EP0506864A4 - Collapsible cover having mid-gate for pickup truck - Google Patents

Collapsible cover having mid-gate for pickup truck

Info

Publication number
EP0506864A4
EP0506864A4 EP19910902642 EP91902642A EP0506864A4 EP 0506864 A4 EP0506864 A4 EP 0506864A4 EP 19910902642 EP19910902642 EP 19910902642 EP 91902642 A EP91902642 A EP 91902642A EP 0506864 A4 EP0506864 A4 EP 0506864A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cover
collapsible cover
truck bed
collapsible
gate
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19910902642
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
EP0506864A1 (fr
Inventor
John C. Cheng
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0506864A1 publication Critical patent/EP0506864A1/fr
Publication of EP0506864A4 publication Critical patent/EP0506864A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • B60J7/10—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 readily detachable, e.g. tarpaulins with frames, or fastenings for tarpaulins
    • B60J7/102—Readily detachable tarpaulins, e.g. for utility vehicles; Frames therefor
    • 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
    • B60J7/10—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 readily detachable, e.g. tarpaulins with frames, or fastenings for tarpaulins
    • B60J7/106—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 readily detachable, e.g. tarpaulins with frames, or fastenings for tarpaulins readily detachable hard-tops
    • 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
    • B60J7/185—Locking arrangements
    • B60J7/19—Locking arrangements for rigid panels
    • B60J7/194—Locking arrangements for rigid panels for locking detachable hard-tops or removable roof panels to the vehicle body

