Cover for load area of vehicle

Abstract

To provide covers (10, 20) for a load area (2) of a vehicle (1).SOLUTION: A cover (10, 20) for a load area (2) of a vehicle (1) comprises a concealer (11) that is configured to conceal a part of a load area of the vehicle and that includes a flexible membrane (14), at least one string (12A, 12B) for connecting the concealer to a movable member (4) of the vehicle, and at least one anchor (13) that is configured so that the concealer deforms between a deployed state that blocks an opening of the load area (2) and a retracted state that releases the opening of the load area (2) and so as to transmit tension applied to at least one string by the movable member to the concealer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to the field of covers for vehicle cargo areas, typically those located between the passenger seating area and the front / rear ends of the vehicle. Examples of vehicle cargo areas include the trunk (also called the boot, dickie / dickey / dicky or compartment, or sometimes the "frunk"). [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, the cargo area of ​​a vehicle is bounded by at least one door that is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening in the body and the remainder of the cargo area. Non-limiting examples of such doors include lids (such as a trunk lid) and hatches. A door is one example of a movable member of the cargo area. In many cases, one desires the cargo area to be concealed.

[0003] EP 1818217 discloses a cover that must be manually operated to hide or reveal the cargo area of ​​a vehicle, and U.S. Patent No. 8844995 discloses a motorized tonneau cover that can be operated over the entire cargo area of ​​a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1818217 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,844,995 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors have realized that a cover should be easy to operate and convenient for a user. To this end, a cover may be provided in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover includes a concealer configured to conceal a portion of a cargo area of ​​a vehicle. The cover includes at least one strap for connecting the concealer to a movable member of the vehicle. The cover includes at least one anchor. The anchor is configured to transmit tension applied to the at least one strap by the movable member to the concealer such that the concealer is transformed between a deployed state and a stored state.

[0006] When such a cover is installed on a vehicle, it can switch states in response to movement of a moveable member without the use of dedicated electrical and / or mechanical systems. In the deployed state, the concealer hides from view a larger section of the cargo area than in the stowed state.

[0007] The concealer may deform between the deployed and stored states by buckling.

[0008] The concealer may be provided as a flexible film.

[0009] The cover may include an extender configured to bias the concealer toward the deployed state. The at least one tie may be configured to overcome the extender and move the concealer toward the stored state when tensioned by the movable member.

[0010] The extension device may include an elastic or partially elastic tensioning element for connecting the first portion of the concealer to a surface of the cargo area. The tensioning element may be configured to pull the first portion of the concealer away from the second portion of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state.

[0011] The extender may include an elastic portion of a frame of the concealer, the frame portion may be configured to push a first portion of the concealer away from a second portion of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state.

[0012] A first portion of the at least one string may be configured to be connected to the movable member. A second portion of the at least one string may be connected to the first portion of the concealer. The first portion of the concealer may be further from the second portion of the concealer in the deployed state than in the stored state. An anchor may be connected to the at least one string intermediate the first and second portions of the at least one string such that the at least one string is movable relative to the anchor.

[0013] The anchor may be secured to a second portion of the concealer.

[0014] The anchor may be secured to the cargo area at a location closer to the second portion of the concealer than to the first portion of the concealer when the concealer is in the deployed state.

[0015] The second portion of the concealer may be secured relative to the cargo area.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, a cover assembly is provided that includes a cover as previously described herein and a guide configured to guide the concealer between the deployed and stored states, the guide including a guide component configured to be connected to a surface defining the load area and configured to guidably support a frame of the concealer.

[0017] The guiding device may include a guiding component connected to the concealer. The guiding component connected to the concealer may be configured to be guidably supported by a guiding component configured to be connected to a surface defining the load area.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, there is provided in accordance with the present disclosure a vehicle structure including a cargo area and a cover or cover assembly as previously described herein, the cover configured to conceal an opening in the cargo area in a deployed state and to expose the opening in a stowed state.

[0019] The guide components configured to be connected to surfaces defining the load area may be integrally formed with an interior panel of the load area.

[0020] The concealer may be configured to be in a retracted state in response to an opening movement of the movable member relative to the opening.

[0021] The concealer may be configured to assume the deployed state in response to a closing movement of the movable member relative to the opening.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, there is provided in accordance with the present disclosure a vehicle, which may include a vehicle structure as previously described herein, or a cover or cover assembly as previously described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a partial cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle and its cargo area according to a first variant, as well as the deployment of an exemplary cover. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the cover shown in FIG. 1 in a retracted state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle and its cargo area and an exemplary cover according to a second variant having a concealer in an deployed state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the cover shown in FIG. 3 in a retracted state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guide device according to the first variant. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device of FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guide device according to the second variant. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a guide device according to a third variant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present disclosure may be more fully understood from consideration of the following detailed description of aspects of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal." Aspects of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, details of which have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It is to be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit aspects of the present disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent of the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "or" is employed in its general sense to include "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict exemplary aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The exemplary aspects shown are intended for illustration purposes only.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a partial cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle 1, in this example a hatchback car.

[0029] Vehicle 1 includes a cargo area 2, in this example a rear cargo area since it is located near the rear end of the vehicle.

[0030] The cargo area 2 is located behind a seat 3 for at least one vehicle occupant and in front of a hatch 4 of the hatchback.

[0031] In a conventional manner, the hatch 4 is located at the rear end of the hatchback and is movable relative to the rear end of the vehicle 1 between a closed position in which the hatch restricts access to the cargo area 2 for persons outside the vehicle, and an open position in which the hatch provides access to the cargo area for persons outside the vehicle.

[0032] The seats 3 may define the front end of the load area 2. An inner lateral surface of the vehicle 1 (in this case the interior panel 5) defines the lateral end of the load area 2. The lower end of the load area 2 may be defined, for example, by the loading platform of the vehicle 1. In the closed position, the hatch 4 defines the rear end of the load area 2.

[0033] The hatch 4 is an example of a moveable member of the cargo area 2. The hatch 4 is shown moving from an open position towards a closed position, as indicated by the arrow 6 in the figure.

[0034] The vehicle 1 also includes an exemplary cover 10 according to a first variant. As indicated by arrow 6A in the figure, the cover 10 is shown deployed across the opening of the load area 2 in response to a closing movement of the hatch 4. A closing movement of a given movable member of the load area is a movement of the member in a direction from the open position of the member towards the closed position.

[0035] The cover 10 includes a concealer 11, at least one string 12A / B, and at least one anchor 13. Movement of the hatch 4 between the open and closed positions causes the concealer 11 to switch between a deployed state and a stored state, such that the cover 10 can block or release the opening to the cargo area 2 in response to the hatch 4 closing (performing a closing operation) or opening (performing an opening operation).

[0036] In this example, the concealer 11 comprises a flexible membrane 14, a front connection 15, two lateral connections 16 and extenders 17 (in this case one extender 17 for each of the lateral connections 16).

[0037] The membrane 14 is arranged between a front connection 15 and a lateral connection 16 .

[0038] The membrane 14 may be substantially opaque to the naked human eye such that the interior of the cargo area 2 may not be readily visible through the opening in the cargo area when the concealer 11 is in the deployed state. Additionally or alternatively, the membrane 14 may be substantially opaque to sunlight such that the concealer 11 may protect objects within the cargo area 2 from exposure to sunlight when in the deployed state. The membrane 14 may be made from any suitable material, e.g., fabric / textile, plastic (such as PVC), etc., to allow the concealer 11 to move between the deployed state and the stowed state.

[0039] The front connection 15 connects the membrane 14 to the front part of the load area 2 (in this case the interior panel 5 near the seat 3) by means of at least one (in this case two) attachment points 18. The attachment points 18 are provided, for example, as one or more hooks which can be inserted into a corresponding hole or holes provided in the interior panel 5. However, it is also conceivable that holes are provided in the seat 3.

[0040] The lateral connections 16 connect the membrane 14 to at least one (in this case two opposing) side surfaces (provided in this case by the lateral interior panels 5) near the aft end of the load area (where the hatch 4 is located when in the closed position). The lateral connections 16 include at least one attachment point 19 for each side to which the concealer 11 is connected. The attachment points 19 are provided, for example, as one or more hooks insertable into a corresponding hole or holes provided in the interior panel 5.

[0041] The extender 17 is configured to bias the concealer 11 towards the deployed state, so that the concealer is passively deployed (without human intervention). The extender 17 includes at least one (in this case two) tensioning elements 9 for biasing the concealer 11 towards the deployed state. Each tensioning element 9 is provided, for example, as a shock cord. Each tensioning element 9 may be connected to the membrane 14 by means of clamping, sewing, etc., to ensure durability.

