Patent Publication Number: US-10759479-B2

Title: Flatbed enclosure

Description:
The current application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/644,907 filed on Mar. 19, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to trucks. More specifically, the present invention is a flatbed enclosure for a truck. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Trucks are a multi-functional and multi-purpose vehicle that transports large items and people easily. Trucks may also serve as a common space for outdoor events and outdoor activities. People may rest in the bed of the truck while gazing at the stars, sit and relax in the bed of the truck at a tailgate, sleep in the bed of the truck while camping, and so on. The assembly and set up of a truck bed in order to make a comfortable environment for people, however, takes time and energy. The storage of seats and covers within the truck bed limits the amount of space available for other items that may need to be transported. 
     It is therefore an objective of the present invention to facilitate the assembly of a comfortable and safe environment within a truck. The present invention not only encloses a truck bed so that a private space is defined, the present invention maximizes the storage space of a truck bed as a first side rack and a second side rack are convertible from a side rack to a bench. A truck bed is further enclosed as a collapsible cover, a first lateral cover, and a second lateral cover closes openings between the first bed cover and the second bed cover of the truck bed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the present invention with a first side rack and a second side rack in a retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the present invention with the first side rack in an extended configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the present invention with a first bed cover and a second bed cover in a retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a top side view of the present invention with the first bed cover and the second bed cover in an extended configuration, and the first side rack and the second side rack in the retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the present invention with the first side rack and the second side rack in the extended configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a front schematic view of the latch mechanism and the first side rack and the second side rack in the retracted configuration of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front schematic view of the latch mechanism and the first side rack and the second side rack in the extended configuration of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the present invention with a collapsible cover. 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the present invention with a collapsible cover and a first lateral cover. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the present invention with the collapsible cover, the first lateral cover, and a second lateral cover. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of the present invention of the collapsible cover and the first lateral cover with the truck bed and the first bed cover. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of the present invention of the collapsible cover and the second lateral cover with the truck bed and the first bed cover. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of electronic connections the present invention with the first bed cover. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view of electronic connections the present invention with the second bed cover. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of electrical connections the present invention with the first bed cover. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view of electrical connections the present invention with the second bed cover. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is a flatbed enclosure that protects individuals within a truck bed from outdoor elements. The present invention allows individuals to remain within a truck bed and move within the truck bed while being in a defined space. In order to comfortably and safely house individuals, the present invention comprises a first bed cover  1 , a second bed cover  2 , a first side rack  8 , a second side rack  9 , a hydraulic system  15 , and a truck bed  16 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 14 ,  FIG. 15 , and  FIG. 16 . The first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  together seal the truck bed  16 , as well as uphold the first side rack  8  and the second side rack  9 , respectively. The first side rack  8  and the second side rack  9  suspend a variety of items throughout transportation. The first side rack  8  and the second side rack  9  further serve as benches. The hydraulic system  15  automatically retracts and extends the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . The truck bed  16  upholds the first bed cover  1 , the second bed cover  2 , the first side rack  8 , and the second side rack  9 . More specifically, the truck bed  16  comprises a frame  17  and a base  22 . The base  22  upholds the frame  17  and mounts the present invention onto a chassis, preferably of a truck. The frame  17  encloses the base  22 . The truck bed  16  is preferably part of a truck that is able to transport the present invention and individuals. The truck bed  16  comprises a frame  17  and a base  22  in order to house a variety of items and individuals. 
     The overall configuration of the aforementioned components allows a truck to comfortably and safely house both items and individuals. As seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , FIG.  3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 5 , the frame  17  is perimetrically fixed to the base  22  and is oriented perpendicular to the base  22 , effectively surrounding individuals and items. The first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  are positioned adjacent the frame  17 , opposite the base  22 , in order to seal the truck bed  16  for storage. Moreover, the first bed cover  1  is hingedly engaged to a first lateral edge  18  of the frame  17 . Similarly, the second bed cover  2  is hingedly engaged to a second lateral edge  19  of the frame  17 . The first lateral edge  18  is positioned opposite the second lateral edge  19  across the truck bed  16 . The first bed cover  1  supports and orients the first side rack  8  as the first side rack  8  is positioned adjacent an inner surface  10  of the first bed cover  1  and is slidably engaged with the first bed cover  1 . Similarly, the second bed cover  2  supports and orients the second side rack  9  as the second side rack  9  is positioned adjacent an inner surface  10  of the second bed cover  2  and is slidably engaged with the second bed cover  2 . The first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  are automatically controlled as the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  are operatively coupled with the hydraulic system  15 , wherein the hydraulic system  15  opens and closes a main opening  23  of the track bed with the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . The main opening  23  of the truck bed  16  is positioned opposite the base  22  of the truck bed  16 , opposite the frame  17 . 
     In order to release and lock the first side rack  8  and the second side rack  9  from the first bed cover  1 , respectively, the present invention comprises a latch mechanism  24 , seen in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . The first side rack  8  comprises a backrest panel  11  and a bench panel  13 , structurally able to support individuals sitting and resting on the first side rack  8 . The first side rack  8  serves as both a rack and a bench as the first bed cover  1  comprises a first track  3  and a second track  5 . The first track  3  and the second track  5  are positioned opposite each other along the first bed cover  1  and are fixed to the inner surface  10  of the first bed cover  1 . The backrest panel  11  is hingedly connected to the bench panel  13  and is oriented parallel with the first bed cover  1 . The backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  are operatively coupled with the latch mechanism  24 , wherein the latch mechanism  24  locks and releases both the backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  along the first track  3  and the second track  5 . The backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  are therefore retracted and stored with the latch mechanism  24 . The backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  are also extended and released with the latch mechanism  24 . 
     Individuals may sit on the first side rack  8  while in an extended configuration, as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7 . The first side rack  8  is in an extended configuration while the backrest panel  11  is positioned in between the first track  3  and the second track  5 . The bench panel  13  is externally positioned with the first track  3  and the second track  5 , adjacent a first opening  4  of the first track  3 . The first opening  4  allows the bench panel  13  to traverse past the first track  3  and second track  5  and be accessible as a seat for an individual. In order for individuals to sit on the bench panel  13 , the bench panel  13  is oriented parallel to the base  22  of the truck bed  16 . Moreover, a first lateral edge  12  of the backrest panel  11  is positioned adjacent a fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1 . The fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1  is positioned adjacent the first lateral edge  18  of the frame  17  of the truck bed  16 . A free edge  7  of the first bed cover  1  is positioned opposite the fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1 . 
     The first side rack  8  is securely stored while in a retracted configuration, shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 6 . The backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  are positioned in between the first track  3  and the second track  5 . The bench panel  13  is oriented parallel to the backrest panel  11  thereby allowing a variety of items to be stored within the truck bed  16 . Moreover, the first lateral edge  14  of the bench panel  13  is positioned adjacent a fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1 . The fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1  is positioned adjacent the first lateral edge  18  of the frame  17  of the truck bed  16 . A free edge  7  of the first bed cover  1  is positioned opposite the fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1 . The bench panel  13  is secured between the first track  3  and the second track  5  with the latch mechanism  24  as the bench panel  13  is positioned in between the fixed edge  6  of the bed cover and the backrest panel  11 . 
     Similar to the first side rack  8 , in order to release and lock the second side rack  9  from the second bed cover  2 , respectively, the present invention comprises a latch mechanism  24 , also seen in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . The second side rack  9  comprises a backrest panel  11  and a bench panel  13 , structurally able to support individuals sitting and resting on the second side rack  9 . The second side rack  9  serves as both a rack and a bench as the second bed cover  2  comprises a first track  3  and a second track  5 . The first track  3  and the second track  5  are positioned opposite each other along the second bed cover  2  and are fixed to the inner surface  10  of the second bed cover  2 . The backrest panel  11  is hingedly connected to the bench panel  13  and is oriented parallel with the second bed cover  2 . The backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  are operatively coupled with the latch mechanism  24 , wherein the latch mechanism  24  locks and releases both the backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  along the first track  3  and the second track  5 . The backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  are therefore retracted and stored with the latch mechanism  24 . The backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  are also extended and released with the latch mechanism  24 . 
     Individuals may sit on the second side rack  9  while in an extended configuration, shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7 . The second side rack  9  is in an extended configuration while the backrest panel  11  is positioned in between the first track  3  and the second track  5 . The bench panel  13  is externally positioned with the first track  3  and the second track  5 , adjacent a first opening  4  of the first track  3 . The first opening  4  allows the bench panel  13  to traverse past the first track  3  and second track  5  and be accessible as a seat for an individual. In order for individuals to sit on the bench panel  13 , the bench panel  13  is oriented parallel to the base  22  of the truck bed  16 . Moreover, a first lateral edge  12  of the backrest panel  11  is positioned adjacent a fixed edge  6  of the second bed cover  2 . The fixed edge  6  of the second bed cover  2  is positioned adjacent the first lateral edge  18  of the frame  17  of the truck bed  16 . A free edge  7  of the second bed cover  2  is positioned opposite the fixed edge  6  of the second bed cover  2 . 
     The second side rack  9  is securely stored while in a retracted configuration, shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 6 . While in the retracted configuration, the backrest panel  11  and the bench panel  13  are positioned in between the first track  3  and the second track  5 . The bench panel  13  is oriented parallel to the backrest panel  11  thereby allowing a variety of items to be stored within the truck bed  16 . Moreover, the first lateral edge  12  of the bench panel  13  is positioned adjacent a fixed edge  6  of the second bed cover  2 . The fixed edge  6  of the second bed cover  2  is positioned adjacent the first lateral edge  18  of the frame  17  of the truck bed  16 . A free edge  7  of the second bed cover  2  is positioned opposite the fixed edge  6  of the second bed cover  2 . The bench panel  13  is secured between the first track  3  and the second track  5  with the latch mechanism  24  as the bench panel  13  is positioned in between the fixed edge  6  of the bed cover and the backrest panel  11 . 
     An enclosed environment defined by the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  in an extended configuration with the truck bed  16  is further defined and reinforced by a first railing  25  and a second railing  26 . The first railing  25  is positioned in between the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . The first railing  25  traverses a long a third lateral edge  20  of the frame  17  of the truck bed  16 . The third lateral edge  20  is terminally positioned in between the first lateral edge  18  and the second lateral edge  19  of the frame  17 . The third lateral edge  20  is preferably positioned adjacent and external to a cabin of the truck. In order to maximize the enclosed environment, the first railing  25  is oriented perpendicular to the base  22  of the truck bed  16  and is removably attached to the first bed cover  1 . Similarly, the second railing  26  is positioned in between the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . The second railing  26  traverses along a fourth lateral edge  21  of the frame  17 . The fourth lateral edge  21  is terminally positioned in between the first lateral edge  18  and the second lateral edge  19  of the frame  17 . More specifically, the fourth lateral edge  21  is positioned opposite the third lateral edge  20  of frame  17 . The second railing  26  maximizes the enclosed environment as the second railing  26  is oriented perpendicular to the base  22  of the truck bed  16 . Similar to the first railing  25 , the second railing  26  is removably attached to the second bed cover  2 . As the first railing  25  and the second railing  26  are removably attached to the first bed cover  1 , the present invention may be converted from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration, allowing the truck bed  16  to be closed with the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . 
     In order to shield individuals within the truck bed  16  from inclement weather or simply shade individuals from the sun, an alternate embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a collapsible cover  27  and a plurality of main fasteners  30 , seen in  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11 , and  FIG. 12 . The collapsible cover  27  serves as a roof as the collapsible cover  27  is positioned adjacent the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 , opposite the frame  17 . The plurality of main fasteners  30  secures the collapsible cover  27  to the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . A free edge  7  of the first bed cover  1  is positioned opposite a fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1 . The fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1  is hingedly engaged to the first lateral edge  18  of the frame  17 . The free edge  7  of the first bed cover  1  pivots about the free edge  7 . Similarly, a free edge  7  of the second bed cover  2  is positioned opposite a fixed edge  6  of the second bed cover  2 . The fixed edge  6  of the second bed cover  2  is hingedly engaged to the second lateral edge  19  of the frame  17 . More specifically, the fixed edge  6  of the first bed cover  1  and the fixed edge  6  of second bed cover  2  are positioned adjacent the frame  17 . The free edge  7  of the second bed cover  2  pivots about the free edge  7 . In order for first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  to support the collapsible cover  27 , the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  is in an extended configuration. In the extended configuration the free edge  7  of the first bed cover  1  is positioned opposite the free edge  7  of the second bed cover  2  across the collapsible cover  27 . The collapsible cover  27  effectively shields individuals within the truck bed  16  as the collapsible cover  27  traverses from the first bed cover  1  to the second bed cover  2 . Moreover, the collapsible cover  27  is removably attached along the free edge  7  of the first bed cover  1  and the free edge  7  of the second bed cover  2  with the plurality of main fasteners  30 . The plurality of main fasteners  30  may include, but are not limited to, magnetic tabs, non-scratch clips, and elastic ties. 
     The enclosed environment is further sealed as an alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises a first lateral cover  31 , at least one first supplementary fastener  34 , and at least one second supplementary fastener  35 , shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 11 . The first lateral cover  31  shields the first railing  25  and the corresponding opening between the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . The at least one first supplementary fastener  34  secures and positions the first lateral cover  31  with the collapsible cover  27 . The at least one first supplementary fastener  34  is preferably velcro or a series of hooks and ties the connects the first lateral cover  31  with the collapsible cover  27 . The at least one second supplementary fastener  35  prevents the first lateral cover  31  from flapping as the at least one second supplementary fastener  35  secures the first lateral cover  31  to the truck bed  16 . The at least one second supplementary fastener  35  is preferably a series of magnets that connects the first lateral cover  31  to the truck bed  16 . 
     The first lateral cover  31  encloses the truck bed  16  with the collapsible cover  27 , the first truck bed  16 , and the second truck bed  16  as the first lateral cover  31  is terminally positioned adjacent the collapsible cover  27  and is oriented perpendicular with the collapsible cover  27 , seen also in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 11 . More specifically, a first edge  32  of the first lateral cover  31  traverses along a first edge  28  of the collapsible cover  27 . The first edge  28  of the collapsible cover  27  is positioned in between the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 , preferably beside the cabin of the truck. A second edge  33  of the first lateral cover  31  is positioned opposite the first edge  32  of the first lateral cover  31 , across the first lateral cover  31 . The second edge  33  of the first lateral cover  31  is positioned adjacent the frame  17  of the truck bed  16 . In order to effectively secure and position the first lateral cover  31 , the first edge  32  of the first lateral cover  31  is removably attached to the first edge  28  of the collapsible cover  27  with the at least one first supplementary fastener  34 . Moreover, the second edge  33  of the first lateral cover  31  is removably attached to the frame  17  of the truck bed  16  with the at least one second supplementary fastener  35 . 
     In this alternate embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may further comprise a first window  36 , seen in  FIG. 9 . The first window  36  allows individuals to view the surrounding environment between the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . The first window  36  also allows individuals within the truck bed  16  to view the surrounding environment through the first railing  25 , if the first railing  25  is connected to the first bed cover  1 . The first window  36  is preferably a durable, transparent plastic layer in order to preserve the flexible structure of the first lateral cover  31 . The first window  36  is integrated into the first lateral cover  31 , thereby allowing individuals to have a view of the surrounding environment while positioned within the truck bed  16 . 
     The enclosed environment is further sealed as an alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises a second lateral cover  37 , at least one third supplementary fastener  38 , and at least one fourth supplementary fastener  39 , shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 12 . The second lateral cover  37  shields the second railing  26  and the corresponding opening between the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . The at least one third supplementary fastener  38  secures and positions the second lateral cover  37  with the collapsible cover  27 . The at least one third supplementary fastener  38  is preferably velcro or a series of hooks and ties the connects the second lateral cover  37  with the collapsible cover  27 . The at least one fourth supplementary fastener  39  prevents the second lateral cover  37  from flapping as the at least one fourth supplementary fastener  39  secures the second lateral cover  37  to the truck bed  16 . The at least one fourth supplementary fastener  39  is preferably a series of magnets that connects the second lateral cover  37  to the truck bed  16 . 
     The second lateral cover  37  encloses the truck bed  16  with the collapsible cover  27 , the first truck bed  16 , and the second truck bed  16  as the second lateral cover  37  is terminally positioned adjacent the collapsible cover  27  and is oriented perpendicular with the collapsible cover  27 , seen also in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 12 . More specifically, a first edge  32  of the first lateral cover  31  traverses along a second edge  29  of the collapsible cover  27 . The second edge  29  of the collapsible cover  27  is positioned in between the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 , preferably beside the rear end of the truck opposite the first edge  28  of the collapsible cover  27 . The second edge  29  of the collapsible cover  27  is positioned opposite the first edge  28  of the collapsible cover  27 . A second edge  33  of the second lateral cover  37  is positioned opposite the first edge  32  of the second lateral cover  37 , across the second lateral cover  37 . The second edge  33  of the second lateral cover  37  is positioned adjacent the frame  17  of the truck bed  16 . In order to effectively secure and position the second lateral cover  37 , the first edge  32  of the second lateral cover  37  is removably attached to the second edge  29  of the collapsible cover  27  with the at least one third supplementary fastener  38 . Moreover, the second edge  33  of the second lateral cover  37  is removably attached to the frame  17  of the truck bed  16  with the at least one fourth supplementary fastener  39 . 
     In this alternate embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may further comprise a second window  40 , seen in  FIG. 10 . The second window  40  allows individuals to view the surrounding environment between the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . The second window  40  also allows individuals within the truck bed  16  to view the surrounding environment through the second railing  26 , if the second railing  26  is connected to the first bed cover  1 . The second window  40  is preferably a durable, transparent plastic layer in order to preserve the flexible structure of the second lateral cover  37 . The second window  40  is integrated into the second lateral cover  37 , thereby allowing individuals to have a view of the surrounding environment while positioned within the truck bed  16 . 
     In order define an enclosed space with the present invention, seen in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  are fully extended, and the first railing  25  and the second railing  26  are connected to the first bed cover  1 . The collapsible cover  27  extends over and is secured to both the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2 . The first lateral cover  31  and the second lateral traverses across the first railing  25  and the second railing  26 , respectively. The first lateral cover  31  and the second lateral cover  37  are secured to the collapsible cover  27  and the frame  17  of the truck bed  16 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the truck bed  16  comprises a door that is integrated into the frame  17 . The cabin of the truck is positioned adjacent the truck bed  16 , and the door is positioned opposite the cabin along the frame  17 . The door allows individuals to enter and exit the enclosed space of the present invention. In alternate embodiments of the present invention seat cushions may rest on the bench panel  13  while in the extended configuration, providing a more comfortable private space within the truck bed  16 . A variety of accessories may be positioned within the truck bed  16  and mounted onto the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  such as cup holders and coat hooks, and so on. 
     The environment within the truck bed  16  is enhanced as the present invention further comprises at least one light source  41 , at least one first mounting bracket  42 , at least one second mounting bracket  43 , at least one speaker  44 , a control pad  45 , a microcontroller  46 , and a power source  47 , seen in  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 14 ,  FIG. 15 , and  FIG. 16 . The at least one light source  41  provides illumination within the truck bed  16  and is mounted within the truck bed  16 . More specifically, the at least one light source  41  is mounted onto the base  22  of the truck bed  16  and is oriented towards a main opening  23  of the truck bed  16 . The main opening  23  of the truck bed  16  is defined by the frame  17  and is positioned opposite the base  22  of the truck bed  16 . The at least one first mounting bracket  42  is fixed to the first bed cover  1 , adjacent the free edge  7  of the first bed cover  1 . Similarly, the at least one second mounting bracket  43  is fixed to the second bed cover  2 , adjacent the free edge  7  of the second bed cover  2 . The at least one first mounting bracket  42  and the at least one second mounting bracket  43  preferably uphold the at least one speaker  44 . The at least one light source  41 , the at least one speaker  44 , and the control pad  45  are electronically connected to the microcontroller  46  in order for a user to control the light source and the at least one speaker  44 . The at least one light source  41 , the at least one speaker  44 , the control pad  45 , and the microcontroller  46  are electrically connected to the power source  47  in order for each respective component to be able to receive the necessary power. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic system  15  is also electronically connected to the microcontroller  46  and is electrically connected to the power source  47  so that the user may automatically extend and retract the first bed cover  1  and the second bed cover  2  from the truck bed  16 . The hydraulic system  15  is controlled by the control pad  45 . The control pad  45  is preferably connected and positioned within the truck bed  16 . The control pad  45  may also be positioned within the cabin of a truck and be a smart device that wirelessly communicates with the microcontroller  46 . 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.