between the horizontal portion 301 and the vertical portion 302 to absorb impact force by the back door 202 at the translating region.
[0038] The outer surface 302b and the inner surface 302a of the vertical portion 302 also defines a gap 302c. The latch 305 extends after the gap 302c at distal end of the vertical portion 302. After mounting the second locking member 304 with the vertical portion 201b of the parcel shelf 201, the latch 305 is snap fitted with the second locking member 304 by covering end edge of the vertical portion 201b of the parcel shelf 201. Further, the gap 302c is positioned just below the end edge of the vertical portion 201b of the parcel shelf 201. The latch 305 is interference fitted with the second locking member 304. In an embodiment, the latch 305 can be snap fitted with the second locking member 304.
[0039] In an embodiment, the L-shaped cushion structure 300 is made of rubber material to damp the impact force by the back door 202.
[0040] Assembly 400 of L-shaped cushion structure on the parcel shelf:
[0041] The present L-shaped cushion structure 300 is mounted on the rear parcel tray or shelf 201 of vehicle at rear side of the vehicle. The first locking member 303 provided on the horizontal portion 301 of the L-shaped cushion structure 300 is mounted on the mounting hole provided on the horizontal portion 201a of the parcel shelf 201. The locking member 303 is directed to the mounting hole and snap fitted. Similarly, the vertical portion 302 of the L-shaped cushion structure 300 is mounted on the mounting hole provided on the vertical portion 201b of the parcel shelf 201. The latch 305 is mounted on the second locking member 304 by covering the end edge of the vertical portion 201b of the parcel shelf.
[0042] After assembly of the present L-shaped cushion structure 300 on the parcel shelf 201, the angular difference between the compression force ‘F2’ and the rotation actuation force ‘F1’ is in range 150o to 180o.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, back door trim is also modified to provide interference and support to the cushion structure. The L-shaped cushion structure remains in interference with the back door and prevents rattling noise during vehicle running condition.
[0044] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

We claim:
1. An assembly (400) of a cushion structure (300) with rear parcel shelf (201) to restrict movement of the rear parcel shelf (201), the assembly (400) comprising:

the parcel shelf (201) adapted to extend rearward from an upper end portion of a back seat; and

the cushion structure (300) positioned in between a back door (202) and the parcel shelf (201), where the cushion structure (300) is mounted on the parcel shelf (201), wherein
the cushion structure (300) defines an L-shape, the cushion structure (300) comprising:
a horizontal portion (301) and a vertical portion (302);
a first locking member (303) extending from the horizontal portion (301) and a second locking member (304) extending from the vertical portion (302); and
a latch (305) extending from distal end of the vertical portion (302),
wherein the first locking member (303) is fitted with horizontal portion (201a) of the parcel shelf (201), and
the second locking member (304) is fitted with vertical portion (201b) of the parcel shelf (201).

2. The assembly (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latch (305) covers an end edge of the vertical portion (201b) of the parcel shelf (201) and is fitted with the second locking member (304) of the vertical portion (302) of the cushion structure (300).
3. The assembly (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical portion (302) of the L-shaped cushion structure (300) is configured to support the parcel shelf (101) to avoid sagging.

4. The assembly (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the L-shaped cushion structure (300) is made of rubber material.

5. The assembly (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein angular difference (F) between compression force (F2) and rotation actuation force (F1) applied on the L-shaped cushion structure (300) is at range 150º to 180º.

6. An L-shaped cushion structure (300) mounted on a parcel shelf (201) to restrict movement, the L-shaped cushion structure (300) comprising:
a horizontal portion (301) and a vertical portion (302);
a first locking member (303) extending from bottom surface (301a) of the horizontal portion (301) and a second locking member (304) extending from inner surface (302a) of the vertical portion (302); and
a latch (305) extending from distal end of the vertical portion (302),
wherein the first locking member (303) is fitted with horizontal portion (201a) of the parcel shelf (201), and the second locking member (304) is fitted with vertical portion (201b) of the parcel shelf (201).
7. The L-shaped cushion structure (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking members (303, 304) comprises a protrusion ring (303a, 304a) at a distance from the bottom and inner surfaces (301a, 302b), where the protrusion rings (303a, 304a) are provided for snap fit locking.
8. The L-shaped cushion structure (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the horizontal portion (301) defines a gap (301c) in between the bottom surface (301a) and an upper surface (301b), where the gap (301c) extends from one end of horizontal portion (301) to translating region between the vertical portion (302) and the horizontal portion (301).
9. The L-shaped cushion structure (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vertical portion (302) defines a gap (302c) in between the inner surface (302a) and outer surface (302b), where the gap (302c) covers an end edge portion of the vertical portion (201b) of the parcel shelf (201).
10. The L-shaped cushion structure (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the L-shaped cushion structure (300) is made of rubber material.