WO2016070242A1

WO2016070242A1 - Trailer or utility vehicle modular top

Info

Publication number: WO2016070242A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050689
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher John Steven Picone
Original assignee: Kit Top Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-04
Filing date: 2015-11-04
Publication date: 2016-05-12
Also published as: AU2015342737B2; AU2015342737A1

Abstract

A modular top (100) for a trailer or utility vehicle has two side frames (102, 104), and optionally a front end frame (24), of adjustable length to accommodate mounting the modular top onto the trailer or utility vehicle. One or more doors or gates (26) can be provided at a rear of the modular top. Cross bracing (134) can be provided at a front of the modular top. A roof frame (200) of adjustable dimensions can be mounted across the side frames.

Description

TRAILER OR UTILITY VEHICLE MODULAR TOP FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to trailer and utility vehicle top

assemblies to enable increased trailer or utility vehicle load carry capacity and/or trailer and utility vehicle load carrying safety.

[0002] The present invention in one or more preferred arrangements preferably relates to kit form tops for trailers and utility vehicles, such as cage surrounds for the tops of trailers and utility vehicles.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] Trailers are used to increase the load carrying capacity of vehicles.

[0004] Trailers normally come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, some being custom made for particular load carry purposes.

[0005] There are numerous types and style of trailers ranging from standard box trailers to car trailers.

[0006] Utility vehicles are self propelled and have a forward driver/passenger cabin and a rearward low sided load carrying bed, all mounted on the chassis of the utility vehicle. A utility vehicle may also tow a trailer, utility vehicle is often termed a 'ute' (short for 'utility') in Australia and as a 'pickup' in Europe and north America.

[0007] A large proportion of trailers and especially utility vehicles have a low side wall, open top, arrangement. Whilst a low side wall construction reduces overall weight of the trailer, and therefore maximises the load that can be towed by the vehicle within the vehicle's rated towing capacity, such construction compromises the type(s) of load and load safety that can be carried at any one time.

[0008] Low trailer side walls mean that tall/long load objects have to be laid down in the trailer, if they fit within the length and width dimensions of the trailer floor. This takes up a large proportion of floor space, and does not take advantage of available height space. Tall/long objects can be stood/held upright on the trailer floor, but naturally become unstable, particularly through roll, pitch, heave and yaw motions of the trailer during towing.

[0009] Such tall/long objects may topple/fall over before, during or after towing, particularly if in-expertly secured with ropes or elasticated straps or if the load shifts during towing. This risks damaging the good and becomes a risk to pedestrians, other vehicles and buildings.

[0010] One known solution to the problem of transporting tall/long objects in a trailer is to increase the height of the trailer side walls, which negatively impacts the overall load (weight) carrying capacity of the trailer in relation to the maximum towing (trailer weight) capacity of the vehicle.

[001 1] A similar problem is exhibited in utility vehicles, whereby, increasing the side wall height increases the vehicle weight and correspondingly reduces vehicle load carrying capacity.

[0012] One other solution to the problem of transporting tall/long objects in a trailer is to have either fixed height steel mesh upper side walls extending permanently up from solid panel lower side walls.

[0013] Also, there is a problem with objects falling from low sided open trailers and utility vehicles during use. This presents a danger to other road users following as the object or debris can be left on the road. Providing a modular top enables trailer and utility vehicle owners and users to obtain and install a modular top to their trailer or utility vehicle at more reasonable cost than seeking custom made, fixed dimension tops.

[0014] Whilst such trailers assist with carrying tall/long objects within the trailer envelope, and help to reduce overall trailer weight by having the steel mesh upper side walls, they still compromise the overall load carrying capacity of the trailer because of the fixed upper and lower wall construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention seeks to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned disadvantages of load carrying capacity and flexibility for trailers by providing a modular top to allow the installation of a trailer top on a trailer body or floor, or for the load space of a utility vehicle, regardless of dimensional variation between trailers or utility vehicles.

[0016] It will be appreciated that the modular top may be installed mounted onto the upper sides of the trailer or utility vehicle load space, or may be installed mounted onto the floor of the trailer or utility load space, or mounted to the side walls thereof. In any such installation, the modular top extends upwards beyond the upper edge of the trailer or utility vehicle load space so as to extend upwards the available load space surround.

[0017] With the aforementioned in mind, an aspect of the present invention provides a modular top for a trailer or utility vehicle mountable to a respective said trailer or utility vehicle to extend upwards at least two side walls, the modular top including at least two side frames, the two side frames each connected to the other by at least one brace and forming an upward extending extension frame for increasing the load carrying space of the trailer or utility vehicle, the two side frames being adjustable in length to adapt to length dimensions of, and mount on, respective sides of the trailer or utility vehicle body. [0018] The modular top may include at least one front frame. For example, the at least one brace may include at least one front frame.

[0019] The modular top may include at least one door or gate, preferably at a rear of the modular top on the trailer or utility vehicle.

[0020] Preferably the modular top may include at least one side frame to side frame brace. When such bracing is installed, the two side frames are braced one to the other by the at least one side frame to side frame brace for structural rigidity.

[0021 ] Alternatively, or in addition, the modular top may include at least one side frame to front or rear frame brace. When such bracing is installed, one or both side frames is/are braced with the respective front or rear frame for structural rigidity.

[0022] The rear frame may include at least one door or gate. Each said door or gate may be hinged to pivot with respect to a respective one of the side frames. For example, the rear frame may form a single door or gate hingedly mounted with respect to one of the side walls.

[0023] A releasable retainer, such as a releasable catch, latch or bolt, may be provided with respect to the other side frame.

[0024] Alternatively, multiple doors/gates may be provided. For example, a first door or gate may be hinged with respect to a first side frame and a second door or gate may be hinged with respect to the second side frame. The

releasable retainer may be provided as a releasable catch, latch or bolt acting between the two hinged doors/gates.

[0025] Each of the side frames may be length adjustable by having at least two side frame sub frames that are positioned with an overlap one to the other and fastened together to form a required overall length of side frame to suit the trailer or utility vehicle. The side frame may therefore be adjustable in length and mounted on or to the trailer or utility vehicle side to extend upward the effective overall height of the trailer or utility vehicle.

[0026] Likewise, the rear or front frame may have at least two respective front or rear frame sub frames that overlap one to the other and are fastened together to form the required length of front or rear frame for mounting on or to the trailer or utility vehicle to likewise extend upward the overall height of the front or rear of the trailer or utility vehicle.

[0027] It will be appreciated that the side frame sub frames on one or both sides of the vehicle may be of equal length. This aids simplicity of the modular top and interchangeability of components in that each of the side frame sub frames can be identical.

[0028] Alternatively, multiple lengths of side frame sub frames may be fabricated, thereby providing a choice of lengths of side frame sub frame to make the modular top suit a greater variety of size of trailer or utility vehicle load envelope.

[0029] Preferably one side frame sub frame slides or slots into the other side frame sub frame when forming a side frame. One of the side frame sub frames may include a guide, such as a channel, into which the other side frame sub frame is slid. This helps to retain the two side frame sub frames together, and aids fastening of one to the other by at least one side frame sub frame fastener.

[0030] The aforementioned bracing may provide support for a flexible cover, such as a fabric or polymeric sheet (e.g. a tarpaulin, poly-tarp, waxed fabric shaped or loose fit cover). Such a cover, when in position over the top of the frames may extend down to cover the side frames and/or front/rear frame(s). [0031 ] One of the side frame sub frames, or each of the side frame sub frames, of a side frame may include at least one end stop to limit sliding relationship of the sub frames.

[0032] One of more fasteners to fasten one side frame sub frame to the other may pass into or through the guide or channel for additional fixing strength.

[0033] One of the front or rear frame sub frames, or each of the front or rear frame sub frames, of a respective front or rear frame may include at least one end stop to limit sliding relationship of those respective sub frames.

[0034] One of more fasteners to fasten one front or rear frame sub frame to the other may pass into or through the guide or channel for additional fixing strength.

[0035] One or more of the side frame sub frames or front/rear frame sub frames may include a mesh, such as steel or aluminium mesh.

[0036] Such mesh may be provided within a metal framework structure, such as a continuous frame surround or a frame surround fabricated or assembled from components. For example, preferably such a frame surround may be formed of upper and lower lengths of frame surround and end lengths of frame surround to form a rectangular frame surround. The lengths may meet directly at the four respective corners, and may be bolted or welded together.

[0037] Alternatively, preformed corner pieces may be provided as part of the modular top, and the upper/lower and/or end lengths may be chosen to create the preferred height and/or length of the overall sub frame.

[0038] Cross bracing may be provided across one or more corners of a respective sub frame. For example, a preformed corner component may have integral or added cross bracing extending across from one leg of the corner piece to the opposite leg of that corner piece.

[0039] Two corners of a sub frame may be formed by a single continuous component, such as an end piece or upper/lower piece. The continuous component may have two corners formed by a length of frame surround and a transverse leg extending at a right angle from each end thereof.

[0040] One or more of the continuous components may have hinge mountings to which the respective door or gate is hinged in use.

[0041 ] Cable bracing may be provided between on side frame and another on the trailer or utility vehicle.

[0042] Preferably such cable bracing includes cross bracing, such as diagonal cross bracing from an upper portion of a fi st side frame to a lower portion of a second, opposed, side frame, and from an upper portion of the second side frame to a lower portion of the first side frame.

[0043] Such cable bracing may include at least one adjuster for adjusting tension in the cable bracing when in use.

[0044] Swivel mounts may be provided to attach the respective cable bracing attachment end to its upper or lower side frame portion.

[0045] The at least one fastener retaining together the sub frames of the side frames or front/rear frame(s) may be releasable to enable selective adjustment of the length of the respective side/front/rear frame. For example, a resiliently biased member, such as a spring biased detent or bolt, may be provided on one of the sub frames to selectively engage into one of a selection of adjustment positions on the other of the sub frames forming that side frame or front/ rear frame. Thus, the length of the side/front/rear frame can be adjusted as required within selection limits.

[0046] A modular roof frame may be provided to enhance the modular top. For example, one or more cross members may connect between the upper portions of opposed said side frames. One or more front to rear extending members may be provided. The front to rear extending member(s) may attach to the cross member(s).

[0047] Preferably, at least one of the front to rear extending member or a cross member provides a ridge support for a canopy/cover over the roof frame. One or more of the cross member(s) or front to rear member(s) may have a curved profile so as to provide a smooth surface transitioning from an upper roof to the side frames.

[0048] Roof frame bracing may be provided between the side frames and the cross member(s)/front to rear member(s).

[0049] The at least one door or gate may include a catch or latch mechanism to releasably retain the door or gate closed until released.

[0050] A security means may be provided to prevent or restrict movement of the side frame sub frame adjacent the latch or catch position of the door or gate from being forced away from the latch or catch mechanism and bypassing or releasing the latch or catch mechanism.

[0051] A support surface mounted to or integral with a said side frame preferably porivdes support for a bearing surface of the door or gate to rest on and support a downward force from the door or gate. [0052] Preferably, at least one stop piece may be provided to prevent or restrict sliding movement of one of the sub frames relative to another said sub frame of the same side frame.

[0053] The side frames and/or the front end frame may be pred rilled at locations along a lower portion of each said frame, thereby providing identified installation points on the modular top.

[0054] External bracing may be provided. Such external bracing may extend from one or more respective ends of the side frame(s) or front end frame, or gate/door frame, to mount to the trailer or utility vehicle external of the envelope of the modular top. For example, bracing legs may be attached to and extend downwards and outwards from the respective frames to mount to the trailer or utility vehicle load space outside of the load space created by the modular top side frames.

[0055] The modular top may be provided as a kit of parts for pre-assembly and mounting onto the trailer or utility vehicle or for assembly in parts on the trailer or utility vehicle.

[0056] The modular top can be a 'cage top' having a mesh or bar surround as the side frames and front end frames, and an optional roof of mesh, bars, fabric or solid cover, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0057] The two side frames may be bolted directly to the front end frame, or the front end frame and side frames may be bolted to respective additional comer pieces.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the modular top is adaptable to suit a variety of sizes of trailer or utility vehicle. The customer/owner/user of the trailer or utility vehicle need not know the exact dimensions of the trailer or utility vehicle load space, and therefore does not need to seek a custom fabricated top for the trailer or utility vehicle. Only general dimensions are required, and the modular top adjusts to suit the exact dimensions.

[0059] The side frames and/or end frame and/or roof frame and/or gate/gate frame may be fabricated from metal, such as steel or alloy (such as aluminium alloy) or combinations thereof.

[0060] The metal may be plastic or powder coated, galvanized or painted.

[0061 ] The roof frame may include plastic or other polymer components or combinations of plastic/polymer components and alloy/steel components for lightness and sufficient strength.

[0062] Fasteners can be made of steel, such as high tensile steel, alloy, or combinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] One or more embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 shows a modular top for a trailer or utility vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 2 shows an alternative form of modular top for a trailer or utility vehicle according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a modular top for a trailer or utility vehicle, including a roof frame, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [0067] Figure 4 shows detail of a door or gate hinge applicable to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 5 shows partial cross sectional detail of a sub frame to sub frame slide lock assembly applicable to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a slide lock member of the sub frame to sub frame slide lock assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0070] Figure 7 shows detail of a gate/door latch assembly applicable to a modular top for a trailer or utility vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071 ] Figure 8 shows detail of a catch/latch mechanism with security hook according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0072] As shown in Figure 1 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a modular top 10 for mounting onto a trailer or load space of a utility vehicle (not shown).

[0073] The modular top 10 includes two opposed side frames, a first side frame 12 and a second side frame 14.

[0074] The first side frame 12 in the embodiment shown includes two side frame sub frames, a first side frame first sub frame 16 and a first side frame second sub frame 18. [0075] Likewise, the second side frame 14 in the embodiment shown includes two side frame sub frames, a second side frame first sub frame 20 and a second side frame second sub frame 22.

[0076] Each of the first and second sub frames of a respective side frame are length adjustable by sliding one sub frame relative to the other in the same side frame, as shown by the indicative arrows A1 , A2, in Figure 1.

[0077] One or both of a front end frame 24 or rear end frame 26 can be provided.

[0078] When provided, the front end frame, like the side frames, can include a front end frame first sub frame 28 and a second sub frame 30. Preferably these front end sub frames slide relative to one another for length adjustment, as indicated by arrows B1. When the required overall length of the combination for front end sub frames together is achieved, the two sub frames are fastened together.

[0079] Similarly, the rear end sub frame 26 can include a rear end frame first sub frame 32 and a second sub frame 34.

[0080] Preferably the rear end sub frames slide relative to one another for length adjustment, as indicated by arrows B2. When the required overall length of the combination for rear end sub frames together is achieved, the two sub frames are fastened together.

[0081] For any one or more of the side frames, front end frame or rear end frame, fastening together of the respective sub frames can be by releasable fastening, such as by using threaded fasteners (e.g. bolts), resiliently biased member(s), such as one or more spring loaded detents, or catches/latches.

Alternatively, once the correct required length is achieved, permanent fastening can be applied, for example, by riveting or welding. [0082] The rear end frame 26 can include a gate or door 36, which, as described above, can include sub frames, such as gate/door sub frames 36a, 36b.

[0083] The door/gate can be hinged (see arrows C1 ) for opening/closing by one or more hinges 38a at one end of the door/gate to framing of or attached to one of the side frames 12, 14 or of the rear end frame.

[0084] The opposite end of the door/gate to the hinge end can include part of a releasable retainer 40a for retaining the door/gate closed when required (see arrows D1 ). The door/gate can be biased towards a closing position by a biasing means, such as a return spring mechanism, when left to freely operate.

[0085] One or more of the side, front end or rear end frame sub frames can include a mesh material 42 within a surround 44.

[0086] Some of the frames are identified by reference numeral 46 in Figure 1 without the mesh material 42. This is to demonstrate that the surrounds 44, 46 may each include mesh or may have solid panelling within the surround, or a combination of mesh and solid panel.

[0087] The mesh may have a solid mesh perimeter frame 48 at one or more edges of the mesh. Such mesh perimeter frame may be fastened to a respective frame member of a sub frame, such as to a sub frame end member 50 or to a sub frame edge member 52. Such fastening can be by permanent fixing, such as riveting or welding or security fasteners that fasten but cannot readily be undone without destruction, or by releasable fastening such as screws or bolts, which may only be accessible for release from the inside surface of the modular top (i.e. as viewed from being within the assembled frame).

[0088] One or more of the aforementioned sub frames may have a surround formed as a continuous three sided surround 52, comprising an end portion and two opposed longitudinal side portions (upper and lower side portions), or may be formed of an end portion 50 and attached side edge portions, which side edge portions may be formed by the mesh perimeter edges or may be provided by separate edge members. Thus, the sub frame can be fabricated form end members and edge members assembled together, or can be a continuous three sided frame.

[0089] The Open' end of the three sided frame or fabricated frame can have a strengthener 54 connecting at or adjacent the opposed free ends of a sub frame.

[0090] Figure 2 shows an alternative form of the modular top 100 embodying the present invention.

[0091 ] In the embodiment of figure 2, a first side frame 102 and a second side frame 104 are braced by diagonal cross bracing 134. The diagonal cross bracing has two flexible members 134a, 134b each extending from a respective upper portion of one side frame to a lower portion of the opposed side frame. Arrows F show the direction of tension forces. Each flexible member, such as a cable, is tensioned by a tensioning means 136, such as a turnbuckle.

[0092] Each of the side frames 102, 104 is formed of a first sub frame 106, 1 10 and a second sub frame 108, 1 12.

[0093] Preferably, the first and second respective sub frames slot together or at least overlap for being retained together in a required position, such as by a slide lock assembly or for otherwise being releasably or permanently fastened together.

[0094] For example, as shown in Figure 2, each of the first sub frames 106, 1 10 has an upper frame portion 1 14 and a lower frame portion 1 16, connected at a fastening joint 140. [0095] And each of the first sub frame upper portions 1 14 has a channel 132 into which is received the upper portion 122 of the respective side frame second sub frame 108, 1 12.

[0096] Likewise, the lower portion 1 16 of each of the first sub frames has a channel 142 into which the lower portion 124 of each of the second sub frames slot.

[0097] It will be appreciated that the first and second sub frame upper and lower portions may overlap for fastening together, which may be by permanent fastening or by releasable fastening.

[0098] In the case of releasable fastening, preferably the fasteners employed may only be released from the inside of the modular top with respect to being on a trailer or utility vehicle. Direction arrows E1 and E2 show the direction of assembly to slot together or overlap the first and second sub frames of each side frame.

[0099] Cross bracing 180, 120, 130 may be provided to strengthen and help rigidify the structure of each frame. This is particularly useful if no metal mesh is provided supporting between the respective upper and lower members.

[00100] The first or second, or both the first and second, sub frames of a side frame can have a brace 142 extending between the respective upper 1 14, 122 and lower members 1 16, 124. The brace is shown on the second sub frame but can be provided on the first and/or second sub frame.

[00101 ] Each of the first or second sub frames can be formed with one or more preformed corner pieces, such as either or both of upper corner piece 126 or lower corner piece 128. [00102] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure

3.

[00103] The modular top 200 has two opposed side frames in the form of a first side frame 202 and a second side frame 204. Each of the side frames preferably includes upper corner bracing 202a, 202b, 204a, 204b.

[00104] Each of the side frames can include height adjustment (shown by arrows labelled H) by adjusting the effective length of the forward and rearward legs 226a, 228a, 226b, 228b of the side frames. For example, each leg may have a respective foot 226, 228 which extends relative to the leg and is fastened at a required position so that the leg is of a required length to set the roof cover at the required height on the trailer or utility vehicle.

[00105] Length of each of the side frames 202, 204 can be adjusted to suit the length dimension of the top of the trailer or utility to which the modular top is to be mounted. For example one or both legs 226a, 226b, 228a, 228b of a side frame can be extended outwards, such as by a sliding arrangement with the remainder of the respective side frame. Each leg may then be fastened in position once the side frame is at its required length.

[00106] Cross bracing 222 can be provided between each side frame 202, 204 and a portion of the roof frame 206 structure.

[00107] The roof frame 206 can have one or more transverse members 208, 210, 212 extending across between one side frame 202, 204 and the other 204, 202. Each of the transverse members can be length adjustable to cater for trailers/utility vehicles of varying widths.

[00108] One or more front to rear members 214, 216, 218 extend over the transverse members. [00 09] Preferably, one or more of the front to rear members is central and provides a roof cover ridge support (such as member 214).

[00110] One or more preferred forms of the present invention include the front to rear members having a respective curve profile to smooth a fabric roof cover on the roof frame and avoid sharp corners that may others become wear points causing premature wear of the cover.

[001 1 1 ] Each of the front to rear members and/or transverse members may be length extendible, as shown by arrows J and K in Figure 3.

[001 12] Figure 4 shows a hinge used for a door or gate for one or more embodiments of the present invention. For example, the hinge 38a mentioned above.

[001 13] The hinge 300 has a hinge bracket 302 for mounting to a side frame, and a hinge plate 306 for attachment to the door/gate. The hinge plate and bracket are pivoted (hinged) relative to one another by a pivot pin 304 providing a pivot axis 304a.

[001 14] The pivot pin can be provided by a high tensile bolt.

[001 15] A zinc coated wear sleeve 310 protects the hinge pin within the curve of the curved envelope of the hinge strap at the bracket. A grease nipple 312 provides a grease path 314 to lubricate the hinge and help reduce wear and noise.

[001 16] A high tensile nut 316 may be used to ensure the bolt remains within the bracket. Washers 308 help to control wear between the bracket and the hinge strap during use. [001 17] Figure 5 shows detail of a slide lock assembly 400. The slide lock assembly ensures that two sub frames forming all or part of a side frame, front end frame or rear end frame do not slide relative to one another once the modular top is assembled. Essentially, the slide lock prevents relative sliding movement of two adjacent and overlapping sub frames and adds to security.

[001 18] As shown in Figure 5, the surround 404 of one sub frame overlaps inside the surround 402 of another sub frame. This allows the mesh 404a of the one sub frame to overlap with the mesh 402a of the other sub frame.

[001 19] Preferably the mesh on each of the sub frames overlaps such that the wires of one mesh overlay the wires of the other mesh when viewed

perpendicular to the plane of each mesh. Thus, the continuity of the mesh as viewed is maintained, maintaining/enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the sides/front/rear of the modular top.

[00120] A packing piece 408 attached to the outermost sub frame surround 402 of the two sub frames packs out and fills the gap between the sub frame surrounds 402, 404. Such attachment can be by welding or riveting etc.

[00121 ] A fastener 406a passes through apertures through the sub frame surrounds 402, 404 and the packing piece 408, and can be retained by a retainer 406b, such as a nut as shown.

[00122] A lock member 410 (or 'key connector or key piece') engages with the mesh or the packing piece to prevent relative sliding movement in one or two lateral directions relative to the sub frames. Detail of the lock member 410 is shown in Figure 6.

[00123] A projection 410a can engage with the mesh of one of the sub frames and/or engage with the packing piece 408, to prevent relative sliding movement in one or both lateral directions. [00124] A stop assembly 412 can be applied to help retain the sub frame surrounds together and prevent upward or lateral movement of one sub frame surround relative to the other.

[00125] The exemplary stop assembly shown in Figure 5 is provided by an upstand portion 414 on the outer surround 402 of one sub frame. A stop member 416, for example a bolt 416a and nut 416b assembly, applies a holding force to the surround 404 of inner sub frame.

[00126] The gate or door of the modular top can include a latch or catch mechanism to retain the gate/door closed until the latch or catch mechanism is released and the gate/door can be hinged open. The latch or catch mechanism may automatically operate to retain the gate/door closed when the gate/door closes.

[00127] For example, an embodiment shown in a rear elevation in Figure 7 provides a double latch/catch arrangement 500 mounted to a gate/door 502, whereby two pins 510a, 510b releasably insert into respective apertures in catch plates members 514a, 514b provided at an end of a side frame 504.

[00128] The two pins are spring 512a, 512b biased to an extending position, and a release handle 508 can be manually operated to pull back the pins to release them from the catch plate apertures and allow the gate/door to be hinged open.

[00129] It will be appreciated that only one spring biased or unbiased pin may be employed to release and lock the gate/door.

[00130] A portion 502c of the gate/door may include a bearing surface 516a to rest on a support surface 518a of the side frame 504. This takes the weight of the gate/door at the opening end of the gate/door opposite the hinge end (not shown in Fig 7 but described earlier). [00131] Apertures 520a, 520b are provided through the respective bearing surfaces 516a, 518a and support surfaces 516b, 518b, to receive a locking device, such as a padlock hasp (not shown) for additional security.

[00132] A security mean can be provided to prevent the gate/door latch/catch mechanism being bypassed or overcome by forcing the side frame 504 away from the retaining pin(s) 510.

[00133] For example, as shown in Figure 8, a security means, such as in the form of hook 522 can be provided to help prevent the side frame 504 being levered/pulled away to the side from the end of the gate/door. This prevents the latch/catch being bypassed and forced entry being successful.

[00134] The security means attached to the gate/door is contacted by a portion of the side frame, such as a bracket providing the support surface 518 of the side frame.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A modular top for a trailer or utility vehicle mountable to a respective said trailer or utility vehicle to extend upwards at least two side walls, the modular top including at least two side frames, the two side frames each connected to the other by at least one brace and forming an upward extending extension frame for increasing the load carrying space of the trailer or utility vehicle, the two side frames being adjustable in length to adapt to length dimensions of, and mount on, respective sides of the trailer or utility vehicle body.

2. The modular top of claim 1 , the at least one brace including at least one front frame.

3. The modular top of claim 1 or 2, including at least one door or gate.

4. The modular top of claim 2, including at least one side frame to front frame brace.

5. The modular top of claim 4, including a releasable retainer, optionally being a releasable catch, latch or bolt, provided with respect to the other side frame.

6. The modular top of claim 3, including two or more of said door or gate.

7. The modular top of claim 6, including a first said door or gate hinged with respect to a first side frame and a second said door or gate hinged with respect to the second side frame.

8. The modular top of claim 6 or 7, a releasable retainer provided as a releasable catch, latch or bolt acting between the two hinged doors/gates.

9. The modular top of claim 1 , wherein each of the side frames is of adjustable length by having at least two side frame sub frames that are positioned with an overlap one to the other and fastened together to form a required overall length of side frame to suit the trailer or utility vehicle.

10. The modular top of claim 2, wherein the front frame has at least two respective front frame sub frames that overlap one to the other and are fastened together to form the required length of front frame.

1 1. The modular top of claim 1 , wherein one side frame sub frame slides or slots into a portion of the other side frame sub frame when forming a side frame.

12. The modular top of claim 11 , wherein one of the side frame sub frames includes a guide, optionally a channel, into which the other side frame sub frame slides.

13. The modular top of claim 9, wherein one of the side frame sub frames, or each of the side frame sub frames, of a side frame has at least one end stop to limit sliding relationship of the sub frames.

14. The modular top of claim 9, including one of more fasteners to fasten one side frame sub frame to the other.

15. The modular top of claim 10, one of the front frame sub frames, or each of the front frame sub frames, of a front frame includes at least one end stop to limit sliding relationship of those respective sub frames.

16. The modular top of claim 10, including one of more fasteners to fasten one front frame sub frame to the other.

17. The modular top of claim 1 , each said side frame and front frame including a metal mesh.

18. The modular top of claim 17, the mesh provided within a framework structure.

19. The modular top of claim 18, the framework structure including a frame surround formed of upper and lower lengths of frame surround and end lengths of frame surround used to form a rectangular said frame surround.

20. The modular top of claim19, the upper and lower lengths connecting to preformed corner pieces.

21. The modular top of claim 9 or 10, including cross bracing extending across one or more corners of a respective sub frame.

22. The modular top of claim 1 , including cable bracing between on said side frame and another said side frame across the trailer or utility vehicle.

23. The modular top of claim 22, the cross bracing including one or both of diagonal bracing from an upper portion of a first side frame to a lower portion of a second, opposed, side frame, and from an upper portion of the second side frame to a lower portion of the first side frame.

24. The modular top of claim 1 , including a modular roof frame.

25. The modular top of claim 24, including one or more cross members connecting between the opposed said side frames.

26. The modular top of claim 25, including one or more front to rear extending members.

27. The modular top of claim 26, the front to rear extending member(s) attaching to the cross member(s).

28. The modular top of claim 26, at least one of the front to rear extending member or a cross member provides a ridge support for a canopy/cover over the roof frame.

29. The modular top of claim 26, including one or more of the cross member(s) and/or the front to rear member(s) having a curved profile.

30. The modular top of claim 26, including roof frame bracing between the side frames and the cross member(s)/front to rear member(s).

31. The modular top of claim 3, wherein the at least one door or gate includes a catch or latch mechanism to releasably retain the door or gate closed until released.

32. The modular top of claim 31 , the door or gate including a security means preventing movement of the side frame sub frame adjacent the latch or catch position of the door or gate from being forced away from the latch or catch mechanism and bypassing or releasing the latch or catch mechanism.

33. The modular top of claim 3, including a support surface mounted to or integral with a said side frame and providing a support for a bearing surface of the door or gate to rest on and support a downward force from the door or gate.

34. The modular top of claim 1 , including a stop piece preventing sliding movement of one of the sub frames relative to another said sub frame of the same side frame.