Cargo retention system

Abstract

A cargo retention system for a vehicle having a seat is described. The seat has a seat bottom with an upper surface and a seat back with a front surface. The intersection of the upper surface and the front surface defines a bight. The cargo retention system includes a first anchorage adapted to be coupled to the vehicle. A portion of the first anchorage is adapted to be positioned in the bight. A retainer releasably interconnects a vehicle accessory and the first anchorage.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cargo retention system for a vehicle accessory located in a vehicle having a seat, the seat having a seat bottom with an upper surface and a seat back with a front surface, the intersection of the upper surface and the front surface defining a bight, the cargo retention system comprising: 
 a first anchorage adapted to be coupled directly to the vehicle;    a portion of the first anchorage adapted to be positioned in the bight;    a retainer releasably interconnecting a vehicle accessory and the first anchorage;    wherein the vehicle accessory is other than a child seat or a child and is selected from the group consisting of a container, a rigid platform, an appliance and a side cushion.    
     
     
         2 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a latch having a hook shaped end for releasable coupling to the anchorage.  
     
     
         3 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , further including a second anchorage positioned transverse to the first anchorage and a second retainer interconnecting the vehicle accessory and the second anchorage.  
     
     
         4 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle accessory is adapted to be positioned on the upper surface of the seat bottom.  
     
     
         5 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle accessory is adapted to be biasedly loaded against the front surface of the seat back.  
     
     
         6 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a cargo net.  
     
     
         7 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle accessory includes a strap adapted for coupling to the seat bottom.  
     
     
         8 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle accessory is adapted for interconnecting the first anchorage from a position behind the seat.  
     
     
         9 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a latch detachably coupled to the first anchorage.  
     
     
         10 . The cargo retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the first anchorage includes a striker portion for engaging the retainer, the striker adapted to be positioned within the bight.  
     
     
         11 . A device for detachably interconnecting a vehicle accessory to a child restraint system of a vehicle, the child restraint system including a lower anchorage coupled to the vehicle, the device comprising: 
 an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably couple the vehicle accessory to the lower anchorage;    wherein the vehicle accessory is other than a child seat or a child and is selected from the group consisting of a container, a rigid platform, an appliance and a side cushion.    
     
     
         12 . The device for detachably interconnecting a vehicle accessory to a child restraint system of a vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the attachment mechanism includes a latch having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to be coupled to the vehicle accessory, the second end bifurcated to include a pair of legs adapted for engaging the lower anchorage.  
     
     
         13 . The device for detachably interconnecting a vehicle accessory to a child restraint system of a vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the attachment mechanism includes a flexible member having a hook adapted for releasably coupling to the lower anchorage.  
     
     
         14 . A cargo retention system for a vehicle comprising: 
 a vehicle accessory;    a seat having a seat bottom with an upper surface and a lower surface, the seat also having a seat back with a front surface and a back surface, the seat back extending generally upwardly from the seat bottom;    a bight at the intersection of the upper surface of the seat bottom and the front surface of the seat back;    an anchorage adapted for attachment to the vehicle, the anchorage having a portion thereof disposed in the bight; and    a retainer interconnecting the vehicle accessory to the anchorage;    wherein the vehicle accessory is other than a child seat or a child and is selected from the group consisting of a container, a rigid platform, an appliance and a side cushion.    
     
     
         15 . A cargo retention system for a vehicle having child safety device anchorages within the interior of the vehicle, the cargo retention system comprising: 
 a vehicle accessory adapted for releasably engaging the anchorages;    an electrification system adapted for supplying electrical power from the anchorages to the vehicle accessory;    wherein the vehicle accessory is other than a child seat or a child and is selected from the group consisting of a container, a rigid platform, an appliance and a side cushion.    
     
     
         16 . The cargo retention system of  claim 15 , wherein said electrification system includes an electrical connector adapted to be mounted in proximity with one of the anchorages and a mating electrical connector coupled to the vehicle accessory.