Integrated trunk lid for a vehicle

Abstract

A truck bed cover integrated in a vehicle (e.g., a truck) is configured to move through an opening formed between a cab and a truck bed and along a set of channels on the truck bed. The vehicle includes a motor engaged with the truck bed cover and configured to enable the truck bed cover to move automatically along the set of channels. In one embodiment, the vehicle is an electric truck configured to use a battery pack stored within the electric truck. The truck bed cover includes a plurality of movable sections linked together in a flexible form.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle, and more particularly to a cover for a truck bed that can be electrically rolled up and down to cover the bed. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles are useful in many different ways, including having the ability to store and carry cargo. For example, for trucks (e.g., pickup trucks), there is a truck bed that can be used for such cargo storage and carrying.

[0003] However, many trucks on the market today have open truck beds that are exposed to the environment without any covering. Having no covering on the truck bed makes any cargo stored or carried in the truck bed susceptible to weather conditions, as well as potential security issues related to, for example, theft. Rain, snow, and even wind can cause damage to the cargo, and having no covering makes the cargo open to the public, thus at risk of being stolen.

[0004] To mitigate the possibility of such damage, many truck owners install aftermarket truck bed covers to cover the bed of their truck. However, such aftermarket truck bed covers are not only difficult to install, but also do not perfectly fit the specifications of the truck bed of different models of trucks. If the truck bed cover does not fit exactly, it can leak rain or snow through the gap between the truck bed cover and the surrounding walls of the truck bed, and cause damage to the cargo. Furthermore, many aftermarket truck bed covers are not only difficult to install and inconvenient to use, but also take up space in the truck bed, reducing the overall utility of the truck. SUMMARY

[0005] To summarize the present disclosure and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the present disclosure are described herein. Not all of these objectives or advantages can be achieved in any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the application can be practiced with one or more advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages disclosed herein.

[0006] All of these embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the application disclosed herein. These and other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The application is not limited to any particular one or more preferred embodiments disclosed.

[0007] One embodiment is a vehicle having a cab, a truck bed including a set of channels, a truck bed cover configured to move through an opening formed between the cab and the truck bed and along the set of channels on the truck bed, and a motor engaged with the truck bed cover and configured to enable the truck bed cover to move automatically along the set of channels.

[0008] Another embodiment is a truck bed cover including a plurality of sections linked together in a flexible form, wherein each of the plurality of sections is linked to an adjacent section by a flexible hinge, and the flexible hinge includes a weather strip configured to provide a water-tight surface for the truck bed cover once the cover is moved to a closed position.

[0009] Yet another embodiment is a truck bed cover having a plurality of sections having ends and linked together in a flexible form, a roller wheel mounted by a bearing to each end and configured to fit within a channel on a truck bed, and a flexible strip positioned adjacent to the roller wheel and biased such that when the roller wheel is mounted into the channel, the flexible strip biases the roller wheel to be held within the channel.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the same reference numerals are used to identify like elements in one or more of the figures, in which the drawing figures depict one or more embodiments by way of example and not necessarily by way of limitation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A A perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the present disclosure is shown, with a truck bed cover in a closed position.

[0012] Figure 1B A perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the present disclosure is shown, with a truck bed cover in an open position and showing the interior of the truck bed.

[0013] Figure 2 A side perspective view of an embodiment of a truck bed cover integrated in a vehicle according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a truck bed cover and central motor in a coiled position according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a plurality of linked slats or sections of a truck bed cover according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 5AA top perspective view showing an embodiment of a roller wheel attached to a single slat of a truck bed cover according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5B A side perspective view showing an embodiment of a roller wheel according to the present disclosure. Figure 5A DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure can be understood by reference to the following detailed description. It should be noted that for the sake of brevity some of the figures are not drawn to scale, some of the figures are schematic or conceptual in nature, or otherwise can not correspond precisely to some of the physical constructions described herein.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated truck bed cover configured to roll down over a truck bed and cover any contents stored therein. In one embodiment, the truck bed is referred to as a "trunk" and the truck bed cover is a "trunk cover." As described in greater detail below, the trunk cover can be made of a series of movable rigid slats with a seal disposed between each slat such that the entire cover is relatively weatherproof when fully extended over the truck bed. In one embodiment, the cover is retracted into a rolled up configuration and stored in a compartment of the lower portion of the truck adjacent the junction of the cab and bed. In use, an electric motor is used to extend or retract the rolled up cover over the truck bed.

