FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 OF 1970)
THE PATENT RULES, 2005
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (SEE SECTION 10; RULE 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
“PARCEL SHELF ASSEMBLY FOR A REAR BODY STRUCTURE OF
A VEHICLE”
APPLICANT(S)
TATA MOTORS LIMITED
An Indian Company
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001,
Maharashtra, India.
AND
TATA MOTORS EUROPEAN TECHNICAL CENTRE Plc
Nationality United Kingdom
18 Grosvenor Place, London,
SW1X 7HS, London, United Kingdom.
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a parcel shelf structure disposed in a rear body structure of a vehicle without providing any parcel shelf.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In a sedan vehicle that is provided with a trunk space, a rear parcel shelf that divides the passenger compartment from the trunk space is located at the rear of the rear seat. A rear parcel shelf is provided with a parcel frame that extends in the vehicle width direction on a front edge side of the rear parcel shelf, and both end frames of this parcel frame are supported above rear wheel houses on the left and right of the vehicle.
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a structure of a rear area of a vehicle body employing a parcel shelf structure, according to prior art. The structure comprises vertical support panel (1), a parcel shelf cross member (2), a front parcel shelf cross member for (3) left hand (LF) and right hand (RH) rear side frames of the rear area of the vehicle body, a center parcel shelf cross panel (4), a rear parcel shelf panel (5), a front (center) parcel shelf cross member (6) and a seat backrest mounting brackets (7). The vertical support panel (1) works as a pillar for the parcel shelf structure. The bottom of the vertical support panel (1) is connected to a wheel arch inner panel by spot welding. At the top this part is welded to parcel shelf cross member assembly. The side flanges of the vertical support panel (1) is connected to a rear quarter inner panel. The parcel shelf cross member (2) is part of the front parcel shelf cross member (6) which is connected to the front parcel shelf cross member (3) (main parcel shelf member) by spot welding from the bottom. The purpose of the parcel shelf cross

member (2) is to reinforce the parcel shelf assembly. This part is also spot welded to structure comprises vertical support panel (1). The parcel shelf cross member (2) is also connected to the rear quarter inner panel. The front parcel shelf cross member (3) is a part of the center parcel shelf cross panel (4). A trunk lid hinge (goose neck type) is mounted on the front parcel shelf cross member. This member is connected by spot welding to the vertical support panel (1), the center parcel shelf cross panel (4), the rear parcel shelf panel (5). The front parcel shelf cross member (3) is also connected to the rear quarter inner panel.
[0004] The center parcel shelf cross panel (4) is a main panel which connects the LH & RH side parts. The center parcel shelf cross panel (4) comprises the seat backrest mounting brackets welded to it and takes the seat loads. The center parcel shelf cross panel (4) also comprises mountings for a High mounted stop Lamp (HMSL) and car infotainment speakers. The rear parcel shelf panel (5) is a rear cross member for the parcel shelf system. The rear parcel shelf panel (5) is connected to the front parcel shelf cross member (3) by spot welding from the bottom. The purpose of the rear parcel shelf panel (5) is to reinforce the parcel shelf assembly. The rear parcel shelf panel (5) is also connected to rear quarter inner panel. The front parcel shelf cross member (6) is a front cross member for the parcel shelf system. The front parcel shelf cross member (6) is connected to the front parcel shelf cross member (3) by spot welding from the bottom. The purpose of the front parcel shelf cross member (6) is to reinforce the parcel shelf assembly. The front parcel shelf cross member (6) is spot welded to the parcel shelf cross member (2), the front parcel shelf cross member for (3) and the center parcel shelf cross panel (4). There are three seat backrest mounting brackets (7) which are welded to the front parcel shelf cross member for (3) and the center parcel shelf cross panel (4) of the parcel shelf

member. These seat backrest mounting brackets (7) are used for fixing the rear seat backrest. The specific functions of the parts are as follows:

Part No. Part Name Part Description
1 – LH & RH Vertical support panel Support the Parcel Shelf assembly
and connection to rear wheel arch
inner
2 – LH & RH parcel shelf cross member Functions as the front reinforcement for the parcel shelf assembly
3 – LH & RH front parcel shelf cross member Left and Right hand parts to the center parcel shelf panel
4 center parcel shelf panel Main panel which connects the left
and right hand parts. Also supports
the second row seat backrest.
5 rear parcel shelf panel Functions as the rear reinforcement for the parcel shelf assembly and also used for rear windscreen glass pasting
6 front center parcel shelf cross member Functions as the front reinforcement for the parcel shelf assembly
7 Backrest mounting brackets – 3 Nos Used for mounting the seat backrest

