CA2126862C - Load bed lift-roof cover - Google Patents
Load bed lift-roof cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2126862C CA2126862C CA002126862A CA2126862A CA2126862C CA 2126862 C CA2126862 C CA 2126862C CA 002126862 A CA002126862 A CA 002126862A CA 2126862 A CA2126862 A CA 2126862A CA 2126862 C CA2126862 C CA 2126862C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lift
- cover
- roof structure
- load bed
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
- B60J7/16—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel
- B60J7/1607—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering load areas, e.g. rigid panels for pick-up truck beds
- B60J7/1621—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering load areas, e.g. rigid panels for pick-up truck beds hinged on one side
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A lift-roof cover (10) for a light truck open load bed (12), comprising a lift-roof structure (15) pivotally attached about a lateral axis A-A to the upper edge (44) of the cover forward wall (18), the forward wall (18) being fixedly mounted to the load bed (12) so that, alternately, secure weatherproof enclosure of the load bed (12) may be provided with the lift-roof structure (15) in a lowered position, or the lift-roof structure (15) may be raised at the rear about the lateral axis A-A, providing improved access to the load bed (12). A preferred embodiment incorporates the use of compression struts (74, 76) to provide lift assist in raising the lift-roof structure (15) and accommodates the application of flexible curtains (146) to provide full enclosure with the lift-roof structure (15) in a raised position, while maintaining commonality with methods of manufacture, handling, shipping and storage employed for high volume production load bed covers of the prior art.
Description
r, ,.."~ 93/ ~ 2954 , ~ 1''~d'1U~91 /09745 ~°~~1~"'fiC~~ ~le~d This invention pertains to ,lift-xoof covers for use with load beds of light ~rucDcs ~ providing improved access to the load bed and extending vehicle functions to other uses.
~a~k~r~und ~f °Th~ ~nve~~i~n Various forms of fixed cover have been manu-factured for use with ~pen load bed light trucks. These prior art forms include covers fabricated primarily from molded reinforced plastic or from aluminum. Yn the majority of designs, these covers present a front view profile which is approxa.mately matched with the front view profile of ~ttae passenger compartment or dab, so that maximal volume endlosure is provided relative to the vehicle frontal area and, hence ~ maximal ~.oad volume efficiency relative to fuel economy. The maaor~.ty of these covers caf the prior art are also fixedly attached to the load bed on'which they are m~unted, except at th.e rear wall area above the vehicle l~ad bed tailgate. The rear wall usually ancorp~r~~tes an apprt~xi~n~tely vertical access door, or wind~~, attached at its upper edge to the main ~t~uct~~e d~ the coyer by lateral ~ix~ging rnean.s and equipped w~ah latdh~.ng and 1~ckang paeans t~ provide 25. security when closed. such designs caf fi~cecl mount, cab height cover are hereinafter referred to as c~n~entional fixed mount covers.
Primary ~bject~.ves of 3oad bed c~v~r designs for light trucks include to provide secure, fully enclosed protecti~n for a ~naxi~aal load. v~lume-wathin capacity constraints for the vehicle a~ad its load bed.
w~ ~~~1~~~~ ~~~US91~~~'~y~r~~
~a~k~r~und ~f °Th~ ~nve~~i~n Various forms of fixed cover have been manu-factured for use with ~pen load bed light trucks. These prior art forms include covers fabricated primarily from molded reinforced plastic or from aluminum. Yn the majority of designs, these covers present a front view profile which is approxa.mately matched with the front view profile of ~ttae passenger compartment or dab, so that maximal volume endlosure is provided relative to the vehicle frontal area and, hence ~ maximal ~.oad volume efficiency relative to fuel economy. The maaor~.ty of these covers caf the prior art are also fixedly attached to the load bed on'which they are m~unted, except at th.e rear wall area above the vehicle l~ad bed tailgate. The rear wall usually ancorp~r~~tes an apprt~xi~n~tely vertical access door, or wind~~, attached at its upper edge to the main ~t~uct~~e d~ the coyer by lateral ~ix~ging rnean.s and equipped w~ah latdh~.ng and 1~ckang paeans t~ provide 25. security when closed. such designs caf fi~cecl mount, cab height cover are hereinafter referred to as c~n~entional fixed mount covers.
Primary ~bject~.ves of 3oad bed c~v~r designs for light trucks include to provide secure, fully enclosed protecti~n for a ~naxi~aal load. v~lume-wathin capacity constraints for the vehicle a~ad its load bed.
w~ ~~~1~~~~ ~~~US91~~~'~y~r~~
2~.2~6~G2 _2_ Secondary objectives include the provision of convenient access to the cargo area and optimization of vehicle fuel economy and dynamic handling effects due to aerody-namic and weight characteristics of the cover within the constraints of other objectives. However, to some °
degree, when a f axed mount design is .~tased ~ ~ a--- conflict exists between the need for optimal fuel economy with acceptable vehicle handling and the desire for conve-nient access. This is because any increase in cover 2o height above the passenger cab roof will increase the frontal area, thereby reducing fuel economy due to an associated increase in vehicle aerodynamic drag, as well as adversely affecting vehicle handling due to a raised center of gravity. Therefore, most covers incorporate 1~ a roof surface which is aerodynamically blended with that of the passenger cab. 6~ith existing conventional fixed mount designs of the prior art, although volume enclosure is near maximal relative to any vehicle fuel economy effects, access is limited to rear entry and zo this is via an opening which is limited, wa.th respect to fuel economy, by the height of the vehicle passenger cab. This access may be improved with use of a sloping rear door or window and by x°aising the roof height toward the rear of the cover a However, ouch des~.gnss may 2~ compromise fuel economy and/or load vol~ne rapacity for a small improvement a.n ~cc~ess from the rear, with little ~r no improvement .gin access from the sa.d~s.
Various other types of c~ver have been market ed which have been designed to pr~vide improved levels 3p of convenience in access to the load bed; whi~.e also providing secure load enclosure when required. These include rigid covers pivoted ~s .a single piece about a ' lateral axis in proximity to the upper edge of the load bed forward wall. With covers of this concept, a low 3~ profile above the load bed has been found to be neces-nary to ma~.nt~in an acceptable appearance with a shape - .. .. .. , , ~-.. ~ , . , , ..... '~'... ' .'." E r~f~-E'. ~ . ' . ,.~'. ~~~
' ~. .
...;' ~,~/ ~ 254 ~~ PCf/LIS9y /09745 _3_ which avoids interference of the cover with the passen-ger cab, when in an open position. U.s. Patent Nos.
3,785,698 (Dean et al), 3,93,334 (Key), 4,079,989 (Robertson) and 4,324,49 (Wilson et al) disclose load bed covers of this general concept. however, whereas such covers fail to provide full cab~ieight-.over tine load floor, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,5~.~,828 (Craft) and 4 , 613 , 3.81, (Raf i-~adeh) disclose rigid covers which may be raised from a low profile, closed position to a position providing standing height over the full length of the load bed, with access from either side or from the rear. Nevertheless, in the closed position, as with any low profile cover, a large portion of the load volume is lost relative to a conventional (fixed mo~xnt cover of cab height.
U. ~. .lCatent N~ar'.i~a 4, C.Gig 4~3 (St~ne)dgJ~rlos~sa~9 a load bed cover of full cab height in which improved access is gained by a roof made up of a plurality of rigid panels hingedly attached one to mother, so that ~0 a major por~io~i of the roof may be folded clear c~f the load bed. However.. the coa~ple~city and cost of m~nufac-tore appear prohibitive relative t~ a fixed roof cover.
U:S. Patent No. 4,335,916 (Cu~gsell) disc~lc~ses a cover of full cab height, having ~, rigid lift~r~of ~5 which is hinged about a lateral a~c~s disposed along the upper hori~~ntal surface eaf the coverp In ara emb~di.~aent which is hinged close t~ the vehicle c~;bs increased access is afforded to the er~cl~sed space, as by ~t~racli.ng o~ the truck bed. ~i~we~~r, this coneept appears suit-3,0 able only for structural f~bricati~n in reinforced plastic, resulting ~.ra high weight with high a~anufactur-ing complexity and cost.
U.S. P~terlt I~os. 4,252,363 (R.odrigue) and 4, 639, a34 (~oaos) disc~.ose load bed covers of full cab 35 height ia~ whi.ch flexible weatherproof fabric is stretched over movable rigid support hops. '(he hoops ,~,~ ~~eyz9~~ ~creus9ieu~~a~~n.~
and fabric expand or contract in accordion-like manner back and forth along the load bed while secured by sliding retention means at the vehicle load bed left and right walls. Hawever', these concepts have obvious limitatians in the levels of security provided, andjor high complexity in methods of manufact~.~.~ anal installa-tion relative to conventional (fixed mount covers.
Similar access convenience may be provided with unproved security by a two-section, rigid wall cover of cab height, in which a rear section may slide forward under a fixed forward section, as described in the March, 1984 issue of PoPtTLAiB Scz~rtc~ magazine. Again, however, manufacturing cost would appear t~ be high.
U.S. Patent NO. 4,101,162 (Koehn) diSCloses a vertically swingable camper shell which is supported by a specially constructed curved track and roller system def fining opening motion of the shell with electric winch actuation. This concept .appears to facilitate adapta°
tion of a low conventional load bed cover to a lift-roof function, but severely offsets the associated cost advantage with complexity ~.ri the opening mechanism.
I1. S. Patent N~. 4,'76, 5'T1 ~Trakc:) descx'ibes a lift-rocs( cover in which flexible weatherproof paneling is int~rpc~sed between a Graver forward wall and a lift°
2S roof structure in such a way that the lift-ro~f etruc-tore may be pivotally attached to the forward wall ab~ut a lateral axis in proxi~mit~ t~ ids lower edge. This structure acdaa~od~tes opening of the cover . f or improved access by raising the lift-r~of structure ~t the rear, and maintains weatherpx°atection between the forward wall and the lift~roaf structure above the loser edge of the forward wall when in an ~pen c~andatian, due to the , full jaiming provided by floe irrterpo~ed flexible weatherproof paneling. This structure further faeili°
3~ dates adaptation to full weatherpro~f enclosure with the lift-roof structure in a raised position for such ~~t~~~~~
°~.~~~ ~~rrxg~a ' ~~.~rrus9~ro9~as _. -5-p~.arposes as camping. k3owever, where the user is con-cerned more with improved access convenience and less with camping use or optimal weather protection at the forward wall to lift~roof structure joint when in an open condition, said interposed flexible weatherproof paneling represents an unnecessary co~.t:~ if ~.it~ use may be avoided. Said interposed flexible weatherproof paneling may also be considered to detract from superior levels of security and a more acceptable appearance afforded by a lift~roof cover which presents a fully non-flexible surface similar to that of a conventional fixed mount cover when in the lowered, closed condition.
Surnma~~~ ~f The ~~w~nti~n Accordingly, a general object of my invention 1.5 is to provide an improved lift-roof cover e~f full cab height which Z) provides advantages of improved access to the vehicle lead bid, 2) maintains the efficiency benefits of maximal enclosed load volume feasible within the approximate limits of the front view profi.l~ of the 2~ passenger cab, 3) pr~vid~s closed security which is fully eguival~nt to that provided by conventional cab height (fixed mount covers c~f the prior art and .4) r.eires minimal deviation from esta~7.a.shed low cost methods of c~n~tructi.on, shipping and handling employed 25 fog conventional cab, height, fixed a~oun°~ c~w~rs of the prior art.
The im~r~~ed lift-roof cover differs from a fixed mount design toward its f~~aard end in that the maj~r load enclosing straactur~ of the cower, hereinafter 3~ referred to as the lift-roof structure, is p~.votally attached ab~ut a lateral ~.xis in proximity to the upper edge of the cover f~rward wall. As installed for use, only the cover forward w~11 and associated parts are fixedly attached to the vehicle load bed. The outer 'NVf~ 9~/12~ ~ ~ ~ '~ pt.'1'/USg1/09745,.~w form and appearance of the cover in a closed condition remain similar to those of a conventional fined mount cover. However, the rearward end of the lift-roof structure may be raised about said lateral axis to an open condx.tion a In order t~ provide secure cl~.~.izre equivalent to that of a conventional fixed cover when the lift-roof structure is in a lowered position, inside latching weans are provided between the lift-roof structure and the vehicle load bed, with mountings toward the rearward end of the lift-roof structure. Lift assist means are attached between the lift-roof structure and the cover forward wall, so that the convenience of an assisted lift is provided when the lift--roof structure is raised to an open position.
In a preferred embodiment, compression strut means are pivotally attached between the lift-roof structure and compression strut means forward pivotal attachments at the cover forward wall. ~'he compression strut means forward pivotal attachments are mounted on a frame constructed and attached t~ the load bed and to the cover forward wall in a manner whereby an amount of angular movement of the c~ver forward wall is accommo-dated relative t~ the load bed wi'~hin material elastic li~~.ts beyond elastic deflection resulting from forces due t~ weight of the lift--roof ~tructure:~lone, so that seating ~f sealing means between the lift°~roof structure forward edges and the forward wall may ~ccur before seating of sealing means between the liftmroof structure ~0~ lowed edges and the load bed upper surfaces: It will be recognized by one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that this order of events will generally be necessary in order to achieve complete and satisfactory closure with a cover compression sealang means of the more commonly manufactured types, waxen the lift~r~of structure is pivoted about an axis in proximi-,..~~,~ 93/1~9~4 P~1'/iJS9~ /09745 ty to the upper edge of the forward wall. Upon raising the lift-roof structure to an open condition, unseating of sealing surfaces will occur in reverse order to the order described above for seating. The rearward mounted latching means providing closure ~of the lift--roof structure will preferably be of anf.b~r-center lever type, facilitating pulldown of the lift-roof structure to a fully closed condition.
There sealing means between the left-roof 1.0 structure lower edges and the load bed upper surfaces are employed of a type offering low deflection resis tance under relatively high seal contact face displace ment andJor a low coefficient of friction in contact with the seating surface, the sequence of seal seating described above for the preferred embodiment will generally be less critical. WherQ the product of deflection resistance and coefficient of friction at the sealing means contact face between the lift-roof struc ture lower edges and the :load bed upper surfaces remain 2~ low under relatively high seal deflections, as possible with use of a more complex seal design, the need to confo~cn with the desired sequence of seal full contact seating provided by the preferred embodiment of the invention. may be avoided: This will generally require 2a use of a cover forward e,~all to load bed mounting fraane which is mo~°~ rigid and closely controllable in oacienta~
~tion relative t~ the load bid compared to-that described gor the preferred ~mbodi.menty aid may result ire added assembly complexity, cost and/or weight~ However, by 3~ also,substituting weather sealing means of a type, or in a configuration, at the ~.if~t-roof structure t0 cover forward wall interface ~ro~idirag capability for sealing under significantly varya.ng angular relationships between the cover forward wall and lift-roof cover, the ~5 need for close coaatrol of the orientation of the cover forward wall znay also be avoided.
In the preferred embodiment, the compression strut means may be connected between the cover forward wall and the lift-roof structure via pivotal attachments in a manner alternate to that employed for installed service, so that for shipping or storage of the cover assembly, the fully extended struts may be employed to hold the forward wall in a closed or other desired orientation relative to the lift-roof structure with no component part of the cover assembly projecting significantly below a plane drawn across the lower edges of the lift-roof structure. By this means, a rigid outer form of the cover may be maintained which is similar to that of conventional fixed mount covers of the prior art, thus facilitating handling with use of the same methods and means already employed for such conventional covers.
The invention may be summarized according to a first broad aspect as for a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening; a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall; said cover also incorporating a lift-roof structure having a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said cover rear wall. including a hingedly attached closure; said lift-roof structure being pivotally attached to the cover forward wall about a lateral axis in proximity to an upper edge of the cover forward wall, allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at the rear about said lateral axis from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position.
8a According to another broad aspect the invention provides for a vehicle having a passenger cab incorporating a cab roof and cab rear wall, and having a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening: a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall structure attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall behind the cab rear wall to a height approximating the height of the cab roof;
said cover incorporating a lift-roof structure comprising a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said lift-roof structure being attached to the cover forward wall structure by means allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at a rear end and rotated substantially about an upper forward lateral edge from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position; the cover having means for angular orientation of the cover forward wall relative to the load bed to ensure closure of the lift-roof structure left and right walls to both the cover forward wall structure and the load bed on lowering the lift-roof structure from the raised, open position to the lower, closed position.
According to yet another broad aspect the invention provides for a vehicle having a passenger cab incorporating a cab roof and cab rear wall, and having a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening: a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall behind the cab rear wall to a height approximating the height of the cab roof;
8b said cover incorporating a lift-roof structure comprising a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said lift-roof structure being pivotally attached to the cover forward wall about a lateral axis in proximity to an upper edge of the cover forward wall, allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at the rear about said lateral axis from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position; the cover also including means for adjusting the angular orientation of the cover forward wall relative to the load bed.
The present invention lends itself to various adaptations and refinements providing added convenience or specialized uses. Amongst these would be the additions of rigid struts to fixedly support the lift-roof structure in a full or partly open position, as may be desirable for extended periods of use in an open condition. another is the addition of weatherproof fabric paneling or curtains to provide full enclose of the load bed with the cover in a raised position, as may be useful for such purposes as camping, although this adaptation will be more complex in the area of the forward wall to lift-roof structure attachment.
In summary, my invention provides a combination of the following advantages relative to fixed mount covers of the prior art:
Provision of access to the load bed from both sides when open;
8c Provision of improved access to the load bed from the rear Capability for traveling with the roof in a raised position, accommodating transportation ,.,~ ~~n z~~~
-of cargo which is greater in height than may be transported using a conventional fixed mount cover of the prior art~
~ arovisions Of approximately the Same load volume enclosure when closed as provided by conventional fixed mount coves of the prior art;
~ Provision of the same convenience of access with similar protection, vehicle fuel economy and handling when in a closed condition to that afforded by conventional fixed mount covers of the prior art;
~ Minimi~at~.on ~f changes in manufacturing methods which are necessary from those estab fished for low cost conventional fixed mount covers of the prior arts ~ Avoidance of need for changes in methods of handling, shipping and storage from those employed for conventional fixed mount covers 2 0 of the pr~:~r art;
~ ~Tehicle installat~a.~n px~cedu~es ~ah~.ch approxi-mate the ~imp~a:city ~f tkaose recsuired fox°
~onventi~ra~~. fa:x~d mount covers ~f the p~ic~r ark;
~5 ~ Accommodation of removable fl,~~ila3~e fabric paneling dr curtains t~ pr~vide~ enclosure wia~
the roof in a raises p~sition, for such pur-~ose~ as low cosh camping; and ~ ~mparswed adco~am~dation fd~ the ease o~ slide-in , 30, , camping eguipment:
In addition to the ab~ve, the inventi~n p~~v~.des o ~ Further r~ducta;~n zn post of maaaufacture associated ~rith mina~i~ata:~n of changes in 3~ manufacturing processes from th~s~ employed VI~~ 9/12954 ' ~'GT/1J~91/0974 -~a-2~.y6GG~~
for conventional (fixed mount covers of the prior art;
Reduction in stock complexity required for color matching due to avoidance of use of an external flexilale panel laetween the cover forward wall and the lift-ro~~:structure;
Reduced izi~rusion of the compression strut means system into the cargo area of the load bed;
~ 7Cmproved levels of security in a lowered roof, closed cover conditiond and ~ An increased area of shelter fro~a the elements and increased vertical headroom for a given angle of opening in a raised roof, open cover condition.
Further o?aje~ts and advantages dill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art 'to which the invention pertains upon reference to the following detailed description of a preferred emb~dim~nt>
s~ri~~is~n f The ~~~ vir~~~
~'he description recurs tc~ the accc~m~aaa~ying draw~:r~~s in ~rhich reference ~kaaracter~ refer 'to Like parts th~caughout the swera7. ~i~ws and in which a ~I~iJRE 1 ~.s a perspe~ti:ve v~.~w from the rear ~~ ~f ah improved lift~r~of coyer installed on a Light trtack 'load hed .and in ~ r~i~e~ conditi~a~; .
FT~LTFt~ ~ i~ ~ view ~l.o~g lies ~.-~, of Figure 4 , showing a right c~ver wall and mounting arrarag~ment of a r~.gh~ c~rmpr~s~a,r~n strut means;
~~ ~lCGi7~~ 3 is a view along Zin~~ 2~2 of Figure 2, sh~wing a lift~roof coyer g~r~r~rd eaa~ll ~~ ~aounted to ~ ~fght truck load beda ~a~tT~t~ 4 is a sectional plan view along 'lines 3-~3 of F~.c~re 3, sho~rixag an arrangement ~f ~~mpressi.on ..~t~ 9~~~x9~a - ~ ~ ~ ~A ~ ~' ~ PC1'/LJS91/09745 _. -11-strut means pivotal attachments to a lift-roof structure and forward Wall;
FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary side view of the forward left side of an improved lift-roof cover, as installed;
FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary~.'_~de view of the forward part of a lift-roof cover installed and in a raises condition with flexible paneling installed to form a full enclosure;
1(? FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view along lines 4-4 of Figure 6;
FIGURE 8 is a perspective view from the rear of a lift-roof cover mounted on a light truck load bed and in a raised condition with a flexible panel enclo sure installed;
FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary perspective view from the rear shoaling a method of attachment of a flexible panel to the lift-roof structure;
FIGURE to is a fragmaentary sectional view taken along lines 5-5 c~f Figure ~.2, sh~Wing a jpreferred latching means and alternate sealing means between a ~.ift-rbof structure and load bed in a first alternate embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 1~: ie ~ fraenta~y sectional view along lines ~--C of F3g~are ~.~, ~hdw~.ng the alternate sea~.ang means of F~.~ur~ ~L~;
~"IGURE 3.2 i~ ~ side vie~r sh~wing x evexsal of the sealing jeans full , contact seating sec~ax~erace with ~~e of an alternate se~li.ng me~n~ in a (first alternate 3,p embodiment of tie anver~tion;
FIGI7RE 13 is a Side view slaow~ng an alternate arrangement ~f weather panel:l~.ng arid sealing mear~~
between the cover forward wall and lift-roof structure in a second alternate embodiment of the invention;
WCD 9112954 1'GT/1US91/09"745,...«, °12-FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary sectional view along lines 7-7 of Figure 13, showing a rigid weather panel mounted to the cover forward wall; and , FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary sectional plan view along lines 8-8 of Figure 13, showing sealing means between the lift-roof structure wall Bard edge and a weather panel.
