Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02509661 2007-06-07
1
CONVERTIBLE TOP FOR AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
Technical Field and Background of the Invention
[002] This invention relates to protective enclosures for vehicles, and more
particularly to
a convertible protective enclosure for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to provide
an operator
of the ATV with protection from various environmental elements, such as rain
or snow.
Additionally, the invention relates to a convertible protective enclosure that
can be
removed from the ATV to provide shelter.
[003] ATVs have become increasingly popular in recent years as both
recreational
vehicles and utility vehicles. Unlike a passenger automobile, an ATV is
similar to a
motorcycle in that it has no protected enclosure for the operator.
[004] Convertible tops for automobiles are well-known in the art. These tops
may be
retracted manually or with the help of a power assist, and are generally rigid
and fixedly
attached at a rear end of the automobile, preventing easy removal of the top.
Additionally, these tops are moveable between only two positions, open and
closed.
Convertible tops used on automobiles are very practical for their intended
use, however,
they are not practical for use on an ATV.
[005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,543,830 and 6,402,220 describe a protective enclosure
for use on
an ATV. U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,830 describes a removable cab assembly provided in
a
portable kit fonn. The cab assembly includes flexible framework, a flexible
fabric cover,
a pair of side doors, and a deflector shield.
[006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,220 also discloses a portable enclosure. The
portable
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enclosure is formed of support beams, side panels, front and rear panels, and
a top
panel. The support beams form a skeleton over the top of the ATV upon which
the
panels are fastened.
[o007) The aforementioned patents do not describe a protective enclosure for
an ATV
that has a convertible top that can be stowed on the ATV without removing the
entire
skeletal structure of the protective enclosure.
[ooo8] Accordingly, the present invention addresses these problems by
providing a
convertible top that is easily stowed on the ATV and may be used in multiple
applications, providing an operator with protection from various environmental
elements.
Summarkof the Invention
[0oo9] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a convertible
top for use with
an ATV.
[ooiol It is another object of the invention to provide a convertible top that
is easily
removed from the ATV.
[ooiii It is another object of the invention to provide a convertible top that
can be used
as a tent.
[ooi2] It is another object of the invention to provide a convertible top that
is sufficiently
flexible to be deflected by contact with brush and limbs and return to its use
position.
[ooi3] It is another object of the invention to provide a convertible top that
is selectively
adjustable to a plurality of use positions.
[ow] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the
preferred
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embodiments disclosed below by providing a convertible protective top for
being
attached to a vehicle. The convertible protective top including a retractable
canopy, the
canopy including at least two spaced-apart side members; at least two spaced-
apart
cross-members, wherein the cross-members are positioned between and slidably
engaged with the side members; and a cover attached to the cross-members,
wherein
the cross-members and cover are moved aiong the side members to retract the
cover.
The convertible protective top also including at least two mounfing brackets
for being
attached to a front end and a rear end of the vehicle, each of the mounting
brackets
including at ieast two vertical tubular members for receiving respective ones
of the side
members and securing the canopy to the vehicle.
[oois) According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cross-
members
include at least one hole positioned on opposing ends of the cross-members for
allowing the cross-members to slidably engage the side members.
[ooiq According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover
further
includes at least one fastener disposed on each of a pair of opposing side
edges for
attaching a side curtain to each side edge and forming an enclosure.
[=Tj According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least
one
fastener is selected from the group consisting of a zipper, a button, and a
snap.
(ooie] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover
further
includes at least one connecting means positioned on each of a pair of
opposing side
edges for slidably attaching the cover to the side members.
[oois] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at
least one
connecting means includes a hole transverse to the connecting means for
receiving a
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respective one of the cross-members and allowing a respective one of the side
members, the connecting means, and the cross-member to be connected together.
(002o) According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the
connecting
means is selected from the group consisting of a ring, a pocket, and a loop.
(oo2ij According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the side
members
are flexible for allowing the canopy to have an arcuate shape.
[oo22] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the side
members
are made of a flexible rod.
[0023] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the side
members
are made of a plurality of rod segments connected by shock cords
too241 According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the side
members
are secured to the mounting bracket by a cotter pin.
[0025) According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover
includes
a front window and a rear window for providing an operator of the vehicle with
a ciear
view.
[0026] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, A
convertible
protective top for being attached to a vehicle, including an arcuate
retractable canopy.
The canopy including at least two spaced-apart flexible side members; a
plurality of
spaced-apart cross-members positioned between the side members, the cross-
members having a hole positioned on opposing ends of the cross-members for
slidably
engaging the side members, wherein the side members are slid through the
holes; and
a cover including opposing side edges and opposing end edges, wherein each of
the
opposing side edges is slidably attached to a respective one of the side
members by
at least one pocket, and wherein each of the opposing end edges is attached to
a
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respective one of the cross-members. The convertible protective top also
including at
least two mounting brackets for being attached to a front end and a rear end
of the
vehicle, each of the mounting brackets including at least two vertical tubular
members
for receiving respective ones of the side members and securing the canopy to
the
vehicle.
loo27] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover
further
Includes a zipper disposed on each of the opposing side edges for attaching a
side
curtain to each side edge and forming an enclosure.
100281 According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a
convertible
protecti:ve top for being attached to a vehicle induding an arcuate
retractable canopy.
The canopy including at least two spaced-apart flexible side members; a
plurality of
spaced-apart cross-members positioned between the side members, the cross-
members having a hole positioned on opposing ends of the cross-members for
slidably
engaging the side members, wherein the side members are slid through the
holes; and
a rectangular cover slidably attached to the side members, the cover having a
plurality
of pockets attached to opposing side edges of the cover for securing each of
the side
edges to a respective one of the side members, each of the pockets has a hole
transverse to the pocket for receiving a respective one of the cross-members
for
allowing the side members, pockets, and cross-members to be connected
together.
The convertible protective top also includes at least two mounting brackets
for being
attached to a front end and a rear end of the vehicle, each of the mounting
brackets
including at least two vertical tubular members for receiving respective ones
of the side
members and securing the canopy to the vehicle.
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(0029] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of
attaching a convertible protective top to a vehicle, including the steps of
providing a
retractable canopy. The canopy including at least two spaced-apart side
members; at
least two spaced-apart cross-members, wherein the cross-members are positioned
between and slidably engaged with the side members; and a cover attached to
the
cross-members, wherein the cross-members and cover are moved along the side
members to retract the cover. The method also including the step of providing
at least
two mounting brackets and attaching the mounting brackets to a front end and a
rear
end of the vehicle. The mounting brackets include at least two vertical
tubular members
for receiving respective ones of the side members. The method also includes
the step
of sliding opposing ends of each side member through an opening of respective
ones
of the vertical tubular members positioned at the front end and rear end of
the vehicle,
and inserting a connecter through a hole in the opposing ends of each side
member.
Brief Description of the Drawings
100301 Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other
objects
and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when
taken in
conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0031] Figure 1 shows an environmental perspective view of the conver4ble top
attached to an ATV;
[0032] Figure 2 shows an environmental perspective view of the convertible top
removed from the ATV and used as a tent;
100331 Figure 3 shows an optional side curtain of the convertible top;
[0034] Figure 4 shows a side view of the convertible top with its side
curtains attached
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to the ATV;
[003s] Figure 5 shows a front view of the convertible top with its side
curtains attached
to the ATV;
[003sa Figure 6 shows the removal of the side curtains from the canopy of the
convertible top; -
[0037] Figure 7 shows the convertible top with the side curtains removed and
the front
of the convertible top partially retracted to one of a plurality of use
positions;
[003s] Figure 8 shows an attachment means for attaching the convertible top to
the
ATV;
[0039] Figure 9 shows the convertible top in an assembled, uninstalled
position;
[oo4o] Figure 10 shows the rectangular cover of the convertible top with a
connecting
means for securing the cover to the skeletal frame;
[oo4i] Figure 11 shows the skeletal frame being secured to the connecting
means of
the rectangular cover,
[ooa2] Figure 12 shows the skeletal frame being secured to the connecting
means of
the rectangular cover;
[o043] Figure 13 shows the attachment means secured to a front end of the ATV
and
an elongated side member of the skeletal frame secured to the attachment
means;
[oo441 Figure 14 shows the attachment means secured to a rear end of the ATV
and
the elongated side member of the skeletal frame secured to the attachment
means;
[0045] Figure 14A shows the elongated side member of the skeletal frame
attached to
the attachment means by a pair of cotter pins and an elongated cross-member
located
on an end edge of the rectangular cover being secured in position;
[0046) Figure 15 shows the convertible top fully retracted and in a storage
position with
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a storage cover wrapped around the convertible top;
[oo47] Figure 16 shows the storage cover with storage pockets; and
(oo48] Figure 17 shows the storage cover.
Descriotion of the Preferred Embodiment and Best Mode
[ooa9Z Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the present invention generaily includes
a
convertible protective top 10 for use on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) 11. The
convertible
top 10 is attached to a front end 12 and a rear end 13 of the AN 11 via an
attachment
means such as a mounting bracket 14, forming an arcuate top for providing an
operator
of the AN 11 complete coverage and protection from environmental elements,
such
as rain, snow, wind, and contact with brush and limbs.
(oosoj The convertible top 10 extends an entire length of the ATV 11 from the
front end
12 to the rear end 13 to provide protection for the entiire top area of the AN
11. By
extending the convertible top 10 the entire length of the AN 11, the
convertible top 10
can provide protection for stowed cargo as well as the operator. The
convertible top 10
includes a front window 16 and a rear window 17 to provide the operator of the
ATV 11
with a clear view when the convertible top 10 is in its extended use position.
(oosij The convertible top 10 may also be used as a tent or an emergency
shelter, as
illustrated in Figure 2. The convertible top 10 is, thus, designed to be
easily detached
from the ATV 11 In its extended configuration. Using the convertible top 10 as
a tent
Is particulariy useful on camping trips, as it eliminates the need to cany
additional
equipment to the campsite and eliminates the time consumed in assembling a
tent.
The convertible top 10 is also particularly useful as an emergency shelter,
since the
convertible top 10 can be quickly detached from the ATV 11 to provide a
shelter to the
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operator in the event a fast moving weather front emerges.
[oo32] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, side curtains 18 rrlay be attached
to a canopy
19 of the convertible top 10 to form an enclosure around the ATV 11. The side
curtains
18 indude a side window 15 and are designed to be attached to the canopy 19 in
its
extended use position. The top 20 of each side curtain 18 has a shape to match
the
arcuate shape of the canopy 19. The bottom 21 of each side curtain 18 follows
the
contours of the fenders and foot well of the ATV 11, efiminating any
interference with
the ATV's tires 22.
[oo5s] The side curtains 18 are attached to the canopy 19 using fasteners 23,
such as
a zipper, as illustrated in Figure 6, a plurality of buttons, a plurality of
snaps, or any
other suitable fasteners which allow the side curtains 18 to be securely
attached to or
removed from the canopy 19, as needed.
[oo541 With the side curtains 18 removed, the canopy 19, as iitustrated in
Figures 7 and
15, can be retracted. The canopy 19 may be retracted from the front end 12 of
the ATV
11 to the rear end 13 of the ATV 11 or from the rear end 13 of the ATV 11 to
the front
end 12 of the ATV 11. Unlike a convertible top for an automobile, the canopy
19 can
be retracted to several positions along its arcuate shape between the front
and rear
ends 12 and 13 of the ATV 11.
[ooss] The ability to retract the canopy 19 to severai positions allows the
operator of the
ATV 11 to adjust the amount of protection the canopy 19 provides, For example,
on a
mild overcast day, the operator may want to fully retract the canopy 19. On a
hot sunny
day, the operator may want to retract the canopy 19 only half way, providing
the
operator with protection from the sun, while aliowing fresh air to flow onto
the operator
from the front. In either of these examples, the canopy 19 still provides
protection from
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branches, spider webs, and other debris.
j005e] The mounting bracket 14, as shown in Figures 8,13, and 14, is attached
to the
front and rear ends 12 and 13 of the ATV 11 via fasteners 24. The fasteners 24
may
include U-shaped clamps, C-shaped clamps, plastic ties, or any other suitable
fastener
for securely fastening the mounting bracket 14 to the ATV 11.
100571 The mounting bracket 14, as illustrated in Figure 8, has a U-shaped
profile
consisting of an elongate horizontal member 26 and a pair of vertical members
27
positioned on opposed ends 28 and 29 of the horizontal member 26. The
horizontal
member26 may be tubularorsolid, and may have various cross-sectional
dimensions
and shapes. The vertical members 27 are tubular for accepting an elongate side
member30, as described below, therethrough. Altematively, the mounting bracket
14
may simply be a pair of vertical tubular members independently attached to the
four
comers of the front and rear ends 12 and 13 of the ATV 11 for accepting the
side
members 30, (not shown).
[oo58j As shown in Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12, the canopy 19 is fabricated
using a
skeletal frame 31 formed of a plurality of elongate members 32 and a
rectangular cover
33. The frame 31 includes a pair of elongate side members 30 and a plurality
of
elongate cross-members 34. The side members 30 are fabricated from flexible
rods
to allow the canopy 19 to bend into an arcuate shape. The side members 30 may
also
be fabricated of a segmented rod with a shock cord running therethrough or any
other
suitable rod to allow the rod to be bent into an arcuate shape. The cross-
members 34
are fabricated from a semi-rigid tubular rod, such as PVC pipe. The cross-
members 34
include a hole 36 in each of the opposed ends 37 and 38 of the cross-members
34 for
accepting the side members 30 passing therethrough. While the side members 30
and
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cross-members 34 preferably have a circular cross-section, any suitable
material or
cross-sectionai dimension may be used for the side members 30 and cross-
members
34.
toos9t The rectangular cover 33 is fabricated from a flexible fabric, such as
canvas,
plastic, or other durable sheet material, to conform to the frame 31, The
cover 33 is
preferably waterproof and sufficiently durable to resist tearing. The cover 33
inriudes
a connecting means, such as a ring or a pocket 40, positioned along opposed
side
edges 41 and 42 of the cover 33 for accepting the side members 30 and the
cross
members 34. The cover 33 may include a plurality of spaced-apart pockets in
the form
of loops 40, as illustrated, ora single elongated pocket (not shown) running
the length
of the cover 33 along opposed side edges 41 and 42 for receiving the elongate
side
members 30. The loops or pockets 40 may be made from the same material as the
cover 33, or any other suitable materiai. The loops or pockets 40 may also be
integrated with, or attached to, the cover 33.
Eooso] The cover 33 also Includes integrated end pockets 43 formed along
opposed end
edges 45 and 46 of the cover 33, as illustrated in Figure 9. The end pockets
43 run the
length along the end edges 45 and 46 to supportan elongate cross-member 34
passing
therethrough_
[ooel] The canopy 19 is assembled by attaching the cross-members 34 and side
members 30 to the cover 33. The connecting means 40, as illustrated in Figures
9, 10,
11, and 12, is a plurality of open-ended pockets formed from the same material
as the
cover 33. The pockets 40 allow the side members 30 to pass therethrough, and
include
a hole 47 transverse to each of the pockets 40 and passing therethrough for
accepting
the cross-members 34.
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[oo62) To assemble the canopy 19, the cover 33 is laid onto a surface face
down with
the pockets 40, as iliustrated in Figure 9, facing up. The cross-members 34
are
inserted into the transverse holes 47of the pockets 40 along opposed side
edges 41
and 42 of the cover 33. The cross-members 34 are positioned within the
transverse
holes 47 so that the holes 36 positioned on opposed ends 37 and 38 of the
cross-
members 34 are in alignment for allowing the side members 30 to pass through
the
pockets 40 and the holes 36 in the cross-members 34. The side members 30 are
then
slid through the pockets 40 and corresponding holes 36 of each cross-member
34, as
illustrated in Figure 12, creating a secure joint between the cover 33, the
cross-
members 34, and the side members 30.
[ooss] The convertibie top 10 is attached to the ATV 11 by positioning opposed
ends
48 and 49 of the side members 30 into the respective openings 50 of the
vertical tubular
members 27 of the mounting bracket 14 and sliding the opposed ends 48 and 49
therethrough. A securing means such as a cotter pin 51, is secured within a
hole 52
located on each of the opposed ends 48 and 49 of the side members 30 just
below the
vertical tubular members 27 of the mounting bracket 14 to prevent the side
members
30 from withdrawing from the mounting bracket 14. Another catter pin 53 is
secured
within a hole 54 located on each of the opposed ends 48 and 49 of the side
members
30 just above the vertical tubular members 27 of the mounting bracket 14 to
prevent the
side members 30 from protruding through the mounting bracket 14 further than
necessary for attachment of the canopy 19. A cotter pin 56 may also be secured
within
a hole 57 located on each of the ends 48 and 49 of the side members 30 just
above the
elongated pocket 43 and cross-member 34 combination, described above, to
prevent
the canopy 19 from retracting, as illustrated in Figure 14A. Additionally,
hooks, bungee
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cords, tie-down straps, or any other suitable securing device may be attached
to the
side curtains 18 and canopy 19. These securing devices hook onto the ATV 11 to
provide an additionai means for securing the side curtains 18 and convertible
top 10 to
the ATV 11.
[oo64] With the canopy 19 assembled and the side members 30 secured within the
mounting bracket 14, the canopy 19 is now ready to be positioned by the
operator to
several desired positions.
[ooss] Referring now to Figures 15, 16, and 17, a storage cover 60 is used to
secure
the fully retracted convertibie top 10. The storage cover 60 may be formed of
any
suitable fabric or other sheet material. The storage cover 60 also includes a
plurality
of pockets 66 for storing tools, beverages, and food. The storage cover 60 is
wrapped
around the fully retracted canopy 19 and secured in place by hook and loop
fasteners,
buttons, snaps, or any other suitable method for securing the storage cover 60
around
the convertible top 10.
[oo66] A convertible protective enclosure is described above. Various details
of the
invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the
foregoing
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the best mode
for
practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and
not for the
purpose of limitation, the invention being identified in the claims.
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