[0042] An attachment point 18 of the front connection 15 is connected to an attachment point 19 of the lateral connection 16 via the tension element 9 and the membrane 14. The lateral connection 16 is connected to the membrane 14 via the tension element 9. The front connection 15 is connected to the tension element 9 via the membrane 14.

[0043] The front part 14F of the membrane 14 is connected to a front connection 15. The rear part 14R of the membrane 14 is connected to a tension element 9. Under the action of the tension element 9, the rear part 14R of the membrane 14 is pulled away from the front part 14F of the membrane, so that the membrane extends substantially horizontally across the opening of the loading area 2, for example relative to the vehicle body.

[0044] In this example, the cover 10 includes two strings 12A / B. The strings are made, for example, from natural or synthetic fibers. However, the term "string" may be understood to refer to any elongated flexible tension transmitting member, such as, for example, a cable, a chain, a strap, etc. The strings differ from the tension element 9 described above in that the length of the strings remains substantially constant during switching between the deployed and retracted states, whereas the tension element 9 is elongated more in the retracted state than in the deployed state.

[0045] Each string 12A / B attaches the concealer 11 to the hatch 4. Due to the partial cutaway view, the attachment points between the hatch and the second of the two strings 12B are not visible and only the first string 12A appears to be attached to the hatch 4. When multiple strings 12A / B are present, they may be attached to the hatch 4 in substantially the same way as each other. The attachment between the strings 12A / B and the movable member may be effected, for example, by hooks or clips on the strings cooperating with corresponding holes or clips on the movable member.

[0046] The strings 12A / B are tensioned to varying degrees by the movement of the hatch 4 between the open and closed positions. As the hatch 4 moves from the open position towards the closed position, the tension in the strings 12A / B decreases.

[0047] As tension in strings 12A / B increases, the strings overcome the extenders 17 and move the concealer 11 toward the stowed state.

[0048] The at least one anchor 13 is configured to transmit tension applied to the strings 12A / B by the hatch 4 to the concealer 11 so that the concealer switches between the deployed and retracted states.

[0049] Each anchor 13 is attached to a cover string 12A / B at a location intermediate string first portion 12C and string second portion 12D. Although each cover string 12A / B is shown connected to its own corresponding anchor 13, it is contemplated that a given anchor may be connected to multiple strings (if multiple strings are present).

[0050] An end of the first portion 12C of each string 12A / B is fixed to the hatch. A second portion 12D of each string 12A / B is disposed near the rear 14R of the membrane 14. An anchor 13 is attached to the string 12A / B at a location intermediate its first portion 12C and second portion 12D. As the hatch 4 closes, the second portion 12D of each string 12A / B is pulled away from the anchor 13 and the first portion 12C of each string is pulled towards the anchor.

[0051] Each anchor 13 is provided as an eyelet depending from the front 14F of the membrane 14. However, it is also conceivable to provide the anchor 13 as a pulley or as any other suitable component for locating the strap 12A / B between the concealer 11 and the movable member of the load area 2. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide a given anchor depending from the seat 3 (e.g. its backrest) instead of depending directly from the front 14F of the membrane 14.

[0052] The cover deploys in response to the closing movement of the movable member, allowing the opening of the cargo area 2 to be covered without the user having to make special effort to deploy (or remember to deploy) the cover 10.

[0053] Figure 2 shows the cover 10 seen in Figure 1 during stowage (indicated by arrow 7A in the figure) in response to an opening movement of the hatch 4 (indicated by arrow 7 in the figure). An opening movement of a given movable member of the load area is a movement of the member in a direction from its closed position toward its open position. As the hatch 4 moves from its closed position toward its open position, tension in the straps 12A / B increases.

[0054] When the tension in string 12A / B overcomes the stretcher 17, the first portion 12C of the string is pulled away from the anchor 13. The tension element 9 of the stretcher 17 stretches and the second portion 12D of the string 12A / B is pulled towards the anchor 13.

[0055] The second portions 12D of the strings 12A / B move in a direction substantially parallel to the membrane toward the front portion 14F of the membrane 14 of the concealer 11. The second portions 12D of the strings 12A / B pull the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 in unison.

[0056] As the rear 14R of the membrane 14 moves towards the front 14F of the membrane, the membrane buckles. The opening 8 in the load area 2 is exposed and a person can move across the opening to access the interior of the load area. The movement of the rear 14R of the membrane 14 towards the front 14F of the membrane may be substantially horizontal with respect to the vehicle body.

