• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    A truck bed camper shelf and hard tonneau cover device is provided which is activated for movement between a raised truck bed camper shell position and a lowered hard tonneau cover position by remote activation of actuators such as pneumatics or hydraulic cylinders or a screw drive mechanism.
    公开号:CA2530321A1
    申请号:C2530321
    申请日:2005-12-16
    公开日:2007-01-18
    发明作者:James J. King；James A. Skocy
    申请人:James J. King；James A. Skocy；
    IPC主号:B60J7-08
    专利说明:
    [1" class="description-paragraph] Substitute Specification; Clean version. CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL. AND HARD 'f'ONNEAIJ! Claim of Priority [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Pwisional H.pplication Serial No.601588.476 filed July 16, 2004. Background of the Invention
    [2" class="description-paragraph] [0002] The present invention relates to pickup truck bed covers and, more particularly, to such a cover which is convertible between a camper type shell and a hard tonneau type cover.
    [3" class="description-paragraph] [0003] The beds of pickup trucks enable a wide variety of items to be hauled by such trucks. One problem with pickup beds is their open nature which makes items carried vulnerable to weather damage, theft, or loss by falling or being blown out of the bed. Earlier soft tonneau covers snapped onto snap fasteners mounted on tvp of the side walls, a front end wall, and the tailgate and provided a cover for the bed which could be opened as needed to place articles into the bed or take them out. More recently, so-called hard tonneau covers have been developed which incorporate mechanisms that allow the cover to tilt up about the front end to provide access to the bed. Some hard tonneau covers are powered by electrical motors, hydraulic cylinders, or pneumatic cylinders to lift and lower the rear end of the cover.1820732, t ~r~OIZ$: I~f'r, .~8171CS adl~ sK~~Y, .f~ICS ZTI'LE: CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL AND HARD TONNE=AU
    [4" class="description-paragraph] [0004] In addition to tonneau covers, various types of shells have been provided for pickup truck beds. Full sized pickup bed camper units are often taller than the pickup cab and wider and longer than the pickup bed and are enclosed by walls on al; cideS. In uC:~tr.~,S~, .~Ei°vll~, Or v~.a,i~per SileiiS, uSUally are fOriiled vi side Wails, a from erlCi wall, and a rear hatch, all with windows, and a roof. The rear hatch can be pivoted open or locked closed_ Usually, shells have about the same height as the cab and about the same width and length as the pickup bed. Shells allow a person to climb completely into the covered bed and are sometimes used as sleeping quarters when camping.Mechanisms have been developed to tilt shells up about the front end in a manner similar to hard tonneau covers.
    [5" class="description-paragraph] [0005] In order to combine the advantages of tonneau covers and shells, arrangements have been developed which provide for conversion between a tonneau configuration and a shell configuration. Such an arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2004/006~i35t A i. Summary of the Invention
    [6" class="description-paragraph] [0006] The present invention provides a pickup truck bed cover mechanism which is convertible between a camper shell and a hard tonneau cover. The cover mechanism includes opposite side panels, a rear hatch,. and a roof which are interconnected and provided with actuator components in such a manner as to enable the side panets and rear hatch to be retracted inwardly thereby (ewering +.he roof to fon;;a hard tonneau cover for the pickup bed. The side panels and the rear hatch may be provided with transparent or tinted window panes. The roofi panel may also be provided 1820732.L INVILNTOIftS: IaNG, James xad SKOCX, 3ames TITLE: CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL AND HARD TONNEAUwith a window. In a preferred embodiment, a pickup cab extension frame is positioned at the front end of the bed and provided with a transparent panel for rearward visibifity_ Inner surfaces of the extension frart~e have weather seals which are engaged by the side par yea and roof w her. they ar a extended to the Shell coflfiguratior~. T he mechanism could altemativeiy incorporate a front panel which is retracted in a manner similar to the rear hatch.
    [7" class="description-paragraph] [0007] The mechanism includes a U-shaped base frame formed by a front end member and a pair of transversely spaced side members which are secured to the upper ends of the pickup bed side walls. The side panels of the cover are connected to the side members by hinges. Extendible motors such as hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected between extensions depending from the side members and upper ends of the cover side panels. The roof panel has front and rear sets of left and right transverse guide rails and a center guide rail. Each side panel has a front guide follower and a rear guide follower, which are slidingly engaged respectively with an associated pair of a front and rear transverse guide rails and pivotally connected to the associated side panel.j000S] The center guide rail is part of a centralizing or centering linkage assembly for the cover mechanism as a whole to maintain it in a desired lateral alignment with the pickup bed. The centering mechanism includes pairs of front centering links and rear centering (inks. The front centering links are pivotally connected to a front centering slide engaged with the center guide rail and to the left and right front guide followers.Similarly, the rear centering links are pivotally connected to a rear centering slide engaged with the center guide rail and to left and right rear guide followers.page 3 iszo~3~.~ ~vv~rrroR~: r~rc, .ra~~s o.~a sKOeY, ~~s TTTLE: CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL AND HARD TONNEAU[0009] The rear hatch is positioned in a flat rear hatch frame which is hinged at its upper end near the rear edge of the roof panel. A hydraulic cylinder, or a left and right pair, is pivotally connected between tfie hatch frame and the roof panel and operable to pivot t he hatch fraTe up just below the iowea surface of the roof panel when the cove.mechanism assumes the tonneau configuration. The rear hatch is pivotally connected to the hatch frame and has a lock mechanism so that it can be opened and closed and also locked.[0010] From the shell configuration, the cover mechanism can be retracted to the tonneau configuration. First, the rear hatch frame is retracted into parallel relation below the roof panel. The side panel cylinders are retracted to pivot the side panels about the side frame members, down and inwardly. The guide followers ride along the transverse guide rails, pulling the roof panel down toward fihe pickup bed. The centering mechanism retains the cover mechanism centered over the bed. Once the cover mechanism has been completely retracted, access to the pickup bed can be gained by use of the pickup tailgate.[0011] From the tonneau configuration, the cover mechanism can be extended to the shell configuration by reversing the steps described above. Specifically, the side panel cylinders are extended to pivot the side panels up and outwardly, thereby raising the roof panel by way of the transverse guide rails and followers. When the roof panel has been fully raised, the rear hatch frame is lowered into place above the tailgate.page 4 ~szo~3z~2 rIVVErVTORS: KLNG, ,runes b..d 5rGOCY, .Iam~cs TYTY,E: CONYERTI6LE CAMPER SHELL ANfl HARD TONNEAU Description of the Figures [0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the fuIlCWiilg deSt:r IptiOi i anu are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distirtc-tiy pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.[0013] Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side perspective view of a pickup truck incorporating a conver6bte pickup truck bed cover mechanism which embodies the present invention, with the cover mechanism shown in a retracted tonneau configuration.[0014] Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 and shows the cover mechanism in an extended shell conf guration.[0015] Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the inside of a left side panel and illustrates details of a hydraulic actuator of the mechanism.[0016] Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing a cab extender of the cover mechanism which incorporates a fixed window pane.[0017] Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of a roof panel of the cover mechanism and illustrates details of a centering linkage of the mechanism.[0018] Fig_ 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the inside of a right side panel and shows details of a transverse guide rail and follower of the mechanism_ [0019] Fig. 7 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the cover mechanism aid illustrates the mechanism in a stage of conversion somewhat below the fully extended shell configuration. Fags St82o73Zt INVENTORS: KING, James and SKOCI', James TITLE: CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL AND HARD ToNNEAU[0020] Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 and illustrates the cover mechanism in a stage of conversion somewhat above the fully retracted tonneau configuration.[00211 Fig. 9 is a fragmentary diagrammatic rear elevationai view of the cover mechanism and illustrates details of a rear hatch of the mechanism.[0022] Fig. 10 is a cross section view showing the mounting of the cab extension or the forward cowling onto the side rail.[0023] Fig. t 1 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of members of a mounting frame of the convertible pickup bed cover with the frame members shown pivoted to a position below the shell configuration.[0024] Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 and shows the frame members pivoted to the tonneau configuration.[0025] Fig. 93 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of actuating mechanisms which can be used with the rear side wall for raising and lowering of the rear side wall. Detailed Description of the Invention [0026] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and funcfional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for patent claims and as a representative basis fer teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Page E1820732.1 INVENTORS: IQNG, 3ames and SKOC~, James TITLE: CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL AND HARD TONNEAU[0027) Referring to the figures in more detail, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a convertible pickup truck bed cover mechanism which embodies the present invention. The cover mechanism 1 generally includes a mounting frame 3 including a pickup cab extension 5, a pair of transversely spaced side panels 7, a roof panel 9, and a rear hatch assembly 11 (Fig. 9). The side panels 7 and rear hatch assembly 11 are interconnected to the roof pane( 9 in such a manner that the cover mechanism 1 can converted between a shell configuration (Fig. 1 ) and a tonneau configuration (Fig_ 2).[0028) Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the mounting frame 3 includes side frame members 15 which extend rearward from the cab extension 5 to form a U-shaped frame. The side members 15 are parallel and spaced apart to engage upper edges for the side walls 17 of a bed 18 of a pickup truck 19. The side members 15 are preferably fastened to the side walls 17, as by bolts, clamps, or the like_ The cab extension 5 is a vertically oriented U-shaped framework with a height comparable to the height of the cab 20 of the pickup 19_ The illustrated cab extension 5 frames a front shell window 22 (Fig. 4), and internal surfaces of the cab extension 5 are provided with weather seals (not shown). The weather seats are engaged by the roof panel 9 and side panels 7 in the shell configuration of the cover mechanism 1 for weatherproofing when in the shelf confiauration_ The front window 22 is fixed in place within the cab extension 5.Alternatively, a front window for the cover mechanism could be pivotally connected to the roof panel 9 and retracted in a manner similar tc the rear hatch assembly 11, as will be described below. The so-called cab extension 5 does not actually extend or expand the cab 20 of the truck 19. It mereiy has the appearance of an extension of the cab 2Q:gage -;.1820732.1 INVENTORS: KING, 3ames aua SKOCY, 3amcs TITLE: CONVERTIB1,E CAMPER SHELL jIND HARD TONNEAU{0029] The side panels 7 are pivotally connected to the side members 15 by hinges (not shown) so that the side panels 7 can pivot from a somewhat vertical orientation in the shelf configuration to substantially horizontal orientation in the tonneau cvnfguratio;,_ Fact; of the side ~m~ernuers 15 is provided with a depending extension 25 (Fig. 3) to which a hydraulic side panel actuating cylinder 27 is pivotally connected. An opposite end of the cylinder 27 is pivotally connected to the side panel 7. Retraction of the cylinders 27 pivots the side panels 7 down and toward the center of the bed 18, while extension of the cylinders 27 pivots the side panels 7 up and away from the center of the bed 18.[0030] Referring to Fig. 5, the roof panel 9 is provided with front and rear sets of left and right transversely oriented guide rails 30. Each of the side panels 7 has front and rear guide followers 32 (Fig. 6) which are pivotally connected to their side panels r' and which slidingly engage a respective one of the guide rails 30. Additionally, the roof panel 9 includes a centering linkage assembly 35 including a centrally positioned centering guide rail 37 which extends in a front-to-back, or longitudinal, orientation.Front and rear centering slides 39 s(idingfy engage the rail 37. Front and rear sets of left and right pairs of centering links 41 are pivotally connected respectively between the side panels 7, for example o the guide followers 32, and associated ones of the centering slides 39.[0031] When the side panels 7 are pivoted downward and inward by the cylinders 27, t he followers 3L slide along the rails 30 and draw the roof pane! 9 down toward the tonneau configuration. Conversely, pivoting the side panels 7 upward and outward causes the roof panel s to be raised toward the shell configuration. The components of Page f:isao~32.; " INVENTORS: IQNG, 3ames and SKOG'~, 3amc~TITr.E_ CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL AND HARD TONNEAUthe centering linkage assembly 35 cooperate to retain the roof panel 9 centered over the pickup bed 18 during conversion of the cover mechanism 1 between its shell and tonneau configurations. Fig. 7 illustrates the cover mechanism i at a stage of conversion just below the f~!!fy raised she!! con iguratiorl. Fig. 8 illustrates the mechanism 1 at a stage of conversion just above the fully lowered tonneau configuration.[0032] Referring to Fig. 9, the rear hatch assembly 11 includes a rear hatch frame 45 which is pivotally connected to the roof panel 9, as by internal hinge members 47, which enable the frame 45 to pivot inwardly toward the front of the pickup truck 79.Hatch cylinders 49, such as hydraulic cylinders, are pivotally connected between the rear hatch frame 45 and the roof panel 9 and enable the frame 45 to be pivoted between an extended vertical position above a tailgate 59 of the truck 19 in the shell configuration of the cover mechanism 1 and a retracted horizontal position beneath the roof panel 9 in the tonneau configuration. Preferably, the hatch cylinders.49 and side panel cylinders 27 are coordinated in such a manner that the rear hatch frame 45 is raised to its horizontal position prior to retraction of the side panels 7 for conversion to the tonneau configuration and Powered to the vertical position after the side panels 7 have been extended to the shell configuration. A rear hatch panel 53 is pivotally connected to the rear hatch frame 45 by hinge members 55 and may be opened to the rear of the truck 19 or locked in a closed position.[0033] The side panels 7 and rear hatch pane! 53 are preferably provided with transparent or tinted widow panes (not shown). Sirnilarfy, the roof parcel 9 may be 'provided with a transparent or tinted pane to illuminate the interior of the bed in either 182073 INv°ENTORS: KING, 3ames aa~ SKOCY, James TITLE: CONVERTIBLE CAMPEii SHELL AND HARD TONNEAUconfiguration of the cover mechanism 1 and to provide increased driving visibility in the shell configuration of the mechanism 1.[0034 Referring now to rigs. 71 and 12, the construction of the side raii is sh~:fW. _I hG 5lde tall 6U is to be mounted on the top edge of the lefi and right side walls of the truck bed side walls to permit a structure to seal the connection between the cover mechanism of the present invention and the existing truck side walls, and also to provide a bearing or pivot 62 which can receive the cover side wall connecting rail shown in Figs. 12 and 13 to allow pivoting movement of the cover side walls or panels 7 with respect to the existing truck bed side walls 17. Side rail 60 rests atop truck bed side walls 17 by placing bottom horizontal edge 66 of side rail 60 onto the top surface of truck bed side wall 17. While a sealing compound may be used between bottom horizontal edge 66 and truck bed side wall 17, in a preferred embodiment, the material used to construct side rail 60, which may be a plastic or metal with a plastic bearing pad, may be sufficiently valuable as to provide a seal between truck bed side wall 17 and bottom horizontal edge 66.[0035] Referring now to Figs. 12 and 13, cover side wall connecting rail 70 is shown in perspective view. Flange 72 of cover side wall connecting rail 70 interconnects with the cover side wall structure 7, and socket rail 74 connects with pivot or ball rail 62 of side rail 60 to provide pivoting movement between the cover side wall and the side rail 60 connected to truck bed side walls 17. Cover side wall connecting rail 70 is shown in cross section view in Fig. 13 wherein socket raiE 74 rnay~ be better appreciated. Page l~1 E20732. F CA 02530321 2005-12-16..INVENTORS: KING, James and SKO~lr, James TITLE: CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL AND HARD TONNEAu [0036] Referring now to Fig. 12, the interconnection between side rail 60 and cover side wall connecting rail 70 is shown. It will be appreciated that movement of socket rail 14 in the direction shown by arrow A will correspond to the raising and fo~!lering positio ns or th a movement of t he cover side wail 7 between a raised position wherein socket rail T4 is moved in the direction of arrow A toward end A1 of arrow A.When it is desired that cover side wall 7 which is attached to socket rail 74 be placed in the lowered or collapsed position to place cover or roof panel 9 in a lowered position, socket rail 74 will be moved along arrow A toward position A2, thereby placing cover side walls in a lowered position. Figs. 11 and 12 shows a cross section view of the interconnection between side rail 60 and cover side waU connecting rail 70.[0037) Fig. 13 shows a general perspective view in exploded form of the present invention and showing in particular an alternative embodiment of the application of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 80 to end wall 82. It will be appreciated that cylinders 80 may be manual pneumatic cylinders which are used to support end wall 82, or these may be cylinders which are actuated by the same mechanism as the cover side walls thus providing remotely actuated raising and lowering of end panel 82. The end wall 82 may be constructed in a manner similar to the rear hatch assembly 11, including a frame supporting a hatch member which can be manually opened and closed.[0038] Referring now to Fig. 10, the interconnection between cab extension or cowling 5 and side rail 60 is shown. In Fig. 10, the manner in which cab extension 5 rests atop side rail 6Q is shown with cab extension flanges 84 extending downwardly to cover the outside edges of side rail 60 and to meet with truck bed side wall 17. Page l ILb20~3Z1 INVENTORS: FQNC, 3ames and S~OCY, 3amcs ZT>'LE: CONVERTIBLE CAMPER SHELL AND HARD TONNEAU[0039] It is to be understood that while certain farms of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements or' parts described and shown, For example, white the cylinders 2~ and 49 are described as hydrau:ic cylinder ~, t hey ~;ouid aite~r~ativeiy be pneumatic cylinders or replaced entirely by electrical motors, jackscrews, or other actuator devices which would occur to one skilled in the art_ [0040] Certain changes may be made in embodying the above invention and in the construction thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shat( be interpreted as illustrative and not meant in a limiting sense.[0041] Having now described the features, discoveryes and principles of the invention, the manner in which the inventive convertible camper shell and hard tonneau is constructed and used, the characteristics of the constn~etion, and advantageous, new and useful resulfis obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.(0042] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Page I~s2o~32.r
    权利要求:
    Claims
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    2011-12-16| FZDE| Dead|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US11/183,497||2005-07-18||
    US11/183,497|US7243965B2|2004-07-16|2005-07-18|Convertible camper shell and hard tonneau|
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