Retractable boot adapter for vehicles provided with a cargo bed

Abstract

The present invention pertains to the automotive technology field and relates, more particularly, to a retractable adapter (A) for the rear portion of vehicles provided with a cargo bed (1), such as pickup trucks, for example, preferably manufactured from a high-strength polymeric material and internally lined with carpeting or similar materials used for lining the boots of conventional vehicles. The retractable adapter (A) disclosed herein comprises a lid (2) attached, by means of a shaft (2.2), to a structure (4) provided with apertures (2.4) for securing the horizontal latches (2.3) provided on the lid (2) when in the horizontal position, and two vertical latches (2.1) arranged on the side walls (1.1) of the cargo-bed (1) protector (B), the vertical latches being arranged to secure the lid (2) in the vertical position, thereby forming the boot (3). It should be noted that the dimensions of the retractable adapter (A) may vary according to the dimensions of the cargo bed (1) in which the retractable adapter (A) is installed. The structure (4) is arranged to receive the lid (2) when in the horizontal position, such that said structure (4) must include a central recess relative to the edges thereof, thereby allowing the lid (2) to be accommodated in a flush manner.

Description

[0001] Retractable trunk adapter for vehicles with a cargo bed.

[0002] Technological sector of invention

[0003]

[0001] In general, the present invention belongs to the automotive technology sector and refers, more specifically, to a retractable adapter to be used on the rear of vehicles equipped with a cargo bed, such as trucks or pickups, for example, preferably manufactured from high-resistance polymeric material, being internally lined with carpets or similar materials to those used in lining the trunks of traditional vehicles.

[0004]

[0002] In summary, this is a special type of truck bed divider which allows you to convert part of the truck bed into a trunk and which, after use, can be conveniently disassembled onto the truck bed itself, so that it is not necessary to remove it for normal use of the truck bed.

[0005] Known state of the art

[0006]

[0003] Currently, there are several devices that attempt to convert or compartmentalize the cargo beds of vehicles such as trucks or pickups into traditional trunks, aiming to provide better transport conditions for the cargo being transported. However, such equipment generally requires various adaptations and, once installed, cannot be removed without completely uninstalling it from the truck bed, as they are not retractable devices.

[0007]

[0004] Similar products currently found in the state of the art present, when removed, the additional need for physical space for their removal and storage, being uninstalled and distant from the vehicle in the event of a need for use.

[0008]

[0005] That being said, it is important to highlight that there are several alternatives in the current state of the art that are described in patent documents, such as document no. sBR202021014136-6 “DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN VEHICLE LUGGAGE RACK” which discloses a modular and universal vehicle luggage rack, enabling its application to various types of pickup truck beds, eliminating the need for structural alterations and unwanted drilling in the vehicle bed, as well as allowing various possibilities for arranging the modules, according to the user's needs. The luggage rack described herein is divided into side and central modules, with modules one and two being applicable individually on the left or right side of the truck bed, or together, so that these, together with module three, which can also be used individually, form the complete luggage rack shown in figures one to three, for example, where the central modules are inserted.

[0009]

[0006] Note that this prior feature has the drawback of not being retractable and requiring complete uninstallation upon removal, which is problematic in cases where compartmentalization is needed and the user is not carrying luggage modules.

[0010]

[0007] There is also document US2015048129 “MODULAR TRUCK BED STORAGE SYSTEM” which discloses a modular truck bed storage system that can be easily assembled and disassembled in a truck bed. One example of the truck bed storage system includes a removable end panel and a lid assembly forming a compartment in the truck bed. The lid assembly has an upper portion connected to a frame to operate between an open and a closed position. The frame is configured for attachment to at least one side wall of a truck bed. Another example includes side panels and a floor plate. Yet another example includes multiple end panels and a sectioned lid, allowing for sub-compartments within the compartment.

[0011]

[0008] Similarly, this prior requirement demands complete uninstallation for full use of the normal volume of the truck bed, so that in the event of a need for compartmentalization, the user is limited by not having the module of this system.

[0012]

[0009] Finally, noteworthy document US6,174,012 “REMOVABLE STORAGE TRUNK FOR TRUCKS” discloses a removable trunk for trucks of the type with a rear cargo bed including a floor, right and left side walls, right and left vertical door stops extending into the right and left side walls, respectively, and a tailgate door movable between an open and a closed position. The removable trunk includes a right, left, top, bottom, and front wall connected to each other to partially define a storage compartment accessible through an opening defined by a rear perimeter surface.The trunk also includes right and left side flanges extending outward from the respective right and left portions of the rear perimeter surface and into a defined gap between the rear surfaces of the right and left door jambs and a front surface of the tailgate when the trunk is installed on the truck and the tailgate is in the closed position. The truck also includes right and left flange retainers extending into the gap and above the right and left side flanges to prevent upward removal of the trunk when installed on the truck.

[0013]

[0010] Note that, although this technology is removable, it is not retractable, needing to be completely removed and stored, which entails exactly the technical problems now solved, in the sense that the user, in the event of a need to compartmentalize the truck bed, will be prevented from doing so because they are not carrying the module.

[0014]

[0011] Thus, considering all the drawbacks of the systems and equipment currently used, described above in the state of the art, a gap is evident in the creation of a retractable adapter to be used on the rear of vehicles with cargo beds, such as trucks or pickups, for example, preferably manufactured from high-resistance polymeric material, internally lined with carpets or similar materials used in the lining of traditional vehicle trunks. This is not a simple compartment for attachment to cargo beds, but a retractable trunk adapter that eliminates the need for removal. Novelties and objectives of the invention

[0015]

[0012] The present invention relates to a special type of truck bed divider which allows part of the truck bed to be converted into a trunk and which, after use, can be conveniently disassembled onto the truck bed itself, making it unnecessary to remove it for normal use of the truck bed.

