AU2006249287A1 - Vehicle barrier multi-positional assembly - Google Patents

Description

08/12 '06 FRI 16:30 FAX 61 8 82119433 Leslcar Perrin 039 13258AU

ORIGINAL

Complete Specification Applicant: Title: Automotive Occupant Load Protection Systems Pty Ltd Vehicle barrier multi-positional assembly LESICAR PERRIN, 49 Wright Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia Address for Service: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to melus: COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:30 FAX 61 8 82119433 LscrPri 4 Lesicar Perrin Z 040 IND 2 O Vehicle Barrier Multi-Positional Assembly The present invention relates to a vehicle barrier multi-positional assembly and, in 0 particular, to a track system adapted to be longitudinally attached to th~e roof of a vehicle and 0 selectively mounting thereto -a protective screen.

00 BACKGROUND OF THE NVENTION ON It is well known that vehicle barriers are generally used to separate interior portions of a vehicle thereby creating separate compartments therein.

0N 0 For example, in station wagons, vans, hatchbacks and 4WD vehicles, cargo barriers are used to prevent cargo typically located in the rear of the vehicle from being flung toward the 'front of the vehicle where occupants are located in the event of a collision or abrupt halt. It is well knowrn the damage that a cargo item can cause to an occupant of a vehicle or parts of the vehicle itself in such circumstances, even the smallest of items capable of causing a great deal of damage. Furthermore, cargo bafflers have also been known to prevent occupants from being thrown toward the rear of the vehi cle and for supporting the vehicle roof in the case of vehicle roll1-over.

Regardless of the situation in which a protective barrier may be used within a vehicle, a common problem exists in that the barriers are not easily multi-positional, that is, the position of the barrier is generally fixed and although able to be varied in accordance 'with the specific requirements of a situation, not easily moved between different positions.

For example, common 4WvD vehicles typically contain 3 rows of seats, that is, seats for 2 front occupants, 3 middle occupants and the option for a further 2-3 rear occupants. Cargo barriers are typically located and fixed directly behind the rear occupants and separate! them from the cargo storage area, commonly referred to as a 'boot' or 'trunk,. This is fine when most seats in the vehicle are occupied, however, in the situation where say there are 2 front occupants only, the space taken up by the middle and rear seats is wasted. Although the barrier may be moved and the middle and rear seats folded over to create more storage space, this is not a simple exercise.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative.

COMS ID No: SBMI-0561 9002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:31 FAX 61 8 82119433 LscrPri 4 Lesicar PerrIn Z 041 o The present invention is therefore related to a vehicle cargo barrier multi-positonal assembly including at least one track adapted to locate and have locked thereto a protective screen such that the screen is lockable at pre-determined positions along the track.

0o SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore in one formi of the invention there is proposed a vehicle barrier assembly 00 adapted to be fitted to the interior of a vehicle having a longitudinal axis, said assembly Ni including:a longitudinal mounting means; IN at least one protect .ive screen adapted to be lockable to said mounting means at one or more o 10 positions there along, said at least one protective screen adapted to divide an interior cf the vehicle into two distinct areas.

Preferably said protective screen is at least partially contoured to the transverse crosssectional dimensions of the vehicle interior.

In preference said Mounting means is in the form of at least one track extending in said longitudinal direction along a ceiling surfaee of said vehicle interior.

In preference said at least one track includes at least two mounting points that are longitudinally spaced apart at predetermined positions -along the track, said at least one protective screen being lockable to anay one of said mounting points.

Preferably said mounting points are positioned such that when the protective s.creen is mounted thereto, it is fixed directly behind a row of one or more transverse seats each having a head portion and a lumnbar portion.

Preferably said protective screen includes an upper portion which extends substantially vertically and parallel with the seat head portion, and a tower portion which extends suabstantially diagonally and parallel with the seal lumbar portion. The overall structural strength and rigidity of the screen is increased through use of a contoured screen.

In preference said upper portion of said screen includes at least one upper conniection means for connecting said protective screen to one of the mounting points on said track.

COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:31 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin [R 042 v.0 4 0 o Preferably said lower portion includes at least one lower connection means for connecting said protective screen to a lower surface in the vehicle interior.

0Preferably said lower surface is a floor surface of said interior.

00 o Alternatively said lower surface is at least one further seat which is folded behind the protective screen.

00 Preferably said vehicle barrier assembly includes a height adjustment means.

In preference said height adjustment means is in the form of an adjustable bracket which o is adj ustably lockable at predetermined heights to the lower portion of the screen, said bracket oincluding a lowermost lip adapted to abut with said lower surface.

In preference said lowermost lip includes at least one aperture for receiving a strap for securing the lower portion of the screen.

Preferably said protective screen is adapted to separate an occupant area in front of said screen from am item storage area behind said screen.

Advantageously said protective screen is a mesh screen, polycarbonate screen, or any other screen made of suitable material and capable of withstanding impact.

In a further form of the invention there is proposed a vehicle barrier track system including: at least one longitudinal track adapted to be fixed along a vehicle ceiling surface, said at least one longitudinal track including a plurality of mounting points at predetermined positions along said track; and one or more protective screens being removably attachable to any one of said mounting points.

Preferably said protective screen transversely spans at least one seat in a transverse row of a plurality of seats.

Preferably when said protective screen spans a single seat in a plurality of seats in a transverse row, said protective screen is adapted to be attached to a single mounting point associated with a single track.

COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:31 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin [a043 0 o In preference when said protective screen transversely spans two seats in a plurality of seats in a transverse row, said protective screen is adapted to be attached to transversely aligned Smounting points associated with at least two parallel tracks.

0 SPreferably said mounting points are positioned such that when the protective screen is attached, it is located directly behind one or more transversely aligned vehicle seats.

00 For example, there may be cargo barriers shaped to suit a single seat and therefore use only one track while another cargo barrier may be shaped to suit a double seat and therefore require the use of two tracks. This allows the longitudinal position of each protective screen SN relative to the vehicle to be varied.

C 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part o[this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle interior including the multi-positional assembly of the present invention and locked thereto is a protective polycarbonate screen positioned behind a middle row of seats; Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle interior including the multi-positional assembly of the present invention and locked thereto is a protective polycarbonate screen positioned behind a front row of seats; Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior of Figure 2 including the multi-positional assembly of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior illustrating the possible positions of a protective polycarbonate screen connected to the three mounting points of the multi-positional assembly of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle interior including the multi-positional assembly of the present invention and locked thereto is a protective mesh screen positioned behind a middle row of seats; COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:32 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin Z]044 I6 o Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the height adjustment mcans and lower connection means of a protective polyearbonate protective screen; Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connection means between the protective 0o polycarbonate screen and a track mounting point; 5 Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the connection means of Figure 7; r'- 00 Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior including the connection means ON of Figure 7; o Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative connection means between the o protective polycarbonate screen and track mounting point; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the connection means of Figure Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior including the connection means of Figure Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a hatchback vehicle interior including an alternate protective polyearbonate screen arrangement in its extended form; Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the hatchback vehicle interior of Figure 13 in its retracted form; Figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating a station wagon vehicle interior including a multi-positional assembly according to a second aspect of the invention and looked thereto are two protective polycarbonate screens positioned behind a rear row of seats; and Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the station wagon vehicle interior of Figure including two protective polyearbonate screens, the first positioned behind a middle row of seats and the second positioned behind a front row of seats.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings.

Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:32 FAX 61 8 82119433 LscrPri 4 Lesicar Perrin Z045 INO 7 o of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

0 The description herein refers specifically to barriers for preventing cargo from being 00 flung or tossed to the front of a vehicle. The present invention is not intended to be limited to 0 5 exclusive association with cargo barriers.

The present invention relates to a vehicle barrier multi-positional assembly including a 00 NA track system for mounting at pre-determined positions therealong a protective screen or banTier

ON\

which serves to separate front and rear portions of a vehicle. Although there may be variou's uses NOfor the proposed assembly, its use as a protection screen will be described herein.Tiisnto o 10 limit the scope of the invention to the assembly's use as a cargo barrier but to aid in the description of the invention for the benefit of the reader.

illustrated in Figures 1-4 are three possible positions of the protective screen 28 within a vehicle interior 10. The vehicle interior 10 comprises front seats 12, middle seats 14, rear seats 16, seat straps 18, a rear storage area or h-imk 20 and a set of windows 22.

Further illustrated is a vehicle cargo barrier multi-positional assembly 24 including a double track system 26 in accordance with a first aspect of the invention. The assembly 24 also includes a protective transparent polycarbonate screen or ban-icr 28 including an upper lip having associated therewith an upper connection means 32, a lower bracket 34 having a lower connection means 36, and a height adjustment means 38 for adjusting the vertical position of the bracket 34, each of which will be later described in detail.

The problems associated with existing cargo ban-iers have been described. As illustrated, the assembly 24 of the present invention aims to overcome these problems in that the protective screen 28 is capable of being mounted to pre-determined mounting points that are longitudinally spaced apart along the double track system 26.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1, there are three sets of transversely aligned mounting points 40, 42 and 44 along the double track system 26, the protective screen being fixed to mounting point 42 behind the middle seats 14 of the vehicle with the rear seats 16 being folded.

COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:32 FAX 61 8 82119433LecrPrin!16 Lesicar Perrin Z046 o Figures 2-3 illustrate a second possible position of the protective screen 28 within the o vehicle interior 10. The protective screen 28 is positioned behind the front seats 12 of the vehicle 0 and fixed to mounting points 44, whereby the miiddlle and rear seats 14 and 16 are foi~ed.

00 o Finally, as can be seen in Figure 4, the protective screen 28 may be fixed behind the rear seats 16. In this situation, the lower connection means 36 is simply a bolted connection to a surface in the rear storage area 00 Ni In all three situations, the protective screen 28 suspends from the track system 26 such Clthat it is maitained in transverse alignment relative to the longitudinal dir.ection of the- vehicle.

IND

o The protective screen 28 includes a horizontal bend 46 which extends across the transverse length of the screen 28 and thereby defines an upper portion 48 and a lower portion 50 of the screen 28. Each of the upper connection means 32 are transversely spaced apart an the upper lip such that They are each aligned throughi their vertical axes with each of mounting points 42 for connection thereto- The description relating to Figure 6 deals with the tower connection means 3 6 in greater detail.- The track system 26 of the present invention is adapted to be longitudinally mounted to the roof 49 by appropriate means such as an adhesive along the length of the track system, with the rear of the track system 26 being bolted to the roof 49 using a bracket 51. This bolted connection at the rear of the track system 26 provides the majority of the support. it is to be understood that most vehicles require a bracket 51 for bolting to the roof 49 and the figures that do not include bracket 51, but rather a flat surface bolted to the roof 49, are simply included to illustrate an alternate configuration.

it is obviously desirable for the track system 26 to be hidden from view of the occupants seated within the vehicle and for this reason, the roof lining is made to cover the track system 26 whiere appropriate. The method of covering the track system 26 with roof lining will not be discussed here in any detail. Obviously, the mounting points along the tracks will need to be accessed by occupants for mounting the protective screen 28 and this will also be later discussed.

It can be clearly seen in Figure 3 the horizontal bend 46 of the, screen 28 and die relative angles of the uipper and lower portions 48 and 50 respectively. When the screen 28 is fixed to a mounting point 44, the upper portion 48 is maintained substantially parallel with the seat headrest 52 and perpendicular to the track system 26, while the lower portion 50 and associated COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:33 FAX 61 8 82119433 Leslcar Perrln 047 c 9 O bracket 34 of the screen 28 diverges at an angle substantially parallel with a lumbar portion 54 of the seat 12. The detail of the illustrated mounting points 40 will be described further below.

SIt is has been found that it is of prime importance for the upper portion 48 of the screen 00 28 to be strongly secured to the track system 24 while the lower bracket 34 need not include such extensive fixing means. This is due to the fact that the lumbar portion 54 of the seat 12, in being substantially parallel with the lower portion 50 of the screen 28, withstands most, if not all of the 00 impact provided by the cargo. However, should the need arise for the lower portion 50 of the screen 28 to be securely attached, then the lower connection means 36 may well be adapted to C, meet this requirement. This may increase the impact resistance rating of the screen.

Sc O 10 Figure 4 illustrates the three possible mounting positions of the protective screzn along the track system 24. The protective screen 28a is illustrated behind the rear seat 16 in -his instance, with screens 28b and 28c illustrated in hidden lines behind middle and front seats 14 and 12 respectively. It is to be understood that the mounting points 40, 42 and 44 along the track system 24 do not necessarily have to be spaced at these particular intervals and in any case, the intervals will vary according to different makes of vehicle.

Those skilled in the art would realise the advantages provided by the vehicle cargo barrier multi-positional assembly 24 of the present invention. Existing cargo barrier configurations allow for a protective screen to be mounted generally behind rear seats, such that the rear storage area is separated from the occupant area Although they may be moved forward, this is not a simple exercise. The example of Figure 1 provides for a situation where there may be a substantial amount of cargo (not shown) which needs to be stored, an amount that requires more space than that provided in the rear storage area 20. Therefore in traditional cargo barrier configurations, one would have to remove the cargo barrier, fold the rear seat over to thereby create enough space to store the cargo and move the barrier. The present invention overcomes the problem in that it allows for the cargo barrier or protective screen 28 to be easily relocated.

It is well known in the art that mesh barriers are commonly used for the protection of occupants, and in particular as cargo barriers. Figure 5 illustrates a double track system 24 whereby a mesh barrier 56 is mounted to mounting points 42. The mesh barrier 56 includes a metal frame 58 which has a similar structural shape to that of the previously mentioned polycarbonate barriers and will therefore not be described in any detail again. The metal frame 58 includes strategically shaped and positioned apertures 60 which is associated with the upper COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:33 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrln 20o48 I N 1 0 o connection means 32, and 62 which is associated with the height adjustment means 38. The lower bracket 34 which is substantially the same shape and configuration as that previously )described, hence the same reference number, may either be constructed of metal or 0 ocpolycarbonate. Once again, the mesh screen need not include apertures 60 and 62 Ibr Lhe purposes given above, but is preferable so that the same connection means 32 and height adjustment means 38 may be used for both polycarbonate and mesh screens alike.

00 Two problems encountered with the use of mesh barriers is firstly, their generad Oappearance which detracts from the aesthetic nature of the vehicle, secondly, their nonc, transparency which is known to obstruct a driver's view through the rear vision mirror-, and o 10 thirdly, they are heavy and difficult to move.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to any one configuration of protective screen, whether it be a polycarbonate, mesh, bent or straight screen.

in preference however, the screen is bent for structural purposes and is constructed from Polycarbonate due to its favourable physical properties such as high impact resistance.

transparency and exceptional machinability.

Referring now to Figure 6 and an enlarged view of the lower connection mean=s 36 and the height adjustment means 38 which also acts to connect the lower bracket 34 with the lower portion 50 of the screen 28. It should be understood that any references to Figure 6 also applies to the lower connection and height adjustment means on the adjacent side of the screen 28.

The lower connection means 36 on the lower bracket 34 simply comprises an aperture 64 on its horizontal surface through which a vehicle seat strap 18 passes to aid in securing the lower portion 50 of the protective screen 28 to a folded seat such as seat 16 in Figure 1, or the like. The seat strap 18 extends around the entire cross-sectional perimeter of the seat 16 and is secured via a snap-fit device or buckle 64. When the strap is tightened, the bracket 34 is prevented from movement. Although this may seem a somewhat weak conntection, it has been found to be sufficient in adequately securing the screen 28 in place. As mentioned above, it is the lumbar portion 54 of the seat which absorbs the majority of the impact anyway.

It is to be understood that this is not the only method that may be used to secure the lower portion of the screen 28. For example, the lower horizontal surface of the bracket 34 may well include a hook means (not shown) adapted to adhere to a loop means (not shown) on the folded seat, or vice versa. This well known hook and loop connection is commonly referred to as COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:33 FAX 61 8 82119433Le crPrini14 Les1car Perrin Z 049 o Velcro®D. This method has also been found to be quite effective in adequately securing bracket 34 to the seat.

0 The height adjustment means 38 comprises a C-shaped aperture 66 located in the lower 0 bracket 34. A threaded section 70 on bolt 72 is adapted to engage a female threaded section (not shown) within knob 74 such that the lower portion 50 of the screen 28 and the bracket: 34 are 00 locked between the bolt head 76 and the knob 74 upon final engagement. While the lower Ni ON portion 50 of the screen 28 remains fixed, the vertical position of the bracket 34 may be varied CA between two positions created by the two horizontal portions 78 and 80 of aperture 66 with the VaO o 10 vertical portion 82 of the aperture providing a path for this variation.

The C-shaped aperture 66 therefore provides for variation in height of the screen. This is usetbl in that the screen may well be retrofitted into different makes of vehicle having different internal heights- It is to be understood that aperture 66 is not limited to only two posit-ions but may well include a greater number of positions into which the bracket may be locked. For example, the -present invention can be easily adapted for use in hatchbacks.

Figures 7-12 illustrate the use of two alternate upper connection means 32. Figures 7-9 deal with an upper connection means 32 for use in aftermarket vehicles whil st Figures 10- 12 illustrate an upper connection means 112 for use in vehicles containing the original eqluipment Referring firstly to upper connection means 32. In this configuration, each of the mounting points 40, 42 and 44 on the track 26, as seen in Figure 9, includes two longitudinally spaced apart apertures 84 and 86 for housing two bolts 88 and 90 respectively, as seen. in Figure 8- The vehicle lining 92, keyed housing or cover plate 94 and locating plate or impact plate 96 each include equally spaced apart apertures which are coaxial with apertures 84 and 86 for the insertion of bolts 88 and 90 there through. Keyed housing 94 includes a central key-shaped aperture 98 comprising a large circular portion 100, a shifinig portion 102 and a retaining portion 104, the function of which is described below.

Locating plate 96 also includes a keyed aperture 105S corresponding to keyed aperture 98, however does not include a locking portion. The bolts 88 and 90 are locked by nuts 89) and 91 respectively. Once bolts 88 and 90 are tightened, the mnounting point is now ready for engagement with the cargo barrier 28- COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:34 FAX 61 8 82119433 LscrPri I5 Les1car Perrin [a 050 INO 12 o A knob 106 is illustrated including an outwardly extending shaft 108 which is housed o within an aperture in upper lip 30 of screen 28. The shaft 108 includes a circular lip 110 at its end which is adapted to be inserted through large circular portion 100 of keyed aperture 98. It 00 should be apparent that the shaft 108 is required to be inserted through upper lip 30 before attachment of circular lip 110.

As can be seen clearly in Figure 7, this portion 100 provides a diagonal surfiae along 00 which the round lip 1 10 travels, tis diagonal surfaice continuing into keyed aperture 105 in locating plate 96. The next stage in assembly involves the shifting of the shaft 108 through shifting portion 102 until shaft 108 is locked within retaining portion 104. Retaining portion 104 o 10 includes an entry point that is less than the diameter of shaft 108 which allows it to be locked in place- The knob 106 contains mechanical means (not shown) which allows for the subsequent turning of the knob 106. This action causes the shaft 108 to be drawn within the knob 106 thereby locking the locating plate 96, keyed housing 94 and upper lip 30 therebetween. This action is aided by the use of a flat spring 111 which causes the knob 106 to be biased outwards from upper lip Those skilled in the art would therefore real ise the ease at which the screen 28 may be connected to any one of the mounting points 40, 42 and 44. Subsequent to this procedure, one would simply align the shaft 108 with the keyed aperture 98, insert and lock the shaft 108 therein, repeat this process for any adjacent mounting points,-, and the cargo barrier is then ready for use. The mounting points 40, 42 and 44 each further provide for a clean finish in that the roof lining 92 is tucked beneath the locating plate 96 which is interred in cover plate 94.

