Abstract:
A secure coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar comprising interconnecting rigid panels that provide resistance to wind and rain, and secure the contents of the rear compartment despite the protruding roll bar posts.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of the previously filed U.S. Provisional Application, Serial No. 60/140,046, filed Jun. 18, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar comprising a plurality of rigid panels, each panel having at least one means for partially surrounding an upstanding portion of the roll bar. The coverlet is preferably made of fiberglass impregnated with a nylon mesh for added strength. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in the pictures, attached to and made a part of the Provisional Application, the coverlet covers the rear interior space of a mid-90s JEEP WRANGLER. The nine pictures identified as  1 - 9  show a preferred embodiment of the coverlet of the instant invention for a 1995 JEEP WRANGLER. Preferably, the coverlet for this embodiment comprises three sections which allows it to be readily installed and removed. The three sections comprise two front mirror image sections and a rear section. Each of the two front sections has a leading flanged edge which adds stiffness and support to the front panels to reduce flexion. The stiffening effect of the flange or suitable alternative stiffening means promotes connection of the center edges of the respective front panels. Preferably, these center edges comprise a tongue and groove sealing relationship respectively. 
     The leading edge flange also serves to reduce water from running into the interior of the vehicle. As shown in the attached picture, this leading edge also continues around the side of the upstanding roll bar extending forward. 
     Alternative technology is available in soft vinyl covers. The prior art vinyl covers use hook and loop connection to the vehicle as well as strip members to hold vinyl in place. Flexible vinyl does not make a preferred sealing connection around the upstanding roll bars. 
     ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION 
     To alleviate this problem, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention, unlike vinyl coverlets which may reduce rain intrusion into the rear interior section of the vehicle, the plurality of rigid panels of the instant device eliminate the noise associated with a flapping vinyl member and the coverlet of the instant invention can be lockingly secured in place. Thus, valuables can be securely stored under the coverlet of the instant invention. 
     Advantages of the instant invention are that it allows for a quiet and secure cover of the rear portion of the interior of a vehicle minimizing water infusion and theft of the contents thereof. 
     The preferred embodiments include a coverlet for this embodiment comprising three sections which allow it to be readily installed and removed. The three sections comprise two front mirror image sections and a rear section. Each of the two front sections has a leading flanged edge which adds stiffness and support to the front panels to reduce flexion. The stiffening effect of the flange or suitable alternative stiffening means promotes connection of the center edges of the respective front panels. Preferably, these center edges comprise a tongue and groove sealing relationship respectively. 
     The upstanding collar formed on the rear hood preferably provides a smooth curve from the horizontal portions of the rear panel—the curve approaching the angle of the upstanding roll bar to which it engages. 
     The outer side edges of the rear panel preferably have a downwardly extending lip. Additionally, the rear panel can be secured to the vehicle through bore holes appropriately disposed in alignment with the existing bore holes in the upper edges of the vehicle sidewalls and secured with means as provided for the front panels. The rear edge of the rear panel may further have a downwardly extending lip. Preferably a central portion of the rear edge of the rear panel will have a reduced or eliminated lip to accommodate movement of the rear tail gate of the vehicle. Since contact and wear may occur to this edge portion, an aluminum edge may be incorporated into the fiberglass above the tail gate. 
     Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein, the coverlet could be further strengthened to accommodate excessive live loads with the rear panel in particular being structurally enhanced to resist vertical deflection. 
     Additionally there is a tongue and groove connection between the rear edge of the front panel and the front edge of the rear panel. Preferably this tongue and groove connection utilizes an aluminum tongue and groove element integrated into the respective fiber glass panels. 
     Furthermore, the at least one means for surrounding an upstanding portion of the roll bar for each of the front panels comprises a recess designed to fit around a portion of the rear upstanding roll bar. This front panel recess is designed to mate with one of the recesses disposed on the rear panel. Preferably, mated recesses of the front panels and the rear panel sealingly surround the rear roll bar posts. 
     Each of the front panels may further have an outer side edge with a downwardly extending lip which may rest upon an upstanding side edge of the vehicle. Each of said front panels may further have at least one borehole which is proximate to the outer side edge to accommodate a bolt securing coverlet to the upstanding side edge of the vehicle. Preferably the securing bolt includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a keyed hood lock. 
     The interior side edges of the front panels, as previously mentioned, may be tongued and grooved. Preferably, the tongue and groove connections are made of aluminum integral with the fiberglass panel. Moreover, materials other than fiberglass could be used for the coverlet including various forms of plastic, such as a polypropylene. Preferably the plastics employed would be coated or of suitable composition as to not degrade when subjected to ultraviolet sun rays. Alternatively, metals, including aluminum and steel would be structurally well suited for the panels and appear aesthetically pleasing. 
     An alternative roll bar arrangement for a late model Jeep Wrangler is shown in the catalog page 17 of  The Authority On Accessories for JEEP, CJ WRANGLER, SUZUKI SAMURAI, SIDEKICK, AND GEO TRACKER  issued by Keystone Automotive, which was filed with the Provisional Application. The coverlet for this late model configuration of the roll bar attached to a Jeep Wrangler would require only two panels, although a three panel coverlet could also be employed. Because of the larger spacing between the front and rear roll bar posts, one front panel extending from one side of the vehicle to the other would suffice. The rear panel may well be the same as that for the three panel configuration described above and the other panel will easily be configured substantially similar to a joined configuration similar to the permanently joined set of front panels. For this alternative configuration roll bar there is no need to separate the front panels, one elongated front panel may suffice. 
     Another advantage is that the fiberglass or preferred rigid material may be painted and/or pigmented to provide a matching color to the vehicle once the coverlet is applied. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention teaches a coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar comprising a plurality of rigid panels, each panel having at least one means for surrounding an upstanding portion of a roll bar. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since most vehicles have padded roll bar members, the use of fiberglass or other rigid materials allow the formation and use of the means for surrounding an upstanding portion of the roll bar to include an upstanding collar portion which may be molded to form a tight fit on the padded bar, thus providing a water tight connection without the need of additional sealing means. Additional sealing means may nonetheless be employed, particularly in instances where the upstanding post is not already padded. 
     The coverlet of the present invention is for use in a rear compartment of a vehicle, having opposing side walls, a back wall with a moveable tail gate, and at least one upstanding post, such as a padded roll bar, extending from the rear compartment. The coverlet comprises a plurality of rigid panels. Each of the plurality of rigid panels has one of a forward mating edge and a rearward mating edge, with each rearward mating edge adapted to connect to at least one forward mating edge. Each of the plurality of rigid panels has at least one outer side edge and at least one fixed means for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post. 
     Each of the at least one fixed means for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post is disposed adjacent to one of the forward mating edge and the rearward mating edge. The plurality of rigid panels is connectedly arrayed over the rear compartment with the outer side edge of each of the plurality of rigid panels disposed proximate to one of the opposing side walls, with each rearward mating edge connected to at least one forward mating edge, and with at least two of the at least one fixed means for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post surrounding each at least one upstanding post. 
     In this way, the rear compartment of a vehicle with at least one upstanding post extending therefrom can be covered by the connected plurality of panels with each the at least one upstanding post is surrounded by at least two of the panels. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a vehicle having a rear compartment with at least one upstanding post extending from the compartment; 
     FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the roll bar of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the coverlet of the present invention disposed over the rear compartment; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the line  3 — 3  of FIG. 2 of the coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar of the present invention showing the configuration of the standing collar; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the coverlet for a vehicle having a roll bar of the present invention showing an unattached coverlet from FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the driver&#39;s side of the coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar of the present invention from FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along the line  6 — 6  of FIG. 5 showing tongue and groove joint; 
     FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation view taken along the line of  7 — 7  of FIG. 5 showing the securing arrangement between one of the opposing side walls and outer side edge of one of the panels of the coverlet of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation view taken along the line  8 — 8  of FIG. 5 showing the arrangement between a padded upstanding post surrounded by the respective shrouds of connected arrays of panels of the coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8A is a fragmentary side elevation view taken along the line  8 — 8  of FIG. 5 showing the arrangement between an unpadded upstanding post surrounded by the respective shrouds of connected arrays of panels of the coverlet of the present invention further having a means for resisting intrusion of rain; 
     FIG. 9 is a detailed side elevation cut away view of a hood lock to secure panels of a coverlet to an opposing side wall; 
     FIG. 10 is a cut away perspective view for a means for vertically supporting the panels and securing same of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along the line  11 — 11  of FIG. 10 showing a tapered end of a pedestal and flange elements disposed on the lower surfaces of the panels; 
     FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a coverlet for the rear portion of a vehicle having a roll bar of the present invention with the coverlet disposed on a newer model jeep vehicle; 
     FIG. 13 is a partial cut away perspective view showing a preferred arrangement for a securing wall with its upper edge disposed in the recess of the collar; and 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the coverlet of the present invention employed in FIG.  12 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The coverlet  1  of the present invention is for use in a rear compartment  12  of a vehicle, having opposing side walls  14 , a back wall  16  with a moveable tailgate  18  , and at least one upstanding post  2 , such as a padded roll bar  3 , extending from the rear compartment. The coverlet comprises a plurality of rigid panels  4 . Each of the plurality of rigid panels has one of a forward mating edge  5  and a rearward mating edge  6 , with each rearward mating edge adapted to connect to at least one forward mating edge. Each of the plurality of rigid panels has at least one outer side edge  20  and at least one fixed means  7  for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post  2 . 
     Each of the at least one fixed means for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post can be disposed adjacent to one of the forward mating edge  5  and the rearward mating edge  6 . The plurality of rigid panels  4  can be connectedly arrayed over the rear compartment with the outer side edge  20  of each of the plurality of rigid panels disposed proximate to one of the opposing side walls  14 , with each rearward mating edge  6  connected to at least one forward mating edge  5 , and with at least two of the at least one fixed means  7  for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post surrounding each at least one upstanding post  2 . 
     In this way, the rear compartment  12  of a vehicle with at least one upstanding post  2  extending therefrom can be covered by the connected plurality of rigid panels  4  with each of the at least one upstanding post surrounded by at least two of the panels  4 . The discussion that follows, without limiting the scope of the invention, will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing. 
     The coverlet  1  of the present invention is for use in a rear compartment  12  of a vehicle, having opposing side walls  14 , a back wall  16  with a moveable tailgate  18 , and at least one upstanding post  2 , such as a padded roll bar  3 , extending from the rear compartment  12 . The coverlet comprises a plurality of rigid panels  4 . Each of the plurality of rigid panels has one of a forward mating edge  5  and a rearward mating edge  6 , with each rearward mating edge adapted to connect to at least one forward mating edge. Each of the plurality of rigid panels has at least one outer side edge  20  and at least one fixed means  7  for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post  2 . 
     Each of the at least one fixed means  7  for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post  2  can be disposed adjacent to one of the forward mating edge  5  and the rearward mating edge  6 . The plurality of rigid panels can be connectedly arrayed over the rear compartment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, with the outer side edge  20  of each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  disposed proximate to one of the opposing side walls  14 , with each rearward mating edge  6  connected to at least one forward mating edge  5 , and with at least two of the at least one fixed means  7  for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post surrounding each at least one upstanding post  2 . 
     In this way, the rear compartment  12  of a vehicle with at least one upstanding post  2  extending therefrom can be covered by the connected plurality of panels  4  with each the at least one upstanding post  2  is surrounded by at least two of the panels  4 . 
     A coverlet for a rear compartment of a vehicle, such as the 1995 JEEP WRANGLER shown in FIGS. 1-3, has opposing side walls  14  and a first upstanding post  2   a  and a second upstanding post  2   b  that extend from the rear compartment  12 . It comprises a first rigid panel  4   a , a second rigid panel  4   b , and a third rigid panel  4   c . The first rigid panel  4   a  and the second rigid panel  4   b  each have a rearward mating edge  6 . The third rigid panel  4   c  has a forward mating edge  5 . The rearward mating edges of the first rigid panel and the second rigid panel are adapted to connect to the forward mating edge of the third rigid panel. 
     Each of the rigid panels  4  has an outer side edge  20 , and the first rigid panel  4   a  and the second rigid panel  4   b  each have an inner side edge  22 . The first rigid panel  4   a  has a first fixed means  7   a  for partially surrounding the first upstanding post  2   a . The first fixed means  7   a  is disposed adjacent to the rearward mating edge  6 . The second rigid panel  4   b  has a second fixed means  7   b  for partially surrounding the second upstanding post  2   b . The second fixed means  7   b  is disposed adjacent to the rearward mating edge  6 . The third rigid panel  4   c  has a third fixed means  7   c  for partially surrounding the first upstanding post  2   a  and a fourth fixed means  7   d  for partially surrounding the second upstanding post  2   b . The third fixed means  7   c  and the fourth fixed means  7   d  are disposed adjacent to the forward mating edge  5 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 2, the rigid panels  4  can be connectedly arrayed over the rear compartment  12  with the outer side edge  20  of each of the rigid panels  4  disposed proximate to one of the opposing side walls  14 . Referring to FIG. 4, the inner side edge  22  of the first rigid panel  4   a  is connected to the inner side edge  22  of the second rigid panel  4   b  with the rearward mating edge  6  of the first rigid panel  4   a  connected to a first portion  5   a  of the forward mating edge  5  of third rigid panel  7   c  and the rearward mating edge  6  of the second rigid panel  4   b  connected to a second portion  5   b  of the forward mating edge  5  of the third rigid panel  4   c . 
     The first fixed means  7   a  and the third fixed means  7   c  surround the first upstanding post  2   a  and the second fixed means  7   b  and the fourth fixed means  7   d  surround the second upstanding post  2   b . The rear compartment  12  of the vehicle with two upstanding posts  2  extending therefrom can be covered by the connected first, second and third rigid panels ( 4   a ,  4   b  and  4   c ) with the two upstanding posts ( 2   a  and  2   b ) surrounded by the panels  4 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, for use with a Post-1996 JEEP WRANGLER that has a rear compartment  12  with opposing side walls  14  and a first upstanding post  2   a  and a second upstanding post  2   b  that extend from the rear compartment, the preferred coverlet comprises a fourth rigid panel  4   d  and a fifth rigid panel  4   e . The fourth rigid panel has a rearward mating edge  6  and the fifth rigid panel  4   e  has a forward mating edge  5 . The rearward mating edge  6  of the fourth rigid panel is adapted to connect to the forward mating edge  5  of the fifth rigid panel  4   e . Each of the rigid panels has two opposing outer side edges  24 . The fourth rigid panel  4   d  has a fifth fixed means  7   e  for partially surrounding the first upstanding post  2   a  and a sixth fixed means  7   f  for partially surrounding the second upstanding post  2   b . 
     The fifth fixed means  7   e  is disposed adjacent to the rearward mating edge  6 . The fifth rigid panel  4   e  has a first complementary fixed means  8   a  for partially surrounding the first upstanding post  2   a , and the fifth rigid panel  4   e  has a second complementary fixed means  8   b  for partially surrounding the second upstanding post  2   b . The first and second complementary fixed means are disposed adjacent to the forward mating edge  5 . The rigid panels can be connectedly arrayed over the rear compartment, as shown in FIG. 12, with the opposing outer side edge  24  of each of the rigid panels disposed proximate to one of the opposing side walls  14 , with the rearward mating edge  6  of the fourth rigid panel  4   d  connected to the forward mating edge  5  of the fifth rigid panel  4   e . The fifth fixed means  7   e  and the first complementary fixed means  8   a  surround the first upstanding post  2   a , and the sixth fixed means  7   f  and the second complementary fixed means  8   b  surround the second upstanding post  2   b.    
     Referring again to FIG. 12, the rear compartment of the post-1996 JEEP WRANGLER with two upstanding posts  2  extending therefrom can be covered by the connected fourth and fifth rigid panels with the two upstanding post surrounded by the panels. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the coverlet for a rear compartment of a vehicle, each of the at least one fixed means  7  for partially surrounding one of the at least one upstanding post  2  comprises one of an upstanding shroud  9   a  and an upstanding complementary shroud  9   b , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A. Each upstanding shroud  9   a  is adapted to engage one of the upstanding complementary shroud  9   b  to surround one of the at least one upstanding post  2 . 
     Preferably, one of the upstanding shroud and the upstanding complementary shroud has an interior recess  9   c  with a shape conforming with the one of the at least one upstanding post  2 , and the other of the upstanding shroud and the upstanding complementary shroud has an upper border  9   d  contoured to conform with the one of the at least one upstanding post  2 . 
     Additionally, the interior recess  9   c  and the upper border  9   d  may each have a means for resisting  26  the intrusion of rain along a surrounded section  28  of the at least one upstanding post  2  comprising a compressible sealing material. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2-4, another preferred embodiment is shown wherein each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  that has the rearward mating edge  6  comprises means for controlling flexion  10  of the panel  4  disposed along a leading edge  30 . The means for controlling flexion  10  comprises an upstanding collar  32  extending upwardly from a generally planar upper surface of the panel  4 . This collar is designed to fit around a first roll bar post  34  and a second roll bar post  36 . The collar  32  has a first surface  32   a  and a second surface  32   b  connected at an intersection  32   c , with the intersection of the collar disposed adjacent to one of the first roll bar post  34  and the second roll bar post  36  when the panels  4  are connectedly arrayed over the rear compartment  12 . 
     To secure the contents of the rear compartment, the at least one outer side edge  20  of each ofthe plurality of rigid panels  4  preferably extends over one of the opposing side walls  14  of the rear compartment  12 , as best shown in FIG.  7 . The at least one outer side edge  20  of each of the plurality of rigid panels may further have at least one borehole  20   a  for receiving a means for securing  38  the panel  4  to the one of the opposing side walls  14  over which it extends, as shown in FIG.  7 . Additionally, the means for securing  38  may comprise a hood lock  40  having a securing post  40   a  with a hole  40   b  disposed near the top and a lock  40   c  that can be fixed in the hole  40   b , as shown in FIG.  9 . 
     To secure the front of the rear compartment  12 , when for example the vehicle is attended by a valet, the coverlet  1  further comprises a lead wall  42  that can be vertically disposed between a pair of side wall securing guides  44 , as shown in FIG.  13 . Each of the pair of side wall securing guides is vertically disposed along an interior surface  14   a  of one of the opposing side walls  14 , and the lead wall  42  is vertically disposed between the guides  44 . Ideally, the guides are disposed below the connected plurality of panels  4 . Moreover, the upstanding collar  32  further serves to reduce the intrusion of rain into the passenger compartment, since it conveniently fits within the lower edge of back section of the passenger compartment enclosure  62 , as shown in FIG.  13 . 
     Working together to create a secure coverlet  1  for a rear compartment  12  of a vehicle, preferably, the at least one outer side edge  20  of each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  extends over one of the opposing side walls  14  of the rear compartment, the at least one outer side edge  20  of each of the plurality of rigid panels has at least one borehole  20   a  for receiving a means for securing  38  the panel  4  to the one of the opposing side walls  14  over which it extends, and the means for securing  38  comprises a hood lock  40  having a securing post  40   a  with a hole  40   b  disposed near the top and a lock  40   c  that can be fixed in the hole. Ideally, each of the at least one outer side edge  20  comprise a down turned lip  20   b  extending over one of the opposing side walls  14 ; each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  having the forward mating edge  5  comprise a back edge  4   f  with a down turned lip  20   b  extending over that portion of the back wall  16  free of the moveable tailgate  18 ; and the back edge  4   f  has an aluminum covering  46  extending along that portion of the back edge  4   f  proximate to the moveable tailgate  18 . 
     Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment of the coverlet, each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  having the rearward mating edge  6  may comprise means for controlling flexion  10  of the panel  4  disposed along a leading edge  30 . The means for controlling flexion has an upstanding collar  32  extending upwardly from a generally planar upper surface  4   g  of the panel with a lower surface  32   d  of the collar forming an elongated recess  48 , and the lead wall  42  has an upper edge  42   a  with a length that is less than the length of the elongated recess  48  so that the upper edge  42   a  can be disposed in the elongated recess and the lead wall  42  thereby secured, as shown in FIG.  13 . 
     Preferably, the forward mating edge  5  is adapted to sealingly join with the rearward mating edge  6  to resist the intrusion of rain there between. Means for sealingly joining the forward mating edge to the rearward mating edge may comprise a tongue and groove joint  50 , as shown in FIG.  6 . An aluminum covering  46   a  extending along the joint may be employed. 
     Additionally, each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  having the rearward mating edge  6  may comprise an inner side edge  22  and means for sealingly joining the inner side edge of one of the plurality of rigid panels to the inner side edge of another of the plurality of rigid panels. This means for sealingly joining may comprise a tongue and groove joint  50 , as shown in FIG.  11 . 
     As shown in FIG. 13 of the drawing, a preferred coverlet  1  for a rear compartment  12  of a vehicle of the present invention comprises a lead wall  42  and a pair of side wall securing guides  44  with each of the pair of side wall securing guides vertically disposed along an interior surface  14   a  of one of the opposing side walls  14  and the lead wall  42  is vertically disposed between the guides  44 , with the guides disposed below the connected plurality of panels  4 , and with each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  having the forward mating edge  5  comprising a back edge  4   f  with a down turned lip  20   b  extending over that portion of the back wall  16  free of the moveable tailgate  18 ; and with each of the plurality of rigid panels having the rearward mating edge comprising means for controlling flexion  10  of the panel  4  disposed along a leading edge  30 . The means for controlling flexion has an upstanding collar  32  extending upwardly from a generally planar upper surface  4   g  of the panel with a lower surface  32   d  of the collar forming an elongated recess  48 . The lead wall  42  has an upper edge  42   a  with a length that is less than the length of the elongated recess. The upper edge  42   a  can be disposed in the elongated recess  48  and the lead wall  42  thereby secured. 
     Furthermore, the at least one outer side edge  20  of each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  comprises a down turned lip  20   b  extending over one of the opposing side walls  14 , and the at least one outer side edge  20  of each of the plurality of rigid panels has at least one borehole  20   a  for receiving a means for securing  38  the panel  4  to the one of the opposing side walls  14  over which it extends. The means for securing comprises a hood lock  40  has a securing post  40   a  with a hole  40   b  disposed near the top and a lock  40   c  that can be fixed in the hole. Additionally, the forward mating edge  5  may be adapted to sealingly join with the rearward mating edge  6  to resist the intrusion of rain there between. The means for sealingly joining the forward mating edge to the rearward mating edge may comprise a tongue and groove joint  50  which has an aluminum covering  46   a  extending along the joint. 
     Preferably, each of the plurality of rigid panels  4  having the rearward mating edge  6  comprises an inner side edge  22  and means for sealingly joining the inner side edge of one of the plurality of rigid panels to the inner side edge of another of the plurality of rigid panels. The means for sealingly joining may further comprise a tongue and groove joint  50 . Another preferred aspect employs an aluminum covering  46   a  extending along a portion of the back edge  4   f  proximate to the moveable tailgate  18 . 
     In order to secure the contents of the rear compartment of a vehicle, the forward and rearward mating edges respectively may have a second fastener disposed on a lower surface of the panels to lock the forward mating edge of one panel to the rearward mating edge of at least one of another of the plurality of rigid panels. 
     Furthermore, the coverlet may further provide on each of the plurality of rigid panels having the rearward mating edge and an inner side edge, means for sealingly joining the inner side edge of one of the plurality of rigid panels to the inner side edge of another of the plurality of rigid panels. The means for sealingly joining may comprise a first fastener disposed on a lower surface of the panels to lock the inner side edge of one of the plurality of rigid panels to the inner side edge of another of the plurality of rigid panels. 
     One of the advantages of a rigid panel coverlet is the apparent ability of a user to place objects on top of the coverlet. Preferably, means for vertically supporting the plurality of rigid panels connectedly arrayed over the rear compartment are included. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a pedestal  52  disposed between a floor  54  of the rear compartment of the vehicle and lower surface  4   h  of the plurality of rigid panels  4 . The lower surface  4   h  of the connected panels has a first flange  56  and the floor  54  of the rear compartment has a second flange  58  for receiving tapered ends  60  of the pedestal  52 . The first and second flanges ( 56 ,  58 ) restrict the vertical movement of the pedestal  52  and the connected panels  4  to secure the coverlet  1  in place. 
     While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. 
     The invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the function specified. 
     For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the referenced pictures and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the pictures and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.