EP2903843A1 - Molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up truck vehicles and method of its construction. - Google Patents

Molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up truck vehicles and method of its construction.

Info

Publication number
EP2903843A1
EP2903843A1 EP13741822.4A EP13741822A EP2903843A1 EP 2903843 A1 EP2903843 A1 EP 2903843A1 EP 13741822 A EP13741822 A EP 13741822A EP 2903843 A1 EP2903843 A1 EP 2903843A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
platform
cover lid
bed
truck
hard
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP13741822.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Sotirios MICHAILIDIS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GiAnso 4x4 Club SA
Original Assignee
GiAnso 4x4 Club SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GiAnso 4x4 Club SA filed Critical GiAnso 4x4 Club SA
Publication of EP2903843A1 publication Critical patent/EP2903843A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/02—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes
    • B60J7/04—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with rigid plate-like element or elements, e.g. open roofs with harmonica-type folding rigid panels
    • B60J7/041—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with rigid plate-like element or elements, e.g. open roofs with harmonica-type folding rigid panels for utility vehicles, e.g. with slidable and foldable rigid panels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/02—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes
    • B60J7/06—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with non-rigid element or elements
    • B60J7/067—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with non-rigid element or elements sliding and winding up
    • B60J7/068—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with non-rigid element or elements sliding and winding up for utility vehicles, e.g. of tarpaulin or roller-blind type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
    • B60J7/16—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel
    • B60J7/1607—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering load areas, e.g. rigid panels for pick-up truck beds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
    • B60J7/16—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel
    • B60J7/1607—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering load areas, e.g. rigid panels for pick-up truck beds
    • B60J7/1621—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering load areas, e.g. rigid panels for pick-up truck beds hinged on one side

Definitions

  • This invention refers to a molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up trucks that enables installation of truck accessories (roll bars, loading bars, side handrails, protective rear window net, cleats etc.) or it can be adjustable to accessories pre-installed on the vehicle; it can be constructed in one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities, by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold.
  • This invention refers to a molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up trucks, which is attached and installed on the perimeter of the bed truck's rail part, covering its entire surface, in full length and width, because it is constructed so as to adjust on and perfectly fit the shape of the bed truck rail part.
  • the platform also has supporting places (positioning holes), upon which accessories, - such as roll bars, loading bars, side handrails, protective rear window net, cleats, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version) etc., can be placed and installed on the bed truck-, but it may also adjust to any accessories that have been formerly installed on the bed truck.
  • Truck bed covers are widely used in various types of pick-up truck vehicles for the protection of cargo, which is loaded on the truck bed.
  • covers either enclose a unified and integral system of installation to the bed truck or are engaged to distinct supporting platforms attached to the truck bed.
  • the surface of the bed truck's rail part is entirely covered by the bed cover.
  • the present invention refers to a molded platform for the truck bed of pick-up vehicles, upon which, apart from the hard or rollable-retractable cover lid, additional accessories may be attached (roll bars, loading bars, side handrails, protective rear window net, cleats, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version etc), or it can be adjusted to pre-installed to the truck bed accessories, the installation and use of which is independent of the hard or rollable-retractable cover lid and does not interfere with the way that the bed truck is covered.
  • the molded platform is defined by a " ⁇ - shaped frame, which is attached and supported by tool adjusted clamps on the perimeter of the vehicle's rail part in the bed truck.
  • the first case (hard cover), it has kits for the hinge engagement of the hard cover lid, places for supporting and clipping gas struts for the hard cover, channels in which a rubber row is placed among the bed truck's rail part and the frame of the platform for the purpose of absorbing bumping, as well as avoiding water entry into the truck bed, supporting places for engaging and installing accessories (such as roll bars, side handrails, loading bars, cleats, protective rear window net, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version e.t.c), and positioning kits-basis for central locking of the hard cover.
  • the platform may also have a rollable-retractable cover that is used to cover the vehicle's bed truck.
  • the front horizontal column of the platform comprises a storage housing box with a retraction mechanism, in which the cover lid is retracted and storaged.
  • the front horizontal column is vertically connected to two parallel columns, the inner side of which is modified in order to entail two side parallel rails (channels), in which the edges of the rollable-retractable cover lid are engaged, so as to allow movement of the cover lid across the bed truck.
  • the platform still has channels for placing a rubber row among the bed truck's rail part and the frame of the platform, for the purpose of absorbing bumping and avoiding water entry into the bed truck, and positioning socket holes for central locking with multipoint locking positions for the rollable-retractable cover lid, while the supporting places for the engagement of accessories on the vehicle (such as roll bars, side handrails, loading bar, cleats, protective rear window net, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version e.t.c.) remain separate and independent of the cover lid.
  • accessories on the vehicle such as roll bars, side handrails, loading bar, cleats, protective rear window net, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version e.t.c.) remain separate and independent of the cover lid.
  • Another characteristic of the present invention is that it can be constructed in one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities, by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold.
  • the present invention's purpose is to provide the capability to use the advantages of coverage and protection of the bed truck of a pick-up vehicle, either with a hard cover, which can be attached and detached in a simple way, or with a rollable- retractable cover lid, which may be installed on the horizontal column of the platform, combined with the unimpeded use of the aforementioned accessories that can be attached on it or of accessories that have already been pre-installed on the vehicle, upon which the platform can adjust; further, this invention can be adapted to every type of pick up vehicles [i.e double cab, space (club/crew) cab sirrgle cab].
  • the platform can be formed and adapted to a vehicle's truck bed, upon which accessories have already been pre-installed, and it can be in a material and have the size, shape, and supporting places, that are in demand for its adjustment and installation on every type of pick-up truck vehicle [double cab, space (club/crew) cab, single cab etc.]. Since, accessories of the pick-up truck vehicle are independently supported on the new suggested platform, the process of attaching and detaching the hard cover from the platform does not interfere with and is not impeded in any manner by these accessories and therefore this process becomes simpler, easier and faster. After removal of the hard cover, the platform remains attached to the truck bed, so " do all the accessories that are installed on it.
  • a rollable-retractable cover is installed on the platform and is used to cover the truck bed of the vehicle.
  • the accessories roll bars, side handrails, loading bar, cleats, protective rear window net, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version etc) are independently supported on the new platform, without interfering with the cover lid, which can be freely retracted and move to various positions (open, close etc).
  • the cover lid which can be freely retracted and move to various positions (open, close etc).
  • the platform which adjusts to the perimeter of the bed truck's ledge (i.e.
  • the new platform provides the choice and capability for an independent, simple, fast and effective use of (a) the advantages provided by a cover lid (of the bed truck of a pick-up vehicle (either by hard or by rollable-retractable cover lid), such as the protection of the loaded and carried cargo, the use of the bed truck as a very large bootlid etc.
  • the accessories of the truck bed of a pick-up vehicle roll bars, side handrails, loading bar, cleats, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version etc.), such as loading and securing a bulky load on the truck bed, protection of the cabin, protection of the rear window of the vehicle etc., but most importantly it provides the ability of a combined use of the cover lid and the accessories and their advantages.
  • the bed truck and therefore the whole pick-up vehicle can in an easy, fast, simple and effective manner be transformed from a professional tool with all the necessary equipment to a mean of facilitation, safety and leisure for the driver.
  • Figure 1 shows a top view of the platform with the ability to support a hard cover on its vertical column.
  • Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a pick-up vehicle with the platform installed on the truck bed, upon which the hard cover is engaged and covers the truck bed; it also shows the supporting places with the potential to install accessories and central locking system.
  • Figure 3 shows a top view of the platform with the ability to support a mechanism for a rollable-retractable cover lid on its vertical column.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a platform with rollable-retractable truck cover lid of a pick-up vehicle and the supporting places on it.
  • Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a pick-up vehicle, with the platform installed on the truck bed and shows the supporting places for the accessories and the way that the rollable-retractable cover lid covers the truck bed.
  • Figure 1 depicts the " ⁇ " shaped frame of the platform (1) for hard cover lid, the material in which it can be constructed may be steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities), formed by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold, through which the following are constructed: two socket holes (2) in the middle of the central horizontal column of the frame, where the hard cover lid is positioned and engaged, channels for placing the rubber row (3) in the two parallel side columns, socket holes for the central locking system (4) and supporting places for bed truck's accessories, that is: supporting places for roll bars (5), supporting places for side handrails (6), supporting places for loading bar (7), all with equivalent parallel supporting places in both side columns of the frame and finally places for supporting and clipping gas struts in the two side columns (8).
  • cutting methods laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold, through which the
  • Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a pick-up truck vehicle, with the platform (1) being installed on the bed truck and the capacity to place the hard cover lid (9) and accessories on the bed truck.
  • the two supporting kits (2) upon which the hard cover is attached and engaged are in middle horizontal column of the platform's frame.
  • the hard cover does not cover the entire surface of the side columns of the platform and in this way the use of the hard cover is not obstructed and impeded.
  • this figure demonstrates the choice and capacity provided by this new invention to attach- detach the hard cover by engaging it on the supporting kits of the horizontal column (2), and connecting the gas struts (10) to their supporting places (8) on the platform, without the need to remove the platform from the truck bed, which remains on the vehicle and provides the capacity of an independent use of the accessories that are attached to it.
  • FIG. 3 and 4 shows the platform (1) for rollable-retractable cover lid, that may be constructed in steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities), formed by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold.
  • the front horizontal middle column of the platform's frame comprises a housing box (14), in which there is a system of retraction and storage of the cover lid.
  • This front horizontal middle column (14) is vertically attached and connected with the two vertical side parallel columns in two connecting spots (15), in order to create the " ⁇ " shaped frame of the platform.
  • channels for placing a rubber row, in order to avoid bumping and prevent water entry into the bed truck, supporting places for the bed truck's accessories, that is: supporting places for roll bars (5), supporting places for side handrails (6), supporting places for loading bar (7), all with equivalent parallel supporting places in both side columns of the frame; in the inner profile of the two side parallel columns, there are channels (rails) (16), in which the rollable-retractable cover lid is trailed.
  • the ending part of the rollable-retractable cover lid consists of a slat (17) that facilitates and makes easier its opening-closing procedure.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a pick-up truck vehicle, with the platform (1) being installed on the truck bed and the capacity to use rollable-retractable cover lid (18) and trail it to any position alongside the bed truck, and the potential to concurrently install and use various accessories (roll bars and protective rear window net (11), side handrails (12), loading bar (13).
  • the middle horizontal column (14) of the platform's frame comprises the housing box with the system of retraction and storage, which is vertically attached and connected to the two parallel side columns.
  • the ending part of the rollable-retractable cover lid consists of a slat (17) that facilitates and makes easier its opening-closing procedure.
  • the locking system (19) is placed upon this slat, for locking the cover lid and securing the truck bed.
  • the type of the pick-up truck vehicle, as well as the depicted accessories are indicative, because the method of construction allows the creation of supporting places for any type of new accessories or the adjustment of the platform to any accessories that have already been pre-installed on the bed truck or to any type of pick up vehicles (i.e. double cab, space (club/crew) cab, single cab).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

