Alexandra A Schmidt

US Patent:

6663156, Dec 16, 2003

Filed:

Feb 28, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/248907

Inventors:

Mason C. Kincaid - Huntington WV
Alexandra Schmidt - Huntington NY
Brian Ehrlich - Pittsburgh PA
G. Sean Haag - Bridgeville PA
Susan Eitelman - Hampton VA
Yonah Graves - Riverdale GA

Assignee:

Ford Motor Corporation - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60R 504

US Classification:

296 391, 296136, 296 9723, 296 3714

Abstract:

A protective mat assembly for preventing undesirable contact between a person and an exterior surface of a vehicle when accessing the vehicles cargo area as well as protecting the interior cargo space when carrying dirty objects. A folding mat is conveniently stowed in and deployed from its own storage compartment housed in the vehicles cargo area. The mat can be easily moved between three positions, depending upon the intended use of the vehicle cargo area. In a fully stowed position, the mat is housed substantially within the storage compartment and is out of the way, enabling use of the vehicle cargo area by passengers or to carry relatively clean and large items such as luggage. In a first operative position, the mat is deployed from its storage compartment and extends out through a vehicle opening, draping over the opening as well as adjacent exterior surfaces of the vehicle such as a bumper or sill. In a second operative position, the mat is deployed from its storage compartment but extends entirely within the vehicle to cover an area of the cargo load floor surface to prevent soiling or to better secure smaller objects.