| United States Patent Application |
20080174142
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
Pearlman; Jesse M.
|
July 24, 2008
|
Truck Cover Systems
Abstract
A system for covering the cargo bed of a truck is provided having a
motorized drive system which stores entirely within the primary cover of
the system. Screw shaft connectors provide for automated opening of the
cover vertically from the cargo bed of the truck. Demountable enclosure
parts, stored within the cover when the cover is closed, are also
provided for enclosing the truck bed when the cover is open. The primary
cover comprises a removable cover portion that is stored over the cab of
the truck.
| Inventors: |
Pearlman; Jesse M.; (New Auburn, WI)
|
| Correspondence Name and Address:
|
STONEMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
3770 NORTH 7RD STREET, Suite 100
PHOENIX
AZ
85014
US
|
| Serial No.:
|
017304 |
| Series Code:
|
12
|
| Filed:
|
January 21, 2008 |
| U.S. Current Class: |
296/100.1 |
| U.S. Class at Publication: |
296/100.1 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B60P 7/02 20060101 B60P007/02 |
Claims
1) A system, related to covering at least one cargo bed of at least one
truck having at least one cab, said system comprising:a) at least one bed
cover, having at least one inner surface and at least one outer surface,
said at least one bed cover structured and arranged to substantially
cover the at least one cargo bed; andb) at least one first connector
structured and arranged to connect said at least one bed cover to the at
least one cargo bed;c) wherein said at least one bed cover comprises at
least one motorizer structured and arranged to motorize movement of said
at least one bed cover;d) wherein said at least one motorizer is located
substantially adjacent said at least one inner surface;e) wherein said at
least one first connector comprises at least one screw shaft; andf)
wherein said at least one motorizer is structured and arranged to move
said at least one bed cover substantially along the axis of said at least
one screw shaft.
2) The system according to claim 1 wherein:a) the axis of said at least
one screw shaft comprises a substantially vertical orientation; andb)
said at least one bed cover is structured and arranged to translate
substantially vertically between at least one bed-covering position
located substantially adjacent the at least one cargo bed and at least
one raised position located above the at least one cargo bed.
3) The system according to claim 2 further comprising at least one
demountable enclosure structured and arranged to demountably enclose at
least one open area formed substantially between the at least one cargo
bed and said at least one bed cover, when said at least one bed cover is
moved to such at least one raised position.
4) The system according to claim 3 wherein said at least one bed cover
comprises at least one enclosure storage structured and arranged to store
said at least one demountable enclosure when demounted from the at least
one cargo bed.
5) The system according to claim 1 further comprising:a) at least one
in-bed storage unit structured and arranged to assist in-bed storage of
at least one item substantially within the at least one cargo bed;b)
wherein said at least one bed cover comprises at least one storage access
portion structured and arranged to provide access to said at least one
in-bed storage unit when said at least one bed cover is in such at least
one bed-covering position.
6) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one bed cover
comprises:a) at least one repositionable cover portion structured and
arranged to provide partial access to the at least one cargo bed when
said at least one bed cover is in such at least one bed-covering
position; andb) at least one second connector structured and arranged to
substantially connect said at least one repositionable cover portion to
said at least one bed cover;c) wherein said at least one second connector
comprises at least one relocator structured and arranged to relocate said
at least one repositionable cover portion from at least one stowed
position substantially within said at least one bed cover to at least one
deployed position substantially adjacent the at least one cab; andd)
wherein, when said at least one repositionable cover portion is in such
at least one deployed position, access to the at least one cargo bed is
provided.
7) The system according to claim 6 wherein such relocation of said at
least one repositionable cover portion by said at least one relocator is
assisted by said at least one motorizer.
8) The system according to claim 7 wherein said at least one second
connector comprises:a) at least one detacher structured and arranged to
enable detachment of said at least one second connector from said at
least one bed cover;b) wherein said at least one bed cover comprises at
least one connector storage structured and arranged to store said at
least one second connector;c) wherein said at least one second connector
is storable within said at least one connector storage after such
detachment.
9) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one bed cover
comprises at least one illuminator structured and arranged to provide
illumination adjacent the at least one truck.
10) The system according to claim 9 wherein said at least one illuminator
comprises:a) at least one third connector structured and arranged to
connect said at least one illuminator to said at least one bed cover;b)
wherein said at least one third connector comprises at least one pivot
structured and arranged to assist pivotal movement of said at least one
illuminator relative to said at least one bed cover.
11) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one bed cover
comprises at least one wheel storage area structured and arranged to
store at least one road wheel of the at least one truck.
12) The system according to claim 2 wherein:a) said at least one first
connector comprises at least one threaded collar structured and arranged
to collar said at least one screw shaft; andb) said at least one threaded
collar is fixedly coupled to the at least one cargo bed;c) said at least
one motorizer is structured and arranged to rotate at least one screw
shaft;d) said at least one threaded collar is maintained in a
substantially fixed position relative to the at least one cargo bed
during such rotation; ande) such rotation of said at least one screw
shaft results in a substantially vertical translational movement of said
at least one screw shaft through said at least one threaded collar.
13) The system according to claim 12 wherein said at least one first
connector further comprises:a) at least four of said at least one screw
shafts operationally engaging a matching number of said at least one
threaded collars;b) wherein said at least one motorizer comprises at
least one drive train structured and arranged to contemporaneously rotate
each one of said at least one screw shafts.
14) The system according to claim 13 wherein said at least one drive train
comprises:a) at least one electrically driven motor structured and
arranged to provide at least one rotational force;b) coupled to said at
least one electrically driven motor, as least one rotational shaft
structured and transfer such at least one rotational force away from said
at least one electrically driven motor; andc) at least one worm gear
structured and arranged to adjust torque levels within said at least one
drive train.
15) The system according to claim 14 wherein:a) said at least one bed
cover comprises at least four peripheral corners; andb) each one of said
at least four peripheral corners comprises one said at least one screw
shaft.
16) The system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one
controller structured and arranged to control motorized operation of said
at least one motorizer.
17) The system according to claim 6 further comprising at least one
selectable power director structured and arranged to selectably direct
such at least one rotational force between said at least one first
connector and said at least one second connector.
18) The system according to claim 19 wherein said at least one relocator
comprises:a) at least one roller structured and arranged to assist
rolling movement of said at least one repositionable cover portion from
such at least one stowed position to such at least one deployed
position;b) at least one guide track structured and arranged to guide
said at least one roller during such rolling movement
19) The system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one relocator
comprises:a) at least one roller structured and arranged to assist
rolling movement of said at least one repositionable cover portion from
such at least one stowed position to such at least one deployed
position;b) at least one guide track structured and arranged to guide
said at least one roller during such rolling movement; andc) at least one
positional lock structured and arranged to positionally lock said at
least one repositionable cover portion in such at least one deployed
position;d) wherein said at least one guide track comprisesi) at least
one cover-mounted portion structured and arranged to assist such rolling
movement over said at least one bed cover, andii) at least one
cab-mounted portion structured and arranged to assist such rolling
movement over the at least one cab.
20) A system, related to covering at least one cargo bed of at least one
truck having at least one cab, said system comprising:a) at least one bed
cover structured and arranged to cover the at least one cargo bed; andb)
at least one first connector structured and arranged to movably connect
said at least one bed cover to the at least one cargo bed;c) wherein said
at least one first connector comprises at least one screw shaft; andd)
wherein said at least one bed cover comprises at least one hand crank
structured and arranged to assist in the performance of at least one
hand-cranked rotation of said at least one screw shaft;e) wherein the
axis of said at least one screw shaft comprises a substantially vertical
orientation;f) wherein such hand-cranked rotation of said at least one
screw shaft moves said at least one bed cover substantially along the
axis of said at least one screw shaft between at least one bed-covering
position located substantially adjacent the at least one cargo bed and at
least one raised position located above the at least one cargo bed.
21) A system, related to at least one truck having at least one cab and at
least one cargo bed, said system comprising:a) at least one cargo-bed
cover structured and arranged to substantially cover said at least one
cargo bed;b) at least one repositionable cover portion structured and
arranged to provide partial access to the at least one cargo bed when
covered by said at least one cargo bed cover; andc) at least one
connector structured and arranged to connect said at least one
repositionable cover portion to said at least one bed cover;d) wherein
said at least one connector comprises at least one relocator structured
and arranged to relocate said at least one repositionable cover portion
from at least one stowed position substantially within said at least one
bed cover to at least one deployed position substantially adjacent the at
least one cab; ande) wherein, when said at least one repositionable cover
portion is in such at least one deployed position, partial access to the
at least one cargo bed is provided.
22) A system, related to at least one truck having at least one cargo-bed
cover having at least one motorizer, comprising the steps of:a) packaging
the at least one cargo-bed cover; andb) selling the at least one
cargo-bed cover;c) wherein the at least one cargo-bed cover comprises the
at least one motorizer.
23) A method related to covering at least one cargo bed of at least one
truck, said method comprising the steps of:a) mounting at least one screw
shaft receiver in the at least one cargo bed; andb) mounting at least one
screw shaft in the at least one screw shaft receiver;c) coupling at least
one motor-driven rotator to such at least one screw shaft;d) mounting at
least one cargo-bed cover to such at least one screw shaft;e) wherein
rotation of the at least one screw shaft by the at least one motor-driven
rotator provides movement of the at least one bed cover substantially
along the at least one screw shaft.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001]The present application is related to and claims priority from prior
provisional application Ser. No. 60/886,074, filed Jan. 22, 2007,
entitled "TRUCK COVER SYSTEMS", the content of which is incorporated
herein by this reference and is not admitted to be prior art with respect
to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.
BACKGROUND
[0002]This invention relates to providing improved truck cover systems.
More particularly, this invention relates to providing improved truck
cover systems which are convenient to operate, and which rise
perpendicularly from the bed of a truck.
[0003]Typically, persons needing to store items in their truck bed install
a cover in order to protect those items. Such covers are difficult to
operate and are labor intensive to open. In addition, substantial effort
must typically be made to install these covers.
[0004]Therefore, a need exists for a truck cover system that is not labor
intensive to open. Further, a need exists for a truck cover system which
is easy to operate and install.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
[0005]A primary object and feature of the present invention is to solve
the above-mentioned problems and meet the above-listed needs. A further
primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide truck
cover systems.
[0006]It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that is attached to the walls lining the bed of a
truck. It is another object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that rises substantially perpendicular to the bed
of a truck.
[0007]It is yet another object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system having a screw-type connection between the cover
and the truck. It is a further object and feature of the present
invention to provide such a system having motorized movement of the
cover. In addition, it is an object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a system that has storage compartments.
[0008]It is yet another object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system having parts for enclosing the cover and a portion
of the truck, when the cover is open. It is a further object of the
present invention to provide such a system having a storage compartment
for the demountable enclosure parts. In addition, it is an object and
feature of the present invention to have a storage compartment for a
wheel.
[0009]It is yet another object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system having a second cover attached to the primary
cover. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a
system having a second cover arranged for movement to the roof of the
truck. In addition, it is an object and feature of the present invention
to have light projectors on these covers.
[0010]A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other
objects and features of this invention will become apparent with
reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011]In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a system, related to covering at least one cargo bed of at least
one truck having at least one cab, such system comprising: at least one
bed cover, having at least one inner surface and at least one outer
surface, such at least one bed cover structured and arranged to
substantially cover the at least one cargo bed; and at least one first
connector structured and arranged to connect such at least one bed cover
to the at least one cargo bed; wherein such at least one bed cover
comprises at least one motorizer structured and arranged to motorize
movement of such at least one bed cover; wherein such at least one
motorizer is located substantially adjacent such at least one inner
surface; wherein such at least one first connector comprises at least one
screw shaft; and wherein such at least one motorizer is structured and
arranged to move such at least one bed cover substantially along the axis
of such at least one screw shaft. Moreover, it provides such a system
wherein: the axis of such at least one screw shaft comprises a
substantially vertical orientation; and such at least one bed cover is
structured and arranged to translate substantially vertically between at
least one bed-covering position located substantially adjacent the at
least one cargo bed and at least one raised position located above the at
least one cargo bed.
[0012]Additionally, it provides such a system further comprising at least
one demountable enclosure structured and arranged to demountably enclose
at least one open area formed substantially between the at least one
cargo bed and such at least one bed cover, when such at least one bed
cover is moved to such at least one raised position. Also, it provides
such a system wherein such at least one bed cover comprises at least one
enclosure storage structured and arranged to store such at least one
demountable enclosure when demounted from the at least one cargo bed. In
addition, it provides such a system further comprising: at least one
in-bed storage unit structured and arranged to assist in-bed storage of
at least one item substantially within the at least one cargo bed;
wherein such at least one bed cover comprises at least one storage access
portion structured and arranged to provide access to such at least one
in-bed storage unit when such at least one bed cover is in such at least
one bed-covering position.
[0013]And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one bed cover
comprises: at least one repositionable cover portion structured and
arranged to provide partial access to the at least one cargo bed when
such at least one bed cover is in such at least one bed-covering
position; and at least one second connector structured and arranged to
substantially connect such at least one repositionable cover portion to
such at least one bed cover; wherein such at least one second connector
comprises at least one relocator structured and arranged to relocate such
at least one repositionable cover portion from at least one stowed
position substantially within such at least one bed cover to at least one
deployed position substantially adjacent the at least one cab; and
wherein, when such at least one repositionable cover portion is in such
at least one deployed position, access to the at least one cargo bed is
provided. Further, it provides such a system wherein such relocation of
such at least one repositionable cover portion by such at least one
relocator is assisted by such at least one motorizer.
[0014]Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
second connector comprises: at least one detacher structured and arranged
to enable detachment of such at least one second connector from such at
least one bed cover; wherein such at least one bed cover comprises at
least one connector storage structured and arranged to store such at
least one second connector; wherein such at least one second connector is
storable within such at least one connector storage after such
detachment. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
bed cover comprises at least one illuminator structured and arranged to
provide illumination adjacent the at least one truck. Additionally, it
provides such a system wherein such at least one illuminator comprises:
at least one third connector structured and arranged to connect such at
least one illuminator to such at least one bed cover; wherein such at
least one third connector comprises at least one pivot structured and
arranged to assist pivotal movement of such at least one illuminator
relative to such at least one bed cover.
[0015]Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one bed cover
comprises at least one wheel storage area structured and arranged to
store at least one road wheel of the at least one truck. In addition, it
provides such a system wherein: such at least one first connector
comprises at least one threaded collar structured and arranged to collar
such at least one screw shaft; and such at least one threaded collar is
fixedly coupled to the at least one cargo bed; such at least one
motorizer is structured and arranged to rotate at least one screw shaft;
such at least one threaded collar is maintained in a substantially fixed
position relative to the at least one cargo bed during such rotation; and
such rotation of such at least one screw shaft results in a substantially
vertical translational movement of such at least one screw shaft through
such at least one threaded collar. And, it provides such a system wherein
such at least one first connector further comprises: at least four of
such at least one screw shafts operationally engaging a matching number
of such at least one threaded collars; wherein such at least one
motorizer comprises at least one drive train structured and arranged to
contemporaneously rotate each one of such at least one screw shafts.
[0016]Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one drive
train comprises: at least one electrically driven motor structured and
arranged to provide at least one rotational force; coupled to such at
least one electrically driven motor, as least one rotational shaft
structured and transfer such at least one rotational force away from such
at least one electrically driven motor; and at least one worm gear
structured and arranged to adjust torque levels within such at least one
drive train. Even further, it provides such a system wherein: such at
least one bed cover comprises at least four peripheral corners; and each
one of such at least four peripheral corners comprises one such at least
one screw shaft. Moreover, it provides such a system further comprising
at least one controller structured and arranged to control motorized
operation of such at least one motorizer. Additionally, it provides such
a system further comprising at least one selectable power director
structured and arranged to selectably direct such at least one rotational
force between such at least one first connector and such at least one
second connector. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least
one relocator comprises: at least one roller structured and arranged to
assist rolling movement of such at least one repositionable cover portion
from such at least one stowed position to such at least one deployed
position; at least one guide track structured and arranged to guide such
at least one roller during such rolling movement.
[0017]In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
relocator comprises: at least one roller structured and arranged to
assist rolling movement of such at least one repositionable cover portion
from such at least one stowed position to such at least one deployed
position; at least one guide track structured and arranged to guide such
at least one roller during such rolling movement; and at least one
positional lock structured and arranged to positionally lock such at
least one repositionable cover portion in such at least one deployed
position; wherein such at least one guide track comprises at least one
cover-mounted portion structured and arranged to assist such rolling
movement over such at least one bed cover, and at least one cab-mounted
portion structured and arranged to assist such rolling movement over the
at least one cab.
[0018]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to covering at least one cargo bed
of at least one truck having at least one cab, such system comprising: at
least one bed cover structured and arranged to cover the at least one
cargo bed; and at least one first connector structured and arranged to
movably connect such at least one bed cover to the at least one cargo
bed; wherein such at least one first connector comprises at least one
screw shaft; and wherein such at least one bed cover comprises at least
one hand crank structured and arranged to assist in the performance of at
least one hand-cranked rotation of such at least one screw shaft; wherein
the axis of such at least one screw shaft comprises a substantially
vertical orientation; wherein such hand-cranked rotation of such at least
one screw shaft moves such at least one bed cover substantially along the
axis of such at least one screw shaft between at least one bed-covering
position located substantially adjacent the at least one cargo bed and at
least one raised position located above the at least one cargo bed.
[0019]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck having at
least one cab and at least one cargo bed, such system comprising: at
least one cargo-bed cover structured and arranged to substantially cover
such at least one cargo bed; at least one repositionable cover portion
structured and arranged to provide partial access to the at least one
cargo bed when covered by such at least one cargo bed cover; and at least
one connector structured and arranged to connect such at least one
repositionable cover portion to such at least one bed cover; wherein such
at least one connector comprises at least one relocator structured and
arranged to relocate such at least one repositionable cover portion from
at least one stowed position substantially within such at least one bed
cover to at least one deployed position substantially adjacent the at
least one cab; and wherein, when such at least one repositionable cover
portion is in such at least one deployed position, partial access to the
at least one cargo bed is provided.
[0020]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck having at
least one cargo-bed cover having at least one motorizer, comprising the
steps of: packaging the at least one cargo-bed cover; and selling the at
least one cargo-bed cover; wherein the at least one cargo-bed cover
comprises the at least one motorizer.
[0021]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method related to covering at least one cargo bed of
at least one truck, such method comprising the steps of: mounting at
least one screw shaft receiver in the at least one cargo bed; and
mounting at least one screw shaft in the at least one screw shaft
receiver; coupling at least one motor-driven rotator to such at least one
screw shaft; mounting at least one cargo-bed cover to such at least one
screw shaft; wherein rotation of the at least one screw shaft by the at
least one motor-driven rotator provides movement of the at least one bed
cover substantially along the at least one screw shaft.
[0022]In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a system, related to at least one truck having at least one
roof, comprising: bed cover means for covering the at least one truck,
having at least one inner surface and at least one outer surface; and
first connector means for connecting such bed cover means to the at least
one truck; wherein such bed cover means comprises motorizer means for
motorized movement of such bed cover means; wherein such motorizer means
is located substantially between such at least one inner surface and such
at least one outer surface; wherein such first connector means comprises
at least one screw; and wherein such motorizer means is structured and
arranged to move such bed cover means substantially along the axis of
such at least one screw. Moreover, it provides such a system further
comprising demountable enclosure means for enclosing such bed cover means
and at least one cargo bed of the at least one truck.
[0023]Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such bed cover means
comprises bed storage means for storing at least one item. Also, it
provides such a system further comprising: demountable enclosure means
for enclosing such bed cover means and at least one cargo bed of the at
least one truck; wherein such bed cover means comprises second storage
means for storing such demountable enclosure means. In addition, it
provides such a system wherein such motorizer means comprises at least
one worm gear. And, it provides such a system wherein such bed cover
means comprises: second cover means for covering at least one second
portion of the at least one truck; and second connector means for
connecting such second cover means to such bed cover means; wherein such
second cover means is structured and arranged to move substantially onto
the at least one roof. Further, it provides such a system wherein such
bed cover means comprises: second cover means for covering at least one
second portion of the at least one truck; second connector means for
connecting such second cover means to such bed cover means; and attacher
means for attaching such second cover means to the at least one roof.
[0024]Even further, it provides such a system wherein such bed cover means
comprises: second cover means for covering at least one second portion of
the at least one truck; second connector means for connecting such second
cover means to such bed cover means; and wherein such motorizer means is
structured and arranged to move such second cover means substantially
onto the at least one roof. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein
such bed cover means comprises: second cover means for covering at least
one second portion of the at least one truck; second connector means for
connecting such second cover means to such bed cover means; and third
storage means for storing such second connector means; wherein such
second connector means detaches and stores inside such third storage
means. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such bed cover
means comprises projection means for projecting at least one light from
the at least one truck. Also, it provides such a system wherein such bed
cover means comprises: projection means for projecting at least one light
from the at least one truck; wherein such projection means comprises
third connector means for connecting such projection means to such bed
cover means; and wherein such third connector means comprises at least
one hinge. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such bed cover
means comprises fourth storage means for storing at least one wheel. And,
it provides such a system wherein: such first connector means comprises
collar means for collaring such at least one screw; and such collar means
remains stationarily connected to the at least one truck when such at
least one screw is screwed. Further, it provides such a system further
comprising controller means for controlling motorized movement of such
motorizer means.
[0025]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck having at
least one roof, comprising: bed cover means for covering the at least one
truck; and first connector means for connecting such bed cover means to
the at least one truck; wherein such bed cover means comprises crank
means for cranked movement of such bed cover means; wherein such first
connector means comprises at least one screw; and wherein such crank
means moves such bed cover means substantially along the axis of such at
least one screw.
[0026]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck having at
least one roof, bed cover means, and first connector means, comprising:
second cover means for covering the at least one truck; and second
connector means for connecting such second cover means to the bed cover
means; wherein such second cover means is structured and arranged to move
substantially onto the at least one roof.
[0027]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck having at
least one roof, comprising: at least one bed cover structured and
arranged to cover the at least one truck, having at least one inner
surface and at least one outer surface; and at least one first connector
structured and arranged to connect such at least one bed cover to the at
least one truck; wherein such at least one bed cover comprises at least
one motorizer structured and arranged to motorize movement of such at
least one bed cover; wherein such at least one motorizer is located
substantially between such at least one inner surface and such at least
one outer surface; wherein such at least one first connector comprises at
least one screw; and wherein such at least one motorizer is substantially
structured and arranged to move such at least one bed cover substantially
along the axis of such at least one screw. Even further, it provides such
a system further comprising at least one demountable enclosure structured
and arranged to enclose such at least one bed cover and at least one
cargo bed of the at least one truck.
[0028]Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one bed
cover comprises at least one bed storage unit structured and arranged to
store at least one item. Additionally, it provides such a system further
comprising: at least one demountable enclosure structured and arranged to
enclose such at least one bed cover and at least one cargo bed of the at
least one truck; wherein such at least one bed cover comprises at least
one second storage structured and arranged to store such at least one
demountable closure. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at
least one motorizer comprises at least one worm gear. In addition, it
provides such a system wherein such at least one bed cover comprises: at
least one repositionable cover portion structured and arranged to cover
at least one second portion of the at least one truck; and at least one
second connector structured and arranged to substantially connect such at
least one repositionable cover portion to such at least one bed cover;
wherein such at least one repositionable cover portion is substantially
structured and arranged to move substantially onto the at least one roof.
And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one bed cover
comprises: at least one repositionable cover portion structured and
arranged to cover at least one second portion of the at least one truck;
at least one second connector structured and arranged to connect such at
least one repositionable cover portion to such at least one bed cover;
and at least one attacher structured and arranged to attach such at least
one repositionable cover portion to the at least one roof.
[0029]Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one bed
cover comprises: at least one repositionable cover portion structured and
arranged to cover at least one second portion of the at least one truck;
at least one second connector structured and arranged to connect such at
least one repositionable cover portion to such at least one bed cover;
and wherein such at least one motorizer is substantially structured and
arranged to move such at least one repositionable cover portion
substantially onto the at least one roof. Even further, it provides such
a system wherein such at least one bed cover comprises: at least one
repositionable cover portion structured and arranged to cover at least
one second portion of the at least one truck; at least one second
connector structured and arranged to connect such at least one
repositionable cover portion to such at least one bed cover; and at least
one third storage structured and arranged to store such at least one
second connector; wherein such at least one second connector
substantially detaches and stores inside such at least one third storage.
Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one bed cover
comprises at least one projector structured and arranged to project at
least one light from the at least one truck.
[0030]Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
bed cover comprises: At least one projector structured and arranged to
project at least one light from the at least one truck; wherein such at
least one projector comprises at least one third connector structured and
arranged to connect such at least one projector to such at least one bed
cover; and wherein such at least one third connector comprises at least
one hinge. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one bed
cover comprises at least one fourth storage structured and arranged to
store at least one wheel. In addition, it provides such a system wherein:
such at least one first connector comprises at least one collar
structured and arranged to collar such at least one screw; and such at
least one collar remains stationarily connected to the at least one truck
when such at least one screw is screwed. And, it provides such a system
further comprising at least one controller structured and arranged to
control motorized movement of such at least one motorizer.
[0031]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck having at
least one roof, comprising: at least one bed cover structured and
arranged to cover the at least one truck; and at least one first
connector structured and arranged to connect such at least one bed cover
to the at least one truck; wherein such at least one bed cover comprises
at least one crank structured and arranged to crank movement of such at
least one bed cover; wherein such at least one first connector comprises
at least one screw; and wherein such at least one crank substantially
moves such at least one bed cover substantially along the axis of such at
least one screw.
[0032]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck having at
least one roof, at least one bed cover, and at least one first connector,
comprising: at least one repositionable cover portion structured and
arranged to cover the at least one truck; and at least one second
connector structured and arranged to connect such at least one
repositionable cover portion to the at least one bed cover; wherein such
at least one repositionable cover portion is substantially structured and
arranged to move substantially onto the at least one roof.
[0033]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck having at
least one bed cover having at least one motorizer, comprising the steps
of: packaging the at least one bed cover; and selling the at least one
bed cover; wherein the at least one bed cover comprises the at least one
motorizer.
[0034]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system, related to at least one truck, at least one
bed cover, at least one screw having at least one axis, and at least one
screw hole, comprising the steps of: installing the at least one screw
hole in the at least one truck; and installing the at least one screw in
the at least one screw hole; wherein the at least one screw provides
movement of the at least one bed cover substantially along the at least
one axis of the at least one screw.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a truck cover system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0036]FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the truck cover system,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, in an open position.
[0037]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second cover, according to the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0038]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of demountable enclosure parts,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, in an installed
position.
[0039]FIG. 5 shows a top view of a bed cover, according to the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0040]FIG. 6 shows an underside view of a bed cover, according to the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0041]FIG. 7 shows a motorizer, according to the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0042]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a motorizer according to the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0043]FIG. 9 shows another perspective view of a motorizer according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0044]FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a worm gear according to the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0045]FIG. 11 shows another perspective view of a worm gear according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0046]FIG. 12 shows an above view of a motorizer raising the bed cover,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0047]FIG. 13 shows an above view of a motorizer lowering the bed cover,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0048]FIG. 14 shows a sectional view through the section 14-14 of FIG. 5
illustrating the worm gears and connectors, with the bed cover in a
closed position, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0049]FIG. 15 shows the enlarged side view 15 of FIG. 14 illustrating the
worm gears and connectors, with the bed cover in a closed position,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0050]FIG. 16 shows a side view of the worm gears and connectors, with the
bed cover in an opened position, according to the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0051]FIG. 17 shows a blown-up side view of the worm gears and connectors,
with the bed cover in an opened position, according to the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0052]FIG. 18 shows a side view illustrating a second cover retracting
onto the roof of the truck according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0053]FIG. 19 shows a side view illustrating a second cover with
detachable and storable second connectors, according to the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0054]FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a wheel storage, according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0055]FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a projecting light, according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0056]FIG. 22 shows a side view of the projecting light, according to the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 21.
[0057]FIG. 23 shows a diagram illustrating another truck cover system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0058]FIG. 24 shows a diagram illustrating another truck cover system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0059]FIG. 25 shows a perspective view, illustrating an alternate truck
cover mounted to the bed of a truck, according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0060]FIG. 26 shows a perspective view, illustrating the alternate truck
cover in a raised position, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.
25.
[0061]FIG. 27 shows a perspective view, illustrating the alternate truck
cover in the raised position, with a repositionable cover portion
transitioning upwardly to a moveable position, according to the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 25.
[0062]FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the repositionable cover portion
of FIG. 27 translating toward a forward "stowed" position over the cab of
the pickup truck.
[0063]FIG. 29 shows the repositionable cover portion of FIG. 27 in the
stowed position over the cab of the pickup truck.
[0064]FIG. 30 shows a first schematic diagram illustrating the preferred
operational arrangements of the repositionable cover portion of FIG. 27.
[0065]FIG. 31 shows a second schematic diagram illustrating the preferred
operational arrangements of the secondary cover of FIG. 27.
[0066]FIG. 32 shows a third schematic diagram illustrating the preferred
operational arrangements of the repositionable cover portion of FIG. 27.
[0067]FIG. 33 shows a fourth schematic diagram illustrating the preferred
operational arrangements of the repositionable cover portion of FIG. 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0068]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a truck cover system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2
shows another perspective view of the truck cover system, according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, in an open position. Truck cover
system 100 preferably provides coverage to portions of truck 110 having
cargo bed 112 and cab 113. Truck cover system 100 preferably comprises
bed cover 200, first connector 210, and motorizer 250, as shown. Bed
cover 200 preferably comprises an inner surface 201 and an outer surface
202, as shown. First connector 210 preferably connects bed cover 200 to
cargo bed 112, as shown. Motorizer 250 preferably provides motorized
movement of bed cover 200, preferably vertically between a bed-covering
position 209 located substantially adjacent the at least one cargo bed
and at least one raised position 211 located above cargo bed 112, as
shown.
[0069]First connector 210 preferably comprises screw shaft 220, preferable
four screw shafts 220, preferably located at each corner of cargo bed 112
so as to provide stable lifting and lowering of bed cover 200, as shown.
Motorizer 250 is preferably adapted to move bed cover 200 substantially
along the vertical axis 229 of screw shafts 220, as best shown in FIG.
22. First connector 210 preferably comprises collar 224, preferably four
collars 224, preferably vertically positioned in the walls of bed 112,
most preferably with the stake pockets 115, as shown. Collars 224 (at
least embodying herein at least one screw shaft receiver) preferably
remain in a fixed mounting position within cargo bed 112 when screw
shafts 220 are rotated, preferably when rotated by motorizer 250. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, mechanics, cost, user
preference, etc., other first connectors, such as hydraulic, truss,
springs, gravity, magnetic, other non-screws, etc., may suffice.
[0070]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a repositionable cover portion
290, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Bed cover 200
preferably comprises repositionable cover portion 290. Repositionable
cover portion 290 preferably comprises second connector 292, preferably
comprising four arms 294, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Second connectors
292, preferably arms, as shown, preferably connect repositionable cover
portion 290 to bed cover 200. Repositionable cover portion 290 is
preferably substantially adapted to move substantially onto a second
portion of truck 110, preferably comprising roof 114, as shown in FIGS.
18 and 19. This preferred feature provides access to the interior of
cargo bed 112 during operation of truck 110. Repositionable cover portion
290 thus provides a means for accessing a bed-mounted fifth wheel hitch
253, which may be used to pull a wheeled trailer.
[0071]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of demountable enclosure parts,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, in an installed
position. System 100 preferably comprises demountable enclosure 280,
preferably providing for demountable enclosure of a portion of truck 110,
preferably for demountable enclosure of cargo bed 112 when bed cover 200
is in raised position 211, as shown. Demountable enclosure 280 preferably
comprises five panels 282, preferably comprising windows 284, preferably
enclosing a first portion of truck 110, preferably comprising the cargo
bed 112 of truck 110, as shown. Demountable enclosure 280 (at least
embodying herein at least one demountable enclosure structured and
arranged to demountably enclose at least one open area formed
substantially between the at least one cargo bed and such at least one
bed cover, when such at least one bed cover is moved to such at least one
raised position) preferably also comprises attachers 286 so as to assist
in attaching panels 282 to bed cover 200 and cargo bed 112, as shown in
FIG. 17. Preferably, panels 282 comprise interlocking vertical edges to
assist stable interlocking of adjacent panels. Preferably, panels 282 are
constructed from a rigid material, preferably plastic, alternately
preferably a fiber-reinforced composite material.
[0072]FIG. 5 shows a top view of bed cover 200, according to the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1. Bed cover 200 preferably comprises a storage access
portion identified herein as storage access door 240, as shown (at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one bed cover comprises at least
one storage access portion structured and arranged to provide access to
such at least one in-bed storage unit when such at least one bed cover is
in such at least one bed-covering position). Preferably, storage access
door 240 is structured and arranged to provide convenient access to bed
storage unit 241, preferably for storing random item, such as tools
equipment, personal items, etc., as shown in FIG. 2. Bed storage unit 241
preferably comprises a tool box (at least embodying herein at least one
in-bed storage unit structured and arranged to assist in-bed storage of
at least one item substantially within the at least one cargo bed). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, cost, user preference,
etc., other in-bed storage configurations, such as a configuration on the
other end of the bed cover, removable, non-rectangular compartments,
storage boxes integral to the cargo bed cover, etc., may suffice.
[0073]FIG. 6 shows an underside view of bed cover 200, according to the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. The underside of bed cover 200 preferably
comprises enclosure storage area 242, preferably adjacent inner surface
201, so as to provide storage for panels 282 when panels 282 are not
enclosing bed 112, as shown (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one bed cover comprises at least one enclosure storage structured
and arranged to store such at least one demountable enclosure when
demounted from the at least one cargo bed). The underside of bed cover
200 further houses motorizer 250 that preferably enables the motorized
operation of bed cover 200, as further described below.
[0074]FIGS. 7-13 show various views of motorizer 250 according to the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Motorizer 250 is preferably located
substantially between outer surface 202 and the protective inner surface
201, preferably positioned to be substantially concealed from view, as
best shown in FIG. 1. Motorizer 250 preferably comprises drive train 260,
as shown. FIG. 7 is a view to the underside of bed cover 200 illustrating
one half of drive train 260. Drive train 260 is preferably designed to
enable both powered lifting and lowering of bed cover 200 and powered
operation of repositionable cover portion 290. In general terms,
motorized movement of bed cover 200, between bed-covering position 209
and raised position 211 is preferably enabled by a rotation of screw
shafts 220 by drive train 260. A preferred arrangement of screw shafts
220 and preferred integration of the screw assemblies within cargo bed
112 is shown in FIG. 14.
[0075]Preferably, drive train 260 at least comprises electrically-driven
motor 252, transmission 256, rotational shafts 245, gear boxes 251, and
worm gear assemblies 222, as shown. Preferably, a single
electrically-driven motor 252 produces the rotational force used to drive
the preferred operations of bed cover 200. The rotational force generated
by electrically-driven motor 252 preferably passes through transmission
256 before being distributed along an arrangement of rotational shafts
245 and gear boxes 251, as shown. Preferably, transmission 256 is
structured and arranged to selectively transfer the rotational force of
electrically-driven motor 252 between lifting/lowering of bed cover 200
and powered deployment of repositionable cover portion 290. Preferably,
transmission 256 (at least embodying herein at least one selectable power
director structured and arranged to selectably direct such at least one
rotational force between such at least one first connector and such at
least one second connector) comprises a two-way frictional clutch 255
movable along drive shaft 247 between a first position in contact with
transfer-belt assembly 257, as best shown in FIG. 13, and a second
position in contact with transfer-belt assembly 258, as best shown in
FIG. 12. Transfer-belt assembly 257 preferably transfers a rotational
force between drive shaft 247 and of the operable portion of drive train
260 functioning to lift/lower bed cover 200, as shown. Transfer-belt
assembly 258 preferably transfers a rotational force between drive shaft
247 and the operable portion of drive train 260 functioning to enable the
powered deployment of repositionable cover portion 290, as shown.
Movement of two-way frictional clutch 255 between the two positions is
preferably enabled by a clutch-engaging fork member 261 coupled to
electrical solenoid 262, as shown.
[0076]Drive train 260 preferably comprises worm gear 222, preferably at
least four worm gears 222, preferably located directly above first
connectors 210 so as to provide raising and lowering of bed cover 200, as
shown. Worm gears 222 are preferred for their ability to control both
operational speed and torque levels within drive train 260. A highly
preferred advantage of the above-described design is the coordination of
rotational speeds between individual screw shafts. More specifically, bed
cover 200 preferably comprises four peripheral corners 281, each one
preferably comprising a screw shaft 220, as shown. By operating each
screw shaft 220 from a common drive train 260, each of the screw shafts
are contemporaneously rotated in a highly coordinated manner, thus, a
high degree of operational coordination is achieved during lifting and
lowering of the cover. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, cost,
etc., other rotator arrangements, such as providing a dedicated high
torque motor at each screw shaft with electronic-based coordination,
utilizing independent drive trains for cover lifting and sub panel
deployment, etc., may suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues
as advances in technology, mechanics, cost, space, user preference, etc.,
other transmissions, such as transmissions without worm gears, electric,
magnetic, pulley, non-gear transmissions, non-belt transmissions, etc.,
may suffice.
[0077]Motorizer 250 preferably comprises user-operable switch 263, so as
to provide switching between lifting and lowering of bed cover 200, and
deployment of repositionable cover portion 290. User-operable switch 263
(at least embodying herein at least one controller structured and
arranged to control motorized operation of such at least one motorizer)
preferably comprises a remote control and/or a controller switch located
inside the cab 113 of truck 110 (see FIG. 1). Preferably, motorizer 250
comprises a power supply, preferably the power supply of truck 110. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, cost, user preference,
etc., other power supplies, such as dedicated battery, solar, chemical,
etc., may suffice System 100 may also comprise access for a removable
crank 208, so as to provide cranked movement of bed cover 200 should
motorizer 250 fail. Accommodations necessary to incorporate crank 208
into the motorized system (e.g., sockets, engagements, etc.) may be
placed at one or more convenient points within drive train 260, as shown
in FIG. 7 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one bed cover
comprises at least one hand crank structured and arranged to assist in
the performance of at least one hand-cranked rotation of such at least
one screw shaft; wherein the axis of such at least one screw shaft
comprises a substantially vertical orientation; and wherein such
hand-cranked rotation of such at least one screw shaft moves such at
least one bed cover substantially along the axis of such at least one
screw shaft between at least one bed-covering position located
substantially adjacent the at least one cargo bed and at least one raised
position located above the at least one cargo bed).
[0078]FIG. 14 shows a side view of the worm gears and connectors, with bed
cover 200 in a closed position (bed-covering position 209), according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 shows an enlarged side view
of the worm gears and connectors, with the bed cover in bed-covering
position 209, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0079]First connector 210 preferably comprises a positionally-fixed collar
224, so as to provide anchored linear movement of screw shafts 220 along
vertical axis 229 when motorizer 250 is actuated, preferably installed in
the walls of bed 112, preferably threaded consistently with screw shafts
220, as shown. First connector 210 preferably comprises a hollow neck
226, so as to provide a semi-protected space for screw shafts 220 to move
vertically, as shown.
[0080]FIG. 16 shows a side view of the worm gears and connectors, with the
bed cover in an opened position, according to the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1. FIG. 17 shows an enlarged side view of the worm gears and
connectors, with bed cover 200 in an opened position (raised position
211), according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Thus, the
previously described structures and arrangements at least embodying
herein wherein such at least one first connector comprises at least one
threaded collar structured and arranged to collar such at least one screw
shaft; and such at least one threaded collar is fixedly coupled to the at
least one cargo bed; such at least one motorizer is structured and
arranged to rotate at least one screw shaft; such at least one threaded
collar is maintained in a substantially fixed position relative to the at
least one cargo bed during such rotation; and such rotation of such at
least one screw shaft results in a substantially vertical translational
movement of such at least one screw shaft through such at least one
threaded collar. And, wherein such at least one first connector further
comprises: at least four of such at least one screw shafts operationally
engaging a matching number of such at least one threaded collars.
[0081]FIG. 17 also shows a preferred engagement of attachers 286
preferably attaching panels 282 to bed cover 200 and cargo bed 112. Upper
attachers 286 preferably comprise the engagement of panels 282 within a
peripheral socket 196, as shown. Lower attachers 286 preferably comprise
a set of Z-shaped projections 197, coupled to panels 282 that preferably
engage corresponding socket members 198 mounted to the upper surface of
cargo bed 112, as shown. It is noted that bed cover 200 further comprises
an arrangement of moisture seals 195 adapted to restrict infiltration of
moisture into cargo bed 112.
[0082]FIG. 18 shows a side view illustrating repositionable cover portion
290 retracting onto roof 114 of the truck 110 according to the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 19 shows a side view illustrating
repositionable cover portion 290 with detachable and storable second
connectors 292, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. System
100 preferably comprises third storage 243. Second connector preferably
substantially detaches from truck 110 and stores inside repositionable
cover portion 290, where repositionable cover portion 290 preferably
comprises third storage 243, as shown. Preferably, a set of illuminating
projectors 190 are incorporated integrally within the front face of
repositionable cover portion 290, as shown. Such illuminating projectors
190 preferably comprise driving lights of one or more commercially
available designs.
[0083]FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a wheel storage area, according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. System 100
preferably comprises fourth storage 244, so as to provide storage for a
wheel, preferably a spare wheel, as shown.
[0084]FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an illuminating projecting
light, according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 22 shows a side view of the illuminating projecting
light, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 21. System 100
preferably comprises illuminating projector 190, preferably a lamp
containing a bulb light or LED, as shown. Illuminating projector 190
preferably comprises third connector 293, preferably an extended third
connector 293, so as to provide a source of light extended above truck
110, as shown. Illuminating projector 190 preferably comprises hinge 295,
so as to provide for hinged movement of illuminating projector 190,
preferably a collapsible hinge 295, so as to reduce the overhead
clearance of truck 110, as shown. Such illuminating projectors 190
preferably comprise driving lights of one or more commercially available
designs. The above-described structures and arrangements preferably at
least embody wherein such at least one bed cover comprises at least one
illuminator structured and arranged to provide illumination adjacent the
at least one truck; wherein such at least one illuminator comprises at
least one third connector structured and arranged to connect such at
least one illuminator to such at least one bed cover; and wherein such at
least one third connector comprises at least one pivot structured and
arranged to assist pivotal movement of such at least one illuminator
relative to such at least one bed cover.
[0085]FIG. 23 shows a diagram illustrating another truck cover system
according to another preferred embodiment of system 100. Truck cover
system 100 preferably comprises a method, related to a truck having a bed
cover 200 comprising a motorizer 250, comprising the steps of: (1)
packaging a bed cover 200, and (2) selling a bed cover 200.
[0086]FIG. 24 shows a diagram illustrating another truck cover system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Truck
cover system 100 preferably comprises a method related to a truck having
a bed cover 200, a screw shaft 220 having a vertical axis 229, and a
screw hole 221, preferably comprising the steps of: (1) installing the
screw hole 221 in the truck, and (2) installing the a screw shaft 220 in
the screw hole 221, whereby the screw shaft 220 provides for movement of
bed cover 200 substantially along vertical axis 229.
[0087]FIG. 25 through FIG. 29 generally illustrates alternate truck cover
300 performing a preferred sequence of deployment steps as it is
configured to allow access to bed 112. FIG. 25 shows a perspective view,
illustrating alternate truck cover 300 positioned adjacent the cargo bed
112 of truck 110, according to another preferred embodiment of system
100. FIG. 26 shows a perspective view, illustrating alternate truck cover
300 in raised position 312, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.
25. FIG. 27 shows the same perspective view, with alternate truck cover
300 in raised position 312, illustrating repositionable cover portion 304
transitioning upwardly to moveable position 306. FIG. 28 shows the same
perspective view, with repositionable cover portion 304 translating
forward to an overhead deployed position 308 over roof 114 of truck 110.
[0088]Alternate truck cover 300 preferably comprises bed cover portion 302
having a repositionable cover portion 304 located therein, as shown.
Alternate truck cover 300 preferably comprises deployment subsystem 303
designed to allow repositionable cover portion 304 to move from stowed
position 301, as shown in FIG. 25, to deployed position 308, as shown in
FIG. 29. More specifically, repositionable cover portion 304 is
preferably adapted to disengage from bed cover portion 302 and perform a
low-friction movement along track assembly 305 to deployed position 308
located substantially adjacent roof 114 of cab 113, as shown in FIG. 29.
This preferred feature provides access to the interior of cargo bed 112
during operation of truck 110. Repositionable cover portion 304 thus
provides a means for accessing a bed-mounted fifth wheel hitch 253 (see
also FIG. 3), which may be used to pull a wheeled trailer.
[0089]The above-described reconfiguration of alternate truck cover 300
preferably begins with the raising of bed cover portion 302 vertically
from bed-covering position 310 (located substantially adjacent cargo bed
112) to raised position 312 located above cargo bed 112, as shown in FIG.
26. This preferably places the upper outer surface 314 of bed cover
portion 302 at an elevation substantially matching that of roof 114, as
shown. The preferred structures and arrangements of bed cover portion
302, associated with the above-described raising operation, are
substantially similar to those described in the prior embodiments. Thus,
alternate truck cover 300 preferably comprises structures and
arrangements equivalent to first connector 210, drive train 260, etc.
[0090]Preferably, track assembly 305 comprises cover-mounted guide 316 and
roof-mounted guide 318, as shown. Preferably, cover-mounted guide 316 and
roof-mounted guide 318 are maintained in close physical alignment when
bed cover portion 302 is in raised position 312, as shown.
[0091]Next, repositionable cover portion 304 is preferably raised from bed
cover portion 302 to moveable position 306 and subsequently configured to
enable a preferred low-friction movement along track assembly 305.
Preferred means for disengagement and lifting of repositionable cover
portion 304 from bed cover portion 302 is discussed in FIG. 30 below.
Preferably, such disengagement and lifting of repositionable cover
portion 304 from bed cover portion 302 further comprises the deployment
of friction-reducing support members, most preferably a plurality of
rollers 320, as shown. Preferably, rollers 320 are deployed from
repositionable cover portion 304 generally concurrently with the
repositionable cover portion 304 is lifted from bed cover portion 302, as
shown. Preferably, rollers 320 are adapted to engage cover-mounted guide
316 that preferably functions to maintain rollers 320 and repositionable
cover portion 304 in proper alignment during movement. Preferably,
cover-mounted guide 316 comprises a substantially linear recess formed
within upper outer surface 314, as shown. The preferred spacing of
rollers 320, as diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 27, assists in
maintaining the continuous support of repositionable cover portion 304 as
the front portion of the panel is transferred from cover-mounted guide
316 to roof-mounted guide 318.
[0092]FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of repositionable cover portion 304
of FIG. 27 translating toward the forward deployed position 308 over cab
113 of truck 110. Preferably, roof-mounted guides 318 comprise a set of
surface-applied guide tracks 322 firmly mounted to roof 114 of cab 113,
as shown. Preferably, repositionable cover portion 304 is rolled forward
until it engages forward stop 324. Preferably, forward stop 324 functions
to limit the forward travel of repositionable cover portion 304 and
engages repositionable cover portion 304 to prevent uplift during
operation of truck 110. Alternately preferably, engagement of
repositionable cover portion 304 on forward stopped 324 may initiate an
automatic retraction of rollers 320 to a stowed position within
repositionable cover portion 304. FIG. 29 shows repositionable cover
portion 304 of FIG. 27 in a final preferred deployed position 308 over
cab 113 of truck 110.
[0093]Once repositionable cover portion 304 resides in the preferred
deployed position 308, repositionable cover portion 304 is preferably
locked in place using locking assembly 326, as shown. Preferably, locking
assembly 326 functions to maintain repositionable cover portion 304 in
deployed position 308, as shown in FIG. 29. Preferably, actuation of
locking assembly 326 is manually initiated by the user. Alternately
preferably, engagement of repositionable cover portion 304 on forward
stopped 324 automatically initiates the actuation of locking assembly
326. Preferably, once repositionable cover portion 304 is locked into the
preferred deployed position 308, bed cover portion 302 may again be
lowered to bed-covering position 310. Thus, the repositioning of
repositionable cover portion 304 enables substantial access to cargo bed
112, even when bed cover portion 302 is in bed-covering position 310.
[0094]FIG. 30 shows a first schematic diagram illustrating the preferred
operational arrangements of repositionable cover portion 304 of FIG. 27.
FIG. 30 comprises a schematic side view of repositionable cover portion
304 and the underlying deployment subsystem 303, as shown. Cargo bed 112,
bed-cover portion 302, and cab 113 are illustrated in a dashed-line
depiction for clarity.
[0095]Preferably, deployment subsystem 303 comprises a pair of pivoting
lift arms 330 situate adjacent each side of repositionable cover portion
304, as shown. Preferably, each pivoting lift arm 330 comprises a set of
engageable slots 332 adapted to engage a complementing set of projecting
bars 334 that are preferably coupled to cover portion 304.
[0096]FIG. 31 shows a second schematic diagram illustrating the preferred
operational arrangements of repositionable cover portion 304. Preferably,
pivoting lift arms 330 are rotationally coupled to repositionable cover
portion 304 and are preferably adapted to rotate about pivot point 336,
as shown. Preferably, pivoting lift arms 330 comprise an upwardly biased
force designed to assist in lifting repositionable cover portion 304 to
the "lifted" moveable position 306 depicted in FIG. 31. Preferably, such
lifting may be enabled by a spring force and may preferably be controlled
by a user initiated release. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand
that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
intended use, cost, etc., other lift arrangements, such as pneumatic
devices, hydraulic devices, electrical actuators, etc., may suffice.
[0097]FIG. 32 shows a third schematic diagram further illustrating the
preferred operational arrangements of repositionable cover portion 304 of
FIG. 27. Preferably, when in moveable position 306, engageable slots 332
are arranged to allow repositionable cover portion 304 to translate in a
forward direction generally parallel to cover-mounted guide 316 of upper
outer surface 314, as shown. Preferably, repositionable cover portion 304
is moved forward until projecting bars 334 are vertically clear of
engageable slots 332, as shown. This preferably allows pivoting lift arms
330 to be pivoted downward, as illustrated in FIG. 33.
[0098]FIG. 33 shows a fourth schematic diagram further illustrating the
preferred operational arrangements of repositionable cover portion of
FIG. 27. The preferred downward rotation of pivoting lift arms 330
preferably enables the deployment of rollers 320 and unencumbered forward
movement of repositionable cover portion 304 to deployed position 308, as
described above. The above-described preferred deployment operations lend
themselves to both automatic and manual implementation. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as cost, vehicle type, etc., other deployment arrangements, such
as manually moving a panel to a deployed position, the utilization of the
low-friction slides in lieu of rollers, etc., may suffice.
[0099]Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this
invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and
materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in
connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages
of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from the above descriptions and the below claims.
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