SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING DUST AND WATER INGRESS BETWEEN

MOVABLE COMPONENTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a system for preventing dust and water ingress between movable components. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a system for preventing dust and water ingress between movable components of a vehicle gate and a roll top cover for operably covering and securing the cargo beds or trays of utility vehicles or pickup trucks.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[002] There are numerous types of truck bed covers used over the utility or cargo bed of a utility vehicle of pickup truck. These products secure and protect the cargo bed, including the items disposed therein. In particular, roll top covers generally include a motorized or mechanical drive system for operably covering and uncovering the top of an open cargo bed, truck box or the like by way of an extendable and retractable slat assembly.

[003] Prior art roll top covers can suffer from a number of drawbacks. By way of example, such roll top covers may not be fully weather resistant and/or impervious to moisture and dust. Specifically, prior art roll top covers are not impervious to dust and water ingress through the joint between the tailgate, vehicle sidewall and roll top covers.

[004] Accordingly, an improved roll top cover that overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages is required.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome and/or alleviate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In one aspect, although not necessarily the only aspect or the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a system for preventing dust and water ingress between movable components of a vehicle, the system comprising: a cover extending across a cargo bay of the vehicle; a hand rail extending across a distal end of the cover and having a first end and a second end; a corner assembly adjacent the first end of the hand rail; a vehicle gate adjacent the hand rail and having a gate rail, a top end, a first side end and a second side end; and a seal network, comprising: a hand rail seal connected to the hand rail; a first corner seal connected to the corner assembly; and a gate seal connected to the vehicle gate; wherein, when the vehicle gate is closed: the first corner seal is positioned between the hand rail seal and the gate seal, the hand rail seal seals against the gate rail, a portion of the first corner seal extends over the top end of the vehicle gate, and a portion of the gate seal extends along the first side end of the vehicle gate.

[007] Preferably, the system further comprises a second corner seal connected to the corner assembly.

[008] Preferably, the first corner seal and the second corner seal are moulded as one piece.

[009] Preferably, when the gate is closed the second corner seal extends laterally along a portion of the front side of the vehicle gate.

[0010] Preferably, the second corner seal is positioned between the vehicle gate and a dust defence kit.

[0011 ] Preferably, the dust defence kit comprises a bulb seal mounted onto a vehicle tub.

[0012] Preferably, the cover is a roll top cover.

[0013] Preferably, the gate seal is folded to define an angled gutter. [0014] Preferably, the hand rail seal comprises a top wiper, a middle wiper and a bottom wiper.

[0015] Preferably, the top wiper mates with the top of the first corner seal. [0016] Preferably, each of the seals is made with a deformable material, preferably rubber.

[0017] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a right rear perspective view of a system for preventing dust and water ingress between moveable components of a roll top cover and tail gate (shown closed) of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 from an interior right side perspective, in a vehicle gate closed configuration, demonstrating a seal network;

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a sectioned side view of the system of FIG. 2 with a dust defence kit;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 , with the vehicle gate in a partially open position; and

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the vehicle gate in a closed position.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a top view of the seal network of FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the seal network of FIG. 2.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the seal network of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention relates to a system for preventing dust and water ingress between movable components in a cover for operably covering and securing the cargo beds or trays of utility vehicles or pickup trucks. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understand the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to provide excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[0028] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, top and bottom, upwards and downwards, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a method or system. The general orientation of terms such as front, rear, right and left correspond with the standard orientation of the front, rear, right and left of a vehicle, as known in the art.

[0029] According to a first aspect, the present invention is defined as a system for preventing dust and water ingress between movable components of a vehicle, the system comprising: a cover extending across a cargo bay of the vehicle; a hand rail extending across a distal end of the cover and having a first end and a second end; a corner assembly adjacent the first end of the hand rail; a vehicle gate adjacent the hand rail and having a gate rail, a top end, a first side end and a second side end; and a seal network, comprising: a hand rail seal connected to the hand rail; a first corner seal connected to the corner assembly; and a gate seal connected to the vehicle gate; wherein when the vehicle gate is closed: the first corner seal is positioned between the hand rail seal and the gate seal, the hand rail seal seals against the gate rail, a portion of the first corner seal extends over the top end of the vehicle gate, and a portion of the gate seal extends along the first side end of the vehicle gate.

[0030] Particular advantages of some of the embodiments of the system for preventing dust and water ingress of the present invention include an improved seal network which manages the fluid, dust or the like by rerouting it away from the vehicle tub. A further advantage is multiple levels of seals which provide backup protection, such as in the event of high water pressure being applied to the seal system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all embodiments will necessarily include all advantages listed herein.

[0031] FIGs. 1 to 8 provide a preferred embodiment of a system for preventing dust and water ingress of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1 , a system is configured for being a part of a cover 100, preferably a roll top cover, for covering a cargo bed (not shown) of a vehicle. In the embodiment provided, the system is specifically configured for a closed position, as illustrated by FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the system for preventing dust and water ingress between moveable components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an exterior of the system at the right-hand side rear corner of the vehicle.

[0033] A cover 100 is positioned on top of a cargo bed (not shown) of the vehicle. Connected to the cover 100 is a hand rail 104 extending across a distal end of the cover 100 and having a first end and a second end. A right rear corner assembly 115 sits adjacent the first end of the hand rail 104 and a vehicle gate 120, and on top of a right rear corner 116 of a sidewall 105 of the vehicle. As known in the art, the vehicle gate 120, also commonly called a tail gate, is hinged at its lower end and is moveable between an open and closed position. [0034] Disposed on the right rear corner assembly 115 is a first button 117a and a second button 117b, forming a button assembly 119. The first button 117a and the second button 117b initiate movement of the cover 100 between an open or retracted position and a closed or extended position, as illustrated by Figure 1 .

[0035] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment FIG. 1 from an interior side perspective view, demonstrating a seal network 134. To add clarity the cover 100 and vehicle gate 120 are not shown in Figure 1 , but a hand rail seal 125 (connected to the hand rail 104 of the cover 100) and a gate seal 135 (connected to a top right side end of the vehicle gate 120) are shown in Figure 1 in a gate-closed position.

[0036] The seal network 134 is effective when the vehicle gate 120 is in the closed position. The seal network comprises a hand rail seal 125 connected to the hand rail 104 across a full length of the hand rail 104 between the left and right sides of the cargo bay of the vehicle. The hand rail seal 125 comprises a top protrusion 112, wherein the top protrusion 112 mates with the top of a first corner seal 130. The hand rail seal 125 seals against a gate rail 126 that is fixed to a top portion of the vehicle gate 120. The first corner seal 130 is attached to the corner assembly 115.

[0037] When the vehicle gate 120 is in the closed position, the gate seal 135 deforms slightly so as to seal the gaps between the vehicle gate 120 and the corner assembly 115. The first corner seal 130 is positioned between the hand rail seal 125 and the gate seal 135.

[0038] Additionally, the seal network 134 further comprises a second corner seal 140 connected to the corner assembly 115. The second corner seal 140 is moulded with the first corner seal 130 to form one piece. The second corner seal 140 provides a further seal against dust or liquid that is not otherwise blocked by the seal network 134. In the event that any fluid, dust, or the like were to negotiate past the hand rail seal 125, the first corner seal 130 and the gate seal 135, the second corner seal 140, along with a Dust Defence Kit 145, provide a further level of protection.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, when the vehicle gate 120 is closed, a portion of the first corner seal 130 extends over a top end of the vehicle gate 120, a portion of the gate seal 135 extends along a first side end of the vehicle gate 120, and the second corner seal 140 extends laterally along a portion of the front side of the vehicle gate 120. [0040] The second corner seal 140 is positioned between the vehicle gate 120 and the Dust Defence Kit 145, as illustrated in Figure 3. The Dust Defence Kit 145 is an option for use where a vehicle is fitted with a canopy, a hard tonneau cover or a soft tonneau cover and assists in preventing water and dust from entering the tub around the tail gate area. When used in conjunction with the seal network 134 of the present invention, the Dust Defence Kit 145 provides a further level of defence against water and dust ingress. The Dust Defence Kit 145 comprises a bulb seal mounted onto a sidewall 105 of the vehicle. The Dust Defence Kit 145 is not required for present invention to successfully manage water and dust ingress, however provides a recommended extra level of protection.

[0041] In addition to the above, each of the seals 125, 130, 135, 140 may comprise one or more resiliently deformable ridges or projections (for example ridges 136 of the hand rail seal, others not shown) on an outer surface thereof to assist in sealing tolerances and gaps between moveable components. The ridges or projections are configured to deform so as to seal small gaps without compromising the function of the each of the seals 125, 130, 135, 140, to prevent water and dust ingress between the cover 100, the corner assembly 115 and the vehicle gate 120.

[0042] It will be appreciated that each of the seals 125, 130, 135, 140 may comprise any suitable material known in the art, including rubber materials of a suitable grade and shore hardness. Preferably, the material to be used for the seals 125, 130, 135, 140 demonstrates adequate levels of fluid and/or chemical resistance as well as frost and heat resistance. Additionally, the material to be used for the seals 125, 130, 135, 140 suitably demonstrates a requisite level of flammability and UV resistance typically required for automotive applications. [0043] As shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, the gate seal is folded to define an angled gutter, which assists in draining water away from the rear of the gate 120. [0044] 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. As mentioned above, 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. The invention 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 spirit and scope of the above described invention.