Protective cover assembly for a truck bed

Abstract

A protective cover assembly for a truck bed of a pickup type vehicle is provided, the assembly comprising a roll curtain (1) consisting of a plurality of adjacent transverse panels (2) connected continuously along a transverse length by hinged joints (3) and end slats (4), the roll curtain (1) being connected at one end to a transversely rotatable shaft so as to be able to be wound and unwound thereon, the assembly further comprising a plurality of cable guide elements (5) mounted on at least some of the plurality of adjacent transverse panels (2) and / or the end slats (4) and for receiving a cable line therethrough so as to provide a wired connection between electrical elements (17, 18, 19) arranged on the roll curtain (1) and stationary elements of a housing box (21) along at least one longitudinal length of the roll curtain (1) during winding and unwinding of the roll curtain (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective cover assembly for a truck bed of a pickup truck, and more particularly to a protective cover assembly comprising a roller shutter and a plurality of cable guide elements for supporting and guiding cables during the winding and unwinding of the roller shutter, so as to provide a wired connection between stationary elements and moving or wound elements. Background Technology

[0002] Truck beds are typically used in pickup trucks and similar vehicles with cargo boxes that are mostly exposed. Different types of protective covers (roll-up covers, folding covers, telescopic covers, one-piece solid covers, etc.) are known to provide safer, more weather-resistant storage space.

[0003] The design and use of retractable roll-up truck bed covers on pickup trucks with open cargo beds are well-known. A typical retractable roll-up truck bed cover typically includes a roll-up curtain composed of multiple individual slats hinged together to form an array. The array of slats forms a continuous cover through the hinges between the individual slats, which, once mounted on a pair of side rails, can be fully or partially extended or retracted and stored in a rolled-up form within the housing.

[0004] Protective covers, especially roll-up protective covers, include movable and rollable components, and sometimes require wiring connections for these components, such as powering lamps to communicate with sensors.

[0005] Known roll-up protective covers include electrical connections, which are installed by laying multiple cables on side rails included within the roll-up protective cover.

[0006] However, due to the movable / rollable aspect of the roll-up protective cover's shutter, when the shutter is operable, i.e. during movement, the wired side rails of the protective cover cannot provide a continuous connection between the electrical components arranged on the shutter and the stationary components relative to the protective cover's housing or relative to the vehicle.

[0007] Therefore, there is still a need for a protective cover assembly, more specifically a roll-up protective cover, that can provide wired connections and allow power to be supplied to the moving parts of the protective cover, more specifically to the components of the roll-up protective cover curtain, including power to decorative or functional signal lights, sensors, electric actuators, etc., for a variety of purposes, such as effectively illuminating a portion or the entire length of a truck bed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a protective cover assembly for a pickup truck bed is provided. The protective cover assembly includes a roller shutter for selectively extending to at least partially cover the pickup truck bed and for at least partially retracting to form a roll for storage within a housing. The roller shutter consists of a plurality of adjacent transverse panels or slats hinged to each other and end slats.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a plurality of cable guiding elements are mounted on at least a portion of a plurality of adjacent transverse panels for supporting and guiding cables in a predetermined manner during the winding and unwinding of the roller blind, such that when the roller blind is extended in the pickup truck bed, the cables are guided and supported along at least a portion of the transverse panels without being stretched, and when the flexible protective cover is retracted, the cable guiding elements guide and support the cables in an orderly manner so that the cables become part of the reel, so that the cables are wound in a loop without bending when the roller blind is wound.

[0010] Therefore, the cable guide element is designed to prevent the cable from being stretched or bent when the cable is wound (coiled) inside the housing and / or when the protective cover is extended.

[0011] The cable guide is configured to receive the cable passing through it at a position between the stationary part of the protective cover assembly (i.e. the part mounted on the housing) and the different movable or rollable parts of the movable or rollable shutter (i.e. the parts mounted on the shutter, transverse panel, end strips), while protecting the cable from external damage, minimizing cable wear, and preventing the cable from bending when the shutter is rolled up.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the protective cover assembly includes a light source arranged on one or more of a plurality of adjacent transverse panels for effectively illuminating the truck bed of a pickup truck.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the protective cover assembly may further include signal lights or sensor devices (pressure sensor devices, light sensor devices, additional brake lights, emergency lights, obstacle sensors, interior lights, etc.) arranged on a plurality of adjacent transverse panels and / or end strips, the signal lights or sensor devices being powered by cables.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Non-limiting examples of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1a It is a fully extendable protective shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1b yes Figure 1a A partial detailed view of the protective cover assembly shows a cable guiding element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a cable guiding element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Rear perspective view of the cable guide element.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partial top view of a protective shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a partial top view of a protective shield assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a partially exploded top view of a protective shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a partial bottom view of a protective shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a partially exploded top view of a protective shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a partially exploded top view of a portion of a protective shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a partial exploded view of a portion of a protective shield assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a partial side perspective view of the protective cover assembly along with the cable in the wrapped position.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a partial side view of the protective cover assembly along with the cable in the wrapped position.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a partial top view of a protective shield assembly of a protective shield system according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the end strips include indicator lights and sensor devices.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a wiring diagram of a protective cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional front view of the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the roller shutter is in the fully retracted position. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Reference Figure 1a According to the present invention, a protective cover assembly for the cargo compartment of a pickup truck includes a roller blind 1, which consists of a plurality of adjacent transverse panels 2 and end strips 4. The plurality of adjacent transverse panels are continuously connected along the transverse length by hinge joints 3. The roller blind 1 is connected at one end to a transverse rotatable shaft, which is included in a housing 21 to allow the roller blind 1 to be wound and unwound on the transverse rotatable shaft.

[0033] like Figure 1b As shown, the protective cover assembly also includes a plurality of cable guide elements 5, which are mounted on at least a portion of a plurality of adjacent transverse panels 2 and configured to receive cables passing through them to provide a wired connection to the roller blind 1, such that during the winding and unwinding of the roller blind 1, the cables can be supported and guided in a predetermined manner along at least one longitudinal length of the roller blind 1, thereby providing a wired connection between the elements (17, 18, 19) arranged on the individual transverse panels 2 and / or end strips 4 and the stationary elements, i.e., the elements mounted on the housing 21 of the protective cover assembly.

[0034] The term "longitudinal" should be understood as the direction parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0035] The term "lateral" should be understood as the direction perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0036] The term cable should be understood as any type of cable designed for data transmission or power supply, such as USB cable, single-wire cable, multi-wire cable, coaxial cable, transmission cable, fiber optic cable, etc.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, except Figure 1a and Figure 1b In addition, such as Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 12 As shown, each of the multiple adjacent transverse panels 2 has a cable guide element 5, which is installed at one or both longitudinal ends of the transverse panel. In this way, the cable can be arranged either along only one longitudinal side of the roller shutter 1 or along two opposite longitudinal sides of the roller shutter 1, thereby achieving different cable wiring arrangements.

[0038] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cable guiding element 5 can be installed on only a portion of multiple adjacent transverse panels 2, or on one or both longitudinal ends of the transverse panel 2.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, adjacent transverse panels 2 may have cable guiding elements 5 respectively mounted at opposite longitudinal ends.

[0040] In other embodiments, the cable guide element 5 may be mounted or attached to an interior location of the adjacent transverse panel 2, or may be integrated into the design of the transverse panel 2.

[0041] The guide element 5 can have a variety of suitable configurations.

[0042] The envisioned structure is particularly well-suited to accommodate cables passing through it, so that the cables are wound in a loop with the roller shutter 1 in the housing 21 without stretching the cables and preventing them from bending when the roller shutter 1 is extended.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in the illustrated configuration, the cable guiding element 5 includes an inner wall 5a, an outer wall 5b, a top wall 5c, a bottom wall 5d, a distal end 5e, and a proximal end 5f. The inner wall 5a, outer wall 5b, top wall 5c, bottom wall 5d, distal end 5e, and proximal end 5f define a channel 6 along the entire length of the cable guiding element 5. The channel 6 is used to support and guide the cable as it passes through the cable guiding element 5 longitudinally.

[0044] like Figures 4 to 11 As shown, cable guide elements 5 are arranged on the roller shutter 1 in an assembly relationship such that the proximal end 5f of the cable guide element 5 faces the distal end 5e of the subsequent cable guide element 5, regardless of whether the subsequent guide element 5 is installed on the adjacent panel 2 or on the further removed transverse panel 2.

[0045] The design of the distal end 5e of the cable guide element 5 is functionally corresponding to the design of the proximal end 5f, so that when in an assembled relationship, during the winding and unwinding process of the roller shutter 1, the distal end 5e of the cable guide element 5 is functionally corresponding to the proximal end 5f of the connecting cable guide element 5 to prevent the cable from bending when the protective cover is extended and to allow the cable to be wound without stretching.

[0046] In many equally preferred configurations, the distal end 5e and / or proximal end 5f of the cable guiding element 5 are open at the ends.

[0047] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment, the distal end 5e is open at the end, and the proximal end 5f includes a generally curved portion with an opening 8.

[0048] In another equally preferred configuration, the outer wall 5b extends partially along the longitudinal length of the guide element 5 to prevent the cable from slipping out of the channel 6.

[0049] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the height of the near end 5f and the far end 5e of the cable guide element 5 is greater than the height of the center of the guide element 5. Therefore, the channel 6 has an increased height at both ends, allowing the cable to be wound in a loop without bending.

[0050] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the bottom wall 5d includes two inclined segments 9 and 10 connected to the corresponding ends of the horizontal segment 11, but other possible configurations of the bottom wall 5d are also conceivable, such as the bottom wall 5d being a curved configuration.

[0051] The protective cover assembly includes means 15 for attaching the cable guiding element 5 to the adjacent transverse panel 2. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the means for attaching the cable guide element 5 to the adjacent transverse panel 2 may be a threaded bolt or fastener 15, or any other suitable attachment means or combination thereof.

[0052] In another embodiment, such as Figure 15 As shown, the housing 21 may include a helical track 22 disposed on the inner surface of the side wall of the housing 21. The helical track 22 is used to help guide the roller blind 1 so that the roller blind 1 is not subjected to excessive frictional resistance when it extends or retracts. In this case, the cable guide element 5 may include a ball bearing 16 to minimize the rolling friction between the transverse panel 2 and the helical track 22.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the cable guide element 5 may also include a plurality of lateral protrusions 12, 13, 14, which extend into the interior of the lateral panel 2 to provide additional attachment devices. That is, the design profile of the cable guide element 5 may correspond to the design profile of the lateral panel 2 for better fit.

[0054] The structure, number, and arrangement of the lateral protruding parts 12, 13, and 14 may differ.

[0055] See details Figure 2 and Figure 3 The inner wall 5a of the cable guide element 5 may include a passage 7 through which a cable can pass laterally from the channel 6 relative to the cable guide element 5 to provide a wired connection to an element mounted on the transverse panel 2 on which the cable guide element 5 is provided.

[0056] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 13As shown, light sources 17 and 18 can be arranged on one or more of the multiple adjacent transverse panels 2 and oriented to guide light into the interior and / or exterior of the truck bed. They can also be configured to be operated by a dedicated switch, operate automatically when the roller shutter 1 is opened, be remotely controlled, or operate in conjunction with the vehicle's headlights, parking lights, or taillights.

[0057] In addition, light sources 17 and 18 can also be activated by a light sensor (not shown) when a selected event occurs, such as in darkness, dim light, or inclement weather conditions.

[0058] The light sources 17 and 18 can be a single component or a combination of multiple lighting elements, which are selectively positioned along the length of one or more panels and end strips 4 of a plurality of adjacent transverse panels 2.

[0059] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 13 As shown, the sensor device 19 can be arranged in the end strip 4 so that when the protective cover system is driven by an electric motor, the protective cover will automatically stop and reverse when it detects an obstacle.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source is a red light 18, which can be used as an additional brake light, emergency light, or additional driving beam light to emit a braking light signal, just like the other taillights and / or safety lights when the roll-up protective cover is in operation.

[0061] In other embodiments, light sources 17, 18, and 19 may be illuminated when the vehicle and / or roll-up protective cover are in operation.

[0062] Lights 17 and 18 and sensor device 19 can be connected to a power source in the vehicle, such as a vehicle battery, via cables. These cables are guided through passageways 7 of the respective cable guide elements 5 to specific transverse panels 2. Figure 14 As shown, the power source can be a vehicle battery or other power source, and the control signal can be a simple switch or a smart control board.

[0063] The invention may include additional circuitry for controlling the color and brightness of the light sources 17 and 18.

[0064] In embodiments of the present invention, additional circuitry may be added to cause lights 17 and 18 to flash or change intensity, for example, when the roller shutter 1 moves (opens or closes), or when the vehicle brakes or accelerates.

[0065] The end slat 4 may also include a locking mechanism (not shown) mounted on the end slat 4 for securing the roller shutter 1 to the truck tailgate. The locking mechanism includes a handle for opening and closing the roller shutter 1.

[0066] like Figure 14 As shown, the protective shield system can be remotely controlled by a remote control element or a mobile application installed in a smartphone, or locally controlled by an end slat actuator.

[0067] In addition, the intelligent controller controls the lights 17 and 18 and other electrical components, such as motors, arranged on the protective cover assembly, and can receive signals from the sensor 19, adjust the brightness of the lights, and control the locking mechanism.

[0068] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in the description, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive, as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A protective cover assembly for a truck bed of a pickup truck type vehicle, the assembly comprising a roller shutter (1) and a housing (21), the roller shutter (1) being formed of a plurality of adjacent transverse panels (2) and end strips (4), the plurality of adjacent transverse panels (2) being continuously connected along a transverse length by hinge joints (3), the roller shutter (1) being connected at one end to a transversely rotatable shaft, the transversely rotatable shaft being included within the housing (21) so as to allow for winding and unwinding on the transversely rotatable shaft. Its features are, The component also includes: Multiple cable guide elements (5) are mounted on at least a portion of the multiple adjacent transverse panels (2) and / or the end strips (4) and are configured to receive cables passing through them in order to provide a wired connection between electrical components (17, 18, 19) arranged on the roller shutter (1) and stationary components of the housing (21) so that the cables can be supported and guided in a predetermined manner along at least one longitudinal length of the roller shutter (1) during the winding and unwinding of the roller shutter (1).

2. The protective cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of adjacent transverse panels (2) has a guide element (5) mounted on a longitudinal end of the transverse panel.

3. The protective cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of adjacent transverse panels (2) has guide elements (5) mounted at two longitudinal ends of the transverse panel.

4. The protective cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cable guiding element (5) comprises an inner wall (5a), an outer wall (5b), a top wall (5c), a bottom wall (5d), a distal end (5e), ​​and a proximal end (5f), the inner wall (5a), the outer wall (5b), the top wall (5c), the bottom wall (5d), the distal end (5e), ​​and the proximal end (5f) defining a channel (6) over the entire length of the cable guiding element (5), the channel (6) for supporting and guiding the cable as it passes longitudinally through the cable guiding element (5).

5. The protective cover assembly according to claim 4, wherein the outer wall (5b) extends partially along the longitudinal length of the guide element (5) to prevent the cable from slipping out of the channel (6).

6. The protective cover assembly according to claim 4, wherein the inner wall (5a) includes a passage (7) through which the cable can pass laterally from the channel (6) relative to the cable guide element (5) to provide a wired connection to an electrical component mounted on the transverse panel (2) on which the cable guide element (5) is disposed.

7. The protective shield assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the distal end (5e) and / or the proximal end (5f) are end-open.

8. The protective shield assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the proximal end (5f) includes a generally curved portion with an opening (8).

9. The protective cover assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the bottom wall (5d) comprises two inclined sections (9, 10) connected to the respective ends of the horizontal section (11).

10. The protective cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cable guide element (5) is arranged on the roller shutter (1) in an assembly relationship such that the proximal end (5f) of the cable guide element (5) faces the distal end (5e) of the subsequent cable guide element (5).

11. The protective cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide element (5) includes a plurality of lateral protrusions (12, 13, 14) extending into the interior of the lateral panel (2).

12. The protective cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical components include one or more light sources (17, 18) and / or sensor devices (19), the one or more light sources (17, 18) and / or the sensor devices (19) being arranged on a portion of the plurality of adjacent transverse panels (2) or the end strips (4) and being connected by cables.

13. The protective cover assembly according to claim 12, wherein the light source (17, 18) is a plurality of lighting elements selectively positioned along the length of the transverse panel (2) and / or the end strip (4).

14. The protective cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes means (15) for attaching the guide element (5) to the adjacent transverse panel (2) and / or the end strip (4).

15. The protective cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing (21) includes a helical track (22) and each cable guide element (5) includes a ball bearing (16) to minimize rolling friction between the transverse panel (2) and the helical track (22).

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