Plate systems, structures and vehicles with an adjustable cable

Abstract

Plate system (30), comprising: a plate (32) configured to be rotatably connected to a structure (18); and a plate cable assembly (36) including: a first cable (37) including a first end and a second end; a first connector (41) which is coupleable to the first end of the first cable (37) and a component selected from the plate (32) and the structure (18); and a second connector (40) couplable with the second end of the first cable (37) and a component selected from the plate (32) and the structure (18), the second connector (40) being configured to have a predefined number of orientations, the second connector (40) including: an outer portion (42) coupled to the first cable (37); and an inner portion (44) received within the outer portion (42) in one of the predefined number of orientations, the inner portion (44) being oval-shaped, wherein each of the predefined number of orientations results in a different distance value between the plate (32) and the structure (18) in response to a full extension of the first cable (37).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to tailgates or panels that function similarly to tailgates, particularly panel systems. Furthermore, the invention relates to a structure with a panel system and a vehicle.

[0002] During pickup truck construction, one side of a tailgate cable is typically loose once the tailgate is mounted to the truck body. This is due to construction variations between the body and the tailgate.

[0003] US 2005 / 0 251 968 A1 discloses a tailgate cable assembly comprising a cable with eyelet connectors. The tailgate can be rotated between a vertical position and a horizontal position. The cable assembly comprises a steel cable having a tailgate connector attached to its first end and a sidewall connector attached to its second end. The tailgate connector is a circular eyelet with a central hole therein that is secured to the tailgate by a suitable fastener inserted through the central hole. The sidewall connector consists of a base with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The shaft includes a pair of flanges that are crimped around the cable to secure the connector thereto.The eyelets include a removable insert that is rotatable between a first position in which the fastener can be either inserted into or withdrawn from the eyelet, and a second position in which the insert locks the fastener into the opening in the eyelet. The insert is a C-shaped member that engages the inner peripheral surface of the eyelet, surrounding a portion of the opening. SUMMARY

[0004] Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a plate system with a plate assembly that allows flexible adaptation to a cable length.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a plate system according to the main claim and a structure having the features of dependent claim 7 and a vehicle having the features of dependent claim 13.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0007] Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative panel systems, structures, and vehicles.

[0008] According to the invention, a plate system includes a plate configured to be rotatably connected to a structure and a plate cable assembly. The plate cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end and a second end, a first connector connected to the first end of the first cable and the plate or structure. The The plate cable assembly also includes a second connector that is couplable with the second end of the first cable and the plate or structure. The second connector is configured to accommodate a predefined number of orientations The second connector includes an outer portion coupled to the first cable and an inner portion disposed within the outer portion in one of a predefined number of orientations, with the inner section being oval-shaped. Each of the predefined number of orientations results in a different distance value between the plate and the structure in response to the cable's full extension.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a structure includes a first wall, a second wall, and a first base connected between the first wall and the second wall. The structure includes a plate system including a plate having a second base configured to be rotatably connected to the first wall and the second wall. The structure also includes a

[0010] A panel cable assembly including a first cable having a first end and a second end, a first connector coupled to the first end of the first cable and the panel or the first wall, and a second connector coupled to the second end of the first cable and the panel or the first wall. The second connector is configured to have a predefined number of orientations. The second connector includes an outer portion, coupled to the first cable, and an inner section received within the outer section in one of the predefined number of orientations wherein the inner section is oval-shaped. Each of the predefined number of orientations results in a different distance value between the plate and the first wall in response to the full extension of the first cable.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle includes a first wall, a second wall, a load floor connected between the first wall and the second wall and comprising a first base, a panel including a second base configured to be pivotally connected to the first wall and the second wall, and a tailgate cable assembly. The tailgate cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end and a second end, a first connector coupleable to the first end of the first cable and the panel or the first wall, and a second connector coupleable to the second end of the first cable and the panel or the first wall. The second connector is configured to have a predefined number of orientations.The second connector includes an outer portion coupled to the second cable and an inner portion received in the outer portion in one of a predefined number of orientations, wherein the inner portion is oval-shaped, and wherein each of the predefined number of orientations results in a different position of the plate in response to full extension of the first cable.

[0012] The foregoing summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, other aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent upon reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Illustrative embodiments are illustrated in the referenced figures of the drawings. The embodiments and figures disclosed herein are intended to be considered illustrative, not limiting. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a structure incorporating a plate cable assembly. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the outer portion of an adjustable end of the plate cable assembly in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the adjustable end of Fig. 2 in a first configuration. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the adjustable end of Fig. 3 in a second configuration. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable end of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the adjustable end of the plate cable assembly in the first configuration with a shoulder screw. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable end of the plate cable assembly in the second configuration with the shoulder screw. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the panel cable assembly attached to a wall of a structure. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the plate cable assembly mounted on the wall of the structure of Fig. 7 is attached. Fig. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the panel cable assembly attached to a wall of a structure.

