GB2562788A

GB2562788A - A Shutter Assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2562788A
Application number: GB1708431.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jardine Ben
Original assignee: Arrival Ltd
Current assignee: Arrival UK Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-26
Filing date: 2017-05-26
Publication date: 2018-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-26
Also published as: GB2562788B; GB201708431D0

Abstract

A shutter assembly 10 for a vehicle (1, fig.1), comprising: a guide rail 11 mounted to said vehicle; a light source 14 configured to emit light to illuminate a vehicle interior 2A; and a slat assembly comprising a plurality of slats 12 and at least one light transmission member (13, fig.5). The slat assembly is moveable between a closed position (fig 6), wherein the slats screen opening 9, and an open position (fig 7), wherein said interior is accessible via said opening and light emitted from the light source is transmitted via the at least one light transmission member to illuminate said interior (see fig.11). The light source may be located within guide rail 11, proximate to ends of the slats, and comprise a least one LED or a light strip. The light transmission members may be configured to be mounted, by means of clips (24,25 fig.5), onto the slats. This device acts to improve dispersion of light around the interior of vehicle such as light cargo trucks or vans. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a shutter assembly and to a lighting kit for a vehicle shutter assembly.

Description

Α Shutter Assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a shutter assembly and to a vehicle comprising the same. The present invention also relates to a lighting kit for a vehicle.

Background

Commercial vehicles, including vans and trucks, are known to comprise a rear compartment for carrying cargo. The rear compartment is typically illuminated by a 10 light mounted to the inside surface of the roof of the rear compartment.

The rear compartment has an opening to allow a user to access cargo contained in the rear compartment. It is known to provide the vehicle with a shutter assembly to selectively screen the opening to secure the cargo within the rear compartment when 15 the vehicle is in transit or parked. The shutter assembly may comprise slats that are moveable from a vertical position, wherein the slats extend across the opening to screen the opening, to a horizontal position, wherein the slats are located parallel to the roof and are stowed above the interior of the rear compartment. This configuration of shutter assembly is sometimes referred to as an ‘up and over’ configuration, and provides a relatively simple mechanism for screening the opening. However, it has been found that when the slats are in the vertical position the slats are located between the light source and the cargo stored in the interior of the rear compartment. Therefore, the slats obstruct the light source which can result in undesirable lighting conditions within the rear compartment, including uneven illumination of the interior.

Summary

According to the present invention, there is provided a shutter assembly for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an interior and an opening for providing access to said interior, the shutter assembly comprising: a guide rail configured to be mounted to said vehicle;

a light source configured to emit light to illuminate said interior; and, a slat assembly comprising a plurality of slats and at least one light transmission member, wherein the slat assembly is configured to be mounted to the guide rail such that the slat assembly is moveable between a closed position, wherein the slats screen said opening, and an open position, wherein said interior is accessible via said opening and light emitted from the light source is transmitted via the at least one light transmission member to illuminate said interior.

In one embodiment, the light transmission member is configured to diffuse light emitted from the light source when the slat assembly is in the open position. The light transmission member may comprise a translucent material.

The light transmission member may comprise a divergent lens.

In one embodiment, a space is provided between the slat and the light transmission member, and wherein the light source is configured to emit light into the space when the slat assembly is in the open position.

In one embodiment, the light source is located proximate to an end of the slat assembly when the slat assembly is in the open position.

The light transmission member may comprise a panel.

In one embodiment, the shutter assembly is configured such that when the slat assembly is in the closed position light emitted from the light source is prevented from being transmitted via the at least one light transmission member to illuminate said interior.

In one embodiment, one or more of the light transmission members overlaps the light source when the slat assembly is in the open position and does not overlap the light source when the slat assembly is in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the slat assembly comprises a plurality of light transmission members. Each light transmission member maybe mounted to a respective slat. Each light transmission member may be configured to clip to a respective slat.

The light source may comprise one or more LEDs. The light source may comprise a 30 light strip.

In one embodiment, the guide rail comprises a guide track, and wherein at least a portion of the light source is received within the guide track.

In one embodiment, each slat is pivotally coupled to an adjacent slat.

-3In one embodiment, the light source is configured to directly illuminate said interior when the shutter assembly is in the closed position.

The shutter assembly may further comprise a second guide rail configured to be mounted to said vehicle, wherein the slat assembly is configured to be mounted to the second guide rail.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a vehicle comprising an interior, an opening for providing access to the interior, and a shutter assembly 10 according to the present invention. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a lighting kit for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an interior, an opening for providing access to said interior, a guide rail mounted to said vehicle and a plurality of slats mounted to said guide rail, the 15 lighting kit comprising: a light source configured to emit light to illuminate said interior; and, at least one light transmission member configured to be attached to one or more of said slats such that the at least one light transmission member and slats together form a slat assembly that is moveable between a closed position, wherein the slats screen said opening, and an open position, wherein said interior is accessible via 20 said opening and light emitted from the light source is transmitted via the at least one light transmission member to illuminate said interior.

In some embodiments, the lighting kit is configured to form a shutter assembly as described above when mounted to a vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising a shutter assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first side wall, first guide rail and first light source of the vehicle of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the first side wall, first guide rail and first light source of the 35 vehicle of Fig. 1;

-4Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a slat and light transmission member of a slat assembly of the vehicle of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a plurality of slats and light transmission members of the slat assembly of the vehicle of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of part of the vehicle of Fig. 1, wherein a top wall of the vehicle is not shown and wherein the slat assembly is in a closed position;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of part of the vehicle of Fig. 1, wherein the top wall is not shown and wherein the slat assembly is in an open position;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the first side wall, first guide rail, first light source io and slat assembly of the vehicle of Fig. 1, wherein the slat assembly is in the closed position;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the first side wall, first guide rail, first light source and slat assembly of the vehicle of Fig. 1, wherein the slat assembly is in the open position;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional rear view along the line X-X in Fig. 8, wherein the slat assembly is in the closed position; and,

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional rear view along the line Y-Y in Fig. 9, wherein the slat assembly is in the open position.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figs. 1 to 11, a vehicle 1 comprising a shutter assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

The vehicle 1 comprises a container 2 comprising a front wall 3, rear wall 4, top wall 5, 25 bottom wall 6 and first and second side walls 7, 8 that together define an interior 2A for storing cargo (not shown). In the present embodiment, the container 2 is generally parallelepiped.

The rear wall 4 of the container 2 comprises an opening 9 for providing a user with 30 access to the interior 2A to remove cargo from the container 2.

The shutter assembly 10 comprises a first guide rail 11, a second guide rail (not shown), and a slat assembly comprising a plurality of slats 12 and a plurality of light transmission members 13. The shutter assembly 10 further comprises a first light source 14, and a second light source (not shown).

-5In the present embodiment, the first and second guide rails 11 are generally L-shaped.

The first guide rail 11 is mounted to the inside surface of the first side wall 7 of the container 2 and the second guide rail is mounted to the inside surface of the second 5 side wall 8. Thus, the first and second guide rails 11 are provided on opposite sides of the interior 2A. The plurality of slats 12 and plurality of light transmission members 13 are mounted to the first and second guide rails 11 to extend between the first and second side walls 7, 8. Opposite ends of the slat assembly are slidably mounted to the first and second guide rails 11 respectively.

The first and second guide rails 11 are of a similar construction and therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the first guide rail 11 will be described in detail hereinafter.

In the present embodiment, the first guide rail 11 comprises a first guide track 17 and the second guide rail comprises a second guide track (not shown). The first guide track comprises first and second guide members 15,16 that are spaced and parallel to each other.

The first guide member 15 comprises first and second portions 15A, 15B and an intermediate portion 15C that extends between the first and second portions 15A, 15B. Similarly, the second guide member 16 comprises first and second portions 16A, 16B and an intermediate portion 16C that extends between the first and second portions 16A, 16B. The first and second guide members 15,16 are mounted to the first side wall 7 by a fastening (not shown), for example, a plurality of bolts or screws or an adhesive.

The first portions 15A, 16A extend substantially vertically and are located proximate to the opening 9 of the container 2. The second portions 15B, 16B extend substantially horizontally and are located proximate to the top wall 5 of the container 2. Each intermediate portion 15C, 16C is curved and extends between the respective first portion 15A, 16A, and second portion 15B, 16B.

The first light source 14 is mounted to the first side wall 7. The first light source 14 extends substantially horizontally. A portion of the first light source 14 extends between the second portions 15B, 16B of the first guide rail 11. The second light source (not shown) is mounted to the second side wall 8. The second light source extends

-6substantially horizontally. A portion of the second light source extends between the second portions of the second guide rail.

The first and second light sources 14 may each comprise an electrically powered light, for example, an LED, halogen or fluorescent light. The first and second light sources 14 may each comprise a lighting strip, for example, an LED lighting strip or fluorescent lighting strip. In other embodiments, the first and second light sources 14 each comprise a plurality of discrete spaced lights, for instance, LED or halogen spot lights, which are arranged within the container 2. The discrete lights may be located in a horizontal formation within the container 2.

In one embodiment, the interior 2A has a length measured between the front and rear walls 3,4 of the container 2 and wherein the first and/or second light source 14 extends over at least half of said length. The first and/or second light source 14 may extend over more than 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of said length of the container 2. In embodiments wherein the first and second light sources 14 each comprise a plurality of discrete lights, this means that the spacing between distal lights is more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of said length of the container 2.

The plurality of slats 12 and plurality of light transmission members 13 are received in the first and second guide tracks 17 such that the slats 12 and light transmission members 13 are able to slide relative to the first and second guide rails 11. In more detail, a first end of each slat 12 and light transmission member 13 is received in the first guide track 17, between the first and second guide members 15,16 of the first guide rail 11, and an opposite end of each slat 12 and light transmission member 13 is received in the second guide track, between the first and second guide members of the second guide rail.

Each slat 12 comprises inner and outer panels 18,19 that are connected together by a plurality of ribs 20. The inner and outer panels 18,19 and ribs 20 extend between the first and second guide rails 11. Thus, each slat 12 has a hollow structure, which thereby reduces the weight of each slat 12. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments (not shown), each slat 12 is solid, for example, comprising a single solid panel of material instead of inner and outer panels 18,19 connected together by a plurality of ribs 20.

-7Each slat 12 comprises first and second connecting members 21, 22. A first connecting member 21 of each slat 12 is coupled to a second connecting member 22 of an adjacent slat 12 to form a pivotal coupling between the slat 12 and adjacent slat 12. Thus, the plurality of slats 12 are pivotally coupled together.

In the present embodiment, each first connecting member 21 comprises a female coupling part and each second connecting member 22 comprises a male coupling part that is configured to be received in the female coupling part of an adjacent slat 12. However, it should be recognised that alternative configurations to pivotally couple adjacent slats 12 are also intended to fall within the scope of the invention. For example, in one alternative embodiment (not shown) a hinge is provided between adjacent slats 12 to pivotally couple said adjacent slats 12. The hinge maybe attached to one or both of the adjacent slats 12 or parts of the hinge may be integrally formed with one or both of the adjacent slats 12. In yet another embodiment (not shown), each slat

12 comprises a loop that interlocks with a loop of an adjacent slat 12 such that the slats are attached to each other and may rotate relative to each other.

The light transmission members 13 each comprise a translucent panel 23. Each translucent panel 23 may comprise, for example, a plastic such as polypropylene, 20 styrene or acrylic.

Each light transmission member 13 is configured to attach to a respective slat 12. In the present embodiment, each light transmission member 13 is configured to clip to a respective slat 12. This facilitates easy installation and maintenance of the light transmission members 13. In one such embodiment, each light transmission member comprises first and second clips 24, 25 that extend from opposite sides of the translucent panel 23 to clip to respective sides of the respective slat 12 (as shown in Fig.

4). In one embodiment, the first and second clips 24, 25 are configured to engage with the respective slat 12 via a snap fit or interference fit. The first and second clips 24, 25 may extend from the respective sides of each translucent panel 23 in a direction angled towards each other.

A space 26 is provided between the inner panel 18 of each slat 12 and the translucent panel 23 of the respective light transmission member 13. In the present embodiment, the inner panel 18 of each slat 12 is curved such that each inner panel 18 is generally convex from the perspective of the respective translucent panel 23. This has the

-8advantage of increasing the reflection of light towards the respective translucent panel 23, as will be described in more detail below. However, it should be recognised that it is not essential that the inner panel 18 is curved and instead the inner panel 18 could have a different shape. In one embodiment (not shown), the inner panel 18 and ribs 20 are omitted and instead each light transmission member 13 comprises an outer panel 19.

The slat assembly is moveable along the first and second guide rails 11 between a closed position (shown in Figs. 6, 8 and 10) to an open position (shown in Figs. 7, 9 and 11).

When the slat assembly is in the closed position, the majority, or all, of the slats 12 and light transmission members 13 are located between the substantially vertical first portions 15A, 16A of the first and second guide members 15,16 such that the slats 12 screen the opening 9 of the container 2. Thus, the slats 12 prevent access to the interior 2A of the container 2 via the opening 9. The outer panels 19 may form an exterior surface of the vehicle 1 when the slat assembly is in the closed position. In some embodiments (not shown), the shutter assembly 10 further comprises a lock (not shown) to lock the slats 12 in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the first and second light sources 14 illuminate the interior 2A when the slat assembly is in the closed position. More specifically, light (depicted schematically by the arrows ‘L’ in Fig. 10) emitted by the first and second light sources 14 directly illuminates the interior 2A. In other embodiments, the first and second light sources 14 are switched off when the slat assembly is in the closed position, as is discussed in more detail below.

The user is able to slide the slats 12 of the slat assembly relative to the first and second guide rails 11 to move the slat assembly to the open position. When the slat assembly is in the open position, the slats 12 and light transmission members 13 are located between the substantially horizontal second portions 15B, 16B of the first and second guide members 15,16 such that the slats 12 do not screen the opening 9 of the container

2. Thus, a user exterior to the container 2 is able to access the interior 2A of the container 2 via the opening 9. The user may therefore remove cargo from the interior

2A of the container 2 via the opening 9.

-9When the slat assembly is in the open position, opposite ends of the slat assembly overlap the respective first and second light sources 14. The slat assembly may align with the first and second light sources 14 when the slat assembly is in the open position.

The first and second light sources 14 are operated to emit light L (depicted schematically by arrows ‘L’ in Fig. 11) into the spaces 26 between the inner panels 18 and respective translucent panels 23 at each end of the slat assembly.

A portion of the light L emitted from the first and second light sources 14 will enter the 10 space 26 and directly shine upon a light transmission member 13 such that the light L is transmitted through the translucent panel 23 of the light transmission member 13 to illuminate the interior 2A of the container 2. Another portion of the light L emitted from the first and second light sources 14 will enter the space 26 and shine upon the inner panel 18, wherein the light L is reflected towards the light transmission member 15 13. The reflected light L is thus transmitted through the translucent panel 23 of the light transmission member 13 to illuminate the interior 2A of the container 2. In one embodiment, the inner panel 18 has a reflective surface to increase the reflection of light L towards the light transmission member 13. For example, the inner panel 18 may have a polished or mirrored surface. The concave shape of the inner panel 18 also 20 increases the reflection of light L towards the light transmission member 13.

The configuration of the light transmission members 13 allows for the light L emitted from the first and second light sources 14 to more evenly illuminate the interior 2A. For instance, even if goods are stacked unevenly within the interior 2A of the container 2, 25 the interior 2A will still be adequately illuminated when the slat assembly is in the open position. If the shutter assembly 10 of the present invention was omitted, large goods or stacked goods could obscure the first and/or second light sources 14 such that light emitted therefrom does not adequately illuminate the centre of the interior 2A. For example, if goods were stacked in the interior 2A against the side walls 7, 8 such that 30 the goods were located just below the level of the first and second light sources 14, then the goods would block light emitted from the first and second light sources 14. Thus, the stacked goods would prevent light emitted from the first and second light sources 14 from reaching the centre of the interior 2A, making it more difficult for a user to see goods located at the centre of the interior 2A.

- 10 The present embodiment helps to alleviate this problem because the light L emitted from the first and second light sources 14 shines on the light transmission members 13 and is transmitted through the light transmission members 13 to advantageously illuminate the interior 2A from above. If a light source was instead mounted to the top 5 wall 5 of the container 2 then said light source would be obscured by the slats 12 when the slat assembly is in the open position and thus the interior 2A would not be evenly illuminated.

The light transmission members 13 provide a large surface area from which the light L is transmitted to illuminate the interior 2A of the container 2. This facilitates the distribution of light L throughout the interior 2A. In some embodiments, the first and second light sources 14 are configured to directly illuminate a large surface area of the light transmission members 13 when the slat assembly is in the open position such that light L is transmitted through the light transmission members 13 to be transmitted from a large surface area thereof. In addition, the slats 12 may be configured to reflect light L emitted from the first and second light sources 14 such that the reflected light illuminates a large surface area of the light transmission members 13 when the slat assembly is in the open position. Advantageously, the curved shape of the inner surface of each inner panel 18 directs reflected light towards the respective light transmission 20 member 13. The inner surface of each inner panel 18 may be generally concave, for example, having a curved shape or comprising a plurality of planar surfaces that face towards the respective translucent panel 23.

The translucent panel 23 diffuses the light L that is transmitted through the light transmission member 13 such that the light L more evenly illuminates the interior 2A of the container 2. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the light transmission member 13 comprises a divergent lens (not shown) configured such that the light L diverges as it is transmitted through the lens from the first and second light sources 14 to illuminate the interior 2A. This divergence of the light L promotes a more even illumination of the interior 2A. In some embodiments (not shown), the divergent lens is manufactured from a translucent material. In some embodiments (not shown), the divergent lens is a concave lens. For instance, the divergent lens may be a double concave lens, a plano-concave lens, or a diverging meniscus lens.

In one embodiment, the first and second light sources 14 directly illuminate the interior

2A of the container 2 when the slat assembly is in the closed position. In an alternative

- 11 embodiment, the first and second light sources 14 are operated when the slat assembly is moved away from the closed position, and may be switched off when the slat assembly is in the closed position. For example, the shutter assembly 10 may comprise a slat assembly position detector configured to detect the position of the slat assembly.

The slat assembly position detector may comprise a switch (not shown) that is actuated by a part of the slat assembly when the slat assembly is not in the closed position. The switch may be actuated when the slat assembly is moved away from the closed position or into the open position. Actuation of the switch operates the first and second light sources 14. The first and second light sources 14 are switched off when the slat assembly is in the closed position and are operated to illuminate the interior 2A when the user moves the slat assembly to the open position. When the slat assembly is returned to the closed position, the switch is no longer actuated by said part of the slat assembly and thus the first and second light sources 14 are switched off.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the slat assembly position detector has a different configuration, for example, comprising a light gate, capacitive sensor, resistive sensor, potentiometer, hall sensor or proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the slat assembly position detector is connected to a controller (not shown) that controls operation of the first and second light sources 14 based on the position of the slat assembly. In one embodiment, the shutter assembly 10 comprises the slat assembly position detector and a manually operable switch (not shown) to allow for the user to manually operate the first and second light sources 14 independently of the position of the slat assembly.

