Shelter device for a vehicle

Abstract

A movable shelter device (1) that is suitable for being fitted to a vehicle (V) provided with a loading / unloading chamber (W), is suitable for protecting above an outer zone facing the aforesaid loading / unloading chamber (W) and comprises: a canopy (2) that is movable between a non-operational position (A), in which it is retracted with respect to a said loading / unloading chamber, and an operational position (B) in which the canopy (2) protrudes outwards from the loading / unloading chamber to shelter an underlying zone from atmospheric agents; guide means (3) fixable to a part of the vehicle (V) and conformed to slidably support the canopy (2); the canopy (2) is slidable in the guide means (3) along a sliding axis (X) to move from the non-operational position (A) to the extracted operational position (B) and vice versa; support means (4) comprising a first end (4') connected to the canopy (2) and a second end (4'') shaped to be coupled removably with a vertical upright of the vehicle (V) to lock and help support the canopy (2) in the extracted operational position (B).

Description

[0001] Shelter device for a vehicle

[0002] Background of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a shelter device suitable for being fitted to a goods vehicle, in particular, to a truck or heavy goods vehicle or van provided with a goods loading / unloading chamber.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Canopies for vehicles are known that are configured to be spread and cover a zone a zone behind the vehicle.

[0006] Examples of devices of this type are known from US3697123, W02022 / 074305, which describe covering elements that are slidable to the rear zone of the vehicle.

[0007] However, in the case of US3697123, the device, being self-supporting, has the drawback of having rather a bulky and heavy supporting and guiding structure that greatly penalizes the capacity of the loading chamber.

[0008] Also the device of W02022 / 074305 is structurally rather complex and bulky and is not suitable for trucks with a body provided with a movable platform for transferring pallets of goods. Above all, poles or feet are provided for supporting the covering element and which are suitable for resting on the ground, which constitute a hindering element for goods handling operations.

[0009] Other documents, like DE102018109259, US5416965 and GB1218227 describe covering elements shaped to be fitted externally to the roof of the vehicle, and this constitutes a limit because it penalizes aerodynamics (with penalization of the efficiency of fuel consumption by the vehicle), increases the external dimensions of the vehicle and alters the external appearance thereof.

[0010] Other devices have covering elements in the form or rollable and unrollable material above the roof of the vehicle; however, the further limit of not ensuring a cover with the great security that a stiff structure can ensure is added to the limits just set out below.

[0011] In the light of what has been set out above, there is ample room for improvement of known shelter devices for vehicles.

[0012] Objects of the invention

[0013] One object of the invention is improving current canopy devices for trucks.

[0014] A further object is to provide a solution that is at the same time structurally simple and ensures an effective and secure covering action for the underlying zone that is sheltered from atmospheric agents.

[0015] 20240576 WO_EN A further object is to provide a solution that enables goods loading / unloading tasks to be performed in total comfort without occupying or hindering the underlying zone.

[0016] A still further object is to provide a shelter device that is simple and cheap and easily fittable to a vehicle without having to require complicated fitting operations and / or modification operations for fitting to or modifying the vehicle.

[0017] Summary of the invention

[0018] These objects and still others are achieved by a shelter device as defined in the attached claims.

[0019] The device that is thus configured, particularly owing to the guide means and to the support means that are thus configured, has an extremely simplified and equally efficient structural configuration. Other advantages will be shown from the description that follows.

[0020] Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate an embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which: Figure l is a perspective view of a goods vehicle on which a shelter device according to the present invention is fitted in an operational position;

[0022] Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the shelter device of figure 1;

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in an operational position;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates some details of the device according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 is an enlarged detail of figure 4;

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device according to the present invention that illustrates the movement of support means from an unfolded position to a folded position;

[0027] Figure 7 is a perspective view that shows the movement of the device according to the present invention from the extracted operational position to a non-operational retracted position;

[0028] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the goods vehicle of figure 1 in which the shelter device is in a retracted non-operational position.

[0029] Detailed description

[0030] With reference to the aforesaid figures, a shelter device 1 is disclosed below that is suitable for being fitted to a goods vehicle V, like, in particular, a lorry or heavy goods vehicle provided with a body defining a loading / unloading chamber W.

[0031] In particular, the vehicle V to which to apply the device 1 can be of the type comprising a loading / unloading platform suitable for facilitating the passage of the goods between the

[0032] 20240576 WO_EN chamber W and a warehouse or storage chamber in general.

[0033] The shelter device 1 is shaped to protect above an outer zone facing the loading / unloading chamber W to enable loading / unloading tasks to be performed protected from atmospheric agents, for example rain, snow, etc.

[0034] The shelter device 1 comprises a canopy 2 that is movable between a non-operational position A, in which it is retracted with respect to the loading / unloading chamber W, and an operational position B in which the canopy 2 protrudes outwards with respect to the loading / unloading chamber W to shelter the underlying zone from rain, hail, sun, and atmospheric agents in general.

[0035] The canopy 2, precisely, is defined by a stiff, flat, plate-shaped body.

[0036] The canopy 2 can be made of transparent or opaque plastics (for example of polymethylmethacrylate), or another material according to specific needs.

[0037] This configuration enables a pretty stable and secure covering action to be ensured that is able to withstand even the highest stress exerted by atmospheric agents.

[0038] The shelter device 1 comprises guide means 3 fixable to a part of the vehicle V and conformed to slidably support the canopy 2. The guide means 3, in particular, is fixable to the inner surfaces of the walls that bound the chamber W and the canopy 2 is configured to be entirely contained in the overall dimensions of the vehicle V in the retracted non- operational position A. The guide means 3 has a reduced thickness, for example no greater than 7 cm so as not to affect adversely the capacity of the chamber W.

[0039] Owing to these features, the loading volume of the chamber W is not penalized, the aerodynamics of the vehicle V is not penalized and having to make external modifications that alter the external appearance of the vehicle is avoided.

[0040] The canopy 2 is slidable along the guide means 3 along a sliding axis X to move from the retracted non-operational position A to the extracted operational position B and vice versa. More precisely, the guide means 3 comprises a pair of linear guides 3a, 3b each of which is fixable to a respective wall of the chamber W so as to slidingly support the two opposite longitudinal edge portions (first side edge 8 and second side edge 9) of the canopy 2.

[0041] The shelter device 1 comprises support means 4 suitable for stably supporting the canopy 2 in the extracted operational position B. The support means 4, more precisely, comprises a pair of arms 4 (or support rods), each arranged at being connected at one end to the canopy 2 and at the opposite end to a respective vertical upright 15 of the vehicle. A vertical upright 15 means the edge portion - of the body - that is stationary and fixed that bounds the opening

[0042] 20240576 WO_EN of the chamber W and on which a hatch or other closing element of the chamber W can be found.

[0043] As illustrated in the figures, each vertical upright 15 is integral with the body of the vehicle. Each vertical upright 15 always occupies the same stationary position with respect to the body of the vehicle and thus with respect to the chamber W. In other words, each vertical upright 15 is fixed with respect to the body of the vehicle and thus with respect to the chamber W.

[0044] Further, each vertical upright 15 bounds an access opening to the chamber W. In particular, the access opening to the chamber W is bounded by two vertical uprights 15 and by two horizontal crosspieces, one above and one below. The access opening to the chamber can be closed by one or more doors.

[0045] In one embodiment that is not illustrated, the vehicle is provided with two doors, each of which is hinged on a respective vertical upright of the vehicle. Each door can move from a closed position in which it closes access to the chamber, to an open position in which the door is rotated completely until it bends against and faces the side outside surface of the body, so as to leave the space in front of the opening of the chamber completely free and facilitate loading / unloading operations.

[0046] Precisely, each arm 4 comprises a first end 4’ connected rotatably to the canopy 2 and a second end 4” shaped to be coupled removably with a respective vertical upright 15 of the vehicle V to lock and help support the canopy 2 in the extracted operational position B.

[0047] The shelter device 1 is further provided with anchoring means 5 intended to be fixed to the vertical upright 15 and shaped to couple removably with the respective second end 4” to lock the canopy 2 in the extracted operational position B.

[0048] Each second end 4” comprises hooking protrusions 20 shaped for coupling removably with corresponding hooking recesses 21 obtained on the anchoring means 5.

[0049] Each first end 4’ is connected rotatably to the canopy 2.

[0050] Owing to the support means 4 and to the anchoring means 5, the canopy 2 is stably supported without having to invade ground zones and thus without obstructing transit and loading / unloading operations.

[0051] Owing to the configuration according to the invention, in particular owing to the coupling of the arms 4 with the anchoring means 5 that is applicable to the stationary vertical uprights 15, the canopy 2 is free / independent of the doors. This further facilitates loading / unloading operations because the zone around the opening of the chamber is completely free and not

[0052] 20240576 WO_EN occupied by the doors.

[0053] The support means 4, in particular the support arms 4, are movable with respect to the canopy 2 to a retracted position R - in which the second end 4’ ’ is brought up to the canopy 2 - and an unfolded position D - in which the second end 4” is separated from the canopy 2 to connect to the respective vertical upright 15.

[0054] The canopy 2 comprises retaining means 10 for retaining the support means 4 (i.e. the support arms 4) in the folded position R.

[0055] In the disclosed version, the retaining means comprises recessed seats 10 obtained in the canopy 2, as visible in Figure 3. In one embodiment that is not shown, the retaining means comprises elastic hooking clips fixed to the canopy and shaped for coupling elastically with the support arms 4.

[0056] In another embodiment that is not shown, the retaining means is defined by magnet elements provided on the support arms 4 and on the canopy and arranged for retaining the support arms magnetically 4 in folded position and brought up to the lower surface of the canopy 2. A pushing / pulling stick 25 is provided for the user to take the support arms 4 to the aforesaid folded and brought up position or to separate the support arms 4 from this position and take the support arms to the unfolded position.

[0057] Each support arm 4 comprises an arm body made as a single piece.

[0058] The support arms 4 are so geometrically shaped that when they are hooked to the corresponding vertical upright 15, the second end 4” is at a distance comprised between 40 and 160 cm from the canopy 2.

[0059] The canopy 2 comprises a front edge 6 and a rear edge 7 opposite the aforesaid front edge 6 extending transversely to the sliding axis X.

[0060] The first end 4’ of each arm 4 is connected to the canopy 2 at an intermediate distance between the front edge 6 and the rear edge 7.

[0061] The canopy 2 comprises barrier means 11 arranged on the front edge 6 and configured to make rainwater flow to the first side edge 8 and the second side edge 9.

[0062] The canopy 2 comprises gripping means 12 suitable for being grasped by a user, for example by the pushing / pulling stick 25 for moving the canopy 2 between the retracted non-opera- tional position A and the extracted operational position B.

[0063] The operation of the shelter device 1, starting with the retracted non-operational position A, is disclosed briefly below.

[0064] Once the door / platform of the vehicle V is opened and once the chamber W is made available

[0065] 20240576 WO_EN for starting the goods loading / unloading operations, the user uses the pushing / pulling stick 25 to extract the canopy 2 from the chamber W to the operational position B.

[0066] Subsequently, the user uses the stick 25 to unfold the support arms 4. The user then brings each end 4” up to the corresponding anchoring means 5 provided on the vertical uprights 15 of the vehicle. At this point, the user connects the hooking protrusions 20 of each arm 4 to the corresponding hooking recesses 21 of the anchoring means 5 provided on the uprights 15.

[0067] At this point, the canopy 2 is stably secured in the operational position B and enables the loading / unloading operations to be performed in total comfort and safety for the user. The canopy 2 thus ensures complete shelter from rain, hail and sun for the user and the goods being handled.

[0068] Once the loading / unloading operations have terminated, to return the shelter device 1 to the non-operating position A, it is sufficient to follow the procedure in reverse order to the steps that have just been disclosed in order to reach the operational position B. In the light of what has been disclosed and shown with reference to the attached drawings, it is clear that the device 1 successfully achieves all the objects stated above.

[0069] 20240576 W0_EN

Claims

CLAIMS1. Movable shelter device (1) suitable for being fitted to a vehicle (V) provided with a loading / unloading chamber (W), said shelter device (1) being suitable for protecting above an outer zone facing said loading / unloading chamber and comprising: a. a canopy (2) that is movable between a non-operational position (A), in which it is retracted with respect to said loading / unloading chamber, and an operational position (B) in which said canopy (2) protrudes outwards with respect to said loading / unloading chamber (W) to shelter an underlying zone from atmospheric agents, b. guide means (3) fixable to a part of said vehicle (V) and conformed to slidably support said canopy (2), said canopy (2) being slidable along said guide means (3) along a sliding axis (X) to move from said non-operational position (A) to said operational position (B) and vice versa; c. support means (4) for blocking and contributing hold said canopy (2) in said operational position (B), said support means (4) comprising a first end (4’) connected to said canopy (2) and a second end (4”) shaped to be coupled removably with a vertical upright (15) integral with said vehicle (V) and delimiting an access opening to said chamber (W) of said vehicle (V).

2. Shelter device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising anchoring means (5) intended to be fixed to said vertical upright (15) and conformed to be removably coupled with said second end (4”) to lock said canopy (2) in said operational position (B).

3. Shelter device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said second end (4”) comprises hooking protrusions (20) shaped for coupling removably with corresponding hooking recesses (21) obtained on said anchoring means (5).

4. Shelter device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first end (4’) is connected rotatably to said canopy (2), said support means (4) being movable with respect to said canopy (2) between a folded position (R) in which said second end20240576 WO_EN(4”) is brought up to said canopy (2) and an unfolded position (D) in which said second end (4”) is separated from said canopy (2) to connect to said vertical upright.

5. Shelter device (1) according to claim 4, wherein said canopy (2) comprises retaining means (10) to retain said support means (4) in said folded position (R).

6. Shelter device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support means (4) comprises an arm body made as a single piece.

7. Shelter device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support means (4) is so geometrically shaped that when said support means (4) is hooked to the corresponding vertical upright, said second end (4”) is at a distance comprised between 40 and 160 cm from said canopy (2).

8. Shelter device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sliding guide means (3) is fixable inside said chamber (W) of the vehicle (V) and said canopy (2) is configured to be contained inside the overall dimensions of said vehicle (V) in said retracted non-operational position (A).

9. Shelter device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said guide means comprises a pair of sliding guides (3a, 3b) that are fixable to an upper part of said vehicle (V), said canopy (2) comprising a first side edge (8) and a second side edge (9) extending parallel to said sliding axis (X) and each being respectively slidable in a respective guide (3a, 3b).

10. Shelter device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said canopy (2) comprises a front edge (6) and a rear edge (7) opposite said front edge (6) extending transversely to said sliding axis (X), said first end (4’) being connected to said canopy (2) at an intermediate distance between said front edge (6) and said rear edge (7).

11. Shelter device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said canopy (2) comprises barrier means (11) arranged on said front edge (6), said barrier means (11) being configured to make rainwater flow to said first side edge (8) and said second side edge (9).

12. Shelter device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said canopy (2) comprises gripping means (12) suitable for being grasped by a user to move said canopy (2) between said retracted non-operational position (A) and said extracted operational position (B), a pushing / pulling stick (25) being further provided that is20240576 WO_ENsuitable for facilitating the user in the task of moving said canopy (2) and said support means (4).20240576 W0_EN

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