MULTI-CONFIGURATION COVER DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE REAR PLATFORM

Abstract

A cover device (CD) is fitted to a rear platform (PLR) of a vehicle (V) intended for loading and surrounded by a front transverse wall (PTV) and two longitudinal walls (PL1-PL2), and comprises: - a movable roof (TP) covering at least part of the rear platform (PLR), - at least one pair of inflatable pillars (PG11-PG12) fixedly attached to first zones (Z111-Z112) of the roof (TP) spaced at the same longitudinal level, and coupled to the front transverse wall (PTV) or the longitudinal walls (PL1-PL2) or to the rear platform (PLR), and - an inflation device (DG) inflating the inflatable pillars (PG11-PG12) so that they raise at least part of the roof (TP) to increase the volume of the loading space (EC) between the rear platform (PLR) and the roof (TP). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: MULTI-CONFIGURATION COVER DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE REAR PLATFORM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising a rear platform intended for loading, and more specifically to cover devices which are suitable for covering at least part of such a rear platform. State of the art

[0002] Some vehicles, possibly of the motor vehicle type and generally referred to by the English word "pickup", include a rear platform intended for loading and a covering device comprising a movable roof suitable for covering at least part of this rear platform.

[0003] In these covering devices, the roof can be removable so that it can be separated from the vehicle to significantly increase the volume of the loading space over the entire rear platform, or it can be driven in rotation around an axis located on the front side (thanks to the presence of hinges) and held in an inclined position by small rear rods (possibly equipped with shock absorbers) to slightly increase the volume of the loading space mainly in the central and rear parts of the rear platform.

[0004] When the roof is removable, separating it from the vehicle requires at least two people due to its size and weight. Furthermore, once the vehicle is without a roof, items loaded onto its rear platform are no longer protected from the elements and theft. In addition, temporary storage of the roof can be problematic, particularly when the vehicle is far from its loading location and / or due to its size.

[0005] When the roof is rotated around an axis located at the front, the increase in loading volume is minimal and, more importantly, only effective on a portion of the rear platform, which is limiting. Furthermore, once the roof is tilted, items loaded on the rear platform are less protected from the elements and are no longer protected from theft. In addition, the small rear rods are relatively fragile and susceptible to shocks and vibrations. Finally, rotating the roof generally requires manual operation, which can be difficult when the roof is heavy.

[0006] Moreover, with or without their roof (sloped or not) almost all pickup type vehicles have poor aerodynamic drag, whether they have a single or double cab.

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a covering device, on the one hand, suitable for equipping a rear platform of a vehicle intended for loading and surrounded by a front transverse wall and two longitudinal walls, and, on the other hand, comprising a movable roof and suitable for covering at least part of this rear platform.

[0009] This covering device is characterized in that it also comprises:

[0010] - at least one pair of inflatable pillars, on the one hand, fixedly joined and respectively to first zones of the roof spaced apart by being located at the same longitudinal level, and, on the other hand, suitable for being coupled to the front transverse wall or to the longitudinal walls or to the rear platform, and

[0011] - an inflation device suitable for inflating the inflatable pillars so that they lift at least part of the roof to increase the volume of a cargo space located between the rear platform and the roof.

[0012] Thanks to the invention, a simple activation of the inflation device makes it possible to automatically and effortlessly lift at least part of the roof of a vehicle user, and thus to easily modulate the volume of the loading space to adapt it to the needs.

[0013] The cover device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0014] - it may include a front pair of inflatable pillars suitable for being joined together fixedly and respectively to first first zones located in a front part of the roof, and a rear pair of inflatable pillars suitable for being fixedly attached and respectively to second first zones located in a rear part of the roof;

[0015] - in a first embodiment, it may comprise at least one pair of rigid reinforcement pillars, associated respectively with inflatable pillars of a corresponding pair, suitable for rotationally mounting under the roof, and each suitable for moving between a folded position in which they are folded under the roof and a support position in which they extend from the roof to the rear platform or the front transverse wall or the longitudinal walls having orientations with a vertical component, so as to participate in the support of the roof;

[0016] - in the presence of this first embodiment, it may include a front pair of reinforcing pillars designed to be rotationally attached respectively to first second zones located in a front part of the roof, and a rear pair of reinforcing pillars designed to be rotationally attached respectively to second second zones located in a rear part of the roof;

[0017] - in a second embodiment, it may comprise at least one pair of rigid, removable reinforcing pillars, suitable for being associated respectively with the inflatable pillars of a corresponding pair when placed in a support position in which they extend from said roof to the rear platform or the front transverse wall or the longitudinal walls having orientations presenting a vertical component, so as to participate in the support of the roof;

[0018] - in the presence of this second embodiment, it may comprise a pair front of reinforcing pillars designed to be fixedly attached respectively to first second zones located in a front part of the roof, and a rear pair of reinforcing pillars designed to be fixedly attached respectively to second second zones located in a rear part of the roof;

[0019] - in the presence of the first or second embodiment, it may include first fixing elements in a number equal to a number of reinforcing pillars, suitable for being fixedly attached respectively to the rear platform or the front transverse wall or the longitudinal walls, and each suitable for fixedly attaching a reinforcing pillar associated with the rear platform or the front transverse wall or one of the longitudinal walls;

[0020] - it may comprise at least two second fastening elements suitable for being fixedly attached each to the rear platform or to the front transverse wall or to one of the longitudinal walls, and each suitable for participating in a fixed attachment of the roof to the rear platform or to the front transverse wall or to one of the longitudinal walls;

[0021] - its inflation device may include an electric pump suitable for inflating each of the inflatable pillars;

[0022] - Alternatively, its inflation device may include a number of pumps electric which is equal to a number of pairs of inflatable pillars, each electric pump being specific to inflating one associated pair of inflatable pillars.

[0023] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising, on the one hand, a rear platform for loading surrounded by a front transverse wall and two longitudinal walls, and, on the other hand, a cover device of the type shown above and associated with this rear platform. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a left-side view, an example of vehicle comprising a rear loading platform associated with an example of an embodiment of a cover device according to the invention placed in a folded configuration,

[0026] [Fig.2] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a view from the left side, the vehicle in [Fig. 1], with its cover system in a fully deployed configuration,

[0027] [Fig.3] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a front view of the On the rear side, the vehicle in [Fig. 1], with its cover device in the fully deployed configuration,

[0028] [Fig.4] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a view from the left side, the vehicle in [Fig. 1], with its cover device placed in a first partially deployed configuration (rear side),

[0029] [Fig.5] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a front view of the on the rear side, the vehicle of [Fig. 1], with its cover device placed in the first partially deployed configuration (rear side), and

[0030] [Fig.6] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a view from the left side, the vehicle of [Fig.1], with its cover device placed in a second partially deployed configuration (front side). Detailed description of the invention

[0031] The invention aims in particular to provide a DC cover device intended to equip a V vehicle with a PLR rear loading platform, and offering multiple configurations to cover at least part of this PLR rear platform in different ways.

[0032] In what follows, vehicle V is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be a pickup truck. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising a rear platform that can be associated with a cover device, and in particular pickup trucks and utility pickup vehicles.

[0033] In Figures 1 to 6, direction X is the longitudinal direction of vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, direction Y is the transverse direction of vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and direction Z is the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y.

[0034] Figures 1 to 6 schematically illustrate, at least partially, an example of a vehicle V comprising a rear platform PLR intended for loading and associated with an example of an embodiment of a DC cover device according to the invention.

[0035] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 6, the rear platform PLR is surrounded by a front transverse wall PTV (and therefore extending along the transverse direction Y), and two longitudinal walls PLj left (j = 1) and right (j = 2). It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 to 6, the rear platform PLR is also surrounded by a rear transverse flap (or door) VTR which can be folded down (see Figures 3 and 5) to make it more easily accessible.

[0036] It should be noted that the PTV front transverse wall can be the rear wall of a single or double cab of vehicle V, intended to accommodate passengers. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the PTV front transverse wall could be a wall independent of the rear wall of the cab of vehicle V and located downstream of (or behind) this rear wall.

[0037] It should also be noted that the rear platform PLR, the front transverse wall PTV, the longitudinal walls PLj, and the possible rear transverse flap VTR delimit a loading space EC suitable for receiving objects to be transported.