[0020] In use, the edges of each slat making up the cover have one or more roller wheels that slide along parallel tracks extending between the cab and bed and then along the upper top edge of the bed. The roller wheels are guided along these tracks from the lower portion of the truck to the upper portion and over the truck bed as the cover is extended and retracted. This configuration will be more readily understood by reference to the figures and description mentioned below.

[0021] ​In one embodiment, the truck bed cover is made of a series of parallel rigid slats that are connected to each other by flexible and waterproof linkages. The slats can be about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or more millimeters in width and have a length that extends from one side of the truck bed to the other. The length can be, for example, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1550, 1575, 1600, 1625, 1700, 1800, 1900 or more millimeters. In one embodiment, the slats are about 50 mm in width and about 1600 mm in length. In one embodiment, at each end of each slat is one or more roller wheels configured to fit within a set of “U” or “V” shaped tracks that are mounted to the upper portion of the truck bed side. When the electric motor that retracts or deploys the cover is engaged, the roller wheels attached to each slat roll along the interior of the tracks to cover the truck bed. To reduce the clatter or other noise when the cover is extended or retracted, as well as when the truck is driving on the road, each roller wheel can be biased to be securely held on one side of the track by a flexible strap that applies pressure to the roller wheel to press it against the lower portion of the track interior. In one embodiment, a flexible strap is positioned above each roller wheel to bias the roller wheel in a downward direction and against the lower portion of the track interior.

[0022] In one embodiment, the vehicle is an electric vehicle that uses a battery pack stored in the lower portion of the truck. In another embodiment, the truck can be a hybrid gasoline truck or a fuel cell driven truck or any combination thereof.

[0023] Figure 1A A vehicle 100 is shown having a cab 103 and a bed 104. The cab 103 includes an angled roof 105 that in this embodiment is tilted towards the bed 104. In one embodiment, the angled roof 105 covers a portion of the passenger compartment of the cab 103. Covering the bed 104 is a trunk cover 110 according to the present disclosure. As shown, the trunk cover 110 can be deployed to completely cover the truck bed, extending fully from the rear 107 of the cab 103 to the tailgate 108 of the vehicle 100. As shown, the cover 110 provides a relatively smooth and flat surface that extends along the same angle from the angled roof 105 to the tailgate 108. The transition from the angled roof 105 to the cover 110 is co-planar, as the cover is approximately the same angle as the angled roof 105 when extended.

[0024] Figure 1BThe vehicle 100 is shown with the trunk cover 110 in the retracted position. In one embodiment, at the rear 107 of the cab 103 is a junction plate 112 where the cab 103 and the bed 104 meet. The junction plate 112 is configured as a small, rear-facing panel that provides an upper boundary for the deployment of the cover 110. In the extended position, the cover 110 covers over the upper portion of the cover 110 so that rain or moisture will hit the junction plate 112 and be deflected away from the cover 110 and then off the rear of the vehicle 100.

[0025] Below the junction plate 112 is an upward-facing opening 130 that allows the trunk cover 110 to be rolled up or out from underneath the vehicle 100. As the trunk cover 110 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, it moves through the upward-facing opening 130 and under the junction plate 112. The opening 130 is partially formed by the rear wall 120 of the cab 103. The rear wall 120 serves to protect the trunk cover 110 in its retracted position from impact and damage by objects disposed in the bed 104. For example, as the vehicle 100 is driven, objects stored in the bed 104 can shift within the bed 104. The rear wall 120 prevents these objects from impacting and possibly damaging the retracted trunk cover.

[0026] As Figure 1B shown, in one embodiment, the trunk cover 110 can be retracted completely into the opening 130 so as to be completely stored behind or below the rear wall 120. In one embodiment, the trunk cover 110 is stored in or below the opening 130 or in a structure disposed between the cab and the bed of the vehicle. For example, the trunk cover 110 can be retracted with the front portion of the trunk cover 110 stored below the rear window 140 of the cab of the vehicle 100 so as not to obstruct the rearward view outward from the cab 103 for the driver. This ability allows the driver to view through the rear window 140 of the cab 103 when the trunk cover 110 is in the retracted position (e.g., rolled and stored as described above). This allows the driver to see into the bed 104 from the cab 103. This also allows a person loading cargo into the bed 104 to be able to view the interior of the cab through the rear window 140 of the cab. When in the retracted or stored position, the trunk cover 110 is rolled and stored below the junction of the cab 103 and the bed 104, which will be described in more detail below.

[0027] As the trunk cover 110 is deployed, each slat within the cover moves up and over the bed 104 on rollers within a set of side channels or rails 150A, 150B from the opening 130.

[0028] As Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, passageways 150A / 150B extend along the upper edge of the truck bed, sloping downwards at a lower angle, higher near the cab 103 and lower near the tailgate 108. Therefore, when the trunk lid 110 is unfolded to cover the truck bed 104, it slopes downwards towards the tailgate 108 at an angle matching the angled roof 105. This slope allows water, snow, mud, ice, and other outdoor elements to flow down the trunk lid 110 and out of the vehicle 100, thereby minimizing the weight imposed on the trunk lid 110 and the vehicle 100 by these outdoor elements and improving the performance of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the transition from the rear of the trunk lid 110 to the top of the tailgate 108 is a smooth transition, allowing water, snow, etc., to flow down the lid and over the top of the tailgate 108.

[0029] Turn now Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the trunk lid 110, in its retracted or stored position, forms a coil at a location behind the passenger compartment of the driver's cab 103. The trunk lid 110 slides downwards at the end of the passenger compartment 104 below the horizontal plane of the rear window 140 of the driver's cab, so that the driver can see the rear window 140 of the driver's cab when the trunk lid 110 is in the retracted or stored position. In one embodiment, a central motor (such as...) Figure 3 (As shown) Rotate to unfold the trunk cover 110 so that it rolls down across the top of the compartment 104 and into the passageways 150A / 150B (on each side wall of the compartment 104).

[0030] Figure 2 The illustration also shows the travel of the trunk cover 110 as it unfolds from below the driver's cab 103 and rolls out from the front of the cargo compartment 104 to the rear of the cargo compartment 104.

[0031] It should be recognized that, such as Figure 2 The illustrated motor and trunk lid configuration is not the only configuration that allows the lid to slide across the passenger compartment. For example, the motor connected to the rolled-up trunk lid can be connected to a pulley system that pulls a cable attached to the distal end of the trunk lid 110 and helps pull the trunk lid 110 out of the coil and across the passenger compartment 104. Thus, the movement of the motor will pull the cable, which will pull the lid to a retracted or extended position depending on the direction of the motor's movement.

[0032] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of one design of a rolled-up configuration of a trunk cover 110 is shown, wherein the trunk cover 110 is made of a series of slats or movable parts 310 linked together in a flexible manner, such that the trunk cover 110 can roll about a central axis on which a motor 320 is located.

[0033] As described above, each side edge of the tonneau cover 110 slides inside the channels 150A / 150B and is moved by the motor 320, which rotates to move the tonneau cover 110 out of the opening 130 and over the bed 104.

[0034] In one embodiment, the tonneau cover 110 can be made of a series of moving sections 310, where each moving section 310 has a set of bearings (not shown) attached to each side and configured to fit inside the channels 150A / 150B. Each moving section 310 is linked to its adjacent moving section 310 by a flexible linkage 315, which allows the cover to roll up and also stretch along its track.

[0035] In one embodiment, the motor 320 that controls the position of the tonneau cover 110 can be configured to roll up or out when the tonneau cover 110 crosses over the top of the bed 104 in the channels 150A / 150B inside the upper edge of the bed 104. In one embodiment, when the motor 320 rotates in one direction, the tonneau cover 110 is pushed out of the opening 130 and unrolls as it moves from the cab 103 toward the tailgate 108 of the bed 104. When the motor 320 rotates in the opposite direction, the tonneau cover 110 is pulled back to its stowed position under the cab 103.

[0036] In one embodiment, the motor 320 can directly control the movement of the tonneau cover 110, thereby increasing the speed of movement relative to any intervening components between the motor 320 and the tonneau cover 110 for controlling the movement of the tonneau cover 110. In one embodiment, the drive assembly is coaxially housed within the center of the spiral roll of the tonneau cover 110 in the retracted position. In one embodiment, the motor 320 is connected to the tonneau cover 110 via a central rotating drum with a plunger rod and a linear ball bearing assembly mounted vertically on the drum. The plunger rod is attached to a hinged bracket, which in turn drives the connected moving sections 310. In one embodiment, the motor 320 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise at a desired speed. In one alternative embodiment, a pair of motors with profiled wheels can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise at a desired speed. In one embodiment, the profiled wheels include a toothed feature that can engage with roller axles attached to the moving sections 310 and push them out of the opening 130 for unrolling the tonneau cover 110 or pull them into the opening 130 for retracting the tonneau cover 110. Figure 3

[0037] ​It should be appreciated that many different mechanisms can be used to open and close the cargo box cover 110 from its position under the cab 103 to the extended position covering the bed 104. Because the cargo box cover 110 is integrated into the vehicle 100 and not attached after manufacture, it can provide a strong weather seal whether in the open or closed position.

[0038] To open or close the cargo box cover 110, a user can press an activation button inside or outside the cab 103. In one embodiment, the activation button is located at the top of one of the passageways 150A / 150B positioned adjacent to the bed 104. Alternatively, the user can insert a key into a keyhole located outside the vehicle 100. In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle 100 can have wireless access and a wireless device such as a cell phone can be used to open or close the cargo box cover 110, which can be used to access an application configured to control the movement of the cargo box cover 110. In another embodiment, the cab or bed 104 can include a display screen with a user interface with a program button that can be activated by touch detection to control the movement of the cargo box cover 110 from the open position to the closed position. In one embodiment, the drive system associated with the movement of the cargo box cover 110 uses multiple systems for parallel safety measures. In one embodiment, one such system is primarily driven by two (2) micro switches to confirm a specific open position and a specific closed position. In one embodiment, a high resolution encoder constantly monitors the position of the cargo box cover 110. In one embodiment, the motor 320 is capable of providing a force feedback function, which enables the motor 320 to be disabled in terms of power in the event of a specific force application and current to the motor. In an alternative embodiment, the edges of the cargo box cover 110 are fitted with a multi-conductor pinch sensor, which is capable of pausing the automatic movement of the cargo box cover 110 at any point in its daily travel when the sensor is activated. In another embodiment, the drive system associated with the movement of the cargo box cover 110 is based on capacitive or tactile sensing technology used to detect whether there are any obstacles in the travel of the cargo box cover 110. In one embodiment, this technology of the drive system can enable the cargo box cover 110 to have an automatic reverse capability throughout its operating range when an obstacle is detected. This capability can protect the cargo and the cargo box cover 110 (and its system components) from damage. In one embodiment, the pinch sensor can be integrated into a carrier attached to the moving portion 310 closest to the tailgate 108.

[0039] In one embodiment, the tonneau cover 110 includes solar cells that are electrically connected to a photovoltaic charging system and a battery. In one embodiment, the battery is a vehicle battery that powers the vehicle 100, which in one embodiment can be an electric truck. When the tonneau cover 110 is deployed to cover the bed 104 and the solar cells that make up the slats are facing the sun, the solar cells can charge the battery within the electric vehicle.

[0040] Figure 4 One design of the moving sections 310 and the linkage 315 of the tonneau cover 110 is shown, in which the moving sections are linked together in a flexible fashion. The first half-moon shaped end 410 of each moving section 310 can be connected to the second circular end 420 to form the linkage 315. As shown, the first end 410 and the second end 420 of two adjacent moving sections 310 can be linked in a flexible fashion such that the first end 410 and the second end 420 rotate or turn with respect to one another to allow each moving section 310 to be flexibly linked to each adjacent section. As the moving sections 310 move with respect to one another, they close the gap 450 that is formed between two adjacent moving sections 310. As the tonneau cover 110 is in a rolled up configuration, the gap 450 becomes wider, and as the tonneau cover 110 becomes deployed in a planar fashion across the bed of the truck, the gap 450 becomes narrower. When the tonneau cover 110 is fully extended over the bed 104, the outer surfaces 425 of two adjacent moving sections 310 form a flat position. As mentioned above, this is useful in allowing any outdoor elements to slide off of the tonneau cover 110 and off of the vehicle 100 based on the angled shape of the top of the bed 104. In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 can include a separate channel for further directing any water or outdoor elements that need to be directed away from the bed 104 and off of the vehicle 100.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first end 410 and the second end 420 are separated by a strip 430 that is located between the inner surface of the first end 410 and the outer surface of the second end 420. In one variation, the strip 430 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g., Teflon) and is sized to help reduce the noise level associated with the first end 410 and the second end 420 rubbing against one another when the tonneau cover 110 or the vehicle 100 is in motion.

[0042] In one embodiment, each of the movable portions 310 constituting the trunk lid 110 includes a weatherstripping 440 disposed in a channel 445 extending the length of each movable portion 310. The weatherstripping 440 includes a mounting portion 447 and a flexible contact portion 448. The mounting portion 447 engages the weatherstripping 440 and slides it into the channel 445 in the movable portion 310. The flexible contact portion 448 extends into a gap 450 formed between each movable portion 310 and provides a waterproof and weatherproof seal between each movable portion when the trunk lid 110 is in the extended position. The weatherstripping 440 can be locked into adjacent movable portions 310 such that it has a waterproof surface when the trunk lid 110 is moved to the closed position. The weatherstripping 440 can be made of a durable and flexible material, such as rubber, to provide a weatherproof seal between adjacent movable portions of the trunk lid 110. When the trunk cover 110 is in the extended position, the weatherstripping 440 is in the locked or closed position and closes the gap 450 formed between the two adjacent moving parts 310 and applies sealing pressure to provide an impermeable surface.

[0043] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic diagram of the side end 500 of the movable portion 310 of the trunk cover 110 is shown. As shown, the movable portion 310 of the trunk cover 110 includes an end cap 503 mounted to the end of each movable portion 310. The end cap mates with the movable portion 310 on one side and provides a fastener for two spacers 530A, 530B. In one embodiment, four (4) rollers are connected to each movable portion 310, each roller being rotatably mounted to each slat via ball bearings. In one embodiment, the ball bearings are rated for a static load of 300 lbs. Each side of the slats has a pair of ball bearings and rollers. In one embodiment, calculations and basic FEA (finite element analysis) confirm that the movable portion 310 is capable of handling abuse loads, such as, for example, from 95% of the men standing on the trunk cover 110, or a specific amount of snow accumulation on top of the trunk cover 110, without any significant deflection exceeding a certain threshold or any component failure.

[0044] Connected adjacent to each spacer 530A, 530B are roller wheels 520A, 520B that rotate on ball bearings and allow the movable portion to slidably engage with a track that runs along the side of the vehicle. Adjacent to each of the roller wheels 520A, 520B is mounted a flexible strip 510 that sits outside of the roller wheels 520A, 520B. In some embodiments, the roller wheels 520A, 520B are wheels or bearing / roller assemblies. The roller wheels 520A, 520B are used to move the movable portion 310 (and thus the tonneau cover 110) along and within the channel 150A / 150B of the bed 104. As the roller wheels 520A, 520B move during movement of the tonneau cover 110, or remain in place within the channel 150A / 150B as the vehicle 100 moves, the flexible strips 510 bias the roller wheels 520A, 520B to prevent them from moving upward or downward, thus hitting the top or bottom of the interior of the channel 150A / 150B, as referenced Figure 5B more easily seen. As shown, the flexible strips 510 are sized and positioned to press against the inner side upper portion 550 of the track 150A. This design can be used to reduce the noise level associated with the movement of the roller wheels 520A, 520B within the channel 150A / 150B, or the stress level on the roller wheels 520A, 520B and other connecting portions of the movable portion 310 or the channel 150A / 150B.

[0045] The flexible strips 510 are configured to provide enough bias to the roller wheels 520A, 520B so that the roller wheels remain connected to the track 150A and cannot bounce up and down within the track as the vehicle moves. However, the flexible strips 510 do not provide so much bias that the roller wheels 520A, 520B cannot roll within the track 150. In one embodiment, the flexible material is made of plastic, metal, or other flexible material, but is able to slide within the track to provide the correct amount of bias on the roller wheels 520A, 520B.

[0046] The track 150A can be configured in any shape that holds the roller wheels and allows the cover 110 to extend and retract. For example, the track can be a "U" shape as Figure 5B shown. The track can also be more "V" shaped, or conical. In addition, the lower portion of the track can have features that allow it to direct water away from the inside of the truck bed. For example, in one embodiment, the lower portion of the track can have a channel that is configured to prevent water from entering the bed, but rather extend down the side of the truck and out adjacent to the tailgate. In other embodiments, the track can have an aperture that is configured to allow water to exit the outside of the track and into the road rather than the interior of the bed.

[0047] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure can be in assembly code, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or in any combination of

[0048] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] The diagrams in the drawings are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. The diagrams depict possible architectures, functional and operational aspects of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts and block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by dedicated hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or

[0050] Words such as "thereafter," "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the methods. Although process flowcharts can describe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations can be re-arranged. A process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0051] Features or functions described with respect to certain example embodiments can be combined and / or sub-combined in various other example embodiments, and / or with various other example embodiments. Moreover, different aspects and / or elements of the example embodiments as disclosed herein can also be combined and sub-combined in similar fashion. In addition, some example embodiments, whether alone or in combination and / or combination with others, can be components of larger systems, where other processes can take precedence over and / or otherwise modify their application. Moreover, a number of steps can precede, follow, and / or be interwoven with the example embodiments as disclosed herein. Note that any and / or all methods and / or processes can be performed, at least in part, by one or more entities or actors, in any manner described herein.

[0052] The terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, and / or as or not as relationships between or among entities. For example, when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" another element, or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element and / or there can be intervening elements, including indirect and / or direct variations. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0053] Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "a", "an", "one" or "said one" are used in this specification and / or claims, they are intended to be inclusive (meaning that there can be additional items) and / or they are intended to be quantitatively-singular (meaning that there is no additional items). Also, as used herein, the terms "one or more of' and / or "at least one of' are intended to be inclusive (meaning that there can be additional items) and / or they are intended to be quantitatively-singular (meaning that there is no additional items), unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0055] As used herein, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0057] This detailed description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the various forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art, and are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the various claims appended hereto. Thus, it is intended that the disclosure be considered in all its novel respects, and that it be read with the scope and spirit of the disclosure being limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a cab; a truck bed comprising a set of channels; a truck bed cover configured to move through an opening formed between the cab and the truck bed and along the set of channels on the truck bed, wherein the truck bed cover comprises: a plurality of sections, each of the plurality of sections linked to an adjacent section by a flexible hinge; rollers mounted to each end by a bearing and configured to fit within a channel of the set of channels and allow the sections to slidably engage with the channel; and a flexible strip positioned adjacent to the rollers and outside of each end and biased such that when the rollers are mounted into the channel, the flexible strip biases the rollers to be held within the channel; and a motor engaged with the truck bed cover and configured to enable the truck bed cover to move automatically along the set of channels.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 comprising an electric truck configured to use a battery pack stored within the electric truck.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the truck bed cover comprises a plurality of solar cells electrically connected to the battery pack; and wherein the plurality of solar cells on the truck bed cover in a closed position are configured to charge the battery pack, the closed position of the truck bed cover enabling the plurality of solar cells to face the sun.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a cab back window; wherein the truck bed cover in an open position is configured to be completely stored within or below the opening, thereby not obstructing any view of the cab back window from outwardly from the cab.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a wall between the opening and the truck bed configured to protect the truck bed cover in an open position and stored within or below the opening from being struck by objects disposed in the truck bed.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the automatic movement of the truck bed cover is configured to be controlled by at least one of an activation button within or outside of the cab or an application accessible via a wireless device.

7. A truck bed cover comprising: a plurality of sections linked together in a flexible form, wherein the truck bed cover is configured to move along a set of channels of a truck bed; rollers mounted to each end by a bearing and configured to fit within a channel of the set of channels and allow the sections to slidably engage with the channel; a flexible strip positioned adjacent to the rollers and outside of each end and biased such that when the rollers are mounted into the channel, the flexible strip biases the rollers to be held within the channel; wherein: Each of the plurality of movable sections is linked to an adjacent movable section by a flexible hinge; and The flexible hinge includes a weather strip configured to provide a water-tight surface for the truck bed cover once the cover is moved to the closed position.

8. The truck bed cover of claim 7, wherein the truck bed cover is integrated in an electric truck configured to use a battery pack stored within the electric truck.

9. The truck bed cover of claim 8, wherein the integration of the truck bed cover with the electric truck enables the truck bed cover to fit snugly with a top opening of a truck bed of the electric truck to prevent any outdoor elements from entering the truck bed through the top opening when the truck bed cover is in the closed position.

10. The truck bed cover of claim 8, wherein the truck bed cover includes a plurality of solar cells electrically connected to the battery pack; and wherein the plurality of solar cells on the truck bed cover in the closed position are configured to charge the battery pack, the closed position of the truck bed cover enabling the plurality of solar cells to face the sun.

11. The truck bed cover of claim 7, wherein the truck bed cover is attached to a truck including a driver's compartment rear window; and wherein the truck bed cover in the open position is configured to be completely stored within or below an opening between the driver's compartment and the truck bed of the truck, thereby not obstructing any view from the driver's compartment to see the driver's compartment rear window.

12. The truck bed cover of claim 11, wherein the truck further includes a wall between the opening and the truck bed configured to protect the truck bed cover in the open position and stored within or below the opening from being hit by objects disposed in the truck bed.

13. The truck bed cover of claim 11, wherein movement of the truck bed cover is configured to be controlled by at least one of an activation button within or outside the driver's compartment or an application accessible via a wireless device.

14. A truck bed cover, comprising: a plurality of movable sections having end portions and linked together in a flexible form; rollers mounted to each end portion by a bearing and configured to fit within a channel on a truck bed and allow the movable sections to slidably engage with the channel; and a flexible strip positioned adjacent to the rollers and outside each end portion and biased such that when the rollers are mounted into the channel, the flexible strip biases the rollers to be held within the channel.

15. The truck bed cover of claim 14, wherein the flexible strip includes a strip made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and is configured to reduce a noise level associated with movement of the rollers within the channel.

16. The truck bed cover of claim 14, wherein the truck bed cover is integrated in an electric truck configured to use a battery pack stored within the electric truck.

17. The truck bed cover of claim 16, wherein the truck bed cover comprises a plurality of solar cells electrically connected to the battery pack; and wherein the plurality of solar cells on the truck bed cover in a closed position are configured to charge the battery pack, the closed position of the truck bed cover enabling the plurality of solar cells to face the sun.

18. The truck bed cover of claim 14, wherein the truck bed cover is attached to a truck comprising a cab rear window; and wherein the truck bed cover in an open position is configured to be completely stored within or below an opening between a cab and a truck bed of the truck, thereby not obstructing any view from the cab outwardly to the cab rear window.

19. The truck bed cover of claim 18, wherein the truck further comprises a wall between the opening and the truck bed configured to protect the truck bed cover in the open position and stored within or below the opening from being impacted by objects disposed in the truck bed.

20. The truck bed cover of claim 18, wherein movement of the truck bed cover is configured to be controlled by at least one of an activation button within or outside the cab or an application accessible via a wireless device.

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