Modular containment system and method

A system and method operable with a vehicle to selectively enclose a portion of the vehicle with a containment system. The containment system may be optional and/or configurable by a user. The containment system may be modular or configurable and may be used to cover any appropriate portion of the vehicle.

FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to an assembly, in particularly to a modular assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle may include any appropriate type of mobile vehicle that may be operated by a first user and carry one or more users and/or one or more objects. The vehicle may include a wheeled vehicle, a tracked vehicle, a combination thereof, or other appropriate mobility system. The vehicle may include a motor or engine that may be powered with a selected power source (e.g. gasoline, electrical, or the like). During operation the vehicle may be moved between locations to carry or move the user and/or one or more objects.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a system and method operable with a vehicle to selectively enclose a portion of the vehicle with a modular or selectable containment system. In various embodiments, the vehicle may generally include a drive or operating compartment and a utility or storage section. The utility or storage section may generally include an open compartment that may be selectively enclosed or covered with a cargo area containment system also referred to as a modular or selectable containment system. The cargo area containment system may be optional and/or configurable by a user. It is understood, in various embodiments, the modular or configurable cover may be used to cover any appropriate portion of the vehicle.

In various embodiments, a cargo enclosure system may include a frame that may be connected to a portion of the vehicle to at least partially or fully enclose the cargo area. In various embodiments, the frame may be modular such that it may be assembled in a selected manner by a user. The frame may be disassembled and/or provided in a disassembled configuration for ease of shipping and/or configuration by the user. Further, the frame assembly may be connected together with various mechanisms to provide a rigid or semi-rigid structure for mounting selected enclosure panels. Selected enclosure panels may be selectively positioned on a portion of the frame to assist in enclosing or partially enclosing the cargo area. Thus, a user may selectively enclose, in a selected manner, a cargo area of a vehicle to assist in maintaining or enclosing the cargo area to hold one or more items and/or provide an enclosure for the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference toFIGS.1A and1B, a cargo containment frame assembly20, also referred to as a frame assembly, is illustrated. The frame assembly20may be interconnected with various portions, such as a vehicle24. In various embodiments, the vehicle24may include a cargo containment area26. The cargo containment area26may be surrounded by one or more side or body panels28,30. Further, in various embodiments, a tailgate or door or movable body panel32may be provided. As illustrated inFIG.1A, the cargo containment area26may be positioned around a wheel or other portion, such as may be contained within a wheel well34.

The vehicle24may be used to carry cargo in the cargo containment area26. The frame assembly20may be positioned about or relative to the cargo containment area26, such as being mounted to one or more of the body panels or side panels28,30. In various embodiments, the side panels28,30may include a ledge or ridge28L,30L. One or more clamps may be positioned to hold the frame assembly20relative to the vehicle24. For example, a first clamp40may clamp a first rail member44to the ledge28L of the body panel28. Similarly, a second clamp48may clamp a second rail52to the second ledge30L.

Thus, the frame assembly20may be clamped or held relative to the vehicle24. It is understood that any selected number of clamps such as two or more may be used to hold the frame assembly20relative to the vehicle24. Further, the clamps may be of any selected type such as including a bolt and nut, thumb screw where the clamp may include an internal or selected threading, or the like. Regardless, the frame assembly20may be removable attached to the vehicle24with a selected connection system, such as the clamps40,48. In various embodiments, the clamps40,48may be provided in any appropriate number to connect the frame20to the vehicle24. Moreover, the clamps40,48may be provided or configured to slide on one or more of the frame members of the frame20to positioning relative to the vehicle24. Thus, the clamp40,48may be moved to an appropriate connection location relative to the vehicle for connection thereto.

The frame assembly20alone and/or the frame assembly relative to the vehicle24may define one or more voids. For example, a top void20a, a side void20b, and a rear void20c. Each of the voids is a space or opening defined between one or more of the members of the frame assembly20and/or one or more members of the frame assembly20and the vehicle24. One or more of the voids may be selectively covered, as discussed further herein.

With specific reference toFIG.1B, the frame assembly20may include a plurality of members or portions such as including the first rail44and the second rail48. The rails44,48may also be referred to as lower longitudinal rails. Similarly, the frame may include a third rail60and a fourth rail64. The third and fourth rail60,64may be upper longitudinal rails.

The frame assembly20may further include a first and second and/or forward and rearward cross or horizontal rails68,70. The horizontal rails68,70may be positioned to interconnect or span between the upper longitudinal rails60,64such as near terminal ends thereof. Further, the frame assembly20may include a plurality of vertical rails such as a first vertical rail72, a second vertical rail74, a third vertical rail76, and a fourth vertical rail78. The vertical rails72,74,76,78may be positioned near the terminal ends of the longitudinal rails44,48,60,64to hold or mount the upper rails60,64,68,70above the body panels of the vehicle24and/or above the first and second longitudinal rails44,48.

Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.1B, the frame assembly20may be assembled to define or have a selected length84, width86, and height88. It is understood that the length84, width86, and height88may be the same for the upper and lower rails in rearward and forward positions and/or may be configured, such as modular portions, to vary based upon a selected configuration of the user.

The frame assembly20may be a modular or selectable containment system and/or a frame for a modular or selectable containment or cover system. As discussed herein, the frame assembly20may be connected in a selected manner to the vehicle24. Various additional panels may also be fit to the frame assembly to form additional or alternative configurations of the modular or selectable containment system. Thus, the modular or selectable containment system may be a configurable cover or containment system formed of the frame assembly20alone and/or additional or alternative panel members.

With continuing reference toFIGS.1A and1Band additional reference toFIG.2, the frame assembly20may include each of the frame members, which may be selectively connected together. For example, the first longitudinal member44may extend from a first terminal end92, which may be a rear terminal end, to a second terminal end94, which may be a forward terminal end. It is understood that each of the frame members may extend between terminal ends, even though not specifically identified herein. Moreover, each of the members may be adjustable in length, such as with an adjustment portion or feature96. For example, a first portion98of the member44may slide within a second portion100of the member44to allow for adjustment of a length between the two terminal ends92,94. Further, the first portion98may be selected from the first portion98ior a second portion98iithat may be of a different length than the first portion98i. Thus, the member44may be selected to be an appropriate or selected length by the user.

In various embodiments the frame assembly20may be provided as a kit including all of the members or a plurality of portions to form the frame members. For example, the member44may include the first portion98iand first portion98iito be selected by the user to be interconnected with the second portion100. Alternatively and/or in combination therewith, the user may slide the selected first portion98relative to the second portion100to select a length of the member44between the first and second terminal ends92,94. One skilled in the art will understood that each of the members of the frame20may be likewise selected for size and dimension to achieve the frame assembly20to fit the vehicle24by the user.

In various embodiments, therefore, the frame assembly20may be provided as a kit20xincluding the member portions as illustrated inFIG.2. The user may assemble any appropriate number of the frame portions to form the frame20that may be selectively mounted to the vehicle24, as discussed above. Thus, the kit20xmay include a plurality of members that are interconnected or selectively connected by the user to form the frame20. Further, the frame20is merely exemplary and is not required to form the module containment system as discussed herein. The frame20may support one or more panels, as discussed herein, to form a containment system. Nevertheless, as discussed herein, the panels may for or integrate a support frame as discussed herein without a separate frame.

With continuing reference toFIG.2and additional reference toFIG.3, the various frame members may be connected in any appropriate manner. In various embodiments for example, a taper or friction fit connection120may be used. As illustrated, the friction connection120may include a first friction or taper portion124that may interferingly engage an internal or friction engagement portion126. The two members may be moved together, such as the first portion124in the direction or arrow128, to engage the internal engagement portion126. A dimension, such as a cross-dimension130, may be sized to be substantially the same or sized to frictionally engage the internal connection126that has a dimension132. In various embodiments, an external wall134of the connection portion124may have an angle136relative to a central axis138. The angle136may form a taper fit or taper connection to the internal connection126of the second portion. Thus, the two frame members, such as the first longitudinal frame member44and the first vertical member72may be connected by a user.

With continuing reference toFIG.3, an additional and/or alternative connection may include snap or clip connection that may include a ball member150. The ball150may be biased toward an outer edge152of a first connection portion154. The ball150may be moved inward, generally in the direction of arrow156, when the first portion154is moved in the direction of arrow158toward a second connection portion160. The ball150may be moved in the direction of156upon engagement with an internal wall164of the second connection portion160. The ball150may engage or be biased into a locking or receiving hole166when the first connection portion154is moved a selected distance into the second connection region160. Thus, the first connection portion154may be connected to the second connection portion160and may be held in place with the detent or biasing ball or portion150. It is understood that any appropriate biasing portion may be used such as a spring or biasing material, such as rubber. Further, the bias or locking member150may be a ball, pin, or any other appropriate connection.

With continuing reference toFIG.3, an additional or alternative connection mechanism171may include a bolt180and a nut182. The bolt180may include a shank184that is threaded to receive threads or interior threads of the nut182. The bolt180may engage a first connection portion186and the shank engage a second connection portion188and the nut182engage the first connection portion186. It is understood that the nut and/or bolt may include a thumb or hand tightening feature, such as a wing nut or the like.

With continuing reference toFIG.3, a further connection mechanism171′ may be an additional or alternative connection mechanism to those discussed above. The connection mechanism171′ may be similar to the connection mechanism171discussed above. For example, the connection mechanism171′ may include a bolt180′ and a nut182′. The bolt180′ may include a shank184′ that extends between a first plate or connection member186′ and a second connection member188′. In particular, the first connection member186′ may include a first portion186a′ and a second portion186b′. The second portion186b′ may be formed at an angle relative to the first portion186a′. Similarly the second portion188′ may include a first portion188a′ and a second portion188b′. The second portion188b′ may be formed at an angle relative to the first portion188a′. Accordingly the two second portions186b′ and188b′ may be positioned substantially parallel with one another to allow for connection by the bolt180. Similarly this may allow for the respective first portions186a′ and188a′ to include substantially flat surfaces to connect respective frame members such as the frame members68and76. It is understood that any appropriate frame members may be connected and the two frame members68,76are merely exemplary. Further the connection portions186′,188′ may be formed in any appropriate configuration to allow for secured fixation to the respective frame members68,76and to provide a connection portion or region, such as by the alignment or parallel adjacent placement of the respective second portions186b′ and188b′.

Accordingly, the various members, such as the first longitudinal member44and the first vertical member72may be interconnected in one or a plurality of ways. The connection may include bias or mechanical connections of the various members to form the frame assembly20. The user may assemble the frame assembly20for use and/or connection to the vehicle24.

Turning reference toFIG.4andFIG.5, a configurable cover (also referred to as a topper or compartment assembly)200is illustrated. The topper assembly200may exemplary include the frame assembly20that is covered entirely or partially with one or more panels. In various embodiments, the frame20may define one or more voids that may be covered with selected panels. In various embodiments, however, or additionally, the panels may form a frame or support without the separate frame20.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.4, a top panel204may be connected to the top rails60,64,68, and70. One or more side panels, such as a first side panel208and a second side panel212may be connected to the frame assembly20. Further, a forward panel216and a rearward panel218may also be connected to the frame assembly20. The panels204-218may be separately connected to the frame assembly20. With continuing reference toFIG.4and additional reference toFIG.5, the panels204-218may be separate members that may be selectively connected to the frame20. Further, less than all of the panels may be connected to the frame as selected by a user.

Each of the panels may have selected features, such as a solid exterior portion, such as a solid frame220of the first panel208that may surround a window or clear portion224. Each of the panel members may include a similar construction or selectively not include a window or clear portion, such as the top panel204. Accordingly, the topper assembly200may include features similar to a truck bed topper.

Each of the panel members may be separately attachable to the frame assembly20through appropriate mechanism or system such as thumb screws, a snap fit, or the like. For example, each of the panel members may include a partial C-channel, such as a C-channel228that may engage one or more of the frame members, such as the top member60, of the frame assembly20. The connection or snap fit may allow for selectively connecting one or more of the panel members, such as the first panel member208to the frame assembly20. It is understood that other appropriate connection mechanisms may also be provided such as thumb screws, rivets, and the like. Regardless, the panel members may be selectively attached to the frame assembly20to form the topper assembly200.

The panel members, such as the panel member208, may be formed of any appropriate materials. For example, a frame portion220may be formed of a fiberglass, molded polymer, or other appropriate material. A clear panel224may be formed of a clear or transparent polymer member, glass, or other appropriate material. Thus, the panel members, such as the first panel member208, may provide an appropriate structure to the topper assembly200. For example, the panel members may form a weather tight (e.g. water tight) covering to the storage area of the vehicle24.

The cover assembly200may also be provided in a selected arrangement or configuration by the user. For example, the top panel204may be connected with the frame assembly20or not connected with the frame assembly. Accordingly, the cover assembly200may be assembled onto the vehicle24without the top panel204. Thus, the sides may be enclosed with the side panels208,212,216, and218without the top panel204. Additionally, any of the side panels may be not included to form the cover assembly200. Thus, the cover assembly200may be provided as a modular unit, as discussed above with the frame assembly20for assembly by the user as selected.

With continuing reference toFIG.4, in various embodiments the panel members, such as the panel208, are not directly connected to the frame20. Further in various embodiments the frame20is not necessary as the panel members, such as the panel208, panel204, may include or form portions that form a frame or the port structure. Thus the panel members, such as the panels208,204need not be connected to a separate frame, such as the frame20, but may form a support structure. Thus the topper200may be directly connected to a vehicle, such as the vehicle24, as discussed above. Thus the topper200may not include the separate frame20and the various panels may be modularly connected together in various embodiments.

Further, selected panels may be movable relative to one another. For example, as illustrated inFIG.4, the panel208may be hinged relative to the other panels such that it is able to move from a closed or enclosed configuration (as illustrated in solid lines) to an open configuration (as illustrated in dash lines). The panel member208may be hingedly connected or include hinge or movable portions to move relative to the frame20and/or relative to the panel members adjacent or near the panel member208. Thus the panel member208may move to allow access to an interior or storage area of the vehicle24without removing the topper200from the vehicle24. The panel member208is merely exemplary if any appropriate member of the panels that move relative to the topper or vehicle24, including those as discussed further herein. Thus the configurable topper assembly200may be provided or configurable by a user to allow access to various portions, such as allowing various panel members to move relative to one another to allow ease of access and opening of a storage area.

Turning reference toFIGS.6and7, a configurable top or cover assembly250is illustrated. The top assembly250may include components similar to the top assembly200, as discussed above, including the frame assembly20and side panels208,212,216, and218. The top assembly250, however, may include a top panel260formed on a plurality of components or members. The top panel260may be formed of any appropriate number of panels including five panels262,264,266,268, and270. Each of the panels262-270may include a selected dimension such as a width to span between the two top members60,64. Further, the individual panels262-270forming the top panel260may have a combined dimension to cover or extend the full length of the top members60,64. Thus, the top panel260may cover the top assembly250when fully assembled and connected as illustrated inFIG.6. Thus, the topper250may enclose the storage area of the vehicle24.

Each of the individual members of the top panel260may interconnect with the frame assembly20in any appropriate manner. For example, the individual top members262-270may include a selected snap or interference spit, such as a C-channel connection or portion276,278. The respective C-channels276,278may snap to the top members60,64to hold the individual panel members262-270to the frame assembly20. When assembled the individual top panel members262-270may form the top member260as illustrated inFIG.6. It is understood that other additional or alternative connections may be used to connect the individual panel members262-270to the frame assembly20.

Each of the panel members262-270may be formed to include an identical shape and size. Thus, a single tool may be used to form each of the panels. Further, each of the panels may be formed to nest with another panel for ease and compactness or storage and/or shipping.

The user may selectively connect any appropriate number of the panels262-270to the frame assembly20to form the top member260. For example, in various embodiments, the user may connect two of the panels262,264to the frame assembly20to allow for a partial cover of the cargo area26of the vehicle24. Various storage configurations, therefore, may be provided by selectively connecting selected numbers of the panels262-270to the frame assembly20without forming or providing the full cover of the frame assembly20. Thus, the user may have an open area or an uncovered area of the cargo area for transporting selected components or members and/or providing for access to the storage area26. In various embodiments, for example, a user may not include the panels266-270to allow for transport of a tall components, such as a refrigerator R (illustrated inFIG.6). By not assembling the panels266-270to the frame assembly20the user may allow for an opening to accommodate a tall component, such as a refrigerator R, in the cargo area26of the vehicle24. The panels266,270, however, may be stored in the cargo area until assembly at a later time. The individual panel members may be selectively connected to the frame assembly20.

The individual panel members262-270, or any of the modular panel members, may also include additional utility. For example, one or more of the panels may be used as a recovery track or mat, ramp, etc. In various embodiments, the user may remove one or more of the panels, such as the panel262, for use as a recovery or traction may with the vehicle24. Thus, the panels of the configurable top assembly, such as the top assembly250, may have more than one utility and may be efficiently removed from the frame assembly20for an additional or alternative use.

Additionally, the side panels may be selectively connected to the frame assembly20, as discussed above. Accordingly, the user may selectively connect only the side panels208and212and not the fore and aft or fore and end panels216,218along with any selected number of the top panels262-270. Thus, the cover assembly250may be selectively provided to cover all or only a portion of the cargo area26.

With continuing reference toFIGS.1-5, and additional reference toFIGS.8A and8B, a configurable top assembly300is illustrated. The configurable top assembly300may include various portions similar to those discussed above, for example in relation to the configurable top assembly250discussed inFIG.6, including the one or more side panels208,212,216, and218. As discussed above, the various side panels may include side, fore, and aft panel members may be removaby attached or connected to the modular frame20. The modular frame20may be connected to the vehicle24, as discussed above, and may include various or a selected number of modular members that may be interconnected to form the modular frame assembly20. Accordingly, the modular frame assembly20may be connected to the vehicle24, as discussed above, and the selected side panels may be selectively or appropriately connected to the frame assembly20and/or the vehicle24.

The configurable top assembly300, however, may further include a top panel320that may include one or more members, such as a first top panel member324and a second top panel member328. The two top panel members324,328may be selectively connected to the modular frame assembly20in an appropriate manner. For example, the two top panel members324,328may be hingedly connected to either the modular frame20and/or one of the side panels, such as to respective two longitudinal side panels208,212. Accordingly, the top cover320may be arranged in two or more configurations relative to the frame assembly20.

If the top cover320is hingedly connected to the frame assembly20and/or the side panels208,212, the top assembly320may be mounted or configured into a closed or enclosed configuration as illustrated inFIG.8A. The two panels may be interconnected both at an exterior or lateral edge, such as a first lateral edge330of the first panel member324and a second lateral edge334of the second panel member328. A central or interior edge, such as a first central edge338and a second central edge342, may be near each other and/or sealed relative to one another to sealingly enclose an interior cargo area of the vehicle24.

Further, a lock or a latch, such as a locking or connection assembly350may be provided. As illustrated inFIG.8A′, the connection assembly350may be formed or provided with a locking or connection member354that interconnects, such as selectively removably, a first flange356of the first panel member324and a second flange358of the second panel member328. Thus, a user may close and selectively lock or secure the top320including the two panels324,328relative to each other to enclose the container top300.

In various embodiments, however, the user may select to open or move the top panel members324,328relative to the frame20and/or each other. As discussed above, the panel members324,328may be hingedly connected to the side panels208,212and/or the modular frame20. The user may disengage the locking or connection mechanism350and open or move the panel members324,328into a more vertical position such that they are more planar or substantially planar with the side panels208,212.

In various embodiments a hinge assembly370may be provided to interconnect the panels324,328relative to other portions of the modular frame assembly. For example, a first hinge plate372may be connected to an interior underside374of the first panel324and a second hinge plate378may be connected to the side panel212and/or the frame20. A hinge pin382may selectively interconnect to be hinge plates372,378to hingedly connect to the panel324relative to the frame20and/or the second panel328. It is understood that the second panel328may also be hingedly connected in a similar manner to the top assembly300.

Accordingly the top assembly300may be provided in a substantially enclosed configuration, as illustrated inFIG.8A, or in a more open or top open configuration as illustrated inFIG.8B. Thus, the top void20amay be closed or covered, partially closed or covered, or open with the top panel members324,328being hingedly moved relative to the frame20. The lock assembly350may assist in holding the two panel members324,328relative to one another to enclose the top assembly300. The hinge assembly370may be used to allow for a hinged or movable configuration of the panel members324,328relative to the frame20to provide a more open configuration. Regardless, the two panels324,328may be connected to the top assembly300, while being movable relative thereto. Further, various straps or supports, such as a safety or support strap386may also secure or hold the panel324and/or the panel328(e.g. with a second strap as selected) to assist in securing the panels324,328to the top assembly300particularly in an open configuration.

With continuing reference toFIGS.1-5, and additional reference toFIGS.9A and9B, a top assembly or configurable top assembly400is illustrated. The configurable top assembly400may include portions similar to those discussed above, such as the modular frame20and/or one or more of the connectable or removable side panels208,212,216, and/or218.

The configurable top assembly400may include a top panel410. The top panel410may expand across the opening or void20aformed by the four side panels208-218and/or the frame20. The opening20amay be covered with the top panel by folding the top panel410wherein the top panel410is a sheet. For example, the top panel410may be formed of a selected material such as a substantially waterproof material that is flexible (e.g. Black Diamond—550-5785 fabric sold by Ultrafabrics, Inc. having a place of business at Tarrytown, N.Y.), a woven material (e.g. or other appropriate weather and abrasion resistant material), a single sheet, and/or combinations thereof. The foldable or flexible panel410may have an extended or unfolded configuration as illustrated inFIG.9A, that covers the opening20a. The top panel410, therefore, may enclose or complete the enclosure of the top400.

In various embodiments, edges of the top panel410may include clips or locking portions, such as a C-clip420that engages the frame members of the frame20such as the side frame member60. It is understood that the clamp or connection mechanism420may be maneuverable by a user to engage and disengage the clamp from a selected position, such as around the frame member60and/or the side panel208.

When engaged, the clamp or connection mechanism420may fix or hold the top panel410relative to the frame assembly20and/or the portions of the top assembly400. The clamp or connection420may be disengaged to allow the top410to be folded, as illustrated inFIG.9Bby folded top panel410f. The top panel410may be folded in a selected configuration, such as substantially in quarters such that the opening20amay be opened a selected amount, such as about three quarters, relative to being fully enclosed or covered by the top panel410.

External clamps or locking portions, such as a fixation strap may engage a portion of the top panel410fto assist or maintain the top410in the folded configuration410f. A retention strap430may extend from the top panel410fto engage one or more of the side panels and/or the frame20. For example, the strap430may extend from a first grommet or connection434to a second connection or grommet436. It is understood that any appropriate number of the retention straps430may be provided to assist in holding the top panel410relative to the frame20, or other appropriate portion of the configurable top400, to maintain the opening414in an open configuration as illustrated inFIG.9B.

Accordingly, the top panel410may be selectively positioned between a closed configuration, as illustrated inFIG.9A, and an open configuration, as illustrated inFIG.9B. A user may selectively move the top panel410from the closed configuration to the open configuration and back as selected by the user. Thus, the user may selectively open or close the top assembly400for various purposes, such as enclosing the cover area of the vehicle24and/or allowing transport of an item taller than the height of the frame assembly20and/or the side panel in the cargo area.

With continuing reference toFIGS.1-5and additional reference toFIG.10a convertible or configurable top assembly470is illustrated. The configurable top assembly470may include various portions similar to those discussed above including a modular frame20and the one or more selectable side panels208,212,216, and/or218. The frame assembly20and/or one or more of the side panels208-218may be assembled and positioned on the vehicle24, as discussed above. The side panels or frame assembly may include or form the opening20aat a top or upper edge, such as a top edge478of the side panels. The opening20amay be covered by a flexible material or a fabric480. The fabric480may be similar to the fabric of the top410or made of any appropriate material. For example, the flexible material480may be a marine fabric, woven material, solid or non-porous polymer sheet, or any appropriate material. Nevertheless, the flexible material480may be flexible or movable relative to the frame assembly20such as allowing a top panel484to move generally in the direction of the double headed arrow488relative to the frame assembly20.

The top panel484may be formed of a flexible material or may be a ridged member. Moreover, the top panel484may be formed of one or more panel members, such as a first panel member488and a second panel member492. The two panel members488,492of the top member484may be hingedly openable relative to the flexible member480, similar to the top member320discussed above. Accordingly, various hinges and/or locking or connection portions may be provided between the top panel484and the flexible member480. Thus, the entire convertible top assembly470may be open even when the flexible member480is in an extended position, as illustrated inFIG.10.

The flexible member480may move in the direction of the double headed arrow480with any appropriate structure or frame assembly, such as with a scissor mechanism500. The scissor mechanism500may include a first scissor member504and a second scissor member508that pivot about a pivot point512. The scissor mechanism500, therefore, may assist in expanding the flexible member480into the open configuration, as illustrated inFIG.10, and also supporting the flexible member480in the extended position and the top member484above the frame assembly20. Thus, the scissor mechanism500may assist in providing a selected structure and rigidity to the flexible member480during movement and/or in the expanded or upper position, as illustrated inFIG.10.

It is understood that an additional frame member may also be provided in the flexible member480such as a cross-bar520. The scissor mechanism500may slide on the cross-bar520when moving to move the flexible member480. Further, a longitudinal bar or frame member524may extend a length of or a portion of the length of the flexible member480, such as similar in dimension to the elongated member60of the frame assembly20.

Regardless, the height88of the frame assembly20, as discussed above, may extend a selected distance. The flexible member480may be moved relative to the frame assembly20to extend a distance of the top or configurable cover assembly470an additional distance530. The distance530may be any appropriate distance and may be selected based upon various selected activities and may be selected by a user, such as selecting a flexible member480of an appropriate dimensions. The scissor or support mechanism500and the respective frame members, if selected, may be provided in any appropriate dimension to support the flexible member480as well. In various embodiments, the flexible member480may be collapsed and not extend the distance530above the frame assembly20for various purposes, such as during transport or movement of the vehicle24. At a selected location the flexible member480may be expanded into the expanded position, as illustrated inFIG.10, for various purposes. For example, the flexible member480may provide a greater height between the top member484and an interior of the vehicle24for various purposes such as standing and movement by a user therein.

Turning reference toFIG.11a topper assembly600is illustrated. The topper assembly600may include various portions such as the frame20and various panel members such as the panel member208and/or the panel member218. As discussed above, the frame assembly20is exemplary and need not be included with the topper600. The various panel members, such as the panel208and the panel218may form or integrate a support assembly that does not require the frame assembly20. Nevertheless, the frame assembly20may be included to provide a support and frame for the topper assembly600.

In various embodiments, the topper assembly600may include portions, such as the panel member218, that may move relative to the other panel portions, such as the panels208and212. The panel218may move on a hinge or movable portion relative to the other panel members to allow for access to an interior portion of the vehicle24. For example, the panel member218may hingedly move to an open configuration, as illustrated inFIG.11, to allow access to an interior portion604within the topper600and relative to the vehicle24. The movement of the panel member218may allow for ease of access and removal of any obstruction to the interior of the vehicle24, as discussed above. The movement of the panel218may remove any upper or lower obstructions (e.g. frame members if present) through the topper600such that any item may be moved into the storage area of the vehicle24. As discussed above, as illustrated inFIG.6, a large container or item such as the refrigerator R may be stored or moved into the storage area600and transported with the vehicle24.

Movement of the panel218may allow access to the cargo area for the refrigerator or large item R. The panel218may be hingedly moved relative to the topper600such that the panel218may be moved to a closed configuration after the large item R is positioned in the storage area. In various embodiments, the panel218may be removed as well and stowed in the storage area604. Thus, the topper600may be used to allow for transport of large items which may be taller than the height of the panels, such as the panel208, relative to the vehicle24without removal or disassembly of the topper600.

The topper600, or any of the toppers as discussed above, may be configured for use in various configuration for ease of access to a storage area and use of the topper assembly600for various purposes. With the topper600, the vehicle24may be used to transport selected items of different sizes that may not fit in any storage area of the vehicle24with the topper600fully enclosed. In various embodiments, as discussed above, the topper600may be augmented to allow for access, storage, and/or movement of items larger than the storage volume defined by the topper600and the vehicle24.

Accordingly, a convertible or configurable top assembly or cargo containment assembly may be provided relative to a vehicle24. The convertible or configurable top assembly may be selectively configured by a user for various purposes such as a shelter, storage capacity or configuration, or other appropriate reasons. Nevertheless, the convertible and/or modular cover assembly may allow a user greater or selected enclosures relative to the vehicle24during movement and/or selected use of the vehicle24.