[0038] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 6, a DC cover device according to the invention comprises a roof TP, at least one pair of inflatable pillars PGij, and an inflation device DG.

[0039] The roof TP is movable (and optionally removable or separable from the vehicle V), and designed to cover at least part of the rear platform PLR. It should be noted that in the example illustrated (though not exhaustively) in Figures 1 to 6, the roof TP is designed to cover the entire rear platform PLR (and therefore the cargo space EC). However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, it could cover only a predefined portion of the rear platform PLR.

[0040] Each pair of inflatable pillars PGij comprises a left inflatable pillar PGil (j = 1) and a right inflatable pillar PGi2 (j = 2). These inflatable pillars PGij of each pair of inflatable pillars PGij are fixedly attached respectively to first zones Zlij of the roof TP, which are spaced apart and located at the same longitudinal level (along the longitudinal direction X). It will be understood that a first left zone Zlij (j = 1) relates to a right inflatable pillar PGil and that a first right zone Zli2 (j = 2) relates to a left inflatable pillar PGil.

[0041] It will be noted that in what follows and what precedes it, when the index i is equal to one (i = 1) it designates a front part of the roof TP, and when the index i is equal to two (i = 2) it designates a rear part of the roof TP.

[0042] The inflatable pillars PGij of each pair of inflatable pillars PGij are suitable for coupling to the front transverse wall PTV or to the longitudinal walls PLj or to the rear platform PLR, depending on the chosen arrangement of the DC cover device. In other words, depending on the chosen arrangement, the two inflatable pillars PGij of a pair of inflatable pillars PGij are suitable for coupling either only to the front transverse wall PTV, or only and respectively to the two longitudinal walls PLj, or only to the rear platform PLR.

[0043] The inflation device DG is designed to inflate the inflatable pillars PGij so that they raise at least part of the roof TP to increase the volume of the cargo space EC located between the rear platform PLR and the roof TP. It will be understood that the inflation device DG comprises at least one electric pump PE that draws air into the inflatable pillars PGij of at least one pair.

[0044] Thus, simply activating the inflation device DG allows at least part of the roof TP to be automatically and effortlessly lifted by a user of vehicle V due to the inflation of at least one pair of inflatable pillars PGij. Furthermore, the cargo space EC is now modular to adapt to current needs. In addition, the modular configuration of the cover device DC improves the aerodynamic drag of vehicle V under certain operating conditions (and therefore certain configurations), whether vehicle V has a single or double cab.

[0045] It should be noted that the TP roof can optionally be removable when it is possible to decouple the upper ends of the inflatable pillars PGij from the TP roof or the lower ends of the inflatable pillars PGij from the front transverse wall PTV or the longitudinal walls PLj or the rear platform PLR. But of course, in this configuration without the TP roof, the objects loaded on the rear platform PLR are no longer protected from the weather and theft.

[0046] For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2, 3 and 5, the DC cover device may comprise a front pair (i = 1) of inflatable pillars PGij and a rear pair (i = 2) of inflatable pillars PG2j. In this case, the two inflatable pillars PGij of the front pair are suitable for being fixedly attached respectively to two first zones Z1 Ij which are located in a front part PVT of the roof TP, and the two inflatable pillars PG2j of the rear pair are suitable for being fixedly attached respectively to two second first zones Z12j located in a rear part PRT of the roof TP.

[0047] This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it can maximize the number of different configurations that the DC cover device can assume when its inflation device DG allows for the inflation of all four inflatable pillars PGij substantially simultaneously, or independently of the inflatable pillars PG1j of the front pair and the inflatable pillars PG2j of the rear pair. The DC cover device can then be:

[0048] - either in a folded-down configuration (see [Fig. 1]), when none of the four pillars PGij inflatables are not inflated.

[0049] - either in a fully deployed configuration (see Figures 2 and 3), when the four inflatable PGij pillars are inflated,

[0050] - either in a first partially deployed configuration (see figures 4 and 5), when only the two PG2j inflatable pillars of the rear pair are inflated,

[0051] - either in a second partially deployed configuration (see [Fig.6]), when only the two inflatable PGlj pillars of the front pair are inflated.

[0052] But in alternative embodiments the DC cover device could comprise only a front pair of inflatable pillars PG1j or only a rear pair of inflatable pillars PG2j.

