PROTECTION SYSTEM HAVING AN EXTENDABLE PLATFORM

Abstract

A truck protection system includes a platform assembly that can pivot between a stowed position and an extended position. The platform assembly spans a truck bed when in the stowed position. The platform assembly is positioned over a truck cab when in the extended position. A tent covers the platform assembly when the platform assembly is in the extended position.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure is directed to a protection system for use with a truck, and more particularly to a protection system having an extendable platform that, when extended, extends over a roof of the truck. BACKGROUND

[0002] A typical pickup truck has a cab that provides a passenger compartment and a bed that provides a cargo area. A cab rear panel may separate the passenger compartment from the cargo area. In some pickup trucks, such as monocoque pickup trucks, the cab rear panel may provide a front wall of the bed. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a shelter system for a truck, including: a platform assembly pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the platform assembly spanning a bed of a truck when in the stowed position, the platform assembly disposed over a cab of the truck when in the deployed position; and a tent covering the platform assembly when the platform assembly is in the deployed position.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system wherein the platform assembly, in the stowed position, slopes downward from an upper rear portion of the cab toward a tailgate of the truck.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system wherein a cab rear of the truck is configured to open to provide a passageway between a passenger compartment of the truck and the bed of the truck.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system, wherein the platform assembly includes a first plate and a second plate pivotally connected to each other, wherein the first plate and the second plate are folded when the platform assembly is in the stowed position, wherein the first plate and the second plate are unfolded when the platform assembly is in the deployed position.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system wherein the second panel extends forward beyond a roof of the cab when the platform assembly is in the extended position.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system further including at least one support leg extending from the second plate to the truck to support the second plate when the platform assembly is in the extended position.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system wherein the at least one support leg is pivotally connected to the second plate.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system, wherein the at least one support leg includes a first leg connectable to a first mounting point on a driver side of a hood of the truck and a second leg connectable to a second mounting point on a passenger side of the hood of the truck.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system wherein the first leg is connectable to the first mounting point by a first latch and the second leg is connectable to the second mounting point by a second latch.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system wherein the first mounting point and the second mounting point are pivotable between a mounted position and a concealed position.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a shelter system that further includes a frame assembly that supports the tent when the platform assembly is in the extended position.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a shelter system further including a frame assembly having a plurality of support spokes radiating from a pivot axis and fanning out about the pivot axis when the platform assembly is in the extended position, wherein some of the plurality of support spokes support the platform assembly and some of the plurality of support spokes support the tent.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protection system wherein the pivot axis is adjacent to an upper rear corner of the cab.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a shelter system wherein the tent is folded when the platform assembly is in the stowed position and is unfolded when the platform assembly is in the extended position.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a shelter system further including a pair of side panels that cover exterior portions of the platform assembly and the tent when the platform assembly is in the stowed position.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of forming a shelter for a truck, including: using a platform assembly as an aerodynamic shield that spans a bed of a truck when the platform assembly is in a stowed position; and pivoting the platform assembly to an extended position in which the platform assembly spans a roof of the truck.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method further including deploying a tent during pivoting, wherein the tent covers the platform assembly when the platform assembly is in the deployed position.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that further includes rotating a plurality of support spokes about a pivot axis when transitioning between the stowed position and the deployed position, the plurality of support spokes radiating from the pivot axis and fanning out about the pivot axis when the platform assembly is in the deployed position, some of the plurality of support spokes supporting the platform assembly and some of the plurality of support spokes supporting the tent when the platform assembly is in the deployed position.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that further includes supporting a portion of the platform assembly extending forward of the roof with at least one support leg extending from the platform assembly to the truck.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the platform assembly includes a first panel and a second panel that are folded together when the platform assembly is in the stowed position and that are unfolded when the platform assembly is in the extended position.

[0023] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be considered independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are inconsistent. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0024] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description may be briefly described as follows: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary protection system mounted on a truck and when a platform assembly of the protection system is in an extended position. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the exemplary protection system with the platform assembly in the stowed position and when the protection system is detached from the truck. Fig. 3 illustrates the exemplary protection system from Fig. 2, if the protection system is attached to the truck. Fig. 4 illustrates the exemplary protection system from Fig. 3, with one side panel removed. Fig. 5 illustrates the exemplary protection system from Fig. 3, with the platform assembly pivoting from the stowed position and with one tent of the protection system removed to reveal details of the protection system. Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of the exemplary protection system from Fig. 5, with the tent still removed to reveal details, and with the platform pivoting further from the stowed position than in Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary protection system when the platform assembly is in the extended position. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a close-up view of a front of the truck and the protection system when the platform assembly is in the extended position. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a perspective close-up view of a support leg of the protection system of Fig. 8 as it moves into a locked position with a mounting point. Fig. 10 illustrates a close-up view of the mounting point from Fig. 9 in a hidden position. Fig. 11 illustrates a close-up view of the mounting point from Fig. 9 in a mounting position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] This disclosure describes a protection system for a truck. The protection system includes a platform assembly that can be deployed and used by an occupant. The protection system can be stowed when not needed. When the platform assembly is stowed, the protection module covers a bed of the truck and can reduce aerodynamic drag when the truck is driven.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 1 through 3, a truck 10 includes a cab 12 and a bed 14 located behind the cab 12. Terms such as "front," "rear," "rear," and the like, for the purposes of this disclosure, refer to an orientation of the truck 10.

[0027] The cab 12 includes a passenger compartment 16. The cargo bed 14 includes a cargo area 18. A cab rear 20 separates the passenger compartment 16 from the cargo area 18. The side walls 26 of the cargo bed 14 form the sides of the cargo area 18. A tailgate 28 can pivot to a closed position to enclose a rear end of the cargo area 18.

[0028] The example truck 10 is an electrified vehicle. Specifically, the truck 10 is a battery electric vehicle. In another example, the truck 10 could be another type of electrified vehicle, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a conventional vehicle.

[0029] The exemplary truck 10 includes an electrified powertrain capable of applying torque from an electric machine (e.g., an electric motor) to drive one or more drive wheels. The truck 10 may include a traction battery pack that supplies power to the electric machine and possibly other electrical loads of the truck 10. The powertrain of the truck 10 may electrically propel the drive wheels either with or without the assistance of an internal combustion engine.

[0030] The exemplary truck 10 is a monocoque pickup truck. Because the truck 10 has a monocoque configuration, the cab 12 and bed 14 are not supported by a vehicle frame separate from the cab 12 and bed 14. In the truck 10, the cab rear 20 provides both the rear wall of the cab 12 and a front wall of the bed 14. A ladder frame truck differs from a monocoque truck. In a ladder frame truck, a rear wall of the cab is spaced a distance from a front wall of a bed to provide an open gap between the cab and the bed. The rear wall of the cab is not directly connected to the front wall of the bed in a ladder frame vehicle.

[0031] A protection system 30 may be removably mounted to the truck 10. The exemplary protection system 30 includes a platform assembly 40, a tent 44, a frame assembly 48, a pair of side panels 52, and at least one support leg 56. The protection system 30 may be attached to the truck 10 with clamps, mechanical fasteners, staples, or another attachment system.

[0032] The platform assembly 40 can be moved between the extended position Fig. 1 and the stowed position, which in Fig. 3. The protection system 30 may be a modular retrofit assembly.

[0033] As in Fig. 3, when the platform assembly 40 is in the stowed position, the exemplary protection system 30 may rest on the sidewalls 26, with the platform assembly covering the bed 14 of the truck 10. The platform assembly 40, in the stowed position, covers the cargo area 18 and tapers rearward from an upper rear portion of the cab 12 to the tailgate 28.

[0034] The platform assembly 40 is in the stowed position when the truck 10 is being driven. The platform assembly 40 cannot be moved from the stowed position when the truck 10 is being driven. The truck 10 cannot be driven when the platform assembly 40 is in the extended position. The protection system 30 with the platform assembly 40, in the stowed position, provides aerodynamic shielding or guidance for the truck 10. When the truck 10 is being driven, the protection system 30, and in particular the platform assembly 40, directs airflow over the bed 14 and other areas of the truck 10 to reduce aerodynamic drag, which may increase the range of the truck 10.

[0035] In the stowed position, the platform assembly 40 spans the bed 14 and, in this example, in the stowed position, the platform assembly 40 slopes downward from an upper rear portion of the cab 12 toward the tailgate 28 of the truck 10.

[0036] When the truck 10 is locked in a stationary position, the platform assembly 40 can be moved to the extended position Fig. 1. The platform assembly 40 cannot move to the extended position unless the truck 10 is locked in a stationary position. The truck 10 remains locked in the stationary position the entire time the platform assembly 40 is in the extended position. In this position, the platform assembly 40 can be used by an occupant for resting or storing cargo. The tent 44 covers the platform assembly 40 and the cargo area 18 to provide privacy, shade, and protection from the elements. In the extended position, the platform assembly 40 is disposed above the cab 12. In particular, the protected area covered by the tent 44 includes areas high enough to allow many occupants to stand upright. For example, an occupant can stand in the cargo area 18 while removing a wetsuit while remaining concealed by the tent 44.

[0037] With reference now to the Fig. 4-7 and with continued reference to Fig. 3, the exemplary platform assembly 40 pivots from the stowed position Fig. 3 into the extended position Fig. 7. The platform assembly 40 pivots about a pivot axis A adjacent to an upper rear corner of the truck.

[0038] The exemplary platform assembly 40 includes a first plate 60 and a second plate 64 pivotally connected to each other. The first plate 60 and the second plate 64 are folded when the platform assembly 40 is in the stowed position. The first plate 60 and the second plate 64 are unfolded when the platform assembly 40 is in the extended position. The first plate 60 and the second plate 64 may be made of a rigid polymer-based material.

[0039] When the platform assembly 40 is in the extended position, the platform assembly 40—here, the second plate 64—extends forward beyond a roof 76 of the cab 12. The support legs 56 are pivotally connected to the second plate 64 and pivot downward from the second plate 64 to connect to corresponding truck mounting points 80. The support legs 56 can then help support the second plate 64 when the platform assembly 40 is in the extended position.

[0040] In this example, the support legs 56 are connected to the respective mounting points 80 via locks 84. The mounting points 80 include locking brackets 88, which are engaged by the locks 84.

[0041] The frame assembly 48 includes a plurality of support spokes 92 radiating from the pivot axis A. The support spokes 92 rotate about the pivot axis A and fan out about the pivot axis A when the platform assembly 40 is pivoted into the extended position. The support spokes 92 are nested when the platform assembly 40 is in a stowed position.

[0042] Some of the support spokes 92 support the first panel 60. Some of the support spokes 92 are connected by cross members 96 of the frame assembly 48 and are used to support the tent 44. The support spokes 92, the cross members 96, or both could support lights that illuminate the shelter. In some examples, the lights may turn on automatically when the platform assembly 40 moves to the extended position.

[0043] The pivoting of the platform assembly 40 to the extended position and the associated fanning of the support spokes 92 may, in some examples, be automated and driven by a motor. The motor could also be activated to return the platform assembly 40 to the stowed position.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, the tent 44 is folded when the platform assembly 40 is in the stowed position and unfolded when the platform assembly 40 changes to the extended position. As shown in Fig. 4, the side panels 52 can conceal and cover the outer portions of the tent 44 when it is folded.

[0045] The exemplary tent 44 includes rigid sections 100 and compliant sections 104. The rigid sections 100 maintain their general shape when the platform assembly 40 is in the stowed position and in the deployed position. The compliant sections 104 are pleated when the platform assembly is in the stowed position and are smooth when the platform assembly 40 is in the deployed position.

[0046] The tent 44 is draped over the frame assembly 48 when the platform assembly 40 is in the extended position to form a protected area for cargo and passengers. The tent 44 may include various pockets for storing equipment and other items.

[0047] The protected area may extend across the cargo bed 14 and across the roof 76 of the cab 12 to a position forward of the roof 76 of the cab 12. The exemplary tent 44 includes an opening at a rear end to allow access to and from the protected area. The opening may be zippered closed, if desired. The tent 44, particularly the rigid sections 100, may include windows 108, vents, or both. In some examples, seats may be pivoted out from the cab rear 20, the side wall 26, or the tailgate 28 to provide a seating area for an occupant within the cargo area 18.

[0048] The tent 44 may be attached to the truck 10 using fasteners, such as clamps, to anchor the tent 44 when the platform assembly 40 is in the extended position.

[0049] In this example, the tent 44 is attached to the frame assembly 48 and folded when the platform assembly 40 is in the stowed position. In other examples, the tent 44 can be detached from the frame assembly 48 when the platform assembly 40 is in the stowed position. The tent 44 can then be draped over the frame assembly 48 when the platform assembly 40 is in the extended position.

[0050] In some examples, the tent 44 may include a weather sail that may extend outward to provide sheltered areas around the truck 10. In some examples, a vendor at a farmer's market may use the weather sail to protect themselves along with the goods for sale.

[0051] With reference to the Fig.8-11 and the mounting points 80, the exemplary mounting points 80 are pivotally coupled to the front fenders 112 of the truck 10 on each side of a hood 116 that overlies a storage area 120 or a front trunk. One of the mounting points is located on a driver's side of the hood 116, and the other of the mounting points is located on a passenger side of the hood 116.

[0052] When the mounting points 80 are not needed in a mounting position for locking to the support legs 56, the mounting points 80 can be tilted into a hidden position in which the mounting points 80 are located within the storage compartment 120 and are covered by the closed hood 116. In some examples, the mounting points 80 can be used as tie-down points for cargo.

