Illuminated cargo carrier

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2018257544-A1
Application number	US-201715456845-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Mar 13, 2017
Priority date	Mar 13, 2017
Publication date	Sep 13, 2018
Grant date	—

Abstract

A cargo carrier includes a housing defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. A light assembly is positioned along the exterior surface. A grate is positioned within the housing. A luminescent structure is positioned on the grate. A light source is positioned on the interior surface and configured to emit light onto the luminescent structure.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A cargo carrier, comprising:
a housing defining an interior surface and an exterior surface; a light assembly positioned along the exterior surface; a grate positioned within the housing; a luminescent structure positioned on the grate; and a light source positioned on the interior surface and configured to emit light onto the luminescent structure.

2 . The cargo carrier of claim 1 , wherein the luminescent structure is further positioned on the interior surface.

3 . The cargo carrier of claim 1 , wherein the grate defines a first surface and a second surface and the luminescent structure is positioned on both the first and second surfaces.

4 . The cargo carrier of claim 3 , wherein a first light source is positioned proximate the first surface of the grate and a second light source is positioned proximate the second surface of the grate.

5 . The cargo carrier of claim 1 , further comprising:
a sensor configured to detect an orientation of the cargo carrier.

6 . The cargo carrier of claim 5 , wherein the sensor is coupled with a trailer electrical mount.

7 . The cargo carrier of claim 1 , further comprising:
a trailer mount configured to support the cargo carrier.

8 . The cargo carrier of claim 1 , wherein the light assembly is positioned on a vehicle rear surface of the exterior surface.

9 . The cargo carrier of claim 1 , further comprising:
a photoluminescent structure positioned on the light assembly.

10 . A vehicle, comprising:
a trailer receiver; a cargo carrier coupled to the trailer receiver; an orientation sensor configured to detect whether the cargo carrier is an undeployed or a deployed position; and a light assembly positioned on the cargo carrier and configured to emit light when the cargo carrier is in the deployed position.

11 . The vehicle of claim 10 , further comprising:
a photoluminescent structure positioned on an interior surface of the cargo carrier.

12 . The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the cargo carrier comprises a grate.

13 . The vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the grate defines a first surface and a second surface and a photoluminescent structure is positioned on at least one of the first and second surfaces.

14 . The vehicle of claim 13 , wherein the photoluminescent structure is positioned on both the first and second surfaces.

15 . A vehicle, comprising:
a cargo area, comprising:
a support track; and
a recessed portion; and
a cargo carrier, comprising:
a housing;
a grate positioned within the housing; and
a luminescent structure positioned on the grate, wherein the cargo carrier is configured to couple with both the support track and the recessed portion.

16 . The vehicle of claim 15 , further comprising:
a light assembly positioned on an exterior surface of the housing.

17 . The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein the luminescent structure comprises a phosphorescent material.

18 . The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein a light source is positioned within the housing and configured to emit light toward the luminescent structure.

19 . The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein the cargo carrier is further configured to couple with a trailer receiver of the vehicle.

20 . The vehicle of claim 15 , further comprising:
an orientation sensor configured to detect an orientation of the cargo carrier.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Salter Stuart C
• Dellock Paul Kenneth
• Huebner Annette Lynn

Classifications

• B60R5/04

  arranged at rear of vehicle {(B60R5/003, B60R5/006 take precedence; external trunks arranged at rear of vehicle B60R9/065)} · CPC title

• B60Q1/307 Primary

  mounted on loading platforms · CPC title

• B60Q1/2661

  mounted on parts having other functions (on wheels B60Q1/326) · CPC title

• B60Q1/44

  for indicating braking action {or preparation for braking, e.g. by detection of the foot approaching the brake pedal} · CPC title

• B60R9/06

  at vehicle front or rear {(rear luggage compartments within vehicle extensible externally of the vehicle body B60R5/041)} · CPC title