GB2582308A - A raiseable roof system for a vehicle - Google Patents
A raiseable roof system for a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2582308A GB2582308A GB1903668.0A GB201903668A GB2582308A GB 2582308 A GB2582308 A GB 2582308A GB 201903668 A GB201903668 A GB 201903668A GB 2582308 A GB2582308 A GB 2582308A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- roof
- vehicle
- shell
- connection point
- roof shell
- 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.)
- Granted
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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
- B60J7/16—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 non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel
- B60J7/1628—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 non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering the passenger compartment
- B60J7/1635—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 non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering the passenger compartment of non-convertible vehicles
- B60J7/165—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 non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering the passenger compartment of non-convertible vehicles at least a major part of the roof being lifted on all corners
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A raiseable roof system is provided for a vehicle with an aperture having front and rear ends. The roof system has a roof shell 5 covering the aperture and an actuation mechanism for moving roof shell 5 between a lowered position covering the aperture and a raised position displaced from the aperture. The mechanism has an actuator 15, for example a gas strut, connectable at one end to roof shell 5 and at another end to the vehicle, with the roof shell connection point being forward the vehicle connection point. The mechanism also has a first rotatable strut 18, preferably a rigid strut of fixed length, to the rear of actuator 15, pivotally connectable to roof shell 5 at one end and to the vehicle at the other end, with the connection points being fixed. A second rotatable strut 18 may be connected to the vehicle near the vehicle connection point of actuator 15 and to roof shell 5 forward of the connection point of first strut 18.
Description
Raisable roof system for a vehicle Field of the invention This invention is applicable to a front or forward elevating raiseable roof system, with rear elevation commonly used on recreational vehicles or campervans.
Introduction
Raiseable roofs when fitted to a vehicle allow a greater amount of headroom and or the ability to create the additional space to place boards at the approximate standard roof height to create an additional compartment which may be used as a sleeping or storage area.
Front' or 'Forward' Elevating raiseable roofs with rear elevation already available consist of a concave roof shell structure or roof panel (105) which interfaces with the vehicle via a mechanical mechanism. The mechanical mechanism comprises of a scissor hinge mechanism (104), towards the rear of the vehicle, and an actuation mechanism, commonly a gas strut (115) mounted forward of the hinge (104). All parts of the mechanism interface with the roof shell panel (105) on the shell underside. A section of the vehicles original roof panel is removed creating an aperture to allow access to the space created when the elevating system is operated. The location of the lower interface mounting of the mechanism is either with the primary structure of the vehicle (101), or to a non-vehicle structural frame (107), which is itself suspended from the primary structure. A canvas or similar foldable material is attached to and suspended between the underside of the shell structure (5) and the vehicle roof structure (outboard of the removed section of the existing vehicle roof panel), or to the non-vehicle structural frame. The canvas forms the sidewalls of the compartment when the system is in the elevated position. The hinge mechanism (104) is usually mounted outboard of the canvas sidewalls (110). When operated the actuator (115) forces the front of the roof shell or panel upwards (105), with the rear of the roof shell panel (105) pivoting and also elevating on the rear scissor hinge mechanism (104). This results in the roof shell panel (105) coming to rest in an elevated position sloping downwards from the front of the vehicle to the rear.
Where elevating roof systems are mounted directly to the external primary structure of the vehicle, the mechanism (104, 115) is located in the gutter channel (103) at the edge of the vehicles existing roof structure and is usually located close to or at the vehicles roof rack mounting points. The roof shell structure must therefore cover the aperture cut into the vehicles original roof and also encapsulate the lifting mechanism below it. Typically, the new roof shell (105) seals (108) outboard of this mechanism where the edge of the new roof shell interfaces with the existing external van structure (101). The canvas (110) is installed inboard of the mechanism. The disadvantages of this methodology are that the aesthetics of the vehicles are compromised, as the roof shell periphery (117) sits considerably higher above the vehicles original roof height in order for it to fully encapsulate the lifting mechanism below. This design also results in unsightly seals (108) clearly visible along the interfacing edges of the roof shell and vehicle roof.
Where the lifting mechanism (104, 115) is not fixed directly to the vehicles primary external structure, it can instead be attached to an inner frame (107), which in turn is attached to the primary structural surface of the vehicle. On some systems the lifting mechanism is installed on the inner frame but still above the vehicles original roof height. In these cases, the same disadvantages exist as to those in the previous paragraph. On other systems the mechanism is installed on to the inner frame but below the original vehicles roof height. The disadvantage of this design is that this frame needs to be robust enough to react the forces and loads applied through the mechanism when the raisable roof is operated. This frame also needs to replace strength and rigidity lost from the original vehicle due to the amount of primary structure removed for the installation. The mechanism (104, 115) is also now further inboard than the method described in the paragraph above, which decreases the amount of usable space within the compartment as the canvas side walls (110) are inboard of the hinge mechanism, resulting in a narrower compartment. A further disadvantage is the canvas is now not attached to the external vehicle structure but to the inner frame (107). This inner frame is sat below the existing roof height of the vehicle. The sidewall of the canvas and the side wall of the inner frame must now have a drainage system to prevent rain water collecting (109) and forming a body of water around the base of the canvas section when the roof is elevated during rainfall. This inner frame also significantly reduces the head height available in the original cabin space of the vehicle.
Where elevating roof systems are mounted directly to the internal primary structure of the vehicle (102), the scissor hinge (104) interfaces with the primary vehicle structure internally (below the origin roof line of the vehicle) with only the actuator portion of the lifting mechanism fitted to the primary external structure. This enables the mechanism to sit lower down than systems with mechanisms attached entirely above the vehicles original roof height such as those mounted to the gutter channel on the external surface. The disadvantage of this system is that the hinge mechanism (104) is installed within the internal space of the vehicle reducing head height. Another disadvantage is that the canvas is installed outboard of the hinge, so making it difficult not to trap the side walls within the scissor hinge (104) when lowering the roof shell panel (105) into its closed position.
With the above in mind, an alternative design is required to address these problems. Statements of invention Against this background, the invention resides in a raisable roof system for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an aperture defining a front end located towards a front of the vehicle and a rear end located towards a rear of the vehicle, and the raisable roof system comprising: a roof shell suitable for covering the aperture; and an actuation mechanism configured to move the roof shell relative to the aperture between a lowered position in which the aperture is covered by the roof shell, and a raised position in which the roof shell is displaced from the aperture. The mechanism comprises an actuator connectable to the roof shell at a first connection point (a) and connectable to the vehicle, or to a support attached to the vehicle, at a second connection point (b), wherein the first connection point (a) is forwardly displaced from the second connection point (b); and a rotatable strut located rearwards of the actuator, the rotatable strut being pivotally connectable to the roof shell at a third connection point (c) and pivotally connectable to the vehicle, or to a support attached to the vehicle, at a fourth connection point (d), the locations of the third (c) and fourth (d) connection points being fixed, such that in the raised position the rear of the roof shell is displaced from the aperture.
The rotatable strut is a rigid strut of fixed length.
The third connection point (c) may be arranged rearward of the fourth connection point (d), such that the rotatable strut is configured to extend forwardly away from the roof shell.
The actuator may be longer than the rotatable strut, such that when the roof system is installed in a vehicle and the roof shell is in the raised position, the front of the roof shell has a greater displacement from the aperture than the rear of the roof shell.
The roof system may comprise a further rotatable strut that is connectable to the vehicle substantially at or near the second connection point (b); and connectable to the roof shell at a fifth connection point (e) that is rearwardly displaced from the first connection point.
The fifth connection point (e) may be forwardly displaced from the fourth (d) connection point.
The roof system may further comprise a foldable structure located rearward of the rotatable strut connectable between the roof shell and the vehicle, or a support attached to the vehicle, the foldable structure having a rigid component that is foldable between a horizontal storage configuration and a non-horizontal support configuration, in which the rigid component provides structural support to the roof shell.
The rigid component may be a rigid plate. The actuator may be a gas strut.
The actuator may be arranged such that when the roof system is installed in a vehicle and the roof shell is in the lowered position, the actuation mechanism may be located outboard of the aperture.
The roof shell may comprise a seal located inboard of the first and third connection points such that, when the roof system is installed in a vehicle and the roof shell is in the lowered position, the seal is in contact with the vehicle, or a support attached to the vehicle.
The seal may be made from rubber or foam.
The roof system may further comprise a canvas arranged to cover a spacing between the roof shell and the aperture when the roof shell is in the raised position. The canvas may be located inboard of the actuation mechanism. Where the roof system comprises a canvas and a seal, the canvas may be arranged inboard of the seal.
The actuation mechanism may comprise a ball joint at the third and/or fourth connection points.
The invention also extends to a vehicle comprising the roof system above, the actuator being connected to the roof shell (5) at the first connection point (a) and to the vehicle at the second connection point (b), and the rotatable strut being pivotally connected to the roof shell at the third connection point (c) and pivotally connected to the vehicle at the fourth connection point (d).
The aperture may be at least partially surrounded by a gutter, and wherein the second and fourth connection points are located within the gutter.
The roof shell (5) may define a lip around at least a part of its periphery, and when the roof shell is in the lowered position, the actuation mechanism may be located inboard of the lip and the lip may be at least partially accommodated in the gutter (3).
The gutter may define a base, and, when the roof shell is in the lowered position, the lip may be spaced away from the base.
Brief description of the drawings
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows the side view of the invention in the open position with the rear scissor hinge mechanism replaced by a rotating strut mechanism Figure 2 shows a lateral section view of the invention with the roof in its closed position.
Figure 3 shows the side view of the invention with the rear scissor hinge mechanism replaced by a rotating strut mechanism in the closed position Figure 4 shows a plan view of the invention showing the positions of the actuators (gas struts) and the rotating struts within the gutter channel of the vehicle with the roof shell in the closed position. Note: on this diagram the roof shell (5) is transparent for clarity Figure 5 shows the relative location connection points of the actuator and fixed length struts to the vehicle and roof shell Figure 6A shows a side view of the foldable structure to the rear of the aperture connectable between the roof shell (5) and the main body of the vehicle structure (1). The diagram shows the roof in the closed position Figure 6B shows a side view of the foldable structure to the rear of the aperture connectable between the roof shell (5) and the main body of the vehicle structure (1). The diagram shows the roof in the elevated or open position Figure 7 shows the side view of vehicle fitted with an alternative elevating roof system where the hinge mechanism is fitted on the external primary structure of the vehicle (prior art) Figure 8 shows a lateral section view of vehicle fitted with an alternative elevating roof system where the hinge mechanism is fitted on the external primary structure of the vehicle (prior art) Figure 9 shows a side view of a vehicle fitted with an alternative elevating roof system where the lifting mechanism is not fitted directly to the primary structure but is instead seated within a structural frame below the original roof line of the vehicle encroaching into the cabin space (prior art) Figure 10 shows a lateral section view of vehicle fitted with an alternative elevating roof system where the hinge mechanism is not fitted directly to the primary structure but is instead seated within a structural frame below the vehicles original roof height.(prior art) Figure 11 shows a side view of vehicle fitted with an alternative elevating roof system where the hinge mechanism is not fitted directly to the primary structure externally but is instead attached below the vehicles original roof line internally. The hinge mechanism is sat below the original roof line of the vehicle encroaching into the cabin space (prior art) Figure 12 shows a lateral section view of vehicle fitted with an alternative elevating roof system where the hinge mechanism is not fitted directly to the primary structure externally but is instead attached below the vehicles original roof line internally. (prior art) Detailed description of embodiments of the invention Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a raisable roof system installed in a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an aperture defining a front end located towards a front of the vehicle and a rear end located towards a rear of the vehicle. The aperture is surrounded by a gutter rail.
The raisable roof system comprises a roof shell (5) suitable for covering the aperture and an actuation mechanism configured to move the roof shell relative to the aperture between a lowered position in which the aperture is covered by the roof shell, and a raised position in which the roof shell is displaced from the aperture.
The actuation mechanism comprises an actuator (15), and a pair of fixed length rotatable struts (18), on each side of the vehicle, which will each be pivotally connected to the external primary structure of the vehicle within the roof gutter channel (3) at one end and pivotally connected to the underside of the roof shell (5) at the other end, for example by a ball joint.
As the raiseable roof is operated into the elevated position, the actuator (15) which is mounted forward of the fixed length struts (18) and pivotally connected to the roof shell (5) at the first connection point (a) and pivotally connected to the vehicle at a second connection point (b), extends and forces the front of the roof shell panel (5) upwards, which in turn causes the fixed length struts (18) to rotate and lift the roof shell (5) away from the vehicle structure at the rear.
With the roof shell in the closed position the actuator is approximately parallel to the gutter rail. With the roof shell in the fully open or elevated position the actuator will extend and rotate to an angle that is between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 70 degrees, preferably approximately 50 degrees from the gutter channel (3).
The first strut is located towards the rear of the vehicle and is pivotably connected to the roof shell at a third connection point (c) and pivotably connected to the vehicle structure at a fourth connection point (d), and is of a fixed length of between approximately 80mm and approximately 200mm, preferably approximately 135 mm. With the roof shell in the closed position the first strut is approximately parallel with the roof gutter channel. With the roof shell in the fully open or elevated position the first strut is rotated to an angle that is between approximately 40 degrees and approximately 90 degrees, preferably approximately 80 degrees from the gutter channel. The second strut is located forward of the first strut and is pivotally connected to the vehicle close to the location of the actuator at the second connection point (b) and pivotably connected to the roof shell at a fifth connection point (e) and is of a fixed length of between approximately 400mm and approximately 1000mm, preferably approximately 760mm. With the roof shell in the closed position the strut is approximately parallel with the roof gutter channel (3). With the roof shell in the fully open or elevated position the strut is rotated to an angle that is between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 60 degrees, preferably approximately 30 degrees from the gutter channel. When the actuator is at full travel and the raiseable roof is in the open or elevated position the relationship between it and the fixed length pivotable struts will define the angle of the roof shell.
This lifting mechanism requires a much smaller space envelope than one fitted with a more complicated and bulkier scissor hinge (104), allowing the roof shell (5) to have a defined lip around at least a part of its periphery, wherein when the roof shell is in the lowered position, the actuation mechanism and the rotating struts are located inboard of the lip, and the lip is at least partially accommodated in the gutter. This allows the roof shell (5) to have a much smaller offset from the vehicles original roof height, thus making the raiseable roof shell much lower in the closed position, with a sleeker appearance without compromising the useable head height inside the vehicle. It also removes the possibility of trapping the canvas in a scissor mechanism.
Considering now how the roof shell (5) periphery interfaces with the van structure, the periphery of the roof shell (17) along the sides and rear of the vehicle is designed not to be in contact with the primary van structure (1, 3) but to float with a small clearance gap. This is advantageous because the periphery does not need to be as robust and does not need to accommodate a large unsightly seal.
The roof shell comprises a seal (12) that is designed to stop water ingress into the vehicle when the roof is in its down position. The seal is made between the underside of the roof shell (5) and the primary van structure (1), or a structural frame (7), inboard of the visible edge of the periphery and the first and third connection points but outboard of the canvas attachment. A rubber or foam seal (12) between the underside of the roof shell (5) and the external primary structure (1) or structural frame (7), will become compressed when the roof is closed.
The roof system further comprises a foldable structure (19) to the rear of the aperture which is connectable between the roof shell (5) and the vehicle structure (1) or structural frame (7). This foldable arrangement (19) has rigid components. As the raiseable roof is operated into the elevated position, this structure extends (unfolds). The rigid components of the foldable structure (19) give lateral stability to the roof shell, helping prevent sideways 'sway' when the system is in the elevated position.
It can be seen from Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 that the lifting mechanism (18) of the invention is of a different type to the prior art, which has no trapping points such as on a scissor mechanism (104), and also a much smaller space envelope when in the closed position to that of a scissor mechanism (104) meaning the roof shell (5) can sit lower without compromising any useable space within the vehicle itself or the canvas compartment.
It can also be seen from figures 1, 2, 3 & 4 that the entire lifting mechanism is located externally, with no impact to the original internal space of the vehicle.
It can also be seen that the weather seal (12) is not formed by the edge of the roof shell panel but instead the seal is formed inboard of the roof shell panel edge, meaning that the roof shell can have a small amount of clearance from the van and therefore this lip section can be less stiff to reduce weight. There are also no seals visible with the roof in the down position aiding the aesthetical appearance of the system.
It can be seen from Figure 1, that the canvas side walls (10) of the compartment sit inboard of the lifting mechanism, meaning that the route to the canvases stowed position is not impeded or blocked by a lifting mechanism.
The invention therefore has clear differences from other known elevating roof systems; The main differences between the invention and an existing forward elevating roof system with rear elevation where the lifting mechanisms interfaces directly with the external primary structure of the vehicle (shown in Figures 7 and 8) is the rotatable strut mount system (18) which is located in the vehicle gutter channel (3) allowing the roof shell (5) to sit considerably lower above the vehicles original roof height. The edge of the roof panel is partly concealed by the vertical sidewalls of the vehicles roof gutter. The seals (12) are completely hidden underneath the roof panel. The rotatable strut mechanism is also far less likely to cause damage to the canvas than a scissor hinge mechanism (104) should the canvas become trapped within the mechanism as the roof is lowered. In addition this invention has a foldable structure (19) to the rear of the aperture which is connectable between the roof shell (5) and the vehicle structure (1) or structural frame (7), which gives lateral stiffness to the lifting mechanism (15, 18) and prevents the roof shell (5) from swaying when in the elevated position.
The main differences between the invention and an existing forward elevating raiseable roof system with rear elevation which has its scissor hinge mechanism (104) mounted to a structural frame below the vehicles original roof height (shown in Figures 9 and 10) is the rotating strut mount system (18) which is located in the vehicle gutter rail (3) allowing the roof panel (5) to sit considerably lower above the vehicles original roof height, without needing to compromise any internal space within the vehicle caused by needing to relocate the lifting mechanism below the vehicles original roof height. There is also no need for a high strength frame as there is no significant loss of primary structure required and also no need to react the forces induced by the mechanism when the roof is operated, as the mechanism (15, 18) is connected directly to the primary structure of the vehicle externally (3). The edge of the roof shell (5) has a small clearance to the vehicle structure and does not form the weather seal. The seals (12) are completely hidden underneath the roof shell (5). The lifting mechanisms are further outboard, so the canvas which is located inboard of the mechanism can be wider. The canvas interfaces with the vehicle above the vehicles original roof height and not with the sunken frame, meaning there is no risk of water collecting around the base of the canvas (109), therefore requiring drainage. The rotatable strut mechanism (18) is also far less likely to cause damage to the canvas than a scissor hinge mechanism (104) should the canvas become trapped within the mechanism as the roof is lowered. In addition this invention has a foldable structure (19) to the rear of the aperture which is connectable between the roof shell (5) and the vehicle structure (1) or structural frame (7), which gives lateral stiffness to the lifting mechanism (15, 18) and prevents the roof shell (5) from swaying when in the elevated position.
The main differences between the invention and an existing forward elevating roof system with rear elevation which has its hinge mechanism (104) mounted internally below the vehicles original roof height (shown in Figures 11 and 12) is the rotating strut mount system which is located externally (above the vehicles original roof height) in the vehicle gutter rail (3) allowing the roof shell (5) to sit lower above the vehicles original roof height but without compromising internal space within the vehicle. The lifting mechanism comprising of an actuator (15) and the rotatable struts (18) are located outboard of the canvas so there is no need to have removable flaps to prevent the canvas becoming trapped in the lifting mechanism when lowering the roof shell (5) into the closed position. In addition this invention has a foldable structure (19) to the rear of the aperture which is connectable between the roof shell (5) and the vehicle structure (1) or structural frame (7), which gives lateral stiffness to the lifting mechanism (15, 18) and prevents the roof shell (5) from swaying when in the elevated position.
It will be appreciated that the angles of the struts and actuators described above may be varied whilst still achieving the necessary actuation of the roof shell. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person without departing from the scope of the amended claims.
Claims (20)
- Claims 1. A raisable roof system for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an aperture defining a front end located towards a front of the vehicle and a rear end located towards a rear of the vehicle, and the raiseable roof system comprising: a roof shell suitable for covering the aperture; and an actuation mechanism configured to move the roof shell relative to the aperture between: a lowered position in which the aperture is covered by the roof shell, and a raised position in which the roof shell is displaced from the aperture, wherein the mechanism comprises: an actuator connectable to the roof shell at a first connection point and connectable to the vehicle, or to a support attached to the vehicle, at a second connection point, wherein the first connection point is forwardly displaced from the second connection point; and, a rotatable strut located rearwards of the actuator, the rotatable strut being pivotally connectable to the roof shell at a third connection point and pivotally connectable to the vehicle, or to a support attached to the vehicle, at a fourth connection point, the locations of the third and fourth connection points being fixed, such that in the raised position the rear of the roof shell is displaced from the aperture.
- 2. The roof system of claim 1 wherein the rotatable strut is a rigid strut of fixed length.
- 3. The roof system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the third connection point is arranged rearward of the fourth connection point, such that the rotatable strut is configured to extend forwardly away from the roof shell.
- 4. The roof system of any preceding claim wherein the actuator is longer than the rotatable strut, such that when the roof system is installed in a vehicle and the roof shell is in the raised position, the front of the roof shell has a greater displacement from the aperture than the rear of the roof shell.
- 5. The roof system of any preceding claim, comprising a further rotatable strut that is connectable to the vehicle substantially at or near the second connection point; and connectable to the roof shell at a fifth connection point that is rearwardly displaced from the first connection point.
- 6. The roof system of claim 5, wherein the fifth connection point is forwardly displaced from the third and/or fourth connection point.
- 7. The roof system of any preceding claim, further comprising a foldable structure located rearward of the rotatable strut connectable between the roof shell and the vehicle, or a support attached to the vehicle, the foldable structure having a rigid component that is foldable between a horizontal storage configuration and a non-horizontal support configuration, in which the rigid component provides structural support to the roof shell.
- 8. The roof system of claim 7 wherein the rigid component is a rigid plate.
- 9. The roof system of any preceding claim wherein the actuator is a gas strut.
- 10. The roof system of any preceding claim wherein, when the roof system is installed in a vehicle and the roof shell is in the lowered position, the actuation mechanism is located outboard of the aperture.
- 11. The roof system of any preceding claim wherein the roof shell comprises a seal located inboard of the first and third connection points such that, when the roof system is installed in a vehicle and the roof shell is in the lowered position, the seal is in contact with the vehicle, or a support attached to the vehicle.
- 12. The roof system of claim 11 wherein the seal is made from rubber or foam.
- 13. The roof system of any preceding claim further comprising a canvas arranged to cover a spacing between the roof shell and the aperture when the roof shell is in the raised position.
- 14. The roof system of claim 13 wherein the canvas is located inboard of the actuation mechanism.
- 15. The roof system of claim 14, when dependent on claim 11, wherein the canvas is arranged inboard of the seal.
- 16. The roof system of any preceding claim wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a ball joint at the third and/or fourth connection points.
- 17. A vehicle comprising the roof system of any preceding claim, the actuator being connected to the roof shell at the first connection point and to the vehicle at the second connection point, and the rotatable strut being pivotally connected to the roof shell at the third connection point and pivotally connected to the vehicle at the fourth connection point.
- 18. The vehicle of claim 17 wherein the aperture is at least partially surrounded by a gutter, and wherein the second and fourth connection points are located within the gutter.
- 19. The vehicle of claim 18 wherein the roof shell defines a lip around at least a part of its periphery, and wherein when the roof shell is in the lowered position, the actuation mechanism is located inboard of the lip, and the lip is at least partially accommodated in the gutter.
- 20. The vehicle of claim 19 wherein gutter defines a base, and wherein, when the roof shell is in the lowered position, the lip is spaced away from the base.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1903668.0A GB2582308B (en) | 2019-03-18 | 2019-03-18 | Raisable roof system for a vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1903668.0A GB2582308B (en) | 2019-03-18 | 2019-03-18 | Raisable roof system for a vehicle |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201903668D0 GB201903668D0 (en) | 2019-05-01 |
| GB2582308A true GB2582308A (en) | 2020-09-23 |
| GB2582308B GB2582308B (en) | 2021-04-14 |
Family
ID=66381218
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1903668.0A Active GB2582308B (en) | 2019-03-18 | 2019-03-18 | Raisable roof system for a vehicle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2582308B (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2021491A (en) * | 1978-03-15 | 1979-12-05 | Technicon Leisure Systems Ltd | Habitation Units Having Raisable Roofs |
| DE29807458U1 (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 1998-07-16 | Westfalia-Werke Knöbel GmbH & Co., 33378 Rheda-Wiedenbrück | Pop-up roof with flexible side wall for mobile homes or trailers |
| US5971446A (en) * | 1997-07-15 | 1999-10-26 | Lunney, Ii; William Gaylord | Truck lid hinge system |
| US20080203756A1 (en) * | 2007-02-16 | 2008-08-28 | William Henry Russell Lake | 4-bar hinge system for cab-high load bed cover adaptation to rear lift access |
-
2019
- 2019-03-18 GB GB1903668.0A patent/GB2582308B/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2021491A (en) * | 1978-03-15 | 1979-12-05 | Technicon Leisure Systems Ltd | Habitation Units Having Raisable Roofs |
| US5971446A (en) * | 1997-07-15 | 1999-10-26 | Lunney, Ii; William Gaylord | Truck lid hinge system |
| DE29807458U1 (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 1998-07-16 | Westfalia-Werke Knöbel GmbH & Co., 33378 Rheda-Wiedenbrück | Pop-up roof with flexible side wall for mobile homes or trailers |
| US20080203756A1 (en) * | 2007-02-16 | 2008-08-28 | William Henry Russell Lake | 4-bar hinge system for cab-high load bed cover adaptation to rear lift access |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2582308B (en) | 2021-04-14 |
| GB201903668D0 (en) | 2019-05-01 |
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