[0016]

[0013] This is a device made of high-strength polymer material with the aim of enabling the use of a trunk for users of vehicles equipped with a truck bed in an easy and practical way, being incorporated into the design of existing truck bed protectors, when open, or placed in the vertical position, creating a real trunk, without the user needing any complex installation at the time of use.

[0017]

[0014] However, when closed, in a simple and practical way because it is retractable, it becomes imperceptible in the vehicle's original cargo bed, not occupying any volume and always remaining in place for any future need.

[0018]

[0015] The equipment now disclosed is preferably produced in the same material as currently known truck bed liners (high-strength polymeric material), and is preferably fitted to said truck bed liner by means of a rotating axis.

[0019]

[0016] In this way, the adapter now revealed remains fixed and sealed to the truck bed floor and, when necessary, it is enough to release the lock and rotate it to the vertical position, creating a real trunk in the truck bed. Because it is kept sealed from the outside, the space created by this adapter will always be clean, even if the truck bed has been used previously.

[0020]

[0017] Thus, with the aim of remedying the shortcomings of the current state of the art highlighted above, the present invention patent aims to propose a retractable adapter to be used on the rear of vehicles equipped with a cargo bed, such as vans or pickups, for example, preferably manufactured from high-resistance polymeric material, and internally lined with carpets or similar materials to those used in lining the trunks of known traditional vehicles. Description of the attached drawings

[0021]

[0018] In order that the present invention may be fully understood and put into practice by any technician in this technological sector, it will be described in a clear, concise and sufficient manner, based on the attached drawings, which illustrate and support it, listed below:

[0022]

[0019] Figure 1 shows an example of a truck bed with the adapter installed and its lid in the horizontal position, with the vertical lock fully released and the horizontal lock engaged.

[0023]

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example of a bucket with the adapter installed and its lid passing through an intermediate position, still without contact with the vertical lock and with the horizontal lock already released.

[0024]

[0021] Figure 3 shows an example of a truck bed with the adapter installed and its lid in the vertical position secured by the vertical latch, forming the trunk.

[0025]

[0022] Figure 4 shows an example of a top view of the truck bed with the adapter installed and its lid in the horizontal position, highlighting the presence of vertical fasteners on the two side walls of the truck bed.

[0026] Detailed description of the invention

[0027]

[0023] The retractable adapter (A) now disclosed consists of a cover (2) fixed by means of an axis (2.2) to a structure (4) provided with holes (2.4) for fixing the horizontal latches (2.3) present on the cover (2) when in the horizontal position, two vertical latches (2.1) arranged on the side walls (1.1) of a truck bed (1) responsible for fixing the cover (2) in the vertical position, forming the trunk (3). Note that the dimensions of the retractable adapter (A) can vary freely according to the dimensions of the truck bed (1) in which it will be installed.

[0028]

[0024] The structure (4) is responsible for containing the lid (2) when in a horizontal position, such that said structure (4) must have a recess in the center relative to the edges so that the lid (2) can be inserted without unevenness.

[0025] In order for the adapter (1) to be installed in the truck bed (1), the truck bed protector of the area in which the adapter (1) will be installed must be removed, freeing up the appropriate space for the insertion and fixing of the structure (4) which must contain the lid (2) inside.

[0029]

[0026] Once the structure (4) is installed on the truck bed (1), the user can release the horizontal locks (2.3), lift the lid (2) by the axis (2.2) to the vertical position, securing it with the vertical locks (2.1) and forming the trunk (3).

[0030]

[0027] The trunk (3) may be lined internally with automotive carpet, similar to the carpet used in the trunks of traditional passenger vehicles, for example, and the lid (2) may be lined externally with the same material as the bed liner, varying according to the models of vehicles with a bed, so that, when in a horizontal position, it aligns perfectly with the bed structure (1), becoming visually imperceptible and not occupying the useful volume of the bed (1).

[0031]

[0028] The horizontal (2.3) and vertical (2.1) locks presented here are a preferred and exemplary embodiment of the adapter (A) now disclosed, and other mechanisms may be used for the same purpose without prejudice to the inventive concept now disclosed.

[0032]

[0029] As is generally known, the bed liner (B) is a traditionally manufactured piece, inserted inside the bed liner (1), smooth or rough, usually made of high-strength polymeric material, with the purpose of protecting the metal part of the bed liner against weather or impacts from its own use for transporting volumes.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 - RETRACTABLE TRUNK ADAPTER FOR VEHICLES WITH A TRUNK BED characterized by the said adapter (A) being of the retractable type, composed of a cover (2) fixed by means of an axis (2.2) to a structure (4) into which it is inserted in a horizontal position, provided with holes (2.4) for fixing horizontal locks (2.3) present in the cover (2) and vertical locks (2.1) arranged on the side walls (1.1) of the truck bed protector (B) that fix the cover (2) in the vertical position forming the trunk (3). 2 - RETRACTABLE TRUNK ADAPTER FOR VEHICLES WITH A PICKUP BED as per claim 1, and further characterized in that the dimensions of the retractable adapter (A) can vary according to the dimensions of the pickup bed (1) in which it will be installed. 3 - RETRACTABLE TRUNK ADAPTER FOR VEHICLES WITH A PICKUP BED as per claim 1, characterized in that the trunk (3) is lined internally with vehicle carpet. 4 - RETRACTABLE TRUNK ADAPTER FOR VEHICLES WITH A TRUNK BED as per claim 1, characterized in that the lid (2) is externally covered with the same material as the trunk protector (1)-

Images