Definitions

  • the invention pertains to the general field of truck bed covers and more particularly to a collapsible cover assembly which fits over the bed of a pickup truck.
  • the cover may be secured in a collapsed or extended position to selectively uncover or cover the bed of the pickup truck.
  • the prior art disclosed various types of longitudinally collapsible covers attached to the bed of a pickup truck.
  • the covers are designed to cover the entire truck bed or alternatively may be collapsed and stowed in the collapsed position to open the same for use as may be desired for any particular application.
  • Patents 3 , 201 , 1 71 ; 3 , 231 , 305; 3 , 688 , 787 and 3 , 901 , 548 each are directed to a collapsible cover structure which includes a flexible sheet material secured to a Plurality of inverted U-shaped ribs supported upon a track mechanism attached to the pickup truck bed so that the cover may be extended or retracted.
  • Patent 4,252,363 is directed to a similar such structure which also includes fore and aft hard shell end portions which, when the cover is collapsed, form an enclosed space to protect the flexible material from adverse weather and environmental conditions.
  • the aft portion is secured to the forward portion by a hook on each side to secure the same in its collapsed condition.
  • the present invention is an improvement over the collapsible cover as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 4,252,363 and the disclosure of that patent is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the collapsible cover assembly is slidably disposed to cover, in its extended position, the bed of a pickup truck.
  • the edges of the collapsible cover are tightly secured to prevent ingress of foreign objects during operation of the truck.
  • the assembly includes a security mid-gate that is removably attached at the approximate mid-portion of the truck bed.
  • the gate extends from the upper edges thereof downwardly to the bottom thereof and substantially mates with the cover. In its collapsed condition, the cover provides a secure area at the forward portion of the bed of the pickup truck.
  • FIGURE 1 is a perspective exploded view showing the collapsible cover constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention
  • FIGURE 1A is a cross sectional view taken along lines 1A of FIGURE 1 (shown in the assembled position);
  • FIGURE 2 is a partial perspective view showing the security mid-gate positioned in the truck bed
  • FIGURE 3 illustrates in a fragmented and partial cutaway view, the installation of the mid-gate in the bed of a pickup truck
  • FIGURE 3A illustrates the details of the mid-gate attachment means
  • FIGURE 4 illustrates the tuck bed liner ut i l ized in conjunction with the mid-gate
  • FIGURE 4A is a cross-sectional view further illustrating the construction of the mid-gate liner so as to receive the mid-gate;
  • FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a glider which engages tracks upon which the cover of the present invention is mounted;
  • FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a casing which receives the glider as illustrated in FIGURE 5;
  • FIGURE 7A is a perspective front view of the attaching mechanism interconnecting ribs supporting the collapsible cover with the glider mechanism;
  • FIGURE 7B is a perspective back view of the attaching mechanism;
  • FIGURE 8 is an exploded view illustrating a latching mechanism used for securing the collapsible cover in its extended and/or retracted positions.
  • FIGURE 9 is a perspective view showing the glider means attached to the tracks secured to the truck bed rails;
  • FIGURE 10 is a sectional view showing the relative positions of the glider means, washer, spring, and the aft hard shell portion.
  • FIGURE 1 there is shown, in an exploded perspective view, a pickup truck T having a rearwardly extending bed B with front, rear and side walls and upper side edges s.
  • the collapsible canopy cover C shown in exploded view in FIGURE 1 is affixed to the upper side edges S of the bed B and is secured at the rear portion R of the cab of the truck T to thereby provide a seal between the cab and the forward area over the bed B of the truck.
  • the cover C may be collapsed or extended as desired for any particular application.
  • a security mid-gate 40 (not illustrated in FIGURE 1 for purpose of clarity) which may be removably secured in place so that when the cover C is in its collapsed and stowed position, the rear portion of the truck bed B remains open. The forward portion of the truck bed is maintained in a secure condition by the combination of the collapsed cover C along with the mid-gate.
  • dupl i cate parts are shown but will be referred to only once with the understanding that the same reference numeral will apply to the duplicate part wherein such exists.
  • a set of tracks 2 along with a spacer gasket 1 are attached along the top side edges s of the bed B by the clamps 3 as shown in FIGURE 1.
  • Each of the tracks 2, as shown in FIGURE 1A define a longitudinally extending slot 2 on each side thereof, where on the outermost slot is located a groove 203 that retains a cable means or wire 21 described infra.
  • Each slot also receives inwardly directed edges 202 and 204 of a glider means 18 which is retained internally within a glider casing 19 as also shown in FIGURE 1A.
  • Additional gliders with a saddle mechanism attached thereto are illustrated at 4 in FIGURE 1 with the saddle more clearly illustrated in FIGURES 7A and 7B.
  • the combinat ion of the saddle and gl ider are aff ixed one at each end of the ribs 8 with the glider arms fitting within the opposed grooves of the tracks 2 as best shown in FIGURE 9.
  • the glider means 18, as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, is designed to operate in combination with the casing 19 which receives the rear fiber glass boot 14 to the tracks 2.
  • the combination is designed to be self-adjusting to compensate for inconsistencies in the width between the track means secured to the truck bed rails S.
  • the self-adjustment is accomplished by a lateral slot 95 that is cut into the metal casing 19 as best shown in FIGURE 9.
  • the slot 95 allows the glide 18 and casing 19 to to displaced laterally, as shown at 93 in FIGURE 10, to thus compensate for the bed rail inconsistencies.
  • a spring 91 and a washer 92 that are held in place by a bolt 90 and nut 98 combination as shown in FIGURE 10.
  • the spring maintains the required tension and the washer 92 allows the casing to easily slide laterally while maintaining the bolt 90 and the spring 91 in a stationery position.
  • the bolt allows the casing 19 to self-adjust for a cambering motion 94 as also shown in Figure 10.
  • a cab connecting boot 5 is inserted within a front opening disposed within the forward hard shell portion 6 to provide access to the cab of the truck T.
  • a flexible cover 9 is attached to the ribs 8 and is also affixed to the fore hard shell portion 6 and the aft hard shell portion 14.
  • Appropriate fastener means such as illustrated at 12 and 13, is utilized to attach the cover 9 as is well known and for appropriate trimming to provide an attractive and weather-tight structure.
  • Tension imparting means in the form of a spring mechanism 11 disposed within a casing is affixed to a wire 21 which is threaded through an appropriate loop in the periphery of the flexible cover 9.
  • a wind deflector 15 may be affixed to the top of the aft hard shell portion 14 as is well known in the art.
  • a rear window 16 may be affixed to the aft hard shell portion 14. If desired, the window 16 may be completely removable to provide access for loading and unloading of the truck bed when the cover C is in its extended position.
  • An appropriate latch unit 17, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 8, is attached on each side at the lower portion of the aft hard shell portion 14.
  • the latch unit is utilized to secure the flexible cover to the sides of the truck bed when the cover is in its extended position.
  • the same latch mechanism 17 may also be utilized to secure the cover in place when it is in its retracted position in a similar manner.
  • An appropriate bearing cartridge means 18 is utilized between the lower surfaces of the aft hard shell portion 14 and the track 2 to assist in the movement of the collapsible cover mechanism along the tracks during the retraction or extension thereof.
  • the mid-gate assembly is shown in further detail.
  • the mid-gate 40 is seated upon a liner 42 which is inserted into and rests upon the deck of the forward portion of the bed B at a point intermediate with the front and rear walls of the pickup truck T.
  • the liner 42 may be constructed of any desired material but preferably is a molded plastic material such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or the like as is illustrated at 44 in FIGURE 4A.
  • the liner 42 is formed with a recess 46 therein into which the lower end 48 of the mid-gate 40 is inserted when the mid-gate is in place as is shown in FIGURE 2.
  • the lower surface 50 of the liner is disposed above the bottom 52 of the bed of the pickup truck. The disposition of the liner 42 above the bottom 52 of the bed of the pickup truck defines a protected space.
  • the mid-gate 40 is held in place by a pair of latches 54 and 56 which engage a retention mechanism 58 (only one of which is shown in FIGURES 3 and 3A) attached to the inner surface of the truck bed B as is illustrated.
  • the mid-gate 40 includes a side wall 60 surrounded by a flange 62.
  • the latch 54 is affixed to the side wall 60.
  • the flange is fitted within an opening 64 defined by the retention mechanism 58 when the mid-gate is inserted into the recess 46 and then rotated forwardly as is illustrated by the arrows 66 .
  • the latches 54 and 56 are inserted into the retention mechanism 58 to thus retain the mid-gate 40 in a securely locked position.
  • the mid-gate 40 may be utilized with any of the collapsible retractable covers disclosed in the prior art. This utilization may be accomplished by placing the mid-gate at the terminus of the cover when it is in its stowed position providing a secure space at the forward end of the truck bed to receive various types of materials or objects such as tools, clothing, food or the like while still leaving the aft portion of the truck bed open and available for carrying other loads which do not need to be secured or which may be damaged by weather or environmental conditions.
  • the mid-gate 40 is utilized with a type of cover illustrated in FIGURE 1 which has the fore and aft hard shell portions 6 and 14, respectively, within which the collapsible portion of the cover is received when the cover is in its collapsed and stowed position.
  • a hard shell cover which when fitted together seals and which, along with the mid-gate 40 secured in place, provides a well defined secured space.
  • the saddle 70 includes an upstanding wall 72 defining an opening 74 wherein.
  • a pair of inwardly directed legs 76 and 78 are connected to the wall 72.
  • the lower surfaces of the legs 76 and 78 are affixed to a glider casing such as shown in FIGURE 6 by welding or the like within which in turn is received a glider such as illustrated in FIGURE 5.
  • the ribs 8 are affixed to the saddle member 70 by appropriate fastening devices which pass through the orifice 74 to thereby secure the ribs and the flexible top 9 thereto.
  • the latch 17 includes an L-shaped bracket 80 and a spring steel strip 82 as well as the latch 84.
  • the bracket 80 along with the latch and strip 82 are appropriately secured to the aft shell 14 by appropriate fasteners.
  • the latch mechanism 84 is then utilized to secure the cover C in its extended or retracted positions by appropriate engagement with the bed B of the truck T to maintain the cover securely in either the retracted or the stowed position.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

Couverture démontable (C) du type voilure pour le plateau arrière (B) d'une camionnette (T). La couverture (C) comporte des cadres rigides (6, 14) à l'avant et à l'arrière, entre lesquels se trouve une bâche souple (9) soutenue par des baleines (8). Le cadre arrière (14) et les baleines (8) sont montés pour glisser sur une paire de rails (2) montés sur les bords longitudinaux supérieurs du plateau de la camionnette. On peut installer détachablement une paroi intermédiaire de sécurité (40) à peu près au milieu du plateau de sorte qu'elle s'étende à partir de la partie arrière du cadre rigide arrière (14) jusqu'au fond du plateau pour former un espace abrité lorsque la bâche souple (9) se trouve dans sa position démontée ou rentrée. des loquets de verrouillage (17) appropriés servent à fixer la bâche soit dans sa position ouverte soit dans sa position démontée.
EP19910902642 1989-12-22 1990-12-06 Collapsible cover having mid-gate for pickup truck Withdrawn EP0506864A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US45570089A 1989-12-22 1989-12-22
US455700 1989-12-22

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0506864A1 EP0506864A1 (fr) 1992-10-07
EP0506864A4 true EP0506864A4 (en) 1993-05-12

Family

ID=23809920

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910902642 Withdrawn EP0506864A4 (en) 1989-12-22 1990-12-06 Collapsible cover having mid-gate for pickup truck

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0506864A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU7168291A (fr)
CA (1) CA2071977A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1991009751A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5531497A (en) * 1993-05-10 1996-07-02 Cheng; John C. Two-position collapsible canopy assembly that attaches to a pickup truck
GB2323337B (en) * 1997-03-17 2000-11-22 Rover Group A vehicle
BR8002205U (pt) * 2000-03-31 2002-07-02 Rubens Fernando Soldatelli Capota tubular para picapes
US10391617B1 (en) 2015-03-05 2019-08-27 Mark Lloyd Canopy removal and storage systems and methods
US11925589B2 (en) 2019-10-24 2024-03-12 Oshkosh Corporation Litter lift system
US11712381B2 (en) * 2019-10-24 2023-08-01 Oshkosh Corporation Military vehicle with reconfigurable compartment
CN110901508A (zh) * 2019-11-30 2020-03-24 江苏永迈汽车科技有限公司 一种电动折叠式汽车后货箱盖

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4188058A (en) * 1978-04-10 1980-02-12 Kuntzi David M Self draining truck bed floorings
US4252363A (en) * 1979-04-12 1981-02-24 Wilbrod Rodrigue Foldaway canopy for flatbed truck
US4397497A (en) * 1980-10-02 1983-08-09 Alonzo Jr George J Expandable camper body
US4659136A (en) * 1984-04-13 1987-04-21 Martin John W Collapsible enclosure apparatus
US4648649A (en) * 1985-05-30 1987-03-10 Beal James L Camper-truck assembly and mounting hardware
US4789196A (en) * 1986-09-02 1988-12-06 Transmatic, Incorporated Convertible top for pick-up trucks
US4887947A (en) * 1987-03-19 1989-12-19 Bott John Anthony Cargo restraint system for pick-up truck bedliners

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0506864A1 (fr) 1992-10-07
CA2071977A1 (fr) 1991-06-23
AU7168291A (en) 1991-07-24
WO1991009751A1 (fr) 1991-07-11

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