[0057] The cover switches from the deployed state to the stored state in response to the opening operation of the movable member, allowing a person to open the opening 8 of the loading area even if both hands are full of items to be placed in the loading area 2.

[0058] The elastic energy stored in the extender 17 during switching from the deployed state to the stored state is used to deploy the concealer 11 in response to a subsequent closing movement of the movable member.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a partial cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle 1 (hatchback as shown in Figures 1 and 2) and its cargo area 2, this time with an exemplary cover 20 according to a second variant. The cover 20 is shown deployed across the opening of the cargo area 2 (as indicated by arrow 6A in the figure) in response to a closing movement (as indicated by arrow 6 in the figure) of the hatch 4. The cover 20 according to the second variant is identical to the cover 10 according to the first variant shown in Figures 1-2, with the following exceptions.

[0060] The concealer 11 includes an elastic or partially elastic frame 21 on which the membrane 14 is disposed. The frame 21 functions as an extender 17 for the cover 20. The frame 21 urges the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 away from the front portion 14F of the membrane to stretch the membrane across the opening in the cargo area 2. The rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 may be urged substantially horizontally away from the front portion 14F of the membrane relative to the vehicle body.

[0061] The second portion 12D of each string 12A / B is connected to the frame 21.

[0062] Frame 21 may be made from any suitable material, including spring steel, elastomers, plastics, and the like.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the cover 20 shown in Figure 3 during retraction (as indicated by arrow 7A in the figure) in response to an opening movement (as indicated by arrow 7 in the figure) of the hatch 4. When the tension in the ties 12A / B of the cover 20 overcomes the bias of the frame 21, the frame at least partially collapses, allowing the membrane 14 to buckle such that the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 moves toward the front portion 14F of the membrane. The rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 may move toward the front portion 14F of the membrane in a direction substantially horizontal to the vehicle body.

[0064] The anchors 13 of the cover 20 may be provided at the forward end of the load area, for example at the seat 3. The anchors 13 may be substantially coincident with the attachment points 18 of the forward connections 15. However, it is also contemplated that the anchors 13 of the cover 20 depend from the frame 21, as shown in FIG.

[0065] The lateral connections 16 are provided as guiding devices 22. The guiding devices 22 are configured to guide the concealer 11 between the deployed state and the stored state. The guiding devices 22 include guiding parts 23, which are connected to surfaces defining the load area 2 (in this case the sides of the load area) and are configured to guidably support the frame 21. An exemplary guiding device will be considered in more detail with reference to Figures 5 to 9.

[0066] The frame 21 is attached to the attachment points 18 of the front connection 15. The frame 21 can be hinged to the front connection 15. The hinged connection allows, for example, the concealer 11 to be swung up and down if the frame 21 is detached from the guide piece 23 connected to the loading area. However, it is also conceivable that the front connection 15 is identical to that of the first variant of the cover 10.

[0067] 5 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guiding device 30 according to the first variant. A guiding part 31 connected to a surface defining the load area (in this case, the side of the load area) is provided as a shelf 32 for guidably supporting the frame 21 of the concealer 11. The shelf 32 extends towards the front and rear ends of the load area and protrudes laterally inward from the side 29 of the load area.

[0068] Due to the partial cutaway view, only one guide piece 31 connected to the load area is visible, however, it is also conceivable that the guide device 30 also comprises a second guide piece, for example provided on the opposite side of the load area and connected to the load area.

[0069] The frame 21 rests on the shelf 32 and slides along the shelf 32 as the concealer moves between the stowed and deployed positions.

[0070] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device 30 of FIG.

[0071] The guide part 31 connected to the load area is formed integrally with the interior panel 5 which forms the inner surface of the load area (forming the side surface 29). However, it is also conceivable that the guide part 31 connected to the load area is provided as a separate part which is assembled to the inner surface of the load area (e.g. the interior panel which forms the side surface).

[0072] The frame 21 may be provided with a wear layer 33 to protect the frame and / or the membrane 14 and / or the shelf 32 from excessive wear.

[0073] 7 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guide device 40 according to a second variant. The second variant of the guide device 40 differs from the first variant of the guide device 30 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 as follows.

[0074] The guide elements 41 connected to the load area are provided as grooves 42 extending towards the front and rear ends of the load area.

[0075] For each guide part 41 connected to the load area, the guide device 40 includes a guide part 43 connected to the concealer 11. The guide part 43 connected to the concealer is configured to be guidably supported by the guide part 41 connected to the load area.

[0076] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device 40 of figure 7. The groove 42 is recessed laterally outwardly in the side surface 29 of the loading area.

[0077] The guide piece 43 connected to the concealer is provided as a slider 44 which passes through a groove 42 in the guide piece connected to the load area and is arranged to slide therein towards the front and rear ends of the load area. In this case, the slider 44 is arranged to protrude laterally outward from the frame 21 into the groove 42.

[0078] The outer lateral end 45 of the slider 44 may be tapered to facilitate its insertion into the groove 42 .

[0079] When the slider 44 is inserted into the groove 42 , it is held vertically within the groove 42 .

[0080] The slider 44 includes a mounting portion 46 configured to surround the frame 21. A reinforcing piece 47 may be positioned to protect the membrane 14 from abrasion by the slider 44.

[0081] The frame of the concealer may be laterally foldable to allow the slider to be removed from the guide groove.

[0082] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a guide device 50 according to a third modified example. The third modified example of the guide device 50 differs from the second modified example of the guide device 40 shown in Fig. 8 as follows.

[0083] The groove 42, like the groove of the second variant of the guiding device, comprises a first portion 51 recessed laterally outwardly at the side surface 29 of the loading area. At the outermost end of the first portion 51, the groove 42 comprises a second portion 52 recessed obliquely or perpendicularly to the first portion 51. In this example, the second portion 52 faces substantially vertically upwards, whereas the first portion 51 is substantially horizontal.

[0084] The slider 44 is configured to pass through the groove 42 such that a first portion 53 of the slider is disposed within the first portion 51 of the groove and a second portion 54 of the slider, which is oblique or perpendicular to the first portion 53 of the slider, is disposed within the second portion 52 of the groove. When the second portion 54 of the slider 44 is disposed within the second portion 52 of the groove 42, the slider 44 may be retained laterally within the groove 42.

[0085] When the first portion 53 of the slider 44 is disposed within the first portion 51 of the groove 42 , the slider 44 is held vertically within the groove 42 .

[0086] The slider 44 may be rounded at a junction 55 between its first portion 53 and second portion 54. The slider 44 is removed from the groove 42, for example, by rotating the slider within the groove such that the second portion 54 of the slider moves into the first portion 51 of the groove, and then moving the slider laterally inward to remove the second portion 54 of the slider from the first portion 51 of the groove.

[0087] The frame 21 may be foldable by bending toward and / or away from the bottom of the loading area so that the slider 44 can be removed from the groove 42 .

[0088] While the above examples show the strings as being fixed to the movable element and the concealer, it is contemplated that a given string may be attached to the movable element and / or the concealer, for example, by one or more pulleys, to match the amount of movement of the movable element to the amount of movement of the concealer.

[0089] Although the above examples show the front connection of the concealer as including two attachment points, it is contemplated that the front connection may include more than two attachment points or as few as one attachment point.

[0090] Although the above examples are presented in the context of a hatch as the moving element, other moving elements are contemplated. For example, a gas spring may act as the moving element to facilitate movement of the hatch. The expansion and compression of the gas spring corresponds to the opening and closing action.

[0091] Although the above examples show seats as defining the forward end of the rear cargo area, it is contemplated that other structures may define the forward end of the rear cargo area.

[0092] For example, the rear panel of the passenger compartment may define the forward end of the rear cargo area.

[0093] Although the above examples have been presented in the context of the movable element being movable in terms of providing or restricting access to the cargo area to persons outside the vehicle, it is also contemplated that the movable element may be movable to provide or restrict access to the cargo area to persons inside the vehicle.

[0094] For example, the seat itself may be a movable element if it is present and defines a cargo area. For example, the movable seat may be considered to be in a closed position if it is configured for a vehicle occupant to sit in. For example, the movable seat may be considered to be in an open position if it is folded, moved, or stowed.

[0095] For example, the cover shown in Figures 1-4 may be retracted in response to the seat being folded towards the front end of the vehicle.

[0096] Although the above examples are presented in the context of a hatchback vehicle, other vehicle architectures are contemplated.

[0097] For example, a rear door (eg, as found on a van, station wagon, or sports utility vehicle) may function as the moveable member.

[0098] For example, a vehicle having a trunk (such as a sedan or coupe) may be provided with a cover that deploys / retracts across the trunk in response to movement of the trunk lid.

[0099] For example, a vehicle having a cargo bed (such as a pickup truck) may be provided with a cover that deploys / retracts across the cargo bed in response to movement of a gate in the cargo bed.

[0100] Although the above examples are presented in the context of a rear cargo area, other cargo areas are contemplated.

[0101] For example, a front cargo area (sometimes called a "frunk") may be provided with a cover that extends or retracts in response to movement of a lid of the front cargo area (sometimes called a "bonnet"). A front portion of the concealer may be substantially movable and a rear portion of the concealer may be substantially movable. The front portion of the concealer may move toward the rear end of the cargo area during stowing and toward the front end of the cargo area during extension.

[0102] For example, a central cargo area (e.g., accessible through the left or right door of a vehicle) includes a cover with a concealer that retreats laterally away from the door as the door opens and extends laterally toward the door as the door closes.

[0103] Although the described embodiments are provided as various exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that such embodiments may be combined or, where not inconsistent, the features described in the described embodiments may be interchanged. Moreover, the features recited in the described embodiments are not necessarily closely related to each other, unless such a relationship is expressly indicated between two given features.

[0104] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term "comprising" should be understood as synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, any range in the description, including the claims, should be understood to be inclusive of its endpoints unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that the particular values ​​of the described elements are within the manufacturing or industry tolerances known and accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. Any use of the terms "substantially" and / or "about" and / or "approximately" should be understood to mean within the accepted range of tolerances.

[0105] Although the present disclosure has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

[0106] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims. The invention disclosed in this specification includes the following aspects. <Aspect 1> A cover (10, 20) for a loading area (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising: a concealer (11) configured to conceal a portion of a cargo area of ​​the vehicle; At least one string (12A, 12B) for connecting the concealer to a movable member (4) of the vehicle; At least one anchor (13) configured to transmit tension applied to the at least one string by the movable member to the concealer such that the concealer is transformed between a deployed state and a stored state; A cover (10, 20). <Aspect 2> an extension device (17) configured to bias the concealer (11) toward the deployed state; The cover (10, 20) of claim 1, wherein the at least one string (12A, 12B) is configured to overcome the extension device and move the concealer toward the stored state when tensioned by the movable member (4). <Aspect 3> The cover (10, 20) of aspect 2, wherein the extension device (17) comprises an elastic or partially elastic tensioning element (9) for connecting a first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) to a surface of the loading area (2), the tensioning element being configured to pull the first portion of the concealer away from a second portion (14F) of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state. <Aspect 4> The cover (10, 20) of claim 2, wherein the extension device (17) comprises an elastic portion of a frame (21) of the concealer (11), the portion of the frame being configured to push a first portion (14R) of the concealer away from a second portion (14F) of the concealer to place the concealer in the expanded state. <Aspect 5> a first portion (12C) of the at least one string (12A, 12B) configured to be connected to the movable member (4); a second portion (12D) of the at least one string is connected to a first portion (14R) of the concealer (11), the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) being farther from the second portion (14F) of the concealer in the deployed state than in the stored state; A cover (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchor (13) is connected to at least one string intermediate the first portion (12C) and the second portion (12D) of the at least one string (12A, 12B) such that the at least one string is movable relative to the anchor. <Aspect 6> The cover (10, 20) according to aspect 5, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11). <Aspect 7> The cover (10, 20) of claim 6, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the cargo area (2) at a position closer to the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11) than to the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) when the concealer is in the expanded state. <Aspect 8> The cover (10, 20) according to any one of aspects 2 to 7, wherein the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11) is fixed relative to the loading area (2). <Aspect 9> The cover (10, 20) according to aspect 4 in combination with any one of aspects 4 to 8; a guide device (22, 30, 40, 50) configured to guide the concealer (11) between the deployed state and the stored state, the guide device (22, 30, 40, 50) including guide parts (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to a surface defining the loading area (2) and configured to guidably support the frame (21) of the concealer; A cover assembly comprising: <Aspect 10> A cover assembly as described in aspect 9, wherein the guiding device (40, 50) includes a guiding part (43, 44) connected to the concealer (11), the guiding part (43, 44) being configured to be guidably supported by the guiding part (41, 42) configured to be connected to the surface defining the loading area (2). <Aspect 11> A vehicle structure comprising a loading area (2) and a cover (10, 20) according to any one of the aspects 1 to 8, or a cover assembly according to the aspect 9 or 10, The cover is configured to conceal an opening (8) in the cargo area in the deployed state and to expose the opening in the stowed state. <Aspect 12> A vehicle structure as described in aspect 11, wherein the guide parts (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to the surfaces defining the loading area (2) are integrally formed with an interior panel (5) of the loading area. <Aspect 13> 13. The vehicle structure according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to assume the stored state in response to an opening movement (7) of the movable member (4) relative to the opening (8). <Aspect 14> A vehicle structure as described in any one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to be in the deployed state in response to a closing movement (6) of the movable member (4) relative to the opening (8). <Aspect 15> A vehicle (1) comprising a cover (10, 20) according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, a cover assembly according to aspect 9 or 10, or a vehicle structure according to any one of aspects 11 to 14.