[0053] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2 to 6, in a first embodiment, the DC roofing device may also include at least one pair of rigid PRij reinforcing pillars associated respectively with the inflatable PGij pillars of a corresponding pair. In this case, the PRij reinforcing pillars of (each) pair may be rotationally mounted under the TP roof, and each may be able to be moved between a folded position (illustrated in [Fig. 5]) and a support position (illustrated in Figures 2 to 6).

[0054] In the folded position, the PRij reinforcement pillars of a pair are folded under the TP roof and therefore do not contribute to supporting the TP roof. This folded position of the PRij reinforcement pillars of a pair is used, in particular, when the PGij inflatable pillars of the corresponding pair are not inflated. However, this is not mandatory, as it is possible to inflate the PGij inflatable pillars of a pair while leaving the PRij reinforcement pillars of the corresponding pair in their folded position. However, in this latter case, rigidity and stability are reduced.

[0055] In the support position, the reinforcing pillars PRij of a pair extend from the roof TP to the rear platform PLR or the front transverse wall PTV or the longitudinal walls PLj, with orientations that include a vertical component (along the vertical direction Z), so as to contribute to the support of the roof TP. This significantly increases the rigidity and stability of the roof TP when it is at least partially raised.

[0056] It should be noted, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 5, that in the first embodiment, the DC cover device may comprise a front pair of PR1j reinforcing pillars associated with a front pair of PG1j inflatable pillars, and a rear pair of PR2j reinforcing pillars associated with a rear pair of PG2j inflatable pillars. In this case, the PR1j reinforcing pillars of the front pair may be rotationally attached to first secondary zones Z21j located in the front PVT portion of the TP roof, and the PR2j reinforcing pillars of the rear pair may be rotationally attached to second secondary zones Z22j located in the rear PRT portion of the TP roof. This optimizes the rigidity and stability of the TP roof when it is at least partially raised.

[0057] It should also be noted, as illustrated but not limited to Figures 3 and 5, that in the first embodiment the two reinforcing pillars PRij of (each) pair can be coupled via a rigid connecting bar BLi which is, for example, suitable for rotationally mounting on the roof TP. This advantageously allows the two reinforcing pillars PRij of a pair to be rotated simultaneously.

[0058] It should also be noted that in the first embodiment, the connecting bar BLi of a pair or one of the two reinforcing pillars PRij of a pair (joined by a connecting bar BLi) can be rotated by an associated electric motor. In the absence of a motor, the user must manually rotate the connecting bar BLi of a pair or one of the two reinforcing pillars PRij of a pair (joined by a connecting bar BLi) or both reinforcing pillars PRij of a pair (in the absence of a connecting bar BLi).

[0059] In a second, unillustrated embodiment, the DC cover system may also include at least one pair of rigid, removable PRij reinforcement pillars. In this case, the PRij reinforcement pillars of a pair are associated respectively with the inflatable PGij pillars of a corresponding pair when placed in their support position. It should be noted that in the support position, the PRij reinforcement pillars extend from the roof TP to the rear platform PLR or the front transverse wall PTV or the longitudinal walls PLj, with orientations that include a vertical component (along the vertical direction Z), so as to contribute to the support of the roof TP. This significantly increases the rigidity and stability of the roof TP when it is at least partially raised.

[0060] It will be understood that since the PRij reinforcement pillars are removable, it is the user who must manually proceed to fix them to the TP roof, one after the other.

[0061] It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the DC cover device may comprise a front pair of PR1j reinforcement pillars associated with a front pair of PG1j inflatable pillars, and a rear pair of PR2j reinforcement pillars associated with a rear pair of PG2j inflatable pillars. In this case, the PR1j reinforcement pillars The front pair of supports are designed to be fixedly attached to the first two zones Z21j located in the front PVT section of the TP roof, and the rear pair of reinforcement pillars PR2j are designed to be fixedly attached to the second two zones Z22j located in the rear PRT section of the TP roof. This optimizes the rigidity and stability of the TP roof when it is at least partially raised.

