Cargo management system

Abstract

A cargo management system includes a cross member having a first side and a second side and a plurality of rib members hingedly connected to the cross member. A first group of rib members are hingedly connected to the first side of the cross member, and a second group of rib members are hingedly connected to the second side of the cross member. A front member hingedly connected to the first group of rib members and a first top portion hingedly connected to the front member. A rear member is hingedly connected to the second group of rib members and a second top portion is hingedly connected to the rear member. Preferably, the components are hingedly connected together by use of a live or living hinge. A top cover can be formed by one of the first and second top portions. The cargo management system may also include a bottom cover. A brace member and/or a locking member, such as a latch, may be utilized to maintain the cargo management system in a fully deployed position.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cargo management system for a vehicle, comprising: 
 a cross member;    a plurality of rib members hingedly connected to the cross member;    a front member hingedly connected to at least one of the plurality of rib members;    a first top portion hingedly connected to the front member;    a rear member hingedly connected to at least one of the plurality of rib members; and    a second top portion hingedly connected to the rear member, wherein the first and second top portions are adapted to form a cover for the cargo management system when fastened together.    
     
     
         2 . The cargo management system according to  claim 1 , further including a bottom member attached to the cross member, the plurality of rib members, the front member, and the rear member.  
     
     
         3 . A cargo management system for a vehicle, comprising: 
 a cross member having a first surface and a second surface;    a first group of rib members hingedly connected to the first surface of the cross member;    a second group of rib members hingedly connected to the second surface of the cross member;    a front member hingedly connected to the first group of rib members;    a first top portion hingedly connected to the front member;    a rear member hingedly connected to the second group of rib members; and    a second top portion hingedly connected to the rear member,    wherein the first and second top portions are adapted to form a cover for the cargo management system when fastened together.    
     
     
         4 . The cargo management system according to  claim 3 , further including a bottom member attached to the cross member, the plurality of rib members, the front member, and the rear member.  
     
     
         5 . The cargo management system according to  claim 3 , wherein the first and second groups of rib members are hingedly connected to the front and rear members by a living hinge.  
     
     
         6 . A cargo management system for a vehicle, comprising: 
 a cross member having a first surface and a second surface;    at least one rib member hingedly connected to the first surface of the cross member;    at least one rib member hingedly connected to the second surface of the cross member;    a front member hingedly connected to the at least one rib member hingedly connected to the first surface of the cross member;    a rear member hingedly connected to the at least one rib member hingedly connected to the second surface of the cross member; and    a top portion hingedly connected to the rear member.    
     
     
         7 . The cargo management system according to  claim 6 , further including a bottom member coupled to the cross member, the plurality of rib members, the front member, and the rear member.  
     
     
         8 . The cargo management system according to  claim 6 , wherein the cover is capable of withstanding a vertical load of at least 250 pounds.