Claims

1. A cover (10, 20) for a loading area (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising: a concealer (11) including a flexible membrane (14) configured to conceal a portion of a cargo area of ​​the vehicle; At least one string (12A, 12B) for connecting the concealer to a movable member (4) of the vehicle; at least one anchor (13) configured to transmit tension applied by the movable member to the at least one string to cause the concealer to deform between a deployed state for blocking the opening of the loading area (2) and a stored state for releasing the opening of the loading area (2); A cover (10, 20).

2. an extender (17) configured to urge the concealer (11) towards the deployed state; 2. The cover (10, 20) of claim 1, wherein the at least one string (12A, 12B) is configured to overcome the extension device and move the concealer toward the stored state when tensioned by the movable member (4).

3. 3. The cover (10, 20) of claim 2, wherein the extension (17) comprises an elastic or partially elastic tensioning element (9) for connecting a first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) to a surface of the loading area (2), the tensioning element being configured to pull the first portion of the concealer away from a second portion (14F) of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state.

4. 3. The cover (10, 20) of claim 2, wherein the extension device (17) comprises an elastic portion of a frame (21) of the concealer (11), the portion of the frame being configured to push the first portion (14R) of the concealer away from the second portion (14F) of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state.

5. a first portion (12C) of the at least one string (12A, 12B) configured to be connected to the movable member (4); a second portion (12D) of the at least one string is connected to a first portion (14R) of the concealer (11), the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) being further away from the second portion (14F) of the concealer in the deployed state than in the stored state; 5. A cover (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the anchor (13) is connected to the at least one string (12A, 12B) intermediate the first portion (12C) and the second portion (12D) of the at least one string such that the at least one string is movable relative to the anchor.

6. The cover (10, 20) according to claim 5, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11).

7. 7. The cover (10, 20) of claim 6, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the loading area (2) at a position closer to the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11) than to the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) when the concealer is in the deployed state.

8. The cover (10, 20) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11) is fixed relative to the loading area (2).

9. The cover (10, 20) of claim 5, wherein the second portion (12D) of the at least one string moves in a direction parallel to the membrane (14) toward the second portion (14F) of the concealer when tensioned by the movable member (4).

10. A cover (10, 20) according to claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 9 which refer to claim 4; a guide device (22, 30, 40, 50) configured to guide the concealer (11) between the deployed state and the stored state, the guide device (22, 30, 40, 50) including guide parts (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to a surface defining the loading area (2) and configured to guidably support the frame (21) of the concealer; A cover assembly comprising:

11. The cover assembly of claim 10, wherein the guiding device (40, 50) includes a guiding part (43, 44) connected to the concealer (11), the guiding part (43, 44) being configured to be guidably supported by the guiding part (41, 42) configured to be connected to the surface defining the loading area (2).

12. A vehicle structure comprising a loading area (2) and a cover (10, 20) according to any one of claims 3 to 9 or a cover assembly according to claim 10 or 11, The cover is configured to conceal an opening (8) in the cargo area in the deployed state and to expose the opening in the stowed state.

13. 13. Vehicle structure according to claim 12, when dependent on claim 10 or 11, wherein the guiding parts (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to the surfaces defining the loading area (2) are integrally formed with an interior panel (5) of the loading area.

14. 14. A vehicle structure according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to assume the stored state in response to an opening movement (7) of the movable member (4) relative to the opening (8).

15. 15. A vehicle structure according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to be in the deployed state in response to a closing movement (6) of the movable member (4) relative to the opening (8).

16. A vehicle (1) comprising a cover (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a cover assembly according to claim 10 or 11, or a vehicle structure according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

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