AU2010222781B2

AU2010222781B2 - Profile for the closing element of a vehicle hopper and corresponding closing element

Info

Publication number: AU2010222781B2
Application number: AU2010222781A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nicolas Anfosso
Original assignee: UPSTONE
Current assignee: UPSTONE
Priority date: 2009-03-11
Filing date: 2010-03-08
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-08
Also published as: AU2010222781A1; WO2010103200A3; EP2406093A2; DK2406093T3; FR2943017A1; WO2010103200A2; EP2406093B1; FR2943017B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a profile for the closing element of the hopper of a pick-up vehicle, that includes a rigid central panel and a profile member on the periphery of said panel, the profile member having a continuous outer outline and comprising, on the inner surface thereof, a removable tab (310) and a slot (33) for the passage of a panel (20) and for maintaining it inside the profile member, wherein the slot opens on the inner side of the profile after removing said tab, and a sealed chamber (34) for collecting the water that may ingress through the slot, the chamber being defined on the lower side by a continuous wall and the profile member further including drainage means in communication with said chamber.

Description

WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 - 1 PROFILE FOR THE CLOSING ELEMENT OF A VEHICLE HOPPER AND CORRESPONDING CLOSING ELEMENT Field of the Invention 5 The invention relates to a closing element for the bed of a vehicle, of pick-up type. Background of the Invention 10 Such a closing element is commonly called "tonneau cover". It can be made of a single piece by molding. 15 It may also consist of a central panel surrounded by a peripheral profile. The latter is designed to come into contact with the top part of the walls of the bed in order to close it. 20 The profile includes a groove on the inner side, or else toward the interior of the closing element, in which the panel is placed. The panel is then secured by rivets. 25 Because of this edge-to-edge assembly, watertight seals are provided between the central panel and the profile to avoid the ingress of water into the bed of the vehicle. This sealing function may, for example, be 30 provided by glue or silicone. The closing elements resulting from the assembly of a central panel and a peripheral profile do, however, pose two problems. First of all, the fitting of a 35 watertight seal represents an additional cost, particularly in terms of labor. Furthermore, it is found that the seal-tightness is not guaranteed throughout the life of the tonneau cover, because of 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 -2 the degradation of the properties of the watertight seal. Summary of the Invention 5 The present invention seeks to overcome these drawbacks. In one aspect there is provided a profile for a closing 10 element for the bed of a vehicle, of pick-up type, comprising a rigid central panel and a profile on the periphery of said panel, the profile having a continuous outer contour and comprising, on its inner face, a removable tab and a slot for the passage of a 15 panel and for maintaining said panel inside the profile, said slot opening on the inner side of the profile after the removal of said tab and a sealed chamber, intended to collect the water that may enter through the slot, this chamber being delimited, on the 20 bottom side, by a continuous wall and the profile also comprising drainage means, in communication with said chamber. This profile may on the one hand, enable the central 25 panel of a closing element to be fitted in a slot and, on the other hand, collect the water inside the profile then drain it from the vehicle. This solution therefore involves guiding the water into 30 the profile so that it can then be drained out of the bed, rather than preventing the water from entering into the profile. In this way, the fitting of a watertight seal between the profile and the central panel can be made pointless and the seal-tightness may 35 be guaranteed throughout the life of the tonneau cover since the latter no longer depends on an element that may be degraded over time. 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 -3 These drainage means may comprise a gutter situated on the outer side of the profile and at a level below that of the slot. 5 In addition, this gutter may advantageously include at least one opening for the drainage of the water. Also the profile may include, on its bottom face, a groove intended to receive a watertight seal. 10 In another aspect there is also provided a closing element comprising a rigid central panel and at least two profiles according to other embodiments of the invention so as to surround said panel, the latter 15 being inserted inside the slots of said profiles and held securely. It will be understood that at least two separate profiles may be necessary to allow for the insertion of 20 the panel into the slots. The panel may be fixed to the profile by rivets. In a variant embodiment, said at least two profiles may 25 be linked together, at at least one corner of the panel, by connecting means. In this case, sealing means may be provided between the profiles and the connecting means. 30 Finally, the central panel can be made of aluminum, of plastic material or in the form of a photovoltaic panel. 35 Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will be better understood and other aims, advantages and features thereof will 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 -4 become more clearly apparent from reading the following description which is given in light of the appended drawings, in which: - figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary 5 closing element according to an embodiment of the invention, mounted on the bed of a pick-up type vehicle, - figure 2 is a transversal cross-sectional view of a profile according to an embodiment of the invention, 10 obtained after extrusion and before finishing, - figure 3 is a transversal cross-sectional view of a profile according to an embodiment of the invention, in which are inserted a panel and a peripheral seal, - figure 4 is a view similar to figure 3 which 15 illustrates the circulation of water inside the profile, when using the closing element, and - figure 5 is a perspective and bottom view of a profile according to another embodiment of the invention, illustrating the drainage of the water 20 from the profile. Those elements that are common to the different figures will be identified by the same references. 25 Detailed Description Figure 1 schematically illustrates the rear part of a pick-up type vehicle, comprising a bed 1 on which is mounted a closing element 2 according to an embodiment 30 of the invention. This closing element is produced from a rigid central panel 20 and a peripheral profile. The panel is held secure in the profile. The closing element is generally 35 mounted so as to be articulated on the bed, to allow access to the interior of the bed. 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 -5 In the example illustrated in figure 1, this peripheral profile consists of four parts 21-24 whose length substantially corresponds to that of a side of the 5 panel, these different parts being linked together by connecting means 25-28, situated at the corners of the panel. The invention is not limited to this embodiment. As 10 will become apparent hereinafter in the description, it is sufficient for the profile to consist of at least two independent parts (or even for the closing element to include two profiles) to enable the central panel 20 to be assembled in the peripheral profile. 15 The central panel may be made of metal (for example aluminum), or of plastic material (for example ABS). It is also possible to produce this panel in the form 20 of a photovoltaic panel. The energy recovered from this photovoltaic panel can then be used to supply the vehicle with electricity. Thus, embodiments of the invention also relate to a 25 closing element for a bed of a vehicle, comprising a central panel produced in the form of a voltaic panel and any peripheral profile. Figure 2 shows a transversal section of the profile 30 according to an embodiment of the invention, that is to say taken along the line II-II of figure 1. 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 - 5a The profile according to an embodiment of the invention is conventionally obtained by an extrusion method and made of aluminum. Figure 2 illustrates the profile on 5 completion of this extrusion process and before the finishing step after which it can be used. It is produced in a single piece. This makes it easier to manufacture, compared to profiles formed from a 10 number of assembled elements. This profile has three continuous faces: a bottom face 30, intended to be facing the bed and substantially horizontal, when using the closing element, an inner 15 face 31, intended to receive the central panel and an outer face 32 which connects the top part of the inner face 31 to the outer end of the bottom face 30. These three faces are linked to one another, so that 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 - 6 the contour of the profile is continuous. This outer face 32 is visible when the closing element is mounted on the bed. This is why, in this exemplary 5 embodiment, the outer face 32 has a domed shape, for esthetic reasons. Other shapes may be retained. Figure 2 shows that the inner face 31 is continuous. It includes, over the entire length of the profile, two 10 substantially parallel weakening areas defining a removable tab 310, which extends substantially perpendicularly to the bottom face 30. These two areas correspond to a contraction. However, after the extrusion step, the tab 310 of the inner face is 15 removed to allow for the subsequent passage of the central panel, as will be illustrated in figure 3. Figure 2 shows that the profile includes, on the side of the inner face, or else on the inner side, a slot 20 33, obtained by extrusion. This slot is formed between two walls 330 and 331 of the profile which extend parallel to one another. The slot extends substantially horizontally when the closing element is placed on the vehicle. It is intended for the passage of the central 25 panel, as is illustrated in figure 3, after the removal of the tab 310. The profile 2 is also designed to define -a sealed chamber 34 between the slot 33 and a gutter 35 defined 30 on the outer side of the profile. The expression "sealed chamber" should be understood here to mean a chamber that does not allow for the passage of liquid through the bottom face 30 of the profile. In particular, no opening is provided in the bottom face 35 30 which could allow for the passage of liquid from the chamber 34 to the outside, and therefore into the bed, in use.

WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 -7 The chamber 34 is here defined between the outer face 32 and a bottom wall 340 which is continuous. The wall 340 is provided between the outer face 32 and the bottom face 30. It could be eliminated. The chamber 34 5 would then be defined between the outer face 32 and the bottom wall 30. As illustrated in figure 2, the bottom wall is slightly inclined downward, relative to the walls 330 and 331, 10 toward the gutter 35. As illustrated in figure 2, the gutter is situated between the bottom face 30 of the profile and the outer face 32. As will be seen hereinafter in the 15 description, the gutter allows for the drainage of the water which may enter into the profile, in use. It is made of a single piece with the profile. Following the gutter 35, and toward the interior of the 20 profile, there is provided a groove 36 which forms a cavity for a watertight seal. Thus, the bottom face 30 and the outer face 32 are linked together, and continuously, by the walls of the indent 37 and the gutter 35. 25 Figure 3 illustrates a profile similar to that of figure 2, in which the tab 310 of the inner face 31 has been removed. Because of this setback over the entire length of the profile, the slot 33 opens on the inner 30 side. Because of this, it has been possible to insert one side of the central panel 20 of the closing element into the slot 33 formed inside the profile 2. The central panel is mounted very simply inside the 35 peripheral profile by sliding the panel. It will be understood that, for this mounting to be possible, the profile must be produced in at least two parts. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the central panel WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 -8 20 is inserted in succession into each profile 21 to 24. The connecting elements 25 to 28 are then assembled at each corner of the panel. 5 The slot 33 already makes it possible to secure the panel 20 inside the profile. However, to ensure that it is secure, rivets 4 are provided. As illustrated in figure 3, these rivets pass through both the panel and the profile, at the level of the slot 33. 10 Moreover, figure 3 illustrates a watertight seal 5 which is held in the cavity 36. This watertight seal is intended to come into contact with the top part 10 of the walls of the bed 1. 15 Since the cavity 36 is situated between the gutter 35 and the inner face 31 of the profile, when the closing element is in the bed closure position, the gutter 35 is isolated from the interior of the bed, via this 20 watertight seal 5. Reference will now be made to figure 4 which is a view similar to figure 3 and which illustrates the circulation of the water inside the profile, when using 25 the closing element. When the closing element according to embodiments of the invention is in place on a vehicle, water may enter into the profile, both through the slot 33 (arrow Fl), 30 the water then being guided by the panel 20, and along the rivet 4 (arrow F2). This water enters into the chamber 34 (arrow F3) and it is retained in the gutter 35 where it may accumulate. 35 In practice, the water is directed to the gutter 35 by virtue of the inclination of the bottom wall 340 of the chamber 34 and by virtue of the fact that the gutter is situated at a level below that of the slot 33, when the 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 -9 closing element is placed on the bed of the vehicle. As recalled above, the bottom wall 340 of the chamber 34 is continuous, so that this chamber is seal-tight 5 relative to the interior of the bed, when the closing element is mounted thereon. Obviously, means are provided to drain the water from the gutter 35. These means may in particular consist of 10 openings formed in the gutter 35. However, these openings necessarily open outside the vehicle and the water cannot enter into the bed by virtue of the seal 5. 15 The passage of the water toward the gutter 35 obviously takes place under the effect of gravity, but also because of the movements of the bed, linked to the reliefs encountered by the vehicle when rolling. 20 Reference is now made to figure 5 which illustrates the closing element 2 of figure 1, at a corner of the central panel 20, in perspective and from below. This figure 5 illustrates, for example, the parts 22 25 and 23 of the profile 2 and the connecting means 27. Between the parts 22, respectively 23, and the connecting means 27, sealing means (not illustrated) is provided which extend over at least a portion of the 30 thickness of the profile. By virtue of these, the passage of the water from the parts of the profile to the connecting means takes place via the gutters of each part. 35 Figure 5 also illustrates the watertight seal 5, inserted into the gutter of each part of the profile, and into a cavity of the connecting means 27 which is not visible in figure 5. 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 - 10 Figure 5 shows that each part of the profile is open at each of its ends. Thus, the gutters 35 of each part 22 and 23 of the profile are open (opening 350) at both ends of each part 22 and 23 and open directly into a 5 groove 270 provided in the connecting means 27. This groove 270 is situated between the outer edge 271 of the connecting means 27 and the watertight seal 5. Thus, the water collected in each gutter 35 can pass into the groove 270 of the connecting means 27 whence 10 it falls by gravity (arrows F4) . This allows for the drainage of the water collected in the profile 2, without openings being formed in the gutter 35 itself. The profile illustrated in figure 2 shows that the 15 outer face 32 includes, above the wall 330, that is to say on the inner side of the profile, a void 332. The latter therefore opens into a chamber 333 delimited by the wall 330 and the walls 334 and 335 which connects it to the outer face 32. This chamber 333 may receive 20 equipment items mounted to slide in this chamber and in particular mooring rings and load bars. Moreover, the applicant envisages protecting, as such, a closing element for a vehicle bed whose central panel 25 is of the photovoltaic type. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary 30 implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the 35 invention. 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 - 11 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in 5 Australia or any other country. 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP

Claims

1. A profile for a closing element for a bed of a vehicle, of pick-up type, comprising a rigid central 5 panel and a profile on the periphery of said panel, the profile having a continuous outer contour and comprising, on its inner face, a removable tab and a slot for the passage of a panel and for maintaining said panel inside the profile, said slot opening on an 10 inner side of the profile after the removal of said tab and a sealed chamber, intended to collect water that may enter through the slot, the sealed chamber being delimited, on a bottom side, by a continuous wall, and the profile also comprising drainage means, in 15 communication with said sealed chamber.

2. The profile as claimed in claim 1, in which the drainage means comprises a gutter situated on an outer side of the profile and at a level below that of said 20 slot.

3. The profile as claimed in claim 2, in which said gutter includes at least one opening for drainage of the water. 25

4. The profile as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including, on its bottom face, a groove intended to receive a watertight seal. 30

5. A closing element for a bed of a vehicle, of pick-up type, comprising a rigid central panel and at least two profiles as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, so as to surround said central panel, the latter being inserted inside the slots of said profiles and 35 held securely.

6. The closing element as claimed in claim 5, wherein said central panel is fixed to said profiles by rivets. 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP WO 2010/103200 PCT/FR2010/000192 - 13

7. The closing element as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein said at least two profiles are linked together, at at least one corner of the central panel, by a 5 connecting means.

8. The closing element as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein sealing means is provided between the profiles and the connecting means. 10

9. The closing element as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the central panel is of the photovoltaic type. 15

10. The closing element as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the central panel is made of aluminum or of plastic material. 5740588_1 (GHMatters) P88138.AU MCAMP