Molded platform (1) for hard cover lid (9) or rollable-retractable cover lid (18) for the truck bed of pick-up vehicles, capable to allow installation of truck accessories, as well as to adjust to pre-installed accessories on the bed truck of the vehicle. This platform can be constructed in one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities, by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold. This platform is defined by a "Π"- shaped frame, which is attached and installed on the perimeter of the bed truck's rail part and supported by adjusted clamps, it has points of support and adjustment either for the hard cover lid (9) or for the rollable-retractable cover lid (18), a channel for fitting a rubber row among the bed truck rail part and the molded platform, in order to avoid and absorb bumping and prevent water entry in the bed truck, it has a plurality of positioning holes, for installing and supporting accessories for pick-up cars, as well as a positioning kits for central locking of the bed cover (4). It is constructed and attached on the bed of pickup truck vehicles in a way that allows: an easy, free and independent installation, removal and use of the cover lid (either the hard or the retractable one), separate and independent from the equivalent installation, removal or use of other bed truck accessories of pick up vehicles. It is also possible to adjust to bed trucks, on which accessories have already been installed and pre-existed, as well as to be adapted to every type of pick up vehicles [i.e e double cab, space (or club or crew) cab, single cab].

Description

MOLDED PLATFORM FOR HARD OR ROLLABLE-RETRACTABLE COVER LID FOR PICK-UP TRUCK VEHICLES AND METHOD OF ITS CONSTRUCTION. This invention refers to a molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up trucks that enables installation of truck accessories (roll bars, loading bars, side handrails, protective rear window net, cleats etc.) or it can be adjustable to accessories pre-installed on the vehicle; it can be constructed in one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities, by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold.
This invention refers to a molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up trucks, which is attached and installed on the perimeter of the bed truck's rail part, covering its entire surface, in full length and width, because it is constructed so as to adjust on and perfectly fit the shape of the bed truck rail part. Apart from the mechanism used to cover the bed truck (i.e. either with hard or rollable-retractable cover lid), the platform also has supporting places (positioning holes), upon which accessories, - such as roll bars, loading bars, side handrails, protective rear window net, cleats, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version) etc., can be placed and installed on the bed truck-, but it may also adjust to any accessories that have been formerly installed on the bed truck. Truck bed covers are widely used in various types of pick-up truck vehicles for the protection of cargo, which is loaded on the truck bed. For their installation on the bed truck, covers either enclose a unified and integral system of installation to the bed truck or are engaged to distinct supporting platforms attached to the truck bed. In both cases the surface of the bed truck's rail part is entirely covered by the bed cover. As a result, there is no free space left to create and have supporting places, upon which accessories can be installed separately and independently. Once the bed cover is placed, various accessories or tools of the bed truck cannot remain on the vehicle, without being engaged or connected to the bed cover. Thus, due to the inflexibility of the existing method of construction, detachment of the hard bed cover not only does it necessarily entail removal of the accessories from the truck bed or in a way repeal their use, but also renders the procedure of removing the hard cover complicated and time-consuming. The same applies to rollable-retractable bed truck covers, which have already been used in various types of pick-up truck vehicles. Existing assemblies and methods of installation of rollable-retractable bed covers do not have special supporting places for the installation of additional accessories to the bed cover of the pick-up truck. In this type of bed cover too, placement of such accessories on the bed truck is not possible and consequently their simultaneous or even alternative use with the rollable-retractable bed cover is unfeasible.
The present invention refers to a molded platform for the truck bed of pick-up vehicles, upon which, apart from the hard or rollable-retractable cover lid, additional accessories may be attached (roll bars, loading bars, side handrails, protective rear window net, cleats, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version etc), or it can be adjusted to pre-installed to the truck bed accessories, the installation and use of which is independent of the hard or rollable-retractable cover lid and does not interfere with the way that the bed truck is covered. The molded platform is defined by a "ΓΓ- shaped frame, which is attached and supported by tool adjusted clamps on the perimeter of the vehicle's rail part in the bed truck. In the first case (hard cover), it has kits for the hinge engagement of the hard cover lid, places for supporting and clipping gas struts for the hard cover, channels in which a rubber row is placed among the bed truck's rail part and the frame of the platform for the purpose of absorbing bumping, as well as avoiding water entry into the truck bed, supporting places for engaging and installing accessories (such as roll bars, side handrails, loading bars, cleats, protective rear window net, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version e.t.c), and positioning kits-basis for central locking of the hard cover. But instead of a hard cover, the platform may also have a rollable-retractable cover that is used to cover the vehicle's bed truck. In this second case, the front horizontal column of the platform comprises a storage housing box with a retraction mechanism, in which the cover lid is retracted and storaged. The front horizontal column is vertically connected to two parallel columns, the inner side of which is modified in order to entail two side parallel rails (channels), in which the edges of the rollable-retractable cover lid are engaged, so as to allow movement of the cover lid across the bed truck. In respect of the rest, the platform still has channels for placing a rubber row among the bed truck's rail part and the frame of the platform, for the purpose of absorbing bumping and avoiding water entry into the bed truck, and positioning socket holes for central locking with multipoint locking positions for the rollable-retractable cover lid, while the supporting places for the engagement of accessories on the vehicle (such as roll bars, side handrails, loading bar, cleats, protective rear window net, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version e.t.c.) remain separate and independent of the cover lid. Another characteristic of the present invention is that it can be constructed in one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities, by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold.
The present invention's purpose is to provide the capability to use the advantages of coverage and protection of the bed truck of a pick-up vehicle, either with a hard cover, which can be attached and detached in a simple way, or with a rollable- retractable cover lid, which may be installed on the horizontal column of the platform, combined with the unimpeded use of the aforementioned accessories that can be attached on it or of accessories that have already been pre-installed on the vehicle, upon which the platform can adjust; further, this invention can be adapted to every type of pick up vehicles [i.e double cab, space (club/crew) cab sirrgle cab]. This is achieved through the special supporting places that the platform can have in specific chosen spots, independent of the hard or rollable-retractable cover lid, as well as through the method of its construction by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold. The use of these methods provides the capacity to construct the platform in such a way that special supporting places may be created in any specific chosen spot, for the annexation and installation of any new accessory on the truck bed of the vehicle. In addition, due to the method of construction, the platform can be formed and adapted to a vehicle's truck bed, upon which accessories have already been pre-installed, and it can be in a material and have the size, shape, and supporting places, that are in demand for its adjustment and installation on every type of pick-up truck vehicle [double cab, space (club/crew) cab, single cab etc.]. Since, accessories of the pick-up truck vehicle are independently supported on the new suggested platform, the process of attaching and detaching the hard cover from the platform does not interfere with and is not impeded in any manner by these accessories and therefore this process becomes simpler, easier and faster. After removal of the hard cover, the platform remains attached to the truck bed, so "do all the accessories that are installed on it. That is also the case when instead of a hard cover, a rollable-retractable cover is installed on the platform and is used to cover the truck bed of the vehicle. Likewise, in this manner of covering the truck bed, the accessories (roll bars, side handrails, loading bar, cleats, protective rear window net, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version etc) are independently supported on the new platform, without interfering with the cover lid, which can be freely retracted and move to various positions (open, close etc). And this is due to the fact that in both cases of coverage of the truck bed (by hard or by rollable-retractable cover lid), the platform, which adjusts to the perimeter of the bed truck's ledge (i.e. rail part) and is attached to it, is constructed and placed in such a way, so that both the hard or the Tollable- retractable cover lid are engaged to it, without covering entirely its surface, in full length and width. The remaining part of the platform on the two parallel side columns of the frame, which remains uncovered and free, has supporting places for the accessories. The accessories of the bed truck are attached to that free part of the platform. The free part of the platform's side columns has a flat surface and is wide enough to allow attachment and installation of accessories on the platform.
Thus, the new platform provides the choice and capability for an independent, simple, fast and effective use of (a) the advantages provided by a cover lid (of the bed truck of a pick-up vehicle (either by hard or by rollable-retractable cover lid), such as the protection of the loaded and carried cargo, the use of the bed truck as a very large bootlid etc. and (b) the advantages that can be provided by the accessories of the truck bed of a pick-up vehicle (roll bars, side handrails, loading bar, cleats, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version etc.), such as loading and securing a bulky load on the truck bed, protection of the cabin, protection of the rear window of the vehicle etc., but most importantly it provides the ability of a combined use of the cover lid and the accessories and their advantages. In this way, the bed truck and therefore the whole pick-up vehicle can in an easy, fast, simple and effective manner be transformed from a professional tool with all the necessary equipment to a mean of facilitation, safety and leisure for the driver.
Figure 1 shows a top view of the platform with the ability to support a hard cover on its vertical column. Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a pick-up vehicle with the platform installed on the truck bed, upon which the hard cover is engaged and covers the truck bed; it also shows the supporting places with the potential to install accessories and central locking system. Figure 3 shows a top view of the platform with the ability to support a mechanism for a rollable-retractable cover lid on its vertical column.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a platform with rollable-retractable truck cover lid of a pick-up vehicle and the supporting places on it.
Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a pick-up vehicle, with the platform installed on the truck bed and shows the supporting places for the accessories and the way that the rollable-retractable cover lid covers the truck bed. IN DETAILS:
Figure 1 depicts the "Π" shaped frame of the platform (1) for hard cover lid, the material in which it can be constructed may be steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities), formed by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold, through which the following are constructed: two socket holes (2) in the middle of the central horizontal column of the frame, where the hard cover lid is positioned and engaged, channels for placing the rubber row (3) in the two parallel side columns, socket holes for the central locking system (4) and supporting places for bed truck's accessories, that is: supporting places for roll bars (5), supporting places for side handrails (6), supporting places for loading bar (7), all with equivalent parallel supporting places in both side columns of the frame and finally places for supporting and clipping gas struts in the two side columns (8).
Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a pick-up truck vehicle, with the platform (1) being installed on the bed truck and the capacity to place the hard cover lid (9) and accessories on the bed truck. The two supporting kits (2) upon which the hard cover is attached and engaged are in middle horizontal column of the platform's frame. In the inner part of the two parallel side columns of the platform's frame there are supporting places (8) for clipping and engaging the gas struts (10), that are used in order for the hard cover to open and close smoothly and gently. The hard cover does not cover the entire surface of the side columns of the platform and in this way the use of the hard cover is not obstructed and impeded. In addition, this figure demonstrates the choice and capacity provided by this new invention to attach- detach the hard cover by engaging it on the supporting kits of the horizontal column (2), and connecting the gas struts (10) to their supporting places (8) on the platform, without the need to remove the platform from the truck bed, which remains on the vehicle and provides the capacity of an independent use of the accessories that are attached to it.
In the front part of the two parallel side columns, there are respectively matching supporting places (5) that provide the choice and capacity for the attachment of roll bars and protective rear window net (1 1). Across the two side columns, supporting places have been placed, alongside and opposite to one another (6 & 7), which provide the choice and capacity to attach side handrails (12) and a loading bar (13) respectively. In the inner part of the left side column there are kits-basis for the central locking system (4), which operates independently of any accessories of the bed truck, therefore securing with central locking the cover lid without interfering in any manner with any potential use of the bed truck accessories, which are attached on the surface of the platform.
Figures 3 and 4 shows the platform (1) for rollable-retractable cover lid, that may be constructed in steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities), formed by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold. The front horizontal middle column of the platform's frame comprises a housing box (14), in which there is a system of retraction and storage of the cover lid. This front horizontal middle column (14) is vertically attached and connected with the two vertical side parallel columns in two connecting spots (15), in order to create the "Π" shaped frame of the platform. Alongside the parallel side columns of the platform, there have been created channels, for placing a rubber row, in order to avoid bumping and prevent water entry into the bed truck, supporting places for the bed truck's accessories, that is: supporting places for roll bars (5), supporting places for side handrails (6), supporting places for loading bar (7), all with equivalent parallel supporting places in both side columns of the frame; in the inner profile of the two side parallel columns, there are channels (rails) (16), in which the rollable-retractable cover lid is trailed. Finally, the ending part of the rollable-retractable cover lid consists of a slat (17) that facilitates and makes easier its opening-closing procedure. The locking system (19) is placed upon this slat it, for locking the cover lid and securing the truck bed. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a pick-up truck vehicle, with the platform (1) being installed on the truck bed and the capacity to use rollable-retractable cover lid (18) and trail it to any position alongside the bed truck, and the potential to concurrently install and use various accessories (roll bars and protective rear window net (11), side handrails (12), loading bar (13). The middle horizontal column (14) of the platform's frame comprises the housing box with the system of retraction and storage, which is vertically attached and connected to the two parallel side columns. In the inner profile of the side columns there are parallel channels (rails) (16), in which the rollable-retractable cover lid is trailed and can move alongside the bed truck. The rollable-retractable cover lid does not cover the surface of the side columns of the platform and in this manner the installation and movement of the cover to the desired position is unimpeded. This figure demonstrates the capability provided by the new platform to move the rollable- retractable cover lid to any desired position (open or close), without being obstructed by any of the accessories, granting the capability to use the Tollable- retractable cover lid independently of the accessories or even at the same time with them.
In the front part of the two side parallel columns, matching supporting places (5) are formed that provide the choice and capacity for the attachment of roll bars and protective rear window net (11). Across the two side columns, supporting places (6 & 7) are placed, alongside and opposite to one another, which provide the choice or capacity to attach side handrails (12) and loading bar (13) respectively. The ending part of the rollable-retractable cover lid consists of a slat (17) that facilitates and makes easier its opening-closing procedure. The locking system (19) is placed upon this slat, for locking the cover lid and securing the truck bed.
In all the aforementioned figures, the type of the pick-up truck vehicle, as well as the depicted accessories are indicative, because the method of construction allows the creation of supporting places for any type of new accessories or the adjustment of the platform to any accessories that have already been pre-installed on the bed truck or to any type of pick up vehicles (i.e. double cab, space (club/crew) cab, single cab).