Detailed Descr~o~io~ ~f The hrefer~°ed embodiments Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the lift-roof cover to is maunted on a truck or vehicle 11 having a load bed 12 and passenger c~ompax-tment or cab 1.3 incorporating a cab roof 14 and cab rear wall 17; the lift-roof cover 1o comprising a lift-roof structure 15 pivotally attached about a lateral axis A-A by hinging ~L5 means 16 to a cover forward wall 18 also referred to herein as a cover forward wall structure j a said ~.ift roof structure 15 comprid:ing a cover roof 22, a cover Left wall 24, a covex raght wall 26 arid a cover ~e~r wall 28, said c~ver reap wall 28 inclu~i~rg a hinged door 2 0 or window 3 0 0 the load bid s2 l~avinc~ a floor 3 2 , a load bed forward ~aal:l 34, a load bed left wall 36, a load bed r~.ght wall 3~ and a 1~ad bed tailgate ~~.
~n ~~e, the c~ver fo~aard wall 18 is fixedly attached to said v~ha.cle load bed 12. Suitable latching 25 ~nearas 42, 44 are mounted at locations toward the rear gall 28 of the lift-roof structure 15, pr~viding secure ~°ttachment of said ~l~:ft~roca~ structure 15 t~ the Toad ' bed 1.2 when in ~ closed condition. A m~.nual lift handle ~6 is attadhed ~o the rift-ro~f ~truct~zre 15 ix~ ~
30 location providing an even-s~.de~to-side distralbutxon of applied vertical force fir opening or closing.
Referring ~o Figuro~ 1, 2, 3 arid 4, ir~t~rmedi-ate structexral members 48, 50, 52 are attacDaed to the cover forward wall l8 by suitable fastening means'S4 and "'!t? 93~1~9~~b CT/~JS91/0974~
~~.2~~1~~
provide alternate upper (shown in broken line) and lower attachment positions far left and right structural extension members 56, 58 respectively with use of suitable fastening means 60. 6ahen in the lower attach-meat positions, as necessary for installed service, said structural extension members 56, 58 ark-'attached to the left and right upper inside edges 62, 64 of the vehicle load bed left and right walls 36, 38 via left and right adjusting brackets 66, 68, respectively, and suitable fastening or clamping means 70, 72; said structural extensian members 56, 58 in conjunction with intermedi-ate structural members 48, 50, 52 thereby forming a frame 73 which functions to support and locate the forward wall 18 relative to the load bed 12.
Left and right compression strut means 74, 76 are pivotally attached to left and right structural intermediate members 48, 50 via left and right forward pisrotal attachments 78, 80; said forward pivotal attach-menu 78, 80 being located in a geometric relationship with the hinge axis A-A and with suitable left and right compression strut means rearward pivotal attachments g2, 84 at the lift-roof st~cucaure 15, such that a desired amount of lift assist effort is provided when the lift-roof structure l5 is raised to an open pbsition. heft end rig~at fore/aft ~t~justing feet 86, ~8, respectively~
are attached t~ said ~.ef~ arad right extension members 56, 58 in such a manner as ~o bean against the load bed, forward will 34; said felt ~6, 8~ being adjustable s~
that, in donjunction with adjustment at the 3eft end right upper adjust~.ng brackets 66, f8; satisfactory location axad/or orientation of the forward wall 18 gay be achieved relative to the lift-roof structure l5 and the load bsd 12.
~y the application of appropriate locations of common attachment points and lengths for left and right strudtural intermediate members 48, 50 and for left and vvc~ ~~r ~ z~~a ~crrvs9~ ro~7as ~.~..
i i on xnegnbers 56, 68, sa d exten-right structural extens SiOn members ~6, 5$ mall be attached to the lntermedlate members 48, 5o for normal use as shown in solid outline, or may alternately be attached for shipping or storage as shown in broken line with component parts retained above a plane across the lower edges 96~~~ of the lift-roof structure 15. kith use of suitably located com-pression strut means rearward pivotal attachments 92,4 at the lift-roof structure 15, the compression strut 1~ means 7,76 may function in a fully extended condition, as shown in broken outline in Figure z, to hold the cover forward wall 18 in a closed or other desired orientation relative to the lift-roof structure 1.5, so that the lift-roof cover 1.0 may assume the rigid outer ~.5 form of a conventional fixed mount cover of cab height, enabling use of common methods and means for shipping and handling.
i~ef erring to figures 2 , 3 and 5 , in a pre-farted embodiment ~f the invention, th~ lower edge ~,0~
20 of the cover forwaxd wall :18 is sealed to the load bed forward wall 3~ with sealing means lo~~ and a window 103 is incorporated into the cover forward wall ~.8 to provide rearward visibility, as in conventional fixed mount load, bed cover designs elf the prior art. A
25 sealing means 104 is also ini~erposed between the cower forward wall 18 and the forward edges lof, i08 of the lift-roof structure 1.5 and l~ett~een the lift-roof strut-tore left ana right walls 2~, 2s aracl the load bed respective left and fight walls 36, 38; said sealing 30 means 104 typically be~.ng adhesively attached to the left ~,nd right horizontal skirts 110, ~.~.z, respeCt~.~rely, at the lpwar edges x14, x.16 of the left and right waZl~
24, 26 and continuing up the forward edges l~6, 108 of the lift-roof structure left and right walls 29:, 26 and 3~ across the forward edge 118 of an integral upper forward lateral member l~~ of the lift-roof structure 15.
m~~~ ~~i~x~sa ~~ ~'C'lf/~JS91/0974~
Referring to Figure 2, a first leaf 1.22 of the hinging means 16 is attached by suitable fastening means ~.2~ to an upper lateral member 1.26 of the cover forward wall 18. A second leaf 128 of the hinging means 16 is attached by suitable fastening means 130 to the upper forward lateral. member 1.20 of the 1~.~-roof -structure 15. Spacing is provided between the forward wall upper lateral member 1.26 and the lift--roof structure upper forward member 120, which spacing is sufficient to allow functional location of compression sealing means 104 therebetween. The forward wall structure 38 is seen to have fore~aft depth at least as gr~:at as the thickness of upper lateral member 1.26.
Referring to Figure 1, a right pivot suppart 119 is f fixedly attached to the lift-roof structure 15 in a rearward location. ~ right rigid strut 121 is attached by pivot means la?3 to the pivot support 119 so that said right rigid strut 121 may be oriented approxi mately parallel to and above the horizontal skirt 112 of 2 0 the cover right wa 11 2 6 , as shown in broken 1 fine , and ~'e"~a~ne'.d in this pt?slt~.C~n by ellgag~ment With a strut retaining means x.25, or pivoted downward. A suitable clamping means 12? is pro~icled, cahich nay be attached to the upper.edge 64 of the load bed right wall 3~ and may also be positively engaged watt alternate fasten~.r~g points 129 along the length of the right rigid strut ~.2~.. - Fixed support of the lzft-°r~~f structure 15 may be provided for a range, ofr ori~nt~ti~ns between fully ~.owered and fully raised by use of the right rigid strut 3;0 121 in combination with a left rigid strut 131; said left rigid strut 1.31 being s~.m~.lar ~~. and mounted in a fashion matching, the method of mounting described for said right rigid strut 121.
Referring t~ Figures 6, '~, ~ and 9, flexible waterproof panelling 1.32 away be adhesiv~3.y attached t~
an inside surface 1,33 of a forward wall outer member x.34 'WHO 9~l i 2954 ~~"i'>iJS91 /097~5~
S
_. ~ 16 , weatherproof joint 136 with said membe~c 134 to form a inboard of sealing means 104, said aoint 136 extending along said inside surface 133 from proximity with a lowest point 138 to proximity with a highest point 140, so that the upper end 142 of said panelling 132 may be vertically overlapped by a weather sear 143 .extending horizontally across any opening in proximity to the hinge axis A-A when the lift-roof structure 15 is in a raised condition. ~y joining the weatherproof panelling 132 to the liftroof structure 15 in a manner similar to that for attachment to the forward wall 18, or alterna-tively, by means of intermediate Velcro or similar retaining means 144,, weather protection may be achieved between the forward wall 18 and the lift-roof structure 15 when said lift-roof structure 15 is raised at its rear end to an open position.
Referring to Figure 8, a full enclosure 145 is provided with the lift-roof structure 15 in a raised position by installation of a left flexible panel 146, a right flexible panel 14T and a rear flexible panel 149 between 'the lift-r~of structure 15 and the vehicie load bed 12 . ~a~.d flexible parcels 146, 14 9 and 149 typically are made from ~ teht fabric cut and sewn to an appropri-ate form.. the rear panel 1.49 is attachable to the left panel x.46 by uaeana ~f a deft zip join x:51 and to the rigxat p~ne3. 1~7 by metres of a ragh~t, yip 'dint 15~ ~ said left and right ~i;p joints 151, 3.52 being 'accessible fOr operatibn from elth~r inside pr ~ateida of the enclOSUr~
~.4J.
