JPS60259524A - Shrinkable cover device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a covering device for covering at least a portion of an open or bed-like part of a truck, trailer, boat, or other vehicle. It depends. More particularly, the present invention relates to improvements in telescoping and inflatable shrouds in which one or more shroud portions are capable of sliding along a device, such as a track, on a vehicle. ing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of fixed and retractable covers have been used to cover open parts of vehicles and the like, and such covers are well known in the art. This type of cover has a soft cover or shroud with foldable accordion-like sides. These covers or shrouds are constructed from canvas or other thick fabrics and include a plurality of relatively rigid yet movable skeletal frame members and a hard-top shroud.
ncl osu res). The hardtop cover includes a plurality of generally arcuate rigid cover sections that are telescopically movable relative to each other. Other known retractable and extendable covers include hard top elements and soft top elements (5of
It is equipped with various combination structures consisting of t-toll) elements.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, the above-mentioned prior art covering devices are time-consuming, cumbersome, and inconvenient to install, remove, and use, and significantly limit the effective loading capacity of the vehicle to which the covering device is installed. It turned out that I would. Other disadvantages of this prior art shroud include leakage from the joints between connecting components when the shroud is used in a partially or fully retracted or expanded configuration, and is relatively stable. However, it is not possible to form a storage area that does not move, and furthermore, it is not possible to transport cargo, or it is inconvenient to transport cargo. Additionally, such prior art shrouds can cause rust, water, or other external material to accumulate in devices such as the shroud track, making it difficult to operate the shroud smoothly and causing the movable shroud to become stuck or jammed. Another problem had arisen. Therefore, it can be quickly and easily changed to either a covered cargo bed or an open cargo bed, and it has excellent durability, rigidity, reliability, and durability, and is easy to operate. What is needed is a retractable, self-storing covering device that does not unnecessarily compromise the utility of the vehicle to which it is mounted. One of the objects of the invention is to provide such a covering device which is quite flexible in its load carrying capacity and can be used for carrying loads in either stowed or extended form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an improved apparatus for covering at least a portion of an open cargo bed of a vehicle includes a telescoping covering structure that is retractable and expandable on the vehicle. It is equipped with The covering structure has a rear portion that can be moved longitudinally relative to the open cargo bed when retracted or expanded. This rear section with passageway openings can be selectively positioned and releasably secured to multiple longitudinal positions of the open cargo bed of the vehicle.

The preferred gate device can also be removably installed in any longitudinal position of the open cargo bed, independent of the rear part of the covering structure. A preferred door assembly includes a door member. The door member is rotatably and removably connected to the rear portion of the cover structure and has a door opening position;
The door is rotatably movable between a closed door position in which the door substantially covers and closes the passageway opening. Also,
The door assembly is designed such that the movable rear shroud portion and the gate device are disposed in substantially the same longitudinal position on the open cargo bed of the vehicle such that the door can be rotated to the door closed position. and a door latch mechanism for selectively and releasably securing the door to the gate device.

The gate apparatus preferably includes a gate frame assembly. The gate frame assembly can be selectively and releasably secured to the vehicle in any of the previously described longitudinal positions of the open cargo bed. The gate apparatus also includes a gate member rotatably and removably connectable to the gate frame assembly.

The door member and gate member may be separately rotatably coupled to the rear portion of the cover structure and the gate frame assembly, respectively. The gate member can be removed from the gate frame assembly as desired and can be removably secured to the door assembly for rotational movement therewith. Preferably, the shroud includes storage means such that both the door member and the gate member can be removed and stowed as required within the shroud structure, independent of the rear shroud portion and gate frame assembly.

A preferred track assembly is provided for longitudinally slidably supporting one or more movable portions of the telescoping structure.

A track assembly in which the movable shroud portion is slidably mounted includes a slide member that slidably supports the movable shroud portion and an elongated slot in which the slide member is slidably disposed to prevent water or other external means to prevent substances from entering or being absorbed. In addition, the slide member is
A cleaning member is provided for slidingly scrubbing or sweeping the interior of the elongated slot as the slide member moves longitudinally within the elongated slot.

Accordingly, the ingress of rust, water, or other external substances that would interfere with the smooth and free movement of the collapsible and expandable covering structure is prevented.

Other advantages and features of the invention, as well as other embodiments and modifications, will become apparent from the following description and claims, taken in consideration of the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1-18 of the drawings illustrate illustrative embodiments of the invention for illustrative purposes only. The principles of the invention are equally applicable, for example, to the covering of vehicles other than the light trucks, trailers, and marine vessels shown in the drawings, as well as to suitable non-passenger vehicle applications. This will be clear to those skilled in the art from the following description.

First, please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. A preferred embodiment shrouding device 1o of the present invention is shown mounted on a pickup truck 12. As shown in FIG. Cover @10 is
It is adapted to surround or cover at least a portion of the open loading platform 14. 1 The open loading platform is surrounded by a pair of laterally spaced side walls 16, a cab 18 and a rear opening/closing door 20 that are vertically spaced apart. °
The covering ff110 includes at least one fixed covering part 2
4 and a rear shroud portion 28 movable relative to the rear end of the shroud device, and preferably:
It includes one or more intermediate cover portions 26 that are movable relative to each other.

The rear shroud portion 28 includes a passage opening 30 that can be closed as required by a door assembly 32. The door assembly 32 is removably connected to the rear shroud portion 28.

As shown primarily in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the covering device 10 can be positioned in the fully deployed position shown in FIG.
It can be retracted and expanded longitudinally to and from the fully retracted position shown in FIG. Also, the 8th
It can also be stowed and deployed in one or more intermediate positions as shown. Accordingly, the cover portion 28 at the rear end can be selectively positioned at several longitudinal positions on the open cargo bed 14 of the vehicle 12. As explained in more detail below, the gate assembly 36 also +! j.1 It can be installed selectively at any position of the open loading platform 14 described above, or at other positions.

The gate assembly cooperates with the door assembly 32 to ensure that the covering device 10 is substantially secure when in either a fully deployed position, a fully retracted position, or an intermediate position. It is designed to create a protected space.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the cover portions 24, 26 and 28 includes a downwardly depending flange portion 22. As shown in FIGS. Further, the rear portion 28 includes a flange portion 21 that stands upward.

On the other hand, the intermediate part 26 is provided at its longitudinal end opposite the downward flange 22 with a flange 23 in the form of a trellis. Vertical movement of the flange 21 allows each shroud portion 26 and 28 to contract or expand, while restricting vertical movement of the shroud portion within predetermined longitudinal limits. and 22 preferably extend continuously along the edges of each covering portion;
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, it is desirable to provide a seal member 34 on the flange. The flanges 23 can be separate segments located at various locations along the edges of the respective shrouds, such as at corners or lateral intermediate locations. Further, this flange 23 is provided with a seal member 34.

Alternatively, the flanges 23 can also be provided continuously along the respective cover portions. The seal members provided on each cover portion are adapted for sliding sealing engagement between the seal members and the outer surfaces of adjacent cover portions. As a result, the infiltration of air, water, dirt, or other external environmental substances through the joints of adjacent shrouds is substantially prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the movable cover part 2
6 and 28 can be slid longitudinally along track assembly 38. This track assembly 38 includes a pair of rail assemblies 4o. The rail assembly 4o extends longitudinally along the side wall 16 of the open loading platform 14 and is fixed to the side wall. Each rail assembly 4o includes a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending rail members 44. Each pair of laterally adjacent seal members 44 define an elongated slot 46 therebetween.

In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate slide member 5o and the rear slide member 52 are each slidably received within respective elongated slots 46 on each side of the open cargo platform 14, and It can slide freely in the vertical direction. One slide member 500 is coupled to each side of each intermediate cover portion 26. Similarly, one of the rear slide members 52 is connected to each side of the rear shroud portion 28. The side portions of each shroud extend upwardly through elongated slots 46. Slides 50 and 52 are retained within elongated slot 46 by flange portion 54. The flange portion is integral with the rail member 44 and extends laterally over a portion of the upper periphery of the elongated slot 46.

The rear slide members 52 that slidably support the rear cover portion 28 have front and rear ends connected to cables 60.
is connected to. This cable is attached to the rail assembly 40
and forward portion 42 and is movably held by a plurality of guide wheels 62 . As seen in FIG. 5, when a force is applied to the cable 60 and the guide wheel 62 in a rearward or forward direction to the side of the rear shroud 28, an equal and identical force is applied through the cable 60. This force is applied to both sides of the rear shroud portion 28. By balancing the forces in this way, the covering device 10
It is extremely easy to shrink or expand vertically. At the same time, the rear shroud portion 28 is less likely to become stuck and undesirable movements such as unbalanced forces being applied to either side of the shroud and dragging occur.

As seen in FIG. 5A, which corresponds to the left rail assembly of the rail assembly 40 shown in FIG. A portion 64 is provided. This recess portion forms a gap that allows the slide member 5o and the cable 60 to move freely and smoothly relative to each other. In this regard, the construction details of FIG. 5A showing the left hand rail assembly 40 also apply to the right hand rail assembly 40. However, the structure is reversed left and right.

As shown in FIG. 6, rear slide member 52 includes a stepped or cut-out portion 66 at the rear end. Such step portion 66 forms a gap in which load-bearing wheels or casters 68 are installed. The wheels or casters 68 also aid in smooth operation of the covering device 10. Applying a rearward force to the rear shroud portion 28 to extend the shroud device 10 creates a moment or force couple that applies an undesirable downward force on the rear end of the slide member 52. The load-bearing casters 68 at the rear end of the shroud 28 counteract and reduce the effects of such undesirable forces. As a result, when extending the covering device 10 in the longitudinal direction, the rear covering portion 1/28 and other covering portions can be moved freely and smoothly. In addition, the covering device 1
Rear slide member 5 to ensure smooth operation of 0
The rear end of 2 is provided with a protruding cleaning member 70. The cleaning member may sweep or scrape the interior of the opposing elongate slot 46 in sliding contact as the slide member 52 moves longitudinally within the slot. Such sliding, sweeping, scraping contact action of the cleaning member within the elongated slot 46 serves to clean the interior of the slot of rust, water or other material that has entered from the outside. As a result, the slot can be kept clean and the slide member can slide freely.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one of the slide members 52,
5 is a sectional view common to both slide members 50 and 52. FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes 76 are provided in each slide member 50 and 52. As shown in FIG. Ball or roller bearing member 7
8 is rotatably disposed inside each hole 76, and the hole 76
It is rotatably held between a reduced diameter portion 80 and a retainer member 82. The retainer member 82 has the hole 7
Press fit or tightly fixed within 6. The reduced diameter portion 80 of the bore 76 is sized and shaped so that the ball bearing member 78 projects out from the lower edge of the slide member 50 or 52. Further, the ball support member is backed up by a retainer member 82. This provides a low friction ball bearing support for the slide members 50 and 52 as they move longitudinally within the respective elongated slots 46. Preferably, ball bearings 78, slides 50 and 52, and retainer member 82 are made from a suitable friction-resistant material, and slide members 50 and 52
As a result, the friction applied to the movable parts of the cover is reduced to prevent it from being dragged.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, the rail assemblies 40 of the track assembly 38 each include a cover member 4.
8 and 49, the opening is closed and connected to each other. Accordingly, elongated slot 46, slide members 50 and 52, cable 60, and guide wheel 62
There will be substantial protection against water, debris and external intrusion throughout the track assembly. These materials can corrode components or prevent the covering device 10 from sliding freely and smoothly.

The cover members 48 on each side of the open cargo platform 14 include a plurality of longitudinally extending openings 56. Preferably, each elongated opening 56 is provided with a resilient flap or seal member 58 overlying the top (or over the bottom). Flap member 58 sealingly engages the surface of cover member 48 substantially abutting opening 56 to substantially prevent water, debris, or other materials from entering the slot from the outside. Further, since the flap member is made of an elastic material such as an elastomer material, for example, the cover portion may have an elongated opening 56.
The flap members can be elastically deformed during longitudinal movement by sliding within the elongated slot 46. Preferably, the flap member 58 is secured on the cover member 48 laterally outwardly of the respective opening 56 . Accordingly, when these flap members are elastically deformed by the covering portion, the flap members t sealingly and slidably engage the sides of the covering portion. As a result, water or other substances flow or are diverted out of the covering device 10.

Mainly refer to FIGS. 8 to 14. A preferred door member 88 of door assembly 32 is pivotally and movably connected to rear shroud portion 28 generally abutting passageway opening 30 . Thus, when retracting or extending the covering device 1°, the door member 88 can move longitudinally together with the covering portion 28. As a result, the door member 88 can pivot between the door open position shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 and the door closed position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8. can. This movement of the door member takes place regardless of the longitudinal position of the rear cover face section 28. Additionally, the gate assembly 36 can be removably installed and secured to the vehicle 12 at any longitudinal position of the open cargo bed 14, regardless of the longitudinal position of the rear shroud 28 and door assembly 32. can.

Mainly refer to FIGS. 9 to 13. Gate assembly 36
includes a gate frame assembly 90 and a gate member 92. Preferably, gate member 92 is removably and pivotally attached to gate frame member 92, as described in more detail below.

When so installed, gate member 92 can pivot between the open gate position shown in FIG. 12 and the closed gate position shown in FIGS. 2 and 8.

Such pivoting movement of gate member 92 is independent of the longitudinal position of gate frame assembly 90 as well as other components of covering device 1o. The preferred gate member 92 can also be removed from the gate frame assembly 90 and removably secured to the door member 88, if desired, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12-14.

The gate member is pivotable in conjunction with the door member 88 between the open and closed door positions described above. Preferably, a readily removable screw fastening device 194 and its receptacle 95, or other easily removable fastenings known to those skilled in the art, are provided to enable coupling of the gate member 92 to the door member 88 as required. A device is used.

It should be noted that door member 88 includes a door latch mechanism 96 and gate member 92 includes an independent gate latch mechanism 98 that is separate from door latch mechanism 96. For example, the gate member 92 can be attached to the gate frame assembly 9.
0, the gate latch mechanism 98 allows the gate member 92 to be selectively and releasably secured to the gate frame assembly 90 in the gate closed position (by being received in the thrower l-〇〇). It has become. Additionally, when a gate member 92 is attached to a door member 88 and the door member 88 is moved to the door closed position, the gate latch mechanism 98 selectively and releasably attaches the gate member 92 to the gate frame assembly 90. It can be fixed to. Furthermore, using the door latch mechanism 96, the door member 88 (spacer portion 1
00) to the gate member 92 and also (e.g., the third
It may also be releasably secured or latched to the cover member 48 (by the bin 93 and opening 97 as shown in FIG. 5). The door member is the door I! Pivoting to the one chain position does not couple the gate member 92 to the door member 88. When the gate member 92 is fixed to the door member 88 by the fixing device 94 and the receiving part 95, the gate member 92
Such a latching connection between the door member 88 and the door member 88 may also be provided by a door latch mechanism 96. Further, when the covering device 1o is fully extended and the door member 88 is closed, the door latch mechanism 96 can be selectively operated to close the door member 88.
It should also be noted that 8 can be releasably locked and fixed to the rear opening/closing door 20.

, 1. The door latch mechanism 96 and door latch mechanism 98 shown in the drawings are merely examples of such latch mechanisms. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various well-known conventional latching mechanisms may be used in place of door latch mechanism 96 and gate latch mechanism 98, with appropriate modifications as desired.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 9-13, the gate frame assembly 90 in the preferred embodiment includes a pair of spaced apart side assemblies 102. Each respective side assembly 102 may be positioned substantially against one side of the side wall 16 on the open cargo bed 14 at any location along the length of the side wall 16 .

In the illustrative embodiment shown in the figures, each side assembly 10
2, the side panels 103 and 104 and the side strut 105
and 106. Side panels 103 and 104 are secured to side struts 105 by fasteners 107, elongated openings 109 and nuts 111.
and can be laterally adjusted to accommodate different sized gates (or alternatively different sized components can be used). vinegar
A topper flange 113 is provided on the side assembly 102 for engaging the gate member 92 when the gate member 92 is closed.

The multi-piece construction of the side assemblies is merely illustrative; alternatively, various multi-piece gate frame assemblies 90 can be assembled into single-piece components.

An elongated rotatable rod member 108 has at least one end threaded into and threadably engages at least one of the side assemblies 102 and abuts the opposite side assembly 102. It's starting to get engaged. With such a configuration, 1. Rotation of rod member 108 in a first rotational direction forces and pushes side assemblies 102 away from each other, and rotation of rod member 108 in the opposite direction forces and pushes the side assemblies 102 toward each other. The side assembly can be removed from the open cargo platform for free movement. Thus, when the rod members are rotated to push the side assemblies away from each other, the side members 10
2 is a side wall 16 that is forcibly extruded and adjusted to face each other.
contactingly engages the gate frame assembly 9o to removably secure the gate frame assembly 9o to the open cargo bed 14 of the vehicle. A protective molded strip 110 of elastomeric or other resilient material is provided on the lower and outer edges of the side assembly 102 to provide friction between the side assembly 102 and the inner surface of the sidewall 16. .

Further, it is preferable that the outer side support 106 includes an abutment member 112 that can be expanded and contracted by tightening a screw. These contact members 112 move and extend in the vertical direction,
It is capable of frictional contact engagement with a flange portion 114 that is typically attached to the upper edge 16 of the side wall 16 of a shared truck. The abutting member may include the protective pad member 1 as necessary.
16 may also be provided. The protective padding member is constructed from an elastomeric or other resilient material and does not frictionally engage the underside surface of the flange portion 114 to scratch or damage the flange portion. The side assembly 102 and the abutment member 112 are pressed into frictional contact engagement at respective positions on the side wall 16;
The interaction of these side assemblies and abutment members allows the gate frame assembly 90 to be fixedly and movably and releasably mounted at any longitudinal position inside the open cargo bed 14. By providing the side assemblies 102, the width of the gate member 92 can be reduced and the width of the gate member 92 can be reduced even if the rear cover portion 28 is located such that the gate member 92 is between the wheel wells 170 of a shared truck. 92
It is important to note that it is possible to close the . Therefore, if the gate frame assembly 90 is located in a longitudinal position other than the wheel receptacle 17, the side assembly 11
2 closes the side gap between the side wall 16 and the gate member 92.

As shown in FIG.
It is equipped with The door assembly 32 can be removed from the rear end of the rear shroud 28 if desired (by means of a quick-removal locking device 136 shown in FIG. 16).

Additionally, this door assembly can be stored inside the covering device 10. Storage of such door assembly 32 is carried out in the first
As shown in FIG. 5, the gate member 92 is fixed to the door member 88 by fixing devices 94 and 95, or the gate member is not fixed to the door member and is kept separated. Preferably, the covering device 10 is a latch device @120
It is equipped with This latching device is actuated as required to house and removably secure the door assembly 32 to the interior front of the shroud 10 when the gate member 92 is attached to or removed from the door member 88. in a state.

FIG. 16 is a view of the interior rear of the rear cover portion 28 viewed longitudinally from the interior of the open loading platform 14 outward. A device 124 for locking the position of the shroud is preferably provided at least on the rear shroud 28 to selectively and removably change the position of the shroud 28 relative to the open cargo bed at any longitudinal position of the open cargo bed. It can be tightened or fixed. The device W124 for locking the position of the covering portion illustrated in the drawings includes at least one, preferably two, pin members 126. The pin members are slidably attached to the cover portion 28 for sliding movement generally toward or away from the sidewall 16 of the omnibus 12.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, for example, a pin receiving opening 128 is provided at a predetermined vertical position along the cover member 48 (the cover Ws is fixedly attached to the side wall 16). installed). The openings 128 are arranged in accordance with the longitudinal positions of the predetermined portions mentioned above, and are
When 8 is positioned in any such longitudinal position, it is adapted to receive and engage the attached pin members 126. Pin member attachment means 130 are provided on both sides of the cover portion 28. This pin member mounting means includes a spring member or other resilient biasing means to resiliently hold the pin member 126 downwardly toward the cover member 48 and to position the cover portion 28 in any predetermined longitudinal position. When moving to the other side, the pin member 126 inserts the pin receiver into the opening 128.
is pressed and moved into inter-engagement with the A cable 132 is slidably attached to the shroud 28 by a plurality of guides 134 such that both pin members 126 are forced to retract against the force of the resilient deflection means and to The pin receiver can be disengaged from mutual engagement with the receiving aperture 128 by applying a pulling force at the location .