In the above embodiment, the user slides the slats 12 within the first and second guide rails 11 to move the slat assembly between the closed and open positions. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments (not shown), movement of the slat assembly to the open position and/or to the closed position maybe assisted. For instance, the shutter assembly may further comprise a drive mechanism, such as a motor, configured to urge the slat assembly between the closed and open positions. In one such embodiment, the drive mechanism comprises an electric motor mounted to the container 2 and a rack and pinion gear assembly. The rack gear is mounted to one or more of the slats 12 and the pinon gear is coupled to the electric motor such that operation of the electric motor drives the slat assembly between the closed and open positions. However, it should be recognised that the drive mechanism may alternatively

- 12 comprise a different configuration, for instance, a linear motor or a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.

In the above described embodiments, the slat assembly comprises a plurality of slats 12 5 and a plurality of light transmission members 13 that are each attached to a respective slat 12. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the slat assembly comprises a plurality of slats 12 and a single light transmission member (not shown). The single light transmission member maybe mounted to one or more of the slats 12.

In one such embodiment, the light transmission member comprises a single translucent 10 panel that is mounted to a plurality of the slats 12, being clipped thereto or fastened by screws and/or adhesive. The translucent panel comprises a plurality of living hinges such that the translucent panel is divided into a plurality of integrally formed sections that are attached in an articulated arrangement. Each section overlies a respective slat 12 such that when the slat assembly is in the open position the first and second light sources 14 emit light into spaces between the sections of the translucent panel and the respective slats 12. Thus, the light emitted from the first and second light sources 14 is transmitted through each section to illuminate the interior 2A of the container 2.

In the above described embodiments, the shutter assembly 10 comprises first and second light sources 14. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments (not shown) the first or second light source 14 is omitted. The shutter assembly may comprise a single light source.

In the above described embodiments, the shutter assembly 10 comprises first and second guide rails 11. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments the first or second guide rail 11 is omitted. The shutter assembly may comprise a single guide rail 11 that receives an end of the slat assembly.

In the above described embodiments, the first and second guide rails 11 each comprise 30 first and second guide members 15,16 that are parallel and together form a guide track

17. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the first and/or second guide rail comprises a single guide member. In some embodiments, one or more of the slats of the slat assembly comprises a locating member that attaches the slats to the single guide member. The locating member allows relative movement between the slats and 35 the single guide member to allow the slat assembly to be moved between the open and closed positions. In one such embodiment, the locating member comprises a pair of rollers that are located on opposite sides of the single guide member to fasten the slats to the single guide member. The rollers roll along the single guide member to allow for sliding movement of the slats relative to the single guide member.

In the above described embodiments, the first and second guide rails 11 are mounted to respective first and second side walls 7, 8 of the container 2. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the first and second guide rails 11 are mounted to a different part of the vehicle 1. In one such embodiment (not shown), the vehicle 1 comprises a frame (not shown) that is disposed in the interior 2A of the container 2 and is mounted 10 to one or more of the front wall 3, rear wall 4, top wall 5, bottom wall 6 and/or first and second side walls 7, 8 of the container 2. For instance, the frame may comprise a plurality of posts (not shown) that extend between the top and bottom walls 5, 6 and are secured thereto, wherein the first and second guide rails 11 are mounted to the frame. The first and second light sources 14 may also be mounted to the frame.

In the above described embodiment, the opening 9 is provided in the rear wall 4 of the container 2. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments (not shown) the opening 9 is instead provided in a different wall of the container 2 and the shutter assembly 10 is configured to selectively screen said opening 9. In some embodiments, the opening 9 is provided in the first or second side wall 7, 8 of the container 2. For example, in one embodiment the opening 9 is provided in the first side wall 8. The first and second guide rails 11 are mounted to the front and rear walls 3,4 respectively such that the first guide members 15 are mounted proximate to the opening 9. The slat assembly is moveable between a closed position, wherein the slats

12 of the slat assembly screen the opening 9, and an open position, wherein a user exterior to the vehicle 1 is able to access the contents of the interior 2A via the opening

9. The first and second light sources 14 are mounted to the inside surface of the front and rear walls 3, 4 such that light emitted from the first and second light sources 14 is transmitted through the light transmission members 13 to illuminate the interior 2A when the slat assembly is in the open position.

In some embodiments (not shown), the vehicle 1 further comprises one or more inner or outer doors (not shown) that secure the opening 9.

In the above described embodiments, a space 26 is provided between each light transmission member 13 and the respective slat 12, wherein the first and second light

-14sources 14 are configured to emit light into each space 26. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the spaces 26 of the slat assembly are omitted. In one such embodiment, the first and second light sources 14 are configured to emit light into opposite ends of the light transmission member 13 such that the light is transmitted via 5 the light transmission member 13 to illuminate the interior 2A of the container 2. For instance, each light transmission member 13 may comprise a solid block of translucent material, wherein the first light source is configured to shine light into a first end of the solid block and the second light source is configured to shine light into an opposite second end of the solid block such that the light is transmitted via the solid block and is 10 diffused by the solid block to illuminate the interior 2A.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic and/or hardware may reside on memory, or any computer 15 media. In an example embodiment, the application software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a “memory” or “computer-readable medium” maybe any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) maybe practiced and provide for a superior shutter assembly, vehicle, and lighting kit 25 for a vehicle. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments maybe utilised and modifications maybe made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure 35 includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims

1. A shutter assembly for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an interior and an opening for providing access to said interior, the shutter assembly comprising:

a guide rail configured to be mounted to said vehicle;

5 a light source configured to emit light to illuminate said interior; and, a slat assembly comprising a plurality of slats and at least one light transmission member, wherein the slat assembly is configured to be mounted to the guide rail such that the slat assembly is moveable between a closed position, wherein the slats screen said opening, and an open position, wherein said interior is accessible via said opening io and light emitted from the light source is transmitted via the at least one light transmission member to illuminate said interior.
2. A shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the light transmission member is configured to diffuse light emitted from the light source when the slat assembly is in

15 the open position.
3. A shutter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the light transmission member comprises a translucent material.

20
4. A shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light transmission member comprises a divergent lens.
5. A shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a space is provided between the slat and the light transmission member, and wherein the light source is

25 configured to emit light into the space when the slat assembly is in the open position.
6. A shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light source is located proximate to an end of the slat assembly when the slat assembly is in the open position.
7. A shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light transmission member comprises a panel.
8. A shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7, configured such that when 35 the slat assembly is in the closed position light emitted from the light source is prevented from being transmitted via the at least one light transmission member to illuminate said interior.
9. A shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the slat assembly

5 comprises a plurality of light transmission members.
10. A shutter assembly according to claim 9, wherein each light transmission member is mounted to a respective slat.

10
11. A shutter assembly according to claim 10, wherein each light transmission member is configured to clip to a respective slat.
12. A shutter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source comprises one or more LEDs.
13. A shutter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source comprises a light strip.
14. A shutter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide rail

20 comprises a guide track, and wherein at least a portion of the light source is received within the guide track.
15. A shutter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each slat is pivotally coupled to an adjacent slat.
16. A shutter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source is configured to directly illuminate said interior when the shutter assembly is in the closed position.

30
17. A shutter assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second guide rail configured to be mounted to said vehicle, wherein the slat assembly is configured to be mounted to the second guide rail.
18. A vehicle comprising an interior, an opening for providing access to the interior,

35 and a shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 17.

-1719- A vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the vehicle is an electric vehicle.
20. A lighting kit for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an interior, an opening for providing access to said interior, a guide rail mounted to said vehicle and a plurality of

5 slats mounted to said guide rail, the lighting kit comprising:

a light source configured to emit light to illuminate said interior; and, at least one light transmission member configured to be attached to one or more of said slats such that the at least one light transmission member and slats together form a slat assembly that is moveable between a closed position, wherein the slats io screen said opening, and an open position, wherein said interior is accessible via said opening and light emitted from the light source is transmitted via the at least one light transmission member to illuminate said interior.
21. A lighting kit according to claim 20, the lighting kit is configured to form a

15 shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 17 when mounted to a vehicle.