Claims

1. Molded platform (1) for the bed of a pickup truck either for hard (9) or for rollable-retractable cover lid (18), defined by a «Π» shaped frame, which is attached on the perimeter of the bed truck's rail part and installed on it by supporting clamps, covering its entire surface in full length and width; it has places for attaching and supporting various accessories on the vehicle, such as supporting places for roll bars and protective rear window net (προστατευτική αψίδα) (5), side handrails (6), loading bar (7) etc., channels for placing a rubber row (3) among the bed truck rail part and the platform, for absorbing bumping and avoiding water entry into the bed truck, as well as a positioning socket hole for the use of central locking (4). In case that the hard cover lid is used to cover the bed truck, the platform has kits (2) for the connection, engagement and support of the hard cover lid (9), as well as places for supporting and clipping (8) gas struts (10) of the hard cover lid (9). Instead of a hard cover lid, the platform may also have a rollable-retractable cover lid (18) that is used to cover the bed truck. In this case, the front horizontal column (14) of the platform comprises a storage housing box with a retraction mechanism, in which the cover lid is retracted and storaged and it is vertically connected to the two parallel side columns of the platform. At the inner side of these columns, there are two parallel rails (channels) (16), inside of which the edges of the rollable-retractable cover lid (18) are engaged, in order to allow movement of the cover lid across the bed truck.
2. Molded platform (1) either for hard (9) or for rollable-retractable cover id (18) of a pickup truck vehicle, according to claim 1 , that can be constructed in one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, polyester and plastic impurities, by one of the following cutting methods: laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, punching, extrusion, molding, pressure shaping (wrapping), vacuum mold or polyester mold.
3. Molded platform (1) for hard (9) or rollable-retractable cover lid (18) of a pickup truck vehicle, according to claim 1 and 2, which is characterized by the fact that a hard or rollable-retractable cover lid may be attached upon it at the same time with other car accessories (roll bars, protective rear window net (5), side handrails (6), loading bar, cleats, bedliner (over-rail or under-rail version) etc), the installation and use of which is independent from the bed truck cover. The method of construction, the shape and the supporting places of the platform allow the installation, removal and use of the hard cover lid, while simultaneously accessories may be attached on the platform, without the cover lid impeding them or interfering in any manner with them and vice a versa. Also in the case that instead of a hard cover, the platform has a rollable-retractable cover lid, its parallel rails (channels) (16) on the side columns and the method of construction, allow placement, free use and movement of the rollable-retractable cover lid (18) in various positions, without it interfering with or impeding the installation and use of the accessories of the bed truck and vice a versa. In both the aforementioned means of covering the bed truck, the platform, which is attached on the surface of the bed truck's rail part, is constructed and installed in such a way, so that in both cases, when the hard or the retractable cover lid is attached on and engaged, the platform is not completely covered. There is a flat part on the two side columns of the platform that is not covered, which remains available, suitable and wide enough to have supporting places for bed truck accessories, which can be freely and independently installed to the platform and used at the same time with the cover lid, without interfering with it.
4. Molded platform (1) for hard (9) or rollable-retractable cover lid (18) of a pickup truck vehicle, according to claim 1 and 2, which due to the method of its construction is also characterized by the fact that it can be adjusted to bed trucks, on which accessories pre-existed and have already been installed to them.
5. Molded platform (1) for hard (9) or retractable - reliable cover lid (18) of a pickup truck, according to claim 1 and 2, which is characterized by the fact that it can be adapted to every type of pick up vehicles (i.e double cab, space (or club or crew) cab, single cab).
EP13741822.4A 2012-10-05 2013-06-20 Molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up truck vehicles and method of its construction. Ceased EP2903843A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GR20120100497A GR1008153B (en) 2012-10-05 2012-10-05 A base for an agricultural vehicle's cap or a contractible sliding cover wich base is optionally furnished with new car accessories and adaptable to existing ones - construction method of same
PCT/GR2013/000035 WO2014053863A1 (en) 2012-10-05 2013-06-20 Molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up truck vehicles and method of its construction.

Publications (1)

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EP2903843A1 true EP2903843A1 (en) 2015-08-12

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EP13741822.4A Ceased EP2903843A1 (en) 2012-10-05 2013-06-20 Molded platform for hard or rollable-retractable cover lid for pick-up truck vehicles and method of its construction.

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EP (1) EP2903843A1 (en)
GR (1) GR1008153B (en)
WO (1) WO2014053863A1 (en)

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US11279213B2 (en) 2019-11-04 2022-03-22 Truck Accessories Group, Llc Truck cap
USD976801S1 (en) 2019-11-04 2023-01-31 Truck Accessories Group, Llc Truck cap

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US11577592B2 (en) 2020-09-09 2023-02-14 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Continuous sealing flat assembly for unibody truck cargo box

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US5904393A (en) * 1997-02-05 1999-05-18 Indiana Custom Trucks, Inc. Rail mounting system
US6340194B1 (en) * 1999-06-25 2002-01-22 Stk, Llc Hard truck bed cover
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11279213B2 (en) 2019-11-04 2022-03-22 Truck Accessories Group, Llc Truck cap
USD976801S1 (en) 2019-11-04 2023-01-31 Truck Accessories Group, Llc Truck cap
USD1056806S1 (en) 2019-11-04 2025-01-07 Leer Group Truck cap
US12370873B2 (en) 2019-11-04 2025-07-29 Leer Group Truck cap

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WO2014053863A1 (en) 2014-04-10
GR1008153B (en) 2014-03-31

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