Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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~~
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
-6-
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.
CA 02126862 2002-03-14
71087-369
8
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.
CA 02126862 2002-03-14
71087-369
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;
CA 02126862 2002-03-14
71087-369
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;
CA 02126862 2002-03-14
71087-369
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~
-15-
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
-18-
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.