[0005] FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrates cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1 of the FIG. 1. Further, FIGS. 3a-3d illustrate sectional views of the parcel shelf structure of the FIG. 1, according to prior art.
[0006] The conventional vehicle rear portion structure for a sedan vehicle of this type has been proposed in which the parcel frame is placed on the front side of an apex portion of the left and right rear wheel houses, and both end portions of the parcel frame are connected to a cross member under the floor via reinforcing components. In this vehicle rear portion structure, the parcel frame and cross members together with the reinforcing components constitute a toroidal skeleton frame. Moreover, the parcel frame and the respective rear wheel houses are connected together by means of separate reinforcing components. Accordingly, a number of parcel shelf structure parts is increased, and this hinders cost cutting efforts and weight cutting efforts.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a rear body structure without any parcel shelf that achieves a weight reduction without a compromise to the body torsional stiffness.
[0008] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a rear body structure comprises a trunk lid operable at a rear waist level of the vehicle, wherein the trunk space is accessible by folding the rear seat.

[0009] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a rear body structure comprises trunk space is accessible by folding a rear seat, when the trunk lid is opened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one aspect object is satisfied by providing a parcel shelf assembly for a rear body structure of a vehicle. The parcel shelf assembly comprising a rear parcel shelf panel extending transversely along a rear side of a rear seatback of the rear body structure of the vehicle, a center parcel shelf panel provided rearwardly of the rear parcel shelf panel, and a left and right hand parts coupled at either side of the center parcel shelf panel.
[0011] In an embodiment, a size of the center parcel shelf panel is smaller than a size of the rear parcel shelf panel.
[0012] In an embodiment, the parcel shelf assembly comprising a trunk space on a floor behind the rear seatback, and a trunk lid operable at a rear waist level of the vehicle, wherein the trunk space is accessible by folding the rear seatback.
[0013] In an embodiment, the trunk space is accessible by folding the rear seatback when the trunk lid is opened.
[0014] In an embodiment, no parcel shelf structure is provided to support a seat backrest of the rear seatback.
[0015] In an embodiment, a four-bar hinge is mounted in a drain channel.

[0016] In an embodiment, a High Mounted Stop Lamp (HMSL) is mounted to the trunk lid.
[0017] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] This connector is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing the structure of a rear area of a vehicle body employing a parcel shelf structure, according to prior art;
[0020] FIGS. 2a-2b illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1 of the FIG. 1, according to prior art;
[0021] FIGS. 3a-3d illustrate sectional views of the parcel shelf structure of the FIG. 1, according to prior art;
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a parcel shelf assembly disposed in a rear body structure of a vehicle without providing any parcel shelf, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0023] FIGS. 5a-5b illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of the FIG. 4, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0024] FIGS. 6a-6c illustrate sectional views of the parcel shelf structure of the FIG. 4, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0026] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by

these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 4 through 6, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a parcel shelf assembly (100) disposed in a rear body structure of a vehicle without providing any parcel shelf, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The parcel shelf assembly (100) comprising a rear parcel shelf panel (5) extending transversely along a rear side of a rear seatback of the rear body structure of the vehicle, a center parcel shelf panel (4) provided rearwardly of the rear parcel shelf panel (5), and a left and right hand parts (3) coupled at either side of the center parcel shelf panel (4). The size of the center parcel shelf panel (4) is smaller than a size of the rear parcel shelf panel (5).
[0029] Unlike to the conventional structure, improvements done in the body structure to compensate for the stiffness lost by deletion of parcel shelf member. The specific differences with the conventional structure as described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 are as follows:

Part No. Part Name Part Description
1 – LH & RH Vertical support panel Deleted
2 – LH & RH parcel shelf cross member Deleted

3 – LH & RH Modified to
smaller front
parcel shelf
cross member Left and Right hand parts to the center parcel shelf panel
4 Modified to
smaller center
parcel shelf
panel Main panel which connects the left
and right hand parts. Also supports
the second row seat backrest.
5 rear parcel shelf panel Functions as the rear reinforcement for the parcel shelf assembly and also used for rear windscreen glass pasting
6 front center parcel shelf cross member Deleted
7 Backrest mounting brackets – 3 Nos Deleted
[0030] Unlike the conventional rear body structure, a parcel shelf structure is deleted in a sedan vehicle. The sedan type vehicle comprises a trunk lid operable at a rear waist of the sedan vehicle. It is to be noted that, during operation, the trunk space is accessible by folding a rear seat, when the trunk lid is opened. This way the rear seat may be folded to get a large luggage compartment that can accommodate big sized luggage.

