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Claims  |
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Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by
Letters Patent is:
1. A cover for use with a substantially rectangular vehicle box having a
pair of transversely spaced opposite side walls and a pair of
longitudinally spaced opposite end walls defining an upwardly disposed
opening comprising:
A. means on the end walls and the side walls having a raised edge
circumscribing the opening and a depressed edge extended inwardly of the
raised edge providing an upwardly disposed recessed surface;
B. a plurality of substantially rectangular panels, each panel having a
pair of substantially parallel side edges and being disposed with one of
said edges in juxtapositioned, parallel relation to one of said edges of
another panel, the panels having a covering position in which they are
disposed substantially in a common plane and have opposite ends rested on
said surface of the depressed edge and fitted between the raised edge
aligned transversely in a row extending longitudinally of the box; and
C. hinge means interconnecting the juxtapositioned side edges of the panels
for relative movement of the interconnected panels about axes extending
parallel to and between their juxtapositioned edges and for folding the
panels from said covering position starting with either end of the row
thereof.
2. A cover for use with a substantially rectangular vehicle box having a
pair of transversely opposite side walls and a pair of longitudinally
opposite end walls defining an upwardly disposed opening comprising:
A. a plurality of substantially rectangular panels, each panel having a
pair of opposite edges and being disposed with one of said edges in
juxtapositioned, parallel relation to one of said edges of another panel,
the panels having a covering position in which they are disposed
substantially in a common plane in a row extending longitudinally of the
box across said end walls with the pair of panels at the opposite ends of
the row disposed above the corresponding end walls and with said edges of
the panels extending transversely of the box across said side walls;
B. means individually interconnecting the juxtapositioned edges of the
panels for relative movement of adjacent panels about axes extending
parallel to and between their juxtapositioned edges and for folding the
panels from said covering position starting with either panel of the pair
thereof above the end walls; and
C. a plurality of extension walls mounted on the box and extended upwardly
in parallel, extended relation to the side and end walls of the box
providing a surface circumscribing said opening for resting said panels in
their covering position.
3. A cover for use with a substantially rectangular vehicle box having a
pair of transversely opposite side walls and a pair of longitudinally
opposite end walls defining an upwardly disposed opening comprising:
A. a plurality of substantially rectangular panels, each panel having a
pair of opposite edges and being disposed with one of said edges in
juxtapositioned, parallel relation to one of said edges of another panel,
the panels having a covering position in which they are disposed
substantially in a common plane in a row extending longitudinally of the
box across said end walls with the pair of panels at the opposite ends of
the row disposed above the corresponding end walls and with said edges of
the panels extending transversely of the box across said side walls;
B. means individually interconnecting the juxtapositioned edges of the
panels for relative movement of adjacent panels about axes extending
parallel to and between their juxtapositioned edges and for folding the
panels from said covering position starting with either panel of the pair
thereof above the end walls; and
C. a substantially rectangular frame mounted on the box providing a surface
circumscribing said opening for resting said panels in their covering
position, the frame having a plurality of elongated members disposed above
and coextensive with said walls, each member having a downwardly disposed
side mating with its respective wall and an upwardly disposed side bearing
a portion of said surface.
4. A cover for use with a substantially rectangular vehicle box having a
pair of transversely opposite side walls and a pair of longitudinally
opposite end walls defining an upwardly disposed opening comprising:
A. means mounted on the box providing a surface circumscribing said
opening, the surface having a ridge extended upwardly therefrom in
circumscribing relation to said opening;
B. a plurality of substantially rectangular panels each panel having a pair
of opposite edges and being disposed with one of said edges in
juxtapositioned, parallel relation to one of said edges of another panel,
the panels having a covering position in which they are rested on the
surface and are disposed substantially in a common plane in a row
extending longitudinally of the box across said end walls with the pair of
panels at the opposite ends of the row disposed above the corresponding
end walls and with said edges of the panels extending transversely of the
box across said side walls, each of the panels having a pair of opposite
ends which extend between said edges and are disposed above said surface
transversely oppositely of said opening when the cover is in said
position, said pair of panels disposed at the ends of the row in said
position having a pair of individual edges disposed above said surface
longitudinally oppositely of said opening when the cover is in said
position, and said pair of opposite ends and said pair of edges having
individual ridges extending therealong and downwardly therefrom defining a
flange fitted in circumscribing relation to said ridges extending from
said surface when the panels are rested thereon in said position; and
C. means individually interconnecting the juxtapositioned edges of the
panels for relative movement of adjacent panels about axes extending
parallel to and between their juxtapositioned edges and for folding the
panels from said covering position starting with either panel of the pair
thereof above the end walls.
5. In combination with a substantially rectangular vehicle box having a
pair of substantially parallel, longitudinally opposite ends walls and a
pair of substantially parallel, transversely opposite side walls, the
walls having individual, substantially horizontal and coplanar upper edges
defining an upwardly disposed opening, a cover comprising:
A. a substantially rectangular frame mounted on the walls in engagement
with said edges having ends and sides corresponding respectively to the
end walls and side walls of the box and providing an upwardly disposed
surface which includes an outer ledge portion circumscribing the opening
and an inner flange portion extending upwardly from the ledge and
circumscribing the opening between the ledge and the opening;
B. a plurality of substantially rectangular panels in which
(1) each panel includes a generally planar back having a pair of opposite
substantially parallel first edges spaced transversely of the box a
distance substantially equal to the transverse exterior dimension of said
ledge portion, the back bearing a pair of ridges individually coextensive
with said first edges and extended therefrom out of the plane of the back,
(2) the back has a pair of opposite, substantially parallel second edges
spaced longitudinally of the box, the sum of the distances between said
pairs of second edges of the panels being substantially equal to the
longitudinal exterior dimension of the ledge,
(3) the backs of a pair of the panels each bear a ridge coextensive with
one of the second edges of said panels and extended from said one edge out
of the plane of the back,
(4) said panels having a covering position in which they are disposed in a
row extending longitudinally of the box rested on said surface with their
first edges aligned with the sides of the frame, with their second edges
in substantially parallel edge-to-edge relation, with the pair of panels
bearing a ridge on one of their second edges disposed at the opposite ends
of the row, and with the ridges borne by the first and second edges
extending downwardly toward said ledge portion in outwardly fitted
relation to said flange portion; and
C. means interconnecting each adjacent pair or second edges for relative
pivotal movement of their respective panels about an axis extending
substantially parallel to and between said edges in upwardly adjacent
relation to the backs of their respective panels when said panels are
disposed in the covering position.
6. The combination of claim 5 wherein the means interconnecting an adjacent
pair of edges include an elongated flexible, planar seal disposed in
coextensive, interconnecting relation between said adjacent pair of edges.
7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the means interconnecting an adjacent
pair of edges of the panels comprise a piano hinge mounted on the backs of
the corresponding panels oppositely of said ridges and the flexible seal
is clamped between the hinge and said backs.
8. The combination of claim 5 in which:
A. the cover has an even number of at least four of said panels;
B. each panel has a predetermined width measured longitudinally of the box
when the panel is disposed in its covering position;
C. the panels have substantially equal depths inclusive of their respective
backs and ridges measured vertically when the panels are disposed in said
position and equal to a first predetermined distance;
D. the panel which is disposed at one end of the row of panels when said
panel is in its covering position has a width substantially equal to a
second predetermined distance;
E. the panel which is disposed at the opposite end of said row has a width
substantially equal to the sum of the first and the second predetermined
distances;
F. the width of each alternate panel between the panels at the ends of the
row starting with the panel adjacent to said panel at said one end of the
row is substantially equal to the second predetermined distance; and
G. the width of the remainder of the panels is defined by the formula
D(N-1/2) where N represents the relative position of the panel numbered
from and including said panel at said one end of the row and D represents
the first predetermined distance.
9. The combination of claim 5 wherein:
A. each panel of the pair thereof disposed at the opposite ends of the row
of panels has a bore defined in one of the ridges borne by the back of
said panel and extended horizontally toward the flange portion of the
frame when said panel is in its covering position;
B. the flange portion of the frame has a plurality of bores defined therein
individually disposed in alignment with the bores in the said end panels
when the panels are in said position; and
C. the cover includes a plurality of locking bolts individually related to
each pair of aligned bores and sliding axially therein releasably to
attach the cover to the frame.
10. The combination of claim 5 wherein:
A. the frame has a plurality of bores defined therein and extended
vertically therethrough;
B. the upper edges of the walls of the box having a plurality of bores
defined therein individually disposed in alignment with said bores in the
frame; and
C. a plurality of bolt assemblies are individually fitted through said
pairs of aligned bores securing the frame to the box.
11. The combination of claim 5 wherein
A. each of said first edges has a pair of opposite ends which are disposed
oppositely longitudinally of the box when the panels are in their covering
position;
B. said ends of the transversely corresponding first edges of adjacent
panels are disposed in juxtapositioned pairs when the adjacent panels are
in said position;
C. one of said ends of each of said juxtapositioned pairs thereof has an
extension projecting outwardly of its respective panel in substantially
parallel relation to said first edges and the other end of each of said
pairs has a notch extending inwardly of its respective panel and fitted to
the extension; and
D. the extension is received in the notch in weather barring relation
transversely of the box and downwardly of said axis between the second
edges of their respective panels when said adjacent pair of panels are in
said position. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cover for a vehicle box, and more
particularly to such a cover which is especially adapted for covering the
box of a "pickup" truck because of the convenience in folding the cover
between a covering position and a plurality of open positions, in removing
the cover from the box, and in reinstalling the cover on the box.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art includes a variety of covers for vehicle boxes and the like.
These covers have two basic and conflicting objectives. First, such a
cover should cover effectively, that is, protect the contents of the box
from the weather and from theft. Secondly, such a cover should open
conveniently for access to all portions of the box. Satisfaction of both
of these objectives is particularly difficult in the case of covers for
the boxes of pickup trucks because these vehicles are commonly used to
transport for relatively short distances items such as sporting equipment,
hand tools, and packages to be delivered. These items are frequently
relatively valuable and subject to weather damage. Frequent access to the
box is usually required with such items not only because of the relatively
short trips, but because all of the items transported are typically loaded
and unloaded selectively rather than all at one time. The difficulty of
satisfying both the closing and the opening functions is complicated by
the great desirability of having a cover which is completely and easily
removable so that the vehicle can transport items which are too large to
fit under the cover.
PRIOR ART STATEMENT
Characterizing the closest prior art of which the applicant is aware and in
compliance with 37 C.F.R. 1.97 and 1.98, attention is invited to the
following patents which are relevant in their relation to vehicle covers
having a plurality of panels. Copies of these patents are attached as
follows:
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U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Date
______________________________________
2,602,693 Murphy July 8, 1952
3,649,072 Cross Mar. 14, 1972
3,762,763 Deshores Oct. 2, 1973
3,768,858 Boismier Oct. 30, 1973
3,977,720 Schreiberg Aug. 31, 1976
______________________________________
The Murphy patent discloses a closure having a plurality of sliding panels
longitudinally of a vehicle in individual, vertically stacked tracks. The
panels can be opened only from the rearward end of the vehicle.
The Cross patent discloses a pickup bed cover having a plurality of panels
which uncover the bed by sliding forwardly under a roof panel permanently
mounted above the forward end of the bed.
The Deshores patent discloses a cover for open bed vehicles having a pair
of panels which slide longitudinally in stacked relation to uncover one
end of the bed at a time.
The Boismier patent discloses a truck box cover having panels extending
longitudinally of the box. The panels are disposed in two groups, one on
each side of the truck, with the other panels of each group hinged to the
corresponding side wall of the box.
The Schreiberg patent discloses a vehicle cover formed from a plurality of
transversely extending panels. The forward panel is hinged to the vehicle,
and the panels fold forwardly to open the vehicle from the rearward end.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved cover for a vehicle box.
Another object is to provide such a cover which does not impede access to
the box when opened and which allows a vehicle box equipped therewith to
be opened from either end.
Another object is to provide such a cover which provides convenient access
to the vehicle box when mounted therein which effectively protects the
contents of the box when in a closed position, and which can be removed
entirely to allow the use of the box in a completely open condition.
Another object is to provide such a cover which prevents water leakage into
the box when the cover is closed.
Another object is to provide such a cover which minimizes air resistance
due to movement of a vehicle on which the cover is mounted.
Another object is to provide such a cover which can be locked in its closed
position to prevent theft of the contents of the box.
Still another object is to provide a cover for a vehicle box which is
relatively light in weight, economical, durable, and fully effective in
performing its intended function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a first form of cover for a vehicle box
embodying the principles of the present invention showing the cover
mounted on a "pickup" truck with a small portion of the truck broken away
to show its interior construction.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the cover showing a rectangular frame utilized
with the cover mounted on a fragmentarily represented rearward portion of
the truck.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, somewhat enlarged, vertical section of the cover
taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 1 and transversely foreshortened for
illustrative convenience.
FIG. 4 is a somewhat enlarged bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 1
foreshortened for illustrative convenience.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the cover showing two alternate folded
positions of panels thereof in dashed lines.
FIG. 6 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary bottom plan view taken on line
6--6 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation taken on line 7--7 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 7 but showing the pair of
panels of the cover in partially folded disposition.
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing two additional folded positions
of panels of the cover in dashed lines.
FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a second form of cover embodying the
principles of the present invention mounted on a vehicle.
FIG. 11 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary vertical section of the second
form of the cover and portions of the vehicle taken on line 11--11 of FIG.
10 showing a lock for the cover.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Form
Referring with greater particularity to the drawings, a first form of cover
for a vehicle box embodying the principles of the present invention is
shown in FIG. 1 and is generally indicated by the numeral 20. The cover is
depicted in its operating environment mounted on a pickup truck 25 of
conventional construction. The truck includes a frame 26 supported on
ground traversing wheels 27.
The truck 25 has a substantially rectangular box 30 of well known form,
best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mounted on the rearward portion of the frame
26. The box includes a pair of transversely opposite, longitudinally
extending, substantially parallel side walls 32 and a pair of
longitudinally opposite, transversely extending, substantially parallel
end walls 34. The box has a floor 36 which includes a transversely spaced
pair of wheel covers 37. The box is upwardly open, the upper portions of
the side and end walls defining a rectangular opening 38 for access to the
box.
Access to the box 30 is also obtained through a tailgate 40 which forms the
central portion of the rearward wall of the pickup. The tailgate is
mounted at its lower edge on the floor 36 of the box by a hinge 42 for
pivotal movement about a transversely extending horizontal axis. The
tailgate is provided with latches 43 for releasably securing it in an
upright position. The tailgate extends transversely almost entirely the
width of the box so that the rearward end wall thereof includes a pair of
relatively short, transversely opposite end portions 45 extending from
each side wall 32 toward the corresponding end of the tailgate.
The side walls 32 and end walls 34 have individual, upwardly disposed edges
50 which lie substantially in a common, horizontal plane. These edges,
typically, are configured as shown in FIG. 3 wherein the edges each have a
planar lower portion 52 which is a continuation of the portion of the
respective wall below the edge. The edge includes a horizontal planar
portion 53 extending outwardly of the box 30 from the upper end of said
lower portion and presenting an upwardly disposed planar surface 54. A
downwardly turned lip 55 is formed at the outer end of said horizontal
portion. The cover 20 is adapted for mounting on the particular
configuration of the upper edge just described. However, it is to be
understood that a cover embodying the principles of the present invention
can be mounted on other configurations of such upper edges.
The cover 20 of the first form of the present invention has three portions
which can readily be detached from each other. These portions are a lower
mounting portion 60 which is mounted on the walls 32 and 34 of the box 30,
a central extension portion 61 which is mounted on the mounting portion,
and an upper canopy portion 62 which is, in turn, mounted on the extension
portion. The canopy portion has a closing position in which its elements
are extended over the opening 38 of the box 30 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
The mounting portion 60 of the cover 20 includes a substantially
rectangular frame 70, best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, formed from a plurality
of elongated members 72. These members are individually mounted on and
correspond to the forward of the end walls 34, the pair of side walls 32,
the tailgate 40, and the end portions 45 of the rearward of the end walls.
The elongated member or members on an end wall 34 form an end for the
frame, and each elongated member mounted on a side wall 32 forms a side of
the frame. The length of these members is equal to the length of the upper
edge 50 of the corresponding wall element, and the members extend
horizontally in coextensive relation therewith. Each of these members has
a planar, downwardly disposed side 73 conforming to and engaged with the
upper surface 54 of the corresponding upper edge of a side wall or end
wall. Each member has an upwardly disposed side 75 of stepped
configuration, having a raised edge 76 and a depressed edge 77 extending
longitudinally of the member. The member is mounted with the raised edge
disposed toward the opening 38 of the box. When the elongated members are
mounted on the box and the tailgate 40 is closed, their upper sides
provide an upwardly disposed, substantially horizontal surface 80
circumscribing said opening. This surface has an upwardly extending ridge
or flange portion 81 formed by the raised edges of the elongated members.
The flange portion circumscribes said opening in adjacent relation
thereto. Said surface has a ledge portion 82 formed by the depressed edges
of said members. The ledge portion circumscribes the flange portion and is
outwardly disposed therefrom in relation to said opening.
The frame 70 has a first sealing groove 83 extending therearound and facing
outwardly of the box at the junction of the flange portion 81 and ledge
portion 82 of the surface 80. The groove extends into the flange portion
and is disposed so that the lower side of the groove is an extension of
the upper surface of the ledge portion.
Each of the elongated members 72 forming the frame 70 is provided with a
plurality of bores 85 extending vertically therethrough between the
depressed edge 77 and the lower side 73. The bores are spaced along the
member and the portions of the bores adjacent to the depressed edge are
countersunk. A plurality of bores 86 extend through the horizontal planar
portions 53 of the upper edges 50 of the walls 32 and 34 in individual
alignment with the bores in the elongated members. The frame is secured to
said upper edges by a plurality of bolt assemblies 87 individually fitted
in these aligned pairs of bores. The bolts have individual cone-shaped
heads 88 seated in the countersunk portion of the bores in said members so
that the heads do not project about the ledge portion 82 of the frame. The
assemblies have shanks which project downwardly from the bores in said
upper edges and are screwthreadably engaged by nuts 89 detachably to
secure the mounting portion 60 of the cover on the trunk 25.
The extension portion 61 of the cover 20 is formed by four extension walls
100 individually corresponding to the side walls 32 and the end walls 34
of the box 30. The extension walls are mounted on the upwardly disposed
surface 80 of the rectangular frame 70. Each wall includes a first
vertical planar member 101 whose length is substantially equal to the
length of its respective wall of the box. The vertical member extends
upwardly from the frame 70 to approximately the level of the highest point
of the track 25. As best shown in FIG. 3, the thickness of the planar
member is approximately equal to the width of the depressed edge 77 of the
upper side 75 of the elongated members 72. A rectangular bar 102 is
mounted on each of said vertical members. The bar extends horizontally
along the member somewhat above its lower edge on the side thereof
disposed toward the opening 38 in the box. The thickness of the bar is
substantially equal the thickness of the raised edge 76 of said upper
side. A second vertical planar member 103 is mounted on the bar opposite
the first planar member and extends downwardly from the top of the bar to
a point below the lower edge of the first planar member. The two planar
members and the bar of each extension wall thus define a downwardly
disposed notch fitted to said raised edge for mounting the wall on its
respective elongated member 72. The walls are secured to said member by a
plurality of screws 104 which are spaced along the wall and extend
horizontally in screwthreaded engagement through the second planar member
and into the elongated member. When so mounted, the extension walls are
disposed upwardly from their respective wall 32 or 34 of the box in
substantially parallel extended relation to the wall.
The upper edge of each of the first planar members 101 has a rectangular
box 106 extending along the edge on the side thereof disposed toward the
opening 38 of the box 30. A portion of the bar is extended upwardly from
said upper edge. The dimensions and proportions of this extended portion
are substantially equal to those of the raised edges 76 of the elongated
member 72, and this portion is provided with a sealing groove 108
corresponding to the first sealing groove 83 in the frame 70. Each
extension wall, therefore, has an upper side 110 substantially identical
to the upper side 75 of the corresponding elongated member and providing
an upwardly disposed surface 111 circumscribing said opening. This surface
has a flange portion 112 and a ledge portion 113 corresponding to the
flange portion 81 and ledge portion 82 of the surface 80 of the frame 70.
Each of the first planar members 101 of the pair of extension walls 100
which correspond to the pair of side walls 32 of the box are provided with
a pair of windows 115. The four extension walls can, of course, be
provided with windows arranged in any other suitable manner.
The canopy portion 62 of the first form of cover 20 has six substantially
rectangular panels which, when the canopy is in its covering position as
shown in FIG. 1, extend longitudinally of the box in a single row and
substantially in a common horizontal plane from end to end of the box 30
of the truck 25. The panels are indicated in sequence from the rearward of
the end walls 34 of the box to the forward of the end walls by the
respective numerals 121 through 126. In the covering position, the panel
121 is adjacent to the rearward of the end walls 34 of the box 30 and the
panel 126 is adjacent to the forward of said walls so that these two
panels are disposed at the ends of the rows of panels. The remaining
panels are disposed between the panels 121 and 126. As shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, the panels are elongated transversely of the box and have
substantially the same overall length which is substantially equal to the
exterior transverse dimension of the frame 70. As best shown in FIG. 5,
all of the panels have substantially the same overall vertical dimension
or depth which is equal to a first predetermined distance. As shown in
FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, and subsequently to be discussed in greater details, the
panels have various widths measured longitudinally of the box. The sum of
these widths is substantially equal to the exterior longitudinal dimension
of the frame as shown in FIG. 1.
The details of construction of the panels 121 through 126 are best shown in
FIGS. 3 through 8. Each panel has a planar back 130 which has a pair of
substantially parallel ends or first edges 132 which extend parallel to
the side walls 32 of the box 30 when the canopy portion 62 is mounted
thereon in its closing position. Each first edge has a pair of opposite
ends 133 which are spaced longitudinally oppositely of the box in said
position. The back has a pair of substantially parallel second edges 134
which extend at right angles to said first edges and parallel to the end
walls 34 of the box in said position. In the closing position the panels
are disposed with their second edges in edge-to-edge relation so that the
second edges of adjacent panels are disposed in juxtapositioned pairs.
Each panel has a pair of bars 136 mounted on and extended along its first
edge. The length of each bar is substantially equal to the length of its
respective edge. Each bar is extended at substantially a right angle from
the back of the panel and is disposed so as to extend downwardly from the
back when the canopy portion is in its closing position. Each of these
bars is thus disposed so as to form a ridge extended from a first edge of
the back and out of the plane thereof.
Each of the panels 121 through 126 has a rectangular reinforcing frame 140
extending peripherally about its respective back 130. The frame is
disposed on the side of the back which is downwardly disposed in the
closing position of the canopy portion 62. This frame includes a pair of
first bars 142 extending in parallel relation to the first edges 132 of
said back and individually engaged with the corresponding bars 136 thereof
on the sides of the bars disposed toward the center of the panel. The
opposite ends of each of the first bars of the reinforcing frame thus
correspond to the opposite ends 133 of the corresponding first edge of the
back. One of these opposite ends of the reinforcing frame bar projects
outwardly of the panel beyond its corresponding second edge 134, while the
opposite end of said bar does not extend to its corresponding second edge.
The outwardly extending one of said ends thus forms an extension 144
mounted on and downwardly of the corresponding respective first edge of
the panel. Said opposite end forms a notch 146 extending inwardly of the
panel. Each notch extends inwardly from its respective panel substantially
the same distance as the extension projects outwardly from the panel.
Therefore, each notch is fitted to receive one of said extensions of
another panel. The lower, outwardly disposed end of each extension has a
beveled surface 148 for a purpose subsequently to be described. Each
reinforcing frame 140 includes a pair of second bars 149 which are
parallel to the second edges 134 of its respective panel.
The panels 121 and 126, which are disposed, respectively, at the rearward
end and at the forward end walls 34 of the box, each have a single bar
150. This bar is mounted on and extended along one of the second edges 134
of the respective back 130. The bar is disposed so that it is extended
downwardly at substantially a right angle from the back when the canopy
portion 62 is in its closing position. The length of each of the bars is
substantially equal to the length of said one edge so that the bar forms a
ridge extended along said edge out of the plane of the back. This ridge
interconnects the ends of the bars 136 of the panel which are disposed
adjacent to said one of the second edges. Each of the first bars 142 of
the reinforcing frames 140 of the panels 121 and 126 has an end which is
disposed toward said one of the second edges. This edge engages the
corresponding second bar 149 of said frame and thus does not form an
extension 144 or a notch 146 as do the other of the ends of said first
bars.
As best shown in FIG. 3, the first bars 142 and the second bars 149 of the
reinforcing frames 140 extend downwardly from the backs 130 of the panels
a lesser distance than the bars 136 and 150 extend downwardly from the
backs. As a result, the bars 136 and 150 form a flange 155 extending
around the periphery of the canopy portion 62. This flange extends
downwardly toward the ledge portion of the upper side 110 of the extension
walls when the canopy portion is in its closing position. This flange is
fitted to be received in circumscribing relation to the flange portion of
said upper side or to the substantially identical portion 81 of the upper
side 75 of the rectangular frame 70. The flange of the canopy portion is
provided with a third sealing groove 157 which extends entirely around the
canopy portion on its inner side in downwardly adjacent relation to the
lower sides of the reinforcing frames.
As best shown in FIG. 4, the bars 136 and 150 form the corresponding edges
of their respective panels 121 through 126. However, the panels 121 and
126 each have one edge not provided with one of said bars, and the panels
122, 123, 124, and 125 each have a pair of edges which are not provided
with one of said bars. Said edges not provided with one of said bars
extend transversely of the box 30 when the canopy portion 62 is in its
closing position and are defined by the corresponding second edges 134 of
the back 130 of their respective panels. Said second edges are disposed in
juxtapositioned pairs when the canopy portion is in its covering position
so that the panels are disposed in edge-to-edge relation.
Each second edge 134 of the juxtapositioned pairs thereof of the panels 121
through 126 is interconnected to the other of said edges by a hinge
assembly 160 which defines a substantially horizontal pivotal axis 161
extending between and substantially parallel to said edges. The axis is
disposed in upwardly adjacent relation to the backs 130 of the pair of the
panels so interconnected when the canopy portion 62 is in its covering
position. The hinge assembly includes an axially elongated or "piano"
hinge 163 of well-known construction having a central pin aligned with
said axis and a pair of planar members 164 pivotally interconnected by the
pin. The planar members extend in individual parallel relation to said
interconnected second edges. The hinge is disposed on the sides of the
backs of its respective panels which are opposite the reinforcing frames
140. Each hinge assembly includes a substantially rectangular planar seal
166 formed of a resilient material such as rubber. The seal is
substantially congruent with the planar members of the hinge and is
disposed between them and said edges bridging any space between the edges.
The opposite sides of the seal are engaged by the hinge and the backs 130
of the panels which are connected by the hinge. The hinge assembly is
secured to the backs of its respective pair of panels by a plurality of
screws which are spaced along its planar members and extend at right
angles thereto. Each screw extends through an aligned pair of openings 169
in its respective planar member and seals into screwthreaded engagement
with said backs so that the seal is clampled between the back and the
planar members of the hinge.
The canopy portion 62 is provided with a plurality of lock assemblies 170
mounted in the panels 121 and 126, which are adjacent to the end walls 34
of the box 30 when the canopy portion is in its covering position. One of
these assemblies is mounted on the panel 121 and a pair of the assemblies
is mounted on the panel 126. The assembly mounted on the panel 121 is
disposed transversely centrally of the box 30 in the second bar 149 of
said panel which is rearwardly disposed when the canopy is in its said
position. The pair of assemblies mounted on the panel 126 individually are
disposed on the opposite first bars 142 of the panel. The locking
assemblies are substantially identical to corresponding assemblies of a
second form of cover and, for illustrative convenience, will subsequently
be described in greater detail in connection with that form.
As mentioned previously, the panels 121 through 126 have various widths
measured longitudinally of the box 30 when the canopy portion 62 is in its
closing position. These widths are predetermined to permit the panels to
be folded about the axes 161 out of their relative dispositions in the
covering position of the canopy portion 62 into a plurality of folded
positions which are depicted in dashed lines in FIGS. 5 and 9. The depth
of all of the panels is substantially equal to a first predetermined
distance, indicated by the numeral 175 in FIGS. 3 and 5. This depth is
measured vertically when the canopy portion is in said position, is equal
to the depth of the first bars 142 and second bars 149, and includes all
of the elements of the canopy portion exclusive of the hinges 163 and
seals 166. The panel 121 which is disposed at the rearward of the end
walls 34 of the box 30, the panel 122 adjacent thereto, and the panel 124
have substantially the same width which is substantially equal to a second
predetermined distance. The width of the panel 126, which is disposed at
the end wall of the box opposite to that at which the panel 121 is
disposed, is substantially equal to the sum of said first and second
predetermined distances. The width of the panel 123 is substantially equal
to its depth, or the first predetermined distance, and the width of the
panel 125 is substantially equal to twice this distance.
Second Form
A second form of cover 200 for a vehicle box embodying the principles of
the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The cover is mounted on
a represented truck 202 having a box 203. The truck is substantially
identical to the truck 25 on which the cover 20 of the first form is
mounted. The cover has a mounting portion 204 and a canopy portion 206
which are substantially identical, respectively, to the mounting portion
60 and the canopy portion 62 of the first form of cover. Therefore, the
cover of the second form may be considered as the cover of the first form
with the extension portion 61 omitted and the canopy portion mounted
directly on the mounting portion. The canopy portion can be so mounted
since the upper side 110 of the extension walls 100 is substantially
identical to the upper side 75 of the rectangular frame 70.
The mounting portion 204 has a rectangular frame 210 formed by a plurality
of elongated members 211 which, as shown in FIG. 11 have individual raised
edges 212. These edges form a flange portion 215 and a ledge portion 216
of the frame which correspond, respectively, to the flange portion 81 and
ledge portion 82 of the frame 70 of the first form of cover 20. The raised
edges have three bores 218 extending horizontally therein and opening
outwardly of the box 203. The bores are disposed in the raised edges in
positions corresponding to the positions occupied by the lock assemblies
170 of the canopy portion 62 of the first form of cover. A washer 219
circumscribes the opening of each of the bores.
The canopy portion 206 has six panels indicated by the numerals 221 through
226 and individually corresponding to the panels 121 through 126 of the
first form of cover 20. The panels are disposed in edge-to-edge relation
with their juxtapositioned edges interconnected by hinge assemblies 230.
Each panel has an reinforcing frame 232. These panels have bars 234,
corresponding to the bars 136 and 150 of the first form of cover 20, which
extend below their respective reinforcing frames. These bars form a flange
extending around the periphery of the canopy portion and toward the ledge
portion 216 of the frame 210 when it is in the covering position. This
flange corresponds to the flange 155 of the first form of cover.
The canopy portion 206 is provided with three lock assemblies 240 of
well-known construction which are mounted on the bores 218 of the panels
221 and 226 so as to be disposed in outwardly adjacent relation to the
bores 218 in the rectangular frame 210 when the canopy portion is in its
closing position. As shown in FIG. 11, each lock assembly has a bore 241
which is aligned axially with the corresponding bore 218 in the frame 210
when the canopy portion is in its closing position. A locking bolt 242 is
slidably fitted in the bore 241 for axial movement through the washer 219
into and out of the bore 218. The bolt is provided with a lock mechanism,
not shown, for securing the bolt in a locking position within the bore
218. This mechanism is actuated by the key 243 to release the bolt from
said position. When in said position, the bolt secures its respective
panel to the frame 210 of the mounting portion 204 thereby preventing
folding of this panel out of its position occupied when the canopy portion
206 is in its closing position.
OPERATION
The operation of the described embodiments of the present invention is
believed to be clearly apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.
Since the first form of cover 20 and the second form of cover 200 are
substantially identical except that the first form includes the extension
portion 61, a single description referring to the first form will suffice
for both forms except where this portion is specifically involved. Either
the first or the second form can, in fact, readily be converted to the
other form. The first form is converted to the second form simply by
removing the extension walls 100 from the first form. The reverse
conversion | | |
