A FOLDABLE BED AND BED STORAGE FOR VEHICLES WITH CAB

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a foldable bed and bed storage which enable the driver or passenger seat to move in a larger area within the cab in order that the driver will spend a more comfortable and quality resting time in heavy commercial vehicles with a cab, e.g. trucks, used in long distance transport, and which at the same time can be used as a storage area inside the cab.

Prior Art

Heavy commercial vehicles are densely used in transportation. In particular, a significant part of land transport is performed by heavy commercial vehicles. Heavy commercial vehicles have such equipment as beds, seats, tables according to the needs in order to provide driver and passenger comfort during long distance transport and driving. In heavy commercial vehicles used in long driving distances, large spaces are needed within the cab, i.e. the cabinet or cabin, in order for the driver to rest inside the vehicle. During long-distance journeys, the drivers spend a long time in the vehicle, and so it is required to provide an area inside the vehicle for the drivers to use as a resting area. The drivers meet most of their needs inside the vehicle during long-distance driving. In the existing vehicles, the only area that the drivers can use for resting or similar needs is the bed section. The bed section is typically located inside the driver's cab, behind the area in which the driver and passenger seats are positioned, at the rearmost section of the cab. The driver or passenger needs to stand up from their seat and go to the area in which the bed is positioned at the rear section of the cab in order to be able to use the bed section. The drivers do not generally prefer said bed area when they give short breaks for eating, watching TV, etc. Therefore, there exist a need for alternative solutions that will serve as an alternative to the bed section in the cab and allow the use of the seats in a more flexible way inside the vehicle. The existing cab design applications in the state of the art aim to provide a large space for the drivers to rest and meet their needs during journey, and to that end, the areas used by the driver are utilized. In these applications, while the driver is provided with new spaces, s/he is prevented from using some of the areas. Again, some of the areas used by the driver are forsaken so as to create new spaces for the driver.

The U.S. Patent Application No. US2010123338 in the state of the art discloses an automotive seat which can be personalized for the driver's use. In this document, the automotive seat can be folded and made into a working and resting area. At the same time, the area under the seat can be used as a storage area. The mentioned U.S. Patent Application No. US2010123338 and the present invention comprise completely different technical features. In the present invention, an openable/clo sable area is formed at the rear section of the passenger seat using a sliding cover mechanism. In the present invention, a storage area with a slide mechanism in the movement direction and area of the passenger seat is used. Said area is not only used as a storage area but also provides a larger space for the movement capability of the passenger seat.

The U.S. Patent Application No. US2006226670 in the state of the art discloses a work office solution created inside a vehicle. In this document, the passenger seat is folded and a flat work surface is formed; the working equipment to be used by the driver are placed on the seat and the shelves are used. The mentioned U.S. Patent Application No. US2006226670 and the present invention completely differ in terms of use and the produced technical outcome. In the present invention, an openable/closable area is formed at the rear section of the passenger seat using a sliding cover mechanism. In the present invention, a storage area with a slide mechanism in the movement direction and area of the passenger seat is used. Said area is not only used as a storage area but also provides a larger space for the movement capability of the passenger seat. The U.S. Patent Application No. US6692051 in the state of the art discloses a cab for a tractor-truck, wherein the seat mechanism is described. In this document, an area that will be used as a resting and working area is designed in the right section of the front console. In the present invention, an openable/clo sable area is formed at the rear section of the passenger seat using a sliding cover mechanism. In the present invention, a storage area with a slide mechanism in the movement direction and area of the passenger seat is used. Said area is not only used as a storage area but also provides a larger space for the movement capability of the passenger seat. In the state of the art, there exist no explanation regarding the technical features of the present invention and the technical outcomes produced by the present invention. Among the current applications, there exist no bed storage (area) which is disposed at the rear section of the driver or passenger seat, which is positioned in the movement axis and area of the seats, and which provides a space for the movement of the seats within the movement area of the seats and at the same time may be used as a storage area within the cab. The bed storage according to the invention may be provided in the foldable bed, or alternatively it may be separately mounted in the cab. Objects of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a foldable bed and bed storage for vehicles with cab which permit creating an openable/closable storage area on the movement axis of the driver or passenger seat. Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable bed and bed storage for the vehicles with cab which provide, at the rear section of the seats, an extra space in which the seats can move by being unfolded in case a large space is needed inside the driver's cab.

Another object of the present invention is to provide, within the driver's cab, a foldable bed and bed storage for the vehicles with cab which can be practically unfolded/folded in a section of the driver bed. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable bed and bed storage for vehicles with cab which enables an area that is not desired to be used as a storage area by the driver to be entirely used as a movement area in a practical manner. And another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable bed and bed storage for the vehicles with cab in which cleaning and putting goods have been facilitated by means of the cover which can be fully opened.

Brief Description of the Invention

The foldable bed and bed storage for the vehicles with cab having been developed in order to achieve the objects of the present invention and defined in the first claim and other claims dependent thereon comprises, behind the automotive seat, a storage (area, storage area) inside the foldable bed disposed in the space in which the automotive seat can move, or independent of the bed. The storage is located within the in-cab driver bed, in the section remaining at the rear of the passenger seats. In an embodiment of the invention, the storage is not disposed in the bed, but directly in the cab or within a section of another element provided in the cab. For opening/closing of the storage, a sliding cover mechanism is used. The sliding cover mechanism is arranged at the rear section of the cab. The sliding cover moves within channels. The channels of the sliding cover are mounted in the cab body or bed body. A storage area is provided along the movement channels by opening/closing the sliding cover. The slide mechanism which forms the cover of the storage and enables the same to be opened/closed is preferably a roller mechanism and stored in a housing. While the sliding cover is being opened, i.e. while the storage area is being formed, the sliding cover is withdrawn from inside the housing, the area in which the rails are disposed is closed, thereby forming the storage area. When the area in which the storage exists is desired to be used for the movement of the seats in the cab, in other words, when the driver or passenger needs an extra space for moving the seats, the sliding cover is retracted towards the housing by means of the roller, and thus the area in which the storage exists is used as an extra space inside the cab.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The foldable bed and bed storage for the vehicles with cab which have been developed for achieving the objects of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1. Perspective view showing the use of the storage, which is located in a section of the bed inside the cab, in open position.

Fig. 2. Perspective view of the foldable bed mounted in the cab.

Fig. 3. Perspective view of the bed storage, which is located in a section of the bed inside the cab, in close position, i.e. in the position when used as a storage area

Fig. 4. Perspective view of the bed storage.

The parts shown in the drawings are enumerated individually and the reference numerals corresponding thereto are given below. 1. Foldable bed

2. Lying table

3. Body

4. Storage area

5. Bed storage

6. Sliding cover

7. Grip

8. Housing

9. Rail

91. Upper part

92. Lower part

10. Roller

11. Lateral surface

K. Seat

H. Seat movement

The foldable bed (1) which is disposed in the cab of heavy commercial vehicles, which is used by the driver or passengers for resting, and which provides the user with a storage area or an empty space for the movement of the seats (K) in the linear seat movement axis (H) of the driver or passenger seat (K) comprises:

- at least one preferably flat and bed-like lying table (2) which is used by the driver or passenger for resting, sleeping and on which they can lie down,

- at least one body (3) which is disposed under the lying table (2), preferably supports the lying table (2), and is mounted in the cab floor,

- at least one storage area (4) which is disposed at the lower section of the lying table (2), preferably inside the body (3) and which presents areas that can be used by the driver for storing his/her belongings, and

- at least one bed storage (5) which is disposed in the linear seat movement axis (H) of the driver or passenger seat (K) within the body (3) or storage area (4); the width of which is as large as the width of at least one seat (K) or as large as the sitting portion of the seat (K); which provides the user with an empty space in reverse movement of the seat (K); and which comprises an openable/closable sliding cover (6), a roller (10) which enrolls the sliding cover (6) by retracting the same in its direction, and a housing (8) in which the sliding cover (6) is stored.

The foldable bed (1) according to the invention is provided in the driver's cab. The driver or passenger can rest for a short or long time within the cab using the foldable bed (1). The bed storage (5) disposed in the foldable bed (1) presents a storage area (4) in the cab for the user in which s/he can store his goods, at the same time providing an extra space for the user so that s/he can move the seats (K) in the cab in reverse direction. When the driver or passenger needs more space within the vehicle cab for resting, s/he opens the sliding cover (6) of the bed storage (5), and thus obtains an empty space in the area in which the bed storage (5) exists. The user uses such empty space for moving the seat (K) in reverse direction and providing a larger area for himself/herself in the front section of the seat (K). The bed storage (5) provides sufficient extra space for the user that will enable the driver or passenger seat (K) to be moved until the rearmost section of the cab.

The foldable bed (1) preferably comprises at least one lying table (2), at least one body (3), at least one storage area (4), and at least one bed storage (5). The foldable bed (1) is preferably located in the rear section of the seats (K), at the rearmost of the driver's cab (Fig. 1). The foldable bed (1) is preferably mounted in the rear wall or floor of the cab. Provided in the uppermost section of the foldable bed (1) is the lying table (2) on which the driver or passenger lies down for resting, sleeping. The lying table (2) is a single-piece, or it consists of more than one parts. The lying table (2) is preferably located on the body (3) and presents a flat and steady sleeping area by sitting on the body (3) (Fig. 2). The lying table (2) is secured from the end point thereof to the body (3) or cab rear wall preferably by way of a hinge, bracket or a bearer-like connection piece. The lying table (2) can be folded by being moved towards the cab rear wall, preferably in parallel to the cab rear wall, from the connection point by means of the connection piece.

Thanks to the fact that the lying table (2) is movable, i.e. foldable, access to the upper portion of the body (3) is possible and the body (3) can be made into different compartments according to the intended use. In an embodiment of the invention, the body (3) is provided therein with a storage area (4), preferably in the left and/or right and/or middle portion of the body (3) (Fig. 1). The storage area (4) presents areas, in lower portion of the lying table (2) and preferably within the body (3), that can be used by the driver. The storage area (4) may have varying size, width and depth. The storage areas (4) having different types of covers with different sizes according to the intended use of the driver or commercial vehicle can be used. The bed storage (5) is provided in the storage area (4) or body (4) of the foldable bed (1) (Fig. 3). In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the storage areas is used as bed storage (5). The bed storage (5) has a width, within the storage area (4), as large as at least one seat (K) such that it will fill the storage area (4). The bed storage (5) provides the user, in a section of the foldable bed (1), with a special compartment that can be used as an openable/clo sable storage area or empty space. The user can use said compartment provided by the bed storage (5) for moving the seats (K) towards the rear portion of the cab, or for storing his/her belongings if s/he desires. The bed storage (5) is preferably configured as below.

A bed storage (5) which is disposed in the cabs of heavy commercial vehicles, preferably within the movement area of the seats (K) in reverse direction in linear seat movement axis (H) of the sliding driver or passenger seat (K), and/or inside the foldable bed (1) comprises:

- a sliding cover (6) which closes the preferred area, at least one housing (8) which is preferably mounted in the cab chassis or on the foldable bed (1) such that it will be parallel to the driver or passenger seat (K) and in which the sliding cover (6) is stored,

at least one rail (9) which is disposed between the housing (8) and cab floor or the bottom of the foldable bed (1); which defines the area in which the sliding cover (6) will move; and which enables, along the border in which it is located in a preferred area, the sliding cover (6) to be moved,

a roller (10) which is preferably disposed in the housing (8); one end of which is connected to the sliding cover (6); and which applies a pulling force to the sliding cover (6) in the direction in which it is located, i.e. in the direction of the housing (8), and

a sliding cover (6) which preferably moves inside the rail (9) and along the rail (9) and which, by closing some of or the whole rail (9), presents an area, in the section in which the rail (9) and the housing (8) are present, where various goods can be put.

The bed storage (5) according to the invention is located in the driver's cab of heavy commercial vehicles. In another embodiment of the invention, the bed storage (5) is located within the foldable bed (1) disposed in the cab; and in an alternative embodiment of the invention, it can be separately mounted in the cab.

In an embodiment of the invention, the bed storage (5) is positioned under the lying table (2), preferably such that it will support the lying table (2). The bed storage (5) is directly mounted in the floor of the driver's cab or at the rear wall thereof.

The closed area in which storage will be made in the bed storage (5) is preferably achieved by the sliding cover (6). The sliding cover (6) is preferably made of plastic, fabric, wood, metal or a material, and it is louvered. The sliding cover (6) may be made of a light, cost-effective, or aesthetically appealing material. In an embodiment of the invention, the sliding cover (6) is produced of the same material and with the same color as the vehicle seat (K) upholstery. In another embodiment of the invention, the sliding cover (6) is made of a resistant rigid plastic or wood, and has a louver-like structure. The louver structure and appearance of the sliding cover (6) provides visual integrity in staged use.

The sliding cover (6) is preferably provided thereon with a grip (7). Said grip (7) enables the user to easily grab the sliding cover (6) and move it in the direction that s/he desires again easily. The sliding cover (6) is preferably stored inside a housing (8). When the sliding cover (6) is not used, the sliding cover (6), partly or fully, is collected inside the housing (8). The housing (8) allows the sliding cover (6) to be kept in a closed area when said sliding cover (6) is not used. In an embodiment of the invention, the housing (8) is provided therein with a roller (10). One end of the sliding cover (6) is in connection with the roller (10) disposed in the housing (8). The roller (10) is in a tense situation and applies a pulling force on the sliding cover (6). The roller (10) applies a pulling force on the sliding cover (6) in the direction of the housing (8). Said pulling force enables the sliding cover (6) to move towards the inside of the housing (8). The roller (10) also allows the sliding cover (6) to be wound around itself. The roller (10) ensures that the sliding cover (6) is wound and remains inside the housing (8). When the sliding cover (6) is not in use, it remains inside the housing (8) wound around the roller (10). When the sliding cover (6) is desired to be used, i.e. when a closed area or a closed store is desired to be created, the sliding cover (6) is pulled out from the housing (8) and moved towards the outside of the housing (8) by rotating around the roller (10).

