WO2022152394A1

WO2022152394A1 - Cover for vehicle cargo area

Info

Publication number: WO2022152394A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/050846
Authority: WO
Inventors: Isa COLAK
Original assignee: Toyota Motor Europe
Priority date: 2021-01-15
Filing date: 2021-01-15
Publication date: 2022-07-21
Also published as: JP2024504650A

Abstract

A cover (10) for a vehicle (1) cargo area (2), comprising a concealer (11) configured to conceal a portion of the vehicle, at least one string (12A, 12B) for connecting the concealer to a movable member (4) of the vehicle cargo area, and at least one anchor (13) configured to transmit tension applied to the at least one string by the movable member to the concealer such that the concealer deforms between a deployed state and a retracted state.

Description

COVER FOR VEHICLE CARGO AREA

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of covers to vehicle cargo areas. Vehicle cargo areas may be typically be found between a vehicle occupant seating area and a forward/rear extremity of the vehicle. Examples of vehicle cargo areas include a trunk (also known as the boot or dickie/dickey/dicky or compartment or occasionally "frunk").

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A vehicle cargo area is typically delimited by at least one door which is mobile between an opened position and a closed position with respect to an opening of the vehicle body and the remainder of the cargo area. Non-limiting examples of such doors include lids (such as a trunk lid) and hatches. A door is an example of a movable member of a cargo area. Often, one wants the cargo area to be concealed.

[0003] The document EP1818217B1 discloses a cover which must be maneuvered manually to conceal and reveal the vehicle cargo area. The document US8844995B2 discloses a motorized, tonneau-type cover which can be maneuvered over a vehicle cargo area.

SUMMARY

[0004] The inventors have realized that a cover should be simple to maneuver and be convenient for a user. To that end, a cover may be provided according to the present disclosure. The cover includes a concealer configured to conceal a portion of the vehicle cargo area. The cover includes at least one string for connecting the concealer to a movable member of the vehicle. The cover includes at least one anchor. The anchor is configured to transmit tension applied to the at least one string by the movable member to the concealer such that the concealer deforms between a deployed state and a retracted state.

[0005] When mounted on the vehicle, such a cover may switch states in response to the movement of the mobile member, without using dedicated electrical and/or mechanical systems to do so. In the deployed state, the concealer conceals from sight a larger section of the cargo area than in the retracted state.

[0006] The concealer may deform between the deployed and retracted states by buckling.

[0007] The concealer may be provided as a flexible membrane.

[0008] The cover may include an extender configured to bias the concealer towards the deployed state. The at least one string may be configured to overcome the extender to move the concealer towards the retracted state when tensioned by the movable member.

[0009] The extender may include a resilient or partially-resilient tension element for connecting a first portion of the concealer to a surface of the cargo area. The tension element may be configured to pull the first portion of the concealer away from a second portion of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state.

[0010] The extender may include a resilient portion of a frame of the concealer. The frame portion may be configured to push a first portion of the concealer away from a second portion of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state.

[0011] A first portion of the at least one string may be configured to be connected to the movable member. A second portion of the at least one string may be connected to a first portion of the concealer. The first portion of the concealer may be more remote from a second portion of the concealer in the deployed state than in the retracted state. The anchor may be connected to the at least one string intermediate the first and second portions of the at least one string such that the at least one string is mobile with respect to the anchor.

[0012] The anchor may be fixed to the second portion of the concealer.

[0013] The anchor may be fixed to the cargo area at a position that is nearer the second portion of the concealer than the first portion of the concealer when the concealer is in the deployed state.

[0014] The second portion of the concealer may be fixed with respect to the cargo area.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, a cover assembly may be provided. The cover assembly includes a cover as described earlier herein and a guide apparatus configured to guide the concealer between the deployed state and the retracted state. The guide apparatus may include a guide component configured to be connected to a surface defining the cargo area and configured to support the frame of the concealer guidingly.

