Abstract:
A striker cover completely conceals a striker and includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The first cover portion pivots with respect to the striker, and the second cover portion pivots with respect to the first cover portion. A spring element biases the first cover portion to pivot away from the striker. The second cover portion may be biased by inertia or a spring element to pivot toward the striker.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a cover that fully conceals a striker for, e.g., a tailgate latch, a car door, or a removable car seat attachment. The cover includes a dual hinged striker cover portion and an associated hole cover that fully conceals the striker from the user. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Striker covers have been used to protect striker assemblies from water and other contaminants, and further to enhance the overall appearance of the striker assemblies to the user. Most of the known covers protect only the inner workings of the striker assemblies while offering no protection to the striker itself. Most striker covers have a “key hole” that allows the cover to rotate around the striker, but fails to fully hide the striker assembly from the user. 
     There are some striker cover mechanisms that cover the entire striker assembly, including the striker. Generally, these striker cover mechanisms include a pair of individual cover members that appear to move independently of one another, and (in general) the same downward direction when depressed by a locking member. Once moved, the individual cover members expose and flank a centrally located striker. An example of such a striker cover is disclosed in JP2004044258 and shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     There is a need in the art for a striker cover that covers the entire striker assembly and that is simpler to manufacturer than the prior art disclosed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first embodiment of the present invention concerns a striker cover for completely covering a striker. The striker cover may include a first cover portion attached to a first hinge configured to allow the first cover portion to pivot with respect to the striker. The first cover portion may be biased away from the striker by a first biasing device. Further, there may be a second cover portion attached to a second hinge configured to allow the second cover portion to pivot with respect to the first cover portion. The second cover portion may be biased toward the first cover portion by a second biasing device. The first cover portion may be configured to allow passage of a portion of the striker when pressure is applied to the first cover portion in opposition to the bias of the first biasing device. The second cover portion may be configured to pivot against the bias of the second biasing device when a portion of the striker passes through the first cover portion. 
     In the first embodiment of the invention, the first cover portion may comprise a stop to prevent the first cover portion from uncovering the striker due to the bias of the first biasing device. 
     Further, in the first embodiment of the invention, the second cover portion may be located on a first side of the first cover portion and the second hinge may be located on a second side of the first cover portion. 
     The second cover portion of the first embodiment of the invention may be configured such that contact between the striker and the second cover portion results in the second cover portion pivoting against the bias of the second biasing device. 
     In the first embodiment, the first cover portion may be configured such that pressure on the first cover portion from a locking member causes the first cover portion to pivot against the bias of the first biasing device. 
     The first biasing device and the second biasing device of the first embodiment may be configured to bias the first cover portion and the second cover portion, respectively, to pivot in the same rotational direction. 
     In a second embodiment of the invention, a striker cover completely covers a striker, and includes a first cover portion configured to allow passage of a portion of the striker, and a second cover portion configured to pivot with respect to the first cover portion when the second cover portion is in contact with the striker. The first cover portion may be attached to a first spring biased hinge that allows the first cover portion to pivot with respect to the striker. The second cover portion may be attached to a second spring biased hinge that allows the second cover portion to pivot with respect to the first cover portion. 
     In the second embodiment of the invention, the first cover portion may further include a stop to prevent the first cover portion from uncovering the striker due to the bias of the first spring biased hinge. 
     Also in the second embodiment of the invention, the second cover portion may be located on a first side of the first cover portion and the second spring biased hinge may be located on a second side of the first cover portion. 
     The second cover portion of the second embodiment of the invention may be configured so that contact between the striker and the second cover portion results in the second striker portion pivoting against the bias of the second spring biased hinge. 
     The first cover portion of the second embodiment of the invention is configured such that pressure on the first cover portion from a locking member causes the first cover portion to pivot against the bias of the first spring biased hinge. 
     The first spring biased hinge and the second spring biased hinge of the second configuration of the invention may be configured to bias the first cover portion and the second cover portion, respectively, to pivot in the same rotational direction. 
     The first cover portion of the second embodiment may be configured to allow passage of a portion of the striker. 
     The second cover portion may be configured with respect to the first cover portion such that the second spring biased hinge is biased against passage of a portion of the striker through the first cover portion. 
     In a third embodiment of the invention, a latching system includes a striker, a locking member, and a striker cover. The striker cover may include a first cover portion with a through passage, a first hinge configured to allow the first cover portion to pivot with respect to the striker, a first biasing device configured to bias the first cover portion away from the striker, a second cover portion, a second hinge configured to allow the second cover portion to pivot with respect to the first cover portion, and a second biasing device configured to bias the second cover portion toward the first cover portion such that the second cover portion covers the passage of the first cover portion. 
     The latching system of the third embodiment of the invention may further include a stop to limit movement of the first cover portion in the direction of the bias of the first biasing device. 
     The latching system of the third embodiment of the invention may have the locking device configured to approach the striker cover such that it pushes the first cover portion against the bias of the first biasing device. 
     The latching system of the third embodiment of the invention may also have the locking device configured to approach the striker cover such that it pushes the second cover portion against the bias of the second biasing device. 
     In the latching system of the third embodiment of the invention, the first biasing device and the second biasing device may be configured to bias the first cover portion and the second cover portion, respectively, in the same rotational direction. 
     In the latching system of the third embodiment of the invention, the second cover portion may be located on a first side of the first cover portion and the second hinge is located on a second side of the first cover portion. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the underside of a striker cover according to the present invention in a non-engaged configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the striker cover of  FIG. 1  with the striker in an engaged configuration with a locking device shown; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the striker cover of  FIG. 1  with the striker in a non-engaged configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the striker cover of  FIG. 1  in an engaged configuration with the locking device not shown for clarity; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the striker cover of  FIG. 1  at a point at which a locking device is coming into contact with the striker cover; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the striker cover of  FIG. 1  at a point at which a locking device has depressed a first cover portion of the striker cover; 
         FIG. 7  is a section of  FIG. 2  cut through section VII; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a prior art cover for a fully concealed striker in a closed position; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the prior art cover of  FIG. 8  in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1-7  illustrate views of a striker and striker cover, according to one embodiment of the invention. Preferably, one or more doors or the trunk of a motor vehicle include such an arrangement of striker and striker cover to present a sleek appearance rather than an exposed striker. While the following disclosure teaches an exemplary system and method for use with a door latch mechanism or tailgate latch, all of the principles, teachings, and concepts are also applicable, for example, to a striker for installing a seat or other device. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to use in a motor vehicle. 
     In describing directions associated with various components of the striker cover system, the term “top” refers to the side of an element facing away from the striker, while the term “underside” refers to the side of an element facing towards the striker. 
     In some embodiments, a latching system using the striker cover according to the present invention may be associated with the door jamb of an automobile. In other embodiments, a latching system using the striker cover according to the present invention may be associated with a trunk release. In still other embodiments, a latching system using the striker cover according to the present invention may be associated with a hatchback. In yet other embodiments, a latching system using the striker cover according to the present invention may be associated with a removable seat. 
       FIGS. 1-7  show a striker cover  200 , which completely covers striker  230  when striker  230  is in an unengaged configuration (No locking element engaged with striker  230 .). For purposes of illustration, only some components associated with striker cover  200  are shown in the current embodiment. Striker cover  200  comprises a first cover portion  210  that may be pivotably attached to first axle  201  by first hinges  211 . 
     Striker  230  may comprise a base  231  and an engaging portion  232  shown roughly parallel to striker base  231 . Engaging portion  232  as shown may be connected to the striker base  231  by vertical members  233 . 
     While striker  230  is shown and described as having an engaging portion  232  parallel to striker base  231 , the engaging portion may also be located on one of the vertical members  233 . The location of the engaging portion may depend on the arrangement between the door, tailgate, or removable seat and striker  230 . 
     Although striker  230  is shown with a simple U-shape for engaging portion  232  and vertical members  233 , more elaborate shapes may be used. For example, the U-shape may be modified to be wider at the end with the engaging portion  232  than the end attached to the striker base  231 . Such modifications may be made so that the engagement portion  232 , the outside of a locking element  290 , and striker cover  200  interact properly. 
     Striker  230  is preferably made of metal for ease of fabrication, but may be made of any other material capable of enduring the stresses associated with repeated engagement with a locking element  290 . For example, striker  230  may be fabricated from carbon fibers or polymers to reduce weight. 
     Striker  230  is shown screwed or bolted to anchor portion  240  by striker anchoring elements  280 . However, any suitable means of fastening known in the art may be used, including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, and riveting. 
     While  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4  show two vertical members, there may be only one vertical member  233  attaching engaging portion  232  to striker base  231 . Striker base  231  may also not be required. As an alternative, one or two vertical members  233  may have external or internal threads. One or more holes may be placed through wall  270  to allow attachment of striker  230 . 
     In the case of internal threads in one or more vertical members  233 , a screw may penetrate the holes to engage the threads in the vertical members  233 . In the case of external threads, a shoulder on one or more vertical members  233  larger than the hole through anchor portion  240  may provide a means of preventing the portion of the vertical member(s) above the threaded portion from going through anchor portion  240 , with a locking nut or a regular nut with a lock washer screwed onto the threaded portion on the opposite side of anchor portion  240  from engaging portion  232 . 
     As yet another alternative for mounting striker  230 , vertical members  233  may end in a longer section of external threads than would be necessary to secure the striker to anchor portion  240 . The longer threaded section may allow for nuts to be installed on the threaded section on both sides of anchor portion  240 . This may allow the position of engaging portion  232  to be adjusted to ensure a better fit with a locking device. Such an arrangement may be facilitated by a configuration permitting access to the blind side of the threaded section to allow adjustment of the position of the nut(s) on the opposite side of anchor portion  240  from engaging portion  232 . If there is no access to the blind side of the threaded section, shims may be used between striker base  231  and anchor portion  240  to maintain the engaging portion  233  in the appropriate position while adjusting only the nut(s) on the same side of anchor portion  240  as engaging portion  232 . 
     In the case of striker  230  having no base  231 , vertical member(s)  233  may also be attached to anchor portion  240  through welding, brazing, soldering, adhesives, or any other method known in the art. Anchor portion  240  may be reinforced in the area in which striker  230  is installed as an alternative to, or in addition to, having a striker base  231 . 
     First cover portion  210  may be made of any material suitable to such an application including, but not limited to, metal, carbon fiber, and polymers. While polymers may be easier to shape by molding first cover portion  210  including features such as  211  hinges, any material used must be durable enough to withstand repeated impact by locking device  290 . 
     First cover portion  210  may have a passage  212  through which a portion of striker  230  including engaging portion  232  can pass. Striker cover  200  may conceal striker  230  when in an unengaged configuration. Striker base  231  of striker  230  may be attached to anchor portion  240 . Anchor portion  240  may have first axle retention elements  241  that keep first axle  201  in a fixed position relative to striker  230 . 
     Depending on the material of the anchor portion  240 , first axle retention elements  241  may be molded onto anchor portion  240 , formed by stamping from a metal sheet forming anchor portion  240 , or joined to anchor portion  240  by welding, brazing, adhesives, or any other method known in the art. 
     Second cover portion  220  may be pivotably attached to first cover portion  210  by arms  221  and second hinges  222 . Second hinges  222  may be pivotably connected to second axle retention elements  223  through second axle  202 . Second axle  202  may be secured to the underside of first cover portion  210  by second axle retention elements  223 . Second cover portion  220  is preferably larger than passage  212  so that second cover portion  220  cannot rotate to a position on the opposite side of first cover portion  210 . 
