MULTIPURPOSE COVER FOR VEHICLE CARGO AREAS

Abstract

This present invention relates to a vehicle cargo area or bed cover that forms an enclosed space for use in the vehicle bed. The cover is easy to install and remove for a single person and includes a series of lightweight panels, held together by framing elements and installed on the side rails of the truck bed. The lightweight panels are attached at the top to form the top panel. A rear panel is installed on top of the rear wall of the truck bed and an aerodynamic portion is positioned on the top of the cabin of the vehicle. The enclosure can be accessed by opening a door positioned on the tailgate or front end of the truck bed. The enclosure has LED lights for illumination and fans and windows for ventilation.

Claims

1. A cargo area cover comprising: a pair of side panels; a back panel; a front panel; a roof panel, wherein each of the pair of side panels is attached to the front panel and the back panel along a side edge of the pair of side panels and to the roof panel to form an enclosure having an interior space; at least one door on at least one of the front and back panels; at least one window on one of the pair of side panels; and a mounting system.

2. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the mounting system comprises a post anchor system.

3. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 2, wherein the post anchor system comprises between four and eight posts.

4. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 2, wherein the post anchor system comprises six posts.

5. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 2, wherein the post anchor system mounts to a cargo area to hold the enclosure in place over the cargo area.

6. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of LED lights to illuminate the cargo area.

7. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one fan to provide a ventilation, a heating or a cooling to the enclosure.

8. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 1 further comprising an aerodynamic portion mounted to the roof portion.

9. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the aerodynamic portion comprises a slanted panel having an angle ranging from about 20 to 80 degrees and a plurality of non-invasive fasteners to hold the aerodynamic portion to a roof of the passenger cabin.

10. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the aerodynamic portion has a slanted panel having an angle ranging from about 40 to 60 degrees and a plurality of non-invasive fasteners to hold the aerodynamic portion to a roof of the passenger cabin.

11. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the front and back panels comprise a door.

12. The cargo area cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one door comprises a slot opening.

13. A combination vehicle bed and enclosure comprising: a vehicle having a cargo bed, the cargo bed having side walls, a tailgate at a first end and a wall of a passenger cabin at another end opposite the first end; an enclosure formed from lightweight panels forming side wall and horizontal panels forming a roof; at least one of the lightweight panels having a door and at least one of the lightweight panels having a window; a mounting system for mounting the enclosure on the sidewalls of the vehicle cargo bed and the mounting system including a number of posts.

14. The combination vehicle bed and enclosure as recited in claim 13, wherein the number of posts ranges from four to eight posts and the posts are sized to fit withing openings in the side walls of the cargo bed.

15. The combination vehicle bed and enclosure as recited in claim 13 further comprising an aerodynamic portion removably attached to the enclosure.

16. The combination vehicle bed and enclosure as recited in claim 13, wherein the enclosure is held together by framing elements selected from one of a wood, an aluminum, a carbon fiber or a combination thereof.

17. A cover for a pickup truck bed, the cover comprising: an enclosure constructed from a plurality of lightweight panels held together by a plurality of framing elements, horizontal panels forming a roof connected to the plurality of lightweight panels and a front and back panel forming the enclosure; a mounting system using a post anchor system and having between 4 and 8 posts for insertion into slots in the pickup truck bed; at least one door provided in one of the front or back panels; at least one window provided in the plurality of lightweight panels; and an aerodynamic portion removably attached to the enclosure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multipurpose exposed cargo area or bed cover of the present invention installed over a cargo area or bed in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the interior space of one potential embodiment of the multipurpose exposed cargo area or bed cover of the present invention with an open hinged door in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multipurpose convertible cover of the present invention installed over an exposed cargo area or bed in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, and one potential embodiment of the multipurpose cargo area or bed cover of the present invention and showing the position of placement of the panels on the cargo area or bed frame and passenger cabin in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of the aerodynamic edge and its connection with the rear wall cap and the lightweight panel in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the multipurpose cargo area or bed cover of the present invention installed onto a conventional pickup truck bed in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0032] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a multipurpose enclosure for exposed cargo areas such as those found in pickup truck beds. There is also a long felt need in the art for a multipurpose enclosure for cargo areas or beds that is used for securing items stored in the cargo areas or exposed beds. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a cargo area or bed cover that eliminates the risk of theft or damage of items stored in a cargo area or vehicle bed such as pickup trucks, 5-tons, cars (e.g., an El Camino or other customized automobile) SUVs, ATVs and UTVs. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a multipurpose cargo area or bed cover that is weather-tight, lightweight, configurable and modular. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a vehicle cargo storage area that creates an enclosed space with adequate ventilation and lighting. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a vehicle bed cover that can be installed and removed by a single person. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a multipurpose enclosure for cargo areas and vehicle beds that maximizes security for items stored in the exposed cargo area or bed, keeping all items and tools hidden from view and secured under lock and key.

[0033] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel convertible vehicle bed or cargo area cover for vehicles such as such as pickup trucks, 5-tons, cars, SUVs, ATVs and UTVs. The cargo or bed cover comprises of a series of lightweight panels capable of being erected via a post anchor system. The lightweight panels are erected on the side walls and rear wall of the vehicle bed, and has an aerodynamic portion positioned over the passenger cabin of the vehicle. An entrance is provided on the front or tailgate area of the vehicle bed featuring a door mechanism to secure access to an enclosed space created by the series of lightweight panels. The enclosed space is created by the series of lightweight panels and the aerodynamic portion.

[0034] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the multipurpose cargo area or bed cover of the present invention installed onto a conventional pickup truck bed in accordance with the disclosed specification. As shown, the multipurpose bed cover 100 is installed on the truck bed walls 102 of the pickup truck for creating a weather-tight, lightweight, configurable and modular cargo storage area or workspace installed on the truck bed 104. The cover 100 is configured to create an enclosed space with adequate lighting and ventilation for protecting the stored objects in the cargo area or bed 104 and also provides a private space for sleeping and using tools. While a pickup truck is shown in differing embodiments it is for example only and the cargo area cover may be used in connection with other vehicles, such as pickup trucks, 5-tons, cars, SUVs, ATVs and UTVs.

[0035] More specifically, the cargo or bed cover 100 has a series of lightweight panels installed on the truck bed walls 102. The panels may take any suitable shape such as square, rectangular or another geometric configuration in order to fit the particular cargo area or bed. As shown in FIG. 1, the lightweight panels 106, 108 are installed on the truck bed wall 102 and are attached together at the edges 1060, 1080. The lightweight panels 106, 108 are removably fastened to the bed wall 102 using a mounting system that includes a post anchor system 128 already integrated into all pickup trucks. The post anchor system 128 uses a series of posts that are sized and configured to openings in the walls of the cargo area or bed and between 4-8 posts may be used, with 6 being preferred. The posts are integrated with the wall panels. It should be noted that the cover 100 has a pair of similar lightweight panels (shown in FIG. 2) installed on the opposite bed wall of the truck bed 104. As illustrated, a slanted panel 110 extends upwards from the lightweight panel 106 and a top horizontal panel 112 extends from the slanted panel 110. Similarly, a second slanted panel 114 extends upwards from the lightweight panel 108 and a top horizontal portion 116 extends horizontally from the second slanted panel 114. Symmetrical lightweight panels are positioned on the opposite wall of the truck bed to form an enclosed space to cover the cargo area or bed 104. The lightweight panels 106, 110, 112 can be designed as separate components that are releasably connected together using mechanical fasteners or can be designed as a one-unit integrated lightweight panel based on the preference of the user. One or more skylights 111 may be provided in the roof 116 so as to allow in natural light. The skylights 111 may also be capable of opening for ventilation purposes.

[0036] The enclosed cover 100 has an aerodynamic edge 118 positioned over the pickup truck passenger cab 120. The cab over portion 120 is configured to be a removable portion of the enclosed cover 100 and reduces the potential drag that may be caused due to the cover 100. The cab over portion 120 may use suction cups, magnets or other non-invasive fasteners 119 (see FIG. 4) to help hold the cap over portion in position and prevent lift of the edge. The cover 100 also has a rear cap panel 122 as shown in FIG. 2 to form the enclosed space. The cover 100 also has a hinged door 124 for protecting the entrance of the cover 100. The door 124 is configured to be locked at the central portion 126 to secure the enclosed space. Additional details of the door 124 are provided in FIG. 2.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the interior space of the cargo area or bed cover 100 with an open hinged door in accordance with the disclosed structure. The interior space 202 is created by a pair of lightweight panels 106, 108, a second pair of lightweight panels 204, 206, the slanted panels 110, 114, 208, 210 and top horizontal or roof panels 112, 116, 212, 214 along with the rear cap panel 122, the aerodynamic front edge 118 and the door 124. One or more of the panels may be provided with a window 121 to allow light into the interior of the enclosure as well as to provide ventilation.

[0038] As stated earlier, the lightweight panels 106, 108 and second pair of lightweight panels 204, 206 are symmetrical to each other and are fixed to opposite truck bed walls. Similarly, the slanted panels 110, 114 are symmetrical and opposite to the second pair of slanted panels 208, 210 and the top horizontal or roof panels 112, 116 are symmetrical and opposite to the second pair of top horizontal or roof panels 212, 214. The pair of hinged doors 124 are attached with one or more hinges 216 at the front or tailgate end 218 of the truck bed 104. The pair of hinged doors 124, in the present embodiment are adapted to swing outward and inward. One or more of the doors 124 may have slots 123 that can be used to insert items into the enclosure without opening the doors or for additional light or ventilation.

[0039] The cover 100 has the dimensions that provide the interior space 202 for an average height person 224 to comfortably stand. Preferably, the cover 100 has a maximum depth of 6″ measuring from the bed or floor surface to the top horizontal panels or roof. Further, for providing adequate illumination during low light situations inside the enclosure, the cover 100 provides a plurality of LEDs 220 powered by electric power of the pickup truck or an auxiliary battery. For providing ventilation, at least one fan 222 is positioned inside the cover. The fan 222 also runs on the power provided by the vehicle.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the multipurpose convertible cover 100 installed on the vehicle bed and over an exposed cargo area in accordance with the disclosed specification. As shown, the aerodynamic edge 118 is positioned on the truck cabin and is releasably fastened to the lightweight panels that are positioned near to the cabin of the vehicle. The edge 118 is configured to provide additional space for storage of tools and other items in addition to providing protection against aerodynamic drag. The rear cap panel 122 is also a lightweight panel and positioned on and above the rear wall of the truck bed. The rear cap panel 122 has a transparent and sliding window 302 for providing additional ventilation to a user inside the cover. A plurality of LEDs 220 and a plurality of fans 222 are removably placed inside the cover 100 for providing illumination and ventilation.

[0041] For closing the pair of hinged doors 124, the front/tailgate end 218 of the truck bed has a rubber layer or seat 304 for sealing the bottom end 310 of the pair of the hinged door 124. This eliminates dirt and any other weather elements being able to pass through the door and enter the enclosure. Similarly, on closing, the pair of hinged doors 124 abuts the front wall 306 of the panels 110, 112, 212, 208. The hinged doors have a lock mechanism 308a, 308b for securing the interior space and the items stored within the interior space of the cover by lock and key.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the pickup truck and multipurpose vehicle bed cover 100 showing the position of placement of the panels on the truck bed and cabin in accordance with the disclosed structure. The advantage of the cargo or bed cover 100 of the present invention is that the cover 100 is modular, configurable and can be broken down into smaller sections easily and quickly for transportation and storage purposes. The cover 100 can also be installed in a short period by a single person and create an enclosure and private space within the cargo area of the bed 104. The walls 102 have rails 402 that are used for installing the lightweight panels using the post anchor system 128 that is already integrated into all pickup trucks or which may be added by the owner of the vehicle at a later date. The vertical or erect light panels 106, 108 are positioned on the rail 402 and slanted panels 110, 114 and top horizontal or roof panels 112, 116 are attached to the light panels 106, 108 respectively using mechanical fasteners. FIG. 4 also shows the non-invasive fastener 119 for securing the cab over portion to the vehicle roof. The fasteners 119 may be magnets, suction cups, removable or repositionable adhesive or combinations thereof to prevent the cab over portion from lifting up when the vehicle is in motion. One or more windows 121 may be provided in any of the side walls of the enclosure 100.

[0043] The lightweight panels 106, 108 can be separately attached to the rail 402 or can be attached to each other first and then installed on the rail 402. Similarly, the aerodynamic edge portion 118 is fastened to the lightweight panel 108, slanted panel 108 and top panel 116 and is positioned on the cabin 120. The rear cap panel 122 covers the rear wall 404 of the truck bed 104 and extends to the inner housing of the aerodynamic edge portion 118.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of the aerodynamic edge 118 and its connection with the rear wall cap 122 and the lightweight panel or front 108 which is adjacent to the passenger cabin in accordance with the disclosed specification. As stated earlier, the aerodynamic edge portion 118 is positioned on the cab over portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and is used for providing additional space 504 for storing items such as tools 510 and others. The aerodynamic edge portion 118 has a downward slanting plane 502 which directly extends to the cabin or has a vertical portion extending to the cabin. The angle of the slanting plane ranges from 20 to 80 degrees with about 40 to 60 degrees for an angle of the slant being preferred. The angle of the slant is determined by the height of the enclosure 100.

[0045] The aerodynamic portion 118 is releasably fastened to the rear panel 122 along the top edge of the rear panel 122 using mechanical fasteners 508 such as screws or clips. Similarly, the aerodynamic portion 118 is releasably fastened to the lightweight or front panel 108 may also have a door 505 which can be used by the passenger cabin occupants to reach into the enclosure from a sliding window in the passenger cabin. such that the aerodynamic portion 118 remains secured when the pickup truck on which the aerodynamic portion 118 is mounted is traveling at a high speed.

[0046] Also, in FIG. 5, the window 302 of the rear panel 122 is shown which is provided for ventilation. The lightweight panel 108 may have one or more window portions 1080 having a handle 506. The handle 506 can be used for opening the window portion 1080 for ventilation and additional light. The enclosure is held together by framing elements 513 which may be wood or lightweight metal such as aluminum, carbon fiber stud or any combination thereof.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the multipurpose cargo area or bed cover of the present invention installed on a conventional pickup truck bed in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the side rails 402 of the pickup truck bed 104 have vertical panels 602 with a top panel 606 releasably attached to the vertical panels 602. At the tailgate end 218 of the truck, a rolling or hinged door 604 is positioned that is configured to be opened for providing access to the interior space of the cover 600. The cover 600 of the present embodiment also has an aerodynamic portion 606 which is triangular in shape and is positioned on the cabin 120 of the truck to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase storage space in the truck bed. The door 604 is configured to have an opening and closing mechanism similar to that of a garage door that rolls up in the vertical direction to open. The vertical dimension of the cover 600 is tall enough for an average height person to comfortably stand up inside of the device.

[0048] One or more lightweight panels or any other panel of the cover 100, 600 can have windows and can be made from a durable and lightweight material such as wood, lightweight metal, durable plastic and more. Further, any portion of the panels can be transparent or translucent as per preference of a user.

[0049] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “convertible pickup truck bed cover”, “multipurpose enclosure”, “multipurpose hard cover assembly”, “enclosure cover”, “multipurpose truck bed cover”, “truck bed cover” and “cover” are interchangeable and refer to the c multipurpose truck bed cover 100 of the present invention.

[0050] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multipurpose truck bed cover 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the multipurpose truck bed cover 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multipurpose truck bed cover 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multipurpose truck bed cover 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multipurpose truck bed cover 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0051] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0052] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.