~~ ; Referring to Figures 6, 7 and 9, the left flexible panel 146 is ramovably attached to the ~.ift-roof structure 15 by means of a re~ai~~.ng rail 150, said rail 150 bding attached to the lower edge 11.4 of the left wall 24 by fastening means 153 outboard of sealing means 104. the upper edge 155 of said left. flexible panel 1~6 ~.s stitched along its length around a rope . "~ 93/12954 . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~'~/~JS91/09745 -17- _ insert 157, so that said upper edge 155 may be slid at its forward end 159 into engagement with the rearward end 161 of the retaining rail 150, being slid into said retaining rail 150 until fully captured along its length and then extending beyond a forward end 24~ of the retaining rail 150 so that a forward,,.=wart '154 of the panel 146 may extend approximately to the forward edge 156 of the load bed wall 36, being retained to said wall 36 by suitable retaining means 15~, such as, for exam-ple, magnetic tape. To ensure weather tightness of the enclosure 145 in the vicinity of the corer forward wall 1~, an extended lower part 160 of the forward wall to lift-roof structure flexible weatherproof panelling 132 may be overlapped to the outside of, and attached by 25 Velcro (or similar) retaining means 152 to the forward part 154 of the flexible panel 246. The Velcro surface 162 on the extended lower part 160 of the forward wall to lift--roof structure flexible weatherproof panel 232 may be employed to alternately engage a mating Velcro surface l6~ on the inside surface 166 of said flexible weatherproof panel 132, as shown in dotted outline in Figure 7, so that the lower part 160 may be held clear of the load bed 36 when the dull enclosure 145 is not being used and array function to assist in drawing the fl~x~.ble panel 132 toward an inboard detection and clear of possible interference with desired function of the sealing aneans 204 as said flexible pane3. 132 collapses upon lowering of the lift~roof structure l5 to a closed pos~t~on~
Referring to Figures 2, 2 and 5, it will be recogn~.~ed by those who a~°e practiced in the art to which the invention pertains that, with use of commonly available compression sealing means 30,204 in combina-tion with geometry typically defined by the subject matter of this disclosure, special measures will be necessary in order to obtain acceptable closure of the gyp 93/X~;ggd IPCg'/US91/09745 .
f lift roof structure 15 faith full seal contact at both the forward edges 3.06,108 and the lower edges 114,i~.6.
This is achieved primarily via elasticity designed into a the frame structure 73' in combination with adjustments made at the time of installation to a vehicle.
'then the cover 10 is instahled to a- load bed 12, the structural extension members 56,58 are first securely attached in the lower positions with the lifts roof structure 15 sitting in a desired lowered position with full seal contact on the load bed side walls 36, 38 .
The compression strut means '74,'/6 are then disconnected at the rearward pivotal attachments used for shipping and storage, the lift-roof structure 15 is raised to a fully open position,: and the compression strut means 74,'76 are installed to the appr~priate rearward piv~tal attachments 82,84 for service. The orientation of the cover forward wall 18 is then adjusted by means of the adjusting feet 86, 88 so that, as the lift-roof structure 1.5 is lowered about pivot axis A-A through an angle indicated by arrow ~ against effort of the compression strut means 74;7 full earl cox~t~ct is achieved at the forward edgee x.06,'1.08 with the cover forwaxd zaall ~.8 prior to full contact along the lower edges 114 , x.16 w3.~lx the walls :36, 38. ~~ achieve full contact with the galls ~~ ~6, 38, the la.ft-xoof cover 15 is then pulled d~~n against elas''~~.city 1n. the' forward support' frame a3 thr~~agla ~ small angle indicated by anew G, as l f ~;~ot~.ng ~~~u~: the 1~w~r ~~ge ~:oc~ ~f the ~o~~x f~~w~xd wall 1s, by engagement and ~ctuatian of tie year ~nounte 3 p l atc3'l lng meant 4 2 , 4 4 .
There has been described and illustrated whit is considered a preferred embodiment o~ the inv~ntion:
I3owever~ ~hese sp~ci~icata.~ns shall r~o~ be construed a~
limitations upon the scope of the inventi~n, since it 35 will be u~de~~t~od that many Variati~ns may be made by one ~ho is skilled in tha art without departing from the . ;:; . : ~; ,: ; ;,. . . .:- ; ;
. ,~;a ~~~~z~5,~ ~ ~ 2 ~ ~ 6 ~ Pc-rivs9~io97a5 scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art t~ which the invention pertains that, as an alternative to f le~cible panelling 132, rigid panelling could be mounted to the forward wall in such a way as to pro~ride weather protecti.~a~~ whi:ch--~ is over-lapped by that provided by the lift-roof structure in a raised condition, and yet remain normally hidden from view with the cover in a fully lowered condition. Also, the use of alternate forms and arrangements of sealing means between the cover forward wall, lift-roof struc-ture and the load bed maybe expected to avoid need for the specific sequence of sealing contact necessary for the embodiment which has been described.
' Referring to Figures 10, 11 and 12, which illustrate a first alternate embodiment of the inven-tion, a preferred latching means 42 comprises an over-center pivoting ~arrangem~ent of lever 168 and screw adjusting load bed engagement means 170 attached via bracketry 172 and su~tab3.e f~as~ening means 174 to the horizontal skirt 169 at the lower edge 171 of the lift-roof structure wall 175: Upon engagement df load bed engagement ~ean~ 170 with the load bed wall upper inside edge 64, .the lever 168 as reta~ted in the direqtion of arrow D beyonr~ a vertical p~siti~n, clr~wing the lift-ro~f stru~ta~re 173 toward the 1~~d bed 12 in the direc-t~:on of arm~~r E until a compression stop means 1~1: is firmly a:n contact with the load 'bed 12. also shown is an alternate sealing mEa~.s 176, ef a form and material 3~0 providing low elastic deflection resistance over a large range of vert~.cal displacement, as in~fdated by the different ire seal d~splacem~rat at a section drawn through 5-5 versus peal displace~aent at a secti~n drawn through 6-b, end also prwa.ding a lo~a coeffacisnt of fridtion il~ ~o~°'ltadt witl'1 the 1~~d bed 12 rel,a'tive to that coefficient ~f ~ra.cti~n resulting from use of mbre ~JV() 9~/12i)~4 PCTT1US91/0974~~,....
_2p_ commonly available compression sealing means 177 em-ployed at the cover forward wall 179 (as in the pre-ferred embodiment). , As illustrated in Figure 12, with use of such an alternate sealing means 176 between the lift~roof structure 181 and load bed 1~ , and with.~.ise of a forward wall mounting frame 178 which is more rigid (than the structural mounting frame 73 of Figure 2 employed in the preferred embodiment), it is possible, on rotating the liftroof structure 381. downward toward a fully lowered position, to achieve sliding contact with the load bed 12 along the full length of alternate sealing means 176 prior to completion of seating at the cover forward wall to lift-roof cover sealing means 177, and then to complete seating at said cover forward wall to lift-roof structure sealing means 1'77 by rotating the lift~roof structure 181 further through a small angle F. The seal seating sequence described for the preferred embodiment may thus be reversed in such a first alternate embodi-ment, because horizontal frictional xesistance at the lift-roof cover to l~aad beef interface ~.8c~, remains below levels which would result in sufficient rearward def7.ec~
Lion of the cover forward wal3 1'79 to cause a binding c~ndition.at said seal interface 180, that would prevent 2S full closure. ~n suclx ara e~nbodi~aent, adjusting feet 18~
or other means of ~ccom~nodating angular variat~.on are incorporated at the fbrward wall structural mounting frame ~17$, because the range of angular variation C~-'7EfE'Cti~IC.'ly accommodated by Commonly a~Tal~.abl~ sealing 3,0 means 177 at the for~aa~d seal interface 181 is small. in comparison with variations which may be generated through normal production processeso ~tef erring to Fa.gtares 13 , 1~4 and 1S ~ wha.ch illustrate a second alternate embodiment of the in~ren~
tion, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that, with the use of -°~c~ ~~i~29sa ~ ~ ~. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~c-rius9'i~9~~s _21_ sealing means 184 between the lift~roof structure 185 and cover forward wall 186, of a type or configuration providing desired weather sealing under a high range of angular displacements of the lift-roof structure 185 relative to the cover forward wall 186, in conjunction with low friction sealing means 187 ~a.oeomm~dating high deflection displacements while maintaining contact along its length between the lift-roof structure 185 and the load bed 12, the incorporation of means of adjusting orientation of the cover forward wall 186 becomes unnecessary.
Referring still to Figures 13, 14 and 15, rigid panelling 188 is attached to an inside surface 190 of the outer member 192 of the cover forward wall 186 to form a weatherproof joint 194 with said member 192, said joint 194 extending along said inside surface 190 from proximity with a lowest point 196 to proximity with a highest point 198, said rigid panelling 188 extending rearward, inboard of the lift-roof structure wall 200, so as to be overlapped by the forward edge 202 of the lift-roof structure 185 when said lift-roof structure 185 is raised to a fully open position. Sealing means 204 attached at a lower edge 206 of the rigid paxaelling 188 provides weather sealing between said rigid panel-lirag 188 and the load bed l2. Sealing means 184 is adhesively attached to the forward edge 2~2 of the lift-roof structure wall 200 in such a manner as to provide a slid~.ng weathef° sealing function in contact ~r~ah rigid panelling 188 from the lower edge 20f to an upper edge 208 of said rigid panelling 188. .~ structural extension member 210 having a non-adjusta?ale foot 212 bearing against the load bed forward wall 34 is incorporated in the forward wall structural mounting frame 214.
else of a sliding forward seal configuration as described above, incorporating provision for angular clearance 216 to accommodate assembly variations between WrD 93/12954 PC,'TJlJS91109745~
_ -22-the cover forward wall 186 and the lift-roof structure farward edge 2~2 under a fully lowered lift-roof struc-ture condition, provides an alternative means for weather protection in proximity to the cover forward wall 186 with the lift-raof structure 185 in a raised, open condition, and provides weather r'ealing equivalent to sealing obtained with typical fixed mount covers of the prior art without the need for very close control of orientation of the cover forward wall 186. Because compensation for variability in orientation of the cover forward wall 186 relative to the load bed 12 is provided automatically by the sliding seal configuration, incor-poration of means for adjusting orientation of the cover forward wall 186 as described for the preferred embodi-ment becomes unnecessary for acceptable weather sealing in a fully lowered lift-roof structure condition with the second alternate embodiment.
degree, when a f axed mount design is .~tased ~ ~ a--- conflict exists between the need for optimal fuel economy with acceptable vehicle handling and the desire for conve-nient access. This is because any increase in cover 2o height above the passenger cab roof will increase the frontal area, thereby reducing fuel economy due to an associated increase in vehicle aerodynamic drag, as well as adversely affecting vehicle handling due to a raised center of gravity. Therefore, most covers incorporate 1~ a roof surface which is aerodynamically blended with that of the passenger cab. 6~ith existing conventional fixed mount designs of the prior art, although volume enclosure is near maximal relative to any vehicle fuel economy effects, access is limited to rear entry and zo this is via an opening which is limited, wa.th respect to fuel economy, by the height of the vehicle passenger cab. This access may be improved with use of a sloping rear door or window and by x°aising the roof height toward the rear of the cover a However, ouch des~.gnss may 2~ compromise fuel economy and/or load vol~ne rapacity for a small improvement a.n ~cc~ess from the rear, with little ~r no improvement .gin access from the sa.d~s.
Various other types of c~ver have been market ed which have been designed to pr~vide improved levels 3p of convenience in access to the load bed; whi~.e also providing secure load enclosure when required. These include rigid covers pivoted ~s .a single piece about a ' lateral axis in proximity to the upper edge of the load bed forward wall. With covers of this concept, a low 3~ profile above the load bed has been found to be neces-nary to ma~.nt~in an acceptable appearance with a shape - .. .. .. , , ~-.. ~ , . , , ..... '~'... ' .'." E r~f~-E'. ~ . ' . ,.~'. ~~~
' ~. .
...;' ~,~/ ~ 254 ~~ PCf/LIS9y /09745 _3_ which avoids interference of the cover with the passen-ger cab, when in an open position. U.s. Patent Nos.
3,785,698 (Dean et al), 3,93,334 (Key), 4,079,989 (Robertson) and 4,324,49 (Wilson et al) disclose load bed covers of this general concept. however, whereas such covers fail to provide full cab~ieight-.over tine load floor, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,5~.~,828 (Craft) and 4 , 613 , 3.81, (Raf i-~adeh) disclose rigid covers which may be raised from a low profile, closed position to a position providing standing height over the full length of the load bed, with access from either side or from the rear. Nevertheless, in the closed position, as with any low profile cover, a large portion of the load volume is lost relative to a conventional (fixed mo~xnt cover of cab height.
U. ~. .lCatent N~ar'.i~a 4, C.Gig 4~3 (St~ne)dgJ~rlos~sa~9 a load bed cover of full cab height in which improved access is gained by a roof made up of a plurality of rigid panels hingedly attached one to mother, so that ~0 a major por~io~i of the roof may be folded clear c~f the load bed. However.. the coa~ple~city and cost of m~nufac-tore appear prohibitive relative t~ a fixed roof cover.
U:S. Patent No. 4,335,916 (Cu~gsell) disc~lc~ses a cover of full cab height, having ~, rigid lift~r~of ~5 which is hinged about a lateral a~c~s disposed along the upper hori~~ntal surface eaf the coverp In ara emb~di.~aent which is hinged close t~ the vehicle c~;bs increased access is afforded to the er~cl~sed space, as by ~t~racli.ng o~ the truck bed. ~i~we~~r, this coneept appears suit-3,0 able only for structural f~bricati~n in reinforced plastic, resulting ~.ra high weight with high a~anufactur-ing complexity and cost.
U.S. P~terlt I~os. 4,252,363 (R.odrigue) and 4, 639, a34 (~oaos) disc~.ose load bed covers of full cab 35 height ia~ whi.ch flexible weatherproof fabric is stretched over movable rigid support hops. '(he hoops ,~,~ ~~eyz9~~ ~creus9ieu~~a~~n.~
and fabric expand or contract in accordion-like manner back and forth along the load bed while secured by sliding retention means at the vehicle load bed left and right walls. Hawever', these concepts have obvious limitatians in the levels of security provided, andjor high complexity in methods of manufact~.~.~ anal installa-tion relative to conventional (fixed mount covers.
Similar access convenience may be provided with unproved security by a two-section, rigid wall cover of cab height, in which a rear section may slide forward under a fixed forward section, as described in the March, 1984 issue of PoPtTLAiB Scz~rtc~ magazine. Again, however, manufacturing cost would appear t~ be high.
U.S. Patent NO. 4,101,162 (Koehn) diSCloses a vertically swingable camper shell which is supported by a specially constructed curved track and roller system def fining opening motion of the shell with electric winch actuation. This concept .appears to facilitate adapta°
tion of a low conventional load bed cover to a lift-roof function, but severely offsets the associated cost advantage with complexity ~.ri the opening mechanism.
I1. S. Patent N~. 4,'76, 5'T1 ~Trakc:) descx'ibes a lift-rocs( cover in which flexible weatherproof paneling is int~rpc~sed between a Graver forward wall and a lift°
2S roof structure in such a way that the lift-ro~f etruc-tore may be pivotally attached to the forward wall ab~ut a lateral axis in proxi~mit~ t~ ids lower edge. This structure acdaa~od~tes opening of the cover . f or improved access by raising the lift-r~of structure ~t the rear, and maintains weatherpx°atection between the forward wall and the lift~roaf structure above the loser edge of the forward wall when in an ~pen c~andatian, due to the , full jaiming provided by floe irrterpo~ed flexible weatherproof paneling. This structure further faeili°
3~ dates adaptation to full weatherpro~f enclosure with the lift-roof structure in a raised position for such ~~t~~~~~
°~.~~~ ~~rrxg~a ' ~~.~rrus9~ro9~as _. -5-p~.arposes as camping. k3owever, where the user is con-cerned more with improved access convenience and less with camping use or optimal weather protection at the forward wall to lift~roof structure joint when in an open condition, said interposed flexible weatherproof paneling represents an unnecessary co~.t:~ if ~.it~ use may be avoided. Said interposed flexible weatherproof paneling may also be considered to detract from superior levels of security and a more acceptable appearance afforded by a lift~roof cover which presents a fully non-flexible surface similar to that of a conventional fixed mount cover when in the lowered, closed condition.
Surnma~~~ ~f The ~~w~nti~n Accordingly, a general object of my invention 1.5 is to provide an improved lift-roof cover e~f full cab height which Z) provides advantages of improved access to the vehicle lead bid, 2) maintains the efficiency benefits of maximal enclosed load volume feasible within the approximate limits of the front view profi.l~ of the 2~ passenger cab, 3) pr~vid~s closed security which is fully eguival~nt to that provided by conventional cab height (fixed mount covers c~f the prior art and .4) r.eires minimal deviation from esta~7.a.shed low cost methods of c~n~tructi.on, shipping and handling employed 25 fog conventional cab, height, fixed a~oun°~ c~w~rs of the prior art.
The im~r~~ed lift-roof cover differs from a fixed mount design toward its f~~aard end in that the maj~r load enclosing straactur~ of the cower, hereinafter 3~ referred to as the lift-roof structure, is p~.votally attached ab~ut a lateral ~.xis in proximity to the upper edge of the cover f~rward wall. As installed for use, only the cover forward w~11 and associated parts are fixedly attached to the vehicle load bed. The outer 'NVf~ 9~/12~ ~ ~ ~ '~ pt.'1'/USg1/09745,.~w form and appearance of the cover in a closed condition remain similar to those of a conventional fined mount cover. However, the rearward end of the lift-roof structure may be raised about said lateral axis to an open condx.tion a In order t~ provide secure cl~.~.izre equivalent to that of a conventional fixed cover when the lift-roof structure is in a lowered position, inside latching weans are provided between the lift-roof structure and the vehicle load bed, with mountings toward the rearward end of the lift-roof structure. Lift assist means are attached between the lift-roof structure and the cover forward wall, so that the convenience of an assisted lift is provided when the lift--roof structure is raised to an open position.
In a preferred embodiment, compression strut means are pivotally attached between the lift-roof structure and compression strut means forward pivotal attachments at the cover forward wall. ~'he compression strut means forward pivotal attachments are mounted on a frame constructed and attached t~ the load bed and to the cover forward wall in a manner whereby an amount of angular movement of the c~ver forward wall is accommo-dated relative t~ the load bed wi'~hin material elastic li~~.ts beyond elastic deflection resulting from forces due t~ weight of the lift--roof ~tructure:~lone, so that seating ~f sealing means between the lift°~roof structure forward edges and the forward wall may ~ccur before seating of sealing means between the liftmroof structure ~0~ lowed edges and the load bed upper surfaces: It will be recognized by one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that this order of events will generally be necessary in order to achieve complete and satisfactory closure with a cover compression sealang means of the more commonly manufactured types, waxen the lift~r~of structure is pivoted about an axis in proximi-,..~~,~ 93/1~9~4 P~1'/iJS9~ /09745 ty to the upper edge of the forward wall. Upon raising the lift-roof structure to an open condition, unseating of sealing surfaces will occur in reverse order to the order described above for seating. The rearward mounted latching means providing closure ~of the lift--roof structure will preferably be of anf.b~r-center lever type, facilitating pulldown of the lift-roof structure to a fully closed condition.
There sealing means between the left-roof 1.0 structure lower edges and the load bed upper surfaces are employed of a type offering low deflection resis tance under relatively high seal contact face displace ment andJor a low coefficient of friction in contact with the seating surface, the sequence of seal seating described above for the preferred embodiment will generally be less critical. WherQ the product of deflection resistance and coefficient of friction at the sealing means contact face between the lift-roof struc ture lower edges and the :load bed upper surfaces remain 2~ low under relatively high seal deflections, as possible with use of a more complex seal design, the need to confo~cn with the desired sequence of seal full contact seating provided by the preferred embodiment of the invention. may be avoided: This will generally require 2a use of a cover forward e,~all to load bed mounting fraane which is mo~°~ rigid and closely controllable in oacienta~
~tion relative t~ the load bid compared to-that described gor the preferred ~mbodi.menty aid may result ire added assembly complexity, cost and/or weight~ However, by 3~ also,substituting weather sealing means of a type, or in a configuration, at the ~.if~t-roof structure t0 cover forward wall interface ~ro~idirag capability for sealing under significantly varya.ng angular relationships between the cover forward wall and lift-roof cover, the ~5 need for close coaatrol of the orientation of the cover forward wall znay also be avoided.
In the preferred embodiment, the compression strut means may be connected between the cover forward wall and the lift-roof structure via pivotal attachments in a manner alternate to that employed for installed service, so that for shipping or storage of the cover assembly, the fully extended struts may be employed to hold the forward wall in a closed or other desired orientation relative to the lift-roof structure with no component part of the cover assembly projecting significantly below a plane drawn across the lower edges of the lift-roof structure. By this means, a rigid outer form of the cover may be maintained which is similar to that of conventional fixed mount covers of the prior art, thus facilitating handling with use of the same methods and means already employed for such conventional covers.
The invention may be summarized according to a first broad aspect as for a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening; a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall; said cover also incorporating a lift-roof structure having a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said cover rear wall. including a hingedly attached closure; said lift-roof structure being pivotally attached to the cover forward wall about a lateral axis in proximity to an upper edge of the cover forward wall, allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at the rear about said lateral axis from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position.
8a According to another broad aspect the invention provides for a vehicle having a passenger cab incorporating a cab roof and cab rear wall, and having a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening: a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall structure attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall behind the cab rear wall to a height approximating the height of the cab roof;
said cover incorporating a lift-roof structure comprising a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said lift-roof structure being attached to the cover forward wall structure by means allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at a rear end and rotated substantially about an upper forward lateral edge from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position; the cover having means for angular orientation of the cover forward wall relative to the load bed to ensure closure of the lift-roof structure left and right walls to both the cover forward wall structure and the load bed on lowering the lift-roof structure from the raised, open position to the lower, closed position.
According to yet another broad aspect the invention provides for a vehicle having a passenger cab incorporating a cab roof and cab rear wall, and having a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening: a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall behind the cab rear wall to a height approximating the height of the cab roof;
8b said cover incorporating a lift-roof structure comprising a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said lift-roof structure being pivotally attached to the cover forward wall about a lateral axis in proximity to an upper edge of the cover forward wall, allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at the rear about said lateral axis from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position; the cover also including means for adjusting the angular orientation of the cover forward wall relative to the load bed.
The present invention lends itself to various adaptations and refinements providing added convenience or specialized uses. Amongst these would be the additions of rigid struts to fixedly support the lift-roof structure in a full or partly open position, as may be desirable for extended periods of use in an open condition. another is the addition of weatherproof fabric paneling or curtains to provide full enclose of the load bed with the cover in a raised position, as may be useful for such purposes as camping, although this adaptation will be more complex in the area of the forward wall to lift-roof structure attachment.
In summary, my invention provides a combination of the following advantages relative to fixed mount covers of the prior art:
Provision of access to the load bed from both sides when open;
8c Provision of improved access to the load bed from the rear Capability for traveling with the roof in a raised position, accommodating transportation ,.,~ ~~n z~~~
-of cargo which is greater in height than may be transported using a conventional fixed mount cover of the prior art~
~ arovisions Of approximately the Same load volume enclosure when closed as provided by conventional fixed mount coves of the prior art;
~ Provision of the same convenience of access with similar protection, vehicle fuel economy and handling when in a closed condition to that afforded by conventional fixed mount covers of the prior art;
~ Minimi~at~.on ~f changes in manufacturing methods which are necessary from those estab fished for low cost conventional fixed mount covers of the prior arts ~ Avoidance of need for changes in methods of handling, shipping and storage from those employed for conventional fixed mount covers 2 0 of the pr~:~r art;
~ ~Tehicle installat~a.~n px~cedu~es ~ah~.ch approxi-mate the ~imp~a:city ~f tkaose recsuired fox°
~onventi~ra~~. fa:x~d mount covers ~f the p~ic~r ark;
~5 ~ Accommodation of removable fl,~~ila3~e fabric paneling dr curtains t~ pr~vide~ enclosure wia~
the roof in a raises p~sition, for such pur-~ose~ as low cosh camping; and ~ ~mparswed adco~am~dation fd~ the ease o~ slide-in , 30, , camping eguipment:
In addition to the ab~ve, the inventi~n p~~v~.des o ~ Further r~ducta;~n zn post of maaaufacture associated ~rith mina~i~ata:~n of changes in 3~ manufacturing processes from th~s~ employed VI~~ 9/12954 ' ~'GT/1J~91/0974 -~a-2~.y6GG~~
for conventional (fixed mount covers of the prior art;
Reduction in stock complexity required for color matching due to avoidance of use of an external flexilale panel laetween the cover forward wall and the lift-ro~~:structure;
Reduced izi~rusion of the compression strut means system into the cargo area of the load bed;
~ 7Cmproved levels of security in a lowered roof, closed cover conditiond and ~ An increased area of shelter fro~a the elements and increased vertical headroom for a given angle of opening in a raised roof, open cover condition.
Further o?aje~ts and advantages dill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art 'to which the invention pertains upon reference to the following detailed description of a preferred emb~dim~nt>
s~ri~~is~n f The ~~~ vir~~~
~'he description recurs tc~ the accc~m~aaa~ying draw~:r~~s in ~rhich reference ~kaaracter~ refer 'to Like parts th~caughout the swera7. ~i~ws and in which a ~I~iJRE 1 ~.s a perspe~ti:ve v~.~w from the rear ~~ ~f ah improved lift~r~of coyer installed on a Light trtack 'load hed .and in ~ r~i~e~ conditi~a~; .
FT~LTFt~ ~ i~ ~ view ~l.o~g lies ~.-~, of Figure 4 , showing a right c~ver wall and mounting arrarag~ment of a r~.gh~ c~rmpr~s~a,r~n strut means;
~~ ~lCGi7~~ 3 is a view along Zin~~ 2~2 of Figure 2, sh~wing a lift~roof coyer g~r~r~rd eaa~ll ~~ ~aounted to ~ ~fght truck load beda ~a~tT~t~ 4 is a sectional plan view along 'lines 3-~3 of F~.c~re 3, sho~rixag an arrangement ~f ~~mpressi.on ..~t~ 9~~~x9~a - ~ ~ ~ ~A ~ ~' ~ PC1'/LJS91/09745 _. -11-strut means pivotal attachments to a lift-roof structure and forward Wall;
FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary side view of the forward left side of an improved lift-roof cover, as installed;
FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary~.'_~de view of the forward part of a lift-roof cover installed and in a raises condition with flexible paneling installed to form a full enclosure;
1(? FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view along lines 4-4 of Figure 6;
FIGURE 8 is a perspective view from the rear of a lift-roof cover mounted on a light truck load bed and in a raised condition with a flexible panel enclo sure installed;
FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary perspective view from the rear shoaling a method of attachment of a flexible panel to the lift-roof structure;
FIGURE to is a fragmaentary sectional view taken along lines 5-5 c~f Figure ~.2, sh~Wing a jpreferred latching means and alternate sealing means between a ~.ift-rbof structure and load bed in a first alternate embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 1~: ie ~ fraenta~y sectional view along lines ~--C of F3g~are ~.~, ~hdw~.ng the alternate sea~.ang means of F~.~ur~ ~L~;
~"IGURE 3.2 i~ ~ side vie~r sh~wing x evexsal of the sealing jeans full , contact seating sec~ax~erace with ~~e of an alternate se~li.ng me~n~ in a (first alternate 3,p embodiment of tie anver~tion;
FIGI7RE 13 is a Side view slaow~ng an alternate arrangement ~f weather panel:l~.ng arid sealing mear~~
between the cover forward wall and lift-roof structure in a second alternate embodiment of the invention;
WCD 9112954 1'GT/1US91/09"745,...«, °12-FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary sectional view along lines 7-7 of Figure 13, showing a rigid weather panel mounted to the cover forward wall; and , FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary sectional plan view along lines 8-8 of Figure 13, showing sealing means between the lift-roof structure wall Bard edge and a weather panel.
Detailed Descr~o~io~ ~f The hrefer~°ed embodiments Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the lift-roof cover to is maunted on a truck or vehicle 11 having a load bed 12 and passenger c~ompax-tment or cab 1.3 incorporating a cab roof 14 and cab rear wall 17; the lift-roof cover 1o comprising a lift-roof structure 15 pivotally attached about a lateral axis A-A by hinging ~L5 means 16 to a cover forward wall 18 also referred to herein as a cover forward wall structure j a said ~.ift roof structure 15 comprid:ing a cover roof 22, a cover Left wall 24, a covex raght wall 26 arid a cover ~e~r wall 28, said c~ver reap wall 28 inclu~i~rg a hinged door 2 0 or window 3 0 0 the load bid s2 l~avinc~ a floor 3 2 , a load bed forward ~aal:l 34, a load bed left wall 36, a load bed r~.ght wall 3~ and a 1~ad bed tailgate ~~.
~n ~~e, the c~ver fo~aard wall 18 is fixedly attached to said v~ha.cle load bed 12. Suitable latching 25 ~nearas 42, 44 are mounted at locations toward the rear gall 28 of the lift-roof structure 15, pr~viding secure ~°ttachment of said ~l~:ft~roca~ structure 15 t~ the Toad ' bed 1.2 when in ~ closed condition. A m~.nual lift handle ~6 is attadhed ~o the rift-ro~f ~truct~zre 15 ix~ ~
30 location providing an even-s~.de~to-side distralbutxon of applied vertical force fir opening or closing.
Referring ~o Figuro~ 1, 2, 3 arid 4, ir~t~rmedi-ate structexral members 48, 50, 52 are attacDaed to the cover forward wall l8 by suitable fastening means'S4 and "'!t? 93~1~9~~b CT/~JS91/0974~
~~.2~~1~~
provide alternate upper (shown in broken line) and lower attachment positions far left and right structural extension members 56, 58 respectively with use of suitable fastening means 60. 6ahen in the lower attach-meat positions, as necessary for installed service, said structural extension members 56, 58 ark-'attached to the left and right upper inside edges 62, 64 of the vehicle load bed left and right walls 36, 38 via left and right adjusting brackets 66, 68, respectively, and suitable fastening or clamping means 70, 72; said structural extensian members 56, 58 in conjunction with intermedi-ate structural members 48, 50, 52 thereby forming a frame 73 which functions to support and locate the forward wall 18 relative to the load bed 12.
Left and right compression strut means 74, 76 are pivotally attached to left and right structural intermediate members 48, 50 via left and right forward pisrotal attachments 78, 80; said forward pivotal attach-menu 78, 80 being located in a geometric relationship with the hinge axis A-A and with suitable left and right compression strut means rearward pivotal attachments g2, 84 at the lift-roof st~cucaure 15, such that a desired amount of lift assist effort is provided when the lift-roof structure l5 is raised to an open pbsition. heft end rig~at fore/aft ~t~justing feet 86, ~8, respectively~
are attached t~ said ~.ef~ arad right extension members 56, 58 in such a manner as ~o bean against the load bed, forward will 34; said felt ~6, 8~ being adjustable s~
that, in donjunction with adjustment at the 3eft end right upper adjust~.ng brackets 66, f8; satisfactory location axad/or orientation of the forward wall 18 gay be achieved relative to the lift-roof structure l5 and the load bsd 12.
~y the application of appropriate locations of common attachment points and lengths for left and right strudtural intermediate members 48, 50 and for left and vvc~ ~~r ~ z~~a ~crrvs9~ ro~7as ~.~..
i i on xnegnbers 56, 68, sa d exten-right structural extens SiOn members ~6, 5$ mall be attached to the lntermedlate members 48, 5o for normal use as shown in solid outline, or may alternately be attached for shipping or storage as shown in broken line with component parts retained above a plane across the lower edges 96~~~ of the lift-roof structure 15. kith use of suitably located com-pression strut means rearward pivotal attachments 92,4 at the lift-roof structure 15, the compression strut 1~ means 7,76 may function in a fully extended condition, as shown in broken outline in Figure z, to hold the cover forward wall 18 in a closed or other desired orientation relative to the lift-roof structure 1.5, so that the lift-roof cover 1.0 may assume the rigid outer ~.5 form of a conventional fixed mount cover of cab height, enabling use of common methods and means for shipping and handling.
i~ef erring to figures 2 , 3 and 5 , in a pre-farted embodiment ~f the invention, th~ lower edge ~,0~
20 of the cover forwaxd wall :18 is sealed to the load bed forward wall 3~ with sealing means lo~~ and a window 103 is incorporated into the cover forward wall ~.8 to provide rearward visibility, as in conventional fixed mount load, bed cover designs elf the prior art. A
25 sealing means 104 is also ini~erposed between the cower forward wall 18 and the forward edges lof, i08 of the lift-roof structure 1.5 and l~ett~een the lift-roof strut-tore left ana right walls 2~, 2s aracl the load bed respective left and fight walls 36, 38; said sealing 30 means 104 typically be~.ng adhesively attached to the left ~,nd right horizontal skirts 110, ~.~.z, respeCt~.~rely, at the lpwar edges x14, x.16 of the left and right waZl~
24, 26 and continuing up the forward edges l~6, 108 of the lift-roof structure left and right walls 29:, 26 and 3~ across the forward edge 118 of an integral upper forward lateral member l~~ of the lift-roof structure 15.
m~~~ ~~i~x~sa ~~ ~'C'lf/~JS91/0974~
Referring to Figure 2, a first leaf 1.22 of the hinging means 16 is attached by suitable fastening means ~.2~ to an upper lateral member 1.26 of the cover forward wall 18. A second leaf 128 of the hinging means 16 is attached by suitable fastening means 130 to the upper forward lateral. member 1.20 of the 1~.~-roof -structure 15. Spacing is provided between the forward wall upper lateral member 1.26 and the lift--roof structure upper forward member 120, which spacing is sufficient to allow functional location of compression sealing means 104 therebetween. The forward wall structure 38 is seen to have fore~aft depth at least as gr~:at as the thickness of upper lateral member 1.26.
Referring to Figure 1, a right pivot suppart 119 is f fixedly attached to the lift-roof structure 15 in a rearward location. ~ right rigid strut 121 is attached by pivot means la?3 to the pivot support 119 so that said right rigid strut 121 may be oriented approxi mately parallel to and above the horizontal skirt 112 of 2 0 the cover right wa 11 2 6 , as shown in broken 1 fine , and ~'e"~a~ne'.d in this pt?slt~.C~n by ellgag~ment With a strut retaining means x.25, or pivoted downward. A suitable clamping means 12? is pro~icled, cahich nay be attached to the upper.edge 64 of the load bed right wall 3~ and may also be positively engaged watt alternate fasten~.r~g points 129 along the length of the right rigid strut ~.2~.. - Fixed support of the lzft-°r~~f structure 15 may be provided for a range, ofr ori~nt~ti~ns between fully ~.owered and fully raised by use of the right rigid strut 3;0 121 in combination with a left rigid strut 131; said left rigid strut 1.31 being s~.m~.lar ~~. and mounted in a fashion matching, the method of mounting described for said right rigid strut 121.
Referring t~ Figures 6, '~, ~ and 9, flexible waterproof panelling 1.32 away be adhesiv~3.y attached t~
an inside surface 1,33 of a forward wall outer member x.34 'WHO 9~l i 2954 ~~"i'>iJS91 /097~5~
S
_. ~ 16 , weatherproof joint 136 with said membe~c 134 to form a inboard of sealing means 104, said aoint 136 extending along said inside surface 133 from proximity with a lowest point 138 to proximity with a highest point 140, so that the upper end 142 of said panelling 132 may be vertically overlapped by a weather sear 143 .extending horizontally across any opening in proximity to the hinge axis A-A when the lift-roof structure 15 is in a raised condition. ~y joining the weatherproof panelling 132 to the liftroof structure 15 in a manner similar to that for attachment to the forward wall 18, or alterna-tively, by means of intermediate Velcro or similar retaining means 144,, weather protection may be achieved between the forward wall 18 and the lift-roof structure 15 when said lift-roof structure 15 is raised at its rear end to an open position.
Referring to Figure 8, a full enclosure 145 is provided with the lift-roof structure 15 in a raised position by installation of a left flexible panel 146, a right flexible panel 14T and a rear flexible panel 149 between 'the lift-r~of structure 15 and the vehicie load bed 12 . ~a~.d flexible parcels 146, 14 9 and 149 typically are made from ~ teht fabric cut and sewn to an appropri-ate form.. the rear panel 1.49 is attachable to the left panel x.46 by uaeana ~f a deft zip join x:51 and to the rigxat p~ne3. 1~7 by metres of a ragh~t, yip 'dint 15~ ~ said left and right ~i;p joints 151, 3.52 being 'accessible fOr operatibn from elth~r inside pr ~ateida of the enclOSUr~
~.4J.
~~ ; Referring to Figures 6, 7 and 9, the left flexible panel 146 is ramovably attached to the ~.ift-roof structure 15 by means of a re~ai~~.ng rail 150, said rail 150 bding attached to the lower edge 11.4 of the left wall 24 by fastening means 153 outboard of sealing means 104. the upper edge 155 of said left. flexible panel 1~6 ~.s stitched along its length around a rope . "~ 93/12954 . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~'~/~JS91/09745 -17- _ insert 157, so that said upper edge 155 may be slid at its forward end 159 into engagement with the rearward end 161 of the retaining rail 150, being slid into said retaining rail 150 until fully captured along its length and then extending beyond a forward end 24~ of the retaining rail 150 so that a forward,,.=wart '154 of the panel 146 may extend approximately to the forward edge 156 of the load bed wall 36, being retained to said wall 36 by suitable retaining means 15~, such as, for exam-ple, magnetic tape. To ensure weather tightness of the enclosure 145 in the vicinity of the corer forward wall 1~, an extended lower part 160 of the forward wall to lift-roof structure flexible weatherproof panelling 132 may be overlapped to the outside of, and attached by 25 Velcro (or similar) retaining means 152 to the forward part 154 of the flexible panel 246. The Velcro surface 162 on the extended lower part 160 of the forward wall to lift--roof structure flexible weatherproof panel 232 may be employed to alternately engage a mating Velcro surface l6~ on the inside surface 166 of said flexible weatherproof panel 132, as shown in dotted outline in Figure 7, so that the lower part 160 may be held clear of the load bed 36 when the dull enclosure 145 is not being used and array function to assist in drawing the fl~x~.ble panel 132 toward an inboard detection and clear of possible interference with desired function of the sealing aneans 204 as said flexible pane3. 132 collapses upon lowering of the lift~roof structure l5 to a closed pos~t~on~
Referring to Figures 2, 2 and 5, it will be recogn~.~ed by those who a~°e practiced in the art to which the invention pertains that, with use of commonly available compression sealing means 30,204 in combina-tion with geometry typically defined by the subject matter of this disclosure, special measures will be necessary in order to obtain acceptable closure of the gyp 93/X~;ggd IPCg'/US91/09745 .
f lift roof structure 15 faith full seal contact at both the forward edges 3.06,108 and the lower edges 114,i~.6.
This is achieved primarily via elasticity designed into a the frame structure 73' in combination with adjustments made at the time of installation to a vehicle.
'then the cover 10 is instahled to a- load bed 12, the structural extension members 56,58 are first securely attached in the lower positions with the lifts roof structure 15 sitting in a desired lowered position with full seal contact on the load bed side walls 36, 38 .
The compression strut means '74,'/6 are then disconnected at the rearward pivotal attachments used for shipping and storage, the lift-roof structure 15 is raised to a fully open position,: and the compression strut means 74,'76 are installed to the appr~priate rearward piv~tal attachments 82,84 for service. The orientation of the cover forward wall 18 is then adjusted by means of the adjusting feet 86, 88 so that, as the lift-roof structure 1.5 is lowered about pivot axis A-A through an angle indicated by arrow ~ against effort of the compression strut means 74;7 full earl cox~t~ct is achieved at the forward edgee x.06,'1.08 with the cover forwaxd zaall ~.8 prior to full contact along the lower edges 114 , x.16 w3.~lx the walls :36, 38. ~~ achieve full contact with the galls ~~ ~6, 38, the la.ft-xoof cover 15 is then pulled d~~n against elas''~~.city 1n. the' forward support' frame a3 thr~~agla ~ small angle indicated by anew G, as l f ~;~ot~.ng ~~~u~: the 1~w~r ~~ge ~:oc~ ~f the ~o~~x f~~w~xd wall 1s, by engagement and ~ctuatian of tie year ~nounte 3 p l atc3'l lng meant 4 2 , 4 4 .
There has been described and illustrated whit is considered a preferred embodiment o~ the inv~ntion:
I3owever~ ~hese sp~ci~icata.~ns shall r~o~ be construed a~
limitations upon the scope of the inventi~n, since it 35 will be u~de~~t~od that many Variati~ns may be made by one ~ho is skilled in tha art without departing from the . ;:; . : ~; ,: ; ;,. . . .:- ; ;
. ,~;a ~~~~z~5,~ ~ ~ 2 ~ ~ 6 ~ Pc-rivs9~io97a5 scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art t~ which the invention pertains that, as an alternative to f le~cible panelling 132, rigid panelling could be mounted to the forward wall in such a way as to pro~ride weather protecti.~a~~ whi:ch--~ is over-lapped by that provided by the lift-roof structure in a raised condition, and yet remain normally hidden from view with the cover in a fully lowered condition. Also, the use of alternate forms and arrangements of sealing means between the cover forward wall, lift-roof struc-ture and the load bed maybe expected to avoid need for the specific sequence of sealing contact necessary for the embodiment which has been described.
' Referring to Figures 10, 11 and 12, which illustrate a first alternate embodiment of the inven-tion, a preferred latching means 42 comprises an over-center pivoting ~arrangem~ent of lever 168 and screw adjusting load bed engagement means 170 attached via bracketry 172 and su~tab3.e f~as~ening means 174 to the horizontal skirt 169 at the lower edge 171 of the lift-roof structure wall 175: Upon engagement df load bed engagement ~ean~ 170 with the load bed wall upper inside edge 64, .the lever 168 as reta~ted in the direqtion of arrow D beyonr~ a vertical p~siti~n, clr~wing the lift-ro~f stru~ta~re 173 toward the 1~~d bed 12 in the direc-t~:on of arm~~r E until a compression stop means 1~1: is firmly a:n contact with the load 'bed 12. also shown is an alternate sealing mEa~.s 176, ef a form and material 3~0 providing low elastic deflection resistance over a large range of vert~.cal displacement, as in~fdated by the different ire seal d~splacem~rat at a section drawn through 5-5 versus peal displace~aent at a secti~n drawn through 6-b, end also prwa.ding a lo~a coeffacisnt of fridtion il~ ~o~°'ltadt witl'1 the 1~~d bed 12 rel,a'tive to that coefficient ~f ~ra.cti~n resulting from use of mbre ~JV() 9~/12i)~4 PCTT1US91/0974~~,....
