CN209988445U

CN209988445U - Cargo box cover system and latch structure for same

Info

Publication number: CN209988445U
Application number: CN201821347859.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: 徐恩立
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-21
Filing date: 2018-08-21
Publication date: 2020-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-21

Abstract

A cargo box lid system includes a stringer, a clamp structure, a latch structure, and a weather seal. The stringers define lid slots for lids extending over the cargo box. The clamp structure is configured to be attached to a wagon wall of the wagon. The clamp structure includes: a clamp fastener configured to tighten the clamp structure against the wagon wall. The clamp structure further includes: a connecting member extending in a vertical direction when the cargo lid system is in use and the clamp structure is connected to the truck wall. And a latch structure for the decklid system configured to be connected to the side rails and to the clamp structure. The latch structure includes: a stringer interface configured to be connected to the stringer; a latch body including a plurality of laterally offset latching positions. The connecting member is configured to lock to one of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions.

Description

Cargo box cover system and latch structure for same

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a deck lid system for a freight car, and more particularly to a deck lid system and a latch structure for the deck lid system.

Background

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present invention that are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Pick-up trucks are widely used vehicles capable of transporting goods and passengers. Passengers are typically housed in the cab of a pick-up truck, and cargo may be stored in the cargo box. The cargo box is generally rectangular and open to the environment to facilitate loading and transporting large and/or odd shaped cargo. However, exposing the cargo box to the environment may leave the cargo box and/or cargo unprotected. For example, the cargo box and/or cargo may be exposed to dust, precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, hail), and the like. As a result, some truck owners purchase cargo lids to protect the cargo box and the items stored therein.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model relates to a cargo tank lid system. In some embodiments of the present invention, a cargo box lid system is provided. The cargo box lid system includes: a side rail defining a cover slot configured to be connected to a cover extending over a cargo bed of a truck. The cargo box lid system includes: a clamp structure configured to be attached to a wagon wall of the wagon. In some embodiments, the clamp structure comprises: a clamp fastener configured to tighten the clamp structure against the wagon wall; a connecting member extending in a vertical direction when the cargo lid system is in use and the clamp structure is connected to the truck wall. The cargo box lid system further comprises: a latch structure configured to be connected to the stringer and to the clamp structure. In some embodiments, the latch structure comprises: a stringer interface configured to be connected to the stringer; a latch body including a plurality of laterally offset locking positions, wherein the connecting member is configured to lock to one of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions. The cargo box lid system further comprises: a weather seal attached to an end of the rail, wherein the weather seal forms a seal between the truck and the rail when the bed cover system is in use.

A cargo box lid system comprising:

a stringer defining a cover slot connected to a cover extending over a cargo bed of a truck;

a clamp structure connected to a wagon wall of the wagon, the clamp structure comprising:

a clamp fastener that holds the clamp structure against the wagon wall and tightens; and

a connecting member extending in a vertical direction when the cargo lid system is in use and the clamp structure is connected to the truck wall;

a latch structure connected to the stringer and to the clamp structure, the latch structure comprising:

a stringer interface connected to the stringer; and

a latch body including a plurality of laterally offset locking positions, wherein the connecting member is locked to one of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions; and

a weather seal attached to an end of the side rail, wherein the weather seal is positioned between the truck and the side rail and forms a sealing fit when the bed cover system is in use.

Preferably, the latch structure further comprises:

a plurality of slots positioned on the latch body corresponding to the plurality of laterally offset locking positions, the plurality of slots allowing the clamp structure to rotate vertically upward relative to the latch structure such that the clamp structure may be at least partially flush with the latch structure while the clamp structure is connected to the latch structure.

Preferably, the latch structure further comprises:

a plurality of front apertures positioned on the latch body corresponding to the plurality of laterally offset locking positions; and

a plurality of rear apertures positioned on the latch body corresponding to the plurality of laterally offset locking positions, wherein the plurality of front apertures and the plurality of rear apertures allow the connecting member to be locked to each of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions using a primary fastener.

Preferably, the primary fastener comprises a bolt and a nut, wherein the bolt is insertable through one or both of the plurality of front holes and the plurality of rear holes.