[0016] The guide apparatus may include a guide component connected to the concealer. The guide component connected to the concealer may be configured to be supported guidingly by the guide component configured to be connected to the surface defining the cargo area.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, a vehicle structure may be provided according to the present disclosure. The vehicle structure includes a cargo area and a cover or cover assembly as described earlier herein. The cover is configured to conceal an opening of the cargo area in the deployed state and to reveal the opening in the retracted state.

[0018] The guide component configured to be connected to the surface defining the cargo area may be formed monolithically with an interior panel of the cargo area.

[0019] The concealer may be configured to enter the retracted state in response to an opening movement of the movable member relative to the opening.

[0020] The concealer may be configured to enter the deployed state in response a closing movement of the movable member relative to the opening. [0021] Additionally or alternatively, a vehicle may be provided according to the present disclosure. The vehicle may include a vehicle structure as described earlier herein or a cover or cover assembly as described earlier herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of aspects of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a partial, cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle and cargo area thereof, and deployment of an exemplary cover according to a first variant;

[0024] Fig. 2 shows the cover visible in Fig. 1 during retraction;

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a partial, cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle and cargo area thereof, and an exemplary cover according to a second variant with its concealer in a deployed state; [0026] Fig. 4 shows the cover visible in Fig. 3 during retraction;

[0027] Fig. 5 shows a detail view of an exemplary guide apparatus according to a first variant;

[0028] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide apparatus of Fig. 3;

[0029] Fig. 7 shows a detail view of an exemplary guide apparatus according to a second variant;

[0030] Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide apparatus of Fig. 5;

[0031] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a guide apparatus according to a third variant.

[0032] The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example," rather than "ideal." While aspects of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiment(s) described. On the contrary, the intention of this disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The illustrative aspects depicted are intended only as exemplary.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a partial, cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle 1, in this instance a hatchback car.

[0036] The vehicle 1 includes a cargo area 2, in this instance a rear cargo area, since it is located near a rear extremity of the vehicle.

[0037] The cargo area 2 is arranged rearward of seating 3 for at least one vehicle occupant, and forward of a hatch 4 of the hatchback.

[0038] In a conventional manner, the hatch 4 is situated at the hatchback's rear extremity, and is movable with respect the rear extremity of the vehicle 1, between a closed position, in which the hatch restricts access to the cargo area 2 for a person situated outside of the vehicle, and an open position, in which the hatch provides access to the cargo area for a person situated outside of the vehicle.

[0039] The seating 3 may define a forward extremity of the cargo area 2. Lateral interior surfaces of the vehicle 1 - in this case interior paneling 5 - define lateral extremities of the cargo area 2. A lower extremity of the cargo area 2 may be defined by a load floor of the vehicle 1, for example. In the closed position, the hatch 4 defines a rear extremity of the cargo area 2.

[0040] The hatch 4 is an example of a movable member of the cargo area 2. As indicated by the accompanying arrow 6, the hatch 4 is shown as moving towards the closed position from the open position.

[0041] The vehicle 1 also includes an exemplary cover 10 according to a first variant. As indicated by the accompanying arrow 6A, the cover 10 is shown being deployed across an opening of the cargo area 2 in response to a closing movement of the hatch 4. A closing movement for a given movable member of a cargo area is a movement of the member in a direction going towards the member's closed position from the member's open position.

[0042] The cover 10 includes a concealer 11, at least one string 12A/B, and at least one anchor 13. Movement of the hatch 4 between the open and closed positions may cause the concealer 11 to switch between the deployed and retracted states. This may allow the cover 10 to block or liberate the opening to the cargo area 2 in response to the hatch 4 closing (undergoing a closing movement) or opening (undergoing an opening movement).

[0043] In this instance, the concealer 11 includes a flexible membrane 14, a forward connection 15, two lateral connections 16, and an extender 17 (in this case one extender 17 for each of the lateral connections 16).

[0044] The membrane 14 is arranged between the front 15 and lateral 16 connections. [0045] The membrane 14 may be substantially opaque to the unaided human eye, so that the interior of the cargo area 2 cannot be seen easily through the opening of the cargo area when the concealer 11 is in the deployed state. Additionally or alternatively, the membrane 14 may be substantially opaque to sunlight, so that the concealer 11 may protect objects in the interior of the cargo area 2 from exposure to sunlight when in the deployed state. The membrane 14 may be made of any suitable material, for example fabric/textile, plastic (such as PVC), etc., allowing for the movement of the concealer 11 between deployed and retracted states.

[0046] The forward connection 15 connects the membrane 14 to the forward portion of the cargo area 2 (to the interior paneling 5 near the seating 3 in this case) by means of at least one (in this case two) attachment point(s) 18. The attachment point(s) 18 may be provided as one or more hooks insertable into corresponding one or more holes provided in the interior paneling 5, for example. It is also contemplated, however, for the hole(s) to be provided in the seating 3.

[0047] The lateral connections 16 connect the membrane 14 to at least one (in this case two opposite) lateral surface/s (in this case provided by lateral interior panels 5) near the rear extremity of the cargo area (where the hatch 4 is located when it is in the closed position). The lateral connections 16 include at least one attachment point 19 for each lateral surface to which the concealer 11 is connected. The attachment point(s) 19 may be provided as one or more hooks insertable into corresponding one or more holes provided in the interior panels 5, for example.

[0048] The extender 17 is configured to bias the concealer 11 towards the deployed state, so that the concealer is deployed passively (without human intervention). The extender 17 includes at least one (in this case two) tension element(s) 9 to bias the concealer 11 towards the deployed state. Each tension element 9 may be provided as a shock cord, for example. Each tension element 9 may be connected to the membrane 14 by means of clamping, sewing, etc. to ensure durability.

[0049] The attachment point(s) 18 of the forward connection 15 are linked to the attachment point(s) 19 of the lateral connections 16 by way of the tension element(s) 9 and the membrane 14. The lateral connections 16 are linked to the membrane 14 by way of the tension element(s) 9. The forward connection 15 is linked to the tension element(s) 9 by way of the membrane 14.

[0050] A front portion 14F of the membrane 14 is connected to the forward connection 15. A rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 is connected to the tension element(s) 9. Under the action of the tension element(s) 9, the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 pulled away from the front portion 14F of the membrane, and the membrane extends substantially horizontally across the opening of the cargo area 2, for example with respect to the vehicle body.

[0051] In this instance, the cover 10 includes two strings 12A/B. The strings may be made of natural or synthetic fibers, for example. However, the term "string" may be understood to refer to any slender flexible tension-transmitting member, for example cables, chains, straps, etc. A string differs from a tension element 9 described above in that its length remains substantially constant during switching between deployed and retracted states, whereas a tension element 9 is more elongated in the retracted state than in the deployed state.

[0052] Each string 12A/B attaches the concealer 11 to the hatch 4. Due to the partial cutaway view, only a first 12A of the strings can be seen as attached to the hatch 4, as an attachment point between the hatch and a second 12B of the two strings is not visible. When multiple strings 12A/B are present, said multiple strings may attach to the hatch 4 in substantially the same manner as one another. Attachment between a string 12A/B and a movable member may be performed, for example, by means of a hook or clip provided on the string, cooperating with a corresponding hole or clip provided on the movable member.

[0053] The string(s) 12A/B are tensioned to varying degrees by movement of the hatch 4 between the open and closed positions. When the hatch 4 moves towards the closed position from the open position, tension in the string(s) 12A/B may decrease.

[0054] As the tension in the string(s) 12A/B increases, the string(s) may overcome the extender 17 to move the concealer 11 towards the retracted state.

[0055] The at least one anchor(s) 13 is/are configured to transmit tension applied to the string(s) 12A/B by the hatch 4 to the concealer 11, such that the concealer switches between a deployed state and a retracted state.

[0056] Each anchor 13 is attached to the string(s) 12A/B of the cover, at a position that is intermediate a first portion 12C of the string(s) and a second portion 12D of the string(s). Although each string 12A/B of the cover is shown as being connected to its own corresponding anchor 13, it is also contemplated for a given anchor to be connected to multiple strings (when multiple strings are present).

[0057] The end of the first portion 12C of each string 12A/B is fixed to the hatch. The second portion 12D of each string 12A/B is arranged near the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14. The anchor(s) 13 is/are attached to the string(s) 12A/B at a position intermediate their first 12C and second 12D portions. As the hatch 4 undergoes a closing movement, the second portion 12D of each string 12A/B is pulled away from the anchor(s) 13, and the first portion 12C of each string is pulled towards the anchor(s). [0058] Each anchor 13 is provided as an eyelet depending from the front portion 14F of the membrane 14. However, it is also contemplated to provide the anchor 13 as a pulley, or any other suitable component for routing the string(s) 12A/B between the concealer 11 and the movable member of the cargo area 2. Moreover, it is contemplated to provide a given anchor as depending from seating 3 (for example a seatback thereof) as an alternative to depending directly from the front portion 14F of the membrane 14.

[0059] The cover's entering the deployed state in response to a closing movement of a movable member may allow the opening of the cargo area 2 to be blocked without necessitating a particular effort on the part of a user to deploy (or remember to deploy) the cover 10.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows the cover 10 visible in Fig. 1 during retraction (as indicated by the accompanying arrow 7A) in response to an opening movement of the hatch 4 (as indicated by the accompanying arrow 7). An opening movement for a given movable member of a cargo area is a movement of the member in a direction going towards the member's open position from the member's closed position. When the hatch 4 moves towards the open position from the closed position, tension in the string(s) 12A/B may increase.

[0061] When the tension in the string(s) 12A/B overcomes the extender(s) 17, the first portion 12C of the string(s) is pulled away from the anchor(s) 13. The tension element(s) 9 of the extender(s) 17 elongate(s), and the second portion 12D of the string(s) 12A/B is pulled towards the anchor(s) 13.

[0062] The second portion(s) 12D of the string(s) 12A/B move(s) towards the front portion 14F of the membrane 14 of the concealer 11, in a direction substantially parallel to the membrane. The second portion 12D of the string(s) 12A/B pulls the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 along with it.

[0063] As the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 moves towards the front portion 14F of the membrane, the membrane buckles. The opening 8 of the cargo area 2 is revealed, and person may be able to traverse the opening to access the interior of the cargo area. Movement of the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 towards the front portion 14F of the membrane may be substantially horizontal with respect to the vehicle body.

[0064] The cover's switching from the deployed state to the retracted state in response to an opening movement of a movable member may allow a person to liberate the opening 8 of the cargo area while his/her hands are full of objects to place in the cargo area 2.

[0065] Elastic energy stored in the extender 17 during switching from the deployed state to the retracted state is used to deploy the concealer 11 in response to a subsequent closing movement of the movable member. [0066] Fig. 3 shows a partial, cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle 1 (the hatchback seen in Fig. 1-2) and cargo area 2 thereof, but this time with an exemplary cover 20 according to a second variant. The cover 20 is shown being deployed (as indicated by the accompanying arrow 6A) across the opening of the cargo area 2 in response to the closing movement of the hatch 4 (indicated by the accompanying arrow 6). The cover 20 according to the second variant is identical to the cover 10 according to the first variant seen in Fig. 1-2 except as follows.

[0067] The concealer 11 includes a resilient or partially resilient frame 21, on which the membrane 14 is arranged. The frame 21 serves as an extender 17 of the cover 20. The frame 21 pushes the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 away from the front portion 14F of the membrane to extend the membrane across the opening of the cargo area 2. The rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 may be pushed substantially horizontally away from the front portion 14F of the membrane with respect to the vehicle body.

[0068] The second portion 12D of each string 12A/B is connected to the frame 21.

[0069] The frame 21 may be made of any suitable material, including spring steel, elastomers, plastics, etc.

[0070] Fig. 4 shows the cover 20 visible in Fig. 3 during retraction (as indicated by the accompanying arrow 7A) in response to an opening movement of the hatch 4 (indicated by the accompanying arrow 7). As tension in the string(s) 12A/B of the cover 20 overcome the biasing of the frame 21, the frame collapses at least partially, allowing the membrane to buckle such that rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 moves towards the front portion 14F of the membrane. The rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 may move towards the front portion 14F of the membrane in a direction that is substantially horizontal with respect to the vehicle body.

[0071] The anchor(s) 13 of the cover 20 may be provided on the front extremity of the cargo area, for example on the seating 3. The anchor(s) 13 may be substantially coincident with the attachment point(s) 18 of the forward connection 15. It is also contemplated, however, for the anchor(s) 13 of the cover 20 to depend from the frame 21, as seen in Fig. 4.

[0072] The lateral connections 16 are provided as a guide apparatus 22. The guide apparatus 22 is configured to guide the concealer 11 between its deployed and retracted states. The guide apparatus 22 includes a guide component 23 which is connected to a surface defining the cargo area 2 (in this case a lateral surface of the cargo area), and which is configured to support the frame 21 guidingly. Exemplary guide apparatuses will be discussed in greater detail with regard to Fig. 5-9. [0073] The frame 21 is attached to the attachment point(s) 18 of the forward connection 15. The frame 21 may be hingedly attached to the forward connection 15. If the frame 21 is removed from the guide component 23 connected to the cargo area, the hinged connection may allow the concealer 11 to be swung up or down, for example. However, it is also contemplated for the forward connection 15 to be identical to that of the first variant of the cover 10.

[0074] Fig. 5 shows a detail view of an exemplary guide apparatus 30 according to a first variant. The guide component 31, connected to a surface defining the cargo area (in this case a lateral surface of the cargo area), is provided as a shelf 32 to support the frame 21 of the concealer 11 guidingly. The shelf 32 runs towards the front and rear extremities of the cargo area and projects laterally inwardly from a lateral surface 29 of the cargo area.

[0075] Due to the partial cut view, only one guide component 31 connected to the cargo area is visible. However, it is also contemplated for the guide apparatus 30 to include a second guide component connected to the cargo area, for example provided on the opposite lateral surface of the cargo area.

[0076] The frame 21 rests on the shelf 32, and slides therealong during movement of the concealer between the retracted and deployed states.

[0077] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide apparatus 30 of Fig. 5.

[0078] The guide component 31 connected to the cargo area is monolithically formed with an interior panel 5 forming an interior surface of the cargo area (forming the lateral surface 29). However, it is also contemplated for the guide component 31 connected to the cargo area to be provided as a separate component which is assembled to the interior surface of the cargo area (for example to the interior panel forming the lateral surface).

[0079] The frame 21 may be provided with a wear layer 33, to protect the frame and/or membrane 14 and/or shelf 32 against excessive abrasion.

[0080] Fig. 7 shows a detail view of an exemplary guide apparatus 40 according to a second variant. The second variant of the guide apparatus 40 differs from the first variant of the guide apparatus 30 seen in Fig. 5-6 as follows.

[0081] The guide component 41 connected to the cargo area is provided as a slot 42 running towards the front and rear extremities of the cargo area.

[0082] For each guide component 41 connected to the cargo area, the guide apparatus 40 includes a guide component 43 connected to the concealer 11. The guide component 43 connected to the concealer is configured to be supported guidingly by the guide component 41 connected to the cargo area. [0083] Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide apparatus 40 of Fig. 7. The slot 42 is recessed laterally outwardly in the lateral surface 29 of the cargo area.

[0084] The guide component 43 connected to the concealer is provided as a slider 44 which is configured to penetrate within the slot 42 of the guide component connected to the cargo area, and to slide therein towards the forward and rear extremities of the cargo area. In this instance, the slider 44 is arranged to project laterally outwardly from the frame 21 into the slot 42.

[0085] An outward lateral extremity 45 of the slider 44 may be tapered, to facilitate penetration within the slot 42.

[0086] The slider 44 is retained vertically within the slot 42 when inserted therein.

[0087] The slider 44 includes an attachment portion 46 which is configured to encircle the frame 21. A reinforcing component 47 may be arranged to protect the membrane 14 from wear by the slider 44.

[0088] The frame of the concealer may be laterally collapsible to enable the slider(s) to be removed from the slot(s) of the guide apparatus.

