GB2256621A

GB2256621A - Sliding roof/cover.

Info

Publication number: GB2256621A
Application number: GB9112492A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Smith; David Eastlake
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-06-11
Filing date: 1991-06-11
Publication date: 1992-12-16
Also published as: GB9112492D0

Abstract

A folding roof for a road vehicle, storage vessel, or swimming pool comprises a pvc sheet supported on wheeled members which slide on tracks provided in a gutter member at each side of the vehicle. The roof sheet is provided with pockets which contain polypropylene leaf springs, the springs ensuring that the roof sheet folds between the wheeled members when the roof is open.

Description

"SLIDING ROOF/COVER" This invention relates to a sliding self folding cover.

Covers are often required for open top commercial vehicles, swimming pools and storage vessels so as clear access can be provided when required. On certain commercial vehicle bodies roof access is necessary for loading and unloading with the use of overhead lifting equipment. Extra high goods can be accommodated and transported with a sliding roof left in the open position. Ease and speed in operation is essential and a self folding system desirable.

This type of roof is available but in general they are expensive to manufacture and are heavy in construction and so reducing commercial vehicle payload.

According to the present invention there is a cover provided comprising of a PVC roof sheet secured at intervals to sliding wheeled carriages. To open the roof the locking device is released and the roof pushed manually to the open position. Self folding of the roof sheet between the support carriages is obtained with the use of pre-set polypropolene springs secured at intervals in pockets to the roof sheet.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the roof in the closed position.

Figure 2 shows the roof in the open position.

Figure 3 shows the wheeled roof supports and water drainage gutter.

Figure 4 shows the polypropolene spring.

Referring to the drawing of the cover/roof, this comprises of a roof sheet 2 attached to sliding steel roof ribs 1 which operate in two full length tracks 7 supported in a gutter section 6.

From Figure 1 showing the roof in the closed position, pockets 4 are fitted at intervals across the sheet 2 and between the sliding roof ribs 1. The roof sheet 2 is permanently fitted to the front of the body 8 and at equal distances along the length to the sliding roof ribs 1. The rear end has a panel 3 of sufficient depth as to prevent the rear panel twisting in the gutters when being opened. The rear panel 3 is locked in the closed position by a mechanism in the vehicle bodywork.

On releasing the locking mechanism the roof can be pushed forward to the open position Figure 2. The roof ribs 1 are fitted with two wheels each side 5 to prevent the roof rib rotating. The axle 12 is free-running in the roof rib so as to prevent jamming and to allow for movement of the vehicle bodywork. Any water passing the roof seal will be collected in the gutter 6 and drained through the drain 13 into front and rear corner pillars.

Automatic folding of the roof is accomplished with the use of polypropolene springs Figure 4. These are constructed with the use of two pieces of polypropolene of similar thickness and length Figures 10 and 11. One of the polypropolene leaves is quarter the width of the other and the spring 14 is constructed with the narrow leaf centrally placed on the wide leaf. The spring then riveted together 9 to a pre-determined radius.

The spring 14 is then fitted to the pockets 4 in the roof sheet. All springs are fitted so as to lift in the same direction.

Claims

1. A sliding roof is constructed on an existing road vehicle or storage vessel, and supported by the front, rear and sides of the road vehicle or storage vessel, the roof is supported on a load bearing sliding framework manufactured in a number of separate sliding units on which the roof sheet is fixed at equal intervals.

2. The roof according to Claim 1 slides on side channels that are fitted on opposite sides of the road vehicle or storage vessel and run parallel to each other as a pair.

3. The roof according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the framework running on the side channels supporting the roof is constructed with a self folding facility that is accomplished with the use of polypropolene springs.

4. The roof according to Claims 1, 2 and 3 is stretched tight in the closed position with use of a mechanical locking mechanism each side at the rear.

5. The roof according to any preceeding claims has a drain routed along the two opposite sides to collect any water that leaks past the roof seal, this drain will clear through conveniently placed pies.

6. The roof according to any one of the preceding Claims having tension released from the mechanical locking devices can be pushed into the open position, the sheet self folding with assistance from the polypropolene springs.

7. According the Claim 6 the polypropolene springs are constructed to a pre-set radius and are held in position in the roof sheet with use of pockets.

8. The roof according to Claims 1, 2 and 3 is constructed with a sliding rear panel of sufficient dimension so as to prevent twisting in operation.

9. The roof substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawings.