U.S. patent application number 16/203289 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-28 for hard top structure for a vehicle having a roll-bar cage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Eddie Rodriguez. Invention is credited to Eddie Rodriguez.
Application Number | 20190092148 16/203289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63446909 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-28 |
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190092148/US20190092148A1-20190328-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190092148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodriguez; Eddie |
March 28, 2019 |
HARD TOP STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE HAVING A ROLL-BAR CAGE
Abstract
A hard top structure for a vehicle having a roll-bar cage is
provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the hard top structure may
include a frame adapted to overlay on and attach to the roll-bar
cage. The frame may include an upper frame member that defines one
or more upper frame openings. Further, the upper frame member may
have a channel member that extends around at least a portion of
each upper frame opening. The hard top structure may also include
one or more upper frame panels with each corresponding to one of
the upper frame openings. Each upper frame panel may have an insert
member that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of
that panel. Also, each upper frame panel may be positioned in one
of the upper frame openings so that the corresponding insert and
channel members form a seal joint.
Inventors: |
Rodriguez; Eddie; (Holly
Springs, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rodriguez; Eddie |
Holly Springs |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63446909 |
Appl. No.: |
16/203289 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15457321 |
Mar 13, 2017 |
10173507 |
|
|
16203289 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 7/11 20130101; B60J
1/1838 20130101; B60J 7/106 20130101; B60J 1/085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60J 7/10 20060101
B60J007/10; B60J 7/11 20060101 B60J007/11; B60J 1/08 20060101
B60J001/08; B60J 1/18 20060101 B60J001/18 |
Claims
1. A hard top structure adapted to attach to a vehicle having a
roll-bar cage, comprising: a frame adapted to overlay on and attach
to the roll-bar cage, the frame including an upper frame member
that defines one or more upper frame openings, the upper frame
member having a channel member that extends around at least a
portion of each upper frame opening, each channel member having a
shaped portion; and one or more upper frame panels with each
corresponding to one of the upper frame openings, each upper frame
panel having an insert member that extends around at least a
portion of a perimeter of that panel, wherein each upper frame
panel is positioned in one of the upper frame openings so that the
corresponding insert and channel members form a seal joint, each
insert member having a corresponding shaped portion that is adapted
to attach to the corresponding shaped portion of the channel
member.
2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the channel or insert member
includes a sealant that extends around a perimeter of the rounded
portion of that member so that the sealant is disposed between the
channel and insert members to form the seal joint.
3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the channel and insert members
when attached to form the seal joint include a channel aperture
above the seal joint, wherein the channel aperture allows a flow of
fluid along at least the portion of the perimeter of the panel.
4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the upper frame member
includes an outlet port adjacent the channel aperture so that any
fluid in the channel aperture flows from the channel aperture into
the outlet port.
5. The structure of claim 4, wherein the upper frame member is
angled so that any fluid in the channel aperture flows from the
channel aperture into the outlet port under the force of
gravity.
6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the seal joint is a
compression seal joint.
7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the upper frame member
includes one or more fasteners for attaching the one or more panels
to the frame member.
8. The structure of claim 7, wherein each of the one or more
fasteners is a latch that, when in a first configuration, is
adapted to attach the channel and insert members to form the seal
joint, and that, when in a second configuration, is adapted to
detach the channel and insert members.
9. The structure of claim 1, wherein a maximum height of each upper
frame panel is no more than one inch.
10. The structure of claim 1, wherein the frame further includes: a
rear frame member that defines one or more rear frame openings, the
rear frame member having a channel member that extends around at
least a portion of each rear frame opening; and a rear frame panel
for each rear frame opening with each rear frame panel having an
insert member that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter
of that panel, wherein each rear frame panel is positioned in one
of the rear frame openings so that the corresponding insert and
channel members form a seal joint.
11. The structure of claim 10, wherein a maximum height of each
rear frame panel is no more than one inch.
12. The structure of claim 11, wherein a combined maximum height of
the upper and rear frame panels for a two-door vehicle is no more
than three inches when stacked.
13. The structure of claim 11, wherein a combined maximum height of
the upper and rear frame panels for a four-door vehicle is no more
than five inches when stacked.
14. The structure of claim 10, wherein the frame further includes:
one or more side frame members with each defining one or more side
frame openings, each side frame member having a channel member that
extends around at least a portion of a corresponding side frame
opening; and a side frame panel for each side frame opening with
each side frame panel having an insert member that extends around
at least a portion of a perimeter of that panel, wherein each side
frame panel is positioned in one of the side frame openings so that
the corresponding insert and channel members form a seal joint.
15. The structure of claim 14, wherein a maximum height of each
side frame panel is no more than one inch.
16. The structure of claim 1, wherein each insert member includes a
first groove that extends around at least a portion of an inner
perimeter of that insert member, wherein the first groove is
configured to attach a top cover.
17. The structure of claim 16, wherein each insert member includes
a second groove that extends around at least a portion of the inner
perimeter of that insert member, wherein the second groove is
configured to attach a bottom cover.
18. The structure of claim 1, wherein the upper frame member
further includes a second channel member that extends around at
least a portion of each upper frame opening; and wherein each upper
frame panel includes a second insert member that extends around at
least a portion of a perimeter of that panel, wherein each upper
frame panel is positioned in one of the upper frame openings so
that the corresponding second insert and channel members form a
second seal joint.
19. The structure of claim 18, wherein the second seal joint is
capable of being in a locked or unlocked position.
20. A method of attaching a hard top structure to a vehicle having
a roll-bar cage, comprising: overlaying a frame of the hard top
structure to the roll-bar cage, the frame including an upper frame
member that defines one or more upper frame openings, the upper
frame member having a channel member that extends around at least a
portion of each upper frame opening, each channel member having a
shaped portion; positioning each of one or more upper frame panels
in a corresponding upper frame opening, each upper frame panel
having an insert member that extends around at least a portion of a
perimeter of that panel, each insert member having a corresponding
shaped portion that is adapted to attach to the corresponding
shaped portion of the channel member; and attaching each upper
frame panel to the upper frame member so that the associated insert
and channel members form a seal joint.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/457,321, filed Mar. 13, 2017, which is
hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and in
particular to a hard top structure for a vehicle having a roll-bar
cage.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Contemporary hard tops having removable window panels such
as for a Jeep-type utility vehicle require substantial handwork to
place and/or remove the window panels from the vehicle. Further,
such systems require substantial space for storing the window
panels since each window panel is typically multiple inches thick.
Also, a hard top does not provide the open-air environment that is
provided by a Jeep-type utility vehicle without a hard top or with
a soft top that is in a stored position or removed. In addition, a
hard top-soft top combination system requires that the soft top
must be placed in a stored position or removed from the vehicle
when the hard top is placed on the vehicle. Accordingly, there is a
need for improved hard top structures for a vehicle having a
roll-bar cage. Further, there is a need for improved techniques for
reducing the amount of space required to store the window panels.
Also, there is a need for improved techniques to provide an
open-air environment without requiring a hard top-soft top
combination system. In addition, other desirable features and
characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from
the subsequent detailed description and embodiments, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying figures and the foregoing
technical field and background.
[0004] The Background section of this document is provided to place
embodiments of the present disclosure in technological and
operational context, to assist those of skill in the art in
understanding their scope and utility. Unless explicitly identified
as such, no statement herein is admitted to be prior art merely by
its inclusion in the Background section.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of the
disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to those of
skill in the art. This summary is not an extensive overview of the
disclosure and is not intended to identify key/critical elements of
embodiments of the disclosure or to delineate the scope of the
disclosure. The sole purpose of this summary is to present some
concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented later.
[0006] Briefly described, embodiment of the present disclosure
relate to hard top structure for a vehicle having a roll-bar cage.
According to one aspect, a hard top structure adapted to attach to
a vehicle having a roll-bar cage may include a frame adapted to
overlay on and attach to the roll-bar cage of the vehicle. The
frame may include an upper frame member that defines one or more
upper frame openings. Further, the upper frame member may have a
channel member that extends around at least a portion of each upper
frame opening. The hard top structure may also include one or more
upper frame panels with each corresponding to one of the upper
frame openings. Each upper frame panel may have an insert member
that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of that
panel. Also, each upper frame panel may be positioned in one of the
upper frame openings so that the corresponding insert and channel
members form a seal joint.
[0007] According to another aspect, the channel member may include
a rounded portion that is adapted to attach to the insert member.
Also, the insert member may include a rounded portion that is
adapted to fit in and attach to the rounded portion of the channel
member.
[0008] According to another aspect, the channel or insert member
may include a sealant that extends along a perimeter of the rounded
portion of that member so that the sealant is disposed between the
channel and insert members to form the seal joint.
[0009] According to another aspect, the channel and insert members
when attached to form the seal joint may include a channel aperture
above the seal joint. The channel aperture may allow a flow of
fluid along at least the portion of the perimeter of the panel.
[0010] According to another aspect, the upper frame member may
include an outlet port disposed in the channel member and adjacent
the channel aperture so that any fluid in the channel aperture may
flow from the channel aperture and out the outlet port.
[0011] According to another aspect, the upper frame member may be
angled so that any fluid in the channel aperture can flow from the
channel aperture and out the outlet port under the force of
gravity.
[0012] According to another aspect, the seal joint may be a
compression seal joint.
[0013] According to another aspect, the upper frame member may
include one or more fasteners for attaching the one or more panels
to the frame member.
[0014] According to another aspect, each of the one or more
fasteners may be a latch that, when in a first configuration, may
be adapted to attach the channel and insert members to form the
seal joint, and that, when in a second configuration, may be
adapted to detach the channel and insert members.
[0015] According to another aspect, a maximum height of each upper
frame panel may be no more than one inch.
[0016] According to another aspect, the frame may further include a
rear frame member that defines one or more rear frame openings. The
rear frame member may have a channel member that extends around at
least a portion of each rear frame opening. The frame may also
include a rear frame panel for each rear frame opening with each
rear frame panel having an insert member that extends around at
least a portion of a perimeter of that panel. Further, each rear
frame panel may be positioned in one of the rear frame openings so
that the corresponding insert and channel members form a seal
joint.
[0017] According to another aspect, a maximum height of each rear
frame panel may be no more than one inch.
[0018] According to another aspect, a combined maximum height of
the upper and rear frame panels may be no more than three inches
when stacked.
[0019] According to another aspect, a combined maximum height of
the upper and rear frame panels may be no more than five inches
when stacked.
[0020] According to another aspect, the frame may further include
one or more side frame members with each defining one or more side
frame openings. Each side frame member may have a channel member
that extends around at least a portion of a corresponding side
frame opening. The frame may also include a side frame panel for
each side frame opening. Each side frame panel may have an insert
member that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of
that panel. Further, each side frame panel may be positioned in one
of the side frame openings so that the corresponding insert and
channel members form a seal joint.
[0021] According to another aspect, a maximum height of each side
frame panel may be no more than one inch.
[0022] According to another aspect, each insert member may define a
panel opening. Further, each insert member may have a first groove
that extends around at least a portion of each panel opening. The
first groove may be adapted to attach a top cover.
[0023] According to another aspect, each insert member may include
a second groove that extends around at least a portion of the panel
opening. The second groove may be adapted to attach a bottom
cover.
[0024] According to another aspect, the top cover may be a sunroof
and the bottom cover may be a shade.
[0025] According to another aspect, the upper frame member may
further include a second channel member that extends around at
least a portion of each upper frame opening. Further, each upper
frame panel may include a second insert member that extends around
at least a portion of a perimeter of that panel. Also, each upper
frame panel may be positioned in one of the upper frame openings so
that the corresponding second insert and channel members form a
second seal joint.
[0026] According to another aspect, the second seal joint may be
capable of being in a locked or unlocked position.
[0027] According to one aspect, a method of attaching a hard top
structure to a vehicle having a roll-bar cage may include
overlaying a frame of the hard top structure to the roll-bar cage
of the vehicle. The frame may include an upper frame member that
defines one or more upper frame openings. Further, the upper frame
member may have a channel member that extends around at least a
portion of each upper frame opening. The method may also include
positioning each of one or more upper frame panels in a
corresponding upper frame opening. Each upper frame panel may have
an insert member that extends around at least a portion of a
perimeter of that panel. In addition, the method may include
attaching each upper frame panel to the upper frame member so that
the associated insert and channel members form a seal joint.
[0028] According to one aspect, a seal joint may include an insert
member having a rounded portion and a channel member having a
rounded portion opposing the rounded portion of the insert member.
Further, the seal joint may include a sealant on the rounded
portion of the insert or channel member so that the sealant is
disposed between the insert and channel members to form the seal
joint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present disclosure will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
embodiments of the disclosure are shown. However, this disclosure
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers
refer to like elements throughout.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an environmental perspective view of one
embodiment of a hard top structure attached to a roll-bar cage of a
two-door vehicle in accordance with various aspects as described
herein.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of the hard top
structure attached to the roll-bar cage of FIG. 1 with upper, side
and rear frame panels attached to the hard top structure.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of the hard top
structure of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 4A-C illustrate top and side views of the hard top
structure of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates an environmental perspective view of
another embodiment of a hard top structure attached to a roll-bar
cage of a four-door vehicle in accordance with various aspects as
described herein.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the hard top
structure of FIG. 5.
[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the hard top
structure of FIG. 5.
[0037] FIGS. 8A-C illustrate top and side views of the hard top
structure of FIG. 5.
[0038] FIGS. 9A-E illustrates perspective, top, outer side, inner
side, and cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a frame panel
in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a portion of a frame having a channel member in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a portion of a seal joint in accordance with various aspects
described herein.
[0041] FIGS. 12A-E illustrate perspective, top, outer side, inner
side, and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a frame
panel in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a portion of a channel member in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0043] FIG. 14A-B illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a portion of a seal joint in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0044] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate environmental perspective views of
other embodiments of a hard top structure attached to a roll-bar
cage of a two-door vehicle in accordance with various aspects as
described herein.
[0045] FIGS. 17A-E illustrates perspective, top, outer side, inner
side, and cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a frame panel
in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0046] FIGS. 18A-E illustrates perspective, top, outer side, inner
side, and cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a frame panel
in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a portion of a seal joint in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0048] FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a portion of a seal joint in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present
disclosure is described by referring mainly to an exemplary
embodiment thereof. In the following description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the present disclosure. However, it will be readily apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be
practiced without limitation to these specific details.
[0050] In this disclosure, a hard top structure for a vehicle
having a roll-bar cage is provided. For example, FIGS. 1-4C
illustrate one embodiment of a hard top structure 11 for a roll-bar
cage 3 of a two-door vehicle 1 in accordance with various aspects
as described herein. The two-door vehicle 1 may include side
panels, a rear panel, and a windshield frame upon which is mounted
the hard top structure 11. The hard top structure 11 may be
securely attached to the vehicle 1 so as to function as an integral
roll bar frame or cage. The hard top structure 11 may include a
frame 13 that is adapted to overlay on and attach to the roll-bar
cage 3 in a conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. The hard
top structure 11 and any elements thereof may be composed of a
composite material, metal, a material used for injection molding
(e.g., metals, glasses, elastomers, confections, thermoplastic and
thermosetting polymers), the like, or any combination thereof. The
frame 13 may include an upper frame member 15 that is mounted to
the windshield frame of the vehicle 1 in a conventional manner such
as by bolts or welds. The vehicle 1 may include two side doors in
the region of the driver and front passenger seats. The upper door
frame of each door may be positioned to butt against the upper
frame member 15.
[0051] Furthermore, the frame 13 may include side frame members
19a,b that extend downward from the upper frame member 15 to the
side panels of the vehicle 1 at a point immediately behind front
seats at front door openings of the vehicle 1. Each side frame
member 19a,b may be firmly attached to the vehicle 1 in a
conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. Also, the frame 13
may include a rear frame member 23 that extends between the rear
corners of the upper frame member 15 and respective rear corners
formed by the side panels and behind the front seats of the vehicle
1. Further, the rear frame member 23 may be firmly secured to the
vehicle 1 in a conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. The
upper frame member 15 may include one or more upper frame openings
16. Further, each side frame member 19a,b may include respective
side frame opening 20a,b. Also, the rear frame member 23 may
include a rear frame opening 24. Each frame member 15, 19a-b, 23
may include a channel member 60 that extends around at least a
portion of each respective frame opening 16, 20a,b, 24. The
structure of the channel member 60 may be as described herein by
one or more of FIGS. 10, 13, 18, and 20.
[0052] The hard top structure 11 may also include upper panels
31a,b, side panels 33a,b, a rear panel 35, the like, or any
combination thereof. Each panel 31a,b, 33a,b, 35 may correspond to
a respective frame opening 16, 20a,b, 24. Each panel 31a,b, 33a,b,
35 may have a height of no more than one inch (1''), allowing for
storage of any or all of the panels 31a,b, 33a,b, 35 in the trunk
or on a shelf 43 of the vehicle. When all of the panels 31a,b,
33a,b, 35 are stacked, the combined height of the five (5) stacked
panels 31a,b, 33a,b, 35 is no more than five inches (5''). When
only the upper panels 31a,b are stacked, the combined height of the
two (2) panels 31a,b is no more than two inches (2'').
[0053] Each frame panel 31a,b, 33a,b, 35 may have an insert member
50 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of that
panel 31a,b, 33a,b, 35. The structure of the insert member 50 may
be as described herein by one or more of FIGS. 9A-E, 12A-E, 17A-E,
and 20. Each frame panel 31a,b, 33a,b, 35 may be positioned in a
respective frame opening 16, 20a,b, 24 so that the corresponding
insert and channel members 50, 60 form a seal joint 70 such as a
compression seal joint. The structure of the seal joint 70 may be
as described herein by one or more of FIGS. 11, 14A-B, 19, and 20.
For instance, each channel member 60 may include a shaped portion
that is adapted to attach to a corresponding shaped portion of the
insert member 50. In one example, the shaped portions of the
channel and insert members 60, 50 may be rounded such as in a shape
of a portion of a circle or oval. In another example, the shaped
portions of the channel and insert members 60, 50 may be angled
such as in a shape of a portion of a triangle, square, rectangle,
or the like. In yet another example, the shaped portions of the
channel and insert members 60, 50 may have multiple sides such as
in a shape of a portion of a polygon. Each frame member 15, 19a,b,
23 may include one or more fasteners for attaching each respective
frame panel 31a,b, 33a,b, 35 positioned in the corresponding frame
opening 16, 20a,b, 24 to that frame member 15, 19a,b, 23 to form
the seal joint 70. In one example, a fastener may be a latch that,
when in a first configuration, is adapted to attach the channel and
insert members to form the seal joint, and that, when in a second
configuration, is adapted to allow the channel and insert members
to be detached. In another example, a fastener may be a bolt, weld,
or the like. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily
recognize various types of fasteners for attaching the channel and
insert members 60, 50 to form the seal joint 70.
[0054] Moreover, the channel and insert members 60, 50 when
attached to form the seal joint 70 may include a channel aperture
above that seal joint 70. The channel aperture may enable a flow of
fluid along at least a portion of the perimeter of the frame panel
31a,b, 33a,b, 35 so that the fluid is disposed from the channel
aperture such as by one or more outlet ports 65 under the force of
gravity, acceleration, wind, the like, or any combination thereof.
The one or more outlet ports 65 may be disposed through a side of
each frame member 15, 19a,b, 23 to the channel aperture. For
instance, the one or more outlet ports 65 may be disposed through a
side of the upper frame member 15 to the channel aperture.
[0055] In FIGS. 1-4C, the hard top structure 11 may further include
a trunk structure 41. The trunk structure 41 may include a cargo
shelf 43, a cargo lid 45, upper roll-bar panels 47a-b, lower
roll-bar panels 49a,b, the like, or any combination thereof. The
trunk structure 41 may be positioned to extend from the side and
rear frame members 19a,b, 23 toward the rear panel of the vehicle
1. The trunk structure 41 may be securely attached to the side
panels of the vehicle 1 in a conventional manner such as by bolts
or welds. The cargo shelf 43 may be attached to the side and rear
frame members 19a,b, 23 in a conventional manner such as by bolts
or welds. The cargo shelf 43 may be sufficiently wide to allow for
storage of one or more of the frame panels 31a,b, 33a,b, 35.
Further, the cargo lid 45 may be attached to the cargo shelf 43 in
a conventional manner such as by a hinge to allow the lid 45 to be
radially rotated about the hinge away from the rear panel of the
vehicle 1. Also, the upper roll-bar panels 47a,b may be attached to
the cargo shelf 43 in a conventional manner such as by bolts or
welds. Roll-bar openings 48a,b at a bottom of each upper roll-bar
panel 47a,b may be configured to allow a corresponding roll-bar 3
to be disposed in the opening 48a,b. Further, each lower roll-bar
panel 49a,b may be positioned to butt against and attach to a
corresponding upper roll-bar panel 47a,b in a conventional manner
such as by bolts or welds.
[0056] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate another embodiment of a hard top
structure 11 attached to a roll-bar cage 3 of a four-door vehicle 1
in accordance with various aspects as described herein. The
four-door vehicle 1 may include side panels, a rear panel, and a
windshield frame upon which is mounted the hard top structure 11.
The hard top structure 11 may be securely attached to the vehicle 1
so as to function as an integral roll bar frame or cage. The hard
top structure 11 and any elements thereof may be composed of a
composite material, metal, a material used for injection molding
(e.g., metals, glasses, elastomers, confections, thermoplastic and
thermosetting polymers), the like, or any combination thereof.
Further, the hard top structure 11 may include a frame 13 that is
adapted to overlay on and attach to the roll-bar cage 3 in a
conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. The frame 13 may
include upper frame members 15a,b. The front upper frame member 15a
may be mounted to the windshield frame of the vehicle 1 in a
conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. Further, the rear
upper frame member 15b may be mounted to the roll-bar 3 of the
vehicle 1 in a conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. Also,
the front and rear upper frame members 15a,b may be attached in a
conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. The vehicle 1 may
include four side doors in the region of the driver and front
passenger seats and the driver-side and passenger-side back seats.
The upper door frame of each front door may be positioned to butt
against the front upper frame member 15a. The upper door frame of
each back door may be positioned to butt against the rear upper
frame member 15b.
[0057] Furthermore, the frame 13 may include side frame members
19a,b that extend downward from the rear upper frame member 15b to
the side panels of the vehicle 1 at a point immediately behind back
seats at back door openings of the vehicle 1. Each side frame
member 19a,b may be firmly attached to the vehicle 1 in a
conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. Also, the frame 13
may include a rear frame member 23 that extends between the rear
corners of the rear upper frame member 15b and respective rear
corners formed by the side panels and behind the back seats of the
vehicle 1. Further, the rear frame member 23 may be firmly secured
to the vehicle 1 in a conventional manner such as by bolts or
welds.
[0058] In FIGS. 5-8C, the hard top structure 11 may include upper
panels 31a-d, side panels 33a,b, a rear panel 35, the like, or any
combination thereof. The upper frame members 15a,b may include
corresponding upper frame openings 16a,b. Further, each side frame
member 19a,b may include a respective side frame opening 20a,b.
Also, the rear frame member 23 may include a rear frame opening 24.
Each frame member 15a,b, 19a-b, 23 may include the channel member
60 that extends around at least a portion of each respective frame
opening 16a,b, 20a,b, 24. The structure of the channel member 60
may be as described herein by one or more of FIGS. 10, 13, 18A-E,
and 20. Each panel 31a-d, 33a,b, 35 may correspond to the
respective frame opening 16a,b, 20a,b, 24. Further, each panel
31a-d, 33a,b, 35 may have a height of no more than one inch (1''),
allowing for storage of any or all of the panels 31a-d, 33a,b, 35
in the trunk of the vehicle. When all of the panels 31a-d, 33a,b,
35 are stacked, the combined height of the seven (7) stacked panels
31a,b, 33a,b, 35 is no more than seven inches (7''). When only the
upper panels 31a-d are stacked, the combined height of the four (4)
panels 31a-d is no more than four inches (4'').
[0059] Each frame panel 31a-d, 33a,b, 35 may have the insert member
50 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of that
panel 31a-d, 33a,b, 35. The structure of the insert member 50 may
be as described herein by one or more of FIGS. 9A-E, 12A-E, 17A-E,
and 20. Each frame panel 31a-d, 33a,b, 35 may be positioned in the
respective frame opening 16a,b, 20a,b, 24 so that the corresponding
insert and channel members 50, 60 form a seal joint 70 such as a
compression seal joint. The structure of the seal joint 70 may be
as described herein by one or more of FIGS. 11, 14A-B, 19, and 20.
Each frame member 15a,b, 19a,b, 23 may include one or more
fasteners for attaching each respective frame panel 31a-d, 33a,b,
35 positioned in the corresponding frame opening 16a,b, 20a,b, 24
to the that frame member 15a,b, 19a,b, 23 to form the seal joint
70. In one example, a fastener may be a latch that, when in a first
configuration, is adapted to attach the channel and insert members
60, 50 to form the seal joint 70, and that, when in a second
configuration, is adapted to allow the channel and insert members
60, 50 to be detached. In another example, a fastener may be a
bolt, weld, or the like.
[0060] Furthermore, the channel and insert members 60, 50 when
attached to form the seal joint 70 may include a channel aperture
above that seal joint 70. The channel aperture may enable a flow of
fluid along at least a portion of the perimeter of the frame panel
31a-d, 33a,b, 35 so that the fluid is disposed from the channel
aperture such as by one or more outlet ports 65 under the force of
gravity, acceleration, wind, the like, or any combination thereof.
The one or more outlet ports 65 may be disposed through a side of
each frame member 15a,b, 19a,b, 23 to the channel aperture. For
instance, the outlet port 65 may be disposed through a side of the
upper frame member 15a,b to the channel aperture. The cargo shelf
43 may be sufficiently wide to allow for storage of one or more of
the frame panels 31a-d, 33a,b, 35.
[0061] FIGS. 9A-E illustrate perspective, top, outer side, inner
side, and cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a frame panel
900a-e in accordance with various aspects described herein. The
panel 900a-e may represent the structure of one or more of the
panels 31a-d, 33a,b, 35 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. The panel 900a-e
may include an insert member 51, a top cover 53, the like, or any
combination thereof. The insert member 51 may represent the
structure of the insert member 50 for one or more sides of a panel
or frame opening of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. The panel 900a-e and any
elements thereof may be composed of a composite material, metal, a
material used for injection molding (e.g., metals, glasses,
elastomers, confections, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers),
the like, or any combination thereof. In one example, the insert
member 51 may be composed of thermoplastic or thermosetting
polymers. The insert member 51 may include a shaped portion 55, a
first groove 57, a second groove 59, the like, or any combination
thereof. The insert member 51 may extend around at least a portion
of the perimeter of the panel 900a-e. The shaped portion 55 may be
convex and positioned at or near the bottom (i.e., towards the
vehicle) or an outer side of the insert member 51 and may be
adapted to attach to a corresponding shaped portion of a channel
member. In one example, the shaped portion 55 of the insert member
51 may be rounded such as in a shape of a portion of a circle or
oval. In another example, the shaped portion 55 may have multiple
sides such as in a shape of a portion of a polygon. Further, the
shaped portion 55 may include a sealant that extends around a
perimeter of the shaped portion of the insert member 55 so that the
sealant is disposed between the channel and insert members when
joined to form a seal joint (e.g., the seal joint 70 of FIGS. 1-8C
and 15-16). A first groove 57 may be disposed in the insert member
51 and may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the
panel 900a-e. Further, the first groove 57 may be configured to
attach the top cover 53 (e.g., sunroof) such as a rigid transparent
acrylic, glass or plastic material or a metal. The second groove 59
may extend around at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the
insert member 51. Further, the second groove may be configured to
attach a bottom cover such as a rigid opaque material. The shaped
portion 55 may be adapted to fit in and attach to a corresponding
shaped portion of a channel member.
[0062] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a channel member 61 in accordance with various aspects described
herein. The channel member 61 may be associated with one or more of
the frame members 15a-b, 19a-b, 23 or one or more of the panels
31a-d, 33a,b, 35 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. Further, the channel
member 61 may represent the structure of the channel member 60 for
one or more sides of a panel or frame opening of FIGS. 1-8C and
15-16. The channel structure 61 and any elements thereof may be
composed of a composite material, metal, a material used for
injection molding (e.g., metals, glasses, elastomers, confections,
thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers), the like, or any
combination thereof. In FIG. 10, the channel member 61 may include
a shaped portion 63, an outlet port 65, a groove 67, the like, or
any combination thereof. The channel member 61 may extend around
each frame opening. The shaped portion 63 may be concave and open
towards the top (i.e., away from the vehicle) of the channel member
61 and may be adapted to attach to the corresponding shaped portion
55 of the insert member 51. In one example, the shaped portion 63
of the channel member 61 may be rounded such as in a shape of a
portion of a circle or oval. In another example, the shaped portion
63 may have multiple sides such as in a shape of a portion of a
polygon. Further, the channel member 61 may extend around at least
a portion of each frame opening (e.g., the frame opening 16a,b,
20a,b, 24 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16). The channel member 61 may
include a groove 67 that extends around at least a portion of the
perimeter of the channel member 61. Further, the groove 67 may be
configured to attach a bottom cover such as a shade or sun
screen.
[0063] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a portion of a seal joint 71 in accordance with various aspects
described herein. The seal joint 71 may represent the structure of
the seal joint 70 for one or more sides of a panel or frame opening
of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. As previously discussed, each frame panel
31a-d, 33a,b, 35 may be positioned in a respective frame opening
16a,b, 20a,b, 24 so that the corresponding insert and channel
members 51, 61 form a seal joint 71 such as a compression seal
joint. Each channel member 61 may include the shaped portion 63
that is adapted to attach to the corresponding shaped portion 55 of
the insert member 51. Further, at least one of the shaped portion
55 of the insert member 51 and the shaped portion 63 of the channel
member 61 may include a sealant that extends around a perimeter of
that shaped portion so that the sealant is disposed between the
insert and channel members 51, 61 when joined to form the seal
joint 71. In one example, the sealant is disposed on the surface of
the shaped portion 63 of the channel member 61. In another example,
the sealant is disposed on the surface of the shaped portion 55 of
the insert member 51. The sealant may be any substance used to
block the passage of a fluid through the seal joint 71.
[0064] Furthermore, the insert and channel members 51 and 61 when
attached to form the seal joint 71 may include a channel aperture
67 above that seal joint. The channel aperture 67 may enable a flow
of fluid along at least a portion of the perimeter of the
corresponding frame panel 31a-d, 33a,b, 35 so that the fluid is
disposed from the channel aperture 67 such as by one or more outlet
ports (e.g., the outlet ports 65 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16) under the
force of gravity, acceleration, wind, the like, or any combination
thereof. Each outlet port 65 may be disposed through a side of the
channel member 61 to the channel aperture. For instance, each
outlet port 65 may be disposed through a side of the upper frame
member 15a,b and the channel member 61 to a corresponding channel
aperture.
[0065] FIGS. 12A-E illustrates perspective, top, outer side, inner
side, and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a frame
panel 1200a-e in accordance with various aspects described herein.
The panel 1200a-e may represent the structure of each of the panels
31a-d, 33a,b, 35 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. The panel 1200a-e may
include the insert member 51, a top cover 53, an insert member 81,
the like, or any combination thereof. The insert member 51 may
represent the structure of the insert member 50 for one or more
sides of a panel or frame opening of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. Further,
the insert member 81 may represent the structure of the insert
member 50 for one or more sides of a panel or frame opening of
FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. The insert member 81 and any elements thereof
may be composed of a composite material, metal, a material used for
injection molding (e.g., metals, glasses, elastomers, confections,
thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers), the like, or any
combination thereof. In one example, the insert member 81 may be
composed of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. The insert
member 81 may include a shaped portion 85. The shaped portion 85
may be convex and positioned at the bottom, outside corner (i.e.,
towards the vehicle) of the insert member 81 and may be adapted to
fit in and attach to a corresponding shaped portion of a channel
member of the frame 13 or an adjacent panel. In one example, the
shaped portion 85 of the insert member 81 may be rounded such as in
a shape of a portion of a circle or oval. In another example, the
shaped portion 85 may have multiple sides such as in a shape of a
portion of a polygon. Further, the shaped portion 85 may include a
sealant that extends around a perimeter of the shaped portion of
the insert member 85 so that the sealant is disposed between the
channel and insert members when joined to form a seal joint. The
insert member 81 may extend around at least a portion of the
perimeter of the panel 1200a-e. For instance, the first insert
member 51 may extend around three sides of the panel 1200 a-e and
the insert member 81 may extend around a fourth side of the panel
1200 a-e. Further, the fourth side of the panel 1200 a-e may adjoin
a corresponding channel member of the frame 13 or an adjacent
panel.
[0066] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a portion of a channel member 91 in accordance with various
aspects described herein. The channel member 91 may represent the
structure of the channel member 60 for one or more sides of a panel
or frame opening of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. In FIG. 13, the channel
member 91 may include a shaped portion 93, the groove 67, the like,
or any combination thereof. The shaped portion 93 of the channel
member 91 may be concave and open towards the top (i.e., away from
the vehicle) and may be adapted to attach to the corresponding
shaped portion 85 of the insert member 81. In one example, the
shaped portion 93 of the channel member 61 may be rounded such as
in a shape of a portion of a circle or oval. In another example,
the shaped portion 93 may have multiple sides such as in a shape of
a portion of a polygon. The channel member 91 and any elements
thereof may be composed of a composite material, metal, a material
used for injection molding (e.g., metals, glasses, elastomers,
confections, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers), the like,
or any combination thereof. The channel member 91 may extend around
at least a portion of each frame opening 16a,b, 20a,b, 24. Further,
the channel member 91 may extend around at least a portion of each
panel 31a-d, 33a,b, 35. The groove 67 may extend around at least a
portion of the perimeter of the channel member 91.
[0067] FIGS. 14A-B illustrate cross-sectional views of another
embodiment of a portion of a seal joint 73 in unlocked and locked
positions 1400a,b in accordance with various aspects described
herein. While the insert member 81 is at a certain angle relative
to the channel member 91, the shaped portion 85 of the insert
member 81 may be disposed in the corresponding shaped portion 93 of
the channel member 91, which corresponds to the unlocked position
1400a of FIG. 14A. In one example, the certain angle of the insert
member 81 relative to the channel member 91 may be about forty-five
degrees (45.degree.). In another example, the certain angle of the
insert member 81 relative to the channel member 91 may be about
thirty-three degrees (33.degree.). In yet another example, the
certain angle of the insert member 81 relative to the channel
member 91 may be in a range from about thirty-three degrees
(33.degree.) to about forty-five degrees (45.degree.).
[0068] While the insert member 81 is in the unlocked position as
show in FIG. 14A, the insert member 81 may be radially moved about
the seal joint 73 to the locked position 1400b shown in FIG. 14B.
Alternatively, the insert member 81 may be detached from the
channel member 61 so that the insert member 81 is no longer
disposed in the channel member 91. While the insert member 81 is in
the locked position 1400b as show in FIG. 14B, the insert member 81
may be radially moved about the seal joint 73 to the unlocked
position 1400a shown in FIG. 14A. The shaped portion 85 of the
insert member 81 may be adapted to fit in and attach to the
corresponding shaped portion 93 of the channel member 91. Further,
at least one of the shaped portion 85 of the insert member 81 and
the shaped portion 93 of the channel member 91 may include a
sealant 95 that extends around a perimeter of that shaped portion
so that the sealant 95 is disposed between the insert and channel
members 81, 91 when joined to form the seal joint 73. In one
example, the sealant 95 is disposed on the surface of the shaped
portion 93 of the channel member 91. In another example, the
sealant 95 is disposed on the surface of the shaped portion 85 of
the insert member 81. The sealant 95 may be any substance used to
block the passage of a fluid through the seal joint 73.
[0069] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate environmental perspective views of
other embodiments of a hard top structure 11 attached to a roll-bar
cage 3 of a two-door vehicle 1 in accordance with various aspects
as described herein. The two-door vehicle 1 may include side
panels, a rear panel, and a windshield frame upon which is mounted
the hard top structure 11. The hard top structure 11 may be
securely attached to the vehicle 1 so as to function as an integral
roll bar frame or cage. The hard top structure 11 may include a
frame 13 that is adapted to overlay on and attach to the roll-bar
cage 3 in a conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. The
frame 13 may include an upper frame member 15 that is mounted to
the windshield frame of the vehicle 1 in a conventional manner such
as by bolts or welds. The vehicle 1 may include two side doors in
the region of the driver and front passenger seats. The upper door
frame of each door may be positioned to butt against the upper
frame member 15.
[0070] Furthermore, the frame 13 may include side frame members
19a,b that extend downward from the upper frame member 15 to the
side panels of the vehicle 1 at a point immediately behind front
seats at front door openings of the vehicle 1. Each side frame
member 19a,b may be firmly attached to the vehicle 1 in a
conventional manner such as by bolts or welds. Also, the frame 13
may include a rear frame member 23 that extends between the rear
corners of the upper frame member 15 and respective rear corners
formed by the side and rear panels of the vehicle 1.
[0071] FIGS. 17A-E illustrates perspective, top, outer side, inner
side, and cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a frame panel
1700a-e in accordance with various aspects described herein. The
panel 1700a-e may represent the structure of one or more of the
panels 31a-d, 33a,b, 35 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. The panel 1700a-e
may include an insert member 51, a top cover 53, an insert member
101, the like, or any combination thereof. The insert member 101
may represent the structure of the insert member 50 for one or more
sides of a panel or frame opening of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. In one
example, the insert member 51 may be on three-sides of a panel or
frame opening, and the insert member 101 may be on the fourth side
of that panel or frame opening. The insert member 101 and any
elements thereof may be composed of a composite material, metal, a
material used for injection molding (e.g., metals, glasses,
elastomers, confections, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers),
the like, or any combination thereof. In one example, the insert
member 101 may be composed of thermoplastic or thermosetting
polymers. The insert member 101 may include a shaped portion 105, a
first groove 57, a second groove 59, the like, or any combination
thereof. The shaped portion 105 may be convex and positioned at the
top, outside corner (i.e., away from the vehicle) of the insert
member 101 and may be adapted to fit in and attach to a
corresponding shaped portion of a channel member of the frame 13 or
an adjacent panel. In one example, the shaped portion 105 of the
insert member 101 may be rounded such as in a shape of a portion of
a circle or oval. In another example, the shaped portion 105 of the
insert member 101 may have multiple sides such as in a shape of a
portion of a polygon.
[0072] In FIGS. 17A-E, the insert member 101 may extend around at
least a portion of the outer perimeter of the panel 1700a-e. A
first groove 57 may be disposed in the insert member 101 and may
extend around at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the
panel 1700a-e. Further, the first groove 57 may be configured to
attach the top cover 53 (e.g., sunroof) such as a rigid transparent
acrylic, glass or plastic material or a metal. The second groove 59
may extend around at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the
insert member 51. Further, the second groove may be configured to
attach a bottom cover such as a rigid opaque material. The shaped
portion 105 may be adapted to fit in and attach to a corresponding
shaped portion of a channel member. Further, the shaped portion 105
may include a sealant that extends around a perimeter of the shaped
portion of the insert member 101 so that the sealant is disposed
between the channel and insert members when joined to form a seal
joint (e.g., the seal joint 70 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16).
[0073] FIGS. 18A-E illustrates perspective, top, outer side, inner
side, and cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a frame panel
1800a-e in accordance with various aspects described herein. The
panel 1800a-e may represent the structure of one or more of the
panels 31a-d, 33a,b, 35 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. The panel 1800a-e
may include an insert member 51, a top cover 53, a channel member
111, the like, or any combination thereof. Each frame panel 1800a-e
and any elements thereof may be composed of a composite material,
metal, a material used for injection molding (e.g., metals,
glasses, elastomers, confections, thermoplastic and thermosetting
polymers), the like, or any combination thereof. The channel member
111 may represent the structure of the channel member 60 for one or
more sides of a panel or frame opening of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. In
one example, the insert member 51 may be on three-sides of a panel
or frame opening, and the channel member 111 may be on the fourth
side of that panel or frame opening. The channel member 111 and any
elements thereof may be composed of a composite material, metal, a
material used for injection molding (e.g., metals, glasses,
elastomers, confections, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers),
the like, or any combination thereof. In one example, the channel
member 111 may be composed of thermoplastic or thermosetting
polymers. The channel member 111 may include a shaped portion 115,
a first groove 57, a second groove 59, the like, or any combination
thereof. The shaped portion 115 of the channel member 111 may be
concave and extend outward away from the panel 1800a-e and may be
adapted to fit over and attach to the corresponding shaped portion
85 of the insert member 81. In one example, the shaped portion 115
of the channel member 111 may be rounded such as in a shape of a
portion of a circle or oval. In another example, the shaped portion
115 of the channel member 111 may have multiple sides such as in a
shape of a portion of a polygon.
[0074] In FIGS. 18A-E, the channel member 111 may extend around at
least a portion of the outer perimeter of the panel 1800a-e. A
first groove 57 may be disposed in the channel member 111 and may
extend around at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the
panel 1800a-e. Further, the first groove 57 may be configured to
attach the top cover 53 (e.g., sunroof) such as a rigid transparent
acrylic, glass or plastic material or a metal. The second groove 59
may extend around at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the
channel member 111. Further, the second groove 59 may be configured
to attach a bottom cover such as a rigid opaque material. The
shaped portion 115 of the channel member 111 may be adapted to fit
over and attach to a corresponding shaped portion of an insert
member. Further, the shaped portion 115 may include a sealant that
extends around a perimeter of the shaped portion of the channel
member 111 so that the sealant is disposed between the channel
member 111 and an insert member when joined to form a seal joint
(e.g., the seal joint 70 of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16).
[0075] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a portion of a seal joint 75 in accordance with
various aspects described herein. The seal joint 75 may represent
the structure of the seal joint 70 for one or more sides of a panel
or frame opening of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. Each frame panel 31a-d,
33a,b, 35 may be positioned in a respective frame opening 16a,b,
20a,b, 24 so that the corresponding insert and channel members 101,
111 form the seal joint 75 such as a compression seal joint. Each
channel member 111 may include a shaped portion 115 that is adapted
to fit over and attach to the corresponding shaped portion 105 of
an insert member 101. Further, at least one of the shaped portion
105 of the insert member 101 and the shaped portion 115 of the
channel member 111 may include a sealant 108 that extends around a
perimeter of that shaped portion so that the sealant 108 is
disposed between the insert and channel members 101, 111 when
joined to form the seal joint 75. In one example, the sealant 108
is disposed on the surface of the shaped portion 115 of the channel
member 111. In another example, the sealant is disposed on the
surface of the shaped portion 105 of the insert member 101. The
sealant may be any substance used to block the passage of a fluid
through the seal joint 75.
[0076] FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a portion of a seal joint 77 in accordance with
various aspects described herein. The seal joint 77 may represent
the structure of the seal joint 70 for one or more sides of a panel
or frame opening of FIGS. 1-8C and 15-16. Each frame panel 31a-d,
33a,b, 35 may be positioned in a respective frame opening 16a,b,
20a,b, 24 so that corresponding insert and channel members 121, 131
form the seal joint 77 such as a compression seal joint. Each frame
panel 31a-d, 33a,b, 35 and any elements thereof may be composed of
a composite material, metal, a material used for injection molding
(e.g., metals, glasses, elastomers, confections, thermoplastic and
thermosetting polymers), the like, or any combination thereof. Each
channel member 131 may include a concave shaped portion 135 that is
adapted to attach to a corresponding convex shaped portion 125 of
the insert member 121. Further, at least one of the shaped portion
125 of the insert member 121 and the shaped portion 135 of the
channel member 131 may include a sealant 128 that extends around a
perimeter of that shaped portion so that the sealant 128 is
disposed between the insert and channel members 121, 131 when
joined to form the seal joint 77. In one example, the sealant 128
is disposed on the surface of the shaped portion 135 of the channel
member 131. In another example, the sealant is disposed on the
surface of the shaped portion 125 of the insert member 121. The
sealant may be any substance used to block the passage of a fluid
through the seal joint 77.
[0077] As show in FIG. 20, the insert member 121 may be positioned
on opposite sides of a panel 141. Further, the channel member 131
may be positioned on opposite sides of a frame opening of the frame
13. The panel 141 may be positioned so that the insert members 121
are disposed in the corresponding channel members 131 so that the
panel 141 may be moved or slid into the opening. Once the panel 141
is positioned in the opening, the panel 141 may be attached in a
conventional manner such as by a bolt, latch, weld, or the
like.
[0078] In another embodiment, each panel 31a, c may include the
insert member 51 on three sides of that panel and the channel
member 111 on a fourth side of that panel. Further, each panel
31b,d may include the insert members 51 on three sides of that
panel and the insert member 101 on a fourth side of that panel.
Also, the fourth side of each of the panels 31a,c may be adjacent
to the fourth side of the corresponding panel 31b,d so that the
insert and channel members 101, 111 form the joint seal 75.
[0079] In another embodiment, each panel 31a,c may include the
insert member 51 on three sides of that panel and the channel
member 91 on a fourth side of that panel. Further, each panel 31b,d
may include the insert member 51 on three sides of that panel and
the insert member 101 on a fourth side of that panel. Also, the
fourth side of each of the panels 31a,c may be adjacent to the
fourth side of the corresponding panel 31b,d so that the insert and
channel members 81, 91 form the joint seal 73.
[0080] In another embodiment, each panel 31a,c may include the
insert member 51 on two opposing sides of that panel and the
channel members 91, 111 on the other two opposing sides of that
panel. Further, each panel 31b,d may include the insert member 51
on two opposing sides of that panel and the insert members 81, 101
on the other two opposing sides of that panel.
[0081] In another embodiment each panel 33a,b, 35 may include the
insert member 121 on two opposing sides of that panel. Further, two
opposing sides of the corresponding frame opening may include the
channel members 131.
[0082] In another embodiment, any of the seal joints 71, 73, 75, 77
of FIGS. 9-14B, 17A-20 may be used for any side of a panel or
opening of a frame.
[0083] In one embodiment, one or more of the seal joints 71, 73,
75, 77 of FIGS. 9-14B, 17A-20 may be used for an appliance (e.g.,
refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and the
like), window, door, cabinet, furniture, or any structure having an
opening or a panel. For instance, a door of an appliance may use
one or more of the seal joints 71, 73, 75, 77.
[0084] The previous detailed description is merely illustrative in
nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, or the
application and uses of the present disclosure. Furthermore, there
is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory
presented in the preceding field of use, background, summary, or
detailed description. The present disclosure provides various
examples, embodiments and the like, which may be described herein
in terms of functional or logical block elements. The various
aspects described herein are presented as methods, devices (or
apparatus), systems, or articles of manufacture that may include a
number of components, elements, members, modules, nodes,
peripherals, or the like. Further, these methods, devices, systems,
or articles of manufacture may include or not include additional
components, elements, members, modules, nodes, peripherals, or the
like.
[0085] Throughout the specification and the embodiments, the
following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated
herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Relational
terms such as "first" and "second," and the like may be used solely
to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The term
"or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" unless specified
otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to an exclusive
form. Further, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean
one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to
be directed to a singular form. The term "include" and its various
forms are intended to mean including but not limited to. References
to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment,"
"various embodiments," and other like terms indicate that the
embodiments of the disclosed technology so described may include a
particular function, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not
every embodiment necessarily includes the particular function,
feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the
phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same
embodiment, although it may. The terms "substantially,"
"essentially," "approximately," "about" or any other version
thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the
term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%,
in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within
0.5%. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way
is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in
ways that are not listed.
* * * * *