Furthermore, the abutment flanges 21, 22 and 23 mentioned above are
The device 124 for locking the position of the covering portion is used in combination with an elongated opening 56 provided in the cover member 48 of a predetermined length to prevent the movable intermediate covering portion 26 of the covering W10 from moving unnecessarily in the vertical direction. It is desirable to prevent them from moving or moving. Horizontal pin means must be provided to hold the intermediate section 26 under a partially retracted or deployed shroud configuration. however,
A similar device for locking the position of the shroud portion may be required for the intermediate shroud portion 26 if an intermediate longitudinal position of a given shroud device is desired.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate two modified applications using the principles of the present invention. Many other modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. FIG. 17 shows an example in which a modified covering device 210 is used in a trailer (equipped with side walls) for transporting horses or other livestock. Among the attached elements of the covering device 210, the above-mentioned covering device 10
Those corresponding to attached elements of 4 are given the same reference numbers.
However, the number ``2'' is added to the beginning.

However, when the shroud device 1210 is mounted on a flatbed style trailer or vehicle without sidewalls, the gate frame assembly 290 cannot frictionally engage the sidewalls. In such a case, the gate frame assembly
The quickly releasable fastening device allows the trailer to be removably fastened and positioned in any longitudinal position.

Covering device 210 is particularly useful in the application shown in FIG. This is because a horse or other livestock can be effortlessly loaded onto the trailer while the covering device 210 is fully stowed. The covering device 210 can then be conveniently extended around the livestock. As a result, the trailer user can load and unload cargo without entering the trailer.

FIG. 18 illustrates a modified covering device 310 for a marine vessel. In this example, elements corresponding to elements of the covering device 10 described above have the same reference numerals but are prefixed with a numeral 3''. It will be apparent that slight modifications to the elements of the invention will be required to better adapt them to the applications illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The foregoing explanatory content clearly describes the illustrative embodiments of the present invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and changes can be made without departing from the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a vehicle equipped with a covering device according to the invention on an open cargo bed, with the covering device shown in a fully deployed state. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle and shroud device of FIG. 1, but with the shroud device shown in a retracted condition; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view with a part of the open loading platform portion of the vehicle shown in FIG. is illustrated. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the circled portion in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the track mechanism used in the covering device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5A is a detailed perspective view of the track mechanism of FIG. 4 along the attached slide member; FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line 5B-5B in FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the track assembly shown in FIG. 5, along with an attachment element, viewed from below, showing one of the slide members; FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle and covering device of FIG. 1 showing the covering device partially extended to a longitudinally intermediate position of the open cargo bed of the vehicle; FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but illustrating the door member and gate member of the covering device connected to each other and opened to an open position. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a gate frame assembly of a preferred gate assembly for use with the covering apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-9. FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view of the gate frame assembly shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the vehicle and cover device shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the rear, showing the door member in the open door position and, separately, the gate frame L, which is rotated to the open gate position of the assembly. The gate member shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the door member, gate member and gate frame assembly shown in FIGS. 8-12 to illustrate the interrelationship of these elements. FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a door member and a gate member removably attached to the door member. FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating a door member and a gate member housed within and removably secured to the covering device. FIG. 16 is a front view of a portion of the covering device, looking generally rearward from the inside, showing the mechanism for releasably securing the movable covering portion at a predetermined longitudinal position along the open cargo bed, and the door; Components are shown. FIG. 17 is an overall perspective view showing the case where the principle of the present invention is applied to a retractable and extendable cover for a trailer or the like. FIG. 18 is a general perspective view showing the application of the principles of the present invention to a retractable and expandable covering for a marine vessel. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Covering device 12... Small passenger truck 14... Open cargo bed 16... Side wall 17... Wheel housing part 18... Cab 20...
- Rear opening/closing door 21...Flange part 22 standing upwards...Flange part 23 hanging downwards...T-shaped flange 24...Fixed cover part 26...Intermediate cover part 28
... Rear cover portion 30 ... Passage opening 32 ... Door assembly 34 ... Seal member 36 ... Gate assembly 38 ... Track assembly 40 ... Rail assembly 4
2... Front portion 44... Rail member 46... Elongated slot 48. 49... Cover member 50... Intermediate slide member 52... Rear slide member 54... Flange portion 56...・Opening extending in the vertical direction 158...Flap member 60...Cable 6
2... Guide wheel 64... Recessed part 66... Cut out part 68... Caster 70... Cleaning member 76... Hole 78... Ball bearing 8
o...Reduced diameter portion 82...Retainer member 84...
Hinge assembly 86...Door operation auxiliary device 88...
Door member 90...Gate room assembly 92...Gate member 93...Pin 94...Screw fixing device 95
...Receiver part 96...Door latch mechanism 97...Opening 98...Gate latch mechanism 99...Slot 1
00...Spacer portion 102...Side assembly 103.104...Side panel 105.106...Side column 107...Fixing device 108...0 Rad member 109
...Opening 110...Mold forming strip 111...
Nut 112...Abutting member 113...Stopper flange 114...Flange portion 116...Pad member 1
20...Latch device 124...Device for locking the cover portion 126...Bin member 128...Opening for inserting the bottle holder 130...Means for attaching the pin member 132...Cable 134... Guide 136...
・Fixing device representative: Akira Asamura