Preferably, the plurality of front apertures are vertically offset relative to the plurality of slots when the cargo box cover system is in use.

Preferably, the connecting member comprises a pivoting member connected to an elongate member, wherein the pivoting member is configured to receive the primary fastener, and wherein the elongate member is rotatable relative to the pivoting member such that the elongate member is rotatable into one of the plurality of slots when the clamp structure is rotated relative to the latch structure.

Preferably, the latch structure further comprises:

a central channel extending laterally across the latching structure, wherein the connecting member is inserted into the central channel to lock the connecting member to one of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions.

Preferably, the latch structure further comprises:

a latch insert inserted at least partially within the central channel and intersecting each of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions.

Preferably, the latch structure further comprises:

a plurality of beams extending at least partially across the central channel to secure the latch insert when the latch insert is inserted into the central channel.

Preferably, the latch structure further comprises:

preferably, a plurality of dividers extend at least partially across the central passage.

The utility model also provides a latch structure for cargo box cover system, latch structure includes:

a rail interface connected to a rail of the cargo box cover system, the rail defining a cover slot connected to a cover extending over a cargo box of a cargo vehicle;

a latch body comprising a plurality of laterally offset locking positions, wherein a connecting member of the jaw structure is configured to lock to one of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions, wherein the jaw structure is connected to a wagon wall of the wagon, and wherein the connecting member extends in a vertical direction when the bed cover system is in use and the jaw structure is connected to the wagon wall.

Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps:

Preferably, wherein the primary fastener comprises a bolt and a nut, wherein the bolt is insertable through one or both of the plurality of front holes and the plurality of rear holes.

Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps:

a plurality of partitions extending at least partially across the central passage.

In some embodiments, the latch structure comprises: a plurality of slots positioned on the latch body corresponding to the plurality of laterally offset locking positions, the plurality of slots allowing the clamp structure to rotate vertically upward relative to the latch structure such that the clamp structure may become at least partially flush with the latch structure while the clamp structure is connected to the latch structure. In some embodiments, the latch structure further comprises: a plurality of front apertures positioned on the latch body corresponding to the plurality of laterally offset locking positions. In some embodiments, the latch structure further comprises: a plurality of rear apertures positioned on the latch body corresponding to the plurality of laterally offset locking positions, the plurality of front apertures and the plurality of rear apertures allowing the connecting member to be locked to each of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions using a primary fastener.

In some embodiments, the primary fastener comprises a bolt and a nut, the bolt being insertable through one or both of the plurality of front holes and the plurality of rear holes. In some embodiments, the plurality of front apertures are vertically offset relative to the plurality of slots when the cargo box lid system is in use. In some embodiments, the connecting member comprises a pivot member connected to an elongate member, wherein the pivot member is configured to receive the primary fastener, and wherein the elongate member is configured to rotate relative to the pivot member such that the elongate member can rotate into one of the plurality of slots when the clamp structure is rotated relative to the latch structure. In some embodiments, the latch structure further comprises: a central passage extending laterally across the latch structure. In some embodiments, the connecting member is inserted into the central channel to lock the connecting member to one of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions. In some embodiments, the latch structure further comprises: a latch insert configured to be at least partially inserted within the central channel and intersect each of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions.

In some embodiments, the latch structure further comprises: a plurality of beams extending at least partially across the central channel to secure the latch insert when the latch insert is inserted into the central channel. In some embodiments, the latch structure further comprises: a plurality of partitions extending at least partially across the central passage.

Drawings

The various features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a truck having a cargo box lid system;

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of an embodiment of a cargo lid system attached to a cargo vehicle wall;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a latch structure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a connecting member of the clamp structure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cargo box cover system;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cargo box cover system;

FIG. 7 illustrates several perspective views of an embodiment of a clamp of the clamp structure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the latch insert of the latch structure;

fig. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a latch structure.

Detailed Description

One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. These embodiments are merely examples of the present invention. In addition, in an effort to provide a concise description of these exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

The embodiments discussed below include a cargo box cover system having a latch structure and a clamp structure. The clamp structure is laterally adjustable relative to the latch structure to enable attachment of the cargo lid system to trucks having different wall overhang dimensions and different cargo box widths. The latch and clamp structures are configured to allow significant flexibility in terms of compatibility with the wagon type shape and size, while maintaining the durability of the device. The trunk lid system may also include a weather seal that enhances sealing with the truck. For example, the weather seal may include sealing fins of different lengths that engage the surface of the truck.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a truck 10 having a cargo box cover system 12. As shown, the cargo box lid system 12 covers a compartment 14 formed by a cargo box 16 to protect the interior of the cargo box 16 and items storable in the compartment 14. For example, the cargo box cover system 12 may prevent dirt and precipitation from entering the cargo box 16. The cargo box cover system 12 may include a cover 18 (e.g., a soft cover or a hard cover) that extends over the cabin 14. The cover 18 may be made of a variety of materials, including fabric, plastic (e.g., vinyl), and the like. The cover 18 is connected to the cargo box 16 by stringers 20, which stringers 20 are in turn connected to cargo box walls 22 (e.g., cargo box walls). To prevent removal of the lid 18 and/or access to the cargo box 16, the cargo box lid system 12 may include one or more latch structures 24. For example, the cargo box cover system 12 may include two latching structures 24, one at each corner of the cargo box 16 proximate the tailgate 26. In operation, the latch structures 24 are connected to the stringers 20 to tension/pull the covers 18 to an extended position (e.g., taught position) that facilitates the flow of precipitation away from the trunk lid system 12 and enhances the aesthetic appearance of the trunk lid system 12.

Fig. 2 is a partial side view of an embodiment of the cargo lid system 12 attached to a cargo wall 22. As shown, when the bed cover system 12 is in use (i.e., when the bed cover system 12 is attached to the truck 10), in some embodiments, the latch structures 24 are attached to the side rails 20 in a lateral direction using latch fasteners 30 (e.g., screws, bolts, nuts, etc.). The stringer 20 may include one or more walls defining a cover slot 32, the cover slot 32 configured to receive and secure an end of the cover 18. In some embodiments, a weather seal 34 (e.g., rubber, plastic) may be disposed between the bottom side of the stringers 20 and the top side of the truck wall 22 to prevent precipitation, dust, etc. from entering the cabin 14. In some embodiments, the latch structure 24 may include a latch body 36, the latch body 36 including one or more laterally offset locking positions 62 for connection to the clamp structure 50.

As shown, when the cargo lid system 12 is in use, the clamp structure 50 is attached to the truck wall 22 by tightening the clamp structure 50 against the truck wall 22 in an upward vertical direction, for example, by rotating the clamp fastener 52. Specifically, the clamp structure 50 may include a clamp 56, the clamp 56 including a clamp lip 58 defining the clamp slot 54. The clamp slot 54 may be configured to receive a wagon wall lip 60 of the wagon wall 22 and tighten against the wagon wall lip 60 when the clamp fastener 52 is rotated. In some embodiments, the clamp structure 50 includes a connecting member 64 for connecting to the latch structure 24. The connecting member 64 may be at least partially elongated so as to be insertable into the central passage 66 of the latch structure 24. To lock the connecting member 64 into one of the laterally offset locking positions 62, a primary fastener 68 may be inserted into one of the front apertures 70 and/or one of the rear apertures 72. Each of the front apertures 70 may correspond to one of the laterally offset locking positions 62 (i.e., aligned in the lateral direction), and similarly, each of the rear apertures 72 may correspond to one of the laterally offset locking positions 62 (i.e., aligned in the lateral direction).

In this manner, the clamp structure 50 can be connected to the latch structure 24 at any one of the laterally offset locking positions 62 to allow the cargo box lid system 12 to accommodate a wide range of cargo box 16 sizes and cargo box wall lip 60 shapes. Another advantage of the cargo lid system 12 is that the clamp structure 50 can be attached to the latch structure 24 after the side rails 20 and latch structure 24 are positioned over the cargo box 16. Thus, the width of the cargo box 16 need not be determined prior to positioning the stringers 20 and latch structures 24 over the cargo box 16.

In some embodiments, the latch structure 24 includes one or more slots 74. Each slot 74 may correspond to one of the laterally offset locking positions 62 (i.e., aligned in the lateral direction) and may be positioned vertically downward below each of the front and

rear apertures

70, 72. The slot 74 allows the clamp structure 50 to rotate vertically upward so that the clamp structure 50 can become at least partially flush with the latch structure 24 while the clamp structure 50 remains connected to the latch structure 24. This may be useful for storage, installation, and/or removal of the cargo lid system 12. For example, during removal of the cargo lid system 12, the clamp fastener 52 may be rotated to separate the clamp structure 50 from the truck wall 22, and thereafter, the clamp structure 50 may be rotated vertically upward such that the connecting member 64 is at least partially seated in one of the slots 74 and such that the clamp structure 50 is at least partially flush with the latch structure 24 and/or the rail 20.

In some embodiments, the latch structure 24 includes a beam interface 76 for connecting to the beam in a lateral direction. Accordingly, two latch structures 24 may be positioned on opposite ends of the cargo box 16 and may be connected to the same cross-beam. In some embodiments, the cargo box cover system 12 may include four latch structures 24 positioned at each corner of the cargo box 16, two of which are connected to the first beam and two of which are connected to the second beam.

In some embodiments, the latch structure 24 includes a rail interface 84 for connecting to the rail 20 in the transverse direction. The stringer interface 84 may be connected to the stringer 20 using the latch fastener 30, or in some embodiments, the stringer interface 84 may be inserted into a receiving portion of the stringer 20 and/or may employ a snap-fit connection. The stringer interface 84 may be sized such that a top surface of the latch structure 24 is flush with a top surface of the stringer 20, and such that a bottom surface of the latch structure 24 is flush with a bottom surface of the stringer 20.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the latch structure 24. As shown, the central channel 66 extends in a transverse direction across the latch structure 24. In some embodiments, the latch structure 24 includes one or more beams 78 that extend at least partially across the central channel 66. In some embodiments, the beam 78 is used to secure a latch insert 80, and the latch insert 80 may be at least partially inserted into the central channel 66. As shown in fig. 3, the beam 78 may be rounded in shape so as not to interfere with the insertion of the connecting member 64 into one of the laterally offset locking positions 62. In some embodiments, the latch structure 24 includes one or more dividers 82 extending at least partially across the central channel 66, the dividers 82 serving to separate the laterally offset latching positions 62 to facilitate insertion of the connecting member 64. In some embodiments, each divider 82 is located at a midpoint between adjacent locked positions. In other embodiments or in the same embodiment, the dividers 82 are positioned based on the width of the connecting member 64 such that one or more dividers 82 guide to insert the connecting member 64 into one of the laterally offset locking positions 62.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the connecting member 64 of the clamp structure 50. As shown, the connecting member 64 may include an elongated member 86. The elongate member 86 may be rod-shaped and, in some embodiments, may include an externally threaded portion on an end connected to the clamp 56 and/or clamp fastener 52. In some embodiments, the connecting member 64 further includes a connecting member fastener 88 and a pivot member 90. The pivoting member 90 may be rotatably connected to the elongated member 86 using a connecting member fastener 88 (including, for example, a bolt and nut) such that the pivoting member 90 may rotate relative to the elongated member 86. The pivot member 90 may be U-shaped and may form a hole for receiving the primary fastener 68 when connected to the elongated member 86. In some embodiments, the elongated member 86 is configured to rotate into one of the slots 74 relative to the pivot member 90 when the clamp structure 50 is rotated relative to the latch structure 24. In some embodiments, the length of the pivot member 90 is determined based on the vertical offset between the slot 74 and the front aperture 70 and/or the vertical offset between the slot 74 and the rear aperture 72.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the cargo box cover system 12. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the cargo lid system 12 is assembled by: inserting the connecting member 64 into one of the laterally offset locking positions 62, locking the connecting member 64 into one of the laterally offset locking positions 62 by inserting the primary fastener 68 into one of the rear holes 72, and attaching the clamp 56 and clamp fastener 52 to the externally threaded end of the connecting member 64. Alternatively or additionally, the primary fastener 68 or a component of the primary fastener 68 (e.g., a nut) may be inserted into one of the front apertures 70 to lock the connecting member 64 to one of the laterally offset locking positions 62.

