GB2554664A

GB2554664A - Luggage Support System for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2554664A
Application number: GB1616700.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dixon Antony
Original assignee: Tabernus Peram Ltd
Current assignee: Tabernus Peram Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-30
Filing date: 2016-09-30
Publication date: 2018-04-11
Also published as: GB201616700D0

Abstract

A luggage support system (1) for a vehicle having a rear bumper (25) and a tailgate (27), including: a support frame (3, Fig. 2) adapted for mounting on the rear bumper (5) and/or tailgate (27), and is adapted for receiving and supporting at least one item of luggage; a first attachment system (5) for releasably securing the support frame (3, Fig. 2) to the tailgate (27); and a second attachment system (9) for securing at least one item of luggage (7) to the support frame (3, Fig. 2). An embodiment of the invention has the support frame include two members (11 & 13, Fig. 1) which are pivotally attached to each other. The pivot allows movement between two positions: a storage position and a deployed position. The invention may also include a cushion mounted between the support frame and the rear bumper to prevent damage to the tailgate (27) and bumper (25) respectively.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Tabernus Peram Limited 2 Vicarage Lane, Piddington, OXFORDSHIRE, 0X25 1QA, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Antony Dixon

(51) INT CL:
B60R9/00 (2006.01)	B60R9/06 (2006.01)
(56) Documents Cited: GB 2524957 A US 5938395 A US 5738262 A US 20160297371 A	GB 0262568 A US 5826769 A US 4518108 A
(58) Field of Search: INT CL B60R Other: WPI,EPODOC

(74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Urquhart-Dykes & Lord LLP Altius House, 1 North Fourth Street,

MILTON KEYNES, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1NE, United Kingdom (54) Title ofthe Invention: Luggage Support System for a vehicle Abstract Title: Luggage support system for a vehicle (57) A luggage support system (1) for a vehicle having a rear bumper (25) and a tailgate (27), including: a support frame (3, Fig. 2) adapted for mounting on the rear bumper (5) and/or tailgate (27), and is adapted for receiving and supporting at least one item of luggage; a first attachment system (5) for releasably securing the support frame (3, Fig. 2) to the tailgate (27); and a second attachment system (9) for securing at least one item of luggage (7) to the support frame (3, Fig. 2). An embodiment ofthe invention has the support frame include two members (11 & 13,

Fig. 1) which are pivotally attached to each other. The pivot allows movement between two positions: a storage position and a deployed position. The invention may also include a cushion mounted between the support frame and the rear bumper to prevent damage to the tailgate (27) and bumper (25) respectively.

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-1LUGGAGE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

The invention relates to a luggage support system for a vehicle, such as a motorcar, and a vehicle including the luggage support system.

Vehicles such as motorcars have limited luggage capacity. Various systems are available in 5 order to provide additional capacity, such as roof racks and roof boxes. Items mounted on vehicle roofs significantly increase aerodynamic drag and can look unsightly. Also, because they are roof mounted, they can be difficult to fit, load and unload.

Accordingly the invention seeks to provide a luggage support system for a vehicle that mitigates at least one of the aforementioned problems, or at least provides an alternative to known vehicle luggage systems. In particular, the current invention seeks to provide a luggage support system for a motorcar that is not roof mounted, and therefore does not suffer from significant increased drag. It also seeks to provide a luggage support system that is relatively easy to fit to a vehicle, remove from a vehicle, to load and unload. The current invention also seeks to provide a luggage support system that does not take up much space when not in use, such that the system is easy to transport and store.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a luggage support system for a vehicle having a rear bumper and a tailgate, including: a support frame adapted for mounting on the rear bumper and/or tailgate; a first attachment system for releasably securing the support frame to the tailgate; and a second attachment system for securing at least one item of luggage to the support frame. The support frame is arranged to receive and support at least one item of luggage.

The invention provides additional luggage capacity for a vehicle, which is particularly suited to estate, hatchback, SUV and crossover type vehicles, all of which include a tailgate (rear door/hatch for accessing the trunk/boot).

Advantageously the support frame can be adapted to sit on an upper surface of the rear bumper. This helps to support the weight of the frame and luggage mounted thereon. For vehicles where the tailgate is arranged substantially flush with a rear edge of the rear bumper, such that there is little or no upper surface of the rear bumper available for receiving the support frame, the support frame can be mounted to the tailgate.

-2Advantageously the support frame can include first and second frame members. The first frame member can be substantially n-shaped. The second frame member can be substantially n-shaped. At least one of the first and second frame members can be substantially rectangular. At least one of the first and second frame members can be formed from at least one tubular member. For example, at least one tubular member can be bent into shape. Preferably at least one of the first and second frame members can be metallic, for example can include aluminium and/or steel.

Advantageously the second frame member can be pivotally attached to the first frame member. In preferred embodiments the second frame member is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the first frame member, when the first frame member can be in its normal operating orientation.

Advantageously the second frame member can be movable between a storage position and a deployed position.

Advantageously, in the storage position, the second frame member can be arranged 15 substantially parallel to the first frame member.

Advantageously, in the storage position, one of the first and second frame members nests within the other of the first and second frame members. This provides a compact arrangement. In preferred embodiments the second frame member nests with the first frame member. Preferably the second frame member is hinged to an inner side of the first frame.

Advantageously, in the deployed position, the second frame member provides a support surface to the or each item of luggage. The or each item of luggage is mounted on the second support surface.

Advantageously, in the deployed position, the second frame member can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first frame member. When the second frame member is in the deployed position, the support frame has a substantially F-shaped configuration. When the support frame is mounted on the vehicle, typically the first frame member is arranged substantially vertically. The first frame member can be arranged substantially parallel with the tailgate. When the support frame is mounted on the vehicle, typically the second support

-3frame is arranged substantially horizontally. The second support frame protrudes rearwards from the vehicle, for example rearwards of the tailgate and/or rear bumper.

Advantageously the support frame can include means for limiting pivoting movement of the second frame member with respect to the first frame member.

In preferred embodiments the support frame includes at least one tie linking the second frame to the first frame. Preferably the support frame includes first and second ties.

Advantageously the or each tie can be flexible. For example, the tie can comprise a strap.

Advantageously the support frame can include a support element for supporting items of luggage. The support element extends across at least a portion of the second frame member.

The support element can be flexible. The support element can include a plastics material, for example it may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or PVC coated nylon.

Advantageously the first attachment system can include at least one strap for releasably securing the support frame to the tailgate. Preferred embodiments include a plurality of straps for releasably securing the support frame to the tailgate.

Advantageously at least one strap can include an adjustment member for adjusting the length of the strap and/or tensioning the strap. For example, the adjustment member can be of the type, wherein the strap can be threaded through the adjustment member and folds back on itself. Pulling the strap through the member shortens the effective length of the strap and tensions the strap.

Advantageously at least one strap can include an engagement member for engaging at least one of the tailgate and the vehicle structure.

Advantageously the strap can be adapted to extend into the interior of the vehicle between the tailgate and the vehicle structure, and the engagement members can be adapted to engage an inner face of at least one of the tailgate and the vehicle structure. In preferred embodiments the engagement member engages with an inner surface of the tailgate.

Advantageously the engagement member can be sufficiently large such that the engagement member cannot fit through gaps between the tailgate and the vehicle structure. Thus, when

-4a user pulls on the strap to adjust its length, thereby tensioning the strap, the support frame is held tight against the tailgate. Typically the engagement member can be attached to one end of the strap.

Advantageously at least one strap can include a buckle or clip. The buckle or clip enables 5 opposite ends of the same strap to be connected together, or a strap to be connected to another item, such as another strap, the support frame or item of luggage.

Advantageously at least one strap can be adapted to extend into the interior of the vehicle between the tailgate and the vehicle structure, wrapping around the interior of the tailgate. Free ends of the strap can be connected together to form a loop around the tailgate. For example the free ends can be buckled or clipped together. This can be achieved by a single strap, or a plurality of straps.

Advantageously the first attachment system can include a first strap arranged to releasably attach at least one of an upper part of the support frame to the tailgate. The first strap can be arranged substantially horizontally. The first strap wraps around at least one side edge of the tailgate, and preferably both side edges of the tailgate.

Advantageously the first attachment system can include a second strap arranged to releasably attach a lower part of the support frame to the tailgate. The second strap can be arranged substantially horizontally. The second strap wraps around at least one side edge of the tailgate, typically just above the bumper, and preferably both side edges of the tailgate.

Advantageously the first attachment system can include a third strap arranged to releasably attach at least one of an upper part of the support frame and a lower part of the support frame to the tailgate. In preferred embodiments at least a part of the third strap is arranged substantially vertically. In preferred embodiments the third strap wraps around at least one of an upper edge of the tailgate and a lower edge of the tailgate, and preferably both the upper and lower edges of the tailgate. Alternatively the third strap can be attached to another structural element, such as a roof rack, or similar.

Advantageously the third strap can be attached to an upper portion of the first frame. Advantageously the third strap can be attached to an outer portion of the second frame. The third strap helps to support the weight of luggage loaded onto the second frame.

-5Advantageously the system includes at least one item of luggage that is adapted for mounting on the support frame.

Preferably the item of luggage substantially fills the support frame. Preferably the item of luggage has a depth that substantially matches the depth of the second frame. Preferably the item of luggage has a height that substantially matches the height of the first frame. Preferably the item of luggage has a width that substantially matches the width of the second frame.

Advantageously the item of luggage can include at least one fixing arranged to interact with the second attachment system. For example, the fixing may include a buckle, loop, aperture, or clip. Preferably the item of luggage includes a plurality of fixings arranged to interact with the second attachment system.

Advantageously the second attachment system is arranged to releasably attach at least one item of luggage to the support frame. The item of luggage is thus removable from the support frame. In preferred embodiments the item of luggage can include at least one handle for carrying and/or pulling the item of luggage. In preferred embodiments the item of luggage can include at least one wheel.

Advantageously the second attachment system can include at least one strap for attaching the item of luggage to the support frame. Preferably the second attachment system includes a plurality of straps.

Advantageously at least one strap can include an adjustment member for adjusting the length of the strap and/or tensioning the strap.

Advantageously the second attachment system can include as at least one fixing attached to the support frame. For example, the fixing may include a buckle, loop, aperture, or clip.

Advantageously at least one strap fixes the item of luggage to the support frame by engaging 25 with at least one support frame fixing.

Advantageously at least one strap fixes the item of luggage to the support frame by engaging with at least one luggage fixing.

-6Advantageously at least one strap can include a buckle or clip. The buckle or clip enables opposite ends of the same strap to be connected together and/or a strap to be connected to another item, such as another strap, the support frame or item of luggage.

Advantageously the second attachment system can include at least one first strap. The first 5 strap attaches the item of luggage to the support frame and wraps around at least a part of the item of luggage substantially horizontally.

Advantageously the second attachment system can include at least one second strap. The second strap attaches the item of luggage to the support frame and wraps around at least a part of the item of luggage substantially vertically.

Advantageously the system can include a first cushion mounted between the support frame and the tailgate. The first cushion can be made from a relatively soft material that will not scratch the vehicle paintwork. The first cushion prevents the support frame from damaging the tailgate. Preferably the first cushion is compressible. The first cushion can include a foam. For example, the foam can be in the form of a block or a tubular member. The first cushion can include one or more recesses arranged to receive parts of the support frame.

Advantageously the system can include a second cushion mounted between the support frame and the rear bumper. The second cushion can be made from a relatively soft material that will not scratch the vehicle paintwork. Preferably the first cushion is compressible. The second cushion can include for example, a block of foam. The second cushion can include one or more recesses arranged to receive parts of the support frame.

According to another aspect of the vehicle there is provided a luggage system for a vehicle, including: a support frame adapted to be mounted at the rear of the vehicle; and means for securing the support frame to the rear of the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a luggage system for a vehicle having a rear bumper and a tailgate, including: a support frame adapted for mounting on the rear bumper and/or tailgate, said support frame adapted to support at least one item of luggage; a first attachment system for releasably securing the support frame to the tailgate; at least one item of luggage adapted to be mounted on the support frame; and a second attachment system for securing the at least one item of luggage to the support frame.

-7According another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle, such as a motorcar, having a rear bumper and a tailgate and a luggage support system or a luggage system according to any configuration described herein. The motorcar typically has one of the following body shapes: estate; SUV; crossover; or hatchback. These motorcar body shapes are most suited to receiving and supporting a support frame of the type described. The support frame is mounted on to the rear bumper. The support frame is releasably attached to the tailgate.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a luggage support frame;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a luggage support system in accordance with the invention, which includes the support frame of Figure 1, wherein the support system is strapped to the rear of a motorcar;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the manner in which the luggage 15 support system of Figure 2 is attached to the rear of the motorcar; and

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the luggage support system of Figure 2, including an item of luggage mounted on to the support frame of Figure 1.

Figures 1 to 4 show a luggage support system 1 for a vehicle in accordance with the invention. The luggage support system 1 includes a support frame 3 for supporting an item of luggage, a first attachment system 5 for attaching the frame 3 to the rear of a motorcar, and a second attachment system 9 for attaching an item of luggage to the support frame 3. Optionally, the support system 1 can include an item of luggage 7, for example an item of luggage 7 especially adapted to fit on to the support frame 3.

Figure 1 shows the support frame 3. The support frame 3 includes a first frame 11 and a second frame 13. The first frame 11 is substantially n-shaped. The first frame 11 comprises metallic tubular material bent into shape. The second frame 13 is substantially rectangular. The second frame 13 comprises metallic tubular material bent into shape, and welded. The second frame 13 is pivotally attached to the first frame 11. The second frame 13 is pivotally attached towards a lower end 15 of the first frame 11. Ties 17a, 17b limit the extent to which

-8the second frame 13 can pivot with respect to the first frame 11. The ties 17a, 17b are bolted to the first and second frames 11,13. Preferably the ties 17a, 17b are at least partly flexible, for example, the ties 17a, 17b may comprise flexible strips, such as flexible strips of nylon. Alternatively, rigid ties 17a, 17b can be used.

The second frame 13 is movable from a first (storage) position 19 to a second (deployed) position 21. The second frame 13 is movable from the deployed position 21 to the storage position 19. In the storage position 19 the second frame 13 is nested within the first frame

11. In the storage position 19, the first and second frames 11,13 are arranged substantially parallel with one another. This means the support frame 3 is essentially collapsed, for easy transportation and storage. In the deployed position 21 the second frame 13 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first frame 11. In the deployed position 21, the frame has a substantially L-shaped configuration, and is arranged to receive items of luggage.

The frame 3 includes a baggage support member 23, which provides a base on which items of luggage 7 may be seated. The baggage support member 23 extends fully across the width of the second frame member 13, and partially across the depth of the second frame member

13. Preferably the baggage support member 23 is made from a plastics material, for example such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or PVC coated nylon, and preferably comprises a flexible membrane. Alternatively a more ridged baggage support member 23 can be used, for example to support heavier items of luggage 7.

The support frame 3 is mounted on to the rear of the vehicle. It is particularly suited for use with motorcars having a rear bumper 25 and a tailgate 27, such as cars having one of the following body shapes: estate, hatchback, SUV and crossover. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the manner in which the support frame 3 is mounted to the vehicle. The support frame 3 is mounted on to an upper surface of the rear bumper 25, such that the first frame 11 is arranged generally vertical and the second frame 13 is arranged generally horizontal. Preferably a first cushion 29 is located between the first frame 11 and the tailgate 27, and a second cushion 31 is located between the support frame 3 and the rear bumper 25. The first and second cushions 29,31 are made from a relatively soft material, such as foam, and are provided to prevent damage to the tailgate 27 and bumper 25 respectively. The cushions 29,31 are flexible and typically include one or more recesses 33 to accommodate parts of the support frame.

-9The support frame 3 is held in place on the vehicle by the first attachment system 5. The first attachment system 5 includes a plurality of straps, which strap the frame 3 to the vehicle. At least some of the straps attach the support frame to the tailgate 27. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that many different strapping arrangements can be used. A particularly effective strapping arrangement is described below, with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

The first attachment system 5 includes at least one first strap 35, which is attached to an upper part of the first frame 11, typically to left and right vertical frame members 43,45. The first strap 35 includes three strap parts 35A,35B,35C. The first part 35A is attached to the left and right frame members 43,45 and extends horizontally across the first frame 11. The first part 35A includes an adjustment member 47 at each end for adjusting the lengths and/or tensioning the second and third parts 35B,35C respectively. Each adjustment member 47 is preferably of the type wherein the strap 35B,35C is threaded through member and folded back on itself, such that pulling on an end of the strap both shortens the effective length of the strap 35B,35C and tensions the strap 35B,35C. The second and third parts 35B,35C of the first strap wrap around at least part of the tailgate 27, and extend into an interior part 37 of the vehicle through gaps 39 between a vehicle structure 41 and the tailgate 27. The second and third parts 35B,35C of the strap engage side edges of the tailgate 27. The second part 35B engages a left side edge of the tailgate. The third part 35C engages a right side edge of the tailgate. The first strap 35 includes first and second engagement members 49,51, which are arranged to be located in the interior of the vehicle and to engage an interior surface of the vehicle. Typically the engagement members 49,51 are attached to ends of the second and third strap parts 35B,35C respectively. The engagement members 49,51, for example may be hooks or blocks of material that engage an interior surface 53 of the tailgate and/or an interior surface 54 of the vehicle structure. The engagement members 49,51 are sufficiently large such that they do not pass through gaps 39 when the tailgate 27 is closed. The engagement members enable a user to tension the first strap 35 to tightly hold the support frame 3 to the vehicle.

The first attachment system 5 includes at least one second strap 55, which is attached to lower part of the first frame 11, typically to left and right frame members 43,45. The second strap 55 includes three strap parts 55A,55B,55C. The first part 55A is attached to the left and right frame members 43,45 and extends horizontally across the first frame 11. The first part

-1055A includes an adjustment member 57 at each end for adjusting the lengths and/or tensioning the second and third parts 55B,55C respectively. Each adjustment member 57 is preferably of the type wherein the strap 55B,55C is threaded through member and folded back on itself, such that pulling on an end of the strap both shortens the effective length of the strap 55B,55C and tensions the strap 55B,55C. The second and third parts 55B,55C of the second strap wraps around at least part of the tailgate 27, and extend into an interior part 37 of the vehicle through gaps 39 between a vehicle structure 41 and the tailgate 27. The second and third parts 55B,55C of the strap engage side edges of the tailgate 27. The second part 55B engages a left side edge of the tailgate. The third part 55C engages a right side edge of the tailgate. The second strap 55 includes first and second engagement members 59,61, which are arranged to be located in the interior of the vehicle and to engage an interior surface of the vehicle. Typically the engagement members 59,61 are attached to ends of the second and third strap parts 55B,55C respectively. The engagement members 59,61, for example may be hooks or blocks of material that engage an interior surface 53 of the tailgate and/or an interior surface 55 of the vehicle structure. The engagement members 59,61 are sufficiently large such that they do not pass through gaps 39 when the tailgate 27 is closed. The engagement members enable a user to tension the second strap 55 to tightly hold the support frame 3 to the vehicle.

Optionally the first attachment system 5 can include at least one third strap 65, which is attached to upper and lower parts of the first frame 11. The third strap 35 may help to support the weight of luggage loaded on to the frame 3. The third strap 65 includes three strap parts 65A,65B,65C. The first part 65A is attached to an upper horizontal frame member 46 and to lower horizontal frame members 48,50. The first part 65A extends vertically down the first frame 11, and horizontally across the second frame 13. The first part 65A includes three adjustment members 67, one at each end of the first part 65A and one located adjacent horizontal frame member 48. One of the adjustment members 67 is arranged to interact with the second attachment system 9. The other two adjustment members 67 are provided for adjusting the lengths and/or tensioning the second and third parts 65B,65C respectively. Each adjustment member 67 is preferably of the type wherein the strap 65B,65C is threaded through member and folded back on itself, such that pulling on an end of the strap both shortens the effective length of the strap 65B,65C and tensions the strap 65B,65C. The second and third parts 65B,65C of the second strap wraps around at least part of the tailgate

-1127, and extend into an interior part 37 of the vehicle through gaps 39 between a vehicle structure 41 and the tailgate 27. The second and third parts 65B,65C of the strap engage upper and lower edges of the tailgate 27, respectively. The third strap 65 includes first and second engagement members 69,71, which are arranged to be located in the interior of the vehicle and to engage an interior surface of the vehicle. Typically the engagement members 69,71 are attached to ends of the second and third strap parts 65B,65C respectively. The engagement members 69,71, for example may be hooks or blocks of material that engage an interior surface 53 of the tailgate and/or an interior surface 55 of the vehicle structure. The engagement members 69,71 are sufficiently large such that they do not pass through gaps 39 when the tailgate 27 is closed. The engagement members 69,71 enable a user to tension the third strap 65 to tightly hold the support frame 3 to the vehicle.

Figure 4 shows the item of luggage 7 mounted on to the support frame 3.

The item of luggage 7 is releasably attached to the support frame 3 by the second attachment system 9. This enables a use to lift the luggage off the frame 3. The second attachment system

9 includes a plurality of straps, which strap the item of luggage 7 to the support frame 3. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that many different strapping arrangements can be used. A particularly effective strapping arrangement is described below.

The second attachment system 9 may include a first strap 73 that fixes the item of luggage to the support frame 3. The first strap wraps around the item of luggage 7 in a substantially horizontal fashion. The first strap 73 may wrap around at least one of the vertical frame members 43,45 of the first frame 11. The first strap 73 may be fixed to the support frame, for example may be fixed to the first vertical frame members 43,45. The first strap 73 may be releasably attached to one or more fixing points, which can be incorporated into the support frame 3, or which are part of the first attachment system 5. For example, at least one of the straps in the first attachment system 5 may include a fixing, such as loop through which the first strap 73 can be threaded. A strap in the first attachment system 5 may include a clip or buckle and the first strap 73 may include a complementary clip or buckle for mating engagement. Preferably the first strap 73 includes an adjustment member 75 for adjusting the length of the first strap 73 and/or tensioning the first strap 73.

-12The second attachment system 9 may include a second strap 77 that fixes the item of luggage to the support frame 3. At least a part of the second strap 77 wraps around the item of luggage substantially vertically. The second strap 77 can may wrap around at least one of the horizontal frame members 46,48,50. The second strap 77 preferably includes an adjustment member 79 for adjusting the length of the second strap 77 and/or tensioning the second strap 77. The second strap 77 may be releasably attached to one or more fixing points, which can be incorporated into the support frame 3, or which are part of the first attachment system 5. For example, at least one of the straps in the first attachment system 5 may include a fixing, such as loop through which the second strap 77 can be threaded. A strap in the first attachment system 5 may include a clip or buckle and the second strap 77 may include a complementary clip or buckle for mating engagement. Preferably the second strap 77 includes an adjustment member 79 for adjusting the length of the second strap 77 and/or tensioning the second strap 77.

The item of luggage 7 is preferably substantially cuboid and is adapted for mounting on to the support frame 3. In order to maximise luggage capacity, the item of luggage may substantially fill the space made available by the frame 3. The item of luggage 7 is preferably made from a water resilient fabric, and may include one or more sub-compartments. The item of luggage includes an opening at its upper an end, and a closure member 81 for selectively closing the luggage. The item of luggage 7 may include at least one lifting handle 83, and one or more wheels (not shown). The item of luggage 7 may include one or more fixings (not shown), such as apertures, loops, clips, buckles, etc for interacting with the first and/or second attachment systems 5,7.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Furthermore, it will be apparent to the skilled person that modifications can be made to the above embodiment that fall within the scope of the invention.

For example, any one of the straps may include a buckle or clip. The buckle or clip can be used to connect two ends of a strap, one strap to another strap, or a strap to some other item such as a fixing included an item of luggage, the support frame or the vehicle. Preferably the

-13item of luggage is made from a flexible material. This enables the item of luggage to be collapsible for easy transportation and storage when not in use.

To attach the support frame to the tailgate a strap may wrap fully around an interior face of the tailgate. Free ends of the strap can be connected together to grip the tailgate. For example, each free end can include a buckle or a clip, the free ends being releasably attachable to one another. With this arrangement engagement members are not required. One or more adjustment members can be used to tighten the strap about the tailgate.

A plurality of items of luggage can be provided, and the second attachment system 9 is adapted to releasably attach each item of luggage to the frame 3.

Claims

1. A luggage support system for a vehicle having a rear bumper and a tailgate, including: a support frame adapted for mounting on the rear bumper and/or tailgate, said support frame is adapted to receive and support at least one item of luggage; a first attachment system for releasably securing the support frame to the tailgate; and a second attachment system for securing at least one item of luggage to the support frame.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the support frame is adapted to sit on an upper surface of the rear bumper.

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame includes first and second frame members.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the second frame member is pivotally attached to the first frame member.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the second frame member is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the first frame member, when the first frame member is in its normal operating orientation.

6. A system according to any one of claim 3 to 5, wherein the second frame member is movable between a storage position and a deployed position.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein, in the storage position, the second frame member is arranged substantially parallel to the first frame member.

8. A system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, in the storage position, one of the first and second frame members nests within the other of the first and second frame members.

9. A system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, in the deployed position, the second frame member provides a support surface to the or each item of luggage.

10. A system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, in the deployed position, the second frame member is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first frame member.

-1511. A system according to any one of claims 6 to 10, including means for limiting pivoting movement of the second frame member with respect to the first frame member.

12. A system according to claim 11, including at least one tie linking the second frame to the first frame.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the or each tie is flexible.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame includes a support element for supporting items of luggage.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first attachment system includes at least one strap for releasably securing the support frame to the tailgate.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein at least one strap includes an adjustment member for adjusting the effective length of the strap and/or tensioning the strap.

17. A system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the strap is adapted to extend into the interior of the vehicle via at least one gap between the tailgate and the vehicle structure.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein at least one strap includes an engagement member adapted to engage an inner face of at least one of the tailgate and the vehicle structure.

19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the engagement member is sufficiently large such that the engagement member cannot fit through at least one gap between the tailgate and the vehicle structure.

20. A system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein at least one strap includes a buckle or clip.

21. A system according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein at least one strap is adapted to extend into the interior of the vehicle between the tailgate and the vehicle structure, wrapping around the interior of the tailgate, and ends of the strap are connectable together.

-1622. A system according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the first attachment system includes a first strap arranged to releasably attach an upper part of the support frame to the tailgate.

23. A system according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the first attachment system includes a second strap arranged to releasably attach a lower part of the support frame to the tailgate.

24. A system according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the first attachment system includes a third strap arranged to releasably attach an upper part of the support frame to the tailgate.

25. A system according to claim 24, wherein the third strap is attached to an upper portion of the first frame and is attached to an outer portion of the second frame.

26. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one item of luggage which is adapted to fit on to the support frame.

27. A system according to claim 26, wherein the at least one item of luggage includes at least one fixing, such as a buckle, loop, aperture, or clip, arranged to interact with the second attachment system.

28. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second attachment system is arranged to releasably attach at least one item of luggage to the support frame.

29. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second attachment system includes at least one strap for attaching at least one item of luggage to the support frame.

30. A system according to claim 29, wherein at least one strap includes an adjustment member for adjusting the effective length of the strap and/or tensioning the strap.

31. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second attachment system, includes as at least one fixing, such as a buckle, loop, aperture, or clip, attached to the support frame.

-1732. A system according to claim 31, wherein at least one strap fixes at least one item of luggage to the support frame by engaging with at least one support frame fixing.

33. A system according to claim 31 when dependent on claim 27, wherein at least one strap fixes at least one item of luggage to the support frame by engaging with at least one luggage fixing.

34. A system according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein at least one strap includes a buckle or clip.

35. A system according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the second attachment system includes at least one first strap, the first strap attaches at least one item of luggage to the support frame and wraps around at least a part of the item of luggage substantially horizontally.

36. A system according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the second attachment system includes at least one second strap, the second strap attaches at least one item of luggage to the support frame and wraps around at least a part of the item of luggage in a manner such that at least a part of the strap is arranged substantially vertically.

37. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, including a first cushion mounted between the support frame and the tailgate.

38. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, including a second cushion mounted between the support frame and the rear bumper.

39. A vehicle, such as a motorcar, including a luggage support system according to any one of the preceding claims.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1616700.9