Referring now to upper connection means 112 in Figures 10- 12. This connection means 112 is very similar to the abovenieritioned connection means 32, the difference residing in the fact that the track 26 and vehicle lining 92 each contain an aperture 114 and 116 respectively.

There is therefore no longer a need for locating plate 96 or an extended housing height.

Therefore keyed housing 118 does -not include side walls, shaft 120 is longer than shaft 108, and bolts 122 and 124 which now extend through track 26 are shorter than bolts 88 and 90. Since keyed housing 1 18 includes generally the same locking mechanism as that disclosed in the description of Figures 7-9, the process of assembly will not be described again.

COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by P1 Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:34 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin Z051 N0 13 o The invention is not intended to be limited to the use of upper connection means 32 or o 112. A less complex connecting device between track 128 and screen 130 or 132 may be used.

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For example, the protective barrier 130 or 132 may well include a means for slideably engaging 00 the track system 128 whereby the screen is slideable along the tracks and may be fixed at any point therealong.

There may be instances where the height of the protective screen 28 may need to be 00 C adjusted, for example in hatch-back vehicles where different style hatch backs will require screens of different height. The protective screen 28 as hereinbefore described will only allow M\S for a minimal height adjustment that may not be adequate for such vehicles.

10 A solution to this problem is provided in Figures 13 and 14 which illustrates the interior of a hatchback vehicle having a declining upper rear end 127. A protective polycarbonate screen 28 is also illustrated having a lower bracket 129 which extends a greater heighl to that previously described and which now forms the extent of the lower portion 50 of the screen 28. In this configuration, the screen 28 may be adjusted such that upper portion 48 is able to slide over lower bracket 129 to a retracted state such that the height of the screen is essentially halved (as shown in figure 14). Height adjustment means 38 is substantially identical to that prev iously described with the obvious difference residing in the upper portion 50 of the screen 28 which will now be required to accommodate for a greater adjustment. The upper portion 50 may include one or more vertically extending apertures (not shown) or other mounting memans to allow for this. This may also be useful in storage where the space consumed by the screen 28 is minimised.

It is to be understood that should the hatchback upper rear end not include meens to mount the protective polycarbonate screen 28 thereto, then alternate connection mean; associated with the opposed transverse sides of the screen 28 may well be employed. For example, the opposed sides of the screen 28 may well include outwardly extending arms (not shown) for connection to the opposed interior side surfaces of the vehicle.

Referring now to Figures 15-16 which illustrate a triple track system 126 including three tracks mounted within a station wagon vehicle in accordance with a second aspect of the invention. There is a shown a first protective screen 128 located behind a single rear seat 130 and mounted to a single track 132, and a second protective screen 134 of greater transverse length COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:35 FAX 61 8 82119433 LeoaPera05 Lesicar Perrin 5 2 INO 14 o located behind a double rear seat 136 and mounted to a double track 138. This configuration CA allows for variation in seating position.

0 For example, there may be instances where the single rear seat 130 is to be folded as is 00 the case shown in Figure 16, perhaps to allow for greater storage space- In this situation, the 0 single rear seat 130 is folded and the protective screen 128 is shifted to a mounting, point located one interval forward while cargo barrier 134 remains behind the rear double seats 136. Every 00 occupant seated in each seat of the vehicle continues to be adequately protected from cargo ON located behind them, despite this double screen configuration.

INO It is to be understood that the mounting configurations 32 may be either of the o 10 configurations described above. For example, mountinug means 112 may well be used. Further, a bolted lower connection means 36 is illustrated when the screen is positioned behind t-he rear seat- This bolted configuration may be required when the load capacity of the barrier is required to be increased, but otherwise is not required under nornal conditions.

It is to be further understood that the invention is not limited to any specific number of tracks in the track systems. For example, in some circumstances, one track may well suffice.