_2p_ commonly available compression sealing means 177 em-ployed at the cover forward wall 179 (as in the pre-ferred embodiment). , As illustrated in Figure 12, with use of such an alternate sealing means 176 between the lift~roof structure 181 and load bed 1~ , and with.~.ise of a forward wall mounting frame 178 which is more rigid (than the structural mounting frame 73 of Figure 2 employed in the preferred embodiment), it is possible, on rotating the liftroof structure 381. downward toward a fully lowered position, to achieve sliding contact with the load bed 12 along the full length of alternate sealing means 176 prior to completion of seating at the cover forward wall to lift-roof cover sealing means 177, and then to complete seating at said cover forward wall to lift-roof structure sealing means 1'77 by rotating the lift~roof structure 181 further through a small angle F. The seal seating sequence described for the preferred embodiment may thus be reversed in such a first alternate embodi-ment, because horizontal frictional xesistance at the lift-roof cover to l~aad beef interface ~.8c~, remains below levels which would result in sufficient rearward def7.ec~
Lion of the cover forward wal3 1'79 to cause a binding c~ndition.at said seal interface 180, that would prevent 2S full closure. ~n suclx ara e~nbodi~aent, adjusting feet 18~
or other means of ~ccom~nodating angular variat~.on are incorporated at the fbrward wall structural mounting frame ~17$, because the range of angular variation C~-'7EfE'Cti~IC.'ly accommodated by Commonly a~Tal~.abl~ sealing 3,0 means 177 at the for~aa~d seal interface 181 is small. in comparison with variations which may be generated through normal production processeso ~tef erring to Fa.gtares 13 , 1~4 and 1S ~ wha.ch illustrate a second alternate embodiment of the in~ren~
tion, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that, with the use of -°~c~ ~~i~29sa ~ ~ ~. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~c-rius9'i~9~~s _21_ sealing means 184 between the lift~roof structure 185 and cover forward wall 186, of a type or configuration providing desired weather sealing under a high range of angular displacements of the lift-roof structure 185 relative to the cover forward wall 186, in conjunction with low friction sealing means 187 ~a.oeomm~dating high deflection displacements while maintaining contact along its length between the lift-roof structure 185 and the load bed 12, the incorporation of means of adjusting orientation of the cover forward wall 186 becomes unnecessary.
Referring still to Figures 13, 14 and 15, rigid panelling 188 is attached to an inside surface 190 of the outer member 192 of the cover forward wall 186 to form a weatherproof joint 194 with said member 192, said joint 194 extending along said inside surface 190 from proximity with a lowest point 196 to proximity with a highest point 198, said rigid panelling 188 extending rearward, inboard of the lift-roof structure wall 200, so as to be overlapped by the forward edge 202 of the lift-roof structure 185 when said lift-roof structure 185 is raised to a fully open position. Sealing means 204 attached at a lower edge 206 of the rigid paxaelling 188 provides weather sealing between said rigid panel-lirag 188 and the load bed l2. Sealing means 184 is adhesively attached to the forward edge 2~2 of the lift-roof structure wall 200 in such a manner as to provide a slid~.ng weathef° sealing function in contact ~r~ah rigid panelling 188 from the lower edge 20f to an upper edge 208 of said rigid panelling 188. .~ structural extension member 210 having a non-adjusta?ale foot 212 bearing against the load bed forward wall 34 is incorporated in the forward wall structural mounting frame 214.
else of a sliding forward seal configuration as described above, incorporating provision for angular clearance 216 to accommodate assembly variations between WrD 93/12954 PC,'TJlJS91109745~
_ -22-the cover forward wall 186 and the lift-roof structure farward edge 2~2 under a fully lowered lift-roof struc-ture condition, provides an alternative means for weather protection in proximity to the cover forward wall 186 with the lift-raof structure 185 in a raised, open condition, and provides weather r'ealing equivalent to sealing obtained with typical fixed mount covers of the prior art without the need for very close control of orientation of the cover forward wall 186. Because compensation for variability in orientation of the cover forward wall 186 relative to the load bed 12 is provided automatically by the sliding seal configuration, incor-poration of means for adjusting orientation of the cover forward wall 186 as described for the preferred embodi-ment becomes unnecessary for acceptable weather sealing in a fully lowered lift-roof structure condition with the second alternate embodiment.
Claims (21)
1. For a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening:
a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall; said cover also incorporating a lift-roof structure having a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said cover rear wall including a hingedly attached closure; said lift-roof structure being pivotally attached to the cover forward wall about a lateral axis in proximity to an upper edge of the cover forward wall, allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at the rear about said lateral axis from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position.
a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall; said cover also incorporating a lift-roof structure having a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said cover rear wall including a hingedly attached closure; said lift-roof structure being pivotally attached to the cover forward wall about a lateral axis in proximity to an upper edge of the cover forward wall, allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at the rear about said lateral axis from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position.
2. A cover as described in claim 1 in which panelling provides weather protection between the forward wall and the lift-roof structure when said lift-roof structure is in a raised position, said panelling remaining hidden from an external side view when said lift-roof cover is in a closed condition.
3. A cover as described in claim 1 in which position holding means are employed to provide fixed orientation of the lift-roof structure in one or more positions above a fully lowered position.
4. A cover as described an claim 1 in which position holding means are employed to provide fixed orientation of the lift-roof structure in one or more positions above a fully lowered position, in which panelling provides weather protection between the forward wall and the lift-roof structure when said structure is in a raised position and in which flexible panelling may be attached to the cover left and right walls, rear wall and hingedly attached rear closure to form a weatherproof enclosure of the load bed with the lift-roof structure in a raised position.
5. A cover as described in claim 1 in which left and right compression strut means are pivotally attached between the lift-roof structure and forward pivotal attachments, so that lift assist is provided in raising the lift roof structure from a lower to a raised position.
6. For a vehicle having a passenger cab incorporating a cab roof and cab rear wall, and having a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening; a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall structure attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall behind the cab rear wall to a height approximating the height of the cab roof; said cover incorporating a lift-roof structure comprising a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said lift-roof structure being attached to the cover forward wall structure by means allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at a rear end and rotated substantially about an upper forward lateral edge from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position; the cover having means for angular orientation of the cover forward wall relative to the load bed to ensure closure of the lift-roof structure left and right walls to both the cover forward wall structure and the load bed on lowering the lift-roof structure from raise, open position to the lower, closed position.
7. A cover as described in claim 6 in which panelling provides weather protection between the cover forward wall and the lift-roof structure when said lift-roof structure is in the raised position.
8. A cover as described in claim 6 in which position holding means are employed to provide fixed orientation of the lift-roof structure in a range of positions above the lower, closed position.
9. A cover as described in claim 6 in which position holding means are employed to provide fixed orientation of the lift-roof structure in a range of positions above the lower, closed position; in which panelling provides weather protection between the cover forward wall and the lift-roof structure when said structure is in the raised position; and in which flexible panelling may be attached to the cover left and right walls and rear wall to form a weatherproof enclo-sure of the load bed with the lift-roof structure in the raised position.
10. A cover as described in claim 6 incorpo-rating lift assist means, so that lift assist is provid-ed in raising the lift-roof structure from the lower to the raised position.
11. For a vehicle having a passenger cab incorporating a cab roof and cab rear wall, and having a load bed comprising a floor, a load bed forward wall, a load bed left wall, a load bed right wall and a load bed rear wall with tailgate and tailgate opening: a cover providing load bed enclosure and including a cover forward wall attachable to said load bed in such a manner as to extend upward from the load bed forward wall behind the cab rear wall to a height approximating the height of the cab roof; said cover incorporating a lift-roof structure comprising a roof, a cover left wall, a cover right wall and a cover rear wall; said lift-roof structure being pivotally attached to the cover forward wall about a lateral axis in proximity to an upper edge of the cover forward wall, allowing the lift-roof structure to be raised at the rear about said lateral axis from a lower, closed position to a raised, open position; the cover also including means for adjusting the angular orientation of the cover forward wall relative to the load bed.
12. A cover as described in claim 11 in which rigid panelling provides weather protection between the cover forward wall and the lift-roof structure when said lift-roof structure is in a raised position, the panel-ling remaining substantially hidden from an external side view when said lift-roof structure is in the closed position.
13. A cover as described in claim 11 in which position holding means are employed to provide fixed orientation of the lift-roof structure in a range of positions above the lower, closed position.
14. A cover as described in claim 11 in which position holding means are employed to provide fixed orientation of the lift-roof structure in a range of positions above the lower, closed position; in which panelling provides weather protection between the cover forward wall and the left-roof structure when said structure is in the raised position; and in which flexible panelling may be attached to the cover left and right walls and rear wall to form a weatherproof enclo-sure of the load bed with lift-roof structure in the raised position.
15. A cover as described in claim 11 incorpo-rating lift assist means, so that lift assist is provid-ed in raising the lift-roof structure from the lower to the raised position.
16. A cover as described in claim 7 further comprising weather sealing between the lift-roof struc-ture and the cover forward wall and between the lift-roof structure and the load bed on fully lowering the lift-roof structure.
17. A cover as described in claim 16 in which panelling provides weather protection between the cover forward wall and the lift-roof structure when said lift-roof structure is in the raised position.
18. A cover as described in claim 16 in which position holding means are employed to provide fixed orientation of the lift-roof structure in a range of positions above the lower, closed position.
19. A cover as described in claim 16 in which position holding means are employed to provide fixed orientation of the lift-roof structure in a range of positions above the lower, closed position; in which panelling provides weather protection between the cover forward wall and the lift-roof structure when said structure is in the raised position; and in which flexible panelling may be attached to the cover left and right walls and rear wall to form a weatherproof enclo-sure of the load bed with lift-roof structure in the raised position.
20. A cover as described in claim 16 incorpo-rating lift assist means, so that lift assist is provid-ed in raising the lift-roof structure from the lower to the raised position.
21. A cover as described in claim 1 in which compression strut means are attached between the lift-roof structure and forward pivotal attachments so that lift assist is provided in raising the lift-roof struc-ture from the lower to the raised position, said lift-roof structure having at least one alternate location for the compression strut means attachments such that the cover forward wall may be held in a desired orienta-tion relative to the lift-roof structure.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU12689/92A AU1268992A (en) | 1991-12-30 | 1991-12-30 | Load bed lift-roof cover |
| PCT/US1991/009745 WO1993012954A1 (en) | 1991-12-30 | 1991-12-30 | Load bed lift-roof cover |
| CA002126862A CA2126862C (en) | 1991-12-30 | 1991-12-30 | Load bed lift-roof cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1991/009745 WO1993012954A1 (en) | 1991-12-30 | 1991-12-30 | Load bed lift-roof cover |
| CA002126862A CA2126862C (en) | 1991-12-30 | 1991-12-30 | Load bed lift-roof cover |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2126862A1 CA2126862A1 (en) | 1993-07-08 |
| CA2126862C true CA2126862C (en) | 2002-07-02 |
Family
ID=4153898
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002126862A Expired - Fee Related CA2126862C (en) | 1991-12-30 | 1991-12-30 | Load bed lift-roof cover |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2126862C (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-12-30 CA CA002126862A patent/CA2126862C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2126862A1 (en) | 1993-07-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |