Truck bed enclosure

A positionable truck bed enclosure may be mounted on the gunwales of a pickup truck. The enclosure may comprise side panels mountable on the gunwales and a top hinged along one edge and mounted between the side panels. The top may be hinged intermediate its ends to form first and second sections, and control arms connected to the second section may be used to control the position of the lower edge of the second section as the top is raised and lowered.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present specification relates to reconfigurable enclosures for mounting in the bed of a pickup truck, other truck type or the like.

BACKGROUND

One advantage of open trucks such as pickup trucks is that the bed is readily accessible for loading and unloading of loads, cargo, pets and the like. Cargos may include, without limitation tools, instruments, materials, purchases and the like that may be valuable or that others may desire to remove from the truck bed. Protection against such removal is offered by bed covers, that may be referred to as tonneau covers, or by canopies. These solutions, however, may limit or restrict the use of the truck in one manner or other. For example, if a fifth wheel mount is installed in the bed of the truck, a canopy or tonneau cover will have to be removed or raised in order to mount a fifth wheel trailer on the fifth wheel mount. Cargo that extends above the level of the bed, such as, for example, an appliance such as a refrigerator, or other such bulky load, may likewise not be readily loadable without removal of the bed cover or canopy.

Cargo boxes mountable in the truck bed may be used to secure articles against removal from the truck bed. These may be mounted on the gunwales of the truck bed behind the cab of the truck. Tools, instruments, purchases and other items may be secured in the box, but space may be limited, and removal of the box for handling outsized cargo may require removal and storage of the box. Kennels or cages may be mounted in the truck bed or mounted to the gunwales of the truck bed for transportation of animals, and may likewise limit the use of the truck bed.

Transportation of animals raises another set of issues. For example, many dogs and other animals enjoy riding in the bed of a pickup. However, this may not be safe unless they are in some manner secured because the animal may be thrown from, or fall from, the bed if the truck maneuvers sharply, traverses sufficiently sharp terrain irregularities, suffers an impact or otherwise. Furthermore, if the animal is left in the bed when the vehicle is parked, the animal may present a danger to passersby, may exit the truck bed and wander off, or, particularly in the case of prize animals, such as show dogs, hunting dogs and working dogs, may be stolen from the bed of the truck. Finally, the bed of the truck does not offer protection to the animal from sun, rain and snow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a truck bed enclosure10of the type shown inFIG. 1may provide a secure enclosure for carrying animals, tools, instruments, packages and other articles in the bed11of a truck. According to this embodiment, and referring particularly toFIGS. 1 and 4, side panels12may be mounted to the gunwales13of the bed11of the truck by gunwale mounts14that are themselves mounted in apertures in the gunwales13of the truck bed11.

The gunwale mounts14may be secured in the apertures in the gunwales by pins or locks extending transversely therethrough at a level beneath the gunwales. The gunwale mounts14include a flange15that prevents them from sliding down through and out of the apertures in the gunwales13. An annulus16or other aperture may be formed in the gunwale mount14above the flange15for mounting the truck bed enclosure10. In the present embodiment, the annulus16forms a circular aperture, but it will be appreciated that the aperture could be of other shapes as desired, or the enclosure10could be fastened, for example, by bolts to the gunwale mounts14.

The side panels12are supported relative to the gunwales13of the truck bed11by horizontal mounting tubes17that are oriented transversely to the gunwales13and may be removably extended through the annuli16of the gunwale mounts14. While metal tubing is used for the mounting tubes17in the present embodiment, the mounting tubes may be solid or tubular, and may be of round, square, rectangular, triangular or other cross section that may conform to or be sized to fit through the annulus16. The mounting tubes17may be retained in the annuli by clevis pins, cotter pins, hitch pins, bolts or other removable means extended transversely through the mounting tubes17outboard of the annuli16, or the mounting tubes may be threaded and held in place by nuts. The mounting tubes17might even be formed integrally with or bolted to the gunwale mounts14, or some other means such as bolts and nuts might be found to fasten the mounting tubes17to the truck bed, if desired.

The side panels comprise base rails18that in the present embodiment may be connected as by welding, bonding, forming, fasteners or the like to the mounting tubes17. When the side panels12are mounted on the gunwale mounts14, the base rails18of the side panels12are raised above and extend parallel to the gunwales14of the truck bed11.

The side panels12of the present embodiment have an enclosure section formed of members, including a vertical rail20, an inclined rail21and various tubular bars22. The vertical tube20is connected to the base rail18at one end and is connected to the end of the inclined tube21at its other end. The other end of the inclined tube21may be attached to the base rail18intermediate its ends. The bars22may be mounted and configured such that they fill the area bounded by the vertical rail20, inclined rail21and base rail18(the side panel enclosure area23) sufficiently to prevent the passage or removal of an animal or article therethrough. In other embodiments, wire mesh, expanded metal, panels of various materials such as fiberglass, plywood, polymer material and/or thermoplastic material might be used to provide sufficient enclosure to prevent the animals or articles from passing through the side panel enclosure area23. While the rails of the present embodiment may be made of round tubular steel, and may be welded, bolted, brazed, bonded or otherwise fastened together, the side panel may be made of any suitable material of sufficient strength and rigidity by any of a variety of methods.

In the present embodiment, a stabilizer panel25is removably mountable between the vertical rails20of the side panels to connect and support them relative to one another. In the present embodiment, the panel comprises a rectangular frame28with its open area filled with a wire mesh29. The frame28may be made of rectangular metal tube welded together or may be of other construction, and the frame28may be alternately filled with metal tubing or other materials as desired. As the positioning of the stabilizer panel may be proximate to the rear window of the cab of a truck, and as many pickup trucks and the like have a rear window that includes a section that may be opened by sliding it laterally, the present embodiment employs wire mesh that can prevent the passage of animals or articles through the panel25even if such a truck cab rear window is opened. The wire mesh29or the like filling the frame28may also restrain articles in the truck bed from shifting so as to impact the rear window of the truck cab while allowing the driver to see out of the rear window using the rear view mirror.

In another embodiment, a securable door (not shown) may be provided in the stabilizer panel that, when opened, and when an openable section of the rear window of the cab of a truck is opened, may allow an animal or article to pass between the truck bed enclosure and the cab of the truck.

The stabilizer frame may be provided with fastening means for securing it between the vertical tubes20of the side panels12. In the present embodiment, vertical, downwardly-extending pins31are mounted at the corners of the frames, and tubular members32are fastened to the tubular vertical rails20of the side panels12in positions to receive these pins31when the stabilizing panel25is mounted in place between the side panels12. Of course, other fastening means known in the art could be used to fasten the stabilizing panel25in place between the side panels. Bolts and other fasteners, locks, latches and other such means could be employed.

Referring toFIGS. 4-7, the top40of the enclosure10of the present embodiment may be formed of upper and lower panels41,42that are hinged together along a horizontal hinge line43. Although the upper panel might be formed merely of a frame with expanded metal, wire mesh or the like interior to the frame, in the present embodiment the upper and lower panels41,42of the top40includes a solid cover44that may be made of wood, metal, plastic or thermoplastic material, composites such as fiberglass, and the like. In use, when the enclosure10is in its lowered position (as shown inFIG. 1, for example) the solid cover44provides a degree of shelter to animals or articles within the enclosure10from sun, rain, snow and so forth. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, a louvered section45may be provided in the top cover as discussed in greater detail below.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 5A and 6, in the present embodiment, the top cover44may be mounted to a frame47comprising a plurality of rigid transverse members48extending between two longitudinal side rails49. As with the side panels, in the present embodiment, the transverse members48and longitudinal side rails49may be formed of metal tubing having rectangular, round or other cross-sectional form. Rails of “T.” “I” or “U” shaped cross section might likewise be employed. Where the top cover is made of a material that is of sufficient strength and stiffness, the frame47may not be required. The top cover44might also be ribbed to increase its stiffness.

In the present embodiment, the upper panel41is pivotably connected between the side panels12with a hinge line extending parallel to a line extending from the apex of one side panel where the inclined and vertical rails intersect to the apex of the other side rail. To this end, in the present embodiment, hinges50may be mounted to the frame47at the upper corners of the upper panel41such that the hinge line is parallel to the upper, transverse edge of the frame47. Mounting pins51may be supported by the hinges outboard of the frame47such that they may be swung through an arc in a plane perpendicular to the upper edge of the frame47. In the present embodiment, the mounting pins51may be of a size, cross section and length and be positioned relative to the frame46such that, where the vertical rails20of the side panels12are of tubular material, the mounting pins may be slid into the vertical rails20so that the upper panel41is hingedly mounted between the side panels12adjacent the apexes of the side panels. Holes through the mounting pins51and vertical rails20may be formed such that the mounting pins51may be held in place by clevises, bolts, hitch pins, cotter pins, padlocks, or other fasteners or fastening means.

As previously discussed, and with reference toFIGS. 1-8, the lower panel42of the top40of the enclosure may be hinged along a transverse axis43to the upper panel41. The lower panel of the present embodiment may be formed in like manner to the frame46of the upper panel41of vertical and horizontal tubular members55,56that are connected together, as by welding, bonding, fasteners, forming, swaging, or other means. Similarly, in other embodiments, the panel could be formed of plastics, thermoplastics, composites or other materials. In any case, apertures in the panel should be limited to sizes that will retain animals or articles to be stored from passing therethrough, as with the enclosure portions of the side panels12.

A door57may be provided in the lower panel42of the top40of the enclosure12. A slide bolt58may be used to secure the door57in a closed position. The slide59of the slide bolt58may be positioned on the door57and configured such that, when the enclosure10is in its lowered position, as shown particularly inFIGS. 1 and 7B, the slide59may be extended beneath the truck bed gunwale14to prevent raising of the top40of the enclosure10relative to the truck bed11. In this position of the slide59, the door is secured in a closed position. The slide may also be positioned to secure the door in its closed position without the slide59extending under the gunwale14, and to allow the door to be opened. The position of the slide59may be secured with clevises, hitch pins, cotter pins, bolts, locks or other means as desired. Legs61may be provided on the lower panel42to support the lower edge60of the panel42a short distance above the truck bed10. Rubber feet62may be provided at the lower end of the legs.

Referring toFIGS. 1-8, and in particular toFIG. 8, the position of the lower edge60of the lower panel42is controlled by control arms65that, in the present embodiment, are connected between a position adjacent the lower edge60of the lower panel42at one end and the mounting tubes17at the other end. The end of the control arm65that is connected to the mounting tube17of the present embodiment is pivotably mounted thereto such that the control arm65can swing in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the mounting tube17and parallel to the base rail18of the adjacent side panel12. The other end of the control arm65is pivotably mounted adjacent the lower edge60of the lower panel42. The control arms65may be retained on the mounting tubes17and on the tubes adjacent the lower edge60of the lower panel42in the present embodiment by pins, bolts, locks or other means.

Referring toFIGS. 4 to 5B, the lower panel42includes slide catches70that may be slid into and out of a lower horizontal tubular member56of the lower panel. The tubular portion (not shown) of the slide catch70is of a size and dimension that it slides easily into and out of the tubular member56in which it is positioned. A plurality of holes extending through the associated tubular member56at appropriate positions and a corresponding transverse hole through the tubular portion of the slide catch70may be provided. Pins, locks, bolts or other fasteners may be extended through selected ones of the holes through the tubular member56and the hole or holes in the tubular portion of the slide catch70through the tubular portion of the slide catch70to maintain the slide catch in extended and retracted positions as desired.

The slide catch70may include a head71that may comprise an arm portion72and a tab73that is mounted at the distal end of the arm72at right angles to the arm71. When the slide catches70are in a retracted position, as shown inFIGS. 4,5A and7A, the heads71of the slide catches70may pass inboard of the side panels12to allow the top40of the enclosure10to be folded down adjacent the cab of the truck in the stowed position shown inFIG. 7A. In such case, the lower panel42of the top40of the enclosure10may be folded up behind the upper panel41, the slide catch70may be extended and the head of the slide catch may be rotated such that, when the slide catch70is moved to its retracted position, the tab73of the slide catch engages the upper surface of the upper panel41to retain the lower panel41in its folded position relative to the upper panel42as shown inFIG. 6. Pins or other fasteners may be used to secure the slide catch70in this position. This position may be useful when the top40is positioned in its stowed position as shown inFIG. 7A, or when the top40is being transported or stored. Positioning the top40of the enclosure10may be accomplished by disconnecting the control arms65from either or both of the mounting tubes17and the tube at the lower edge60of the lower panel42of the top40of the enclosure10.

The slide catches70may also be used to secure the lower panel41to the side panels12of the enclosure when the top40of the enclosure is in its intermediate position as shown inFIG. 7C. This may be accomplished by raising the top40so that the control arms65cause the lower edge60of the lower panel42to be positioned above the upper surface of the side panels12. With the slide catches70in an extended position, the top40may then be lowered until the tubular portions of the slide catches70rest on the side panels12, or, more particularly in accordance with the present embodiment, on the inclined rails21of the side panels12. The heads71of the slide catches70may then be oriented such that, when the slide catches70are slid inwardly relative to the lower panel42, the tabs73on the distal ends of the arms72extend beneath the inclined rails21of the side panels12, as shown inFIG. 7C. The slide catch70may then be secured in place by pins or other fasteners.

The enclosure10of the present embodiment may be positioned in a variety of positions. These include the stowed position ofFIGS. 3 and 7A(see alsoFIGS. 5A,5B and6), the lowered position ofFIGS. 1 and 7B(see alsoFIGS. 4 and 8), the intermediate opened position ofFIG. 7Cand the fully raised or opened position ofFIGS. 2 and 7E. In the stowed position, the top40is stowed adjacent the cab, and the bed11of the truck is left generally free for filling with tall or long articles, for attachment of a trailer to a fifth wheel mount and otherwise for use much as if the enclosure10were not mounted on the truck. While a user may install the enclosure10on the truck with the top40in any of its positions, it may be convenient to install it in the stowed position as described below. If the cover44of the upper panel41of the top40has louvers46, as shown inFIG. 3, these may be opened to allow viewing behind the truck from the cab.

The lowered position of the top40provides an enclosure that may contain articles and/or animals. The enclosure may be locked in this position by extending the slide catch70beneath the gunwale14proximate to the door57. In the lowered position, the control arms65maintain the vertical orientation of the lower panel42of the top40of the enclosure. In this position, in the present embodiment, the solid from which animals and articles cannot be removed. In this position, the upper panel is held at an incline that may, as illustrated with respect to the present embodiment, correspond to the angle of inclination of the inclined rails21of the side panels12, and the sides of the upper panel41may thus be in close proximity to the upper edge of the side panels12. The solid or louvered cover44of the upper panel41(if the louvers are closed) thus provides protection for the contents of the enclosure from rain, snow sunlight and the like. The door57may be opened and closed to allow the passage of animals and/or articles into and out of the enclosure10.

The top40of the enclosure10may be moved from the lowered position to the intermediate position by withdrawing the slide bolt58from beneath the gunwale14of the truck bed and raising the top40until the slide catches70may be extended to rest on the side panels12as described above. In this position, the full bed of the truck may be used for hauling, for example, of long articles such as dimensional lumber. This position, and the fully opened position of the enclosure10of the present embodiment may also be convenient for loading into or unloading from the enclosure area of animals or articles secured beneath the enclosure10when the top40is in the lowered position. In this position, the upper panel41may be relatively horizontal providing clear vision for the driver under the upper panel41.

The top40may be moved to the fully raised position by raising the upper panel40to the transitional position shown inFIG. 7Dand then pulling the lower edge of the lower panel42forward until its lower horizontal tubular member56rests against the control arms65. The weight of the upper and lower panels biases the lower edge of the lower panel42into contact with the control arms65. In this position, the upper panel41of the top40may be inclined upwardly and rearwardly from a position adjacent the roof line of the cab of the truck, and may deflect air upward and over a trailer. This position may be useful for attaching and hauling fifth wheel trailers and the like, as well as for carrying of taller articles in the bed of the truck.

The enclosure of the present embodiment may be easily stored by an individual both because the individual components of the enclosure10may be made for handling by a single person and because the entire enclosure may be stored and shipped in a relatively flat configuration. Additionally, the enclosure10may be quickly erected in the bed of a truck. In order to install the enclosure of the present embodiment, the mounting tubes17of the side panels may be inserted through the annuli of the gunwale mounts14and fastened in place. If a stabilizer panel25is to be used, it may then be mounted between the side panels, if desired, by inserting the pins27into the tubes26and, if desired, pinning or fastening them in place. The top40of the enclosure10may then be placed proximate to the cab of the truck, and may be lifted so that the pins51may be inserted into the side panels12and secured in place therein as desired. The top40may then be positioned generally in the lowered position for pivotable attachment of the control arms to the mounting tubes between the lower panel42and the mounting tubes17. Removal of the enclosure10from the bed11of the truck may proceed in reverse order.

In the specification, securing of various members by means of clevises, hitch pins, cotter pins, bolts, padlocks and the like have been referred to. These are quickly releasable, convenient and inexpensive elements that may be conveniently used. Other embodiments may use other means in their place, such as ball detent fasteners, clamps, bolts controlled by locks, cable ties, electrical or electronically released locks or other fasteners known in the art, according to the desires of the user.

Many variations may also be made in the geometry and configuration of the enclosure10. For example, rather than the control arms attaching to the mounting tubes17adjacent the gunwale mounts14, a repositionable slide could be affixed to the base rail18of the side panel to allow adjustment for different bed sizes and different spacings of gunwale mounts. Similarly, the base rails18could be mounted directly to the gunwales13of the truck bed11by bolts or the like. For flat bed trucks, vertical panels could be attached to the side panels12of the present embodiment to support the base rails18above the level of the truck bed11. Solid panels might be considered where, in the present embodiment, frames are filled with cross members.

Thus, although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the spirit or scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.