Aerodynamic transformable truck cap assembly

Abstract

A transformable, aerodynamic cover assembly for pickup trucks which is user switchable between a closed aerodynamic configuration and a fully deployed truck cap configuration. The aerodynamic configuration reduces vehicle wind resistance and drag, thus increasing fuel efficiency. The cover assembly, constructed of rigid materials, comprises a fiberglass shell mounted within the truck bed supporting a rigid, fiberglass cover. Flexible fabric windows suspended from the cover are supported between sidewall hangers and pivoted sleeve tubes. A flexible rear hatch is supported by a transverse hanger. Internal stanchions pivoted to the cover underside foldably switch between deployed, cover-elevating positions an stowage positions. The cover sidewalls and hatch provide a space for human habitation and increased cargo hauling capacity. The cover is detachable from the body of the assembly for hauling oversized cargo.

1 . A transformable cover assembly for conventional pickup trucks of the type having a cab, a rear cargo bed bounded by sides, a rear, and a tailgate, the cover assembly comprising:
 a rigid shell operationally disposed within said bed, said shell comprising a pair of spaced apart, generally triangular sidewalls extending from an elevated transverse portion proximate the rear of said cab, said sidewalls tapering to a reduced height towards said truck rear and overlying said truck bed sides;   means for semi-permanently attaching said shell within said bed;   a rigid aerodynamic cover pivotally coupled to said shell for covering said truck bed, said cover having a front and a rear;   means for securing said cover to said shell in either an inclined, aerodynamic configuration that provides reduced aerodynamic drag, or a fully deployed elevated configuration in which said cover is substantially parallel with and vertically spaced above said truck bed;   a pair of flexible sidewalls and a flexible rear hatch attached to said cover that are selectively deployable to enclose said bed when said cover is disposed in said elevated configuration; and,   means associated with said aerodynamic cover for stowing said sidewalls and said rear hatch when said cover is disposed in said aerodynamic position.   
   
   
       2 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 1  wherein said cover is hinged to and detachable from said shell. 
   
   
       3 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 2  wherein said shell remains attached to said truck when said aerodynamic cover is removed. 
   
   
       4 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 1  wherein said cover is detachably hinged to said shell, and wherein said shell remains attached to said truck when said aerodynamic cover is removed. 
   
   
       5 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 4  wherein said cover comprises a hanger permanently attached to it for supporting said hatch, a pair of wall hangers for suspending the sidewalls, and a pair of sleeve tubes pivoted to it penetrating the sidewalls at their bottoms for deploying and tensioning them. 
   
   
       6 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 5  wherein said cover comprises a pair of adjustable stanchions depending from it for supporting the cover when disposed in an elevated position, and means for coupling said stanchions to said sleeve tubes and wherein sides of said shell comprise cradles for nesting said cover sleeve tubes. 
   
   
       7 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 5  wherein said shell comprises keeper brackets releasably coupled to said stanchions for supporting them when said cover is elevated. 
   
   
       8 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 5  wherein said cover is detachable from said shell to facilitate complete removal of said cover from said shell to provide clearance for the transportation of cargo greater in height than the roof of the truck cab while said shell remains attached to the truck. 
   
   
       9 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 6  wherein said means for coupling said stanchions to said sleeve tubes comprises stubs pivoted to said stanchions that can coaxially fit within ends of said sleeve tubes. 
   
   
       10 . A cover assembly for mounting on a pickup truck having an open bed defined by upstanding sides and a tailgate disposed rearwardly of the cab, said cover assembly being transformable between a closed aerodynamic configuration in which said cover assembly completely enshrouds said truck bed for securing contents therein and a fully deployed camper configuration in which said cover assembly defines, in concert with the truck bed, a habitable enclosure, said assembly comprising:
 a rigid shell mountable upon said truck proximate said bed;   a rigid aerodynamic cover detachably hinged to said shell, said cover comprising:
 a pair of flexible sidewalls and a flexible rear hatch that are selectively deployable to enclose said bed when said cover is disposed in said elevated configuration; 
 elongated sidewall hangers secured underneath said cover for suspending said sidewalls; 
 elongated sleeve tubes secured beneath and pivoted to said cover that captivate and tension said sidewalls when the cover is elevated and the sidewalls are deployed; stanchions pivoted to said cover at its rear underside that can be pivotally deployed to support the cover when elevated; and, 
 a hanger attached to the cover for supporting said hatch; 
   means for releasably coupling said stanchions to said sleeve tubes; and, keeper brackets associated with said shell for supporting the stanchions.   
   
   
       11 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 10  wherein said shell comprises an elongated cradle at the top of each of its sides for nesting the sidewall sleeve tubes. 
   
   
       12 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 10  wherein said sleeve tubes penetrate portions of the sidewalls at their bottoms for tensioning them. 
   
   
       13 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 10  wherein said means for coupling said stanchions to said sleeve tubes comprises stubs pivoted to said stanchions that coaxially fit within ends of said sleeve tubes. 
   
   
       14 . A cover assembly for mounting on a pickup truck having an open bed defined by upstanding sides and a tailgate disposed rearwardly of the cab, said cover assembly comprising:
 a shell mountable upon said truck proximate said bed the shell comprising a pair of triangular sidewalls and a transverse portion proximate said cab;   a rigid, aerodynamic cover detachably hinged to said shell transverse portion, said cover comprising:
 a pair of flexible sidewalls and a flexible rear hatch that are selectively deployable to enclose said bed when said cover is disposed in said elevated configuration; 
 elongated sidewall hangers secured underneath said cover for suspending said sidewalls; 
 elongated sleeve tubes secured beneath and pivoted to said cover that captivate and tension said sidewalls when the cover is elevated and the sidewalls are deployed; stanchions that can be pivotally deployed to support the cover when elevated; 
   stubs pivoted to said stanchions that coaxially fit within ends of said sleeve tubes for releasably coupling said stanchions to said sleeve tubes; and,   brackets associated with said shell for supporting the stanchions.   
   
   
       15 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 14  wherein said shell comprises an elongated cradle at the top of each of its sides for nesting the sidewall sleeve tubes. 
   
   
       16 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 15  wherein said sleeve tubes penetrate portions of the sidewalls at their bottoms for tensioning them. 
   
   
       17 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 16  further comprising struts secured beneath the cover that releasably couple to said shell. 
   
   
       18 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 15  wherein said stanchions are pivoted at their tops to said cover. 
   
   
       19 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 18  wherein said sleeve tubes penetrate portions of the sidewalls at their bottoms for tensioning them. 
   
   
       20 . The cover assembly as defined in  claim 19  further comprising struts secured beneath the cover that releasably couple to said shell.