[0014] The same reference symbols in the different drawings generally indicate the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like symbols generally identify like components unless the context indicates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not to be considered limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative panel systems, structures, and vehicles. As explained below, such embodiments allow for different cable lengths to be adjusted for use with gravity liftgate or panel systems.

[0016] As a non-limiting overview and with reference to Fig. 1, in various embodiments, a structure (vehicle) 18 includes a first wall 22, a second wall 24, a first base (cargo bed) 26, and a panel (tailgate) system 30. The first base 26 is connected between bases of the first wall 22 and the second wall 24. The panel system 30 includes a panel 32 having a second base 38 pivotally connected to the first wall 22 and the second wall 24 at a connection point 34. The panel system 30 also includes panel cable assemblies 36 mounted at one end to the panel 32 and at another end to one of the first wall 22 or the second wall 24. The panel cable assemblies 36 have multiple mounting orientations that allow the panel cable assemblies 36 to have different lengths depending on the orientation.Thus, in a situation where the distance between the walls 22 and 24 and the panel 32 is not identical, the panel cable assemblies 36 attached to the panel (tailgate) 32 can be adjusted in length so that the panel cable assemblies 36 exhibit a similar tension.

[0017] Having provided an overview for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, details will now be set forth using non-limiting examples for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. First, one of the illustrative plate cable assemblies 36 will be explained using non-limiting examples for illustrative purposes only.

[0018] As in the Fig. 1-7, in various embodiments, the illustrative structure 18 is configured to allow adjustable lengths for the panel cable assembly 36. The panel cable assembly 36 includes a first cable 37 having a first end and a second end, a first connector 41, and a second connector 40. The first connector 41 is connectable to the first end of the first cable 37 and the panel 32 at a panel / cable connection point 51. The second connector 40 is connectable to the second end of the first cable 37 and one of the first wall 22 and the second wall 24 at a wall / cable connection point 50. The second connector 40 is configured to have a predefined number of orientations.Each of the orientations results in a different distance value between the plate 32 and the walls 22, 24 of the structure 18 when the plate 32 is in an open position with the first cable 37 fully extended. In the illustrative embodiment, the plate 32 rotates about the connection point 34 due to gravity. The differences between the different distance values ​​can range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters or more, depending on the application.

[0019] In various embodiments, as in the Fig. 2-5, the second connector 40 includes an outer portion 42 coupled to the first cable 37 and an inner portion 44 received within the outer portion 42 in two or more (a predefined number of) orientations. In one illustrative example, the inner portion 44 is oval-shaped, and the outer portion 42 includes an oval-shaped internal cavity capable of receiving the inner portion 44. The inner portion 44 includes a screw cavity (a hole) located closer to a first end than to a second end of the inner portion 44. In this embodiment, the inner portion 44 can have two different orientations within the outer portion 42. Other geometric shapes can be used to provide different orientations between the outer portion 42 and the inner portion 44.

[0020] In various embodiments, as in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the inner portion 44 includes an annular extension 46, and the outer portion 42 includes an annular recess 48 configured to receive the annular extension of the inner portion 44. A top surface of the inner portion 44 is flush with a top surface of the outer portion 42 when the inner portion 44 is received within the outer portion 42.

[0021] In various embodiments, the inner portion 44 may have a snap-fit ​​relationship with the outer portion 42. Features located on an outer surface of the inner portion 44 and / or an inner surface of the outer portion 42 provide a radial force that can be overcome by a predefined force, such as, without limitation, a force exerted by the user's thumb, thereby enabling the snap-fit ​​relationship.

[0022] It is understood that the structure 18 may be any type of vehicle as desired, without limitation. For example, and as non-limiting examples, in various embodiments, the vehicle may include a motor vehicle powered by wheels and / or tracks, such as, without limitation, an automobile, a truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a pickup truck. The vehicle may also be a towable wheeled vehicle, such as, without limitation, a trailer, a camper, or the like. As further non-limiting examples, in various embodiments, the vehicle may include a watercraft, such as, but not limited to, a boat, a ship, a submarine, a submersible vehicle, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), and the like.As further non-limiting examples, in various embodiments, the vehicle may include an aircraft, such as, but not limited to, a fixed-wing aircraft, a rotary-wing aircraft, and a lighter-than-air aircraft (LTA).

[0023] The structure 18 may also be a non-vehicular device, such as, without limitation, a residential building such as a house, a townhouse, a condominium complex, an apartment building, or the like, or a commercial building such as an office building, a store, a factory, a warehouse, a hospital, or the like, or any other building.

[0024] In various embodiments, a vehicle (18) includes a first wall (22), a second wall (24), a cargo bed (26) connected between the first wall (22) and the second wall (24), and comprising a first base, a plate (32), and a tailgate cable assembly (36). The plate (32) includes a second base (38) rotatably connected to the first wall (22) and the second wall (24). The tailgate cable assembly (36) includes a first cable (37) having a first end and a second end, a first connector (41), and a second connector (40). The first connector (41) is connected to the first end of the first cable (37) and the plate (32). The second connector (40) is connected to the second end of the first cable (37) and one of the first wall (22) and the second wall (24). The second connector (40) has a predefined number of orientations.Each of the orientations results in a different position of the plate (32) in response to the full extension of the first cable. The second connector (40) includes an outer portion (42) coupled to the first cable (37) and an inner portion (44) received within the outer portion (42) in two or more orientations.

[0025] With reference to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 includes in various embodiments a wall 122, similar to the walls 22, 24 of Fig. 1, a wall / cable connection point 160. At the wall / cable connection point 160, a shoulder screw 150 attaches the eyelet connector 140, which has an eyelet 142 and an adjustable washer 144, to a mounting plate 162. The second eyelet connector 140 is mounted to the mounting plate 162 and the bed wall 122 by a shoulder screw 150 and a nut 170. The shoulder screw 150 includes a non-shoulder portion that is received by a washer 172, the mounting plate 162, and the bed wall 122. A shoulder portion of the shoulder screw 150 is received by a shoulder screw nut washer 174. The washer 172 is receivable within a cavity formed in the mounting plate 162. The shoulder screw nut washer 174 has a diameter that is larger than the washer 172 and the cavity in the mounting plate 162 that receives the washer 172.The washer 172 may be a lock washer and / or the nut 170 may be a lock nut. When the shoulder screw 150 is locked in place, a distance between a distal surface of a head of the shoulder screw 150 and a facing surface of the washer 172 is only slightly greater than the combined width of the eyelet 142 and the shoulder screw nut washer 172. This allows the eyelet connector 140 to rotate about the shoulder portion of the shoulder screw 150.

[0026] With reference to Fig.10, in various embodiments, the eyelet connector 140 may include one or more magnets 180 embedded in an inner wall of the hole in the eyelet connector 140. The adjustable disc 144 may include one or more magnets 182 embedded in an outer surface of the adjustable disc 144. The magnets 180 and 182 align longitudinally when the adjustable disc 144 is received within the eyelet connector 140. The magnets 180 and 182 have opposite polarity, creating an attractive force between the magnets 180 and 182, and thus between the adjustable disc 144 and the eyelet connector 140. The strength of the magnets 180 and 182 is selected so that a user can remove the adjustable disc 144 from the eyelet connector 140 without exerting extreme force on the adjustable disc 144.

[0027] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will recognize that acts recited therein may generally be performed in any order. Although various operations are illustrated in one or more sequences, it is to be understood that the various acts may be performed in more orders than those illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, nested, interrupted, rearranged, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reversed, or other variant orderings, unless the context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "in response to," "with respect to," or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to preclude such variations unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0028] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described with respect to illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter as set forth in the claims.

