GB2494750A

GB2494750A - Raising roofs for vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2494750A
Application number: GB1212670.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wayne Pendlebury
Original assignee: HILO ROOF Co Ltd
Current assignee: HILO ROOF Co Ltd
Priority date: 2012-07-17
Filing date: 2012-07-17
Publication date: 2013-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-17
Also published as: GB201212670D0; GB2494750B

Abstract

A raising roof system (12, Figure 5) for a vehicle (10, Figure 5) comprising a frame 56 affixable to the periphery of an aperture 58 in the vehicle's roof. A raising roof 14 moveable between a lowered position and a raised position having un upper surface 22 and a periphery 26 arranged to seat against the frame 56 when in the lowered position and a scissor-lift mechanism 18 interposed between the frame 56 and the raising roof (12). The frame 56 comprises set of load bearing beams interconnected to form a shape corresponding to the shape of the aperture 58 in the vehicle's roof. Each beam 56 comprising a first substantially horizontal portion 56 whose lower surface seats, in use, against a portion of the vehicle's roof 46 surrounding the aperture 58 therein and a second portion 58 extending downwardly, in use, through the aperture 58 and into the interior of the vehicle (10). The scissor-lift mechanism 18 is operatively connected to a second beam portion 60 of at least one of the beams such that the upper surface 22 of the raising roof (12) is substantially flush 52 with the vehicle's roof when the raising roof (12) is in the lowered position.

Description

Title: Raising roofs for vehicles

Description:

This invention relates to vehicle roofs, and in particular, to raising vehicle roofs.

A vehicle may be fitted with a raising roof to provide the convenience of the option of having greater internal headroom when parked and reduced vehicle height when the vehicle is in motion.

Many types of vehicles have raising roofs, such as camper vans (in which the increased headroom is required to enable occupants to stand within the vehicle and to provided additional interior space for a bed) and service vehicles (in which the occupants may need to stand to use bulky equipment when the vehicle is stationary).

There are many types of raising roof that are already available on the market, and these generally comprise in inverted box that sits atop the vehicle that can be raised or lowered as required. Known raising roofs have a certain minimum height to accommodate the raising/lowering mechanism, which increases the overall height of the vehicle -even with the raising roof in a lowered position. The reason for this is that the raising roof needs to be structurally connected to the vehicle and this is most easily achieved by connecting the raising/lowering mechanism of the raising roof to the vehicle's existing roof bar mounting points. As such, the raising/lowering mechanism mounted to the top of the vehicle and the inverted box of the raising roof covers the mechanism and has sidewalls that form a skirt to come down to meet, and form a seal with, the vehicle's roof. Such a configuration, even if made compact, necessarily raises the height of the vehicles roof, which has a number of significant disadvantages: Firstly, the height of the vehicle is increased, which increases its frontal area thereby significantly affecting the vehicle's aerodynamic drag coefficient, which is generally accepted to increase with the square of the vehicle's height. This causes the vehicle's road handling and fuel economy to adversely affected. Secondly, vehicles fitted with known raising roofs often encounter difficulties driving in height-restricted areas, such as multi-storey car parks, which can mean that it is difficult to use a vehicle fitted with a raising roof as an everyday vehicle. Thirdly, the raising roof can have an unpleasing aesthetic appearance, which can have an adverse effect on the desirability of a vehicle fitted with a raising roof and may reduce its value.

A need therefore arises for an alternative and/or improved type of raising roof system for vehicles, and it is an object of the invention to provide such an alternative and/or improved raising roof system and/or to solve one or more of the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a raising roof system for a vehicle comprising a frame affixable, in use, to the periphery of an aperture in the vehicle's roof) a raising roof moveable between a lowered position and a raised position having un upper surface and a periphery arranged to seat against the frame when in the lowered position, and a raising/lowering mechanism interposed between the frame and the raising roof, wherein the frame comprises set of load-bearing beams interconnected to form a shape corresponding to the shape of the aperture in the vehicle's roof, each beam comprising a first substantially horizontal portion whose lower surface seats, in use, against a portion of the vehicle's roof surrounding the aperture therein and a second portion extending downwardly, in use, through the aperture and into the interior of the vehicle, and wherein the raising/lowering mechanism is operatively connected to a second beam portion of at least one of the beams such that the upper surface of the raising roof is substantially flush with the vehicle's roof when the raising roof is in the lowered position.

A second aspect of the invention provides a vehicle fitted with a raising roof system, the raising roof system comprising a frame affixable, in use, to the periphery of an aperture in the vehicle's roof, a raising roof moveable between a lowered position and a raised position having un upper surface and a periphery arranged to seat against the frame when in the lowered position, and a raising/lowering mechanism interposed between the frame and the raising roof, wherein the frame comprises set of load-bearing beams interconnected to form a shape corresponding to the shape of the aperture in the vehicle2s roof, each beam comprising a first substantially horizontal portion whose lower surface seats, in use, against a portion of the vehicle's roof surrounding the aperture therein and a second portion extending downwardly, in use, through the aperture and into the interior of the vehicle, and wherein the raising/lowering mechanism is operatively connected to a second beam portion of at least one of the beams such that the upper surface of the raising roof is substantially flush with the vehicle's roof when the raising roof is in the lowered position.

A third aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for converting a vehicle to a vehicle with a raising roof, the kit of parts comprising: a frame affixable, in use, to the periphery of an aperture in the vehicle's roof, a raising roof moveable between a lowered position and a raised position having un upper surface and a periphery arranged to seat against the frame when in the lowered position, and a raising/lowering mechanism interposed between the frame and the raising roof, wherein the frame comprises set of load-bearing beams interconnected to form a shape corresponding to the shape of the aperture in the vehicle's roof, each beam comprising a first substantially horizontal portion whose lower surface seats, in use, against a portion of the vehicle's roof surrounding the aperture therein and a second portion extending downwardly, in use, through the aperture and into the interior of the vehicle, and wherein the raising/lowering mechanism is operatively connected to a second beam portion of at least one of the beams such that the upper surface of the raising roof is substantially flush with the vehicle's roof when the raising roof is in the lowered position.

By providing a frame having a portion that extends into the vehicle's interior to which the raising/lowering mechanism is affixed, the raising/lowering mechanism is lowered and brought inside the vehicle (when the roof is in a lowered position), rather than being sited on top of the vehicle, which enables the raising roof to lie substantially flush with the vehicle's roof when lowered.

This feature of the invention can alleviate and/or solve many of the problems associated with known types of raising roofs for vehicles, in particular, the vehicle's overall height, its aerodynamics, appearance and usability.

The raising roof is preferably manufactured from a lightweight material, such as glass-or carbon fibre-reinforced plastic for rigidity, ease of manufacture, resistance to degradation by the elements and to reduce its weight, which can improve the vehicle's fuel economy to which it is fitted. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the raising roof is manufactured from a GRP moulding having an outer and an inner skin with a honeycomb or foam material interposed between the skins to provide thermal and/or acoustic insulation, and to increase the rigidity of the raising roof and hence its resistance to deformation under wind loading.

The periphery of the raising roof is preferably provided with a weather tight seal, such as a compressible foam or rubber strip that seats against the frame to keep rainwater and wind out of the interior of the vehicle.

The first, substantially horizontal portion of the structural beams of the frame are preferably provided with drainage channels to drain rainwater away from the interior of the vehicle. The beams may comprise drainage holes to allow collected rainwater to drain out of the frame, which drainage holes, where provided, may be connected to drainage tubes that can be routed through the vehicle, for example through the vehicle's roof pillars, to drain below the vehicle or via the vehicle's wheel arches. Most preferably, a drainage hole is provided at each of the corners of the frame to that the frame can drain regardless of the orientation of the vehicle, for example, if it is parked on an incline.

The raising/lowering mechanism preferably comprises a scissor-lift mechanism. The scissor lift mechanism is preferably designed to include an over-centering position that serves to lock the roof in the raised and/or lowered position. The raising/lowering mechanism may be configured to cause the raising roof to rise horizontally, or to raise and tilt (or vice-versa) so that the internal head room of the vehicle, when the raising roof is raised, is higher towards the front, rear or either side of the vehicle, as desired. The raising/lowering mechanism may be provided with a lift assist device, such as a gas-strut, or spring, to reduce the effort required to raise the roof.

The load-bearing beams may additionally comprise an additional, substantially horizontally extending flange portion extending from the second portion to which the raising/lowering mechanism may be connected. The additional, substantially horizontally extending flange portion may provide a lip for supporting a bed support surface within the interior of the vehicle.

The first substantially horizontal portion of the structural beams may be affixed to the vehicle using an adhesive, a sealant and/or mechanical fasteners, such as screws, nuts and bolts and/or rivets. The structural frame may therefore replace the strength of the roof, which may otherwise be reduced by cutting the aperture out of it. The structural frame may also provide strength to protect occupants of the vehicle in a roll-over situation.

The raising roof is preferably lockable in the lowered position by one or more catches or locking members. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a lock-down member is provided at each corner of the roof, and may comprise a removable hand-locking bolt that can be concealed, for example, behind a windscreen sun visor, or behind a flap in the headlining of the vehicle. Preferably, at least one of the locking members is secured by a key-or remotely-operated lock, most preferably integrated into the vehicle's central locking system so that the roof cannot be inadvertently raised.

An embodiment of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic partial side view of an embodiment of a vehicle fitted with a raising roof in accordance with the invention, the raising roof being in a lowered position; Figure 2 is a schematic partial side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 with the raising roof in a raised position; Figure 3 is a schematic partial cross-section of known raising roof; Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-section of a raising roof system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the frame and raising/lowering mechanism for the roof shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4.

In Figures 1, 2 and 4, a vehicle 10, in the illustrated example, a Volkswagen T4 Transporter RTM van, is fitted with a raising roof system 12 in accordance with the invention. The raising roof system 12 comprises a moulded GRP raising roof 14 mounted to a structural support frame 16 by a scissor-lift mechanism 18 that allows the raising roof 14 to be raised, as shown in Figure 2 or lowered, as shown in Figure 1. A gas strut 20 is associated with each scissor-lift mechanism 18 to facilitate raising and lowering the roof 14 in a controlled manner.

It will be apparent, from Figure 1 in particular, that when the roof 14 is in a lowered position, the upper surface 22 of the raising roof is approximately flush with an edge 24 of the existing roof of the vehicle 10, which makes the raising roof almost invisible when viewed from the side, and keeps its overall height as low as possible, thereby substantially maintaining the aesthetic and aerodynamics of the original van 10.

As can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the raising roof 14 is made from a two-skin GRP moulding having a generally planar upper surface 22 and a downwardly-extending lip 26 terminating in a resiliently deformable sealing strip 28 that seats against the frame 16 to form a weather tight seal when the roof 14 is lowered. The leading edge 30 of the raising roof 14 tapers to a thin edge that blends with the curve of the A pillar 34 -roof intersection of the van 10 to form a pleasing visual and streamlined join between the roof 14 and the van 10. The trailing edge 36 is similarly blended to match the shape of the van 10.

The scissor lift mechanism 18 comprises a pair of hinged arms 38 which cooperate to constrain the roof 14 to raise and lower following an arcuate locus so that in the lowered position it seats flat against the frame 16, but when in the raised position that is tilted with the leading edge 30 adopting a higher position than the trailing edge 36. The scissor-lift mechanism 18 is designed to have an "over-centre" position corresponding to the raised position so that that raising roof 14 can be locked in a raised position by the mechanism 18 and the gas struts 20 working together.

As can be seen in Figure 2, a fabric enclosure 38 is attached to the underside of the raising roof 14 and to the frame 16 to form an enclosed space under the roof. The fabric enclosure 38 comprises one or more window panels 40 of conventional design, which may be provided with opaque panels serving as curtains, transparent panels serving as windows and/or mesh panels serving as insect nets. The panels, where provided, may be detachable by way of zip fasteners or hook and loop type fasteners to enable the curtains/windows/insect screens to be opened or closed as desired. To facilitate closing the raising roof 14, the fabric enclosure is provided with elasticated straps that span the width of the roof 14 and which attach to the fabric at various points 42. The elasticated straps (not visible) pull inwardly on the fabric enclosure 38 to cause it to collapse inwardly as the raising roof 14 is lowered, thereby preventing the fabric from jamming or becoming pinched in the scissor-lift mechanism 18 or between other moving parts.

The main difference between the invention and known raising roof systems can be seen by comparing Figures 3 and 4. In the known system of Figure 3, the raising/lowering mechanism 18, 20 is connected to the vehicle roof 24 via the roof bar mounting points 44 that are located within a channel 46 running the length of the vehicle 10. The raising/lowering mechanism 18, 20 and toe raising roof 14 therefore sits atop the vehicle 10 and the raising roof 14 thus comprises a skirt that extends down to enclose the mechanism 18, 20 when the raising roof 14 is lowered. As can be seen, the upper surface 22 of the known raising roof 14 is elevated 50 above the level 52 of the vehicle's existing roof with the drawbacks described above.

The invention, by contrast, and as shown in Figure 4, comprises a frame 16 formed from a number of structural beams 54, each beam 54 having an outwardly directed flange 56 portion that sits on the roof bar mounting points 44 and which is mechanically joined and sealed thereto by a bead of sealant/adhesive on its underside, and optionally by rivets, screws or bolts (not shown). The structural beams 54 each have a downwardly extending portion 57 that drops down through an aperture 58 cut into to the vehicle's roof 10 to which the raising/lowering mechanism 18, 20 is hingedly connected by devises, bolts or other suitable connectors (not shown). As such, the raising/lowering mechanism 18, 20 is located inboard of the vehicle, that is, mostly or entirely at a level below that 52 of the vehicle's existing roof. Accordingly, the raising roof 14 only has a small $ edge hp portion 26 to provide a location for a sealing strip 28 as previously described. The edge of the raising roof could project beyond the frame 16 and terminate in a lip with an edge seal that seats against the existing roof of the vehicle 10 or in the rain channel 46.

The frame 16, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 also comprises an inwardly directed flange portion 60 which provides a convenient structural lip for supporting a bed support surface 62 upon which a mattress (not shown) can be placed for occupants to sleep on, or upon which luggage can be stored when the roof is raised. The bed support surface 62 is preferably comprised of a number of pieces 64 that can be moved independently so that the bed support surface can be raised or lowered to facilitate walking around inside the vehicle 10 when the bed is not in use. Preferably, the bed support prices 64 are hingedly interconnected and provided with one or more gas strut lift assists (not shown) to enable the bed support surface to be easily moved between a cranked up or lowered flat position, as desired. The bed support surface 62 is preferably free-floating on the lip 60 to enable it to be slid along the length of the vehicle, as desired.

Affixed to the underside of the inwardly directed flange portion 60 of the frame 16 is an elongate support channel 66 for supporting a sliding headlining panel 68 that can be slid forwards to hide the raising roof when the vehicle is in motion, or backwards underneath the bed support surface 62 when the roof is raised to enable occupants of the vehicle 10 to move freely around within the vehicle.

As can be seen in FigureS, the raising roof 12 of the invention can be relatively easily fitted to a vehicle 10 and can be provided in kit form. To install the raising roof, an aperture 58 is cut into the roof of the vehicle 10 whose dimensions match those of the structural frame 16. The frame 16 can then be lowered into position within the aperture and glued/screwed in place. The raising roof 14 can then be connected to the raising/lowering mechanism 18, 20 and the fabric enclosure 38 affixed between the roof 14 and the frame 16 to complete the job. The vehicle 10 can then be fitted out with appropriate seating, head linings and other fittings as desired.

In FigureS it can be seen that the corners of the frame 16 are provided with drainage holes that connect to flexible drainage pipes 72 that can be threaded through the vehicle's pillars 34, 74 to conveniently drain collected/shed rainwater below the vehicle 10.

Finally, the scissor-lift mechanism 18 and gas struts 20 could be installed at the ends of the frame, rather than on its sides (as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 5) so that the roof 14 tilts sideways as it is raised, which may be useful in certain situations.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments, which are merely exemplary of the invention. For example, different shapes or configurations may be adopted or different materials of manufacture employed, or certain features omitted without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims: 1. A raising roof system for a vehicle comprising a frame affixable, in use, to the periphery of an aperture in the vehicle's roof, a raising roof moveable between a lowered position and a raised position having un upper surface and a periphery arranged to seat against the frame when in the lowered position, and a raising/lowering mechanism interposed between the frame and the raising roof, wherein the frame comprises set of load-bearing beams interconnected to form a shape corresponding to the shape of the aperture in the vehicle's roof, each beam comprising a first substantially horizontal portion whose lower surface seats, in use, against a portion of the vehicle's roof surrounding the aperture therein and a second portion extending downwardly, in use, through the aperture and into the interior of the vehicle, and wherein the raising/lowering mechanism is operatively connected to a second beam portion of at least one of the beams such that the upper surface of the raising roof is substantially flush with the vehicle's roof when the raising roof is in the lowered position.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A vehicle fitted with a raising roof system according to claim 1.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A kit of parts for converting a vehicle to a vehicle with a raising roof, the kit of parts comprising a raising roof system according to claim 1.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the raising roof is manufactured from a lightweight material.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lightweight material comprises glass-or carbon fibre-reinforced plastic.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the raising roof comprises a moulding having an outer and an inner skin with a honeycomb or foam material interposed between the skins.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a periphery of the raising roof comprises a seal that seats against the frame.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a periphery of the raising roof projects past an edge of the frame and which comprises a seal that seats against the roof of the vehicle or a rain channel of the roof of the vehicle.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises drainage channels or apertures.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the drainage channels or apertures are connected to drainage tubes routed through the vehicle to drain collected rainwater beneath the vehicle.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the raising/lowering mechanism comprises a scissor-lift mechanism.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 11, wherein the scissor lift mechanism is designed to include an over-centering position that serves to lock the roof in the raised and/or lowered position.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the raising/lowering mechanism further comprises a lift assist device.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lift-assist device comprises a gas-strut or spring.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the load-bearing beams additionally comprise an additional, substantially horizontally extending flange portion extending from the second portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 15, wherein the raising/lowering mechanism is connected to the substantially horizontally extending flange portion 17. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the first substantially horizontal portion of the structural beams is affixed to the vehicle using an adhesive, a sealant and/or mechanical fasteners.18. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the raising roof is lockable in the lowered position by one or more catches or locking members.19. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 18, wherein a catch or locking member is provided at each corner of the roof.20. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the locking member comprises a removable hand-locking bolt.21. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any of claims 18, 19 or 20, wherein at least one of the locking members is secured by a key-or remotely-operated lock.22. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, when the raising roof is in a lowered position, its upper surface is approximately flush with an edge of the existing roof of the vehicle.23. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein any one or more of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the raising roof tapers to blend with the shape of a vehicle to which the raising roof is affixed.24. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a fabric enclosure attached to the underside of the raising roof and to the frame to form an enclosed space under the roof.25. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 24, wherein the fabric enclosure comprises one or more window panels.26. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 25, wherein the window panels comprise any one or more of the group comprising an opaque panel, a transparent panel and a mesh panel.27. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any of claims 24, 25 or 26, wherein the fabric enclosure comprises one or more elasticated straps spanning the length and/or width of the roof and which attach to the fabric enclosure at various points to pull the fabric enclosure inwardly to cause it to collapse inwardly as the raising roof is lowered.28. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame additionally comprises an inwardly directed flange portion providing a structural hp.29. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 28, wherein the structural lip supports a bed support surface.30. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 29, wherein the bed support surface comprises of a number of independently moveable pieces.31. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 30, wherein the independently moveable pieces are hingedly interconnected to enable the bed support surface to be moved between a cranked-up or lowered-flat position.32. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 31, wherein the bed support surface is provided with one or more gas struts or lift assists.33. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any of claims 29 to 32, wherein the bed support surface is free-floating on the lip.34. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a support channel located underneath the frame.35. A raising roof system, a vehicle or a kit as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a sliding headlining panel located in the support channel.36. A method of fitting a raising roof system or a kit according to any preceding claim to a vehicle, comprising the steps of cutting an aperture in the roof of the vehicle having dimensions corresponding to those of the structural frame, lowering the frame into position within the aperture and gluing and/or screwing the frame to the periphery of the aperture, connecting the raising roof to the raising/lowering mechanism and affixing a fabric enclosure to the raising roof and the frame.37. A raising roof system, a vehicle, kit or method substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 1, 2,4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS FILED AS FOLLOWSClaims: 1. A raising roof system for a vehicle comprising a frame affixable, in use, to the periphery of an aperture in the vehicle's roof, a raising roof moveable between a lowered position and a raised position having un upper surface and a periphery arranged to seat against the frame when in the lowered position, and a scissor-lift mechanism interposed between the frame and the raising roof, wherein the frame comprises set of load-bearing beams interconnected to form a shape corresponding to the shape of the aperture in the vehicle's roof, each beam comprising a first substantially horizontal portion whose lower surface seats, in use, against a portion of the vehicle's roof surrounding the aperture therein and a second portion extending downwardly, in use, through the aperture and into the interior of the vehicle, and wherein the scissor-lift mechanism is operatively connected to a second beam portion of at least one of the beams such that the upper surface of the raising roof is substantially flush with the 1" vehicle's roof when the raising roof is in the lowered position.I_C)
2. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the raising roof is manufactured from a lightweight material.
3. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lightweight material comprises glass-or carbon fibre-reinforced plastic.
4. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the raising roof comprises a moulding having an outer and an inner skin with a honeycomb or foam material interposed between the skins.
5. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a periphery of the raising roof comprises a seal that seats against the frame.
6. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a periphery of the raising roof projects past an edge of the frame and which comprises a seal that seats against the roof of the vehicle or a rain channel of the roof of the vehicle.
7. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises drainage channels or apertures.
8. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the drainage channels or apertures are connected to drainage tubes routed through the vehicle to drain collected rainwater beneath the vehicle.
9. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the scissor lift mechanism is designed to include an over-centering position that serves to lock the roof in the raised and/or lowered position.
10. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the scissor-lift mechanism further comprises a lift assist device.
11. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lift-assist device comprises a gas-strut or spring.
12. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the load-bearing beams additionally comprise an additional, substantially horizontally extending flange portion extending from the second portion.
13. A raising roof system claimed in claim 12, wherein the scissor-lift mechanism is connected to the substantially horizontally extending flange portion
14. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the first substantially horizontal portion of the structural beams is affixed to the vehicle using an adhesive, a sealant and/or mechanical fasteners.
15. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the raising roof is lockable in the lowered position by one or more catches or locking members.
16. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 15, wherein a catch or locking member is provided at each corner of the roof.
17. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the locking member comprises a removable hand-locking bolt.
18. A raising roof system as claimed in any of claims 15, 16 or 17, wherein at least one of the locking members is secured by a key-or remotely-operated lock.
19. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, when the raising roof is in a lowered position, its upper surface is approximately flush with an edge of the existing roof of the vehicle.
20. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein any one or more of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the raising roof tapers to blend with the shape of a vehicle to which the raising roof is affixed.
21. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a fabric enclosure attached to the underside of the raising roof and to the frame to form an enclosed space under the roof.
22. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fabric enclosure comprises one or more window panels.
23. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the window panels comprise any one or more of the group comprising an opaque panel, a transparent panel and a mesh panel.
24. A raising roof system as claimed in any of claims 21, 22 or 23, wherein the fabric enclosure comprises one or more elasticated straps spanning the length and/or width of the roof and which attach to the fabric enclosure at various points to pull the fabric enclosure inwardly to cause it to collapse inwardly as the raising roof is lowered.
25. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame additionally comprises an inwardly directed flange portion providing a structural lip.
26. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the structural lip supports a bed support surface.
27. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the bed support surface comprises of a number of independently moveable pieces.
28. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the independently moveable pieces are hingedly interconnected to enable the bed support surface to be moved between a cranked-up or lowered-flat position.
29. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 28, wherein the bed support surface is provided with one or more gas struts or lift assists.
30. A raising roof system as claimed in any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the bed support surface is free-floating on the lip.
31. A raising roof system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a support channel located underneath the frame.
32. A raising roof system as claimed in claim 31, further comprising a sliding headlining panel located in the support channel.
33. A method of fitting a raising roof system according to any preceding claim to a vehicle, comprising the steps of cutting an aperture in a roof of the vehicle having dimensions corresponding to those of the structural frame, lowering the frame into position within the LI) aperture and gluing and/or screwing the frame to the periphery of the aperture, connecting the raising roof to the scissor-lift mechanism and affixing a fabric enclosure to the raising roof and the frame.
34. A kit of parts for converting a vehicle to a vehicle with a raising roof, the kit of parts comprising a raising roof system according to any of claims 1 to 32.
35. A method of fitting a kit according to claim 34 to a vehicle, comprising the steps of cutting an aperture in a roof of the vehicle having dimensions corresponding to those of the structural frame, lowering the frame into position within the aperture and gluing and/or screwing the frame to the periphery of the aperture, connecting the raising roof to the scissor-lift mechanism and affixing a fabric enclosure to the raising roof and the frame.
36. A vehicle fitted with a raising roof system according to any of claims 1 to 33.
37. A raising roof system, a vehicle, kit or method substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 1, 2,4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings. (4 r (4LU</claim-text>