Patent Publication Number: US-11046159-B2

Title: Skeleton for truck bed and convertible top

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/040,416, filed Jul. 19, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/916,976, filed on Mar. 9, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/336,702, filed Oct. 27, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,956,857, the entire contents of which are all incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     The various embodiments and aspects described herein relate to an accessory. 
     Sales of trucks have grown in the United States and abroad. These trucks are not only for industrial use but also for personal use. Individuals like trucks because they are versatile in that they can carry a load in the truck bed and also be configured to provide a protective covering over the truck bed. However, there are certain deficiencies in truck bed accessories. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improvement in use of truck bed accessories. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     An accessory frame for a truck bed of the truck is disclosed herein. The accessory frame can be configured to provide for enclosure and also reconfigured so that the driver can utilize the full length, width, and height of the truck bed. For example, the accessory frame when configured to be open, a motorcycle can be loaded onto the truck bed even if the motorcycle is taller than the accessory frame. If the driver wants to form an enclosure over the truck bed, a foldable top can be deployed over the frame and also side panels can be attached to the frame to form the enclosure. Other accessories are also removably attachable to the frame including but not limited to a rack, flood lights and other accessories. 
     More particularly, a truck bed frame with a top traversable between a first opened configuration and a second closed configuration is disclosed. The truck bed frame may comprise the following components. A forward driver side post and a forward passenger side post disposed at forward corners of the truck bed, the forward driver and passenger side posts extending vertically upward with distal ends terminating at least about a height of the cab. A first set of rearward driver side post and a rearward passenger side post disposed at rearward corners of the truck bed. The first set of the rearward driver and passenger side posts may extend vertically upwards. A first set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members may extend between the forward and rearward driver and passenger side posts. A first top part of the top may be extendable between and may be removably attachable to the first set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members so that the first top part is traversed to the first opened configuration when the first top part is removed from the first set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members, and the top is traversed to the second closed configuration when the first top part is attached to the first set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members. 
     The first top part may further comprise a first rear cross member that extends between and is removably attachable to the upper portions of the rearward driver and passenger side posts of the first set. The first rear cross member may be removed from the upper portions of the first set of rearward driver and passenger side posts when the first top part is traversed to the first opened configuration. The first rear cross member may be attached to the upper portions of the first set of rearward driver and passenger side posts when the first top part is traversed to the second closed configuration. 
     The first top part may further comprise a first rear covering attachable to the first rear cross member and the first set of rearward driver and passenger side posts for providing a rain water tight seal with the first set of rearward driver and passenger side posts and the first rear cross member. 
     The frame may further comprise a front cross member that extends between and is attached to the upper portions of the forward driver and passenger side posts. 
     The frame may further comprise a front covering attachable to the front cross member and the forward driver and passenger side posts for providing a rain water tight seal with the forward driver and passenger side posts and the front cross member. 
     The frame may further comprise first driver and passenger side coverings attachable to the first set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members and the forward driver and passenger side posts and the first set of the rearward driver and passenger side posts for providing a rain water tight seal with the first set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members and the forward driver and passenger side posts and the first set of rearward driver and passenger side posts. 
     The first top part may be collapsible. 
     The frame may further comprise a second set of rearward driver side post and a rearward passenger side post which are shorter than the first set of the rearward driver side post and rearward passenger side post; and a second set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members that extend between and is attachable to the forward driver and passenger side posts and the second set of rearward driver and passenger side posts. 
     The frame may further comprise a second top part extendable between and is removably attachable to the second set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members so that the second top part is traversed to the first opened configuration when the second top part is removed from the second set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members, and the second top part is traversed to the second closed configuration when the second top part is attached to the second set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members. 
     The second top part may further comprise a second rear cross member that extends between and is removably attachable to the upper portions of the rearward driver and passenger side posts of the second set. The second rear cross member may be removed from the upper portions of the second set of rearward driver and passenger side posts when the second top part is traversed to the first opened configuration, and the second rear cross member may be attached to the upper portions of the second set of rearward driver and passenger side posts when the second top part is traversed to the second closed configuration. 
     The frame may further comprise second driver and passenger side coverings attachable to the second set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members and the forward driver and passenger side posts and the second set of the rearward driver and passenger side posts for providing a rain water tight seal with the second set of driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members and the forward driver and passenger side posts and the second set of rearward driver and passenger side posts. 
     The second top part may further comprise a second rear covering attachable to the second rear cross member and the second set of rearward driver and passenger side posts for providing a rain water tight seal with the second set of rearward driver and passenger side posts and the second rear cross member. 
     According to another embodiment, there is provided a truck bed cover for a truck bed. The truck bed cover may include a pair of side posts disposable adjacent respective forward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed and terminate at a respective top end at least about a height of the cab. A first pair of longitudinal extension members may extend from respective ones of the pair of side posts. A second pair of longitudinal extension members may extend from respective ones of the pair of side posts in spaced relation to the first pair of longitudinal extension members. A first pair of primary connectors may be connected to respective ones of the first pair of longitudinal extension members. A second pair of primary connectors may be connected to respective ones of the second pair of longitudinal extension members. The truck bed cover may additionally include a top having a top panel and a pair of secondary connectors coupled to the top panel. The top may be transitional between a first deployed position, and a second deployed position. In the first deployed position, the pair of secondary connectors may be coupled to respective ones of the first pair of primary connectors, and in the second deployed position, the pair of secondary connectors may be coupled to respective ones of the second pair of primary connectors. 
     The first pair of primary connectors may be identical to the second pair of primary connectors. 
     The first pair of longitudinal extension members may extend from respective ones of the pair of side posts adjacent the top ends thereof. Each of the pair of side posts may include a bottom end opposite the top end, and the second pair of longitudinal extension member extend from respective ones of the pair of side posts adjacent the bottom end thereof. The first pair of longitudinal extension members may be parallel to the second pair of longitudinal extension members. 
     Each of the pair of secondary connectors may include a portion pivotable relative to the top panel. 
     The pair of secondary connectors may be selectively engageable with the first pair of primary connectors and the second pair of primary connectors via snap-fit engagement. 
     According to another embodiment, there is provided a truck bed cover for a truck bed. The truck bed cover may comprise a pair of side posts disposable adjacent respective forward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed and terminate at a respective top end at least about a height of the cab. A pair of longitudinal extension members may extend from respective ones of the pair of side posts. A first pair of primary connectors may be connected to respective ones of the pair of longitudinal extension members, and a second pair of primary connectors may be positionable at respective portions of the truck bed. The truck bed cover may additionally include a top having a top panel and a pair of secondary connectors coupled to the top panel. The top may be transitional between a first deployed position, and a second deployed position. In the first deployed position, the pair of secondary connectors may be coupled to respective ones of the first pair of primary connectors, and in the second deployed position, the pair of secondary connectors may be coupled to respective ones of the second pair of primary connectors. 
     According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a cover for a truck bed comprising a pair of truck bed walls. The cover may comprise a pair of support frames engageable with the truck bed in opposed relation to each other. Each support frame may include an upper longitudinal member and a lower longitudinal member spaced from the upper longitudinal member. A pair of upper connectors may be coupled to respective ones of the pair of support frames at the upper longitudinal member thereof. A pair of lower connectors may be coupled to respective ones of the pair of support frames at the lower longitudinal member thereof. The cover may additionally include a top having a top panel and a pair of panel connectors coupled to the top panel. The top may be transitional between a first deployed position, and a second deployed position. In the first deployed position, the pair of panel connectors may be coupled to respective ones of the pair of upper connectors, and in the second deployed position, the pair of panel connectors may be coupled to respective ones of the pair of lower connectors. 
     According to another embodiment, a truck bed cover for a truck bed comprises an external frame connectable to the truck bed. The external frame includes a pair of forward side posts disposable adjacent respective forward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed and terminate at a respective top end at least about a height of the cab. A pair of rearward side posts are disposable adjacent respective rearward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed and terminate at a respective top end at least about a height of the cab. The external frame further includes a pair of longitudinal extension members, with each longitudinal extension member extending between a respective one of the pair of forward side posts and a respective one of the pair of rearward side posts. The truck bed cover additionally comprises a top engageable with the external frame so as to be positioned over the truck bed to at least partially define an enclosure over the truck bed. The top and the external frame are sized and structured such that when the top is engaged with the external frame, the external frame is outside of the enclosure. 
     The top may include a top panel and a pair of side panels foldable relative to the top panel. The top may further include a rear panel foldable relative to the top panel and extendable between the pair of side panels. The rear panel may include a transparent section and a non-transparent section at least partially surrounding the transparent section. The transparent section may be at least partially detachable from the non-transparent section. The top panel may be detachable from one of the side panels. 
     The top may be transitional between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. The top may fold onto itself as the top transitions from the deployed configuration toward the stowed configuration. 
     The top may include at least two panels joined at a seam, with a portion of the external frame extending parallel to the seam when the top is engaged with the external frame. 
     The external frame may include at least one transverse member extending between the pair of longitudinal extension members. The external frame may include at least three transverse members in spaced relation to each other. 
     According to another embodiment, a truck bed cover for a truck bed comprises an external frame connectable to the truck bed and having a first end portion positionable adjacent a first end of the truck bed and a second end positionable adjacent a second end of the truck bed. A top may be engageable with the external frame so as to be positioned over the truck bed to at least partially define an enclosure over the truck bed. The top and the external frame may be sized and structured such that when the top is engaged with the external frame, the external frame is outside of the enclosure. 
     Another implementation of the truck bed cover may include an external frame connectable to the truck bed. The external frame may include a pair of forward side posts disposable adjacent respective forward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed, and a pair of rearward side posts disposable adjacent respective rearward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed. The external frame may additionally include a pair of longitudinal extension members. Each longitudinal extension member may extend between a respective one of the pair of forward side posts and a respective one of the pair of rearward side posts. The truck bed cover may further include a weather strip engageable with the external frame and positionable between the external frame and the cab to form a water tight seal between the external frame and the cab. A top may be engageable with the external frame so as to be positioned over the truck bed to at least partially define an enclosure over the truck bed. The top and the external frame may be sized and structured such that when the top is engaged with the external frame, the external frame is outside of the enclosure. 
     The weather strip may be inflatable. The weather strip may be compressible. The weather strip may define an opening that is alignable with a window on the cab when the weather strip is positioned between the external frame and the cab. The weather strip may circumnavigate the opening. 
     Yet another implementation of the truck bed cover may include an external frame connectable to the truck bed. The external frame may include a pair of forward side posts disposable adjacent respective forward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed, and a pair of rearward side posts disposable adjacent respective rearward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed. The external frame may also include a pair of longitudinal extension members, with each longitudinal extension member extending between a respective one of the pair of forward side posts and a respective one of the pair of rearward side posts. The truck bed cover may also include a rack slidably connected to the external frame. A top may be engageable with the external frame so as to be positioned over the truck bed to at least partially define an enclosure over the truck bed. The top and the external frame may be sized and structured such that when the top is engaged with the external frame, the external frame is outside of the enclosure. 
     The truck bed cover may additionally include pair of rails coupled to respective ones of the pair of longitudinal extension members, the rack being slidable along the pair of rails. Each of the pair of rails may include a first section positionable over the cab, and a second section extendable along the respective one of the pair of longitudinal extension members. The first section may be angled relative to the second section. The wherein the rack may be pivotable relative to the pair of rails. 
     Still another implementation of the truck bed cover may include an external frame connectable to the truck bed. The external frame may include a pair of forward side posts disposable adjacent respective forward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed, and a pair of rearward side posts disposable adjacent respective rearward corners of the truck bed so as to extend vertically upward from the truck bed. The external frame may also include a pair of longitudinal extension members, each longitudinal extension member extending between a respective one of the pair of forward side posts and a respective one of the pair of rearward side posts and having a segment that slopes downwardly toward the tailgate in a direction from the forward side posts toward the rearward side posts. The truck bed cover may additionally include a top engageable with the external frame so as to be positioned over the truck bed to at least partially define an enclosure over the truck bed. The top and the external frame may be sized and structured such that when the top is engaged with the external frame, the external frame is outside of the enclosure. 
     The forward side posts may extend vertically upward from the truck bed by a first height and the pair of rearward side posts may extend vertically upward from the truck bed by a second height less than the first height. 
     The truck bed cover may additionally include a biasing element coupled to the upper panel and at least one of the pair of longitudinal extension members. 
     The truck bed cover may further comprise a crossbar extending between the forward side posts, and a hinge pivotally connecting the top to the crossbar. 
     According to yet another embodiment, the truck bed cover may further comprise a front crossmember that extends along a forward edge of the truck bed, along a rear edge of a truck cabin, and/or between a pair of forward side posts that extend upwards from the forward corners of the truck bed. The front crossmember may comprise a recess that accepts a front edge of a top cover of the frame. This coupling may be a hinged connection that allows the top to rotate relative to the recess. 
     According to yet another embodiment, slideable rails may be embedded within members of the frame, such as longitudinal or crosswise members along a side of the truck bed, longitudinal members that extend between posts of the frame, or even rooftop members that extend along a surface of a truck cabin. In preferred embodiments, the slideable rails comprise a recess that runs along a length of a member of the frame. Such recesses could extend along a length of one member to feed into a recess along a length of another member, for example a recess could extend along a length of a longitudinal member coupled to a rooftop mount, where the recess of the longitudinal member feeds into the recess of the rooftop mount. By utilizing such configurations, an extended recess and/or rail could be configured to allow a rack to slide along a length of discrete members that are attached to one another longitudinally. 
     In some embodiments, the rooftop mount could be hingedly coupled to other members of the frame, such that the rooftop mount could rotate between a position above a cabin of a truck and a position above a bed of a truck. In embodiments where the frame is slanted, the rooftop mount could be configured to rotate at least 90, 180, 210, or even 250 degrees. 
     Any suitable sliding mechanism could be used to slide a rack along a length of a member of the frame, for example wheels or mating projections. Preferably, the sliding mechanisms further comprise a lock to prevent the rack from sliding along a recess or a rail when in a locked position, and allow sliding when in an unlocked position. The sliding mechanisms are preferably located along a bottom edge of a rack to improve stability and connection between the rack and the rail. In preferred embodiments, a plurality of different types of racks could be configured to mate with the same rail or recess, allowing racks to be interchangeable, and also allowing a plurality of racks to be coupled to the same rail. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a truck; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a truck bed with an exemplary frame being assembled on the truck bed; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the truck bed with the frame of  FIG. 2  being further assembled on the truck bed; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the truck bed and the frame of  FIG. 2  with a top folded over a cab of the truck; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the truck bed and frame of  FIG. 2  with the top being deployed on the frame; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the truck bed and the frame of  FIG. 2  with the top and side panels deployed on the frame; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the truck bed and the frame of  FIG. 2  with the side panels removed from the frame; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates side panels being mounted to the frame of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates rubber lockouts for securing the folded top to the cab, as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the side panel and a first embodiment of securing the side panel to the frame of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side panel and a second embodiment of securing the side panel to the frame of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a motorcycle being loaded on the truck bed and the top being in a stored position over the cab; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a motorcycle loaded on the truck bed; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a front edge of the top capable of being pivoted so that the folded top can be stored on top of the cab; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a rack being mountable to a frame; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates the rack of  FIG. 15  resting on the frame; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates the rack of  FIG. 15  with clamps secured to the frame; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates front headlights mounted to the frame; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a pop up top in a down position; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates rubber lockouts being disengaged so that the pop up top can be traversed to an up position; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates the pop up top in the up position; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates how to open up the pop up top so that a motorcycle being higher than frame can fit within the truck bed; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a second embodiment of a frame; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 23  with the foldable top and removably attachable side panels; 
         FIG. 25  is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of a truck bed cover; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged view of one example of connectors used on the truck bed cover depicted in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of another example of connectors used on the truck bed cover depicted in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic, cross sectional representation of a truck bed capable of selectively supporting a truck bed cover in a raised position and a lowered position; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded upper perspective view of the top in a deployed configuration and removed from the truck bed and the external frame; 
         FIG. 30  is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of a truck bed cover including a top in a folded configuration for storage in a cab of the truck; 
         FIG. 31  is an upper perspective view of the truck bed cover of  FIG. 29 , with the cover in a deployed configuration and connected to an external frame; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial cross sectional view of the truck bed cover of  FIG. 30 , showing a snap fastener for connecting the top to the external frame; 
         FIG. 33  is an upper perspective view of the truck bed cover of  FIG. 30 , depicting a rear window panel in a partially rolled up configuration; 
         FIG. 34  is an upper perspective view of the truck bed cover of  FIG. 30 , with a top panel being transitioned to a stowed configuration; 
         FIG. 35  is an upper perspective view of a weather strip detached from a rear surface of a cab; 
         FIG. 36  is an upper perspective view of the weather strip attached to the cab and an external frame in an exploded configuration; 
         FIG. 37  is an upper perspective view of the weather strip attached to the cab and the external frame mounted on the truck bed; 
         FIG. 38  is an upper perspective view of side panels being attached to the external frame; 
         FIG. 39  is an upper perspective view of an upper panel hinged to the external frame in a first intermediate configuration; 
         FIG. 40  is an upper perspective view of the upper panel in a second intermediate configuration; 
         FIG. 41  is an upper perspective view of a roof rack coupled to the external frame, the roof rack being in an over-the-roof position, and the upper panel being in a closed position; 
         FIG. 41A  shows a pivot mechanism configured to facilitate pivotal movement of the roof rack relative to the rails; 
         FIG. 42  is an upper perspective view of the roof rack and upper panel, the roof rack being in the over-the-roof position, and the upper panel being in an open position; 
         FIGS. 43 and 44  are side, upper perspective views showing the roof rack sliding along rails between an over-the-roof position, and an over-the-bed position, respectively; 
         FIG. 45  is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of a slidable roof rack for transporting a surfboard; 
         FIG. 46  is an upper perspective view of the roof rack mounted to the external frame over the truck bed; 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of another truck; 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of a truck bed with another exemplary frame being assembled on the truck bed of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 48  with a top extended over an upper frame cavity; 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 48  with a top folded over the upper frame cavity; 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 48  having side panels folded away from a center of the cab; 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 48  with a top folded over the bed of the truck; 
         FIG. 53  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 48 , having side panels folded over the top that is folded over the bed of the truck; 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 48 , having a crossmember coupled to the side panels that have been folded over the top that is folded over the bed of the truck; 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 48 , having side panels folded over the top at another angle; 
         FIG. 56  is a perspective view of an alternative frame embodiment being assembled on the truck bed of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 56  having a pair of rooftop mounts disposed on a cab rooftop; 
         FIG. 58  is a zoomed-in view of the rooftop mounts of  FIG. 57 , showing a coupling mechanism; 
         FIG. 59  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 57  having a rack coupled to railings of the frame; 
         FIG. 60  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 59 , showing the rack moved to a new position to load rack items; 
         FIG. 61  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 60 , showing the rack moved to yet another position; 
         FIG. 62  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 60 , showing another rack mounted to the railings of the frame; 
         FIG. 63  shows a perspective view of yet another alternative frame embodiment being assembled on the truck bed of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 64  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 63  in a further state of assembly; 
         FIG. 65  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 63  in a further state of assembly with an alternative rooftop mount; 
         FIG. 66  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 65  having the rooftop mount integrally coupled to a crossmember of the frame over the cab of the truck; 
         FIG. 67  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 66  having the rooftop mount folded to a new position over the bed of the truck; 
         FIG. 68  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 66  having a rack coupled to the railings of the frame; and 
         FIG. 69  shows a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 68  having the rack moved to a different position along the frame. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, a truck bed accessory frame  10 ,  210  (see  FIGS. 4 and 23 ) is shown. The frame  10 ,  210  allows for various accessories to be removably mounted thereto such as a foldable top  12  (see  FIGS. 4 and 14 ), removable side panels  14  (see  FIG. 8 ), roof rack  16  (see  FIG. 16 ), and pop-up top  18  are shown. The truck bed accessory frame  10 ,  210  may be configured to be enclosed, as shown in  FIG. 15 , partially open by removing one or more panels  14  or have an open top by removing the top  12  (see  FIG. 13 ) so that a motorcycle  20  can fit in a truck bed  22 . The truck bed accessory frame may form a box configured storage area, as shown in  FIG. 9 , or a slant back configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 12, and 23-25 . The truck bed accessory frame  10 ,  210  provides for flexible configuration that allows the user to have an enclosed truck bed area and one that is reconfigurable so that the full-length and height of the truck bed can be utilized and does not prevent the user from loading a motorcycle or something that is too high on the truck bed because of the truck bed accessory frame  10 ,  210 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a truck  24  shown. The truck  24  may have the truck bed  22 . The truck bed has first and second sidewalls  26 ,  28 , a tailgate  30 , a front wall  32  and a cab  34  which is disposed in front of the front wall  32 . The cab  34  also has a height  36  that extends vertically above a top edge  38  of the front wall  32 . The truck bed  22  may have a length  40  of a short bed (e.g. 4 feet to 6.5 feet) or a long bed (e.g. 7 feet to 8 feet). The truck bed accessory frame  10 ,  210  may be sized and configured to be mounted to truck beds having various lengths  40  and widths  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the truck bed accessory frame  10  may have a forward driver side post  44 , a forward passenger side post  46 , a rearward driver side post  48 , a rearward passenger side post  50  which are respectively aligned to corners of the truck bed  22 , namely, the intersection between the first side wall  26  and the front wall  32 , the intersection between the second sidewall  28  and the front wall  32  and the rear end portions of the first and second sidewalls  26 ,  28 . The forward driver side and passenger side posts  44 ,  46  and the rearward driver side and passenger side posts  48 ,  50  may be mounted to a subframe  52 . The subframe  52  may extend from the forward driver side post  44  to the rearward driver side post  48  and from the forward driver side post  44  to the forward passenger side post  46  and from the forward passenger side post  46  to the rearward passenger side post  50 . The posts  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  may be welded to the subframe  52 . The subframe  52  may extend along the length of both sidewalls  26 ,  28  and along the front side above the top edge  38  of the front wall  32 . The rearward driver side and passenger side posts  48 ,  50  may be similarly sized to the forward driver side and passenger side posts  44 ,  46 , or alternatively, a rearward driver side and passenger side posts  248 ,  250  may be shorter as shown in  FIG. 23 , as will be discussed further below. 
     The truck bed accessory frame  10 ,  210  may have a front crossmember  54  and a rear crossmember  56 . The front crossmember  54  may be secured to the forward driver side and passenger side posts  44 ,  46  with fasteners. The front crossmember  54  and the upper end portions of the forward driver side and passenger side posts  44 ,  46  may have mating cutouts  58 ,  60 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The rear crossmember  56  may be secured to the rearward driver side and passenger side posts  48 ,  50  with fasteners as well. Similar to the front crossmember  54 , the rear crossmember  56  and the upper end portions of the rearward driver side and passenger side posts  48 ,  50  may have mating cutouts  58 ,  60 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Although fasteners are not shown, they may be inserted into the apertures and received into respective threaded apertures. Additionally, the rear crossmember  56  may be easily removed and attached to the rearward driver side and passenger side posts  48 ,  50  by utilizing speed fasteners such as ball-lok pins fabricated by Avibank Manufacturing in Burbank, Calif. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the truck bed accessory frame  10  may also have driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64 . The extension members  62 ,  64  may be secured to the forward and rearward driver side posts  44 ,  48  wherein the extension member  62 ,  64  on opposing end portions thereof and the upper end portions of the forward and rearward driver side posts  44 ,  48  may have mating cutouts  58 ,  60  that are secured to each other with fasteners, and the upper end portions of the forward and rearward passenger side posts  46 ,  50  may have mating cutouts  58 ,  60  that are secured to each other with fasteners. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-7 , the foldable top  12  is shown. The foldable top  12  may be stored above the cab  34  when the user wants full use of the truck bed  22 . Alternatively, the user can deploy the top  12  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  so that the truck bed  22  is enclosed. The enclosure formed by the truck bed accessory frame  10  may be fully enclosed by securing side panels  14  to the respective posts  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  and the front crossmember  54 . The top  12  may have three panels  66 ,  68 ,  70  and a rear hatch  72 . The panels  66 ,  68 ,  70  and the rear hatch  72  may be folded upon each other and stored above the cab  34 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The foldable top  12  may be secured to the roof of the cab  34  with rubber lockouts  74  (see  FIG. 9 ). The rubber lockouts  74  may be attached to the rear hatch  72  and the roof of the cab  34  on both sides of the rear hatch  72 . The rubber lockouts  74  may be secured to roof accessory rails  76  of the cab  34 . The rubber lockouts  74  has a first part  78  secured to the rail  76  of the roof of the cab  34 . The rubber lockouts  74  also has the second part  80  secured to the rear hatch  72 . There is a rubber extension member  82  that is pivotally secured to the second part  80 . The rubber extension member  82  may have a handle  84  that can be grasped to stretch the rubber extension member  82  so that an enlarged portion  86  can be pulled out of the first part  78  to dislodge the enlarged portion  86  of the rubber extension member  82  out of the first part  78 . In this way, the panels  66 ,  68 ,  70  and the rear hatch  72  may be traversed from the stored position as shown in  FIG. 4  to the deployed position as shown in  FIG. 7 . Left and right edges  88 ,  90  of the panels  66 ,  68 ,  70  may be secured to the driver and passenger side longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64  with removable fasteners including but not limited to screws, ball-lok pins and rubber lockouts  74  that are secured along the length of the edges  88 ,  90  and the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64 . Also, the rear crossmember  56  may be secured to the upper end portions of the rearward driver side and passenger side posts  48 ,  50  with fasteners or quick release fasteners. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , the rubber lockouts are not shown. However, this is merely for purposes of clarity. As is the case in relation to  FIG. 19 , the rubber lockouts  74  may be disposed about the top  12  in order to hold the top  12  down while driving the truck  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , panels  14  may be secured to the frame  10  in order to form an enclosure. The panels  14  may be attached to the sides and the front of the frame  10 . The panels  14  may be removably secured to the posts  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  and the front crossmember  54  as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the side panel  14  is shown as being removably securable to the passenger longitudinal extension member  64  and the rearward passenger side post  50  and the subframe  52 . The subframe  52  and the rearward passenger side post  50  are shown as being detached from each other but this is for clarity. The bottom end of the rearward passenger side post  50  may be permanently secured to the subframe  52 . The rearward passenger side post  50  is shown as being detached from the passenger longitudinal extension member  64  for the purpose of showing the interconnection between the panel  14  and the subframe  52 , the rearward passenger side post  50  and the passenger longitudinal extension member  64 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate two different means of attaching the panel to the frame  10 . In  FIG. 10 , the panel  14   a  may be secured to the rearward passenger side post  50  with hooks and loops. The upper edge of the panel  14   a  may be secured to the passenger longitudinal extension member  64  with a T slot. The panel  14   a  may have a T shaped male prong  94  and the passenger longitudinal extension member  64  may have a mating T shaped cavity  96 . The T shaped male prong  94  may be slid into the female cavity  96 . Thereafter, the passenger longitudinal extension member  64  may be secured to the passenger side posts  46 ,  50  with fasteners. The hooks and loops  92  may be used to attach the panel  14   a  to the forward and rearward passenger side posts  46 ,  50 . Hooks and loops may also be used to secure the panel  14   a  to the subframe  52 . Once the panel  14   a  is secured, a zipper  98  may be used to open up or close the side of the frame  10 . The same structure used to secure the panel  14   a  to the passenger side of the frame  10  may also be utilized to secure a panel  14   a  to the front and driver sides of the frame  10 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , the panel  14   b  may be secured to the frame  10  in the same manner except that the panel  14   b  does not have a zippered window and the interconnection between the panel  14   b  and the passenger longitudinal extension member  64  may be with an L shaped slot. In particular, this embodiment allows the panel  14   b  to be secured to the frame while the passenger longitudinal extension member  64  is already mounted to the passenger side posts  46 ,  50 . The L shaped prong  100  may be received into an L shaped cavity  102 . Fasteners  106  may be used to screw and hold the L shaped prong  100  into the L shaped cavity  102 . The interconnections between the T shaped prong and the L shaped prong  94 ,  100  form a watertight connection. The T shaped prong and the L shaped prong  94 ,  100  connects to form a watertight connection with the passenger longitudinal extension member  64 , driver longitudinal extension member  62  and the front crossmember  54 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the motorcycle  20  may be loaded onto the truck bed. This is true even if the height of the motorcycle extends above the front cross member  54  and the driver and longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64 . When the motorcycle  20  is loaded onto the truck bed  22 , the foldable top  12  is secured to the cab  34  with the rubber lockouts  74 . Additionally, the panels  14  prevent dirt and debris from entering the truck bed  22 . The motorcycle  20  may be locked down to the truck bed  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a hinge  104  is shown which allows the foldable top  12  to be stored over the cab  34 . In particular, the hinge  104  may be secured to the front cross member  54  with fasteners  106  and the panel  66  of the foldable top  12 . The panel  66  is rotatable 180° about a pivot axis  108  in the direction of rotational arrow  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15-18 , the rack  16  may be secured to the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64 . In particular, the rack  16  may have clamps  112  that can be traversed between the released position, as shown in  FIGS. 15-16  and an engaged position as shown in  FIG. 17 . With the clamps  112  in the released position, the clamps  112  are laid on top of the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64  as shown in  FIG. 16 . The clamps  112  are then traversed (i.e. rotated) in order to clamp to the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64 . 
     Additionally, in  FIG. 18 , flood lights  114  may be mounted to the frame  10 , namely, the forward driver side and passenger side posts  44 ,  46  and/or the front crossmember  54 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-22 , a pop-up top  18  is shown. The pop-up top  12  may be extended upward, as shown in  FIG. 21  so that the interior volume defined by the frame  10  may be enlarged in order to hold larger items within the truck bed  22 . The pop-up top  18  may have a generally rigid top panel  150 . The top panel  150  may be sufficiently large to cover the entire area from the front crossmember  54  to the rear crossmember  56  between the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64 . The top panel  150  of the pop-up top  18  is biased to the up position as shown in  FIG. 21 . In order to hold the top panel  150  in the down position which is shown in  FIG. 19 , the pop-up top  18  may include a plurality of rubber lockouts  74  around the periphery of the top panel  150 . 
     The first part  78  may be attached to the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64  and the front and rear crossmembers  54 ,  56 . The second part  80  may be attached to the periphery of the top panel  150 . In  FIG. 19 , the rubber lockouts  74  are shown as being only on the driver side of the top panel  150  but it is also contemplated that the rubber lockouts  74  may be disposed around the entire periphery so that one or more rubber lockouts  74  are on opposed sides of the top panel, specifically, the front and rear sides of the top panel  150  and/or the driver and passenger sides of the top panel  150 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , the rubber lockout may be disengaged so that the top panel  150  can pop upward. By gripping the handle  84  and pulling downward in the direction of arrow  117 , the enlarged portion  86  is removed from the first part  78 . Once the enlarged part  86  clears the first part  78 , the user releases the handle  84 . All of the rubber lockouts  74  are disengaged so that the top panel  150  may be traversed upward. Additionally or alternatively, although not shown, rubber lockouts  74  may be placed on the inside or under the top panel  150  and on the interior of the frame  10 . In this regard, the rubber lockouts  74  must be disengaged by having the user climb into the truck bed and disengage each of the rubber lockouts  74 . The rubber lockouts  74  disposed on the inside may be placed about a periphery in the same manner as that of the rubber lockouts  74  disposed on the exterior side shown in  FIGS. 19-20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , the pop-up top  18  is shown. The top panel  150  is in the up position. In that up position, there are a plurality of pleated sides  118  about the entire periphery of the top panel  150  that extends from the top panel  150  to the front and rear crossmembers  54 ,  56  and the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  62 ,  64 . The pleated sides  118  and the top panel  150  enlarge the interior volume of the frame  210  so that, if needed, the truck bed  22  can fit a motorcycle. In order to fit the motorcycle, the pleated side  118   a  on the backside of the top panel  150  may be removed. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the pleated side  118   a  may be secured to the back edge of the top panel  150 , the left and right pleated sides  118  and the rear crossmember  56  through any connection mechanism including but not limited to hooks and loops, snaps and other fastening mechanisms known in the art. In order to fit a motorcycle into the truck bed, the pleated side  118  may be removed as well as the rear crossmember  56  and the rear hatch  72 . The motorcycle may be placed in the truck bed  22  then the pleated side  118   a  and the rear crossmember  56  and rear hatch  72  may be mounted back onto the pop-up top  18  and the frame  10 . Instead of removing the pleated side  118   a , the short left and right vertical sides may be removed from the driver side and passenger side pleated sides  118 . Also, the bottom of the pleated side  118  may be removed from the rear crossmember  56 . The pleated side  118   a  may be flipped up and over so that it rests on top of the top panel. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23-25 , a second embodiment of the frame  210  is shown. In particular, the frame  210  may have a shortened rearward driver side and passenger side posts  248 ,  250 . The rearward driver side and passenger side posts  48 ,  50  as well as the forward driver side and passenger side posts  44 ,  46  may extend up to about a height of the cab  34 . In the frame  210 , the forward driver side and passenger side posts  44 ,  46  may still come up to about the height of the cab  34  but the rearward driver side and passenger side posts  248 ,  250  may be about one half or less of the height of the forward driver side and passenger side posts  44 ,  46 . The driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  262 ,  264  may extend backwards and slope downward as shown in  FIG. 23 . The second embodiment of the frame  210  illustrates a different configuration from that of the frame  10  to illustrate that the frame may have different configurations but nevertheless can form an enclosed volume as shown in  FIG. 24  in the truck bed but also allow the side panels  214  to be removably attachable to the frame  210  in the same manner as that described in relation to the frame  10 . Additionally, the top  212  and the rear hatch  272  may be foldable and stored on top of the cab for the same manner as that described in relation to frame  10 . 
     The various accessories (e.g. foldable top, pop-up top, rack, floodlights, side panels) that are multiple to the frame  10  may also be configured to be used in relation to the frame  210 . By way of example and patient, the top  212  may be stored above the cab  34  and held over the cab with rubber lockouts  74 . This is the stored position of the top  212 . The deployed position in order to form the enclosure is shown in  FIG. 24 . A pop-up top may be void on the frame  212 . Instead of being traversed vertically up as shown in FIG.  21 , the pop-up top employed on the frame  210  will be traversed upward at an angle defined by the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  262 ,  264 . The rack may be attached to the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members  262 ,  264  in the same manner described above in relation to frame  10 . Likewise, floodlights may be mounted to the frame  210  in the same manner described above in relation to frame  10 . Additionally, side panels may be shaped to the size of the frame  210  and the side panels may be mounted to the frame  210  in the same manner described above in relation to the frame  10 . 
     The frames may have triangular reinforcement bars  116  that extend from forward driver side posts to the subframe  52 , from the forward passenger side posts  46  to the subframe  52 , from the driver longitudinal extension member  62  to the rear driver side post  48  and from the passenger longitudinal extension member  64  to the rear passenger side post  50 . The triangular reinforcement bar  116  adds rigidity to the frame  10 ,  210 . 
     The top and side panels may form a waterproof seal along with the front cross member, rear cross member and the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members with a gasket placed around a section or the entire periphery of the top and panels  14 . The gasket may be an elongate rubber piece that mates with both the top and side panels and the front cross member, rear cross member and the driver and passenger longitudinal extension members. The weight of the top may press down on the gasket to form the watertight seal. Also, the rubber lockouts may place downward pressure from the top onto the gasket to further ensure the watertight seal. Other means of forming the waterproof seal are also contemplated such as the means explained in relation to  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Moreover, the side panels  14  may form a waterproof seal with the forward and rearward driver side posts and the forward and rearward passenger side posts with a gasket disposed between the side panels and the forward and rearward driver side posts and the forward and rearward passenger side posts. Other means of forming the waterproof seal are also contemplated such as the means explained in relation to  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In particular, the interconnection shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  may be formed between the panel and the forward and rearward driver side posts and the forward and rearward passenger side posts as well as the subframe  52 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25-27 , there is depicted another embodiment of a truck bed cover  202 , which may define an enclosure over the truck bed  22 . The truck bed cover  202  may be adaptable to allow for variation in the size of the enclosure defined by the truck bed cover  202 . In this regard, the truck bed cover  202  may include a top  204  which may be selectively transitioned between an upper position and a lower position to vary the size of the enclosure defined by the truck bed cover  202 , wherein the upper position may be associated with a larger enclosure, while the lower position may be associated with a smaller enclosure. This adaptability may be implemented via identically configured connectors  206 ,  208 , which may be located along upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64  and lower longitudinal members  211  extending over the sidewalls of the truck bed  22 . The top  204  may include complimentary connectors  215 , which may be selectively engaged with the upper connectors  206  on the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64  to deploy the truck bed cover  202  in the upper position, or the lower connectors  208  on the lower longitudinal members  211  to deploy the truck bed cover  202  in the lower position. 
     In more detail, the truck bed cover  202  includes a pair of support frames  216  which are engageable with the truck bed  22  in opposed relation to each other. One frame support  216  may be on the driver&#39;s side and includes side posts  44 ,  48 , as well as upper longitudinal member  62  and lower longitudinal member  211 . Frame support  218  may be on the passenger&#39;s side and includes side posts  46 ,  50 , as well as upper longitudinal member  64  and lower longitudinal member  211 . The lower longitudinal members  211  may extend along the upper ends of the truck bed sidewalls between respective sets of the side posts  44 ,  48  on the driver&#39;s side and the side posts  46 ,  50  on the passenger&#39;s side. The lower longitudinal members  211  may be secured to the sidewalls via rivets, screws, adhesives, or other fasteners known in the art. The lower longitudinal members  211  may be in parallel relation to the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64 , or there may be non-parallel relationship between the lower longitudinal members  211  and the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64 . For instance, the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64  may be angled downwardly from the rear of the cab toward the tailgate, similar to the configuration shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     The top  204  generally includes a top panel  218 , and a plurality of panel connectors  215  coupled to the top panel  218 . The top panel  218  may include a pair of transverse edges  220  (i.e., forward and rearward edges) and a pair of longitudinal edges  222  extending between the transverse edges  220 . The top panel  218  may be a flexible panel, or a rigid panel. In the case of a flexible panel, the top panel  218  may include several regions or sections separated by fold lines to facilitate folding of the top panel  218  for storing the top  204 . In one particular implementation, the top panel  218  may be folded to allow the top panel to be easily stowed within the cab of the truck. The flexible top panel  218  may be comprised of a fabric material, or other materials capable of defining fold lines therein. Alternatively, the flexible top panel  218  may be formed from a more rigid material, such as plastic, fiberglass, or the like, with the panel  218  being comprised of separate sections which are connected to each other via one or more hinges so as to facilitate folding of the top panel  218 . A rigid top panel  218  may be generally inflexible, i.e., incapable of folding onto itself. The rigid top panel  218  may be formed from plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, or other materials known in the art. 
     The connectors  215  may be coupled to the top panel  218  adjacent the longitudinal edges  222  thereof. In the exemplary embodiment, the top  204  includes three connectors  215  positioned adjacent each longitudinal edge  22 , with the spacing between the connectors  215  being substantially equal. However, it is understood that the number of connectors  215  and the spacing therebetween may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each connector  215  may include a stationary part  224  and a rubber extension member  226  pivotally secured to the stationary part  224 . The rubber extension member  226  may have a handle  228  that can be grasped to stretch the rubber extension member  226  so that an enlarged portion  230  can be pulled out of a corresponding connector  206 ,  208  to dislodge the enlarged portion  230  of the rubber extension member  226  out of the corresponding connector  206 ,  208 . It is contemplated that the extension member  226  may be formed from materials other than rubber, such as plastic, metal, etc. 
     The upper connectors  206  attached to the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64 , as well as the lower connectors  208  attached to the lower longitudinal members  211 , may be complimentary to the panel connectors  215  coupled to the top panel  218 . In this respect, the upper and lower connectors  206 ,  208  may be referred to herein as “primary connectors,” while the panel connectors  215  may be referred to herein as “secondary connectors.” According to one embodiment, the upper connectors  206  and lower connectors  208  may be identical in configuration. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower connectors  206 ,  208  may include a shaft portion  232  and a cup portion  234  at a distal end of the shaft portion  232 . The cup portion  234  may be adapted to receive the enlarged portion  230  of the rubber extension member  226  so as to secure the connector  206 ,  208  to the panel connector  215 . In this respect, the cup portion  234  may be resilient to allow the cup portion  234  to expand as the rubber extension member  226  is inserted therein and removed therefrom. The resiliency may also allow the cup portion  234  to apply a compressive force on the rubber extension member  226  to retain the rubber extension member  226  within the cup portion  226 . Such resiliency may be referred to as “snap-fit engagement” between the cup portion  234  and the panel connector  215 . 
     Although the foregoing description and related figures show the panel connectors  215  as including the pivotable rubber extension members  226 , and the upper and lower connectors  206 ,  208  as including the complimentary cup portion  234 , it is understood that the configuration of the connectors may be reversed. For instance, the panel connectors  215  may include the cup portion  234 , while the upper and lower connectors  206 ,  208  may include the pivotable rubber extension members  226 . Furthermore, it is understood that other complimentary connectors may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Along these lines, the primary connectors  206 ,  208  and secondary connectors  215  may include snaps, buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, or other fasteners known in the art for securing the top panel  218  in place. 
     Although the foregoing describes the lower connectors  208  as being connected to the lower longitudinal members  211 , it is contemplated that the lower connectors  208  may be connected directly to the sidewalls of the truck bed, as shown in  FIG. 27 . As such, the position of the lower connectors  208  is not limited to being directly connected to the lower longitudinal members  211 . The lower connectors  208  may be coupled to the sidewalls of the truck bed via adhesives, magnets, rivets, screws, or other fasteners known in the art. 
     In use, the top  204  may be selectively transitioned between several different positions to allow the truck bed cover  202  to assume several different operable configurations. The top  204  may be placed in a first deployed position, or an upper position, by connecting the top  204  to the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64  (see  FIGS. 19 and 20 ). When the top  204  is in the first deployed position, the panel connectors  215  are engaged with the upper connectors  206 , and disengaged from the lower connectors  208 . By placing the top  204  in the first deployed position, the truck bed cover  204 , including the side panels  14  discussed in more detail above, may define a large enclosure. In the first deployed position, the top panel  218  may be spaced upwardly from the sidewalls of the truck bed and the top of the tailgate. At least a portion of the top panel  218  may reside in a plane that is substantially parallel to the roof of the cab. When the side panels  14  are used for forming part of the enclosure, it is contemplated that the side panels  14  may be connected to an inner periphery of the corresponding support frame  216 . In this regard, the “inner periphery” refers to any portion of the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64  and the lower longitudinal members  211  to which the side panels  14  may be attached, while still allowing at least a portion of the upper and lower longitudinal members  62 ,  64 ,  211  to be exposed to create the appearance of a robust exoskeleton. As such, the “inner periphery” of the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64  may broadly include any part of the lower hemisphere or lower half of the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64 , as well as any part of the inner hemisphere or inner half of the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64 . Likewise, the “inner periphery” of the lower longitudinal members  211  may broadly include any part of the upper hemisphere or upper half of the upper longitudinal members  211 , as well as any part of the inner hemisphere or inner half of the lower longitudinal members  211 . 
     The top  204  may be placed in a second deployed position, or lower position, by connecting the top  204  to the lower longitudinal members  211 . When the top  204  is in the second deployed position, the panel connectors  215  are engaged with the lower connectors  208 , and disengaged from the upper connectors  206 . By placing the top  204  in the second deployed position, the truck bed cover  204  may extend over the truck bed in close proximity to the top of the sidewalls of the truck bed, as well as the top of the tailgate to define a smaller enclosure relative to the size of the enclosure when the top  204  is in the first deployed position. 
     The top  204  may assume a third deployed position, similar to the second deployed position, wherein the panel connectors  215  are engaged with lower connectors  208  on the sidewalls of the truck bed. In this regard, the support frame used to support the top panel  218  in the first deployed position may be removed from the truck bed, including the posts  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 , the upper longitudinal members  62 ,  64 , and the lower longitudinal members  211 . 
     By moving the top  204  from the first deployed position to the second deployed position or third deployed position, the top  204  may be lowered by a distance which is substantially equal to the height  36  of the cab  34 . Conversely, by moving the top  204  from the second deployed position, or third deployed position, to the first deployed position, the top  204  may be raised by a distance which is substantially equal to the height  36  of the cab  34 . 
     In addition to the first and second deployed positions, the top  204  may be transitioned to a disengaged position, by disconnecting the panel connectors  215  from the upper connectors  206  and the lower connectors  208 . After such disconnections are made, the top  204  may be removed from the truck bed, leaving the truck bed uncovered. By uncovering the truck bed, tall items which may extend well above the cab, such as motorcycles, may be placed in the truck bed. As such, use of the truck bed cover  202  does not limit use of the truck bed. Rather, the truck bed cover  202  enhances use of the truck bed by providing an enclosure which may be selectively deployed and sized as needed. 
     When the top  204  is disengaged from the truck bed, the top panel  218  may be folded and stored in the cab of the truck, or in another location outside of the truck, such as in a garage or storage closet. In this respect, the top panel  218  may be formed of sections or sub-panels, which may facilitate folding of the top panel  218 . It is also contemplated that other ways of allowing the top panel  218  to assume a smaller configuration, such as rolling the top panel  218 , may also be used. 
     The configuration of the top  204  provides enhanced adaptability that allows the owner to remount the top  204  in several different positions, depending on the space that is needed in a given time. Furthermore, the top  204  may form a part of all types of tonneau covers, including folding-panel-type tonneau covers, roll up tonneau covers, hinging tonneau covers, or other types of tonneau covers known in the art. Along these lines,  FIG. 28  is a schematic, cross sectional representation of a truck bed capable of selectively supporting the top of a truck bed cover in a lowered position and a raised position. Only one side of the truck bed is shown in  FIG. 28 , with the opposing side being symmetrical about axis  235 . When in the lowered position, the top  204  may be supported by a lower support  240  connected to a respective sidewall  26 ,  28  of the truck bed  22 . When in the raised position, the top  204  may be supported by an upper support  242  connected to a respective longitudinal extension member  62 ,  64 . The lower and upper supports  240 ,  242  may be configured to accommodate the specific type of top included in a particular tonneau cover. 
     For a roll up tonneau cover, the lower and upper supports  240 ,  242  may include side rails which may support a top  204  having a rear bar, front bar, support bows, and a cover panel. An exemplary roll up tonneau cover is the Original Slantback® Roll-Up Cover sold by Access®, which is a division of AGRI-COVER, INC. in Jamestown, N. Dak. For more detail regarding roll up tonneau covers, please refer to the INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS for the Original Slantback® Roll-Up Cover by Access®, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     For a tri-fold tonneau cover, the lower and upper supports  240 ,  242  may include structures which may interface with clamps or other mounting hardware on the tri-fold tonneau cover. An exemplary soft tri-fold tonneau cover is the Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover sold by American Tonneau Company™, located in Ann Arbor, Mich. An exemplary hard tri-fold tonneau cover is the Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau from Rugged Cover™, located in Owosso, Mich. It is understood that tri-fold tonneau covers may clamp onto slide bracket assemblies that slide within channels formed in the truck bed. In this regard, it is contemplated that the lower and upper supports  240 ,  242  may also include channels for support such slide bracket assemblies. As an alternative, it is contemplated that the upper and lower supports  240 ,  242  may integrate the structure associated with the slide bracket assemblies that interface with clamps on the tonneau cover. For more information regarding tri-fold tonneau covers, please refer to the TRI-FOLD TONNEAU INSTALLATION GUIDE for the American Tonneau Company Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover, as well as the HARD TRI-FOLD TONNEAU INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS for the Rugged Cover Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau, the contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     For a retractable tonneau cover, the lower and upper supports  240 ,  242  may include rails which slidably support the tonneau top. Exemplary retractable tonneau covers include the JackRabbit™ series of tonneau covers, sold by Pace Edwards located in Centralia, Wash. For more information regarding retractable tonneau covers, please refer to the STANDARD INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS for the JackRabbit™ series. 
     For hard tonneau covers, the lower and upper supports  240 ,  242  may include mounting brackets to support hydraulic struts used to facilitate pivotal movement of the tonneau cover. In this regard, it is contemplated that the truck bed frame  210  may allow a hard tonneau cover may be pivotally mounted in two positions over the truck bed, i.e., a lowered position and a raised position. Exemplary hard tonneau covers include the Model 1010 tonneau cover sold by UnderCover™ located in Rogersville, Mo., as well as the Ridgelander™ DF921019, also sold by UnderCover™. For more information regarding hard tonneau covers, please refer to the TONNEAU INSTALLATION GUIDE for the UnderCover™ Model 1010 tonneau cover, as well as the INSTALLATION GUIDE for the Ridgelander™ DF921019, the contents of both being expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     It is contemplated that tonneau covers may be sectioned so as to include different panels. For instance, a sectional tonneau cover may include a tailgate panel, and a cab &amp; T panel. It is also contemplated that a sectional tonneau cover may include cab panel, a center panel and a tail panel. Exemplary sectional tonneau covers may include the Diamondback 270 tonneau cover, as well as the Diamondback HD SE tonneau cover, both being sold by DiamondBack located in Philipsburg, Pa. For sectional tonneau covers, the lower and upper supports  240 ,  242  may include brackets or other structures which interface with clamps on the tonneau cover. For more information regarding sectional tonneau covers, please refer to the INSTALLATION GUIDE for the Diamondback 270 tonneau cover, as well as the INSTALLATION GUIDE for the Diamondback HD SE cover, the contents of both being expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 29-34 , there is depicted another embodiment of a truck bed cover  300  (see  FIG. 29 ) in various stages of deployment. The truck bed cover  300  generally includes the frame  10  securable to the truck bed  22  (see  FIG. 29 ), as described in more detail above, and a top  302  attachable to an interior side of the frame  10 .  FIG. 29  shows the top  302  in an unfolded configuration outside of the frame  10 , while  FIG. 30  shows the top  302  in a folded configuration for storage in the cab of the truck.  FIGS. 31-34  show the top  302  connected to the interior side of the frame  10 , such that the frame  10  is visible to a person standing outside and adjacent to the truck because the top  302  is on the inner side of the frame  10 , the frame  10  is visible to the person. This creates the appearance of a robust exoskeleton supporting the top  302 . The top  302  may also include an upper panel  304 , which may extend between upper edges of lower panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  of the top  302  to form a roof over the truck bed. The upper panel  304  may also be detached from the lower panels of the top  302  and folded to create an opening over the truck bed  22  so that the truck bed can accommodate larger items, such as a motorcycle in the truck bed. The frame  10  may also include upper crossmembers  54 ,  55 ,  56 , which may be removed to accommodate such larger items when the upper panel  304  is folded. The top  302  may be attached to the frame  10  so that the lower panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  are still held in place on the interior side of the frame  10  when the upper panel  304  is removed or transitioned so as to be configured to be out of the way to allow a larger item to be stored on the truck bed. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 29 , the top  302  generally includes the upper panel  304 , a pair of side panels  306 ,  308 , a front panel  310 , and a rear panel  312 . The side panels  306 ,  308  are joined to the upper panel  304  to define respective side seams  307 ,  309 , with the side panels  306 ,  308  extending downwardly from the upper panel  304  in generally opposed relation to each other. When the top  302  is positioned over the truck bed and attached to the frame  10 , each side panel  306 ,  308  extends from the upper panel  304  to an upper region of a respective sidewall  26 ,  28  on the truck bed  22 . The front panel  310  is joined to the upper panel  304  to define a front seam  311 , with the front panel  310  extending from the upper panel  304 , between the pair of side panels  306 ,  308  and being positionable so as to extend adjacent to (e.g., parallel) a rear wall  35  of the cab  34  when the top  302  is deployed. The rear panel  312  is joined to the upper panel  304  to define a rear seam  313 , with the rear panel  312  extending from the upper panel  304  in generally opposed relation to the front panel  310 , and between the pair of side panels  306 ,  308 . The rear panel  312  may extend between the upper panel  304  and the tailgate  30  when the tailgate  30  is in a closed, raised position. 
     The upper panel  304  may include an inner surface  314  (see  FIG. 32 ) and an outer surface  316  (see  FIG. 32 ), with the inner surface  314  facing toward the truck bed  22  when the top  302  is deployed, and the outer surface  316  facing away from the truck bed  22  when the top  302  is deployed. 
     To transition the top  302  from the deployed position shown in  FIG. 29  to the folded configuration shown in  FIG. 30 , the side panels  306 ,  308  may be folded about respective seams  307 ,  308  (see  FIG. 29 ) and toward the inner surface  314  (see  FIG. 32 ) of the upper panel  304 . The side panels  306 ,  308  may also folded about pleated lines  301 . Similarly, the front panel  310  and rear panel  312  may also be folded about respective seams  311 ,  313  (see  FIG. 29 ) and toward the inner surface  314  of the upper panel  304 . With the side panels  306 ,  308 , front panel  310 , and rear panel  312  folded toward the inner surface  314  of the upper panel  304 , the upper panel  304  may be folded in half about a longitudinal fold line  315  (see  FIG. 29 ), thereby making the overall size of the folded top  302  smaller to facilitate storage. The top  302  may be folded along other fold lines (not shown) which may be parallel or perpendicular to longitudinal fold line  315 , depending on the desired folded configuration. As shown in  FIG. 30 , the folded top  302  may be placed in the cab  34  for storage behind the seat, and then subsequently removed from the cab  34  for use and deployment. 
     To deploy/unfold the top  302 , the top  302  may be transitioned to the configuration shown in  FIG. 29 , with the side panels  306 ,  308 , front panel  310 , and rear panel  312  all extending downwardly from the upper panel  304 . The top  302  may be moved into position for attachment to the frame  10 . In particular, the top  302  may be placed over the truck bed  22 , and under the frame  10 . The top  302  may then be attached to the frame  10  so that the top  302  is partially supported by the frame  10  as shown in  FIG. 31 . The top  302  and the frame  10  may include snap fasteners  318  (see  FIG. 32 ) for allowing the top  302  to be secured to the frame  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 32 , a snap fastener  318  is shown for connecting the top  302  to the frame  10 . In particular, the snap fastener  318  may include a first fastener body  320  and a second fastener body  322 . The first fastener body  320  may be mounted on the frame  10 , with  FIG. 32  showing the first fastener body  320  on the rear crossmember  56 , and the second fastener body  322  is shown as being mounted on the upper panel  304 . The second fastener body  322  may be pressed into the first fastener body  320  to facilitate connection between the fastener bodies  320 ,  322 , as well as connection of the top  302  to the frame  10 . 
     The top  302  may include a plurality of first fastener bodies  320  arranged adjacent the outer periphery of the upper panel  304  in spaced relation to each other. For instance, adjacent first fastener bodies  320  may be spaced apart from each other by approximately 6-18 inches, and more preferably, 12 inches. The front crossmember  54 , rear crossmember  56 , intermediate crossmember  55 , and extension members  62 ,  64  may include a plurality of corresponding second fastener bodies  322 . Thus, the user may begin by attaching the first fastener bodies  320  on the top  302  to the second fastener bodies  322  on the front cross member  54 , then the intermediate cross member, and along the extension members  62 ,  64 . Finally, the first fastener bodies  320  on the top  302  may be connected to the second fastener bodies  322  on the rear crossmember  56 . The spacing of the second fastener bodies  322  along the frame may be spaced similar to the first fastener bodies  320  such that second fastener bodies  322  become aligned with the first fastener bodies  320  when the top  302  is moved toward the deployed configuration. 
     In addition to attachment to the frame  10 , the panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  may also include a plurality of first fastener bodies  320  in spaced relation to each other, which interface with a corresponding plurality of second fastener bodies  322  mounted to the truck bed  22 . Therefore, after the top  302  has been connected to the frame  10 , the first fastener bodies  320  on the top  302  may be connected to the corresponding second fastener bodies  322  on the front wall  32  of the truck bed, then along the sidewalls  26 ,  28 , and finally along the tailgate  30 . 
     Although the foregoing describes the user of snap fasteners  318  for connecting the top  302  to the frame  10  and truck bed  22 , it is contemplated that zippers, track members, magnets, buttons, or other fasteners may be used in lieu or in addition to snap fasteners to attach the top  302  to the frame  10 . 
     The side, front and rear panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  may be separate panels that are joined to the upper panel  304  to define water-tight seams at the junction of adjacent panels, which themselves may be formed from water-resistant material. The adjacent panels may be joined by a zipper, sewing, through the use of adhesives, welding, or via other fasteners or techniques known by those skilled in the art. The frame  10  and the top  302  may be sized and structured such that when the top  302  is deployed and connected to the frame  10 , various members of the frame  10  may extend along the seams on the top  302  to at least partially hide or conceal the seams, and enhance the robust appearance of the truck bed cover  300 . The proximity of the frame members to the seams may also allow the frame  10  to provide support to the top  302  adjacent the seams to enhance the strength of the truck bed cover  300 . With regard to a given seam, the adjacent panels forming that seam may both be attached to a common frame member to transfer forces from the panels to the frame member, rather than having all of the forces between the adjacent panels being supported solely by the seam. 
     It is contemplated that the upper panel  304  may be configured when deployed and connected to the frame  10  so that a central area of the upper panel  304  is raised to a higher level than the periphery of the upper panel  304  so that rainwater tends to drip off the upper panel  304  and does not collect on to the upper panel  304 . In this regard, the snap fastener  318  located at the central area of the upper panel  304  may pool up on the central area of the upper panel  304  while the snap fastener  318  and other areas of the upper panel  304  slope downward as one approaches the outer periphery of the upper panel  304 . 
     Each of the panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  may include a transparent section  327 ,  329 ,  331 ,  333  (see  FIG. 29 ) and a non-transparent section  335 ,  337 ,  339 ,  341 , with the transparent sections  327 ,  329 ,  331 ,  333  functioning as windows. The non-transparent sections  335 ,  337 ,  339 ,  341  may be formed from a woven material, such as canvas, or other durable materials known in the art, while the transparent sections  327 ,  329 ,  331 ,  333  may be formed from plastic, vinyl, or other transparent materials known in the art. The transparent sections  327 ,  329 ,  331 ,  333  may allow a user to look through the top  302  and see the contents located in the truck bed  22 . For instance, the transparent section  331  in the front panel  310  may be aligned with a rear window on the cab  34  to allow people inside of the cab  34  to look into the truck bed  22 . Furthermore, the combination of the transparent sections  331 ,  333  in the front panel  310  and the rear panel  312  may provide a clear view path for the driver when the driver looks at the rear view mirror to see activity or objects behind the truck  24 . 
     The panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  and the upper panel  304  may be fabricated from a bendable material so that the top  302  can be transitioned to the folded position. It is also contemplated that the upper panel  304  may be fabricated from a generally more rigid material than that of the panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 . Nevertheless, the upper panel  304  may be configured to slope downward from the central area of the upper panel  304  which is slightly higher than the other areas of the upper panel  304 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 33 , access to the truck bed  22  through the truck bed cover  300  may be facilitated through the transparent section  333 , which may be at least partially separable from the side panels  306 ,  308  or the non-transparent section  341  to allow the transparent section to be rolled-up or folded relative to the non-transparent section  341 . The rolled-up portion, i.e., the transparent section  333  may be rolled up so that it is in the up position and the user can access the truck bed. The rolled up portion may be securable to the upper panel  304 . When in the rolled-up configuration, the rear panel  312  defines an opening  328 , through which a user may access the truck bed  22  without having to lower the tailgate. The transparent section  333  of the rear panel  312  may be detachably securable to the non-transparent section  341  via snaps, magnets, hooks and loops fasteners, or other fasteners known in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 34 , the top  302  may be structured to allow for the upper panel  304  to be disconnected from the front panel  310 , rear panel  312 , and a side panel  306  and folded to the side. Disconnection of the upper panel  304  may preferably still allow the top  302  to remain engaged with the frame  10  while at the same time, removing the upper panel  304  to accommodate larger items, such as a motorcycle in the truck bed. As such, the user may not be required to remove the entire top  302  from the frame  10  to accommodate taller items; rather, the upper panel  304  may be simply transitioned from an extended position to a folded or removed position. It is also contemplated that the upper panel  304  may be completely removed from the panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 . 
     The upper panel  304  may include a front edge  330 , a first side edge  332 , and a rear edge  336 . The front edge  330  may be detachably connectable to the front panel  310 , the first side edge  332  may be detachably connectable to side panel  306 , and the rear edge  336  may be detachably connectable to the rear panel  312 . When the upper panel  304  is in an extended position, the front edge  330  is connected to the front panel  310 , the first side edge  332  is connected to the side panel  306 , and the rear edge  336  is connected to the rear panel  312 , with the upper panel  304  forming a roof over the truck bed enclosure. Therefore, a user may place small items in the truck bed enclosure, and keep such items secure and isolated from the outside environment. When the upper panel  304  is in a folded configuration, the front edge  330  is disconnected from the front panel  310 , the first side edge  332  is disconnected from the side panel  306 , and the rear edge  336  is disconnected from the rear panel  312 . When the upper panel  304  is in the folded configuration, loops, straps or other fasteners (not shown) may be used to maintain the upper panel  304  in the folded configuration. Placing the upper panel  304  in the folded configuration allows a user to store larger, taller items in the truck bed  22 . The crossmembers  54 ,  55 ,  56  of the frame  10  may be detached from the extension members  62 ,  64  to accommodate such larger items. For instance, the upper panel  304  may be placed in the folded configuration to allow for storage of a motorcycle in the truck bed  22 . The detachability and foldability of the upper panel  304  relative to the remaining panels  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  allows the top  302  to remain attached to the frame  10  when larger items are placed in the truck bed  22 . Thus, rather than having to remove the top  302  in its entirety to accommodate larger items, the upper panel  304  can simply be folded to accommodate the larger items. 
     The detachable connection between the upper panel  304  and the side, front, and rear panels  306 ,  310 ,  312  may be facilitated through a zipper or other fasteners which preferably are capable of creating a fluid tight interconnection between the upper panel  304  and the side, front, and rear panels  306 ,  310 ,  312 . However, it is understood that fasteners which do not create a fluid tight interconnection may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 35 , there is depicted a weather strip  400  for creating a weather-resistant barrier between the truck cab  34  and a truck bed cover  500  (see  FIG. 41 ). The weather strip  400  may occupy a gap between the truck cab  34  and the truck bed cover  500  to prevent moisture from rain, sleet, snow, or other sources (e.g., sprinklers or puddle splashes) from flowing into the truck bed enclosure. The weather strip  400  may be configured to provide the weather-resistant functionality without obscuring the driver&#39;s line-of-sight through the rear window  37  located in the rear wall  35  of the cab  34 . 
       FIG. 35  shows the weather strip  400  removed from the cab  34  for purposes of clarity, while  FIG. 36  shows the weather strip  400  attached to the cab  34 , with an external frame  504  of truck bed cover  500  being shown in an exploded configuration, also for purposes of clarity. The weather strip  400  may be expandable to occupy the gap between the cab  34  and the truck bed cover  500 . In this regard, the weather strip  400  may be compressible and resilient, to allow the weather strip  400  to be compressed between the cab  34  and the truck bed cover  500  during installation, and then once installed, the weather strip  400  may apply a force to the cab  34  and a portion of the truck bed cover  500  to create the weather-resistant seal therebetween. The weather strip  400  may be inflatable, or have natural resiliency to allow for such compressibility. The weather strip  400  may be a tube or gasket, and may be formed from rubber or other weather resistant, resilient materials known in the art. Attachment of the weather strip  400  to the cab  34  may be via glue or other adhesives or by simple pressure and friction. The weather strip  400  may also be attached to the cab  34  via mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, nails, or screws. 
     The weather strip  400  may include an upper segment  402 , a pair of side segments  404 ,  406 , and an optional lower segment  408 , which collectively circumnavigate an enclosed area  410  (i.e., space or volume interior to the weather strip  400 ). When the weather strip  400  is attached to the cab  34  as shown in  FIG. 36 , the enclosed area  410  of the weather strip  400  may overlap with the window  37  so as not to block the window  37 . The configuration of the weather strip  400  may correspond to the size and contour of the truck cab  34 . In this regard, one side segment  404  may extend adjacent a first side  39  (see  FIG. 36 ) of the truck cab  34 , another side segment  406  may extend adjacent a second side  41  of the truck cab  34 , while another portion of the weather strip  400  may extend adjacent the roof  43  of the truck cab  34 . The lower segment  408  may be optional, and may provide protection from water which may splash up from the road. Thus, certain implementations of the weather strip  400  may be formed without a lower segment  408 . 
     When the weather strip  400  is installed on a truck  24 , the weather strip  400  may create a water tight seal or at least rain resistant seal with the truck cab  34  and the truck bed cover  500  to redirect water away from the truck bed enclosure. For instance, if rain is falling on the truck  24 , the rain drops may fall onto the upper segment  402 , and may flow down along one of the side segments  404 ,  406 , and then continue down toward the ground. Furthermore, if the truck  24  is wet and moving along a road, water droplets on the truck  24  may flow along the length of the truck  24 . As the water droplets approach the end of the truck cab  34 , the water droplets may flow across the weather strip  400 , and then onto the truck bed cover  500 , and thus, the weather strip  400  may prevent the water droplets from entering the truck bed enclosure. For example, an upper surface of the upper segment  402  may be at the same height as the upper surface of the truck bed cover. Therefore, items stored within the truck bed enclosure may remain dry. 
     The weather strip  400  may be used with a variety of different truck bed covers. Therefore, while weather strip  400  is shown in combination with truck bed cover  500  shown in the figures, it is understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 36-42 , truck bed cover  500  is shown, with the truck bed cover  500  having a tapered shape at its rear end to provide a sleek, compact, aerodynamic look. The truck bed cover  500  may include a top  502  (see  FIG. 39 ) that may be moved from a closed position to an open position with ease. As such, the truck bed cover  500  may function similar to a hatchback with a selectively accessible trunk. 
     The truck bed cover  500  may include a frame  504  securable to the truck bed  22 . The frame  504  may be configured such that when the top  502  is attachable to the frame  504 , the frame  504  remains visible to a person standing outside of the truck (i.e., externally perceivable). In other words, the top  502  may not cover the frame  504  to a person outside of the truck viewing the truck bed cover  500 . As such, the external location of the frame  504  allows the frame  504  to function like an exoskeleton, which may provide the truck bed cover  500  with a strong, robust appearance. 
     The frame  504  may include a forward driver side post  506  (see  FIG. 36 ), a forward passenger side post  508 , a rearward driver side post  510 , a rearward passenger side post  512 , positioned adjacent respective corners of the truck bed  22 . The frame  504  may additionally include a front crossmember  514  securable to the forward driver side post  506  and the forward passenger side posts  508 . A pair of side members  516  may extend along the sides of the frame  504 . 
     The configuration of the side members  516  may be such that the side members  516  are angled downwardly toward the rear end of the truck bed  22 . In this respect, each side member  516  may include a first segment  518  and a second segment  520  angled relative to the first segment  518 . When the side members  516  are attached to the respective forward and rearward posts  506 ,  508 ,  510 ,  512 , the second segments  520  extend downwardly from the respective first segments  518  to define the hatchback-like shape. 
     The frame  504  may be attached to the truck bed  22  such that the weather strip  400  occupies the gap between the frame  504  and the cab  34 . In this regard, the upper segment  402  may extend between the cab  34  and the front cross member  514 , the side segment  404  may extend between the cab  34  and the forward driver post  506 , and the side segment  406  may extend between the cab  34  and the forward passenger post  508 . Furthermore, the lower segment  408  may extend between the cab  34  and the forward wall of the truck bed. 
     After the frame  504  is attached to the truck bed  22 , the top  502  and a pair of side panels  522  may be secured to the frame  504 . Referring now specifically to  FIG. 38 , the pair of side panels  522  may extend downwardly from the side members  516  toward the truck bed  22 . The side panels  522  may occupy the space between the side members  516  and the top of the truck bed  22  to partially define the enclosure created by the truck bed cover  500 . The side panels  522  may include a transparent panel  523  incorporated therein, which may allow an individual to look into the truck bed enclosure to view items therein. 
     The side panels  522  may be coupled to the side members  516  and the truck bed  22  to mitigate water migration into the enclosure. In this regard, the side members  516  may be coupled to the side members  516  and the truck bed  22  via water-resistant engagement, such as through a zipper. Alternatively, the side panels  522  may be coupled to the truck bed  22  on the outer sides of the truck bed  22 , such that any water runoff from the side panels  522  may fall outside of the truck bed  22 . In this regard, the positioning of the lower end of the side panels  522  relative to the truck bed  22  may be similar to a roof tile, which overlaps an adjacent roof tile to direct water flow away from an interior location. 
     The existence of the weather strip  400  between the cab  34  and the frame  504  may eliminate the need for the top  502  to include a front panel (not shown) to extend between the forward driver post  506  and the forward passenger post  508 . The absence of a forward panel may leave the window  37  unobstructed by the top  502 , to provide the driver with a clear view-path through the window  37 . However, it is understood that in other embodiments, the top  502  may include a front panel, particularly when a weather strip  400  is not used. In such cases, the front panel may be transparent, or include a transparent section, so as to allow a user to view through the front panel when looking through the window. The front panel may extend from the front cross member  514  to the truck bed, and between the forward driver post  506  and the forward passenger post  508  in a manner which directs water runoff away from the truck bed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 39-42 , the top  502  may include an upper panel  524  positionable over the truck bed enclosure  526  (see  FIG. 42 ). The upper panel  524  may be detachably connected to the front cross member  514  to facilitate removable of the upper panel  524  when a higher clearance may be needed for storing large items in the truck bed  22 . For instance,  FIG. 37  shows a motorcycle placed in the truck bed  22 , with the upper panel  524  having been removed to accommodate the motorcycle. The upper panel  524  may be detachably engageable to the front cross member  514  through the use of snaps, buttons, zippers, or a removable pin that may extend through an aligned pair of pivot housings, wherein one pivot housing may be coupled to the upper panel  524 , and the other pivot housing may be coupled to the front cross member  514 . 
     The upper panel  524  shown in  FIG. 39  is shown in a folded configuration, as may be the case during installation or removal of the upper panel  524  from the front cross member  514 . As shown in  FIGS. 39 and 40 , the upper panel  524  may include three subpanels  528 ,  530 ,  532  separated by hinges to allow for folding of adjacent ones of the subpanels  528 ,  530 ,  532  relative to each other. As the upper panel  524  is installed on the frame  504 , the upper panel  524  may assume an unfolded configuration, wherein the three subpanels  528 ,  530 ,  532  do not overlap each other. 
       FIG. 40  shows the upper panel  524  being placed on top of the first segment  518  of side members  516 , and  FIG. 41  shows the upper panel  524  completely installed and in its closed position, with the upper panel  524  resting on top of the first and second segments  518 ,  520  of the side members  516 . The upper panel  524  may include several magnets (not shown) coupled thereto to facilitate engagement between the upper panel  524  and the side members  516 . The magnets may be exposed or embedded within the upper panel  524 . 
     The top  502  may include a rear cross member  534  coupled to the upper panel  524  to define a trunk assembly  536  (see  FIG. 39 ). The rear cross member  534  may be securable to the rearward driver and passenger posts  510 ,  512  via a latch or other locking mechanism which may allow the rear cross member to remain locked to the rearward driver and passenger posts  510 ,  512 , unless unlatched by a user, similar to a vehicle trunk locking mechanism. 
     One or more hydraulic pistons  538  (see  FIGS. 39, 40, and 42 ) or other lift assisting mechanisms  538  may extend between the frame  504  and the rear cross member  534  to assist in lifting the trunk assembly  536  from its closed position toward its open position. The hydraulic pistons  538  may apply a force to the rear cross member  534  that at least partially counteracts the weight of the trunk assembly  536  to reduce the burden on the user for lifting the trunk assembly  536 . Furthermore, the hydraulic pistons  538  may be configured to maintain the trunk assembly  536  in the open position so that a user is not required to hold the trunk assembly  536  in the open position to access the truck bed enclosure  526 . As such, the trunk assembly  536  may remain in the open position independent of any assistance by the user because of the assistance provided by the hydraulic pistons  538 . In fact, the hydraulic pistons  538  may urge the trunk assembly  536  toward the open position, such that when the user unlatches the rear cross member  534  from the rearward driver and passenger posts  510 ,  512 , the hydraulic pistons  538  may automatically raise the trunk assembly  536  to the open position. Thus, to close the trunk assembly  536 , the user would pull down on the trunk assembly  536  to overcome the biasing force applied by the hydraulic pistons  538 . 
     When the trunk assembly  536  is in the closed position, the trunk assembly  536  may engage with the external frame  504  so as to provide a weather resistant barrier (or rainfall resistant seal) over the trunk bed enclosure  526 . For example, a gasket may be disposed between the external frame and the truck assembly  536 . Additionally or alternatively, the upper panel  524  may rest on a top portion of the side members  516 , such that water runoff from the upper panel  524  falls away from the truck bed enclosure  526 . Furthermore, a flap  540  may be coupled to the rear cross member  534  to cover any gap between the rear cross member  534  and the tailgate  22  to mitigate water entry into the truck bed enclosure  526 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 41-44 , a roof rack  542  may be included as part of the truck bed enclosure  500 . The roof rack  542  may be sized to store items therein, such as a spare tire, lifting jack, or storage of luggage or other items. The roof rack  542  may be moveable along rails  544  coupled to the external frame  504  to allow an individual to easily load/unload the roof rack  542  from a lower, more accessible position, and then move the roof rack  542  over the truck cab  34  when not loading or unloading the roof rack  542 , to facilitate access to the truck bed enclosure  526 . 
     The rails  544  may extend over a respective side of the truck  24 . More specifically, each rail  544  may extend over a respective side member  516 , and over at least a portion of the roof of the cab  34 . Thus, given the angled configuration of the side members  516 , each rail  544  may also be angled and include a first segment  546  extending over the roof of the cab  34  and the first segment  518  of the respective side member  516 , and a second segment  548  extending over the second segment  520  of the respective side member  516 . The first segment  546  of each rail  544  may be mounted to the roof of the cab  34 , as well as to the first segment  518  of the respective side member. The second segment  548  of each rail  544  may be mounted to the second segment of the respective side member  516 . The coupling the rails  544  to the cab  34  and the side members  516  may be by brackets, clamps or other mounting hardware. 
     The roof rack  542  may be moveable along the rails  544  between an over-the-roof position, as shown in  FIGS. 41-43 , and an over-the-bed position, as shown in  FIG. 44 . Since the frame  504  may include an angled rear portion that is lower than the roof of the cab  34 , the roof rack  542  may pivot relative to the rails  544  as the roof rack  542  moves between the over-the-roof position and the over-the-bed position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 41A , the roof rack  542  may be coupled to the rails  544  via a pivot mechanism  550  which allows the roof rack  542  to pivot relative to the rails  544 . The pivot mechanism  550  may include a first member  552  that interfaces with the rail  544 , and a second member  554  which is coupled to the roof rack  542 , and a bearing  556  between the first and second members  552 ,  554  to allow for pivotal movement of the first and second members  552 ,  554  relative to each other. The first member  552  may be shaped to be complimentary to the rail  544  to allow for sliding motion of the first member  552  along the rail  544 . As shown in  FIG. 41A , the rail  544  may include a protrusion  558  that is received within a corresponding cavity  560  formed on the first member  552 . The sizing and interface between the first member  552  and the rail  544  may allow the first member  552  to travel across the intersection between the first and second segments  546 ,  548  of the rail  544 . Furthermore, the bearing  556  may be moveable in a direction represented by arrows  562 , to accommodate the pitching movement of the roof rack  542  as it moves along the rails  544 . The roof rack  542  may be coupled to the rails  544  via at least one pivot mechanism  550  on each rail  544 , although it is understood that more than one pivot mechanism  550  (e.g., two, three, or more) may be coupled to each rail  544  for supporting the roof rack  542  thereon. 
     When the roof rack  542  is in the over-the-roof position, the trunk assembly  536  may not be impeded by the roof rack  542  to allow the trunk assembly  536  to be raised and lowered as needed by the user.  FIG. 42  is an example of the roof rack  542  in the over-the-roof position, and the trunk assembly  536  in a raised position, with the trunk assembly  536  supported in the raised position by the hydraulic pistons  538 . 
     When the roof rack  542  is in the over-the-bed position, the roof rack  542  is in a lowered position to make it easier to load and unload items from the roof rack  542 .  FIG. 44  shows the roof rack  542  in the over-the-bed position, with a portion of the roof rack  542  extending rearwardly beyond the rear cross member  534 . The degree by which the roof rack  542  overhangs the rear cross member  534  may vary, with some embodiments allowing for a majority of the roof rack  542  to overhang the rear cross member  534 , while other embodiments, may allow for a minority of the roof rack  542  to overhang the rear cross member  534 , and still other embodiments, wherein the roof rack  542  does not overhang the rear cross member  534 . A stop member  564  may be coupled to one or both of the rails  544  to engage with the roof rack  542  or the pivot mechanism  550  to limit movement of the roof rack  542  beyond the over-the-bed position and to support the weight of the roof rack  542  so a user is not required to hold the roof rack  542  in the over-the-bed position. It is contemplated that the stop member  564  may be removed from the rails  544  so as to allow for removal of the roof rack  542  from the truck  24 , when desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 45 , roof rack  542   a  is shown in the form of a mounting carriage, with the roof rack  542   a  including mounting beams  543  extending between rails  544 . The roof rack  542   a  may be transitional along the rails  544  in the direction of arrows  545  between the over-the-bed position and the over-the-roof position. In this regard, the roof rack  542   a  may interface with the rails  544  in the same manner as the roof rack  542 , with the roof rack  542   a  both translating and pivoting relative to the rails  544  as the roof rack  542   a  transitions between the over-the-bed position and the over-the-roof position. However, the roof rack  542   a  provides a different structure, namely mounting beams  543 , which may be used to mount items, such as surfboard  547  thereto. In this regard, tie-downs may be used to secure the surfboard  547  to the mounting beams  543  when the roof rack  542   a  is in the over-the-bed position. Once the surfboard  547  is secured to the mounting beams  543 , the roof rack  542   a  may be transitioned from the over-the-bed position to the over-the-roof position. Therefore, items that are commonly stored on the roof of a vehicle, such a water sport equipment (e.g., kayak, wakeboard, stand up paddle board, surfboard, etc.), snow skis, snowboard, bikes, etc., may be mounted to the mounting carriage  542   a  for transport. 
     It is contemplated that the mounting beams  543  may be integrally connected to each other, and thus, the mounting beams  543  may articulate relative to the rails  544  as a single unit. Alternatively, each mounting beam  543  may be pivotally coupled to each rail  544  via a respective pivot mechanism, which may allow the mounting beams  543  to pivot relative to the rails  544  independent of one another. In this regard, the forward mounting beam  543  may pivot relative to the rails  544  independent of the rearward mounting beam  543 , and vice versa. 
     The roof rack  542 ,  542   a  may be transitional between the over-the-bed position and the over-the-roof position via manual operation e.g., pushing/pulling the roof rack  542 ,  542   a  along the rails  544 , or through a manually operated system which may include a crank, cable, and pulley. It is also contemplated that the roof rack  542 ,  542   a  may be moved along the rails  544  via an automated system, such as a hydraulic control system, or an electric control system. 
       FIG. 46  is an upper perspective view of the roof rack  542  immovably mounted to the external frame  504  over the truck bed  22 . In this regard, the roof rack  542  shown in  FIG. 45  is not mounted on rails  544  and is thus, not moveable to an over-the-roof position. Rather, the roof rack  542  in  FIG. 45  is mounted onto the side member  516  via clamps  566  or other mounting hardware known in the art. The roof rack  542  may be detachable from the side members  516  to allow for removal of the roof rack  542  when not needed. It is also contemplated that the roof rack  542  may be mounted to the rear cross member  534  and/or the front cross member  514  in addition to, or as an alternative to mounting on the side members  516 . 
     Although the foregoing describes the roof rack  542  as being used for storage, the term roof rack is used broadly herein to refer to any structure that may be stored or placed on the roof of a vehicle. In this regard, the term roof rack may refer to a roof-top tent, a roof-mounted bike rack, camping equipment, storage equipment, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 47-55 , there is depicted yet another embodiment of a truck bed cover  700  adapted to fit over portions of truck  600 . Truck  600  has a cab/cabin  620  having a top surface  621  and a rear surface  622 , and a bed  610  having a front right corner  611 , front left corner  612 , rear right corner  613 , and a rear left corner  614 . Truck bed cover  700  may also be adaptable to allow for variation in the size of the enclosure defined by truck bed  600  and/or truck bed cover  700 . Here, truck bed cover  700  has a left panel  710  coupled to a left side of bed  610  and a right panel  720  coupled to aright side of bed  610 . Preferably, left panel  710  is hingedly coupled to bed  610  between front left corner  612  and rear left corner  614 , while right panel  720  is hingedly coupled to bed  610  between front right corner  613  and rear right corner  613 . Any suitable hinged connection could be used, such as mounting a hinge to a top edge of bed  610 . In some embodiments, the hinges have a locking mechanism that, when engaged, prevents the panel from rotating about the hinge and, when disengaged, allow the panel to rotate about the hinge. In preferred embodiments, the hinges comprise an inertial mechanism, such as a spring, that is coupled to the hinge to increase the friction force of the hinge such that pressure placed on the panel above a threshold moves the panel and pressure placed on the panel below the threshold is not enough to move the panel, allowing the panel to stay in place in a person is not applying pressure to the panel and the panel is subjected to normal driving vibrational forces (e.g. vibrational forces below 130 mph). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 52 and 55 , preferably the panels are disposed to rotate about at least a 90, 120, 150, or even 180 degree of flexibility. This allows the sides of the panel to rotate inwards and outwards of bed  610 , effectively increasing the width of the entryway into the cavity of bed  610  and decreasing the width of the upper cavity entryway into the cavity of bed  610 . In  FIG. 52 , left panel  710  and right panel  720  are rotated outwards to increase the width of the entryway, allowing top cover panels  750  to sit below the widest portion of the panels. In contrast, in  FIG. 53 , left panel  710  and right panel  720  are rotated to a substantially vertical position to reduce the width of the entryway into the cavity of bed  610  to prevent top cover panel from being moved upwards out of bed  610 . Further, in  FIG. 55  left panel  710  and right panel  720  are rotated inwards over bed  610  to not only reduce the width of the upper cavity entryway further, but also to apply weight to top cover panels  750  to help further lock it in place. 
     Top cover panels  750  preferably hingedly couple to cross member  730 , allowing a portion of top cover panels  750  to rotate at least 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or even 180 degrees with respect to the hinge. In the disclosed embodiment, top cover panels  750  have a projection that is configured to mate with a recess of cross member  730 , although other hinged connections could be utilized. Both cross member  730  and top cover panels  750  are preferably attached and detached using matching indent/detent connections such that a user can easily attach and detach the members easily, for example by using a flexible bracket that holds either cross member  730  or top cover panels  750 . However, any suitable coupling mechanism could be used, for example hand or Philips screws, nuts and bolts, or even magnetic couplings. By providing embodiments where top cover panels  750  and cross member  730  can be easily attached and detached from their couplings, a user could easily transform top cover  700  between the high-covered embodiment shown in  FIG. 50 , the low-covered embodiment shown in  FIG. 55 , and the uncovered embodiment shown in  FIG. 51 . In the uncovered embodiment, one or both of cross member  730  and top cover panels  750  could be placed in the bed of the truck for storage temporarily. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 56-62 , there is there is depicted yet another embodiment of a truck bed cover  800  adapted to fit over portions of truck  600 , having a left panel  810  comprising three coupled parts (front left post  811 , rear left post  813 , and longitudinal member  812 ) and having a right panel  820  comprising another three coupled parts (front right post  821 , rear right post  823 , and longitudinal member  822 ). The parts of the panels could be coupled together using any suitable attachment means, such as screws, bolts, adhesives, or tension couplers. Panels  810  and  820  are preferably not hingedly coupled to bed  610 , ensuring that the panel  810  and  820  do not rotate about an axis while attached to bed  610 . Crossmember  830  and  840  are coupled to left and right panels  810  and  820 , respectively, to improve the stability of frame  800 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 58 , rooftop mount  850  is coupled to left panel  810  and right panel  820 , respectively, via a threaded screw  851  that threads through threaded hole  814 , although any suitable coupling means could be used. Rooftop mount  850  has a recess  852  and left panel  810  has a recess  814  that acts as a slideable rail to allow a rack, such as rack  860  or rack  870 , to slide along the recess. These recesses are preferably molded into the longitudinal members, eliminating the need to attach a separate sliding rail to the longitudinal member to allow a rack to slide from the front to the rear of the truck bed. The recesses of rooftop mount  850  and left panel  810  are disposed to feed into one another, allowing a rack to slide from one recess to the other seamlessly. Preferably, a front end of recess  852  and a rear end of recess  814  are tapered inward, or are closed, to prevent a rack from sliding off of the rails. In preferred embodiments, the ends are closed with a hand-controlled lock, such as a screw-on cap or a hand lever, allowing a user to slide a rack into a rail, and lock the rack within the recess of the rail by locking the hand-controlled lock. In addition, the rack preferably further comprises a lock that locks the rack in place along the rail, for example a hole through both the rail and the rack through which a pinion can be inserted, a wheel that locks in place and cannot spin when a brake is applied, or rubber lockouts such as lockouts  74 . While rooftop mount  850  is shown here to be bolted into the top of truck cab  620 , rooftop mount  850  could simply have pads underneath, such that the only coupling attaching rooftop mount  850  to truck  600  is the coupling between rooftop mount  850  and the left and right panels  810  and  820 . 
     Both racks  860  and  870  are configured to slide along the slideable rail of truck bed cover  800  to allow for easy loading and unloading of the racks. In  FIG. 60 , rack  860  slides towards the rear of truck bed cover  800  to allow a user to load rack load  910 , and lock it in place using locking mechanisms  865  and  866 , shown here euphemistically as hook and loop ties that wrap around cross members  863  and  864  that bridge upper rod  862  with lower rod  861 . The ends of upper rod  862  and lower rod  861  are wheels that are configured to rotate within the recesses of truck bed cover  800 , and lock in place when a brake is applied. Rack  860  could then be pushed up to upper mount  850  as shown in  FIG. 61 . This allows rack  870  to engage the railing, such that rack load  920  could be loaded and locked in place using locking mechanisms  872  and  873 . Preferably, rack  870  could slide towards the rear of truck  600  for loading, and then could slide forward and be locked in place for when truck  600  is in movement. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 63-69  there is there is depicted yet another embodiment of a truck bed cover  1000  adapted to fit over portions of truck  600 , having a left panel  1010  and a right panel  1020 . Left panel  1010  is coupled to right panel  1020  via cross members  1030  and  1040 . Cross member  1030  has a recess  1031  which is sized and disposed to allow a mating protrusion  1051  to hingedly couple to recess  1030 , allowing rooftop mount  1050  to rotate relative to the hinge located at recess  1030 . This allows rooftop mount  1050  to rotate between a position above truck cab  620  shown in  FIG. 65 , and a position above truck bed  610  as shown in  FIG. 66 . The bottom of rooftop mount  1050  has pads  1052  which act as posts to hold rooftop mount at a height above truck bed  610 . In preferred embodiments, posts  1052  could comprise a synthetic polymer or rubber that is configured to have a high friction coefficient with metallic objects without scratching the surface. Here, the hinged connection between rooftop mount  1050  and cross member  1030  allows the mount to rotate over 180 degrees, although other angles could be used, such as over 90 degrees, over 120 degrees, over 150 degrees, or over 210 degrees. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism could be employed to lock the rooftop mount between the two positions. For example, a pin and hole, similar to screw  851  and hole  814  of fame  800 , could be used to lock the rooftop mount in its position over cab  620 , and a hook and loop tie could be used to lock the rooftop mount in its position over bed  610 . 
     Similar to frame  800 , frame  1000  preferably also has a railing, such as the embedded railing of frame  800  or the coupled rails  76 , to allow racks  1050  and  1060  to slide along the rails for ease of loading and unloading of rack loads, such as rack loads  931 ,  932 , and  940  held in place by locking mechanisms  1051 ,  1052 , and  1053 . 
     The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. For example, while the longitudinal members above truck bed  610  are shown as slanted and non-parallel to the top edge of truck bed  610 , longitudinal members having any suitable angled slant relative to the top edge of truck bed  610  could be used. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.