     Depending on the material of the first cover portion  210 , second axle retention elements  223  may be molded onto first cover portion  210 , formed by stamping from a metal sheet forming first cover portion  210 , or joined to first cover portion  210  by welding, brazing, adhesives, or any other method known in the art. 
     First axle  201  may be made of metal, plastic, carbon fiber, composite, or any other suitable material. First axle  201  may be attached to first hinge  211  of first cover portion  210  by any method known in the art including, but not limited to, welding, pressure fit, brazing, soldering, adhesive, swaging, retaining ring, set screw, etc. Alternatively, first axle  201  and first hinge  211  may be made as a unit along with first cover portion  210 . 
     Similarly to first axle  201 , second axle  202  may be made of metal, plastic, carbon fiber, composite, or any other suitable material. Second axle  202  may be attached to second hinge  222  of second cover portion  220  by any method known in the art including, but not limited to, welding, pressure fit, brazing, soldering, adhesive, swaging, retaining ring, set screw, etc. Alternatively, second axle  202  and second hinge  222  may be made as a unit along with second cover portion  220 . 
     First spring element  250  may surround first axle  201  and bias first cover portion  210  away from striker  230  and toward wall  270 . First spring element  250  may have coil portions  251  on opposite sides of first hinges  211 , with first spring end portions  252  bearing against each of first axle retention elements  241  on anchor portion  240 . 
     First spring element lever portions  253  may be loops located on either side of passage  212  through first cover portion  210  as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  shows first spring element lever portions  253  retained on the underside of first cover portion  210  by first spring element lever portion retainers  214 . First spring element lever portion retainers  214  are shown in  FIG. 1  as elements into which first spring lever portions  253  can snap, but first spring element lever portions  253  can be retained on the underside of first cover portion in any way known in the art. Moreover, first spring element lever portion retainers  214  may not be necessary because the spring bias of coil portions  251  may result in first spring element lever portions  253  bearing against the underside of first cover portion  210  regardless of the presence of first spring element lever portion retainers  214 . 
     First spring element  250  may take a variety of arrangements as a coil spring. For example, there may be only one first spring element coil portion  251  with one first spring element end portion  252  and/or there may be only one loop in first spring element lever portion  253 . One loop in first spring element lever portion  253  may straddle first cover portion passage  212 , ending at such a point past passage  212  in an axial direction that it does not interfere with the operation of second hinges  222 , or be on only one side of first cover portion passage  212 . First spring element  250  may also be instead two spring elements rather than the single continuous spring element  250  shown in  FIG. 1 . It is not necessary that first spring element lever portion  253  be a loop, but it may end before forming a loop. 
     Second spring element  260  may surround second axle  202  and bias second cover portion  220  toward first cover portion  210 . As with first spring element  250 , second spring element  260  may have a variety of arrangements as a coil torsion spring. However, unlike first spring element  250 , second spring element lever portion  263  of second spring element  260  may not rest against an underside of second cover portion  220  because the bias of second spring element lever  263  may be in a direction away from second cover portion  220 . Thus, the underside of second cover portion  220  may have second spring element lever section retainers  224  to create a bias causing second cover portion  220  to close over passage  212 . Second spring element lever section retainers  224  may be snap fit connections or any other means known in the art of attaching second spring element lever portion  263  to the underside of second cover portion  220 . As with first spring element  250 , second spring element lever portion  253  may be a loop, but a loop is not necessary. Depending on the orientation of striker cover  200 , second cover portion  220  may preferably rely on gravity as a biasing force to close over passage  212 . 
     Similarly to second spring element lever portion  263 , second spring element end portions  262  may be secured to the underside of the first cover portion  220  as shown in  FIG. 7 . This may be accomplished in the same ways as second spring element lever portion  263  may be attached to the underside of second cover portion  220 . 
     First cover portion  210  may have first cover stop  213  to prevent the bias of first spring element  250  from causing first cover  210  to rotate past wall  270  in a direction away from striker  230 . When striker  230  is in an unengaged configuration, the bias of first spring element  250  may keep first cover portion  210  in a position approximately flush with wall  270 . In an unengaged configuration, in a preferred embodiment, inertia will bias second cover portion  220  closed without the need for a spring  260 , shown in  FIG. 3 . In an alternative embodiment, the bias of second spring elements  260  may keep second cover portion  220  closed over passage  212 . 
     First cover stop  213  may be made as a unit with first cover portion  210  or it may be attached to first cover portion  210  by any means known in the art. 
     First hinge  211  is preferably located on the same side of first cover  210  as anchor portion  240  so that it will not protrude to the side of striker cover  200  facing a locking device. This may present a neater, more flush appearance. Similarly, arms  221  may extend from an underside of second cover portion  220  to the side of first cover portion  210  opposite the side of first cover portion  210  on which second cover portion  220  comes to rest. 
     While  FIG. 5  shows second cover portion  220  resting on top of first cover  210 , first cover portion  210  may have a recessed area into which second cover portion  220  closely fits. This may create a flat even surface on the side of the striker cover  200  opposite striker  230  when second cover portion  220  is completely closed. 
     While the first hinges  211  and second hinges  222  are shown as having axles, other types of hinges may be used. For example, a thin flexible hinge made from plastic that joins two rigid plastic parts together, allowing them to bend along the line of the hinge (Known as a “living hinge), may be used instead. In fact, any known method known in the art of providing a pivoted connection may be used. 
     While first spring element  250  and second spring element  260  are shown as coiled torsion springs, they can be any type of spring known in the art. For example, one or both of first spring element  250  and second spring element  260  may be leaf springs. 
     Operation of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . As tailgate  300  is lowered (The term “lowered” is used because of the orientation of the drawings. The tailgate, door, etc. may be oriented in a variety of ways such that it may pivot in a vertical or horizontal plane in either direction), locking element  290  makes contact with first cover portion  210 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , which is a cross-section of  FIG. 2 , dimension A between locking element legs  293  of locking element  290  is great enough to provide clearance for second cover portion  220  such that the only contact between locking element  290  and first cover portion  210  is the locking element legs  293  contacting first cover portion  210  on either side of passage  212  and second cover portion  220 . 
     As tailgate  300  is lowered farther, locking element  290  pushes first cover portion  210  such that it pivots toward anchor portion  240  against the bias of first spring element  250 . Simultaneously, passage  212  of first cover portion  210  allows engaging portion  232  of striker  230  to pass through first cover portion  210 . 
     As engaging portion  232  of striker  230  passes through first cover portion, striker  230  contacts the underside of second cover portion  220 . This contact results in second cover portion  220  pivoting against the bias of second spring element  260  (or inertia in those embodiments without a second spring element  260 ) in a direction away from first cover portion  220  such that passage  212  is uncovered. 
     As tailgate  300  continues to be lowered, locking element legs  293  pass on either side of second cover portion  220 . At some point, locking element second contact point  292  of locking element  290  comes into contact with the underside of second cover portion  220 . The continued downward motion of locking element second contact point  292  pushes second cover potion  220  farther against the bias of second spring element  260 . 
       FIG. 2  shows tailgate  300  completely lowered, with locking element  290  engaging striker  230 . Locking element  290  may be any type of latching/locking element known in the art for engagement with strikers in a configuration similar to striker  230  of the present invention. 
     While  FIGS. 5 and 6  show locking element  290  coming into contact with the lower side of second cover portion  220 , locking element  290  and second cover portion  220  may be configured such that an edge of second cover portion  220  distal from second hinges  222  makes contact with locking element  290  as tailgate  300  is lowered. In that case, the distal edge of second cover portion may be beveled or curved to facilitate movement of locking element  290  against that edge. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.