[0089] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a guide apparatus 50 according to a third variant. The third variant of the guide apparatus 50 differs from the second variant of the guide apparatus 40 seen in Fig. 8 as follows.

[0090] The slot 42 includes a first portion 51 which is recessed laterally outwardly in a lateral surface 29 of the cargo area, as with the slot of the second variant of the guide apparatus. At an outermost extremity of the first portion 51, the slot 42 includes a second portion 52 which is recessed obliquely or perpendicularly to the first portion. In this instance, the second portion 52 is oriented substantially vertically upward, whereas the first portion 51 is substantially horizontal.

[0091] The slider 44 is configured to penetrate within the slot 42 such that a first portion 53 of the slider is arranged within the first portion 51 of the slot, and such that a second portion 54 of the slider, which is oblique or perpendicular to the first portion 53 of the slider, is arranged within the second portion 52 of the slot. The slider 44 may be retained laterally within the slot 42 when the second portion 54 of the slider 44 is arranged within the second portion 52 of the slot 42.

[0092] The slider 44 is retained vertically within the slot 42 when the first portion 53 of the slider 44 is arranged within the first portion 51 of the slot 42.

[0093] The slider 44 may be rounded at a junction 55 between its first 53 and second 54 portions. The slider 44 may be removed from the slot 42, for example, by rotating the slider within the slot such that the second portion 54 of the slider is moved into the first portion 51 of the slot, and then moving the slider laterally inwardly to remove the second portion 54 of the slider from the first portion 51 of the slot.

[0094] The frame 21 may be collapsible by bending in a direction towards and/or away from the bottom of the cargo area, to enable the slider(s) 44 to be removed from the slot(s) 42.

[0095] Although the foregoing examples show the strings as being fixed to the movable element and to the concealer, it is also contemplated for a given string to be attached to the movable element and/or to the concealer by means of one or more pulleys, for example to match the travel of the movable element with the travel of the concealer.

[0096] Although the foregoing examples show the forward connection of the concealer as including two attachment points, it is also contemplated for the forward connection to include more than two attachment points, or as few as one attachment point.

[0097] Although the foregoing examples are presented in the context of a hatch as a movable element, other movable elements are contemplated. For example, a gas spring for facilitating movement of the hatch may serve as a movable element. Extension and compression of the gas spring may correspond to opening and closing movements.

[0098] Although the foregoing examples show seating as delimiting a forward extremity of the rear cargo area, it is also contemplated for other structures to delimit the forward extremity of a rear cargo area.

[0099] For example, a rear panel of a passenger compartment may delimit a forward extremity of a rear cargo area.

[0100] Although the foregoing examples are presented in the context of a movable element as being movable in the context of providing or restricting access to the cargo area for a person situated outside of a vehicle, it is also contemplated for the movable element to be movable to provide or restrict access to the cargo area for a person situated inside the vehicle.

[0101] For example, when seating is present and delimiting an extremity of the cargo area, the seating itself may be a movable element. For example, movable seating may be considered to be in a closed position when it is configured to receive a vehicle occupant seated thereon. It may be considered to be in an open position when it is folded, displaced, or stowed, for example.

[0102] For example, the covers seen in Fig. 1-4 may retract in response to the seating being folded towards a front extremity of the vehicle.

[0103] Although the foregoing examples are presented in the context of a hatchback car, other vehicle architectures are also contemplated. [0104] For example, a tailgate (as found for example in a van, station wagon, or sport utility vehicle) may serve as a movable member.

[0105] For example, a vehicle with a trunk (such as a sedan or coupe) may be provided with a cover that deploys/retracts over the trunk in response to movement of the trunk's lid.

[0106] For example, a vehicle with a bed (such as a pickup truck) may be provided with a cover that deploys/retracts over the bed in response to movement of the bed's gate.

[0107] Although the foregoing examples are presented in the context of a rear cargo area, other cargo areas are also contemplated.

[0108] For example, a front cargo area (occasionally called "frunk") may be provided with a cover that extends/retracts in response to movement of the front cargo area's lid (occasionally called "bonnet"). The front portion of the concealer may be substantially mobile and the rear potion of the concealer may be substantially mobile. The front portion of the concealer may move towards the rear extremity of the cargo area during retraction, and towards the front extremity of the cargo area during extension.

[0109] For example, a middle cargo area (accessible for example via a left or right door of the vehicle), include a cover whose concealer retracts laterally away from the door as the door opens, and extends laterally towards the door as the door closes.

[0110] Although the described embodiments were provided as different exemplary embodiments, it is envisioned that these embodiments are combinable or, when not conflicting, the features recited in the described embodiments may be interchangeable. Moreover, the features recited in the described embodiments are not inextricably linked to one another, unless such a linkage is clearly indicated between two given features.

[0111] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.

[0112] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

[0113] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cover (10, 20) for a vehicle (1) cargo area (2), comprising a concealer (11) configured to conceal a portion of the vehicle cargo area, at least one string (12A, 12B) for connecting the concealer to a movable member (4) of the vehicle, and at least one anchor (13) configured to transmit tension applied to the at least one string by the movable member to the concealer such that the concealer deforms between a deployed state and a retracted state.

2. The cover (10, 20) of claim 1, comprising an extender (17) configured to bias the concealer (11) towards the deployed state, the at least one string (12A, 12B) being configured to overcome the extender to move the concealer towards the retracted state when tensioned by the movable member (4).

3. The cover (10, 20) of claim 2, the extender (17) comprising a resilient or partially- resilient tension element (9) for connecting a first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) to a surface of the cargo area (2), the tension element being configured to pull the first portion of the concealer away from a second portion (14F) of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state.

4. The cover (10, 20) of claim 2, the extender (17) comprising a resilient portion of a frame (21) of the concealer (11), the frame portion being configured to push a first portion (14R) of the concealer away from a second portion (14F) of the concealer to place the concealer in the deployed state.

5. The cover (10, 20) of any of claims 1-4, wherein a first portion (12C) of the at least one string (12A, 12B) is configured to be connected to the movable member (4), a second portion (12D) of the at least one string is connected to a first portion (14R) of the concealer (11), which is more remote from a second portion (14F) of the concealer in the deployed state than in the retracted state, and the anchor (13) is connected to the at least one string intermediate the first (12C) and second (12D) portions of the at least one string (12A, 12B) such that the at least one string is mobile with respect to the anchor.

6. The cover (10, 20) of claim 5, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11).

7. The cover (10, 20) of claim 6, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the cargo area (2) at a position that is nearer the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11) than the first portion (14R) of the concealer when the concealer is in the deployed state. The cover (10, 20) of any of claims 2-7, wherein the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11) is fixed with respect to the cargo area (2). A cover assembly comprising the cover (10, 20) of claim 4 in combination with any of claims 4-8, a guide apparatus (22, 30, 40, 50), configured to guide the concealer (11) between the deployed state and the retracted state, the guide apparatus including a guide component (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to a surface defining the cargo area (2) and configured to support the frame (21) of the concealer guidingly. The cover assembly of claim 9, the guide apparatus (40, 50) including a guide component (43, 44) connected to the concealer (11) and configured to be supported guidingly by the guide component (41, 42) configured to be connected to the surface defining the cargo area (2). A vehicle structure comprising a cargo area (2) and a cover (10, 20) according to any of claims 1-8, or a cover assembly according to any of claims 9-10, the cover being configured to conceal an opening (8) of the cargo area in the deployed state and to reveal the opening in the retracted state. The vehicle structure claim 11, wherein the guide component (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to the surface defining the cargo area (2) is formed monolithically with an interior panel (5) of the cargo area. The vehicle structure of claim 11 or 12, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to enter the retracted state in response to an opening movement (7) of the movable member (4) relative to the opening (8). The vehicle structure of any of claims 11-13, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to enter the deployed state in response a closing movement (6) of the movable member (4) relative to the opening (8). A vehicle (1) comprising a cover (10, 20) according to any of claims 1-8, or a cover assembly according to any of claims 9-10, or a vehicle structure according to any of claims 11-14.