Claims

[1] Plate system (30), comprising: a plate (32) configured to be rotatably connected to a structure (18); and a plate cable assembly (36) including: a first cable (37) including a first end and a second end; a first connector (41) which is coupleable to the first end of the first cable (37) and a component selected from the plate (32) and the structure (18); and a second connector (40) couplable with the second end of the first cable (37) and a component selected from the plate (32) and the structure (18), the second connector (40) being configured to have a predefined number of orientations, the second connector (40) including: an outer portion (42) coupled to the first cable (37); and an inner portion (44) received within the outer portion (42) in one of the predefined number of orientations, the inner portion (44) being oval-shaped, wherein each of the predefined number of orientations results in a different distance value between the plate (32) and the structure (18) in response to a full extension of the first cable (37). [2] The plate system (30) of claim 1, wherein the plate cable assembly (36) further includes: a second cable; a third connector coupled to a first end of the second cable and a component selected from the plate (32) and the structure (18); and a fourth connector couplable with the second end of the second cable and a component selected from the plate (32) and the structure (18), the fourth connector being configured to have a predefined number of orientations, the fourth connector including: an outer portion (42) coupled to the second cable; and an inner section (44) received within the outer section (42) in one of the predefined number of orientations, wherein each of the predefined number of orientations results in a different distance value between the plate (32) and the structure (18) in response to a full extension of the second cable. [3] The panel system (30) of claim 1, wherein the inner portion (44) includes a hole configured to receive a fastener, the hole being located closer to a first end than a second end of the inner portion (44). [4] The plate system (30) of claim 1, wherein the inner portion (44) includes an annular extension (46) and the outer portion (42) includes an annular recess (48) configured to receive the annular extension (46) of the inner portion (44). [5] The plate system (30) of claim 1, wherein the inner portion (44) has a snap-fit ​​relationship with the outer portion (42). [6] The panel system (30) of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the inner portion (44) is flush with an upper surface of the outer portion (42) in response to the inner portion (44) being received within the outer portion (42). [7] Structure (18), comprising: a first wall (22); a second wall (24); a first base (26) connected between the first wall (22) and the second wall (24); and a plate system (30) comprising: a plate (32) including a second base (38) configured to be rotatably connected to the first wall (22) and the second wall (24); and a plate cable assembly (36) including: a first cable (37) including a first end and a second end; a first connector (41) which is coupleable to the first end of the first cable (37) and a component selected from the plate (32) and the first wall (22); and a second connector (40) couplable with the second end of the first cable (37) and a component selected from the plate (32) and the first wall (22), the second connector (40) being configured to have a predefined number of orientations, the second connector (40) including: an outer portion (42) coupled to the first cable (37); and an inner portion (44) received within the outer portion (42) in one of the predefined number of orientations, the inner portion (44) being oval-shaped, wherein each of the predefined number of orientations results in a different distance value between the plate (32) and the first wall (22) in response to a full extension of the first cable (37). [8] The structure (18) of claim 7, wherein the plate cable assembly (36) further includes: a second cable; a third connector couplable with a first end of the second cable and a component selected from the plate (32) and the second wall (24); and a fourth connector couplable with a second end of the second cable and a component selected from the plate (32) and the second wall (24), the fourth connector being configured to have a predefined number of orientations, the fourth connector including: an outer portion (42) coupled to the second cable; and an inner portion (44) received within the outer portion (42) in one of the predefined number of orientations, each of the predefined number of orientations resulting in a different distance value between the plate (32) and the second wall (24) in response to full extension of the second cable. [9] The structure (18) of claim 7, wherein the inner portion (44) includes a hole configured to receive a fastener, the inner portion (44) including a hole located closer to a first end than to a second end of the inner portion (44). [10] The structure (18) of claim 7, wherein the inner portion (44) includes an annular extension (46) and the outer portion (42) includes an annular recess (48) configured to receive the annular extension (46) of the inner portion (44). [11] The structure (18) of claim 7, wherein the inner portion (44) has a snap-fit ​​relationship with the outer portion (42). [12] The structure (18) of claim 7, wherein an upper surface of the inner portion (44) is flush with an upper surface of the outer portion (42) in response to the inner portion (44) being received within the outer portion (42). [13] Vehicle (18) comprising: a first wall (22); a second wall (24); a loading surface (26) connected between the first wall (22) and the second wall (24), the loading surface (26) comprising a first base (26); a plate (32) including a second base (38) configured to be rotatably connected to the first wall (22) and the second wall (24); and a tailgate cable assembly (36) including: a first cable (37) including a first end and a second end; a first connector (41) connected to the first end of the first cable (37) and a component selected from the plate (32) and the first wall (22); and a second connector (40) couplable with the second end of the first cable (37) and a component selected from the plate (32) and the first wall (22), the second connector (40) being configured to have a predefined number of orientations, the second connector (40) including: an outer portion (42) coupled to the first cable (37); and an inner portion (44) received in the outer portion (42) in one of the predefined number of orientations, the inner portion (44) being oval-shaped, wherein each of the predefined number of orientations results in different positions of the plate (32) relative to the first wall (22) in response to the full extension of the first cable (37). [14] The vehicle (18) of claim 13, wherein the tailgate cable assembly (36) further includes: a second cable; a third connector coupled to a first end of the second cable and a component selected from the plate (32) and the second wall (24); and a fourth connector couplable with a second end of the second cable and a component selected from the plate (32) and the second wall (24), the fourth connector being configured to have a predefined number of orientations, the second connector including: an outer portion (42) coupled to the second cable; and an inner portion (44) received in the outer portion (42) in one of the predefined number of orientations, each of the predefined number of orientations resulting in a different distance value between the plate (32) and the second wall (24) in response to the full extension of the second cable. [15] The vehicle (18) of claim 14, wherein the inner portion (44) includes an annular extension (46) and the outer portion (42) includes an annular recess (48) configured to receive the annular extension (46) of the inner portion (44). [16] The vehicle (18) of claim 14, wherein the inner portion (44) has a snap-fit ​​relationship with the outer portion (42). [17] The vehicle (18) of claim 14, wherein an upper surface of the inner portion (44) is flush with an upper surface of the outer portion (42) in response to the inner portion (44) being received within the outer portion (42).

Images