Fig. 6 is a partially transparent perspective view of an embodiment of the cargo box cover system 12. As shown, when the connecting member 64 of the clamp structure 50 is locked to one of the laterally offset locking positions 62 of the latch structure 24, the connection point between the pivot member 90 and the elongate member 86 is vertically aligned with the slot 74. Also as shown, the connecting member fasteners 88 may be shaped to be located within the central channel 66 when the connecting member 64 is inserted into the central channel 66, thus protecting the connecting member fasteners 88 from damage due to external forces applied to the cargo lid system 12.

Fig. 7 illustrates several perspective views of an embodiment of a clamp 56 and various components included in the clamp 56. As shown, the caliper 56 can include a caliper housing 89 built around a caliper inner structure 90. In some cases, the clamp housing 89 can be made of a durable but non-destructive material (e.g., hard plastic), and the clamp interior structure 90 can be metal or can be a similar material to the clamp housing 89. In some embodiments, the caliper housing 89 and the caliper inner 90 can be manufactured separately and then combined by inserting the caliper inner 90 into the caliper housing 89. In other embodiments, the caliper housing 89 is molded around the already manufactured caliper interior structure 90, among other possibilities. Each of the clamp housing 89 and the clamp inner structure 90 may include various apertures for receiving the elongate member 86 of the connecting member 64.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the latch insert 80. As shown, the latch insert 80 may include one or more front insert holes 92, one or more rear insert holes 94, one or more insert slots 96, a front plate 98, and a rear plate 100. The front insert apertures 92 may be positioned such that they are at least partially aligned with the front apertures 70 when the latch insert 80 is inserted into the central channel 66. Similarly, the rear insert apertures 94 may be positioned such that they are at least partially aligned with the rear apertures 72 when the latch insert 80 is inserted into the central channel 66. Similarly, the insert slots 96 may be positioned such that they are at least partially aligned with the slots 74 when the latch insert 80 is inserted into the central channel 66.

Fig. 9 is a partially transparent perspective view of an embodiment of the latch structure 24 showing the latch insert 80 within the latch body 36. In some embodiments, the latch insert 80 may be inserted into the latch body 36 via a hole located on the stringer interface 84. Thus, when the latch structure 24 is connected to the side rail 20, removal of the latch insert 80 through the aperture is prevented. In some embodiments, the latch insert 80 includes an aperture for receiving the latch fastener 30 to allow a secure connection between the latch insert 80 and the stringer 20.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cargo box lid system comprising:

a clamp structure configured to be attached to a wagon wall of the wagon, the clamp structure comprising:

a stringer interface connected to the stringer; and

2. The cargo lid system of claim 1, wherein the latch structure further comprises:

3. The cargo lid system of claim 2, wherein the latch structure further comprises:

4. The cargo box cover system of claim 3, wherein the primary fastener comprises a bolt and a nut, wherein the bolt is insertable through one or both of the plurality of front holes and the plurality of rear holes.

5. The cargo box cover system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of front apertures are vertically offset relative to the plurality of slots when the cargo box cover system is in use.

6. The cargo box lid system of claim 5, wherein the connection member comprises a pivot member connected to an elongate member, wherein the pivot member is configured to receive the primary fastener, and wherein the elongate member is configured to rotate relative to the pivot member such that the elongate member is rotatable into one of the plurality of slots when the clamp structure is rotated relative to the latch structure.

7. The cargo lid system of claim 1, wherein the latch structure further comprises:

a central channel extending laterally across the latching structure, the connecting member being inserted into the central channel so as to lock the connecting member to one of the plurality of laterally offset locking positions.

8. The cargo box lid system of claim 7, wherein the latch structure further comprises:

9. The cargo box lid system of claim 8, wherein the latch structure further comprises:

10. The cargo box lid system of claim 7, wherein the latch structure further comprises:

11. A latching arrangement for a cargo box cover system, characterised in that the latching arrangement is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.