Retractable roof vehicle system and method

The present disclosure relates to a retractable roof vehicle system. The system comprises an open sided vehicle having an occupant space for one or more occupants of the vehicle; a cover configured to at least partially shield the occupant space from ambient environmental conditions, the cover positioned over the occupant space of the vehicle, the cover configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position over the occupant space; and a frame coupled with the vehicle configured to support the cover over the occupant space, the frame comprising a first side rail and a second side rail positioned along opposing sides of the vehicle over the occupant space, the first and second side rails both forming cover guides configured to guide movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a retractable roof vehicle system that includes a cover configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position over an occupant space of an open sided vehicle.

2. Description of Related Art

Golf carts, Club Cars, and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) are known. Typically, these vehicles either include or don't include a roof structure. When these vehicles do include a roof structure, the roof structure is a hard, permanent structure that is attached to the vehicle in a single position over an occupant space of the vehicle. Such roof structures provide shelter from environmental conditions and are not retractable and/or otherwise movable from a position above the occupant space at all.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a retractable roof vehicle system. The system comprises an open sided vehicle, a cover, a frame, and/or other components. The open sided vehicle has an occupant space for one or more occupants of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the open sided vehicle is a golf cart, a Club Car, an all-terrain vehicle, and/or other vehicles. The cover is configured to at least partially shield the occupant space from ambient environmental conditions. The cover is positioned at least partially over the occupant space of the vehicle. The cover is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position over the occupant space. The frame is coupled with the vehicle and configured to support the cover over the occupant space. The frame comprises a first side rail and a second side rail positioned along opposing sides of the vehicle over the occupant space. The first and second side rails both form and/or are coupled with cover guides configured to guide movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position.

In some embodiments, the cover and the frame include corresponding magnetic components configured to removably secure the cover in the closed position. In some embodiments, the first and second side rails are configured such that the cover guides are tracks formed in and/or coupled with the first and second side rails. One or more portions of the cover may ride within the tracks to facilitate movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position.

In some embodiments, the cover comprises two or more individual sections that extend from the first side rail to the second side rail. The individual sections may move in an accordion like motion along the first and second side rails toward or away from an end of the vehicle to facilitate movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, the cover comprises one or more channels formed between the individual sections. The channels may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second side rails. The channels may be configured to facilitate moisture removal from the cover toward the first and second side rails when the cover is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the individual sections include arcuate shaped structural elements. The arcuate shaped structural elements are configured to give the individual sections an arcuate shape and facilitate formation of the channels between the individual sections such that the cover has a corrugated appearance. In some embodiments, the cover comprises a first material layer, a second material layer, and the individual arcuate shaped structural elements. A given arcuate shaped structural element is positioned between the first material layer and the second material layer and extends from the first side rail to the second side rail in an individual section of the cover.

A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for moving a retractable roof vehicle system between an open position and a closed position over an occupant space of an open sided vehicle. The retractable roof vehicle system comprises the open sided vehicle, a cover, a frame, and/or other components. The open sided vehicle may be a golf cart, an ATV, and/or other vehicles.

The method comprises positioning the cover over the occupant space of the vehicle, the occupant space being configured for one or more occupants of the vehicle, the cover configured to at least partially shield the occupant space from ambient environmental conditions, the cover configured to be moved between the open position and the closed position over the occupant space; coupling a frame with the vehicle, the frame configured to support the cover over the occupant space, the frame comprising a first side rail and a second side rail positioned along opposing sides of the vehicle over the occupant space, the first and second side rails both forming and/or being coupled with cover guides configured to guide movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position; and facilitating movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position over the occupant space.

In some embodiments, the method includes removably securing the cover in the closed position with corresponding magnetic components included in the cover and the frame. In some embodiments, the cover guides are tracks formed in and/or coupled with the first and second side rails and one or more portions of the cover ride within the tracks to facilitate movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position.

In some embodiments, the method comprises forming two or more individual sections in the cover that extend from the first side rail to the second side rail. The individual sections may move in an accordion like motion along the first and second side rails toward or away from an end of the vehicle to facilitate movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, one or more channels are formed in the cover between the individual sections. The channels are substantially perpendicular to the first and second side rails and configured to facilitate moisture removal from the cover toward the first and second side rails when the cover is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the individual sections include arcuate shaped structural elements. The arcuate shaped structural elements are configured to give the individual sections an arcuate shape and facilitate formation of the channels between the individual sections such that the cover has a corrugated appearance. In some embodiments, the cover comprises a first material layer, a second material layer, and the individual arcuate shaped structural elements. A given arcuate shaped structural element is positioned between the first material layer and the second material layer and extends from the first side rail to the second side rail in an individual section of the cover.

All closed-ended (e.g., between A and B) and open-ended (greater than C) ranges of values disclosed herein explicitly include all ranges that fall within or nest within such ranges. For example, a disclosed range of 1-10 is understood as also disclosing, among other ranged, 2-10, 1-9, 3-9, etc.

FIG. 1illustrates a retractable roof vehicle system10. System10comprises an open sided vehicle12, a frame14, a cover16, and/or other components. System10is configured to move between open, partially open/closed, and closed positions. System10is illustrated in a partially open position20inFIG. 1, for example. System10is configured to at least partially shield and/or otherwise protect occupants in an occupant space18of vehicle12from ambient environmental conditions when system10is in a closed (and/or partially closed) position, while also giving the vehicle occupants the ability to enjoy such environmental conditions when system10is in an open (and/or partially open) position. System10is configured to be easily and conveniently moved between positions so that vehicle occupants can adjust an amount they are exposed to, and/or protected from, the environment while they use vehicle12. For example, occupants of vehicle12may configure system10in an open position at the beginning of the day when the sun is out but the air is a comfortable temperature. Then, as the day gets warmer and/or rain develops, for example, the occupants may configure system10in a closed position to shade the vehicle occupants from the hot sun and or protect the occupants from rain.

Open sided vehicle12includes occupant space18, a storage space22, a drive mechanism24, and/or other components. In some embodiments, open sided vehicle12is a golf cart, a Club Car, an ATV, a go cart, a windowless vehicle (e.g., a vehicle that has no glass, plastic and/or other clear window), and/or other vehicles. Open sided vehicle12includes a first end26(e.g., a front end), a second end28(e.g., a back end), two sides30(e.g., a driver side) and32(e.g., a passenger side) running from first end26to second end28, and/or other portions. Storage space18may be configured to carry one or more objects transported by vehicle12and/or perform other functions. Storage space22is shown inFIG. 1located at or near second end28of vehicle12, but this is not intended to be limiting. Storage space22may include one or more storage spaces22located at any location in vehicle12. Drive mechanism24may be configured to power and/or cause vehicle12to move. Drive mechanism24may include an engine, a battery, wheels36, a steering wheel38, and/or other components. Drive mechanism24may be generally located at or near first end26of vehicle12but this is not intended to be limiting. Drive mechanism may be located, and/or have one or more components that are located, anywhere in vehicle12that allows vehicle12to function as described herein. Occupant space18is configured for one or more occupants of vehicle12. Occupant space may be configured for occupants who sit, stand, and/or have other postures in vehicle12. Occupant space18may be generally bounded by first end26, second end28, first side30, second side32, and frame14/cover16. In some embodiments, occupant space18includes seats40, handles42, a floor44, and/or other components. By way of a non-limiting example,FIG. 1illustrates four seats40arranged in two rows in occupant space18. Occupant space18is positioned between drive mechanism24toward first end26and storage space22toward second end28, and between first side30and second side32. It should be noted that the description of vehicle12as open sided is not intended to be limiting. Vehicle12may be any type of vehicle that allows system10to function as described herein.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2Cillustrate system10in an open position46. Frame14is visible inFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. Frame14is coupled with vehicle12and configured to support cover16over occupant space18. Frame14comprises a first side rail50and a second side rail52positioned along opposing sides30and32of vehicle12over occupant space18and/or other components (e.g., as described below). In some embodiments, first side rail50is coupled with vehicle12at or near a first corner54and/or a second corner56of vehicle12. Second side rail52is coupled with vehicle12at or near a third corner58and/or a fourth corner60of vehicle12. Side rails50and52may be coupled with corners54,56,58, and/or60with screws, nuts, bolts, clamps, clips, adhesive, welding components, and/or other coupling devices. In some embodiments, side rails50and52may have substantially square, rectangular, and/or other cross-sectional shapes. Side rails50and52may have a cross-sectional length62and/or and a cross sectional width64of up to about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, cross-sectional length62and/or cross sectional width64may be between about 0.5 and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, cross-sectional length62and/or cross sectional width64may be about 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, side rails50and52and/or other components of frame14are formed from steel, aluminum, one or more polymers, and/or other materials. In some embodiments, side rails50and52and/or other components of frame14are coated (e.g., powder coated), painted, and/or have their surfaces treated in other ways.

Side rail50extends from vehicle12at or near second end28and corner56. Side rail52extends from vehicle12at or near second end28and corner60. Side rails50and52extend from vehicle12along second end28toward corners56and60(side rail50extends toward corner56and side rail52extends toward corner60) until they reach a height66above occupant space18. Side rails50and52extend above occupant space18so that side rails50and52are located at height66above seats40of up to about 50 inches. In some embodiments, height66may be between about 30 inches and about 50 inches. In some embodiments, height66may be about 39 inches. At about height66, side rails50and52turn and extend from at or near second end28toward first end26. Side rail50extends generally along first side30and side rail52extends generally along second side32so that side rails50and52substantially follow an outer perimeter of vehicle12above occupant space18. In some embodiments, side rails50and52include support members70and72configured to couple with vehicle12at or near corners54and58and support side rails50and52at about height66toward first end26of vehicle12. In some embodiments, support members70and72may have arcuate and/or other shapes (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B). In some embodiments, side rails50and52extend at about height66from at or near second end28toward first end26for a distance80(FIG. 2A) of up to about 100 inches. In some embodiments, distance80may be between about 70 inches and about 100 inches. In some embodiments, distance80may be about 82 inches. In some embodiments, side rails50and52form and/or are coupled with handles88formed along side rails50and52above occupant space18. In some embodiments, the locations of handles88correspond to the locations of seats40. In some embodiments, side rails50and52are coupled via a cross members82and84extending between side rail50and side rail52substantially along first end26and second end28(e.g., with cross member82being located at or near first end26and cross member84being located at or near second end28.) In some embodiments, cross members82and84have a length86of up to about 45 inches. In some embodiments, length86may be between about 35 inches and about 45 inches. In some embodiments, length86may be about 41 inches.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3Cillustrate system10in a closed position90. Cover16is shown inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Cover16is positioned over occupant space18of vehicle12. Cover16is configured to at least partially shield occupant space18from ambient environmental conditions. Cover16is configured to be moved between open position46(shown inFIG. 2A, 2B, 2C) and closed position90over occupant space18. In some embodiments, cover16comprises two or more individual sections92that extend from first side rail50to second side rail52. In some embodiments, cover16comprises one or more channels94formed between individual sections92. Channels94may be substantially perpendicular to first and second side rails50,52and/or have other orientations that allow channels94to function as described herein. Channels94are configured to facilitate moisture removal from cover16toward first and second side rails50,52when cover16is in closed position90(and/or when cover16is partially closed). Individual sections92may move in an accordion like motion (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1) and/or in other motions along first and second side rails50and52toward or away from an end26,28of vehicle12to facilitate movement of cover16between open position46and closed position90. Moving in an accordion like motion when cover16is moved to an open position (and/or a more open position) may include individual sections92folding and/or moving onto and/or adjacent to immediately previous (toward second end28of vehicle12) individual sections92as the cover opens. Moving in an accordion like motion when cover16is moved to a closed position (and/or a more closed position) may include individual sections92unfolding and/or moving off of and/or away from immediately previous individual sections92as the cover closes.

By way of two non-limiting examples,FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate cover16in two different partially open/closed positions100(FIG. 4A),102(FIG. 4B).FIG. 4Aillustrates cover16in an accordion like position104as it is moved toward and/or away from second end28of vehicle12.FIG. 4Billustrates cover16in a more closed position relative to cover16shown inFIG. 4A.FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow strap106configured to be grasped by an occupant of vehicle12to open and/or close cover16. Strap106may be sewn and/or otherwise coupled with cover16so that occupants of vehicle12may quickly and easily push and/or pull (for example) on cover16to move cover16along side rails50and52to close and/or open cover16. Strap106may be and/or include a strip of fabric, a polymer material, and/or other straps. In some embodiments, cover16may include other components in addition to and/or instead of strap106that are configured to facilitate opening and/or closing cover16.FIGS. 4A and 4Bare not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that there are any number of partially open/closed positions cover16may take andFIGS. 4A and 4Bare just two examples.

In some embodiments, cover16comprises (as shown inFIG. 5) a first material layer114, a second material layer116, the individual arcuate shaped structural elements110, and/or other components. In some embodiments, first material layer114and/or second material layer16may be formed from one or more of a fabric of woven polyester fibers, a fabric of woven acrylic fibers, water resistant and/or water proof fabrics, and/or other materials. In some embodiments, a given arcuate shaped structural element110may be between about 4 and about 8 inches wide. In some embodiments, a given arcuate shaped structural element110may be up to about 8 inches wide. In some embodiments, a given arcuate shaped structural element110may be about 6 inches wide. In some embodiments, elements110are positioned between first material layer114and second material layer116and extend from first side rail50to the second side rail52in an individual section92of cover16. In some embodiments, elements110may be sewn between first material layer114and second material layer116and/or be positioned between first material layer114and second material layer116in other ways. In some implementations, elements110are formed from one or more polymers, metal, and/or other materials. Elements110may be formed via three dimensional printing, stamping, machining, molding, and/or other manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, arcuate shaped structural elements110have a radius of curvature130(shown inFIG. 5) of up to about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, radius of curvature130is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, radius of curvature130is about 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, elements110include extension portions132(shown inFIG. 5) configured to facilitate formation of channels94, and/or to function in other ways.

In some embodiments, cover16includes visor portion150(FIG. 6). Visor portion150is configured to at least partially shield occupants of vehicle12in occupant space18from the sun and/or other ambient environmental elements. Visor portion150extends from frame14at or near support members70and72toward first end26of vehicle12. In some embodiments, visor portion150has a substantially semi-circular edge152that extends from frame14at or near support member70toward first end26of vehicle12and back toward frame14at or near support member72. Visor portion150is supported by a visor support portion of frame14that similarly extends from frame14at or near support member70toward first end26of vehicle12and back toward frame14at or near support member72. By way of non-limiting example, visor support portion170is shown inFIG. 7.FIG. 7illustrates frame14with cover16in a closed position. As shown inFIG. 7, visor support portion170of frame14extends from frame14at or near support member70toward first end26of vehicle12and back toward frame14at or near support member72. Returning toFIG. 6, in some embodiments, visor portion150includes pockets154(shown inFIG. 2B, 2C, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B), and/or other features for vehicle12occupant convenience and/or for other purposes.

As shown inFIG. 8andFIG. 9, in some embodiments, cover16and frame14include corresponding magnetic components180,182and/or other components configured to removably secure cover16in a closed position.FIG. 8illustrates cover16in a closed position but not secured by magnetic components180,182.FIG. 9illustrates cover16in a closed position and secured by magnetic components180,182(magnetic components182are not visible inFIG. 9). Responsive to cover16being closed by an occupant of vehicle12, magnetic components182in cover16may be positioned to fold over magnetic components180coupled with frame14(FIG. 8). When cover16and magnetic components182have folded over frame14and magnetic components180, magnetic attraction between magnetic components182and180removably secures cover16in the closed position. Magnetic components180are coupled with frame14via screws, nuts, bolts, clamps, fasteners, adhesive, and/or other coupling devices. Magnetic components182are sewn into and/or otherwise attached to cover16. Magnetic components180and182are coupled with frame14and cover16and/or other components of system10such that they remain substantially stationary relative to cover16and/or frame14so that when cover16is in a closed position magnetic components180and182are substantially aligned to secure cover16in the closed position. For example, magnetic components182may be sewn into a pocket184in cover16sized for magnetic components182so that magnetic components cannot unintentionally move from the sewn pocket and will consistently align with magnetic components180when cover16is in a closed position.

In some embodiments, cover16may be removably secured in a closed position via coupling devices in addition to and/or other than magnetic components180,182. For example,FIG. 8andFIG. 9illustrate that cover16may be removably secured to visor portion150and/or frame14via buttons186and/or other coupling devices. Corresponding buttons186are located on cover16and visor portion150(FIG. 8). When magnetic components182in cover16fold over magnetic components180coupled with frame14, corresponding buttons186may be coupled to secure cover16to visor portion150(in addition to frame14in this example).

FIG. 10-14illustrate cover guides200configured to guide movement of cover16between an open position and a closed position. Cover guides200extend alongside rails50and/or52between first end26and second end28of vehicle12. One or more portions of cover16may ride within cover guides200to facilitate movement of cover16between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, both first and second side rails50and52form and/or couple with cover guides200. In some embodiments, first and second side rails50and52are configured such that cover guides200are tracks formed in and/or by first and second side rails50and52. In some embodiments (e.g., as shown inFIG. 10-14), cover guides200are separate components coupled with side rails50and/or52. In some embodiments, cover guides200are coupled with side rails50and/or52via screws, nuts, bold, clamps, fasteners, adhesive and/or other coupling components on a top side of side rails50and/or52, but this is not intended to be limiting. Cover guides200may be coupled with side rails50and/or52via any coupling method and/or components, and cover guides200may be positioned on and/or in any surface of side rails50and/or52that allows cover guides200to function as described herein.

FIG. 10illustrates cover16riding in cover guides200with cover16in a partially closed position. Cover guides200are configured such that cover16moves (e.g., slides) back and forth toward and away from first end26and second end28of vehicle12along cover guides200(e.g., along first and second side rails50and/or52of frame14). In some embodiments, cover guides200include cover tracks configured to guide cover16. A cover track210included in a cover guide200coupled with first side rail50of frame14is illustrated inFIG. 11. (It should be noted that this configuration is repeated for a cover track210included in a cover guide coupled with second side rail52of frame14.) In some embodiments, cover track210has a generally “U” shaped cross section (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11), and/or other cross sectional shapes. As shown inFIG. 11, cover track210has a transverse track width212(e.g., the base of the “U” shape which is adjacent to first side rail50(and/or second side rail52)) of up to about 1 inch. In some embodiments, width212is between about 0.5 inches and about 1 inch. In some embodiments, width212is about 0.75 inches. Transverse track width212extends from a first side214of cover track210located toward first side30of vehicle12to a second side216of cover track210located toward second side32of vehicle12. Sides214and216may form the sidewalls of the generally “U” shape of cover track210. Cover track210has a track height218extending from at or near first side rail50toward cover16along sides214and216of up to about 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, height218is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, height218is about 0.375 inches. Cover track210has a slot width222of about up to about 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, width222is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, width222is about 0.375 inches. Slot width222is substantially parallel to transverse track width212and narrower than transverse track width212(e.g., slot width222is less than transverse track width212). Slot width222is formed by edges240,242of cover track210that extend from sides214and216above a channel space244created by the generally “U” shape of cover track210. Track width212, track height218, and/or slot width222are configured such that cover track210may receive one or more track glides that are included in and/or coupled with cover16, and facilitate movement of the track glides within cover track210.

FIG. 12illustrates a track glide250inserted251into cover track210(track glide250is one representative example of one or more track glides250that may be inserted into cover tracks210). In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 12, one or more track glides250may be inserted into cover track210from one or both ends290of a cover track210. Track glide250includes a glide portion252, a protrusion portion254, a threaded portion256, and/or other portions. Glide portion252is configured to ride within cover track210and glide back and forth within cover track210toward and away from first end26and second end28of vehicle12. Glide portion has a base width262that is narrower than transverse track width212but wider than slot width222(shown inFIG. 11). This may allow track glide250to move back and forth in cover track210and facilitate coupling with cover16without track glide250falling out of and/or otherwise decoupling from cover track210. In some embodiments, base width262is up to about 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, width262is between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, width262is about 0.625 inches. Glide portion has a height264that is less than track height218(shown inFIG. 11). In some embodiments, height264is up to about 0.375 inches. In some embodiments, height264is between about 0.125 inches and about 0.375 inches. In some embodiments, height264is about 0.25 inches. Protrusion portion254is configured to extend through the slot formed by slot width222(and thus has a width266that is less than slot width222). Threaded portion256may be formed in protrusion portion254and configured to receive one or more threaded screws260.

As shown inFIG. 13, the one or more threaded screws may be coupled with cover16such that track glide250(shown within cover track210inFIG. 13) guides movement of cover16along cover track210.FIG. 13illustrates three views300,302,304of a threaded screw260coupled with cover16such that track glide250guides movement of cover16along cover track210. View300illustrates a threaded screw260coupled with cover16(within cover16) via a grommet310, and coupled with track glide250(within cover track210) as described above to guide movement of cover16along cover guide200. View302illustrates a head of threaded screw260protruding through cover16above cover guide200/cover track210and first side rail50. View304illustrates a decorative screw cap312coupled with the head of threaded screw260. As shown in view304, cover16is coupled to cover track210at a location of a channel94on cover16. It should be noted thatFIG. 13illustrates one example location of cover16coupled with cover track210via threaded screw260and track glide250. In some embodiments, system10includes multiple couplings between cover16and cover tracks210(e.g., a first cover track210coupled with first side rail50and a second cover track210coupled with second side rail52) in multiple channels94via multiple threaded screws260and multiple track glides250(e.g., along both first side rail50and second side rail52(shown inFIG. 1)).

FIG. 14illustrates a track end cap360coupled with and/or otherwise attached to first side rail50at or near end290of cover track210. Track end cap360may be attached to first side rail50via screws, nuts, bolts, adhesive, welding, and/or other coupling devices and/or methods. InFIG. 14, track end cap360is coupled with first side rail50at end290of cover track210via a screw368(but this is not intended to be limiting). End cap360is configured to prevent track glides250(FIG. 13) from sliding out of cover track210. (Track glides250may be inserted into cover track210before end cap360is installed, for example.) In some embodiments, one or more portions of end cap360may be shaped like a rectangular prism and/or have other shapes. In some embodiments, end cap360includes one or more rounded edges and/or surfaces392and/or other features that substantially prevent cover16(shown inFIG. 1) from catching on end cap360and/or cover track210when cover16is moved along cover track210. For example, an end of end cap360toward first end26of vehicle12may be tapered and/or otherwise sloped toward the first end26. Other end caps may be similarly shaped according to their position in system10. For example, at an end of cover track210toward second end28of vehicle12, an end cap360may be tapered in substantially the opposite direction relative to the endcap shown inFIG. 14. In some embodiments, track end caps360are attached at both ends290of cover tracks210on both first and second side rails50and52(shown inFIG. 1).

FIG. 15-17illustrate other possible example embodiments of system10. In the embodiments shown inFIG. 15-17cover16is a flexible canopy that covers occupant space18of vehicle12. The flexible canopy may be removed from frame14and folded up, for example. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 15side rails50and/or52and support members70and/or72are formed by flexible poles that couple with frame14at or near second end28of vehicle12and extend having an arcuate shape toward first end26. The flexible poles are coupled with vehicle12at or near corners54and58of vehicle12. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 16, cover16includes sleeves400configured to receive side rails50and52and support members70and72(which are formed by flexible poles that couple with frame14at or near second end28of vehicle12and extend having an arcuate shape toward first end26). In the embodiment shown inFIG. 17, cover16and/or side rails50and52may be formed by a single collapsible photography background like canopy that couples with vehicle12at or near second side28and is supported by support members70and/or72above corners54and58at or near first end26of vehicle12. In some embodiments, this canopy may be up to about 90 inches long and/or up to about 70 inches wide. In some embodiments, this canopy may be up to about 78 inches long and/or up to about 59 inches wide.

FIG. 18illustrates a method1000for moving a retractable roof vehicle system between an open position and a closed position over an occupant space of an open sided vehicle. The retractable roof vehicle system comprises the open sided vehicle, a cover, a frame, and/or other components. The operations of method1000presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method1000may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method1000are illustrated inFIG. 18and described below is not intended to be limiting.

At an operation1002, the cover is positioned over an occupant space of the open sided vehicle. The open sided vehicle has an occupant space for one or more occupants of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the open sided vehicle is a golf cart, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and/or other vehicles. The cover is configured to at least partially shield the occupant space from ambient environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the cover comprises two or more individual sections that extend from a first side rail of the frame to a second side rail of the frame. The individual sections may move in an accordion like motion along the first and second side rails toward or away from an end of the vehicle to facilitate movement of the cover between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the cover comprises one or more channels formed between the individual sections. The channels may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second side rails. The channels may be configured to facilitate moisture removal from the cover toward the first and second side rails when the cover is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the individual sections include arcuate shaped structural elements. The arcuate shaped structural elements are configured to give the individual sections an arcuate shape and facilitate formation of the channels between the individual sections such that the cover has a corrugated appearance. In some embodiments, the cover comprises a first material layer, a second material layer, and the individual arcuate shaped structural elements. A given arcuate shaped structural element is positioned between the first material layer and the second material layer and extends from the first side rail to the second side rail in an individual section of the cover. Operation1002may be performed by a cover that is the same as or similar to cover16(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).

At an operation1004, the frame is coupled with the vehicle. The frame is configured to support the cover over the occupant space. The frame comprises the first side rail and the second side rail. The side rails are positioned along opposing sides of the vehicle over the occupant space. The first and second side rails both form and/or are coupled with cover guides configured to guide movement of the cover between an open position and a closed position. Operation1004may be performed by a frame that is the same as or similar to frame14(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).

At an operation1006, movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position over the occupant space is facilitated. In some embodiments, the cover and the frame include corresponding magnetic components configured to removably secure the cover in the closed position. In some embodiments, the first and second side rails are configured such that the cover guides are tracks formed in and/or coupled to the first and second side rails. One or more portions of the cover may ride within the tracks to facilitate movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position. Operation1006may be performed by a frame and a cover that are the same as or similar to frame14and cover16(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).