[0062] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 5, the DC cover device may also include first fixing elements EFlij in a number equal to the number of reinforcing pillars PRij. In this case, these first fixing elements EFlij are fixedly attached respectively to the rear platform PLR or the front transverse wall PTV or the longitudinal walls PLj (in fact, where the reinforcing pillars PRij are located when they are in their support position). It will be understood that each first fixing element EFlij is arranged so as to allow the fixed attachment of the associated reinforcing pillar PRij (and therefore coupled to it) to the rear platform PLR or the front transverse wall PTV or to one of the longitudinal walls PLj to which it is itself fixedly attached.Any type of EFlij first fixing element can be used, such as an element with semi-circular clipping tab(s) and / or hook(s). This reinforces the holding of the PRij reinforcement pillars in their support position, and therefore the holding of the TP roof in at least a partially raised position.

[0063] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 5, the DC cover device may also include at least two second fixing elements EF2, each fixedly attached to the rear platform PLR or the front transverse wall PTV or to one of the longitudinal walls PLj. In this case, each second fixing element EF2 is designed to contribute to the fixed attachment of the roof TP to the rear platform PLR or the front transverse wall PTV or to one of the longitudinal walls PLj. This may, in particular, allow the roof to be held fixedly in its folded-down position (see [Fig. 1]).

[0064] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 3 and 5, the DC cover device comprises a second fixing element EF2 fixedly attached to the front transverse wall PTV and two second fixing elements EF2 fixedly attached respectively to the two longitudinal walls PLj. The second fixing element EF2, which is fixedly attached to the front transverse wall PTV, allows, when the other two second fixing elements EF2 are not used (and are therefore decoupled from the roof TP), the DC cover device to be locked in its second partially deployed configuration (see [Fig. 6]). When the two second fixing elements EF2, which are fixedly attached to the two longitudinal walls PLj, are used (and are therefore coupled to the roof TP), the device DC cover is placed in its folded configuration (in which the volume of the EC loading space is minimal).

[0065] Any type of second EF2 fastening element can be used, preferably one that allows the DC cover device to be locked in its second, partially deployed configuration. This could therefore be, for example, a loop element cooperating with a locking hook.

[0066] Also, for example, and as partially mentioned above, the inflation device DG may include a single electric pump PE which is used to inflate each of the inflatable pillars PGij. It will be understood that in this case, with only one front pair, or rear pair, of inflatable pillars PGij, these two (PGij) are inflated simultaneously, and therefore the cover device DC can only be placed in its second, or first, partially deployed configuration (roof TP partially raised at the front, or rear, respectively). And, with both a front pair and a rear pair of inflatable pillars PGij, these four (PGij) are inflated simultaneously, and therefore the cover device DC can only be placed in its fully deployed configuration (roof TP fully raised).

[0067] Alternatively, and as illustrated but not limited to Figures 3 and 5 and mentioned above, the inflation device DG may comprise a number of electric pumps PE equal to the number of pairs of inflatable pillars PGij. In this case, each electric pump PE is dedicated to inflating a specific pair of inflatable pillars PGij. In other words, a first PE pump inflates the inflatable pillars PGij of the front pair, and a second PE pump inflates the inflatable pillars PG2j of the rear pair. This allows the cover device DC to be positioned in its fully deployed configuration (roof TP fully raised), or in its second partially deployed configuration (roof TP partially raised at the front), or in its first partially deployed configuration (roof TP partially raised at the rear).

[0068] Each PE pump is coupled to the inflatable pillars PGij of the associated pair by conduits or pipes (not shown). These conduits or pipes can optionally be disconnected from the associated inflatable pillars PGij to allow separation of the roof TP from the rest of the vehicle V. Deflation of the inflatable pillars PGij can be achieved, for example, by operating each electric PE pump in reverse of the inflation direction to draw the air from these inflatable pillars PGij.

[0069] It should be noted that the TP roof can be a rigid wall (substantially flat or possibly of the "hard top" type) or a canopy associated with ribs (or possibly a frame). In the case of a canopy, it is preferably attached to the upper ends of the inflatable pillars PGij.