The present invention therefore provides for an improved vehicle cargo barrier assembly that allows for the longitudinal position of the cargo barrier along a longitudinally extending track system to be varied, The assembly fuirther provides for two screens to be mounte~d to a track system whereby one screen may be mounted. at a longitudinally spaced apart distance from the second screen. The invention generally provides a user with various options that are not provided for by various well known assemblies.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of -the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising"~ is COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:rn) 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:35 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin 053 Sused in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

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COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08

Claims (12)

1. 2. A vehicle baffler assembly as in claim 1 wherein said protective screen is at least partially contoured to the tansverse cross-sectional dimensions of the vehicle interior. 0N 0 10 3. A vehicle baffler assembly as in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said mounting means is in the form of at least one track extending in said longitudinal direction along a ceiling surface of said vehicle interior.
2. 4. A -vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 3 wherein said at least one track includes at least two mounting points that are longitudinally spaced apart at predetermined posil ions along is the track, said at least one protective screen being lockable to any one of said mrounting points. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein said mounting points are positioned such that when. the protective screen is mounted thereto, it is fixed d-irectly behind a row of one or more transverse seats each having a head portion and a lumbar portion.
3. 6. A vehicle bar-rier assembly as in claim 5 wherein said protective screen includes an upper portion which extends substantially vertically and parallel with the scat head portion, and a lower portion which extends snbstantially diagonally and parallel with the seal lumbar portion.
4. 7. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 6 wherein said upper portion of said screen includes at least one upper connection means for connecting said protective screen to one of the mounting points on said track. COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:35 FAX 61 8 82119433 Leslcar Perrin 055 O17 S8. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein said lower portion includes at least one lower connection means for connecting said protective screen to a lower surface in the vehicle interior. 0 0
5. 9. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 8 wherein said lower surface is a floor surface of said interior. 00 10. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 8 wherein said lower surface is at least one further Sseat which is folded behind the protective screen.
6. 11. A vehicle barrier assembly as in any one of the above claims wherein said vehicle barrier Sassembly includes a height adjustment means.
7. 12. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 11 wherein said height adjustment means is in the form of an adjustable bracket which is adjustably lockable at predetermined heights to the lower portion of the screen, said bracket including a lowermost lip adapted to abut with said lower surface.
8. 13. A vehicle barrier assembly as in claim 12 wherein said lowermost lip includes at least one aperture for receiving a strap for securing the lower portion of the screen.
9. 14. A vehicle barrier assembly as in any one of the above claims wherein said protective screen is adapted to separate an occupant area in front of said screen from an item storage area behind said screen. A vehicle barrier assembly as in any one of the above claims wherein said protective screen is a mesh screen, polycarbonate screen, or any other screen made of suitable material and capable of withstanding impact.
10. 16. A vehicle barrier track system including: at least one longitudinal track adapted to be fixed along a vehicle ceiling surface, said at least one longitudinal track including a plurality of mounting points at predetermined positions along said track; and one or more protective screens being removably attachable to any one of said mounting points. COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08 08/12 '06 FRI 16:36 FAX 61 8 82119433 Leslcar Perrin Va 18 o 17. A vehicle barrier track system as in claim 16 wherein said protective screen transversely spans at least one seat in a transverse row of a plurality of seats.
11. 018. A vehicle barrier track system as in claim 17 wherein whcn said protective screen spans a o single seat in a plurality of seats in a transverse row, said protective screen, is adapted to be attached to a single mounting point associated with a single track- r"- 00 19. A vehicle barrier track system as in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein when said protective screen transversely spans two seats in a plurality of seats in a transverse row, said protective screen is adapted to be attached to transversely aligned mounting points S associated with at least two parallel tracks. Ci 10 20. A vchicle barrier track system as in any one of claims 16-19 wherein said mounting points are positioned such that when the protective screen is attached, it is located directly behind one or more transversely aligned vehicle seats.
12. 21. A vehicle barrier track system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this Friday, December 08, 2006 Colin Thomas By his Patent Attorneys LESICAR PERRIN COMS ID No: SBMI-05619002 Received by 1P Australia: Time 17:13 Date 2006-12-08