U.S. patent application number 13/998536 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-14 for telescoping type cover for truck beds and the like.
The applicant listed for this patent is Paul L. Parshall. Invention is credited to Paul L. Parshall.
Application Number | 20150130211 13/998536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53043157 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150130211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parshall; Paul L. |
May 14, 2015 |
Telescoping type cover for truck beds and the like
Abstract
An enclosure assembly enabling the selective covering of an area
such as the bed of a pickup truck. The assembly includes a
plurality of extendable collapsible cover section interconnected by
an actuation system. The actuation system enables the rear cover
section of the assembly to be pivoted to a collapsed or extended
position by a pivoting structure having unique cam and leverage
characteristics. The entire assembly can be selectively power
operated or locked into position using a clutch mechanism
associated with the actuation system. The actuation system can be
powered by an electric motor or by a hand crank operating through
bevel gears in case of a system failure.
Inventors: |
Parshall; Paul L.; (Naples,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Parshall; Paul L. |
Naples |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53043157 |
Appl. No.: |
13/998536 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/100.05 ;
296/100.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/100.05 ;
296/100.04 |
International
Class: |
B60P 7/02 20060101
B60P007/02 |
Claims
1. An enclosure assembly for an area comprising: track means having
a channel formed therein and positioned at spaced apart parallel
boundaries of said area and extending the length thereof, a
plurality of rigid cover sections including at least forwardmost
and rearwardmost most sections extending between said track means
and at least one of said covers sections having interengaging means
corresponding to said channels for slidable reception in said track
means, said cover sections being extandable to substantially
enclose said area and collapsible so as to leave said area at least
partially open, said forwardmost cover being interconnected to said
rearwardmost cover section by actuation means which operates to
move at least one of said cover sections to collapsed or extended
positions and allows selectively positioning of at least one of
said cover sections at any variable location between extended and
collapsed positions, said actuation means having a power train
including drive means consisting of bevel gears being placed in
said power train, said bevel gears are driven by a manually
operated hand crank.
2. The enclosure assembly of claim 2, wherein said bevel gears are
located within a drive shaft located within said power train.
3. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein said bevel gears are
located on an extended shaft of an electric motor installed for
driving said power train.
4. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein said force applying
means includes a tensioning means coupled to a pivoting means which
interconnects at least one of said cover sections to said
rearwardmost cover section at both sides thereof, whereby said
rearwardmost cover section is pivoted into a collapsed position
upon operation of said actuation means.
5. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein said actuation means
further includes a selectively operable power driven shaft
extending between said track means at the location of said
forwardmost cover section and coupled to at least one intermediate
cover section adjacent each of said track means by longitudinally
extending moving means, whereby rotation of said shaft acts to
retract or expend said intermediate cover section by application of
an equal force thereto at said coupling locations.
6. The enclosure assembly of claim 5, wherein said longitudinally
extending moving means comprises a drive chain coupled to said
intermediate section by means of a chain retaining bracket.
7. The enclosure assembly of claim 4, wherein said tensioning means
comprises a pressurized cylinder having a piston shaft slidably
extending there from on which is exerted a biasing force, said
shaft is coupled to one of said cover sections and said cylinder is
couple to a dog link at a first end thereof, and to a hatch link at
a second thereof while being rotatably supported to one of said
cover sections at a mid-portion thereof, said hatch link being
rotatably coupled to said rearwardmost cover section, whereby said
tensioning means applies a biasing force to said dog link.
8. The enclosure assembly of claim 7, wherein said pivoting means
comprises a pivot arm rotatably coupled to said dog link at a first
end thereof and to a hatch link at a second end thereof while being
rotatably supported to one of said cover sections of at a
mid-portion thereof, said hatch link being rotatably coupled to
said rearwardmost cover section, whereby by upon operation of said
actuation means, a force is applied through said dog link to rotate
said pivot arm about said mid-portion and thereby applies a force
to said rearwardmost cover section through said hatch link acting
to pivot said rearwardmost cover section into a collapsed
position.
9. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein said rearwardmost
cover section is pivotably coupled at a lower end thereof to a
guide means associated with one of said cover sections adjacent
each of said track means to enable said rearwardmost cover section
to be pivoted into a collapsed position upon operation of said
actuation means.
10. The enclosure assembly of claim 6, wherein, operation of said
actuation means acts to pivot said rearwardmost cover section
towards said forwardmost cover section, and to force said lower
ends along said guide means such that said rearwardmost cover
section is moved to a collapsed position adjacent to an upper
portion of an adjacent one of said cover sections which extends
between said track means.
11. The enclosure assembly of claim 7, wherein said dog link is
releasably secured to said track means to obtain a leverage force
applied to said rearwardmost cover section upon operation of said
actuation means.
12. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein said track means has
a substantially J-shaped channel formed therein so as to exert an
inward force on said interengaging means corresponding to said
channels, thereby facilitating the slidable reception in said track
means.
13. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein said actuation means
further includes selectively operable to initiate the simultaneous
movement of a plurality of said cover sections to a collapsed or
extended position, wherein said drive means includes a reversible
motor selectively coupled to a power driven shaft by means of a
clutch, whereby said clutch means may be selectively engaged to
apply a driving force to said shaft.
14. The enclosure assembly of claim 13, wherein said clutch means
is selectively engagable with said shaft by means of a clutch
shuttle coupled on said shaft and movable into and out of
engagement with a driven sprocket coupled to said motor so as to
enable the selective operation of said drive means to collapse or
extend said cover sections.
15. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein said actuation means
further includes drive means associated with a selectively
engagable locking means whereby said plurality of cover sections
may be locked into positions at any variable location between the
extended and collapsed positions.
16. The enclosure assembly of claim 11, wherein said actuation
means further includes drive means associated with a selectively
engagable clutch means by which said drive means and said actuation
means may be locked into position by engagement of said clutch
means.
17. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein said area is a bed
portion of a vehicle having upstanding spaced apart longitudinal
side walls and a tailgate portion extending between said side walls
to enclose said area at the rear end thereof, said track means are
secured are secured to each of said spaced apart walls and said
plurality of cover sections extend over said area to selectively
enclose the same.
18. The enclosure assembly of claim 17, wherein said vehicle
further comprises a cab portion extending in front of and
substantially above said bed above said bed portion, and wherein
said enclosure assembly extends the height of said cab portion.
19. The enclosure assembly of claim 17, wherein said vehicle
further comprises a cab portion extending in front of and
substantially above said bed portion, and wherein said enclosure
assembly extends substantially below said cab portion so as not to
impair vision of said cab portion.
20. The enclosure assembly of claim 4, wherein said track means
further includes a notch positioned therein for releasable coupling
to said pivoting means to enable a force to be applied to said
pivoting means.
21. The enclosure assembly of claim 20, wherein said notch is
formed in a track insert positioned in a recess within said track
means which is adjustable in the longitudinal direction.
22. The enclosure assembly of claim 20, wherein The enclosure
assembly of claim 20, wherein said pivoting means includes a dog
link having a projection thereon for releasable engagement in said
notch, and wherein on of said cover sections includes a ramp
portion being engagable with said dog link to disengage said
projection from said notch.
23. The enclosure assembly of claim 16, wherein said rearwardmost
cover section includes an extension having a curved shape so as to
wrap around an upstanding barrier when said rearwardmost cover
section is in its extended position and thereby prevent movement of
said barrier from its upstanding position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates in general to a telescoping enclosure
assembly covering an area and being selectively collapsible for
access to the area. More particularly, the invention relates to a
telescoping assembly covering the open bed of the truck or the like
which is selectively collapsible and extendable over a truck bed
area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application is an improvement of U.S. Pat. No.
4,044,550
[0003] There are known in the prior art various enclosure or cap
assemblies for use with pickup trucks or the like to cover the bed
area thereof. Prior enclosure assemblies have include rigid or cap
members having dimensions to entirely enclose the pickup truck bed
or similar areas Those caps may be slid on or off the side walls of
a pickup truck by means of tracks positioned on the side walls
which have elongated channels formed therein. The cap members
include a male portion thereon for cooperating and engaging the
channels in the truck members. Examples of this type of arrangement
can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,693,508 or 3,773,380.
[0004] With the above described enclosure assemblies, problems have
been found to result in the fact that the utility and use of the
truck beds for hauling or carrying cargo is limited by the
enclosure device. As the needs for the truck change, it is very
inconvenient to repeatedly remove and replace the cover assembly as
it is somewhat large and not easily handled.
[0005] Other known enclosure assemblies have included sections
being removably secured to the side walls of the truck bed in
similar track assemblies. Although breaking the enclosure assembly
into sections does makes its installation and removal more
convenient, there is still the necessity to repeatedly remove and
replace the cover portion as the needs for the use of the truck bed
change. An example of an enclosure having a plurality of sections
can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,188. As can be seen in this
patent, there arises a problem of properly sealing the sections
with one another to keep moisture, dirt or the like out of the bed
area. It is also necessary to include means for locking the
separate cover sections in adjoining relationship on the rails or
means to lock a particular section to the rails themselves.
[0006] For ease and convenience in use of the truck bed for various
purposes, there are also known a variety of retractable enclosure
assemblies. These known retractable enclosure assemblies have been
constructed of soft foldable materials such as canvas or other
fabrics mounted on a number of frame members slidably engaged to
track members on the side of the truck bed. Alternatively, a
plurality of rigid cover sections may be provided in a
telescopically collapsible and extendable arrangement wherein the
enclosure sections are slidably engaged along the track assemblies.
Examples of collapsible enclosure assemblies can be found in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,289,346 or 4,659,136.
[0007] Although theses enclosure assemblies allow the selective
opening or closing of the truck bed without the need for repeatedly
removing and reinstalling the enclosure assembly or section
thereof, they have presented problems in jamming or binding of the
frame members or sections within the track members mounted on the
side walls of the truck bed. Additionally, the means by which the
frame members or sections of the enclosure assembly are moved along
the track members have resulted in the uneven application of force
to each side of the slidable sections. This results in skewing of
the frame members or sections, thereby disabling the smooth
operation of the enclosure assembly from its extended and collapsed
positions. Also, the means for the means used to collapse or extend
the sections have not reliably performed this function in a
repeated fashion over the life of the enclosure assembly.
[0008] It has been found that there is a need for a telescopically
collapsing enclosure assembly which enables the area of a truck bed
or the like to be conveniently and quickly covered or opened for
various uses and which is reliable in its operation. The need also
arises for the enclosure assembly to be constructed of a rigid
material so as to be enable the securing and locking of the of the
storage area of the truck bed and in making in making the assembly
both durable and weather resistant. The enclosure assembly should
be easily and selectively operated and simple in the structure to
allow flexible use of the truck bed for hauling or recreational
purposes.
[0009] Other disadvantages are found in that the enclosure
assemblies have not enabled the simple and quick securing of the
bed area. Elaborate gate or hatch means have normally been
necessary in order to secure the rear area end of the enclosure on
conjunction with the tailgate of the truck. It is also important to
ensure safety in the operation of the enclosure assembly. The
danger of accidental operation which could present a safety hazard
which should be avoided.
[0010] Additionally, the enclosure assemblies having gate or hatch
means usually allow for the selective opening thereof for access to
the truck bed. Previous hatches have normally opened outwardly and
may be positioned in an open condition by means of a piston or the
like. The open hatch may present sharp corners or other safety
hazard as it extends outwardly from the truck itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the deficiencies found in the prior art, the
present invention has a general object to provide an enclosure
assembly which is selectively collapsible or extendable to provide
access across the interior of the area enclosed when desired.
[0012] The enclosure assembly enables between collapsed and
extended positions by means of power or manual operation.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide an
enclosure assembly which may be selectively secured at any position
between fully extended or fully collapsed positions.
[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
enclosure assembly having a hatch or closure gate enabling the
enclosed area to be secured and which pivots to a collapsed or
extended position upon operation of the enclosure assembly.
[0015] A still further object of the invention is to provided an
actuation means for the enclosure assembly to allow a selective
positioning of a plurality of cover sections as well as enabling
the simultaneous movement of a plurality of cover sections for a
smooth operation at any position between fully extended or fully
collapsed positions
[0016] The invention, in accordance with the preferred embodiment,
comprises an enclosure assembly for an area having upstanding
spaced walls such as the side walls of a truck bed. A track means
is positioned and secured to each of the side walls that extend the
length thereof to retain the enclosure assembly. A plurality of
rigid cover sections extend between the side walls and include
interengaging means which correspond to channels formed in the
track members for slidable reception thereof. The cover sections
are telescopically extendable to enclose the bed area and
collapsible to leave the area at least partially open. For
operation of the enclosure assembly, actuation means are provided
which interconnects the plurality of cover section for relative
movement thereof. The actuation means includes a drive means for an
application of a driving force to at least one cover section as
well as a force applying means enabling slidable or pivotal
movement of at least one cover section to either collapsed or
extended positions.
[0017] The force applying means utilized with the invention acts to
pivot the rearward most cover section or hatch into a collapsed
position. In this aspect of the invention a force applying means
includes a tensioning or bias means coupled to a pivoting structure
interconnected with the hatch. The pivoting structure is releasably
secured within the track members located on the side walls of the
bed area so as to provide a pivoting force upon activation of the
drive means. The tensioning or biasing means also provides a bias
force to retain the hatch in an extended or collapsed position and
to facilitate the cam action utilized in the pivoting of the hatch
to its collapsed position.
[0018] The pivoting means of the invention comprises a pivot arm
pivoting about a dog link at a first end thereof and a hatch link
at a second end thereof. The pivot arm is rotatably coupled at a
mid-portion thereof to one of the cover sections of the enclosure
assembly. In turn, the hatch link is pivotably coupled to the hatch
section whereby, upon operation of the actuation means, a force
will be applied through the dog link to rotate the pivot arm about
its mid portion and apply a force to the hatch through the hatch
link. The force applied to the hatch acts to pivot the hatch
section as well as to pull it along guide members associated with
an adjacent one of the cover sections. The pivoting of the hatch
into a collapsed position at the upper portion of an adjacent cover
section allows the hatch of the enclosure assembly to be completely
removed as an obstacle. This eases operation as well as eliminates
the safety hazards which may be associated with the outwardly
opening hatches.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention, a preferred track
assembly is provided to slidably support at least one cover section
of the enclosure assembly. A channel, being substantially J-shaped,
is formed in the track members and corresponds to an interengaging
means formed on the rigid cover section for slidably reception in
the track members. The shape of the channels formed in the track
members allows a biasing force to be asserted on the cover members
towards the interior of the enclosure assembly to facilitate a
proper of the cover sections upon activation of the drive means.
The biasing force applied by means of the J-shaped channels helps
to prevent skewing of the cover sections upon application of a
slight unequal force to each thereof during actuation.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the actuation of the
enclosure assembly may be means of a selectively disengageable
clutch mechanism the drive means of the assembly. In this way, the
power actuation means is selectively operable to prevent the danger
of accidental operation such as by children or the like which could
present a safety hazard. The clutch mechanism is key operated so as
to insure operation of the assembly is not limited until
desired.
[0021] Another aspect of the invention is a simplified manual
operation. This operation comes in handy when there is a mechanical
malfunction in the electrical system including a failure of the
electric motor. This would involve the use bevel gears applied to
the end of the motor drive shaft or in the alternative applied and
installed in the line of the main drive shaft. One bevel gear
drives the motor shaft or the main drive shaft, while the other or
second bevel gear is placed at a ninety degree angle to the first
one and has means thereon to engage a handle of a hand crank which
is operated by an attendant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the description of the invention, reference will be made
to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers will
designate like elements in the various figures. For understanding
of the scope of the invention and for a complete understanding of
the objects, techniques, and structure thereof, reference should be
made to the following detailed description of the accompanied
drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pickup truck having the
enclosure assembly of the invention mounted over the bed area and
shown in its extended position;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view as shown in FIG. 1, showing the
enclosure assembly in its fully collapsed position;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away perspective view from inside
the bed of the pickup truck as shown in Fig., and showing the
enclosure assembly in its fully retracted position;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the guide and hinge
members associated with the hatch section of the enclosure
assembly;
[0027] FIG. 4A is an end view of the guide and hinge members shown
in FIG. 4 in association with the cover sections;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the guide assembly associated
with the enclosure assembly;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of the enclosure
assembly looking from the rear of the pickup truck as shown in FIG.
1, and showing the enclosure in its fully collapsed position;
[0030] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the track member positioned on
the side walls of a truck bed, and a corresponding wall of a
section of the enclosure assembly;
[0031] FIG. 7A is a partial side view of a section of the enclosure
assembly corresponding to the track member as shown in FIG. 7;
[0032] FIG. 7B is a side view of the track insert associated with
the pivoting means of the invention;
[0033] FIGS. 8-11 show the operation of the force applying means
pivoting means during actuation of the enclosure assembly;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a partial side view showing more detail of the
pivoting means of the invention;
[0035] FIGS. 13A and 13B show partial sectional views of a sealing
means associated with sections of the enclosure assembly and
operable in its fully extended position;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a cut-away perspective view of the drive means
associated with the enclosure assembly;
[0037] FIG. 15 is an exploded view showing the drive means of the
invention in more detail;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the pickup truck showing an
alternative embodiment of the enclosure assembly covering the bed
area thereof;
[0039] FIG. 17 illustrates a different and simplified embodiment of
a manual operation by using bevel gears;
[0040] FIG. 18 shows another embodiment in the manual operation by
still using bevel gears.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a pickup truck
generally designated 11 having the enclosure assembly 10 mounted
thereon. A pickup truck includes a bed 12, which depending on the
size and type will vary in length and width accordingly. The bed
area 12 is enclosed on its rear portion by a tailgate 13 which is
pivotally supported at its lower corners so as to fold out and
enable convenient loading of the bed area. The pickup truck also
includes a cab portion 14 in which the occupants of the vehicle
will be seated. The enclosure assembly 10 comprises a plurality of
sections 15, 16, and 16 which when fully extended will completely
enclose the bed area 12 of the pickup truck. In the preferred
embodiment, the forwardmost or front section 15 of the enclosure
assembly is positioned directly adjacent to cab portion 14 and may
include access associated with a window at the rear of the cab
portion. In the preferred embodiment, the front section 15 of the
enclosure assembly is rigidly secured on the bed 12 of the pickup
truck by means of a truck assembly. An intermediate section 16 is
positioned immediately adjacent to the front position 15 in a
sealed relationship when the enclosure assembly is in its fully
extended position. A rearwardmost or hatch section 17 is positioned
immediately adjacent to intermediate section 16 and extends to the
tailgate 13 of the pickup truck so as to fully enclose the bed 12
thereof when the enclosure assembly is fully extended.
[0042] As can be seen from FIG. 1, that the plurality of sections
associated with the enclosure assembly 10 are dimensioned so as to
extend the full length of the bed area and enclose the same. It is
also noted that the hatch portion 17 is formed in a triangular type
shape and extends from the intermediate section 16 over the
tailgate 13 of the vehicle of the vehicle. In this manner, the
hatch portion 17 acts to secure the bed area 12 when the enclosure
assembly is in its fully extended position.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2, the enclosure assembly 10 is shown
in its fully collapsed position. In this position, the intermediate
section is telescopically slidable into an adjacent relationship
with the front section 15, and hatch section 17 is pivotally
collapsible into a position within intermediate section 16. Also as
seen in this figure, the bed section 12 comprises two spaced apart
side walls 18 and 19 on which track means are positioned to support
the plurality of cover sections which extend there between. The
track members may be positioned on an insulating material which
will seal the bed portion 12 at this location.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 3, the structure of the enclosure
assembly will be described in more detail. A special feature of the
invention is the power actuation system associated with the
enclosure assembly enabling the assembly to bee selectively
collapsed or extended as the desired use for the bed portion 12 of
the pickup truck changes. The actuation means includes a drive
means and force a supplying means for interconnecting the forward
section 15 with the rearwardmost or hatch portion 17. As mentioned
previously, the hatch portion 17 is pivotably moveable into an
adjacent relationship in section 16 at the upper portion thereof.
The pivoting means enabling this function comprises a pivot arm 20
being rotatably coupled to a hatch link 21 at one end thereof and a
dog link 22 at a second end thereof. The pivot arm 20 is rotatably
mounted to the cover section 16 at a mid-point thereof by any
suitable means such as a support block or the like. A dog link 22
is releasably secured adjacent the side walls 18 and 19 of the bed
12 which will become clear as the description continues. The dog
link 22 is coupled to a tensioning means 24 at the other end
thereof. The tensioning means 24 comprises a pressurized cylinder
24 having a piston arm extending there from which is biased to an
extended position. The piston arm of cylinder 24 is secured to the
intermediate section 16 so as to apply a tension force to the dog
link 22 of the pivot means.
[0045] The actuation means also comprises a drive means, a portion
of which is shown in FIG. 3. A support plate 25 is mounted on a
track member 27 supported on the side walls 18 of the truck bed 12.
The track members 27 support the plurality of cover sections
comprising the enclosure assembly, and have formed therein channels
for slidably receiving at least one of the cover sections. The
support plate 25 carries a sprocket (not shown) engaging a drive
chain 26 which forms part of the drive means to be fully described
hereinafter. The entire assembly may be covered with safety covers
(not shown) to protect against accidents and to make the appearance
acceptable.
[0046] It is also seen in FIG. 3, that the guide means 28 are
provided on the intermediate section 16 which correspond to hatch
bracket 54 positioned on the lower edges of hatch 17. S may be seen
in reference to FIG. 5, the guide means 28 and 312 in the preferred
form comprise a dovetail bracket 55 corresponding to a dovetail
insert 56 which are rotatably secured to the hatch brackets 54 or
to bracket 32. Similarly, guide means 29 are provided on the upper
[portion of intermediate section 16 to facilitate the pivoting
action of the hatch into a collapsed position. As seen in FIG. 4,
the guide means 29 may also comprise a dovetail bracket
corresponding to a dovetail insert 33. This structure also includes
a hinge portion 34 corresponding with a hinge 36 secured to the
hatch 17. A dowel pin 35 may be utilized to rotatably couple hinge
portions 34 and 36. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the hinge must be
specially designed so as to accommodate the hatch section 17. By
this structure, the enclosure assembly may be sealed while allowing
proper pivoting of the hatch section 17 to its collapsed
position.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown the enclosure assembly
in its fully collapsed position looking from the rear of the
vehicle. The power actuation means associated with the enclosure
assembly comprises a motor 37 mounted on bracket 38 and driving a
chain 39 coupled to a rotatable shaft 40. The driven shaft 40 is
supported by bearing means so as to freely rotate upon activation
of the actuation means. The driven shaft 40 extends the width of
the bed 12 of the vehicle and has at each end thereof a sprocket
coupled to intermediate cover section 16. Upon activation of the
drive means, the shaft 40 will rotate chains 26, thereby applying
an equal force to both sides of section 16 to slidably move
intermediate section into its collapsed position. The drive means
will also initiate the pivoting means acting to move hatch 17 into
its collapsed position.
[0048] Also seen in FIG. 6, a window may be provided having movable
sections therein which correspond to a rear window in the cab
portion of the pickup truck. Access to the interior of the
enclosure assembly may be provided through window 30 from the cab
portion. Alternatively, the front section 15 could be sealed to the
cab of the pickup truck eliminating the need for window 30 and
providing direct access to the enclosure. The track members 41 are
also shown to comprise channels 42 therein being substantially
J-shaped for slidably receiving a corresponding portion on
intermediate cover section 16. As seen with reference to FIGS. 7
and 7A, the track member having channel 42 formed therein
corresponds to a similarly shaped end portion on cover 16. It has
been found that some materials, which may be utilized in the
construction of the track members 41 or cover section 16, may be
incompatible and create undesirable friction and wear within the
channel 42. For this reason, a supplemental portion 43 of a
compatible material may be provided on the cover section 16 to
facilitate proper sliding movement within channel 42 as well as
extend the life of these components. As seen in FIG. 7A, the
supplemental portion 43 may be provided with projections 47
corresponding to notches 46 formed in cover section 16. In this
way, the member 43 may be securely engaged with cover section 16 at
front and rear portions thereof for the advantages mentioned. It is
also noted in FIG. 7 that the track member 41 further comprises an
outside portion 45 which be utilized to carry and support the
rigidly secured cover section 15 thereon. An inside portion 44 is
provided to carry and support the drive means mentioned
hereinbefore. The track means also has a drainage gutter 79 formed
therein to retain any water and direct it outside of the bed
area.
[0049] As seen in FIG. 7B, there may also be provided a track
insert 79 to promote the power functioning of the pivoting means.
The track insert 79 has to be positioned with some accuracy for
proper functioning of the pivoting means and thus includes holes 80
allowing for longitudinal adjustment of its position. The more
particular structure of the track insert 79 and the notch 48 will
be referred to as the description proceeds.
[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 8-11, the operation of the enclosure
assembly will be described more fully. The enclosure assembly is
shown in its fully extended position in FIG. 8 before activating
the actuation means. The plurality of cover sections 15, 16, and 17
fully enclose the bed area of the pickup truck and sealingly engage
one another at the adjacent edges thereof. In this initial
position, the pivot arm 20 is rotatably mounted about point 23 on
the intermediate cover section 16 of the assembly. The pivot arm 20
is rotatably coupled to hatch link 21, which is in turn rotatably
coupled to hatch section 17. The pivot arm 20 is also coupled to
dog link 22 having a projection 40 thereon. The projection 40 is
releasably secured within a notch 48 formed in an insert 79 to to
within track member 41 on which slide cover 16 is slidably engaged.
Alternatively, the notch 48 could be directly machined in track 41.
The dog link 22 is also coupled to pressurized cylinder 24 having a
piston rod extending there from and secured at the forward end of
cover section 16.
[0051] The pressurized cylinder, by means of the piston rod, exerts
a tensioning force on dog link 22 so as to keep it firmly engaged
in notch 48 at the initial stage. Additionally, the tensioning
force applied by pressurized cylinder 24 ensures proper rotation of
the pivot arm 20 upon activation of the drive means. The guide
means 28 mounted on cover section 16 are pivotably engaged by hatch
bracket 54 coupled to hatch 17 at a position adjacent the cover
section 16. The guide means 28 are positioned at an angle 0 which
is preferably approximately 33 degrees from the horizontal track
member 41. Also, on cover section 16 is provided a ramp 50
positioned at the rearwardmost portion of section 16 adjacent to
the track member 41 on which the pressurized cylinder and chain
retaining means may be secured. In FIG. 9, activation of the drive
means has been initiated, and a driving force is applied by means
of chain 26 so as to begin a slidable movement of cover section 16.
It should be recognized that upon movement of cover section 16, the
pivot arm 20 will begin rotation about point 23 due to the fact
that projection 49 on dog link 22 is secured within notch 48. As
can be seen, upon movement of cover section 16, the piston arm of
pressurized cylinder 24 will be extended and a downward force
applied to the end of pivot arm 20 coupled with dog link 22. Upon
force being applied to pivot arm 20, it will begin rotation about
point 23 so as to apply a pivoting force to hatch section 17 by
means of hatch link 21. The hatch link 21 may be rotatably coupled
to hatch section 17 by a bracket or other suitable means. As seen
in FIG. 9, the force applied to hatch section 17 will begin
pivoting movement thereof about hatch bracket 54. It can also be
seen that the force applied by hatch link 21 is similarly directed
to the orientation of the guide means 28 associated with hatch
bracket 54.
[0052] Upon further operation of the drive means, the hatch section
16 will continue to be moved to its collapsed position by means of
drive chain 26. Similarly, projection 49 on dog link 22 continues
to reside in notch 48 and thereby continues to enable rotation of
pivot arm 20 about pivot point 23. A pulling and pivoting force
continues to be exerted on hatch section 17 by means of hatch link
21 so as to induce hatch section 17 to travel along guide means 28
towards its collapsed position at the upper portion of cover
section 16.
[0053] As can be seen in FIG. 10, after the hatch section 17 is
fully collapsed, the cover section 16 will continue its
longitudinal movement towards a collapse position, and the ramp
member 50 will engage dog link 22. The dog link 22 is specially
formed to provide a notch between its end and track member 41 such
that the ramp 50 will lift and disengage projection 49 from notch
48. Upon release of the dog link 22 from notch 48, it is noted that
the pressurized cylinder 24 will continue to exert a force on dog
link 22 and pivot arm 24 so as to exert a force on dog link 22 and
pivot arm 20 so as to retain the hatch section 17 in its collapsed
position. It should be recognized that if not for the force applied
by cylinder 24 to dog link 24, the hatch section 17 may have a
tendency to pivot about the hatch bracket 54 back to its extended
position after the dog link disengages.
[0054] By the construction of the pivoting means of the invention,
the pivot arm 20 will rotate to position the hatch 17 in its final
collapsed position adjacent to the upper portion of the cover
section 16. After the hatch section 17 assumes its fully collapsed
position, the cover section 16 continues its longitudinal movement
until it assumes its fully collapsed position within the cover
section 15. As seen in FIG. 11, the plurality of cover sections are
fully shown in the fully collapsed position similar to that of FIG.
2. A tensioning force continues to be applied to the pivot arm 20
by means of the cylinder 24 so as to retain the hatch section 17 in
its fully collapsed position as is desired.
[0055] Also as seen in FIGS. 8-11, there is provided on hatch
section 17 an extended portion 51 being curved so as to wrap over
and around the tailgate of a standard pickup truck. The extension
51 will prohibit the tailgate from being opened when the enclosure
assembly is in its fully extended position. In this way, the bed
area of the truck may be secured quickly and easily by merely
extending the enclosure assembly. The extended portion 51 could
also include locking means associated with the tailgate to further
secure the enclosure. It is also to be recognized that a tool box
may be positioned at the front portion of the bed area having
dimensions such that the hatch section 17 may be manually drawn
into the extended position into its extended position to secure a
smaller area of the bed. The manual operation of the enclosure
assembly will be further described hereinafter. The extension 51 on
hatch section 17 may also include a strip of resilient material 52
positioned on the inner side thereof so as to protect against the
tailgate or similar upstanding wall against damage due to the
overlapping relationship of member 51. The resilient member 52
prevents the ingress of moisture or the like into section 17 when
it is closed. Similarly, sealing members 53 may be provided in
conjunction with flanges 57 formed on the end portions of the
plurality of cover sections. As seen in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the
sealing members 53 located at the end portions of the cover
sections adjacent to one another will sealingly engage to prevent
the ingress of moisture or the like when the cover sections are in
their extended positions.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 12, there is shown the pivoting means of
the invention in more detail. For use with a conventional full size
pickup truck, the preferred pivoting mechanism for hatch section 17
comprises pivot arm 20 which is constructed to have a greater width
mid-portion 58 which is rotatably coupled to cover section 16 at
position 23. The pivot arm 20 also includes a recessed portion 59
which accommodates the coupling point of dog link 22 with the
pressurized cylinder 24 when in a fully collapsed position. Point
23 is positioned a distance A form the coupling of pivot arm 20 of
the dog link 22 which in one embodiment is approximately 5 and
1/4inches. The coupling of pivot arm 20 to hatch link 21 is a
distance B from point 23 which may be approximately 13 and 1/2
inches in length. In this manner, the leverage applied by the pivot
arm during operation is optimized so as to exert the proper force
to urge section 17 into a collapsed position. In the preferred
embodiment, the hatch link 21 is approximately 7 inches in length
and is coupled to hatch section 17 at approximately 11 and 5/8
inches from the base of the enclosure assembly.
[0057] An important aspect of the pivoting means is dog link 22
which is specially designed to exert the initial force upon pivot
arm 20 as was described above. The projection or dog 49 cooperating
with notch 48, formed in track insert 79 within track member 41,
enables the pivot means to function as described. The projection 49
has a lower surface 61 corresponding to a ramp portion 62 formed in
conjunction with notch 48 in the track insert 79, as seen in FIG.
7B. The ramp portion 62 enables projection 49 to be released from
the notch 48 upon lifting engagement with ramp 50 as previously
described. The notch 48 also includes cooperating surface 81 which
is preferably formed parallel to the orientation of the projection
49 within the notch 48. The particular construction enables the
projection 49 to be retained in the notch 48 until engagement by
ramp 50 will easily release the projection 49.
[0058] The dog link 22 includes point 63 forming a notch 64
corresponding to ramp 50 to lift the dog link 22 upon engagement
therewith. In the preferred form, the dog link is approximately 16
inches in length and is coupled to pivot arm 20 at a distance C
which is approximately 2 and 1/3 inches from coupling with the
tensioning means or pressurized cylinder as previously described.
It is to be understood that the preferred arrangement of the
pivoting means provides the proper leverage and cam action to pivot
the hatch section 17 into its collapsed position in an efficient
and optimized manner, but the arrangement can be modified as would
be apparent to one skilled in the art while remaining within the
scope of the invention.
[0059] Turning now to FIG. 14, the drive means of the invention is
shown in more detail. As previously described, the power actuation
means associated with the enclosure assembly comprises motor 37,
supported by bracket 38 so as to drive a chain 39 when energized.
The chain 39 is in turn coupled to the shaft 40 to drive chain
means 26 coupled to at least one of the cover sections at both
sides thereof. The chain 26 is coupled to the cover section by
means of a chain retaining bracket 65 which may be welded or
otherwise secured to the cover section. The bracket 65 enables a
secure retention of the chain while allowing some adjustability in
the length thereof. The shaft 40 is rotatably supported by bearing
means 46 located in the support bracket 38 at either end thereof.
It is apparent that the drive means will exert an equal force to
each side of the cover section upon actuation thereof. This will
ensure a smooth movement of the enclosure assembly between extended
and collapsed positions.
[0060] It is a special feature of the invention to provide a
special clutch mechanism 67 associated with shaft 40 and driven
chain 39 so as to selectively enable operation of the drive means
when so desired. With reference to FIG. 15, the drive means and
special clutch of the invention can be seen m ore distinctly. The
full construction of the drive means includes reversible motor 37
supported on mounting bracket 38 having a driven sprocket 68
mounted thereon. The sprocket 68 is coupled with chain section 39
which in turn is coupled to the sprocket 69 forming part of the
special clutch 67. The clutch includes a retaining ring 70 and
clutch shuttle 71 having formed therein a female portion
corresponding to sprocket 69. A strike plate 72 is associated with
lock housing 73 and key mechanism 74 such that clutch shuttle 71
may be selectively engaged with the driven sprocket 69. The clutch
shuttle 71 is in turn lockingly engaged with the shaft 40 such that
when the shuttle is engaged with the sprocket 69 the shaft will be
driven to enable operation of the enclosure assembly. Upon
engagement of the clutch shuttle 71, the shaft 40 will not be
driven upon operation of motor 37 which will enable the selective
operation of the enclosure assembly. Also seen in FIG. 15, the
shaft 40 includes sprocket 75 to drive the chain 26 coupled with
cover section 16by means of a chain retaining bracket 65. The chain
26 is further supported by sprocket 76 mounted on support bracket
325 which is mounted on the track members 41. In an alternative
embodiment, a crank arm 77 may be provided for manual operation of
the drive means. It should be apparent from the description of the
drive means that upon selective engagement of the special clutch
67, the drive means will operate to collapse or extend the
enclosure assembly as previously described. The special clutch 67
enables the drive means to be disengaged by key operation such that
inadvertent or accidently operation thereof can be avoided. It is
also a feature of the clutch mechanism 67, that when in its
disengaged position the cover assembly can be manually operated by
supplying a force to the cover sections. In this way, the hatch
section, for example, may be extended at any position between fully
extended collapsed positions and locked into place by engagement of
the clutch 67. The clutch 67 thus enables the entire enclosure
assembly to be selectively locked into any desired position between
fully extended or fully collapsed positions. In this way, securing
the bed area can be accomplished quickly and simply as desired.
[0061] An alternative embodiment of the enclosure assembly is seen
in FIG. 16 wherein the assembly is designed with different
dimensions such that the vision of the vehicle driver is not
impeded. The enclosure assembly 100 comprises front section 103
secured to the side walls of the truck 101 similarly to that
previously described. A cover section 104 which is slidably
received in track members mounted on the side walls of the bed area
of truck 101. A hatch section 105 extends so as to enclose the
entire bed area of the vehicle similar to that previously
described. The operation of the enclosure assembly is identical to
that previously described with the particular construction modified
according to the changed dimensions thereof. In this embodiment it
is apparent that the driver's vision through a cab window 102 is
not impeded by the enclosure assembly 100.
[0062] It has been found that malfunctions may occur due a power
failure to operate the electric motor or other mechanical
breakdowns that a simplified manual operation is in order. The use
of bevel gears is a very simple and low cost installation as will
be shown in the following Figs.
[0063] FIG. 17 shows such a simplified drive. The same reference
characters as were previously described are also present in this
FIG. 17. In this embodiment the drive shaft 40 has incorporated
therein a bevel gear system consisting of a bevel gear 111 to be
driven by a hand crank (not shown). The hand crank applies its
front end to the receptor 113 on bevel gear 113. This can be a
square, as shown, or a multisided applicator. The driving bevel
gear 11 is supported on a bracket 110 running parallel to the drive
shaft 40. The drive shaft 40 has incorporated therein the other
bevel gear 112 which is being driven by the driving bevel 113 when
activated by a hand crank. The bevel gears 112 and 113 are
positioned at an angle of 90 degrees from each other.
[0064] FIG. 18 illustrates the same principle of using bevel gears
as was shown and explained in FIG. 17. In this embodiment the bevel
gear 115 is driven by a hand crank (not shown) and is supported on
a bracket 114 which in turn is mounted to the bracket 38. The
driving bevel gear 115 drives the bevel gear 116, when activated by
a hand crank. The bevel gear 116 is mounted on an extension 118 of
the electric motor 37. It can now be seen that, when a hand crank
is attached to the receptor 117 on bevel gear 115, the resulting
rotation drives the bevel gear 116 which in turn rotates the motor
shaft 118 and, therefore, drives the total system as is explained
above.
* * * * *