Abstract:
A system for retraction and deployment of a covering over at least a portion of a vehicle interior is disclosed, such as might be employed in commercial or sport utility style vehicles to provide a convertible hardtop over a portion of the vehicle that can be retracted for open air and ease of access, or closed for physical and environmental protection. The system provides: first and second roof panels; first and second sidewall panels; and posterior and anterior roll bars, each roll bar having at least one channel whereby the first and second roof panels and the first and second sidewall panels are guided between a deployed position and a stowed position, such that when the panels are in the deployed position the vehicle is enclosed and when the panels are in a stowed position the vehicle is at least partially open.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/534,462, filed Jan. 6, 2004. This application is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to vehicles, and more particularly, to a sport utility vehicle having convertible cargo space. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Sport Utility Vehicles or SUVs have been highly popular with consumers allowing the transportation of passengers in some degree of comfort while providing a substantial cargo space. Features, such as four-wheel-drive and higher ground clearance, have likewise appealed to many consumers. 
   The cargo space of traditional sport utility vehicles has however been limited by the vehicle&#39;s closed roof. Other vehicles such as pickup trucks have open cargo sections, which do not restrict tall or unusually shaped cargo, and facilitate loading. While a variety of carmakers have introduced concept SUVs and occasionally production models having retractable or removable roofs, most such models retain full height sidewalls, which hinder loading from the side and restrict the cargo capacity of the product. In models where the user must remove roof sections, the roof section is a cumbersome, inconvenient extraneous element liable to damage. Particularly in developing countries, four-door compact pick up trucks are highly desirable, combining passenger capacity with utilitarian cargo capacity. Other such hybrid vehicles can be expected to be at least equally attractive to consumers, and may stimulate demand in developed markets as well. 
   What is needed, therefore, are techniques for allowing a user to convent space in a vehicle between use as a passenger compartment and use as a cargo space. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for retraction and deployment of a covering over at least a portion of a vehicle interior, the system comprising: first and second roof panels; first and second sidewall panels; and posterior and anterior roll bars, each roll bar having at least one channel whereby the first and second roof panels and the first and second sidewall panels are guided between a deployed position and a stowed position, such that when the panels are in the deployed position the vehicle is enclosed and when the panels are in a stowed position the vehicle is at least partially open. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the first roof panel is hingebly coupled to the first sidewall panel and the second roof panel is hingebly coupled to the second sidewall panel. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention provides such a system further comprising a hinge shaft extending through a hinge disposed between the first roof panel and the first sidewall panel. 
   Still another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein posterior and anterior ends of the hinge shaft extend beyond the length of the panels and are disposed within the channels. 
   A still further embodiment of the present invention provides such a system further comprising a roof panel deployment and retraction assembly comprising: at least one actuation cable; at least one actuation arm coupled at a first end to the hinge shaft and coupled at a second end to the actuation cable; at least one follower cam disposed at the second end of the actuation arm; such that the actuation cable controls the movement of the first roof panel and the first side panel. 
   Even another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the posterior roll bar is moveably disposed on a track. 
   An even further embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the anterior roll bar is movably disposed on a track. 
   Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system further comprising a tailgate panel, that tailgate panel being reconfigurably disposable between a posterior end and an anterior end of a portion of the vehicle covered by the first and second roof panels, alternatively the tailgate may be a conventional tailgate like that of a pickup, and the vehicle further comprise a stowable gate disposed between the passenger area and the cargo area. 
   A yet further another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the first and second roof panels are detachably coupled by a locking system. 
   Still yet another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the first and second roof panels are configured to be stowed within a fixed sidewall of the vehicle. 
   One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for retraction and deployment of a covering over at least a portion of a vehicle interior, the system comprising: a plurality of interlocking body panels having anterior and posterior ends; anterior and posterior roll bars to which the anterior and posterior ends are slidably coupled. 
   The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2A  is a sectional elevation view illustrating a roof and side panel deployment assembly of a reconfigurable vehicle in a deployed position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2B  is an elevation view illustrating a roof and side panel deployment assembly of a reconfigurable vehicle in a stowed position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3A  is an elevation view illustrating a roof and side panel deployment channel of a reconfigurable vehicle in a deployed position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3B  is an elevation view illustrating a roof and side panel deployment channel of a reconfigurable vehicle in a stowed position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional elevation view illustrating a detail of a stowable roll bar assembly of a reconfigurable vehicle configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a detail of a stowable roll bar assembly of a reconfigurable vehicle configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a side perspective view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a stowed posterior roll bar configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a roof and side panel in a stowed position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a roof and side panel in a stowed position and a plurality of passenger seats disposed in the rear of the vehicle, configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a planar view illustrating a joint closure and locking mechanism for use in a reconfigurable vehicle configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a roof and side panel in a fully deployed position. 
       FIG. 11A  is a schematic side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a roof and side panel in a partially deployed position. 
       FIG. 11B  is a schematic side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a roof and side panel in a partially deployed position. 
       FIG. 11C  is a schematic side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a roof and side panel in a partially deployed position. 
       FIG. 11D  is a schematic side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a roof and side panel in a partially deployed position. 
       FIG. 11E  is a schematic side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable vehicle having a roof and side panel in a partially stowed position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sport utility vehicle  10  having a longitudinally divided, folding cargo bay roof and folding sides, configured according to one embodiment of the present invention. First and second roof panels  12  are disposed over the cargo bay  18  of a convertible sport utility vehicle. The roof panels  12  are detachably joined along a central joint  14 . The roof panels  12  are coupled to sidewall panels  16 . In one embodiment, the roof panels  12  are configured to fold over the sidewall panels  16 . The sidewall panels  16  retract, drop, or fold into the body of the cargo bay  18 . In this way, the covered cargo area  18  of the sport utility vehicle can be converted into an open cargo area  18  like that of a pickup truck. In an alternative embodiment, the roof panels  12  and sidewall panels  16  may be independently retractable facilitating the opening of the sides, the roof or both. 
   According to one embodiment, anterior and posterior roll bars  20 ,  22  are provided for reinforcing the covered cargo compartment  18  in the event of a roll over. The anterior roll bar  20  can be integrally disposed in posterior portions of the passenger cab  24 . The posterior roll bar  22 , when the cargo bay covering  12 ,  16  is deployed, is disposed at the posterior end of the cargo bay  18  such that a roll bar  20 ,  22  is disposed on either end of the folding enclosure panels  12 , 16 . These anterior and posterior roll bars  20 , 22 , not only provide structural support in the event of roll over and crash, but, in one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2A , provide channels  30  wherein guide pins  32  extending from the panels  12 , 16  are disposed and whereby the panels  12 ,  16  are guided into open or closed configurations. According to one embodiment, only one or two actuators would be necessary for the deployment and stowing of the roof and side panels  12 ,  16  of the cargo compartment  18 . Each actuator would be coupled to a plurality of rods or cables. These cables/rods may comprise a central cable about which is disposed a spiral or helical cable. The cable is disposed in a channel disposed within each of the roll bars  20 , 22 . The actuator would lift both halves of the roof at the same time and would allow the roof panels  12  to engage while rotating, facilitating a tighter joint  14  between the panels  12 . The push cable or rod attaches to a first arm  34  opposite the hinge pin  32  and at about the center of a first cam follower  36  mounted on the first torque arm  34 . A slot or channel  30  is disposed on the opposing faces of the roll bars. The push cable is disposed within a track  50  disposed proximate to the channel or slot  30 . The first cam followers  36  likewise ride in this track  50  and are actuated by the movement of the push cable. The shaft  32  of the hinge  46  is disposed to ride in the channel  30 . The cam follower  36  and the arm  34  translate the force applied by the cable  38  to the shaft  32  of the hinge, forcing the shaft  32  to travel in the channel  30 , and deploying the roof panel  12  at the top of the travel. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that in an alternative embodiments, the channels  30  and tracks  50  may be disposed in the posterior face of the passenger cab, rather than in a roll bar  20 , provided that the passenger cab has adequate structural integrity to prevent collapse in the event of the roll over of the vehicle. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3A , when the roof panel  12  is in an intermediate position between the vertical stowed position and the fully deployed, substantially horizontal position, the cam follower  36  and the actuation arm  34  force the shaft  32  of the hinge  46  into a notch or indentation  60  in the channel  30 . The notch  60  supports the weight of the roof and side panels  12 ,  16 , while in transition. The force applied by the cable to the cam follower  36  and actuation arm  34  is then free to rotate the roof panel  12  into a deployed position, covering the cargo compartment  18 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , when the roof panel is in a stowed position, the cam follower  36  and the actuation arm  34  are approximately aligned with the channel  30 . The track  50  wherein are disposed the cam follower  36  and the actuation/torque arm  34  extends further into the body of the cargo compartment than the channel  30 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the folded side and roof panel assembly,  16 , 12  folds tightly against the fixed side of the cargo compartment  18 . 
   One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other actuation and folding systems are within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the roof  12  and side panels  16  may be configured to independently be moveable in separate tracks disposed in the roll bars  20 , 22 . In such an embodiment, the roof  12  and wall panels  16  may be configured to stow in the fixed sides of the cargo compartment  18 , or may be along the inside side such that a resilient surface of the panel is exposed to the inside of the open cargo compartment  18 . In one such embodiment, the roof panel  12  is disposed on cam followers located on the corners of the panel, which follow the track and thereby reorient the roof panel  12  between the horizontal and the vertical positions. A resilient surface may be disposed on the inside of the roof panel  12  preventing damage from cargos or passengers that might otherwise occur when the roof is lowered. Alternatively, the roof panel  12  may be disposed within the fixed sidewall, and be protected by that fixed wall. In such an embodiment, the width of the cargo space is reduced. In another such embodiment, both the side  16  and the roof panel  12  are independently hinged. The side  16  is configured to fold inward, and the roof panel  12  is configured to hinge inward from the vertical position so as to cover and protect the folded sidewall panel  16 . The panels  12 ,  16  nest in their folded position. By folding these panels down, an aesthetically pleasing profile is provided to the interior of the cargo/passenger compartment  18 . Embodiments wherein the window  48  is retracted into the fixed sidewall of the cargo compartment while the roof panel  12  nests over the interior of the fixed sidewall are also within the scope of the present invention. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6 , the posterior roll bar  22  may be configured to be stowed when the cargo bay enclosure panels  12 ,  16  are stowed. Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the posterior roll bar  22  may, according to one embodiment, be disposed on a track  52  mounted in the fixed sidewall of the cargo bay  18 . The posterior roll bar  22  can then be slid forward so as to join the anterior roll bar  20 . The coupling of the anterior and posterior roll bars  20 ,  22  close the channels or slots  30 . Those slots  30  are closed in the pickup mode preventing contamination and damage to the channels  30 . Slots  30  are vertical and readily shed any dirt that does get in. One such embodiment provides bearings  56 , riding in a track  52  mounted on the underside of the top lip  54  of the fixed sidewall. The bearings  56  are coupled to the ends of the posterior roll bar  22 . The end is configured with a profile that allows for passage over the folded roof and side panels  12 ,  16  without contact. In alternative embodiments, additional bearings may be provided such that the folded roof and side panels  12 ,  16  support the transitioning roll bar. Alternative embodiments wherein the posterior roll bar  22  may fold in the tail of the vehicle or be otherwise stowed would likewise be within the scope of the present invention. In still further embodiments, the rear window or rear wall may be configured to slide with the roll bar, enclosing the passenger cab when the cargo area is open. Alternatively, the rear window may retract into the tailgate, and a retractable partition may be disposed at the back of the passenger cab. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , which illustrates one embodiment wherein a convertible cargo compartment is in an open configuration. In this illustration, the posterior roll bar has not been shown so as to facilitate the view of other elements. The roof panels  12  and sidewall panels  16  are folded against the interior walls of the cargo compartment  18 , and are located behind the rear post  70  disposed in the rear of the vehicle body  72 . The sidewall panels  16  may be configured from polycarbonate plastic and other such high strength plastics. Polycarbonate panels have the advantage of providing superior strength without an obstructed view. The roof panels  12  may be configured from impact and scratch resistant materials, such as urethane-based polymers or from materials coated with such materials. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the interior of the fixed side of the cargo compartment  18 , in this embodiment, is not exposed to the elements and may be configured with upholstery, storage compartments, cup holders and other amenities for passengers. 
   One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that while the embodiments described herein have referred the area covered by the deployable panels  12 ,  16  as the cargo compartment  18 , seats and other passenger accommodations may be removably or stowably disposed therein converting it to a passenger compartment. Folding seats may be installed in the cargo area to facilitate larger passenger capacities. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in at least one embodiment, the posterior roll bar  22  may be optionally disposed at the rear of the cargo/passenger position affording protection to passengers riding in the rear of the vehicle and providing a support for roof racks upon which ladders, canoes, boats and other long items may be transported. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , which illustrates the joint closure mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention. Actuator hooks  26  are configured to detachably couple to sliding actuator bars  28 . Disposed on opposing sides of the joint  14  between the roof panels  16 . The actuator hook  26  allows a user to manipulate the actuator bars  28  so as to activate the joint closure mechanism and to secure the joint  14 . Disposed on the actuator bar  28  is a plurality of locking hooks  80 . Each locking hook is configured to be deployed by the action of the actuator bar  28  and to engage a locking pin  82  disposed on the opposing roof panel  16 . One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such configuration may be manually or automatically actuated and that other locking configuration may be employed. In one embodiment, when engaged, locking hooks couple not only the panels of the roof to each other, but also secure the panels against the respective roll bars. 
   One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other embodiments may provide actuation systems different from that described above. Linear motors or hydraulic cylinders may be employed to provide movement. Such actuation means may be coupled to the panels either directly or mechanical, though tracks in the roll bars such as those described above, or may be magnetically coupled to the panels by magnets disposed within the roll bar. In this later case, the roll bars would necessarily be of non-ferrous or non-magnetic material. 
   Not illustrated but readily evident from the foregoing descriptions, there is yet another embodiment that employs the simple, hinged panel mechanism of a roll top desk, but configured as left and right side and top panel assemblies that slide downward for stowage and upward to meet in a sealing manner at a rooftop centerline. There may be a latch mechanism for assuring a locked-together closed position. Left and right panel drive mechanisms may be one or a variant of the drive mechanisms illustrated and explained above, whether manually operated or motorized. Either side may be operated independently of the other. The individual panels, typically having a common length, may be transparent, translucent or otherwise; and may vary in composition and width. The hinge line or mechanism connecting the long edges of the panels may be a flexible fabric, plastic or other material, or be a mechanical hinge. The panels may incorporate edge seals that are brought into a sealing interpanel relationship when the side and top panel assemblies are fully extended upward to enclose the vehicle. One skilled in the art will also readily appreciate that another alternative embodiment may be employed wherein the panels are disposed in separate tracks and are independently controlled, and configured such that when at least two such panels are fully deployed the fully deployed panels interlock or otherwise contact each other to form a weather tight seal, such as with gaskets or other known methods. The stowage area for the side and top panel assemblies may consist of space within the sidewall and extending beneath the floor or deck of the vehicle. 
   In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 11A–11E , the roof  12  and side panels  16  may be disposed upon traveling pivots set in first  86  and second tracks  88  disposed within, or proximate to, the roll bars. Such an embodiment provides conversion between deployed and retracted roof positions without interfering with cargo or passengers disposed within said vehicle. The pivots or travelers  90 ,  92  of the panels are configured to allow the panels  12 ,  16  to travel between deployed positions to retracted positions. In one embodiment, the roof panel  12  and the side wall panel  16  are joined by a hinge or other equivalent structure  84 , such that when the panels  12 ,  16  are deployed the hinge  84  is disposed between the outboard side of the roof panel  12  and the top of the side wall panel  16 . The hinge structure  84  may include as in other embodiments illustrated above, a lip  47 , illustrated in  FIG. 2A , which when the roof is in the deployed position, seals or closed the gap between the roof panel  12  and the side wall panel  16 . When the roof is in the stowed position, the lip acts to protect the hinge  84 , the top edge of the side wall panel  16 , and the outboard edge of the roof panel  12  from impact, debris, or other damage. The lip may be made, at least in part from impact resistant polymers, such as polyurethanes, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyamide. In some embodiments it may be made from fiber glass or other composites. In one embodiment, the roof panel pivots  90  are disposed a short distance from the centerline of the vehicle or the joint were the roof panel couples the opposing roof panel when the roof panel is deployed. The segment of the roof panel  12  between the hinge  84  and the pivot  90 , in some embodiments, is shorter than the segment of the side wall panel  16  disposed between the hinge  84  and the side wall pivot  92 . In such an embodiment, the side wall panel pivot  92  is disposed proximate to the edge of the side wall panel  16  furthest from the hinge  84  and interface with the second track  88 . The roof panel pivots  90  interface with the first track  86 , which is a continuous track having substantially horizontal and substantially vertical sections whereas said second track has a substantially vertical section. Vertical sections of both tracks extend into a cavity or magazines disposed within the side wall of the vehicle bed or alternatively into the vehicle bed itself, with, as in other embodiments describe above, the panels providing a resilient bed interior. In one embodiment, a stop  98  is provided. Such a stop  98  may, in some embodiments comprise a “J” hook whereby downward movement of the side wall panel  16  is arrested until the side wall panel is aligned substantially vertically, as illustrated in  FIG. 11E . Alternatively, an automated latch may be used such that vertically support is provided to the side wall panel until the panel is vertically oriented and ready for retraction. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a variety of such stopping mechanisms  98  could be employed, and that all such mechanisms would be within the scope of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 11A  the roof panel  12  is displaced from its fully deployed position, the roof panel pivot  90  travels in the substantially horizontal section of the first track  88 , outboard from the central joint between the opposing roof panels. The roof panel  12 , at least partially, is extended out form the side of the vehicle during the process. This travel away from the opposing roof panels guides the top of the side wall panel  16  away from the body of the vehicle, allowing the continued travel of the roof panel  12  from the substantially horizontal segment of the track to the substantially vertical section. As the roof panel transitions from the substantially horizontal section of the track to the substantially vertical section of track, the side wall panel  16  extends further from the side of the vehicle, as illustrated in  FIG. 11B . However, once the roof panel pivot  90  reaches and continues past a point on the track approximately equal to or lower than the level of the hinge  84 , the travel of the roof panel  12  draws the side wall panel into an increasingly substantially vertical orientation. Once both the roof panel and side wall are substantially vertical, the two panels may then be retracted in to the body of the vehicle bed. 
   Such an embodiment provides roof panels having an outboard edge and a mating edge, sidewall panels having an upper edge and a lower edge, said and at least one hinge or joint coupling the outboard edge of a the first roof panel to said upper edge of a respective first sidewall panel. 
   The roof panel may have at least one traveler mating with a first channel proximate the mating edge and the sidewall panels may have at least one traveler proximate the lower edge and mating with a second channel. In such an embodiment, the segment of the roof panel between the hinge and the traveler may have a length less than or equal to a length of a segment of the side wall panel between the hinge and said traveler. 
   The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited neither by this detailed description nor the claims appended hereto.