[0053] In the exemplary truck 10, the cab rear 20 is fixed. In other examples, the cab rear 20 could be pivoted into an open position to provide a pass-through opening from the cargo area 18 within the bed 14 to the passenger compartment 16. A mattress or similarly sized item could be positioned within the cargo area 18 and then extend partially into the passenger compartment 16.

[0054] Furthermore, in the exemplary protection system 30, the platform assembly includes more than one plate. In other examples, the platform assembly could include a single plate. Further, the exemplary frame assembly 48 pivots about a single axis, but other examples could include a portion of the frame assembly 48 pivoting upward from an axis at a front of the bed 14 and other portions pivoting upward from a rear of the bed 14.

[0055] Features of the disclosed examples include a shelter that, when not in use as a shelter, can provide aerodynamic improvements to a vehicle. The modular shelter does not occupy significant cargo space in the truck bed, allowing the truck bed capacity to be maintained.

[0056] The foregoing description is exemplary and not restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples may occur to those skilled in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection afforded by this disclosure can only be determined by reading the following claims.

[0057] In one aspect of the invention, the platform assembly includes a first plate and a second plate that are folded together when the platform assembly is in the stowed position and that are unfolded when the platform assembly is in the extended position.

Claims

[1] Protection system for a truck, comprising: a platform assembly pivotable between a stowed position and an extended position, the platform assembly spanning a bed of a truck when in the stowed position, the platform assembly being disposed over a cab of the truck when in the extended position; and a tent that covers the platform assembly when the platform assembly is in the extended position. [2] The protection system of claim 1, wherein the platform assembly slopes downwardly from an upper rear portion of the cab to a tailgate of the truck in the stowed position. [3] The protection system of claim 1, wherein a cab rear of the truck is configured to open to provide a passageway between a passenger compartment of the truck and the bed of the truck. [4] The protection system of claim 1, wherein the platform assembly includes a first plate and a second plate pivotally connected to each other, the first plate and the second plate being folded when the platform assembly is in the stowed position, the first plate and the second plate being unfolded when the platform assembly is in the extended position, and optionally the second plate extending forward beyond a roof of the cab when the platform assembly is in the extended position. [5] The protection system of claim 4, further comprising at least one support leg extending from the second plate to the truck to support the second plate when the platform assembly is in the extended position, and optionally wherein the at least one support leg is pivotally connected to the second plate. [6] The protection system of claim 5, wherein the at least one support leg comprises a first leg connectable to a first mounting point on a driver side of a hood of the truck and a second leg connectable to a second mounting point on a passenger side of the hood of the truck, and optionally wherein the first mounting point and the second mounting point are pivotable between a mounted position and a concealed position. [7] A protection system according to claim 6, wherein the first leg is connectable to the first mounting point by a first lock and the second leg is connectable to the second mounting point by a second lock. [8] The shelter system of claim 1, further comprising a frame assembly that supports the tent when the platform assembly is in the extended position. [9] The shelter system of claim 1, further comprising a frame assembly having a plurality of support spokes radiating from a pivot axis and fanning out about the pivot axis when the platform assembly is in the extended position, some of the plurality of support spokes supporting the platform assembly and some of the plurality of support spokes supporting the tent. [10] The protection system of claim 9, wherein the pivot axis is adjacent to an upper rear corner of the cab. [11] The shelter system of claim 1, wherein the tent is folded when the platform assembly is in the stowed position and is unfolded when the platform assembly is in the extended position. [12] The shelter system of claim 1, further comprising a pair of side panels covering outer portions of the platform assembly and the tent when the platform assembly is in the stowed position. [13] A method for forming a shelter for a truck, comprising: Using a platform assembly as an aerodynamic shield spanning a truck bed when the platform assembly is in a stowed position; and Pivoting the platform assembly into an extended position where the platform assembly spans a roof of the truck. [14] The method of claim 13, further comprising deploying a tent during pivoting, the tent covering the platform assembly when the platform assembly is in the deployed position, and optionally further comprising rotating a plurality of support spokes about a pivot axis when transitioning between the stowed position and the deployed position, the plurality of support spokes radiating from the pivot axis and fanning out about the pivot axis when the platform assembly is in the deployed position, some of the plurality of support spokes supporting the platform assembly and some of the plurality of support spokes supporting the tent when the platform assembly is in the deployed position. [15] The method of claim 14, further comprising supporting a portion of the platform assembly extending forward of the roof with at least one support leg extending from the platform assembly to the truck.

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