US20010054830A1 - Tailgate sealing arrangement - Google Patents
Tailgate sealing arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010054830A1 US20010054830A1 US09/934,239 US93423901A US2001054830A1 US 20010054830 A1 US20010054830 A1 US 20010054830A1 US 93423901 A US93423901 A US 93423901A US 2001054830 A1 US2001054830 A1 US 2001054830A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shaped channel
- tailgate
- flange
- rigid member
- protuberance
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title abstract description 19
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 2
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
- B60J7/10—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position readily detachable, e.g. tarpaulins with frames, or fastenings for tarpaulins
- B60J7/102—Readily detachable tarpaulins, e.g. for utility vehicles; Frames therefor
- B60J7/104—Fastening means for tarpaulins
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S135/00—Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
- Y10S135/907—Cover stretcher
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S160/00—Flexible or portable closure, partition, or panel
- Y10S160/08—Flexible door
Definitions
- This invention relates to the field of tailgate sealing arrangements and more particularly to the field of tailgate sealing arrangements for vehicles with flexible tops and tailgates having flat, upper surfaces.
- the present invention was developed. With it, the commercially attractive feature of being able to operate the tailgate without disturbing the flexible top was successfully adapted to a vehicle having a tailgate with a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface rather than the vertically extending lip of the prior art.
- This invention relates to tailgate sealing arrangements for sport utility and other vehicles having removable, flexible tops.
- the sealing arrangement includes an elongated, rigid member attached to the lower section of the rear portion of the flexible top.
- the rigid member is removably mounted to extend across the tailgate opening and has a flexible seal depending downwardly from it.
- the tailgate in the preferred embodiment is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and has a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface. In operation and as the tailgate is closed, the depending seal contacts and wipes across the flat, upper surface of the tailgate to form an effective sealing arrangement. All of this is done without having to disturb or otherwise manipulate the top.
- the rigid member or crossbar is removably mounted at its ends to clips secured to the vehicle on either side of the tailgate opening.
- Each clip has a horizontally extending flange which is slideably received between the legs of a U-shaped channel on each end of the rigid member.
- Each U-shaped channel is slightly oversized relative to the flange and the channel and flange of each clip are provided with a mating protuberance and recess arrangement to lock the two pieces in place.
- the rigid member with the flexible top attached to it is manually manipulated to slide its U-shaped channels onto the flanges of the respective clips. In doing so, the flexible top is drawn taut and placed under tension.
- the resilient force of the stretched top and compressed seal causes the oversized U-shaped channels to cock or rotate on the clips. This seats the protuberance in the mating recess and helps to lock the rigid member in place. Also, as the tailgate is closed and compresses the remaining portion of the resilient seal suspended over the tailgate opening, additional force is applied to the rigid bar by this compressed portion of the seal to further enhance this cocking and locking of the U-shaped channels on the respective clip flanges.
- FIG. 1 is a rear view of a vehicle employing the tailgate sealing arrangement of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the tailgate of the vehicle in an open position providing access to the interior of the vehicle.
- FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the rear of the vehicle illustrating the components of the sealing arrangement.
- FIG. 4 is a detail view showing the rear portion of the top as attached to the elongated, rigid member of the sealing arrangement and further showing one of the retaining clips mounted on the side of the tailgate opening.
- FIGS. 5 - 7 sequentially illustrate how the elongated, rigid member of the sealing arrangement is removably mounted to the retaining clips on the vehicle.
- FIGS. 8 - 11 sequentially illustrate how the depending seal contacts and wipes across the horizontally extending, flat, upper surface of the tailgate as the tailgate is moved to its closed position.
- FIGS. 12 - 14 illustrate the manner in which the flexible top can be fastened to the sides of the vehicle with a retainer arrangement employing the locking protuberance and recess arrangement of FIGS. 5 - 7 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates the tailgate sealing arrangement of the present invention in use with a vehicle 1 with the tailgate 3 of the vehicle 1 shown in its closed position.
- the tailgate 3 is shown in its open position providing access through the tailgate opening 3 ′ to the interior of the vehicle 1 .
- the arrangement of the present invention allows the tailgate 3 to be opened and closed independently of the rear portion 7 of the flexible top 5 . That is, and unlike most tailgate sealing arrangements, the present invention enables the user to operate the tailgate 3 without having to manipulate the rear portion 7 of the flexible top 5 .
- Objects can then be easily and quickly placed into or taken out of the vehicle 1 through the tailgate opening 3 ′ by simply opening and closing just the tailgate 3 .
- the present invention there is no need to undo or redo any attachments between the rear portion 7 of the flexible top 5 and the tailgate 3 .
- the tailgate sealing arrangement of the present invention includes a relatively rigid, elongated member or crossbar 9 (see the partially exploded view of FIG. 3).
- this rigid crossbar 9 has end portions 9 ′ and a middle portion 9 ′′
- the rear portion 7 of the flexible top 5 is attached adjacent the horizontally extending, lower section 11 .
- This can be done in any number of ways.
- a sleeve-dowel arrangement 13 , 15 is slideably received in the C-shaped channel 17 on the outer or right side of the rigid member 9 ′ in FIG. 5.
- Retainer clips 19 are then mounted to the vehicle 1 on respective sides of the tailgate opening 3 ′ (see again FIG.
- the side zippers 23 of the rear portion 7 are preferably first undone from the remainder of the flexible top 5 .
- the rigid member 9 with the rear portion 7 of the top 5 attached thereto is then manually moved to receive the horizontal flange 25 on each clip 19 in the U-shaped channel 31 . In doing so, the flange 25 is received between the substantially parallel legs 27 , 29 of the U-shaped channel 31 in each end portion 9 ′ of the rigid member 9 .
- the entire rigid member 9 including its end portions 9 ′ ends up cocked or rotated about the horizontal member or flange 25 of each clip 19 (see FIG. 7).
- the legs 27 , 29 of the U-shaped channel 31 in each end portion 9 ′ are then spaced apart a distance greater than the thickness of the flange 25 .
- the flexible top 5 is made of slightly stretchable, resilient material. The top 5 is also supported on the bow structure 33 (see FIG.
- the rear portion 7 of the flexible top 5 is manually stretched and placed under tension in the positions of FIGS. 5 and 6. Consequently, in the released position of FIG. 7, the upward force of the stretched, resilient rear portion 7 of the top 5 causes the rigid member 9 to be rotated about the horizontal flange 25 .
- the flexible, bulb seal 35 depends downwardly from and extends along the rigid member 9 .
- the outer, end parts 35 ′ of seal 35 are also compressed and sealingly engage the horizontal surfaces 21 on either side of the tailgate opening 3 ′. This compression of the outer end parts 35 ′ of the resilient seal 35 further tends to cock or rotate the rigid member 9 about the flange 25 .
- a locking arrangement is provided with each pair of U-shaped channel 31 and flange 25 .
- This arrangement includes a rib or protuberance 37 and mating recess 39 (see FIGS. 5 - 7 ).
- These mating members 37 , 39 could be respectively on either of members 9 and 19 but in the preferred embodiment, the protruding rib 37 is on the lower leg 27 of the U-shaped channel 31 and the recess 39 is in the lower surface of flange 25 .
- the rib protuberance 37 as illustrated is also preferably located along the leg 27 between its free end 27 ′ (see FIG. 5) and the base 30 of the U-shape 31 .
- each end portion 9 ′ is first manually manipulated to slide the protuberance 37 into alignment with the recess 39 (see FIGS. 5 - 6 ). Rigid member 9 is then released and rotates to the position of FIG. 7 under the upward forces of the tensioned rear portion 7 of the top 5 and the compressed, resilient seal at 35 ′. In the position of FIG.
- the rigid member 9 is held firmly in place.
- the recess 39 as shown is preferably larger than the protuberance 37 wherein the protuberance 37 tends to lock against one side or lip of the recess 39 .
- the downwardly extending, rear portion 7 of the flexible top 5 can thereafter be zipped back to the remainder of the top 5 to assume the position of FIG. 2.
- the rigid member 9 is attached at each end portion 9 ′ to the respective clips 19 .
- the rigid member 9 is also supported or suspended across the top of the tailgate opening 3 ′ between the upper portions of the vertically extending walls 41 defining the tailgate opening 3 ′ (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
- the tailgate 3 is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis but could be mounted for movement about a horizontal axis.
- the tailgate 3 is preferably mounted so that the substantially flat, upper surface 43 of the tailgate 3 moves along a path interrupting the suspended, central portion 35 ′′ of the flexible seal 35 .
- the tailgate surface 43 strikes the lower section of the hollow, bulb seal 35 ′′ (FIG. 9).
- the seal 35 ′′ is then compressed (FIG. 10) and wipes across the flat, upper surface 43 of the tailgate 3 as the tailgate 3 is closed to the position of FIG. 11.
- the rigid member 9 remains in the position of FIG. 7 and is held in this position as the tailgate 3 is closed in the sequence of FIGS. 8 - 11 .
- the compressible, resilient, bulb seal 35 of FIGS. 8 - 11 is preferred, other depending seals such as a lip seal could also be used.
- the tailgate 3 can be mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis wherein the flat, upper surface 43 of the tailgate 3 would be essentially horizontal in its closed position of FIG. 11.
- the flat, upper surface 43 is also preferably at least two and even three or more times as wide as the seal 35 .
- the rearwardly extending member 45 in FIGS. 8 - 11 is simply a rain flap to help direct moisture over the sealing arrangement.
- the flexible top 5 as discussed above is stretchable and resilient. Such stretching and resiliency are fairly limited in the sense of a canvas fabric or vinyl. Nevertheless, the flexible top 5 can be draped over the bows 33 or other support frame of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 2) and pulled taut to stretch a half inch or so. This places the top 5 under slight tension and the resulting force of such tension is used as explained above to cock or rotate the rigid member 9 (e.g., extruded aluminum) on the horizontal flange 25 of each clip 19 . Such tension is also used in the present invention to help hold the top 5 in the side fasteners 2 on the vehicle 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 13).
- the rigid member 9 e.g., extruded aluminum
- the side retaining system is additionally provided with the basic locking arrangement of protuberance 37 and recess 39 of FIGS. 5 - 7 .
- a U-shaped channel 31 ′ is formed by mounting member 2 to the side of the vehicle body 1 ′.
- the flexible top 5 is then sewn or otherwise attached to the relatively rigid belt or flange 25 ′ and the flange 25 ′ inserted into the U-shaped channel 31 ′ formed by member 2 (FIG. 12). This stretches and pulls the top 5 taut.
- the protuberance 37 ′ see FIG.
- FIGS. 12 - 14 engages the lip of the recess 39 ′ to lock the flange 25 ′ in place.
- the recess 39 ′′ is adjacent the vehicle body 1 ′ in a leg of the channel member 2 ′ and the protuberance 37 ′′ locks into the recess 39 ′′ .
- the U-shaped channels 31 ′ and 31 ′′ of FIGS. 12 - 14 are formed by and described in terms of members attached to or mounted on the vehicle body 1 ′. However, such U-shaped channels could obviously be made integral with the vehicle body (e.g., additional metal sheet or molded plastic portion of the vehicle body itself). The intent is to make the U-shaped channel essentially a part of the vehicle.
- the locking arrangements of FIGS. 12 - 14 could also be operable in other positions relative to the top 5 as long as the top 5 applied forces on the flanges 25 ′ and 25 ′′ which were generally directed away from or along the vehicle body 1 ′.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
- Specific Sealing Or Ventilating Devices For Doors And Windows (AREA)
- Seal Device For Vehicle (AREA)
Abstract
A tailgate sealing arrangement for sport utility and other vehicles having a removable, flexible top. The sealing arrangement includes an elongated, rigid member attached to the lower section of the rear portion of the flexible top. The rigid member is removably mounted to extend across the tailgate opening and has a flexible seal depending downwardly from it. The tailgate in the preferred embodiment is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and has a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface. In operation and as the tailgate is closed, the depending seal contacts and wipes across the flat, upper surface of the tailgate to form an effective sealing arrangement. All of this is done without having to disturb or otherwise manipulate the top.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to the field of tailgate sealing arrangements and more particularly to the field of tailgate sealing arrangements for vehicles with flexible tops and tailgates having flat, upper surfaces.
- 2. Discussion of the Background
- Providing effective sealing arrangements between vehicle tailgates and the rear portions of vehicle tops has always presented challenging design problems. These problems are particularly prevalent in sport utility and other vehicles which have removable, flexible tops of fabric-like material such as canvas or vinyl. Co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,235 taught a very commercially successful approach to sealing a tailgate with a vertically extending lip or surface against a rigid crossbar attached to the flexible top. In subsequent modifications, the seal of this patented system was vertically mounted on the crossbar. The vertically extending lip of the tailgate then closed against the vertically extending seal. This patented arrangement had the distinct, commercial advantage that the flexible top did not have to be attached or otherwise secured to the tailgate to be held in place or to form an effective seal. The tailgate could then be opened and closed without disturbing the top. In this manner, the user could move objects into and out of the vehicle by simply opening just the tailgate without having to manipulate or otherwise disturb the flexible top.
- In this light, the present invention was developed. With it, the commercially attractive feature of being able to operate the tailgate without disturbing the flexible top was successfully adapted to a vehicle having a tailgate with a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface rather than the vertically extending lip of the prior art.
- This invention relates to tailgate sealing arrangements for sport utility and other vehicles having removable, flexible tops. The sealing arrangement includes an elongated, rigid member attached to the lower section of the rear portion of the flexible top. The rigid member is removably mounted to extend across the tailgate opening and has a flexible seal depending downwardly from it. The tailgate in the preferred embodiment is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and has a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface. In operation and as the tailgate is closed, the depending seal contacts and wipes across the flat, upper surface of the tailgate to form an effective sealing arrangement. All of this is done without having to disturb or otherwise manipulate the top.
- In the preferred embodiment, the rigid member or crossbar is removably mounted at its ends to clips secured to the vehicle on either side of the tailgate opening. Each clip has a horizontally extending flange which is slideably received between the legs of a U-shaped channel on each end of the rigid member. Each U-shaped channel is slightly oversized relative to the flange and the channel and flange of each clip are provided with a mating protuberance and recess arrangement to lock the two pieces in place. In operation, the rigid member with the flexible top attached to it is manually manipulated to slide its U-shaped channels onto the flanges of the respective clips. In doing so, the flexible top is drawn taut and placed under tension. Upon releasing the rigid member, the resilient force of the stretched top and compressed seal causes the oversized U-shaped channels to cock or rotate on the clips. This seats the protuberance in the mating recess and helps to lock the rigid member in place. Also, as the tailgate is closed and compresses the remaining portion of the resilient seal suspended over the tailgate opening, additional force is applied to the rigid bar by this compressed portion of the seal to further enhance this cocking and locking of the U-shaped channels on the respective clip flanges.
- FIG. 1 is a rear view of a vehicle employing the tailgate sealing arrangement of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the tailgate of the vehicle in an open position providing access to the interior of the vehicle.
- FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the rear of the vehicle illustrating the components of the sealing arrangement.
- FIG. 4 is a detail view showing the rear portion of the top as attached to the elongated, rigid member of the sealing arrangement and further showing one of the retaining clips mounted on the side of the tailgate opening.
- FIGS.5-7 sequentially illustrate how the elongated, rigid member of the sealing arrangement is removably mounted to the retaining clips on the vehicle.
- FIGS.8-11 sequentially illustrate how the depending seal contacts and wipes across the horizontally extending, flat, upper surface of the tailgate as the tailgate is moved to its closed position.
- FIGS.12-14 illustrate the manner in which the flexible top can be fastened to the sides of the vehicle with a retainer arrangement employing the locking protuberance and recess arrangement of FIGS. 5-7.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the tailgate sealing arrangement of the present invention in use with a vehicle1 with the
tailgate 3 of the vehicle 1 shown in its closed position. In FIG. 2, thetailgate 3 is shown in its open position providing access through the tailgate opening 3′ to the interior of the vehicle 1. In such operation as best seen in these FIGS. 1 and 2, the arrangement of the present invention allows thetailgate 3 to be opened and closed independently of therear portion 7 of theflexible top 5. That is, and unlike most tailgate sealing arrangements, the present invention enables the user to operate thetailgate 3 without having to manipulate therear portion 7 of theflexible top 5. Objects can then be easily and quickly placed into or taken out of the vehicle 1 through the tailgate opening 3′ by simply opening and closing just thetailgate 3. With the present invention, there is no need to undo or redo any attachments between therear portion 7 of theflexible top 5 and thetailgate 3. - More specifically, the tailgate sealing arrangement of the present invention includes a relatively rigid, elongated member or crossbar9 (see the partially exploded view of FIG. 3). As illustrated, this
rigid crossbar 9 hasend portions 9′ and amiddle portion 9″ To thisrigid member 9, therear portion 7 of theflexible top 5 is attached adjacent the horizontally extending, lower section 11. This can be done in any number of ways. In the illustrated one as best seen in FIG. 5, a sleeve-dowel arrangement shaped channel 17 on the outer or right side of therigid member 9′ in FIG. 5.Retainer clips 19 are then mounted to the vehicle 1 on respective sides of the tailgate opening 3′ (see again FIG. 3) on thehorizontal surfaces 21. In operation and to initially secure therigid member 9 and attachedrear portion 7 of theflexible top 5 to theclips 19, theside zippers 23 of therear portion 7 are preferably first undone from the remainder of theflexible top 5. As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, therigid member 9 with therear portion 7 of thetop 5 attached thereto is then manually moved to receive thehorizontal flange 25 on eachclip 19 in the U-shapedchannel 31. In doing so, theflange 25 is received between the substantiallyparallel legs channel 31 in eachend portion 9′ of therigid member 9. - In this regard as shown in FIGS.5-7, the entire
rigid member 9 including itsend portions 9′ ends up cocked or rotated about the horizontal member orflange 25 of each clip 19 (see FIG. 7). This is a result of a number of things including the slight oversizing of the U-shapedchannel 31 relative to theflange 25. Thelegs channel 31 in eachend portion 9′ are then spaced apart a distance greater than the thickness of theflange 25. Additionally, theflexible top 5 is made of slightly stretchable, resilient material. Thetop 5 is also supported on the bow structure 33 (see FIG. 2) of the vehicle 1 so that therear portion 7 of theflexible top 5 is manually stretched and placed under tension in the positions of FIGS. 5 and 6. Consequently, in the released position of FIG. 7, the upward force of the stretched, resilientrear portion 7 of thetop 5 causes therigid member 9 to be rotated about thehorizontal flange 25. Also, the flexible,bulb seal 35 depends downwardly from and extends along therigid member 9. In operation, the outer,end parts 35′ of seal 35 (see FIG. 7) are also compressed and sealingly engage thehorizontal surfaces 21 on either side of thetailgate opening 3′. This compression of theouter end parts 35′ of theresilient seal 35 further tends to cock or rotate therigid member 9 about theflange 25. - To help maintain the
rigid member 9 on theflange 25, a locking arrangement is provided with each pair of U-shapedchannel 31 andflange 25. This arrangement includes a rib orprotuberance 37 and mating recess 39 (see FIGS. 5-7). Thesemating members members rib 37 is on thelower leg 27 of theU-shaped channel 31 and therecess 39 is in the lower surface offlange 25. Therib protuberance 37 as illustrated is also preferably located along theleg 27 between itsfree end 27′ (see FIG. 5) and thebase 30 of the U-shape 31. The thickness of theflange 25 is preferably less than the spacing of thelegs protuberance 37 extends inwardly from theleg 27. In the preferred manner of operation as shown in FIGS. 5-7, eachend portion 9′ is first manually manipulated to slide theprotuberance 37 into alignment with the recess 39 (see FIGS. 5-6).Rigid member 9 is then released and rotates to the position of FIG. 7 under the upward forces of the tensionedrear portion 7 of the top 5 and the compressed, resilient seal at 35′. In the position of FIG. 7 with theprotuberance 37 mated in therecess 39 and thefree end 29′ ofleg 29 of theU-shaped channel 31 abutting theflange 25, therigid member 9 is held firmly in place. For ease of assembly, therecess 39 as shown is preferably larger than theprotuberance 37 wherein theprotuberance 37 tends to lock against one side or lip of therecess 39. The downwardly extending,rear portion 7 of the flexible top 5 can thereafter be zipped back to the remainder of the top 5 to assume the position of FIG. 2. At this point, therigid member 9 is attached at eachend portion 9′ to the respective clips 19. Therigid member 9 is also supported or suspended across the top of thetailgate opening 3′ between the upper portions of the vertically extendingwalls 41 defining thetailgate opening 3′ (see FIGS. 2 and 3). - In the preferred embodiment, the
tailgate 3 is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis but could be mounted for movement about a horizontal axis. In either case as illustrated in FIGS. 8-11 (which are taken essentially along line 11-11 of FIG. 1), thetailgate 3 is preferably mounted so that the substantially flat,upper surface 43 of thetailgate 3 moves along a path interrupting the suspended,central portion 35″ of theflexible seal 35. In this manner, thetailgate surface 43 strikes the lower section of the hollow,bulb seal 35″ (FIG. 9). Theseal 35″ is then compressed (FIG. 10) and wipes across the flat,upper surface 43 of thetailgate 3 as thetailgate 3 is closed to the position of FIG. 11. This creates a very effective seal. Additionally, the compression of theresilient seal 35″ against theupper surface 43 aids in maintaining therigid member 9 in its cocked or rotated, locked position of FIG. 7. In this regard as previously explained, the upward forces of therear portion 7 of theresilient top 5 andcompressed end parts 35′ of theseal 35 act against the vehicle surfaces 21 on either side of the tailgate opening 31 (see FIG. 7). This initially cocks or rotates the entirerigid member 9 into its locked position of FIG. 7. Thereafter, when thetailgate 3 is closed and its flat,upper surface 43 contacts and compresses the middle orremainder 35″ of theseal 35 suspended across thetailgate opening 3′ (FIGS. 10 and 11), therigid member 9 is really not rotated beyond the locked position of FIG. 7. Rather, the additional compression of themiddle seal portion 35″ against thetailgate surface 43 will generate additional force or pressure tending to keep therigid member 9 in its locked position. In this manner, therigid member 9 remains in the position of FIG. 7 and is held in this position as thetailgate 3 is closed in the sequence of FIGS. 8-11. Although the compressible, resilient,bulb seal 35 of FIGS. 8-11 is preferred, other depending seals such as a lip seal could also be used. Additionally, as discussed above, thetailgate 3 can be mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis wherein the flat,upper surface 43 of thetailgate 3 would be essentially horizontal in its closed position of FIG. 11. The flat,upper surface 43 is also preferably at least two and even three or more times as wide as theseal 35. Therearwardly extending member 45 in FIGS. 8-11 is simply a rain flap to help direct moisture over the sealing arrangement. - The flexible top5 as discussed above is stretchable and resilient. Such stretching and resiliency are fairly limited in the sense of a canvas fabric or vinyl. Nevertheless, the flexible top 5 can be draped over the
bows 33 or other support frame of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 2) and pulled taut to stretch a half inch or so. This places the top 5 under slight tension and the resulting force of such tension is used as explained above to cock or rotate the rigid member 9 (e.g., extruded aluminum) on thehorizontal flange 25 of eachclip 19. Such tension is also used in the present invention to help hold the top 5 in theside fasteners 2 on the vehicle 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 13). - In this fastener adaptation of the co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,854, the side retaining system is additionally provided with the basic locking arrangement of
protuberance 37 andrecess 39 of FIGS. 5-7. More specifically and as illustrated in FIG. 12, aU-shaped channel 31′ is formed by mountingmember 2 to the side of the vehicle body 1′. Theflexible top 5 is then sewn or otherwise attached to the relatively rigid belt orflange 25′ and theflange 25′ inserted into theU-shaped channel 31′ formed by member 2 (FIG. 12). This stretches and pulls the top 5 taut. Once inserted and upon releasing theflange 25′, theprotuberance 37′ (see FIG. 13) engages the lip of therecess 39′ to lock theflange 25′ in place. In the modification of FIG. 14, therecess 39″ is adjacent the vehicle body 1′ in a leg of thechannel member 2′ and theprotuberance 37″ locks into therecess 39″ . TheU-shaped channels 31′ and 31″ of FIGS. 12-14 are formed by and described in terms of members attached to or mounted on the vehicle body 1′. However, such U-shaped channels could obviously be made integral with the vehicle body (e.g., additional metal sheet or molded plastic portion of the vehicle body itself). The intent is to make the U-shaped channel essentially a part of the vehicle. The locking arrangements of FIGS. 12-14 could also be operable in other positions relative to the top 5 as long as the top 5 applied forces on theflanges 25′ and 25″ which were generally directed away from or along the vehicle body 1′. - While several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (32)
1. In a vehicle having a tailgate and a flexible top with a downwardly extending rear portion wherein said tailgate is mounted for movement between an open position providing access to the interior of the vehicle through a tailgate opening in the rear of the vehicle and a closed position preventing access to the interior through said tailgate opening, said rear portion of said flexible top having a lower section extending substantially horizontally and said tailgate having an upper, substantially flat surface with said flat surface extending substantially horizontally in said closed position, the improvement including:
an arrangement for sealingly engaging the lower section of the rear portion of said flexible top and the substantially flat, upper surface of said tailgate in said closed position, said arrangement including a substantially rigid, elongated member attached to the lower section of the rear portion of said flexible top, said rigid member having end portions spaced from each other, said arrangement further including a flexible seal mounted to said rigid member and extending therealong substantially between the end portions of said rigid member and means for removably mounting said rigid member to said vehicle in a first position extending across the tailgate opening with said flexible seal extending downwardly and substantially across said tailgate opening and sealingly engaging the horizontally extending, flat, upper surface of said tailgate in said closed position, said arrangement additionally including means for permitting said tailgate to be moved between said closed and opened positions independently of said flexible top without removing said rigid member from said first position mounted across said tailgate opening with the lower section of the rear portion of said flexible top attached thereto.
2. The improvement of further including means for moving said flat, upper surface of said tailgate along a path intercepting said flexible seal wherein said flexible seal wipes across said flat, upper surface of said tailgate as said tailgate moves toward said closed position.
claim 1
3. The improvement of wherein said flexible seal and said flat surface have respective widths and the width of said flat surface is greater than the width of said flexible seal.
claim 2
4. The improvement of wherein the width of said flat surface is at least twice the width of said flexible seal.
claim 3
5. The improvement of wherein said flexible seal is a hollow, bulb seal and the path of the flat, upper surface of said tailgate as said tailgate moves toward said closed position intercepts a lower section of said seal.
claim 2
6. The improvement of wherein said tailgate mounting means mounts said tailgate for pivotal movement between said open and closed positions about a substantially vertical axis.
claim 2
7. The improvement of wherein said tailgate mounting means mounts said tailgate for pivotal movement between said open and closed positions about a substantially vertical axis.
claim 1
8. The improvement of wherein said tailgate opening is defined in part by two vertically extending walls in the rear of the vehicle, said walls being spaced a first distance apart and said flexible seal extending along said rigid member for a distance at least equal to said first distance.
claim 1
9. The improvement of wherein said flexible seal extends along said rigid member for a distance greater than said first distance.
claim 8
10. The improvement of wherein said vehicle has substantially horizontal surfaces respectively extending outwardly of said vertically extending walls of said tailgate opening and said rigid member is mounted so that parts of said seal adjacent the end portions of said rigid member sealingly engage said horizontal surfaces outwardly of said tailgate opening.
claim 9
11. The improvement of wherein said tailgate opening is defined in part by two vertically extending walls in the rear of the vehicle, said vertical walls having upper and lower portions, said rigid member in said first position being mounted to extend across the tailgate opening substantially between the upper portions of said vertical walls.
claim 1
12. The improvement of wherein said means for removably mounting said rigid member to said vehicle in said first position extending across said tailgate opening includes first and second clips mounted to said vehicle on respective sides of said tailgate opening.
claim 1
13. The improvement of wherein each of said clips includes a first member extending substantially horizontally and each end portion of said rigid member includes a substantially U-shaped channel, said first member of each clip being respectively received in said U-shaped channel of the respective end portion of the rigid member to maintain the rigid member in said first position extending across the tailgate opening.
claim 12
14. The improvement of wherein each horizontal member of each clip respectively received in the U-shaped channel of each end portion of said rigid member forms a respective pair and each pair of horizontal member and U-shaped channel has means for locking the pair in place.
claim 13
15. The improvement of wherein said locking means of each pair includes a mating protuberance and recess.
claim 14
16. The improvement of wherein the U-shaped channel of each pair has two legs and a base and the protuberance of each pair is on one of the legs of the U-shaped channel and the recess is in the horizontal member of the clip.
claim 15
17. The improvement of wherein the one leg of said U-shaped channel extends from the base of said U-shaped channel to a free end and said protuberance is located along said one leg spaced from said free end toward said base.
claim 16
18. The improvement of wherein the legs of each U-shaped channel are spaced apart a first distance and said horizontal member of each clip has a thickness less than the first distance and said improvement further includes means for rotating said U-shaped channel about said horizontal member to mate said protuberance in said recess to lock said U-shaped channel on said horizontal member.
claim 16
19. A retaining arrangement primarily intended for removably attaching a flexible top to a vehicle body, said retaining arrangement including:
a substantially rigid member having first and second sides, said first side having a U-shaped channel therein with two legs and a base and said second side having means for attaching said rigid member to said flexible top, said retaining arrangement further including a clip with a flange and means for mounting said clip to said vehicle body with the flange spaced from the vehicle body and receivable in the U-shaped channel of said rigid member between the legs of the U-shape, and means for locking said flange in said U-shaped channel, said locking means including a mating protuberance and recess, said protuberance extending outwardly from one of said flange and said U-shaped channel and said mating recess extending inwardly of the other of said flange and said U-shaped channel.
20. The retaining arrangement of wherein said protuberance is on said U-shaped channel and said recess is in said flange.
claim 19
21. The retaining arrangement of wherein said protuberance is on one of the legs of said U-shaped channel and said recess is in said flange.
claim 19
22. The retaining arrangement of wherein the one leg of said U-shaped channel extends from the base of the U-shaped channel to a free end and said protuberance is located along said one leg spaced from said free end toward said base.
claim 21
23. The retaining arrangement of wherein the legs of said U-shaped channel are spaced apart a first distance and the protuberance extends inwardly from said one leg a second distance toward the other leg and said flange has a thickness less than the first distance minus the second distance.
claim 21
24. The retaining arrangement of further including means for rotating said U-shaped channel about said flange to mate said protuberance in said recess to lock said rigid member on said flange.
claim 23
25. The retaining arrangement of wherein said rotating means includes means for applying a force to said rigid member.
claim 24
26. The retaining arrangement of wherein said flexible top is stretchable and resilient and supported on the vehicle body so that the flexible top is stretched as the flange is received in the U-shaped channel wherein said force applying means to rotate said U-shaped channel includes said stretched, resilient top attached to said rigid member.
claim 25
27. The retaining arrangement of wherein said force applying means includes a compressible, resilient seal.
claim 25
28. The retaining arrangement of wherein the legs of the U-shaped channel are spaced apart a first distance and said flange has a thickness less than the first distance and said retaining arrangement further includes means for rotating said U-shaped channel about said flange to mate said protuberance in said recess to lock said U-shaped channel on said flange.
claim 19
29. A retaining arrangement primarily intended for removably attaching a flexible, stretchable, resilient top to a vehicle body, said retaining arrangement including:
a U-shaped channel means with legs and a base, a flange, means for attaching one of said U-shaped channel means and said flange to said flexible top, and means for mounting the other of said U-shaped channel means and said flange on the vehicle body, said flange being receivable in said U-shaped channel means between the legs of the U-shape, and means for locking said flange in said U-shaped channel means, said locking means including a mating protuberance and recess, said protuberance extending outwardly from a first of said flange and said U-shaped channel means and said mating recess extending inwardly of a second of said flange and said U-shaped channel means.
30. The retaining arrangement of wherein the legs of said U-shaped channel means are spaced apart a first distance and the flange has a thickness less than said first distance and said retaining arrangement further includes means for rotating the one of said U-shaped channel means and said flange attached to said flexible top about the other of said U-shaped channel means and flange mounted on the vehicle body to mate said protuberance in said recess to lock said flange in said U-shaped channel means.
claim 29
31. The retaining arrangement of wherein the protuberance is on one of the legs of the U-shaped channel means and the recess is in the flange.
claim 30
32. The retaining arrangement of wherein the protuberance is on the flange and the recess is in one of the legs of the U-shaped channel means.
claim 30
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/934,239 US20010054830A1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 2001-08-20 | Tailgate sealing arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/437,322 US5702147A (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1995-05-09 | Tailgate sealing arrangement |
US09/438,052 US6286888B1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1997-12-24 | Removable retainer arrangements for flexible, vehicle tops |
US09/934,239 US20010054830A1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 2001-08-20 | Tailgate sealing arrangement |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/438,052 Continuation US6286888B1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1997-12-24 | Removable retainer arrangements for flexible, vehicle tops |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010054830A1 true US20010054830A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 |
Family
ID=23735957
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/437,322 Expired - Lifetime US5702147A (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1995-05-09 | Tailgate sealing arrangement |
US08/646,486 Expired - Fee Related US5765903A (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1996-05-08 | Removable retainer arrangements for flexible, vehicle tops |
US09/438,052 Expired - Fee Related US6286888B1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1997-12-24 | Removable retainer arrangements for flexible, vehicle tops |
US09/052,740 Expired - Lifetime US5979968A (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1998-03-31 | Removable retainer arrangements for flexible, vehicle tops |
US09/934,239 Abandoned US20010054830A1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 2001-08-20 | Tailgate sealing arrangement |
Family Applications Before (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/437,322 Expired - Lifetime US5702147A (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1995-05-09 | Tailgate sealing arrangement |
US08/646,486 Expired - Fee Related US5765903A (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1996-05-08 | Removable retainer arrangements for flexible, vehicle tops |
US09/438,052 Expired - Fee Related US6286888B1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1997-12-24 | Removable retainer arrangements for flexible, vehicle tops |
US09/052,740 Expired - Lifetime US5979968A (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1998-03-31 | Removable retainer arrangements for flexible, vehicle tops |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (5) | US5702147A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0827461A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU5677396A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2218540A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1996035591A1 (en) |
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JP3218342B2 (en) * | 1993-03-08 | 2001-10-15 | 昭和電工株式会社 | Top sheet mounting device in vehicle carrier |
JP3218343B2 (en) * | 1993-03-08 | 2001-10-15 | 昭和電工株式会社 | Top sheet mounting device in vehicle carrier |
WO1994027271A1 (en) * | 1993-05-07 | 1994-11-24 | Coleman Kelly R | Sign face frame attachment with perimeter flanges for universal mounting |
US5398388A (en) * | 1993-05-07 | 1995-03-21 | Coleman; Kelly R. | Tensioning assembly for flexible sign faces and awnings |
-
1995
- 1995-05-09 US US08/437,322 patent/US5702147A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-05-08 US US08/646,486 patent/US5765903A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-05-08 CA CA002218540A patent/CA2218540A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-05-08 WO PCT/US1996/006432 patent/WO1996035591A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-05-08 EP EP96913959A patent/EP0827461A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-05-08 AU AU56773/96A patent/AU5677396A/en not_active Abandoned
-
1997
- 1997-12-24 US US09/438,052 patent/US6286888B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-03-31 US US09/052,740 patent/US5979968A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-08-20 US US09/934,239 patent/US20010054830A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060017303A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Weege Michael E | Collapsible soft top cover and overhead rack sytem for a pickup truck |
US11034273B2 (en) * | 2016-12-05 | 2021-06-15 | Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Co., Llc | Track-based accessory system for use with a golf cart |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1996035591A1 (en) | 1996-11-14 |
EP0827461A1 (en) | 1998-03-11 |
US5702147A (en) | 1997-12-30 |
EP0827461A4 (en) | 1999-08-04 |
AU5677396A (en) | 1996-11-29 |
US6286888B1 (en) | 2001-09-11 |
US5765903A (en) | 1998-06-16 |
US5979968A (en) | 1999-11-09 |
CA2218540A1 (en) | 1996-11-14 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |