Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Tops – Cover
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-16
2001-06-19
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Tops
Cover
C296S102000, C296S100020, C296S100040, C280S756000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247743
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar comprising a plurality of rigid panels, each panel having at least one means for partially surrounding an upstanding portion of the roll bar. The coverlet is preferably made of fiberglass impregnated with a nylon mesh for added strength.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in the pictures, attached to and made a part of the Provisional Application, the coverlet covers the rear interior space of a mid-90s JEEP WRANGLER. The nine pictures identified as
1
-
9
show a preferred embodiment of the coverlet of the instant invention for a 1995 JEEP WRANGLER. Preferably, the coverlet for this embodiment comprises three sections which allows it to be readily installed and removed. The three sections comprise two front mirror image sections and a rear section. Each of the two front sections has a leading flanged edge which adds stiffness and support to the front panels to reduce flexion. The stiffening effect of the flange or suitable alternative stiffening means promotes connection of the center edges of the respective front panels. Preferably, these center edges comprise a tongue and groove sealing relationship respectively.
The leading edge flange also serves to reduce water from running into the interior of the vehicle. As shown in the attached picture, this leading edge also continues around the side of the upstanding roll bar extending forward.
Alternative technology is available in soft vinyl covers. The prior art vinyl covers use hook and loop connection to the vehicle as well as strip members to hold vinyl in place. Flexible vinyl does not make a preferred sealing connection around the upstanding roll bars.
ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION
To alleviate this problem, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention, unlike vinyl coverlets which may reduce rain intrusion into the rear interior section of the vehicle, the plurality of rigid panels of the instant device eliminate the noise associated with a flapping vinyl member and the coverlet of the instant invention can be lockingly secured in place. Thus, valuables can be securely stored under the coverlet of the instant invention.
Advantages of the instant invention are that it allows for a quiet and secure cover of the rear portion of the interior of a vehicle minimizing water infusion and theft of the contents thereof.
The preferred embodiments include a coverlet for this embodiment comprising three sections which allow it to be readily installed and removed. The three sections comprise two front mirror image sections and a rear section. Each of the two front sections has a leading flanged edge which adds stiffness and support to the front panels to reduce flexion. The stiffening effect of the flange or suitable alternative stiffening means promotes connection of the center edges of the respective front panels. Preferably, these center edges comprise a tongue and groove sealing relationship respectively.
The upstanding collar formed on the rear hood preferably provides a smooth curve from the horizontal portions of the rear panel—the curve approaching the angle of the upstanding roll bar to which it engages.
The outer side edges of the rear panel preferably have a downwardly extending lip. Additionally, the rear panel can be secured to the vehicle through bore holes appropriately disposed in alignment with the existing bore holes in the upper edges of the vehicle sidewalls and secured with means as provided for the front panels. The rear edge of the rear panel may further have a downwardly extending lip. Preferably a central portion of the rear edge of the rear panel will have a reduced or eliminated lip to accommodate movement of the rear tail gate of the vehicle. Since contact and wear may occur to this edge portion, an aluminum edge may be incorporated into the fiberglass above the tail gate.
Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein, the coverlet could be further strengthened to accommodate excessive live loads with the rear panel in particular being structurally enhanced to resist vertical deflection.
Additionally there is a tongue and groove connection between the rear edge of the front panel and the front edge of the rear panel. Preferably this tongue and groove connection utilizes an aluminum tongue and groove element integrated into the respective fiber glass panels.
Furthermore, the at least one means for surrounding an upstanding portion of the roll bar for each of the front panels comprises a recess designed to fit around a portion of the rear upstanding roll bar. This front panel recess is designed to mate with one of the recesses disposed on the rear panel. Preferably, mated recesses of the front panels and the rear panel sealingly surround the rear roll bar posts.
Each of the front panels may further have an outer side edge with a downwardly extending lip which may rest upon an upstanding side edge of the vehicle. Each of said front panels may further have at least one borehole which is proximate to the outer side edge to accommodate a bolt securing coverlet to the upstanding side edge of the vehicle. Preferably the securing bolt includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a keyed hood lock.
The interior side edges of the front panels, as previously mentioned, may be tongued and grooved. Preferably, the tongue and groove connections are made of aluminum integral with the fiberglass panel. Moreover, materials other than fiberglass could be used for the coverlet including various forms of plastic, such as a polypropylene. Preferably the plastics employed would be coated or of suitable composition as to not degrade when subjected to ultraviolet sun rays. Alternatively, metals, including aluminum and steel would be structurally well suited for the panels and appear aesthetically pleasing.
An alternative roll bar arrangement for a late model Jeep Wrangler is shown in the catalog page 17 of
The Authority On Accessories for JEEP, CJ WRANGLER, SUZUKI SAMURAI, SIDEKICK, AND GEO TRACKER
issued by Keystone Automotive, which was filed with the Provisional Application. The coverlet for this late model configuration of the roll bar attached to a Jeep Wrangler would require only two panels, although a three panel coverlet could also be employed. Because of the larger spacing between the front and rear roll bar posts, one front panel extending from one side of the vehicle to the other would suffice. The rear panel may well be the same as that for the three panel configuration described above and the other panel will easily be configured substantially similar to a joined configuration similar to the permanently joined set of front panels. For this alternative configuration roll bar there is no need to separate the front panels, one elongated front panel may suffice.
Another advantage is that the fiberglass or preferred rigid material may be painted and/or pigmented to provide a matching color to the vehicle once the coverlet is applied.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention teaches a coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar comprising a plurality of rigid panels, each panel having at least one means for surrounding an upstanding portion of a roll bar. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since most vehicles have padded roll bar members, the use of fiberglass or other rigid materials allow the formati
McKenna Micahel R.
Pape Joseph D.
Patel Kiran B.
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