FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to locking systems, apparatuses and methods. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a lock system for inclusion in a roll top cover for operably covering and securing a cargo bed or tray of a utility vehicle or pickup truck.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Numerous types of truck bed covers are commonly used over the utility or cargo bed portion of a ute or pickup truck to secure and protect the bed including cargo items disposed therein. In particular, truck bed covers generally include a physically keyed lock system for operably securing the cover of a cargo bed, truck box or the like.

[0003] Prior art truck bed cover locking systems can suffer from a number of drawbacks. By way of example, some physical lock systems may not be fully weather resistant and/or impervious to moisture. Additionally, the securing of the cover is typically dependent upon a separate key or remote. Users may forget to properly secure the truck bed cover, or misplace separate keys or remotes. Further, the lock system of the cover may not be linked to the central locking system of the vehicle, thereby reducing the overall security of the vehicle as whole.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is a preferred object of the invention to provide systems and/or apparatuses and/or methods that address or ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provide a useful commercial alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to systems and/or apparatuses and/or methods in which a movable cover for a cargo bed or tray of a vehicle can be secured and locked.

[0006] In one form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a lock system for a movable cover of a cargo bed or tray of a vehicle, comprising: a movable cover operable by an electronic control unit and being movable between an open and a closed position, the movable cover enclosing a contained space under the movable cover within the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle when the movable cover is in the closed position; a key override located on the top side of the movable cover or outside the contained space of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle, the key override comprising a key cylinder configured to turn a cam, optionally in the form of a cam plate, the cam plate turning between a locked position and an unlocked position; a motor unit configured to turn the cam plate between the locked position and the unlocked position; and one or more contact points connected to the electronic control unit to enable determination of whether the movable cover is in the closed position; wherein the cam plate is connected to one or more lock latches, and can move the one or more lock latches into a latch locked position and a latch unlocked position; wherein the cam plate activates a feedback switch when in the unlocked position, providing an unlocked signal to the electronic control unit, and the cam plate deactivates the feedback switch when in the locked position, providing a locked signal to the electronic control unit; wherein the lock system is communicably connected to a central locking system of the vehicle, and whereby in use the central locking system of the vehicle communicates a central lock or central unlock signal to the electronic control unit, and the electronic control unit then communicates a motor unit lock or motor unit unlock signal to the motor unit, which turns the cam plate between the locked position and the unlocked position, and wherein the lock system comprises a manual override within the contained space of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle.

[0007] Preferably, the movable cover is an electrically powered roll cover operated by the electronic control unit. [0008] Preferably, the feedback switch is operable only when the movable cover is determined to be in the closed position.

[0009] Preferably, the motor unit moves the one or more lock latches only when the movable cover is determined to be in the closed position.

[00010] Preferably, the cam plate is cable wire harnessed to the one or more lock latches.

[00011] Preferably, the lock system is communicably connected to the central locking system of the vehicle via a wired cable harness.

[00012] Preferably, the one or more lock latches is/are spring loaded.

[00013] Preferably, the one or more contact points is/are spring loaded.

[00014] Preferably, the manual override for moving the one or more lock latches comprises a handle or lever.

[00015] Preferably, the manual override is cable wire harnessed to the one or more lock latches, wherein the manual override can move the one or more lock latches into the latch unlocked position.

[00016] Preferably, the manual override is intermediate of the connection between the cam plate and the one or more locking latches.

[00017] Preferably, the electronic control unit is connected to a control panel outside the contained space of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle.

[00018] Preferably, the control panel is powered by the electronic control unit when the electronic control unit receives the unlocked signal, and the control panel is depowered when the electronic control unit receives the locked signal.

[00019] Preferably, the control panel comprises one or more push buttons. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00020] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00021] Figure 1 is a top view of a lock system for a movable cover of a cargo bed or tray of a vehicle where the movable cover is closed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00022] Figure 2 is a top view illustrating the lock system of Fig. 1 where the internal components are shown.

[00023] Figure 3 is a close-up top view illustrating the right-hand corner of Fig. 2 where the internal components are shown.

[00024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the right-hand corner of Fig. 1 where enclosing parts are hidden.

[00025] Figure 5 is an underside view of the lock system of Fig. 1 as seen from within the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle.

[00026] Figure 6 is a close-up of the left-side of Fig. 5, but where sub-system covers shown in FIG. 5 are removed.

[00027] Figure 7 is an exterior perspective view of the right-hand corner of Fig. 1.

[00028] Figure 8 is a close-up of the right side of Fig. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00029] The present invention relates to systems and apparatus in which a lock system is integrated with a movable cover of a cargo bed or tray of a vehicle so that the lock system of the movable cover is connected to the central locking system of the vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can apply to other forms of covers and locking units/systems of vehicles. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[00030] According to one aspect, the present invention is defined as a lock system for a movable cover of a cargo bed or tray of a vehicle, comprising: a movable cover operable by an electronic control unit and being movable between an open and a closed position, the movable cover enclosing a contained space under the movable cover within the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle when the movable cover is in the closed position; a key override located on the top side of the movable cover or outside the contained space of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle, the key override comprising a key cylinder configured to turn a cam, optionally in the form of a cam plate, the cam plate turning between a locked position and an unlocked position; a motor unit configured to turn the cam plate between the locked position and the unlocked position; and one or more contact points connected to the electronic control unit to enable determination of whether the movable cover is in the closed position; wherein the cam plate is connected to one or more lock latches, and can move the one or more lock latches into a latch locked position and a latch unlocked position; wherein the cam plate activates a feedback switch when in the unlocked position, providing an unlocked signal to the electronic control unit, and the cam plate deactivates the feedback switch when in the locked position, providing a locked signal to the electronic control unit; wherein the lock system is communicably connected to a central locking system of the vehicle, and whereby in use the central locking system of the vehicle communicates a central lock or central unlock signal to the electronic control unit, and the electronic control unit then communicates a motor lock or motor unlock signal to the motor unit, which turns the cam plate between the locked position and the unlocked position, and wherein the lock system comprises a manual override within the contained space of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle. [00031] Advantages of some embodiments of the present invention include a lock system for a cover of a cargo bed or tray of a vehicle that enables effective locking and security, communicably connected to the central locking system of the vehicle. By employing one or more electronic contacts located on the movable cover and/or the cargo bed or tray, the lock system is able to determine if the movable cover is in the closed position. Further, the lock system is able to be synchronised with the central locking system of the vehicle, moving the one or more lock latches to the locked position and the unlocked position according to a communication signal provided by the central locking system of the vehicle.

[00032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all of the above advantages are necessarily included in all embodiments of the present invention.

[00033] Figure 1 is a top view of a lock system 100 for a movable cover 105 of a cargo bed or tray of a vehicle where the movable cover 105 is closed and adjacent a tail gate 130 of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in the closed position, the preferred embodiment of the lock system 100 comprises a key cylinder for a key override assembly 110 located on a top side of the movable cover 105 or outside the contained space of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle, the key override assembly 110 is able to unlock the movable cover 105. Optionally, the movable cover 105 is an electrically powered roll cover, sliding within side rails 115 of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle, operated by the electronic control unit. Only the rearward most portions of the side rails 115 are shown. The electronic control unit is not shown in the drawings, but as will be understood by those skilled in the art it can be included in a small enclosure and mounted on the vehicle or adjacent the movable cover 105. When the movable cover 105 is in the closed position, electronic contact points on the movable cover 105 abut corresponding electronic contact points housed within corner assemblies 120 located at a distal end of the side rails 115. Optionally, the movable cover 105 comprises a hand rail 125 which abuts the tail gate 130 of the cargo bed or tray. Preferably, the key override assembly 110 is weather sealed, and covered with a removably attached plug or cap so that the key cylinder is protected from ingress when not in use. Skilled addressees will understand that the specific cover design or material used may vary according to requirements of at least IP rating or UV stability. [00034] Figure 2 is a top view illustrating internal components of the lock system 100. Internal components of the lock system 100 are also integrated with the movable cover 105 of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle. The movable cover 105 encloses a contained space under the movable cover 105 within the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle when the moveable cover 105 is in the closed position. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a manual override assembly 205 and an internal view of the key override assembly 110 including a key cylinder 225. In a preferred embodiment, the manual override assembly 205 is mechanically connected to a lever bracket 210 and is able to move one or more lock latches 215 between latch locked and latch unlocked positions. The one or more lock latches 215 are spring loaded and can be operated by pull wires 220 or cable wire harnesses. Further preferably, the manual override assembly 205 is connected to the lever bracket 210 via pull wires 220 and the key override assembly 110 is connected to the manual override assembly 205 via a key override assembly pull wire 230.

[00035] Figure 3 is a close-up top view illustrating the right-hand corner of Fig. 2 where the internal components are shown. The left-hand corner of the lock system 100 is substantially similar to the right-hand corner. Contact points 300 are housed in both the movable cover 105 and also in the corner assemblies 120. Preferably, the one or more contact points 300 are spring loaded to act as bumpers when engaging each other and to absorb any tolerances of manufacturing, vehicle position, and flexion. The contact points 300 on the movable cover 105 engage corresponding contact points 300 in the corner assemblies 120, signalling that the movable cover 105 is in a closed position.

[00036] Limit switches 305 are further included as a backup, positioned in the corner assembly 120 of a side rail 115 to determine if the movable cover 105 is in the closed position. When it is determined that the movable cover 105 is in the closed position, the one or more lock latches 215 can be electrically moved between a lock position and an unlock position in accordance with the vehicle’s central locking system. The lock latches 215 will engage corresponding features such as a latch pin 310 located on a tail gate rail of the tail gate 130 of the vehicle, securing the movable cover 105 in the closed position. Skilled addressees will understand that the specific latch and engagement method may vary according to design. [00037] The lock system 100 is communicably connected to the electronic control unit and a central locking system of the vehicle, wherein the central locking system of the vehicle is capable of communicating a central lock or central unlock signal to the electronic control unit. As will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, the central locking system generally controls locking of the vehicle’s doors and ignition and setting of the vehicle alarm, and is often integrated into the main computing system of the vehicle. The connection of the lock system 100 to the central locking system of the vehicle is via a wired cable harness (not shown) running inside the side rails 115. The wired cable harness is thereby able to control and supply power to at least the electronic control unit and one or more contact points 300.

[00038] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the right-hand corner of Fig. 2 where enclosing parts are not shown so that internal components of the movable cover 105 may be seen. In a preferred embodiment, the movable cover 105 comprises a hand rail 125 at the distal end of the movable cover 105 which engages the tail gate 130 of the vehicle.

[00039] Figure 5 is an underside view of the lock system 100, as seen from within the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle. The lock system 100 is shown to comprise the manual override assembly 205 located within the contained space of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle. This allows the movable cover 105 to be releasable from within in case of an emergency. As the one or more lock latches 215 are preferably spring loaded, the manual override assembly 205 is able to be moved by hand to move the one or more lock latches 215 to the unlocked position. Preferably, the manual override assembly 205 comprises a handle or lever 400 so that a user is able to gain a mechanical advantage. Skilled addressees will understand that this feature may be an automotive safety requirement according to some embodiments and that specific deployment methods and design may differ according to varying standards.

[00040] Figure 6 is a close up of the left-side of Fig. 5, but where sub-system covers shown in FIG. 5 are removed. The internal components of the lock system 100 are shown, comprising a motor unit 600 which operates a gear 605, such as a worm drive, which drives a cam, in the form of a cam plate 610, attached to the key cylinder 225 within the key override assembly 110. Water-proof automotive electrical connections 620 are provided to supply power from the vehicle or the electronic control unit to at least the motor unit 600 and a feedback switch 615. The cam plate 610 activates the feedback switch 615 when in an unlocked position, providing an unlocked signal to the electronic control unit, and also deactivates the feedback switch 615 when in the locked position, deactivating the unlocked signal at the electronic control unit. Accordingly, the cam plate 610 can be manually operated by either the key cylinder 225 or electrically by the motor unit 600. Preferably, the feedback switch 615 is only operable, and can be activated or deactivated, only when the movable cover 105 is determined to be in a closed position.

[00041] As mentioned, the one or more lock latches 215 are connected to the manual override assembly 205 via cable wires 220. The key override assembly 110 is also connected to the manual override assembly 205 via the key override assembly cable 230. In a preferred embodiment, the key override assembly cable 230 connects at the key override assembly 110 to a cam plate tab 625 of the cam plate 610, which allows both the manual operation of the key cylinder 225 or the electrical operation of the motor unit 600 to turn the cam plate 610 and pull the key override assembly cable 230. This will actuate the cable wires 220 attached to the manual override assembly 205 and move the one or more lock latches 215 between the latch locked and latch unlocked positions. A bias spring 630 attached to the cam plate tab 625 assists with tensioning.

[00042] In a preferred embodiment, the operation of the lock system 100 and movable cover 105 comprises an electrical operation wherein the lock system 100 communicates the central lock or central unlock signal to the electronic control unit, and the electronic control unit then communicates the motor unit lock or motor unit unlock signal to the motor unit 600, which turns the cam plate 610 and moves the one or more lock latches 215 between the latch locked and latch unlocked positions.

[00043] Figure 7 is an exterior perspective view of the right-hand corner of Fig. 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the electronic control unit is connected to a control panel 700 outside the contained space of the cargo bed or tray of the vehicle. The control panel can be powered on by the electronic control unit when the feedback switch 615 is deactivated, indicating that the movable cover 105 is unlocked and ready for operation. Optionally, the control panel 700 can comprise an open button 705 and a close button 710. The person skilled in the art will understand that different button configurations or control interfaces can be implemented as necessary to operate the movable cover 105.

[00044] Figure 8 is a close-up of the right side of Fig. 6, showing a close-up illustration of features and components contained within the key override assembly 110.

[00045] The lock system 100 therefore addresses at least some of the aforementioned problems, connecting the locking system of a movable cover 105 for a cargo bed or tray of a vehicle with the central locking system of the vehicle. Advantageously, the electronic control unit of the movable cover 105 is able to detect whether the movable cover 105 is in the closed position, thereby determining whether the one or more lock latches 215 are to be engaged, locking or releasing the movable cover 105.

[00046] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, up and down, upper and lower, rear, front and side, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[00047] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the above described invention, which is determined by the following claims.