In an embodiment of the invention, the roller (10) comprises locks. The locks disposed in the roller (10) allows the roller (10) to be used in a staged manner. The sliding cover (6) can be fixed between such stages in a way to present different open positions. Thus, the user can fully close, or keep partly open the sliding cover (6) by way of the staged roller (10).

The area in which the sliding cover (6) is to move as well as the moving direction thereof is preferably defined by the rail (9). The rail (9) is provided between the housing (8) and the cab floor or the bottom of the foldable bed (1). When the sliding cover (6) is being used, at least one edge of the sliding cover (6) passes through the rail (9) and moves as such. Hence, the area in which the sliding cover (6) is to be present and move is defined by the rail (9) (Fig. 4). The rail (9) is preferably provided with a channel and it moves, during the movement of the sliding cover (6), inside such channel by being introduced thereinto.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rail (9) extends towards the cab floor starting from the housing (8). The rail (9) may be linear or circular.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rail (9) is L-shaped. The rail (9) preferably comprises an upper part (91) and a lower part (92). The rail (9) comprises an upper part (91) which, in parallel to the driver's cab floor from the housing (8), preferably having the same width as or shorter than the lying table (2) and a lower part (92) which is preferably perpendicular to the upper part (91) and extends from the upper part (91) until the floor (Fig. 4). The sliding cover (6) is introduced into and moves inside the rail (9). When the sliding cover (6) is used, the sliding cover (6) passes through the upper part (91) and the lower part (92) and forms a closed area along the rail (9). When the sliding cover (6) is not used, the roller (10) winds the sliding cover (6) thereon and ensures that it is maintained within the housing (8) and presents an empty space along the rail (9).

The bed storage (5) is located in the driver's cab, preferably within the foldable bed (1) body (3) or storage area (4). The bed storage (5) forms a closed area in the area that it exists, said closed area being closed when preferred, or being optionally fully open when preferred. In an embodiment of the invention, the lateral surfaces of the bed storage (5) is formed by the body (3) or storage area (4) surfaces since the bed storage (5) is positioned in the body (3) or storage area (4).

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bed storage (5) comprises a lateral surface (11) (Fig. 4). With the lateral surfaces (11) which are arranged under the rail (9) and extend until the floor, the edges of the bed storage (5) facing the body (3) or storage area (4) are closed, thereby achieving a bed storage (5) with the sides thereof being closed. The lateral surfaces (11) in the area in which the bed storage (5) exists are preferably enclosed by the body (3) or the storage area (4). The body (3) or storage area (4) of the foldable bed (1) forms the lateral surfaces of the bed storage (5) (Fig. 1-2). The area in which the bed storage (5) is to be used is provided with a rail (9) all along. A sliding cover (6) with roller (10) is provided in the housing (8). The grip (7) provided on the sliding cover (6) is pulled and the sliding cover (6) is moved in the rail (9). The sliding cover (6) is moved along and fixed at a point on the rail (9), presenting a closed area in the area where the bed storage (5) is present. This closed area formed by the bed storage (5) is used for storing various goods, i.e. belongings, of the user. The bed storage (5) is arranged exactly at the rear section of the driver or passenger seat (K), preferably aligned with the slides in which the seats (K) move. The seat (K) slides along the floor and from the lower portion of the bed storage (5). In case the driver or passenger needs additional space in the cab for resting, s/he first raises the lying table (2), and thus opens the upper surface of the bed storage (5). Afterwards, the user releases the sliding cover (6) from where it is, making the sliding cover (6) to be collected in the housing (8) by way of the roller (10). Thus, an empty space along the area in which the bed storage (5) exists is achieved (Fig. 1). The driver or passenger moves his/her seat (K) in reverse direction on the slide until said empty space and utilizes the area in which the bed storage (5) exists for the seat (K). When the driver or passenger needs an area in the cab for putting his/her belongings again inside the cab, s/he takes the seat (K) towards the front, closes the sliding cover (6), and makes the bed storage (5) into a structure to place his/her belongings. Moreover, easy access of the user to the entire bed storage (5) is achieved thanks to the fact that the sliding cover (6) can be fully opened. In an embodiment of the invention, the sliding cover (6) can be controlled by a motor. In this case, the motor of the sliding cover (6) is operated by an on/off switch. The user opens/closes the sliding cover (6) by pushing the on/off switch.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bed storage (5) is directly mounted in the driver's cab. The bed storage (5) is mounted at the rear section of the cab, in the movement axis and immediately behind the seats, preferably on the floor or cab rear surface or cab lateral surface.

In an embodiment of the invention, the movement of the sliding cover (6) is ensured by movement components with sleeve, bearing, etc. The sliding cover (6) moves inside a configuration with sleeve and bearing.