Diane L Allen

US Patent:

6712568, Mar 30, 2004

Filed:

Mar 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/109051

Inventors:

Mark D. Snyder - Bloomfield Township MI
Darren A. Womack - Windsor, CA
William G. Bowes - Macomb MI
Michael D. Anderson - San Diego CA
Diane T. Allen - San Diego CA
Stephen Ball - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc. - Farmington Hills MI
Nissan Design America, Inc. - San Diego CA

International Classification:

B60P 708

US Classification:

410104, 410102, 410106, 410110, 410112, 410105

Abstract:

A flexible cargo bed tie-down system that allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and that interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. Tie-down track(s) are provided that are integral with the body of the vehicle such that the exterior contour of the track(s) do not extend appreciably beyond the contour of the adjacent portions of the body. This permits the track(s) to blend in with the body of the vehicle, which improves functionality because the track(s) do not obstruct the placement of items on the vehicle. The track(s) are provided with a predetermined region that provides for controlled deformation of the vehicle body in case of a collision.