GB2554335A

GB2554335A - Improvements in and relating to vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2554335A
Application number: GB1608942.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Houghton Michael; Cruickshank Kevin
Original assignee: Parkhouse Country Estates Ltd
Current assignee: Parkhouse Country Estates Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-20
Filing date: 2016-05-20
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-20
Also published as: GB2554335B; GB201608942D0

Abstract

A vehicular roof assembly comprising a roof 102, an animal transporter vehicle body 104 and a lifting mechanism 106, the lifting mechanism operable to raise and lower the roof with respect to the vehicle body 104. In use, the lifting mechanism maintains relative height of a first point 108 on the roof and a second point on the roof 110, the second point spaced apart from the first point, and maintains relative height of a third point 108 on the roof and a fourth point 112 on the roof, the fourth point spaced apart from the third point, wherein the fourth point is spaced apart from the third point in a direction different from a direction in which the second point is spaced apart from the first point.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Improvements in and relating to vehicles Abstract Title: A hydraulic vehicular roof assembly (57) A vehicular roof assembly comprising a roof 102, an animal transporter vehicle body 104 and a lifting mechanism 106, the lifting mechanism operable to raise and lower the roof with respect to the vehicle body 104. In use, the lifting mechanism maintains relative height of a first point 108 on the roof and a second point on the roof 110, the second point spaced apart from the first point, and maintains relative height of a third point 108 on the roof and a fourth point 112 on the roof, the fourth point spaced apart from the third point, wherein the fourth point is spaced apart from the third point in a direction different from a direction in which the second point is spaced apart from the first point.

Figure 1

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Improvements in and relating to Vehicles

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicular roof assembly, and, in particular but not exclusively, a vehicular roof assembly for an animal transporter.

Background

The regulations for the maximum height of vehicles are different in different jurisdictions. This means that, in order to maximise transportation capacity, vehicles of different heights must be used in the different jurisdictions.

Trailers and other transporters for use in transporting livestock generally comprise a number of levels, each level having a platform to support the livestock. Such animal transporters enable livestock to be transported economically and efficiently. Transporters for transporting livestock may comprise an integrated cab plus transport area or comprise a trailer forming a livestock area to be towed behind a tractor unit.

The transport area may have at least one platform which is vertically moveable in order for the height of the level to be adjusted according to the type of goods being transported. In such conventional animal transporters, the space available for livestock transportation is limited by the distance between the floor and the roof.

It is an aim of the present invention to address at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicular roof assembly comprising a roof, a vehicle body and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism operable to raise and lower the roof with respect to the vehicle body, wherein, in use, the lifting mechanism maintains relative height of a first point on the roof and a second point on the roof, the second point spaced apart from the first point, and maintains relative height of a third point on the roof and a fourth point on the roof, the fourth point spaced apart from the third point, wherein the fourth point is spaced apart from the third point in a direction different from a direction in which the second point is spaced apart from the first point.

Such a vehicular roof assembly is advantageous, as it allows the height of the roof of the vehicle to be varied. This means that the same vehicle can be used in different jurisdictions, whilst maximising the capacity of the vehicle in each jurisdiction. Additionally, when used in an animal transporter having moveable platforms, such a vehicular roof assembly gives greater flexibility in the transport height available for each platform. The lifting mechanism maintaining the relative heights of the points of the roof ensures that the roof is kept level, and allows the lifting mechanism to function smoothly.

In one example, the lifting mechanism comprises a first actuator comprising a supporting the first point.

In an example, the lifting mechanism comprises a second actuator supporting the second point. Suitably the first and second actuators are synchronised. In one example the first actuator comprises a first piston that supports the first point. In one example the second actuator comprises a second piston that supports the second point. In one example the first and second actuators are synchronised so that the first and second pistons extend and retract at the same time and same rate as each other, to thereby maintain the relative height of the first point and the second point. Having such a pair of actuators reduces the need for additional components, as the actuators can perform both raising and the levelling of the roof.

In one example the first and second actuators comprise hydraulic actuators. Such an actuator is simple to use, and can easily provide the force required for raising the vehicle’s roof.

In an example, the first hydraulic actuator comprises a first annulus side and a first bore side, and the second hydraulic actuator comprises a second annulus side and a second bore side, wherein the first annulus side is in fluid communication with the second bore side, and a cross-sectional area of the first annulus side is substantially equal to a cross-sectional area of the second bore side, such that the first and second hydraulic actuators are synchronised. This provides an easy and highly accurate way of synchronising the actuators.

In an example, the first bore side comprises a first fluid port, and fluid flow into the first bore side through the first fluid port causes extension of the pistons and raising of the roof. In an example, the second annulus side comprises a second fluid port, and fluid flow into the second annulus side through the second fluid port causes retraction of the pistons and lowering of the roof.

In an example, the second point is spaced apart from the first point in a direction transverse to a length of the vehicle body. This means that the hydraulic actuators can keep the platform level in the direction transverse to the length of the vehicle body.

In an example, the first point is at a nearside front pillar of the vehicle body and the second point is at an offside front pillar of the vehicle body. Having the actuators at the pillars helps to maximise the transportation volume. Additionally, providing the maximum transverse separation of the actuators improves the levelling of the platform. In another example, the

In an example, the first point is at a nearside intermediate pillar of the vehicle body and the second point is at an offside intermediate pillar of the vehicle body. This is particularly advantageous in situations in which the vehicle body is longer, and positioning the hydraulic actuators at an intermediate point along the length of the vehicle body may reduce the load in the rods as described below.

In an example, the first point is at a nearside rear pillar of the vehicle body and the second point is at an offside rear pillar of the vehicle body. Positioning the actuators at the rear of the vehicle body may enable easy integration with other components such as a tail lift or ramp that is located there, as well as providing a suitable location to mount a control unit for use by an operator.

In an example, the lifting mechanism comprises a first transmission system operable in use to maintain the relative heights of the third point and the fourth point. In an example, the first transmission system comprises a first maintainer supporting the third point on the roof and a second maintainer supporting the fourth point on the roof, the first maintainer and the second maintainer operable in use to maintain the relative heights of the third point and fourth point. In an example, the first transmission system comprises a rod rotatably mounted to the vehicle body, and the maintainers comprises racks that engage gears connected to the rod, so that the rod rotates as the roof is raised or lowered, and the racks are operable to move with the roof, to thereby maintain the relative heights of the third point and fourth point. Such a transmission system provides a simple and low maintenance means for keeping the platform level.

In an example, the first transmission system comprises an intermediate maintainer to support the roof at intermediate points between the third and fourth points. In an example, the first transmission system comprises two intermediate maintainers to support the roof at intermediate points between the third and fourth points. Such intermediate maintainers provide structural support to the roof, which reduces stresses in the roof and means that the structure of the roof can be more lightweight. This in turn reduces the force which must be provided by the hydraulic actuators, and means that smaller and cheaper actuators can be used.

In an example, the first transmission system is provided along one of a nearside and offside of the vehicle body. In an example, the first transmission system is along a nearside of the vehicle body. Having the first transmission system at one of the sides helps to maximise the transportation volume.

In an example, the third point is at a nearside front pillar of the vehicle body and the fourth point is at a nearside rear pillar of the vehicle body. In an example, the intermediate point is at an intermediate pillar on the nearside of the vehicle body. It will be understood that, if the first transmission system is on the offside of the vehicle body, the intermediate point may be at an intermediate pillar on the offside of the vehicle body. The pillars of the vehicle body provide the best structural support to the roof, which means that the panels in between the pillars may be more lightweight.

In an example, the first point is at the same position as the third point, and the first piston is operable in use to drive the rack of the first maintainer to thereby raise the roof. This provides a more compact lifting mechanism.

In an example, the lifting mechanism comprises a second transmission system, the second transmission system operable in use to maintain relative heights of a fifth point on the roof and a sixth point on the roof, the sixth point spaced apart from the fifth point in a direction parallel to the direction in which the fourth point is spaced apart from the third point. It will be understood that the second transmission system may include all of the above-described features of the first transmission system, with respect to the fifth and sixth points rather than the third and fourth, and the offside rather than the nearside. The second transmission system provides additional levelling of the roof. Additionally, it provides further structural support to the roof, and the structure within the roof may be more lightweight as the roof is supported on both sides.

In an example, the second transmission system comprises a third maintainer supporting the fifth point and a fourth maintainer supporting the sixth point, wherein the second transmission system comprises a second rod rotatably mounted to the vehicle body, and the maintainers comprise racks that engage gears connected to the rod, so that the rod rotates as the roof is raised or lowered, and the racks move with the roof, to thereby maintain the relative heights of the fifth point and the sixth point.

In an example, the second point is at the same position as the fifth point, and the second piston is operable in use to drive the rack of the third maintainer to thereby raise the roof.

In an example, the fifth point is at an offside front pillar of the vehicle body and the sixth point is at an offside rear pillar of the vehicle body.

In an example, the roof comprises a series of vented panels, the vented panels extending from the roof to the vehicle body when the roof is raised above the vehicle body. The vented panels provide a physical barrier between the transportation volume and the outside of the vehicle, which helps to maintain the livestock within the vehicle. Having vents within the panels prevents suffocation of livestock which is transported on an upper platform of the vehicle.

In an example, the third point is at the same position as the first point, and the lifting mechanism comprises a first hydraulic actuator comprising a first piston, a rod rotatably mounted to the vehicle body, a first rack which supports the third point, the first rack engaging a first gear connected to the rod and a second rack which supports the fourth point, the second rack engaging a second gear connected to the rod, wherein the hydraulic actuator is operable in use to drive the first rack, and the first rack engages the first gear in use as the roof is raised or lowered to cause the rod to rotate and the second gear to engage the second rack, thereby raising or lowering the roof and maintaining the relative height of the third point and the fourth point.

In an example, the roof is substantially planar and horizontal. This helps to maximise the storage volume whilst keeping within the maximum height regulations.

In an example, the fourth point is spaced apart from the first point in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the second point is spaced apart from the first point.

According to the present invention in another aspect, there is provided a trailer comprising a vehicular roof assembly as described above.

According to the present invention in still another aspect, there is provided an animal transporter comprising a vehicular roof assembly as described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of an animal transporter with its roof in a raised position;

Figure 2 is a side view of an animal transporter with its roof in a lowered position;

Figure 3 is a side view of a nearside front pillar of an animal transporter;

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a front pillar of an animal transporter; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an intermediate pillar of an animal transporter.

Description of Example Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a side view of an animal transporter 100. The animal transporter 100 comprises a vehicular roof assembly, which includes a roof 102. The vehicular roof assembly further comprises a vehicle body 104 and a lifting mechanism 106. The roof 102 is planar and parallel to a vehicle floor 115.

The roof 102 comprises a first point 108. The first point 108 is at a nearside front pillar 109 of the vehicle body 104. The roof comprises a second point 110. The second point 110 is spaced apart from the first point 108 in a direction transverse to a length of the vehicle body 104. The second point 110 is at an offside front pillar (not shown) of the vehicle body 104.

The roof 102 comprises a third point 108. In this example, the third point 108 is at the same position as the first point 108. The roof 102 comprises a fourth point 112. The fourth point 112 is spaced apart from the third point 108 in a direction different from the direction in which the second point 110 is spaced apart from the first point 108. The fourth point 112 is at a nearside rear pillar 113 of the vehicle body 104. The fourth point 112 is spaced apart from the third point 108 in a direction parallel to the length of the vehicle body 104.

The roof 102 comprises a fifth point 110. In this example, the fifth point 110 is at the same position as the second point 110. The roof comprises a sixth point 114. The sixth point 114 is spaced apart from the fifth point 110 in a direction different from the direction in which the second point 110 is spaced apart from the first point 108. The sixth point 114 is spaced apart from the fifth point 110 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the fourth point 112 is spaced apart form the third point 108. The sixth point 114 is at an offside rear pillar of the vehicle body 104.

It will be appreciated that the first point 108, second point 110, third point 108, fourth point 112, fifth point 110 and sixth point 114 may be at different positions on the roof 102.

In use, the lifting mechanism 106 raises and lowers the roof 102 with respect to the vehicle body 104. The lifting mechanism 106 maintains relative height of the first point 108 and the second point 110. The lifting mechanism 106 maintains relative height of the third point 108 and fourth point 112. The lifting mechanism 106 maintains relative height of the fifth point 110 and the sixth point 114. The height is the distance from the vehicle floor 115. The operation of the lifting mechanism 106 is described in more detail below with respect to Figure 3 to Figure 6.

In Figure 1, the roof 102 is shown in a raised position, such that it is above the vehicle body 104. The roof comprises a series of vented panels 152. The vented panels 152 extend from the roof 102 to the vehicle body 104 when the roof 102 is in a raised position.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a side view of an animal transporter 100 with its roof 102 in a lowered position. In this position, the roof 102 is flush with the vehicle body 104 and the vented panels 152 are on the inside of the vehicle body 104. Consequently, the vented panels 152 are not shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a side view of a nearside front pillar 109 of an animal transporter 100. The nearside front pillar 109 comprises a first hydraulic actuator 116. The first hydraulic actuator 116 comprises a first piston 118. In other embodiments, other linear actuators, for example electronically energised actuators may be used. However, as described herein, hydraulic actuators have been designed in the example embodiments to provide effective synchronisation without the need for feedback control or other techniques requiring sensors etc.

In use, the first piston 118 supports the first point 108 on the roof 102. In this example, the first piston 118 supports the first point 108 via a rack 138 of the first transmission system 136, as described below with reference to Figure 5. When the first piston 118 extends, the roof 102 raises, and when the first piston 118 retracts, the roof 102 lowers.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a schematic drawing of a first hydraulic actuator 116 and a second hydraulic actuator 120. The second hydraulic actuator 120 comprises a second piston 122. The first hydraulic actuator 116 comprises a first annulus side 124 and a first bore side 126. The second hydraulic actuator 120 comprises a second annulus side 128 and a second bore side 130. The first annulus side 124 is in fluid communication with the second bore side 130. The cross-sectional area of the first annulus side 124 is equal to the cross-sectional area of the second bore side 130 at all points in the strokes of the first piston 118 and the second piston 122.

The first bore side 126 comprises a first fluid port 132. The second annulus side 128 comprises a second fluid port 134.

The first hydraulic actuator 116 and second hydraulic actuator 120 are synchronised so that, in use, the first piston 118 and the second piston 122 extend and retract at the same time and same rate as each other. This is achieved by the equal cross-sectional areas of the first annulus side 124 and the second bore side 130, as described above.

In use, when fluid flows into the first bore side 126 through the first fluid port 132, the first piston 118 extends. This displaces fluid from the first annulus side 124, with the displaced fluid flowing into the second bore side 130. This causes the second piston 122 to extend. Because of the equal cross-sectional areas (as described above), the first piston 118 and the second piston 122 extend by the same distance at the same rate.

When fluid flows into the second annulus side 128 through the second fluid port 134, the second piston 122 retracts. This displaces fluid from the second bore side 130, with the displaced fluid flowing into the first annulus side 124. This causes the first piston 118 to retract. Because of the equal cross-sectional areas (as described above), the first piston 118 and the second piston 122 retract by the same distance at the same rate.

The second piston 112 supports the second point 110 on the roof 102 (not shown in Figure 4). In this example, the second piston 112 supports the second point 110 on the roof 102 via a rack of the second transmission system (not shown in the figures). When the second piston 122 extends, the roof 102 rises, and when the second piston 122 retracts, the roof 102 lowers.

As the first piston 118 and the second piston 122 are synchronised, the relative height of the first point 108 and the second point 110 is maintained during raising and lowering of the roof 102.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a perspective view of a nearside front pillar 109 of an animal transporter 100. Figure 5 provides an illustration of a portion of a first transmission system 136 of the lifting mechanism 106. The first transmission system 136 is along the nearside of the vehicle body 104. It will be understood that the first transmission system 136 could be along the offside of the vehicle body 104.

The first transmission system 136 comprises a first maintainer 138, which supports the roof 102 at the third point 108. The first maintainer 138 is located within the nearside front pillar 109 of the vehicle body 104.

The first maintainer 138 is a first rack 138. The first rack 138 comprises a first series of teeth 139. The first series of teeth 139 faces inwardly, towards a longitudinal centreline of the vehicle body 104. The first rack 138 is mounted to the vehicle body 104 via bearings (not shown). The bearings allow the first rack 138 to move in the same directions as the roof 102. The first rack 138 is perpendicular to the plane of the roof 102.

The first transmission system 136 comprises a second maintainer 140 (not shown in Figure 5, but visible in Figure 1). The second maintainer 140 supports the roof 102 at the fourth point 112. The second maintainer 140 is located within the nearside rear pillar 113 of the vehicle body 104.

The second maintainer 140 is a second rack 140. The second rack 140 comprises a second series of teeth (not shown). The second series of teeth faces inwardly, towards a longitudinal centreline of the vehicle body 104. The second rack 140 is mounted to the vehicle body 104 via bearings (not shown). The bearings allow the second rack 140 to move in the same direction as the roof 102. The second rack 140 is perpendicular to the plane of the roof 102.

The first transmission system 136 comprises a first intermediate maintainer 142a (not shown in Figure 5, but visible in Figure 1, Figure 3 and Figure 6). The first intermediate maintainer 142a supports the roof 102 at a first intermediate point 144a. The first intermediate point 144a is located within a first intermediate pillar 146a of the vehicle body 104. The first intermediate point 144a, the third point 108 and the fourth point 112 are collinear. The distance between the first intermediate point 144a and the third point 108 is one third of the distance between the third point 108 and the fourth point 112.

The first intermediate maintainer 142a is a first intermediate rack 142a. The first intermediate rack 142a comprises a first intermediate series of teeth (not shown). The first intermediate series of teeth faces inwardly, towards a longitudinal centreline of the vehicle body 104. The first intermediate rack 142a is mounted to the vehicle body 104 via bearings (not shown). The bearings allow the first intermediate rack 142a to move in the same direction as the roof 102. The first intermediate rack 142a is perpendicular to the plane of the roof 102.

The first transmission 136 system comprises a second intermediate maintainer 142b (not shown in Figure 5, but visible in Figure 1 and Figure 3). The second intermediate maintainer 142b supports the roof 102 at a second intermediate point 144b. The second intermediate point 144b is located within a second intermediate pillar 144b of the vehicle body 104. The second intermediate point 144b, the third point 108 and the fourth point 112 are collinear. The distance between the second intermediate point 144a and the third point 108 is two thirds of the distance between the third point 108 and the fourth point 112.

The second intermediate maintainer 142b is a second intermediate rack 142b. The second intermediate rack 142b comprises a second intermediate series of teeth (not shown). The second intermediate series of teeth faces inwardly, towards a longitudinal centreline of the vehicle body 104. The second intermediate rack 142b is mounted to the vehicle body 104 via bearings (not shown). The bearings allow the second intermediate rack 142b to move in the same direction as the roof 102. The second intermediate rack 142b is perpendicular to the plane of the roof 102.

The first transmission system 136 comprises a rod 148. The rod 148 is rotatably mounted to the vehicle body 104. The rod 148 is mounted to the inside of the vehicle body 104. The rod 148 is at the top of the vehicle body 148, at the point on the vehicle body 104 furthest from the vehicle floor 115. The rod 148 extends along the nearside of the vehicle body 104. The rod 148 extends in a direction parallel to the length of the vehicle body 104. The rod 148 extends in a direction parallel to the roof 102. The rod 148 is perpendicular to the first rack 138, the second rack 140, the first intermediate rack 142a and the second intermediate rack 142b.

The rod 148 is mounted to the vehicle body 104 by a first bearing (not shown) at a point below the third point 108. The rod 148 is mounted to the vehicle body by a second bearing (not shown) at a point below the fourth point 112. The rod 148 is mounted to the vehicle body 104 by a first intermediate bearing (not shown) at a point below the first intermediate point 144a. The rod 148 is mounted to the vehicle body 104 by a second intermediate bearing (not shown) at a point below the second intermediate point 144b.

A first gear 150 is fixed to the rod 148. The first gear 150 engages the first rack 138. A second gear (not shown) is fixed to the rod 148. The second gear engages the second rack 140. A first intermediate gear 151 is fixed to the rod 148. The first intermediate gear 151 engages the first intermediate rack 142a. A second intermediate gear (not shown) is fixed to the rod 148. The second intermediate gear engages the second intermediate rack 142b.

In use, during raising of the roof 102 the first piston 118 extends. As the first piston 118 supports the first rack 138, the extension of the first piston 118 causes the first rack 138 to move in the same direction as the first piston 118. The first piston 118 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the roof and parallel to the first rack 138. The first rack 138 causes rotation of the rod 148 via its engagement with the first gear 150.

During lowering of the roof 102 the first piston 118 retracts. As the first piston 118 supports the first rack 138, the retraction of the first piston 118 causes the first rack 138 to move in the same direction as the first piston 118. The first piston 118 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the roof and parallel to the first rack 138. The first rack 138 causes rotation of the rod 148 via its engagement with the first gear 150.

Rotation of the rod causes the second rack 140 to move in the same direction as the first piston 118, because of the engagement between the second gear and the second rack 140. The second rack 140 moves the same distance as the first rack 138 at the same rate as the first rack 138. As the first rack 138 supports the third point 108 and the second rack 140 supports the fourth point 112, the relative height of the third point 108 and the fourth point 112 is maintained during raising and lowering of the roof 102.

Rotation of the rod causes the first intermediate rack 142a to move in the same direction as the first piston 118, because of the engagement between the first intermediate gear and the first intermediate rack 142a. The first intermediate rack 142a moves the same distance as the first rack 138 at the same rate as the first rack 138. As the first rack 138 supports the third point 108 and the first intermediate rack 142a supports the first intermediate point 144a, the relative height of the third point 108 and the first intermediate point 144a is maintained during raising of the roof 102.

Rotation of the rod causes the second intermediate rack 142b to move in the same direction as the first piston 118, because of the engagement between the second intermediate gear and the second intermediate rack 142b. The second intermediate rack 142b moves the same distance as the first rack 138 at the same rate as the first rack 138. As the first rack 138 supports the third point 108 and the second intermediate rack 142b supports the second intermediate point 144b, the relative height of the third point 108 and the second intermediate point 144b is maintained during raising of the roof 102.

The lifting means 106 comprises a second transmission system (not shown in the figures). The second transmission system is positioned along the offside of the vehicle body 104. The second transmission system includes all of the same features as the first transmission system 136, with only the differences described here.

The second piston 122 supports the first rack of the second transmission system. The first rack of the second transmission system is positioned at the fifth point 110. The second rack of the second transmission system is positioned at the sixth point 114. The intermediate racks of the second transmission system are positioned at the same points with respect to the fifth point 110 and the sixth point 114 as the intermediate racks 142a 142b of the first transmission system 136 are positioned with respect to the third point 108 and the fourth point 112.

In other examples, the hydraulic actuators 116 120 may be at a different positions within the vehicle body 104. The first point and the second point may be at intermediate points along the sides of the vehicle body. This is particularly advantageous in situations in which the vehicle body is longer, and positioning the hydraulic actuators at an intermediate point along the length of the vehicle body may reduce the load in the rods. In this situation, the rod may be replaced by two shorter rods, with a first rod extending to the front of the vehicle body and a second rod extending to the rear of the vehicle body. The hydraulic actuators may be at intermediate pillars on the vehicle body.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The 5 invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A vehicular roof assembly comprising a roof, a vehicle body and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism operable to raise and lower the roof with respect to the vehicle body, wherein, in use, the lifting mechanism maintains relative height of a first point on the roof and a second point on the roof, the second point spaced apart from the first point, and maintains relative height of a third point on the roof and a fourth point on the roof, the fourth point spaced apart from the third point, wherein the fourth point is spaced apart from the third point in a direction different from a direction in which the second point is spaced apart from the first point.

2. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 1, the lifting mechanism comprising a first actuator comprising a first piston, the first piston supporting the first point.

3. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 2, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises: a second actuator comprising a second piston, the second piston, supporting the second point, wherein the first and second actuators are synchronised so that, in use, the first and second pistons extend and retract at the same time and same rate as each other, to thereby maintain the relative height of the first point and the second point.

4. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 3, wherein the first actuator comprises a hydraulic actuator with a first annulus side and a first bore side, and the second actuator comprises a hydraulic actuator with a second annulus side and a second bore side, wherein the first annulus side is in fluid communication with the second bore side, and a crosssectional area of the first annulus side is substantially equal to a cross-sectional area of the second bore side, such that the first and second hydraulic actuators are synchronised.

5. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 4, wherein the first bore side comprises a first fluid port, and fluid flow into the first bore side through the first fluid port causes extension of the pistons and raising of the roof.

6. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 4 or 5, wherein the second annulus side comprises a second fluid port, and fluid flow into the second annulus side through the second fluid port causes retraction of the pistons and lowering of the roof.

7. The vehicular roof assembly of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the second point is spaced apart from the first point in a direction transverse to a length of the vehicle body.

8. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 7, wherein the first point is at a nearside front pillar of the vehicle body and the second point is at an offside front pillar of the vehicle body.

9. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 7, wherein the first point is at a nearside intermediate pillar of the vehicle body and the second point is at an offside intermediate pillar of the vehicle body.

10. The vehicular roof assembly of any preceding claim, the lifting mechanism comprising a first transmission system operable in use to maintain the relative heights of the third point and the fourth point.

11. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 10 wherein the first transmission system comprises a first maintainer supporting the third point and a second maintainer supporting the fourth point, the first maintainer and the second maintainer operable in use to maintain the relative heights of the third point and fourth point.

12. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 11 wherein the first transmission system comprises an intermediate maintainer to support the roof at an intermediate point between the third and fourth points.

13. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 11 or 12, wherein the first transmission system comprises a rod rotatably mounted to the vehicle body, and the maintainers comprise racks that engage gears connected to the rod, so that the rod rotates as the roof is raised or lowered, and the racks are operable in use to move with the roof, to thereby maintain the relative heights of the third point and fourth point.

14. The vehicular roof assembly of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first transmission system is provided along one of a nearside and offside of the vehicle body.

15. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 14, wherein the first transmission system is along a nearside of the vehicle body.

16. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 15, wherein the third point is at a nearside front pillar of the vehicle body and the fourth point is at a nearside rear pillar of the vehicle body.

17. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 16 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the intermediate point is at an intermediate pillar on the nearside of the vehicle body.

18. The vehicular roof assembly of any of claims 13 to 17 when dependent on claim

2, wherein the first point is at the same position as the third point, and the first piston is operable in use to drive the rack of the first maintainer to thereby raise the roof.

19. The vehicular roof assembly of any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a second transmission system, the second transmission system operable in use to maintain relative heights of a fifth point on the roof and a sixth point on the roof, the sixth point spaced apart from the fifth point in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the fourth point is spaced apart from the third point.

20. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 19, wherein the second transmission system comprises a third maintainer supporting the fifth point and a fourth maintainer supporting the sixth point, wherein the second transmission system comprises a second rod rotatably mounted to the vehicle body, and the maintainers comprise racks that engage gears connected to the rod, so that the rod rotates as the roof is raised or lowered, and the racks move with the roof, to thereby maintain the relative heights of the fifth point and the sixth point.

21. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 20 when dependent on claims 3 and 18, wherein the second point is at the same position as the fifth point, and the second piston is operable in use to drive the rack of the third maintainer to thereby raise the roof.

22. The vehicular roof assembly of any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the fifth point is at an offside front pillar of the vehicle body and the sixth point is at an offside rear pillar of the vehicle body.

23. The vehicular roof assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the roof comprises a series of vented panels, the vented panels extending from the roof to the vehicle body when the roof is raised above the vehicle body.

24. The vehicular roof assembly of claim 1, wherein the third point is at the same position as the first point, and the lifting mechanism comprises:

a first hydraulic actuator comprising a first piston; a rod rotatably mounted to the vehicle body;

a first rack which supports the third point, the first rack engaging a first gear connected to the rod; and a second rack which supports the fourth point, the second rack engaging a second gear connected to the rod, wherein the hydraulic actuator is operable in use to drive the first rack, and the first rack engages the first gear in use as the roof is raised or lowered to cause the rod to rotate and the

5 second gear to engage the second rack, thereby raising or lowering the roof and maintaining the relative height of the third point and the fourth point.

25. The vehicular roof assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the roof is substantially planar and horizontal.

26. A vehicular roof assembly as hereinbefore described by the accompanying figures.

27. A trailer comprising the vehicular roof assembly of any of the preceding claims.

28. An animal transporter comprising the roof assembly of any of the preceding claims.

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