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A device for covering at least a portion of an open cargo bed of a vehicle, etc., having a longitudinally spaced front end and a rear end, the device comprising: at least a portion of the open cargo bed. a cover means retractably and extensibly attachable to the vehicle for substantially covering the vehicle, the cover means having a rearward portion;
This rear portion is movable longitudinally relative to the open carrier when the covering means is retracted and extended, and can be selectively positioned in a number of longitudinal positions on the open carrier, and a rear portion having a passage opening providing passage into the interior of the covering means, and further comprising: selectively and releasably securing the movable rear portion of the covering means to a vehicle at any longitudinal position on the open cargo bed; means for locking a shroud for locking; gate means removably positionable and secured to the vehicle at any said longitudinal position on the open cargo bed separately from said shroud means; proximately door means rotatably connected to the rear portion of said covering means and movable longitudinally with said covering means, said door means being in any said longitudinal position; rotatable relative to said rear portion between a door open position substantially spaced from said passageway opening and a door closed position in which said door means substantially closes said passageway opening; further comprising door latch means capable of selectively and releasably securing the door means to the gate means when said door means and said gate means are disposed in substantially the same longitudinal position on an open cargo bed of a vehicle; A device equipped with (2) the open cargo bed of a vehicle includes a vehicle gate assembly substantially at a rearward end of the open cargo bed; and said door latch means is selectively extendable such that said rearward portion is disposed substantially proximate a gate assembly of a vehicle, and said door latch means Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including means for selectively and releasably securing the door means to a vehicle gate assembly when rotated to a closed position. (3) The gate means includes a gate frame assembly that is removably mountable and fixed to the vehicle at any of the longitudinal positions on the open loading platform, and a gate frame assembly that is removably and rotatably mounted on the gate frame assembly. a gate member attachable to the gate frame assembly, the gate member being capable of rotational movement relative to the gate frame assembly between a gate open position and a gate closed position when the gate member is attached to the gate frame assembly. (a) the gate means is further adapted to allow the gate member to be removably and selectively attached to the door means separately from the gate frame assembly, and to attach the gate member to the door means separately from the gate frame assembly; 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting comprises means for allowing rotational movement with the door means relative to the rear portion in a longitudinal position. (4) if the gate means includes gate latching means and the gate member is attached to the gate frame assembly, the gel member can be selectively and releasably secured in the gate closed position; and wherein said gate member is attached to said door means, and wherein said gate member is selectively and releasably secured to said gate frame assembly when said door means is moved to said door closed position. A device as claimed in claim 3. (5) The door means may be removably and rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the covering means, and the covering means may be further configured to prevent the door means from being removed from the rear portion of the covering means. 4. A device according to claim 3, further comprising storage means within which said door means can be stored and removably secured. (6) The storage means further comprises means for accommodating and removably securing and storing the gate means within the cover means. The device described. (7) a restraining means for the gate frame assembly to forcibly engage a vehicle to removably secure the gate frame assembly to the vehicle at any of the longitudinal positions on the open cargo bed; 4. A device as claimed in claim 3, comprising: (8) pin means for locking the shroud to be slidably attached to the shroud means and capable of sliding movement toward and away from the vehicle; said rear portion being disposed at any said longitudinal position, said pin means being disposed on said vehicle in accordance with said longitudinal position during sliding movement towards said vehicle; 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pin receiver comprises receptacle means capable of receiving and engaging the pin means in connection. (9) The means for locking the shroud further elastically presses the pin means toward the vehicle when moving the rear portion to any of the longitudinal positions, so that the pin receiver is 9. A device as claimed in claim 8, further comprising resilient pressing means which can be brought into locking engagement with the insertion means. (10) The pin means includes a plurality of pin members slidably attached to the cover means and elastically pressed toward the vehicle, and the means for locking the cover further comprises: and cable means movably attached to said shroud means and connected to each of said pin members so that said pin members can be slidably retracted to cause said pin receiver to be disengaged from locking engagement with said receptacle means. Apparatus according to claim 9. (11) The covering means includes a plurality of covering portions that are telescopic and movable with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction, a track means that is affixable to the vehicle, and that is slidably engaged with the track means. and a plurality of slide members movable longitudinally relative to the track means, each of the cover portions being coupled to at least one of the slide members such that the cover portion is generally movable relative to the track means. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, adapted for telescopic and slidable movement along. (12) said track means comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending elongate slots, each said elongate slot being adapted to slidably receive one of said slide members, and each said slide member being configured to A patent comprising a cleaning member projecting from the member and capable of slidingly contacting the interior of the elongated slot as the sliding member and associated cover portion are moved longitudinally along the elongated slot. Apparatus according to claim 11. (13) The covering means continuously and telescopingly
1 a plurality of covering parts arranged and capable of longitudinally nesting movement with respect to each other; and in each of said covering parts, in the case of longitudinal contraction or extension of said covering means, successive adjacent covering parts; abutment means for abuttingly engaging the covering portion to move the covering portion in the longitudinal direction, each of the abutting means being in abutting engagement with one another, 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising sealing means capable of sealingly engaging the abutment means of an adjacent cover portion. (14) Each of the abutment means comprises a flange member protruding laterally from a respective cover portion, and when the cover means is contracted or expanded, the flange members of successively adjacent cover portions are moved relative to each other. 14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the nesting movement is restricted collisionally. (15) A door and gate assembly for a longitudinally retractable and expandable covering device for covering at least a portion of an open cargo bed of a vehicle, the end of the covering device having an opening; When the covering device is contracted and expanded in the longitudinal direction,
a door which is movable longitudinally relative to the open loading platform and whose end is adapted to be selectively placed in any one of a number of longitudinal positions on the open loading platform; In a gate assembly, the door and gate assembly selectively and removably secures to the vehicle at any substantially longitudinal position on the open cargo bed, independent of the position of the end of the covering device. a gate frame assembly removably and rotatably attachable to the gate frame assembly, the gate member attaching the gate member to the gate frame assembly. If the gate member is removably attached to the gate frame assembly, the gate member is rotatable relative to the gate frame assembly between a gate open position and a gate closed position, and the gate member is removably attached to the gate frame assembly. said rotational relative movement can be effected at any said longitudinal position on the open loading platform independently of the position of said covering device; a door member rotatably connected to the end of the cover device and movable longitudinally with the covering device, the door member being in any longitudinal position relative to the end; The door member is rotatably movable between a door open position substantially spaced from the end opening and a door closed position closing at least a portion of the end opening; , comprising door latch means capable of selectively and releasably securing the door member to the gate member when the door member and the gate member are disposed in substantially the same longitudinal position on the open cargo bed of the vehicle; An assembly of doors and gates. (16) further comprising: removably and selectively attaching the gate member to the door member separately from the gate frame assembly; 16. A door and gate assembly as claimed in claim 15, including attachment means for allowing rotational movement with the members. (11) if the gate means includes gate latch means and the gate member is attached to the gate frame assembly, the gate member can be selectively and releasably secured in the gate closed position; and wherein said gate member is attached to said door means, and wherein said gate member is selectively and releasably secured to said gate frame assembly when said door member is moved to said door closed position. A door and gate assembly as claimed in claim 16. (18) the gate frame assembly includes a pressing means for forcefully contactingly engaging the vehicle to removably secure the gate frame assembly to the vehicle at any of the longitudinal positions on the open cargo bed; 16. A door and gate assembly as claimed in claim 15, comprising: (19) The open cargo bed of the vehicle includes spaced side walls on at least a portion of the border of the open cargo bed, and the gate frame assembly further includes at least a pair of spaced side members. each of the side members can be disposed substantially proximate one of the side walls, and the gate frame assembly is configured to push the side members away from each other and against the opposing side wall. 16. A door and gate as claimed in claim 15, comprising adjustment operating means for frictionally abutting engagement so that the gate frame assembly can be removably secured to the vehicle. (20) the adjustment means comprises an elongated rotatable rod member threadably engaged with one of the side members, the rod member being threadably engaged with one of the side members on the opposite side of the open cargo platform; in abutting engagement with the other of the rod members, rotation of the rod member in one direction forces the side members apart from each other, and rotation of the rod member in the other direction causes the side members to move away from each other. 20. The door and gate assembly of claim 19, wherein the door and gate assembly is movable toward each other. (21) the side walls include an upper flange portion, and each of the side members is adjustably elongated. Claim 19, further comprising an abutment member that can be selectively extended and press-engaged with an upper flange portion of an associated side wall. Door and gate assembly. (22) The gate frame assembly further includes at least a pair of spaced apart panel members, the panel members being removably and rotatably mounted between the panel members. a lip portion disposed to receive a gate member, the gate member being rotatably mounted to the gate frame assembly when the gate member is rotated to the gate closed position;
20. A door and gate assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the gate members are engageable. (23) further comprising: removably and selectively attaching the gate member to the door member separately from the gate frame assembly; The attachment for rotational movement with the member includes means, and the lip portion of the panel member is adapted to provide rotational movement of the door member to the door closed position when the gate member is attached to the door member. 23. A door and gate assembly according to claim 22, wherein the gate members can engage when the door and gate are opened. (24) The door member may be removably and rotatably coupled to an end of the covering device, and the covering device may be connected to the covering device when the door means is removed from the end of the covering device. 16. A door and gate assembly according to claim 15, further comprising storage means within which the door means can be stored and removably secured. (25) The open cargo bed of the vehicle has a vehicle gate assembly substantially at the rearward end of the open cargo bed, and the covering device is configured such that the end of the covering device extends longitudinally such that the end of the covering device extends substantially proximate the vehicle gate assembly. selectively stretchable so as to be placed;
The door latch means has an end longitudinally disposed generally proximate the vehicle gate assembly, and the door latch means is arranged such that the door member is vertically disposed generally proximate the vehicle gate assembly, and when the door member is rotated to the door closed position, Claim 1 comprising means for selectively and releasably fixing the object to a solid body.
The door and gate assembly described in item 5. (26) A retractable and extensible covering device for covering at least a portion of an open cargo bed of a vehicle, the covering device including at least one covering portion fixed to the open cargo bed and longitudinally extending relative to the open cargo bed. at least one shroud portion telescopically movable to the open cargo bed; and selectively and releasably fixing the position of the movable shroud portion relative to the open cargo bed at any of a number of longitudinal positions on the open cargo bed. a cover locking device capable of being slidably mounted on a movable cover portion for sliding movement toward and away from the vehicle; at least one pin member capable of being positioned on the vehicle corresponding to each said longitudinal position, if said movable cover portion is located at any said longitudinal position; (27) means for locking said shroud further comprising: a retractable and extendable shroud device comprising a pin receptacle receptacle and a receptacle receptacle capable of being received and engaged in a connected state; The pin receiver is provided with resilient pressing means capable of bringing the pin member into locking engagement with the receptacle means for resiliently pressing the pin member towards the vehicle with the covering portion in any of the longitudinal positions. The contractible and extensible covering device according to claim 26. (28) The means for locking the covering is configured to respond to the pressing force applied to the pin members by the plurality of pin members and the elastic pressing means. the pin member is slidably retracted and the pin receptacle is provided with selectively operable cable actuating means for disengaging the pin member from locking engagement with the receptacle means. A retractable and extensible covering device according to scope 27. (29) A retractable and extensible covering device for covering at least a portion of an open cargo bed of a vehicle, the covering device comprising a plurality of covering portions. at least one of the covering portions is configured such that the covering device is telescopically retractable and expandable longitudinally relative to the open cargo bed, and the covering device is configured to allow the movable covering portion to be slidable relative to the open cargo bed. A collapsible and extensible covering device having an improved track system for supporting and retaining, said track system comprising: a lateral support fixedly attached to each opposite side of an open cargo bed; a plurality of longitudinally spaced, longitudinally extending rail members, each pair of laterally adjacent rail members forming an elongated slot between the rail members; at least one sliding member receivably receivable and movable longitudinally relative to the slot, at least one of the sliding members supporting and retaining the movable cover portion thereon; A retractable and extensible covering device such that it can be connected to each lateral side of the movable covering portion. (30) At least one slide member in each of the slots includes a cleaning member protruding from the slide member, the cleaning member being in sliding contact with the interior of the slot when the slide member moves longitudinally within the slot. 30. A collapsible and extensible covering device as claimed in claim 29, such that it can be (31) Furthermore, on each opposing side of the open loading platform,
a rail cover member attachable to the track arrangement in overlying relation to the rail member, the rail cover member having a longitudinally elongated opening communicating with the elongated slot; a portion of each cover portion is slidably received and adapted to engage an opposing sliding member within the elongated slot, the rail cover member having the elongated opening within the rail cover member; a resilient flap member mounted in overlying relationship to substantially prevent the ingress of water or other external substances into the slot; 30. The collapsible and extensible covering device of claim 29, wherein the elongate member is elastically deformable during sliding movement within the mouth. (32) The covering device comprises a fixed covering portion at one end of the open loading platform and at least two movable covering portions telescopically movable relative to the fixed covering portion, the covering device comprising an elongated slot in the rail covering member. comprises a predetermined longitudinal length of a cylindrical portion and has respective ends in predetermined positions to limit the sliding movement of the respective movable cover portions with respect to the track arrangement. A collapsible and extensible covering device according to paragraph 30. (33) A longitudinally retractable and expandable covering device for covering at least a portion of an open cargo bed of a vehicle, etc., wherein the covering device is continuous and telescoping for longitudinal telescopic movement relative to each other. a plurality of cover portions disposed in a direction, each of the cover portions having a structure in which the cover portion successively abuts and engages an adjacent cover portion when the cover device is longitudinally contracted and expanded. 1.1 Abutment means for longitudinal movement, each of these abutment means:
1' A retractable and extensible cover device comprising sealing means capable of sealingly engaging the abutment means of successively adjacent cover portions when the abutment means are brought into abutting engagement with each other. . (34) Each of said abutting means comprises a flange member projecting laterally from a respective covering portion, and when said covering device is retracted or expanded, the flange members of successively adjacent covering portions are 34. A collapsible and extensible shroud device as claimed in claim 33, wherein said telescoping movement is collisionally restricted.