The present invention provides a reconfigurable intermediate panel (RIP) arranged between the cab and the cargo bed of a vehicle. The vehicle has a vehicle body structure that separates the cab and the cargo bed. The RIP is arranged within an opening in the vehicle body structure for providing access to the cab from the cargo bed. The RIP includes a door structure having first and second opposing portions adjacent to opposing sides of the opening when the RIP is in a closed position. A plurality of cable spans the first and second portions for strengthening the door structure and barring the entry of cargo from the cargo bed into the cab when the structure is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the cables extend from opposing portions of a door frame. In another embodiment, the cables are embedded in a plastic panel, which is secured to a door frame. Accordingly, the above invention provides an RIP that provides an improved structural barrier between the cargo bed and the cab from heavy cargo.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/220,712, which was filed on Jul. 26, 2000.
A vehicle midgate includes a generally U-shaped reinforcement member that cooperates with an inner panel and an outer panel to define a cavity for containing a selectively retractable window. The U-shaped reinforcement member has a closed cross section so as to form a channel separate from the cavity. The reinforcement member provides increased stiffness and improved water management inside the midgate.
A retention cable arrangement for retaining a cargo closure assembly in association with a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a cargo lid door having at least one hinge for pivotally connecting the cargo door to the vehicle. A retention cable is connected to the at least one hinge and to the cargo door distal to the at least one hinge.
A partition structure for a vehicle is disclosed. The partition structure is mainly composed of a partition panel provided between a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment, hinge mechanisms provided for connecting lower corners of the partition panel with a floor of the passenger and cargo compartments, a lock mechanism for supporting the partition panel in a closed state. The partition panel has a low rigidity energy absorption part provided at a lower center part. By this configuration, the partition panel is prevented from deforming even by the application of load thereto without increasing weight or manufacturing cost.
A filler panel for inserting within a vehicle body section that has a plurality of slats positioned substantially parallel with respect to one another, and each slat has a slat connector mechanism. The apparatus further has a molded encasing exhibiting a shape suitable for insertion into the vehicle body section, and the molded encasing contains each of the plurality of slats secured substantially parallel with respect to one another within the molded encasing such that each connector mechanism associated with each of the plurality of slats protrudes from the encasing such that each connector mechanism is positioned to be affixed to the vehicle body section.
A reconfigurable intermediate panel provides the capability of reconfiguring the interior space of a vehicle. A first panel portion is moveable in the vehicle between various locations. A second panel portion is supported for movement with the first panel portion and for movement relative to the first panel portion. By selectively extending the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion, the vehicle interior space may be selectively divided and provides isolated vehicle compartments.