[0070] Furthermore, this TP roof may optionally include two side flaps (or tarpaulins or canvases) on the right and left sides and / or a rear flap (or tarpaulin or canvas) and / or a front flap (or tarpaulin or canvas) made of flexible plastic so as to be rollable or foldable, in order to fill and / or conceal the empty spaces created by the at least partial lifting of the TP roof. These flaps (or tarpaulins or canvases) may optionally be associated with anchoring elements, such as hooks or cleats, fixedly attached to the rear platform PLR and / or the front transverse wall PTV and / or the longitudinal walls PLj and / or the possible rear transverse flap VTR, in order to allow the fixing of their lower edges.Furthermore, these flaps (or tarpaulins or canvases) may possibly be transparent and / or include a window that can be opened (or removed) and attached to the rest by any known means, including a zipper (or "zip") or hook and loop fasteners.

Claims

Demands

1. A cover device (CD) suitable for equipping a rear platform (PLR) of a vehicle intended for loading and surrounded by a front transverse wall (PTV) and two longitudinal walls (PLj), and comprising a movable roof (TP) suitable for covering at least part of said rear platform (PLR), characterized in that it further comprises i) at least one pair of inflatable pillars (PGij) fixedly attached respectively to first zones (Zlij) of said roof (TP) spaced apart by being located at the same longitudinal level, and suitable for being coupled to said front transverse wall (PTV) or to said longitudinal walls (PLj) or to said rear platform (PLR), and ii) an inflation device (DG) suitable for inflating said inflatable pillars (PGij) so that they lift at least part of said roof (TP) to increase a volume of a loading space (EC) included between said rear platform (PLR) and said roof (TP).

2. Cover device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a front pair of inflatable pillars (PGij) adapted to be fixedly attached respectively to first first zones (ZI Ij) located in a front part (PVT) of said roof (TP), and a rear pair of inflatable pillars (PG2j) adapted to be fixedly attached respectively to second first zones (Z12j) located in a rear part (PRT) of said roof (TP).

3. Cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of rigid reinforcing pillars (PRij), associated respectively with inflatable pillars (PGij) of a corresponding pair, adapted to be rotationally mounted under said roof (TP), and each adapted to be moved between a folded position in which they are folded under said roof (TP) and a support position in which they extend from said roof (TP) to said rear platform (PLR) or said front transverse wall (PTV) or said longitudinal walls (PLj) having orientations having a vertical component, so as to participate in the support of said roof (TP).

4. A cover device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a front pair of reinforcing pillars (PRlj) adapted to be rotationally fixed respectively to first seconds zones (Z21j) located in a front part (PVT) of said roof (TP), and a rear pair of reinforcing pillars (PR2j) suitable for being rotationally attached respectively to second zones (Z22j) located in a rear part (PRT) of said roof (TP).

5. Cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of rigid, removable reinforcing pillars (PRij), associated respectively with the inflatable pillars (PGij) of a corresponding pair when placed in a support position in which they extend from said roof (TP) to said rear platform (PLR) or said front transverse wall (PTV) or said longitudinal walls (PLj) having orientations having a vertical component, so as to participate in the support of said roof (TP).

6. Cover device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a front pair of reinforcing pillars (PR1j) adapted to be fixedly attached respectively to first second zones (Z21j) located in a front part (PVT) of said roof (TP), and a rear pair of reinforcing pillars (PR2j) adapted to be fixedly attached respectively to second second zones (Z22j) located in a rear part (PRT) of said roof (TP).

7. Cover device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it comprises first fixing elements (EFlij) in a number equal to a number of reinforcing pillars (PRij), suitable for being fixedly attached respectively to said rear platform (PLR) or to said front transverse wall (PTV) or to said longitudinal walls (PLj), and each suitable for fixedly attaching a reinforcing pillar (PRij) associated with said rear platform (PLR) or to said front transverse wall (PTV) or to one of said longitudinal walls (PLj).

8. Cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said inflation device (DG) comprises an electric pump (PE) suitable for inflating each of said inflatable pillars (PGij).

9. Cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said inflation device (DG) comprises a number of electric pumps (PE) equal to a number of pairs of inflatable pillars (PGij), each electric pump (PE) being suitable for inflating an associated pair of inflatable pillars (PGij).

10. Vehicle (V) comprising a rear platform (PLR) intended for loading and surrounded by a front transverse wall (PTV) and two longitudinal walls (PLj), characterized in that it further comprises a cover device (DC) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, associated with said rear platform (PLR).

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