[0031] FIGS. 5a-5b illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of the FIG. 4, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
[0032] FIGS. 6a-6c illustrate sectional views of the parcel shelf structure (100) of the FIG. 4, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
[0033] The parcel shelf assembly (10) comprising a trunk space (8) on a floor behind the rear seatback, and a trunk lid (9) operable at a rear waist level of the vehicle. The trunk space (8) is accessible by folding the rear seatback. The trunk space (8) is accessible by folding the rear seatback when the trunk lid (9) is opened. In an embodiment, a High Mounted Stop Lamp (HMSL) is mounted to the trunk lid (8). It is to be noted that no parcel shelf structure is provided to support a seat backrest of the rear seatback. In an embodiment, the parcel shelf assembly (100) comprises a four-bar hinge is mounted in a drain channel (10). In an embodiment, the rear parcel shelf panel (5) is used as rear reinforcement for the parcel shelf assembly (100) and also used for rear windscreen glass pasting. Unlike the convention rear body structure, the cross member are eliminated for connecting Left Hand (LH) passenger side and Right Hand (RH) passenger side of the vehicle. Unlike to conventional structure, the parcel shelf assembly (100) has improved corner section which continues till the quarter inner panel as shown at (11) and increased section for the rear sill as shown at (12). In the parcel shelf assembly (100) brace added to improve the connection between the wheel well closing panel and rear sill section as shown at (13).
[0034] Further, the conventional parcel shelf structure was also used for some other functions. Those functions will need to be reconfigured to the

proposed structure which is much small in size. The following suctions needs reconfiguration with the proposed parcel shelf structure:
[0035] Rear Seat backrest mounting – In the conventional structure, this function was achieved by the 3 brackets (Backrest mounting brackets (7)) which were spot welded to the parcel shelf structure (the front parcel shelf cross member (3) and the center parcel shelf panel (4). With the proposed structure (100), there is no structure available to support the seat backrest. In the proposed assembly (100), the solution is to get a seat concept that is used typically in hatchback cars where the seat backrest is latched to the body in white structure.
[0036] Trunk lid hinge mounting – In the conventional structure, the goose neck hinge for the trunk lid is mounted to the parcel shelf. In the proposed assembly (100), a 4 bar hinge construction mounted in the drain channel (10).
[0037] HMSL mounting alternate location – In the conventional structure, the HMSL mounting is on the parcel shelf. In the proposed assembly (100), the HMSL will either be mounted to the trunk lid or up in the rear header area.
[0038] Car infotainment speaker mounting alternate location – In the conventional structure, the infotainment speakers are mounted on the parcel shelf. In the proposed assembly (100), the speakers are mounted in the rear door instead.
[0039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and,

therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We Claim:
1. A parcel shelf assembly (100) for a rear body structure of a vehicle, the
assembly (100) comprising:
a rear parcel shelf panel (5) extending transversely along a rear side of a rear seatback of the rear body structure of the vehicle;
a center parcel shelf panel (4) provided rearwardly of the rear parcel shelf panel (5); and
a left and right hand parts (3) coupled at either side of the center parcel shelf panel (4).
2. The parcel shelf assembly (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein a size of the center parcel shelf panel (4) is smaller than a size of the rear parcel shelf panel (5).
3. The parcel shelf assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a trunk space (8) on a floor behind the rear seatback; and a trunk lid (9) operable at a rear waist level of the vehicle, wherein the trunk space (18) is accessible by folding the rear seatback.
4. The parcel shelf assembly (100) as claimed in the claim 3, wherein the trunk space (8) is accessible by folding the rear seatback when the trunk lid (9) is opened.
5. The parcel shelf assembly (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein a seat backrest of the rear seatback is configured without parcel shelf structure.

6. The parcel shelf assembly (100) as claimed in the claim 1, comprises a four-bar hinge mounted in a drain channel (10).
7. The parcel shelf assembly (100) as claimed in the claim 1, comprises a High Mounted Stop Lamp (HMSL) mounted to the trunk lid (8).