Systems and methods related to cargo enclosures
AssigneeFox Products Corporation
InventorMichael J. Sullivan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods related to cargo enclosures feature side frame assemblies securable to a pickup truck cargo box or similar structure. The frame assemblies include longitudinal channels that are movable from a closed position to an extended position by an actuator mechanism. The actuator mechanism includes oppositely disposed linear actuators anchored to one of the channels, forcing hinged rails from an overlapping relationship to a coaxial relationship. The frame assembly may include a cross- or scissor-brace to improve stability. A pliable fabric forms at least one and up to three panel sidewalls that extend and retract simultaneously with the movement of the channels. A top cover is selectively securable to the frame assemblies.
Claims15
A cargo enclosure system comprising:
- two longitudinal frame assemblies, each frame assembly comprising:
- a first longitudinal channel having an open side along at least a majority of a length of the first channel;
- a second longitudinal channel having an open side along at least a majority of a length of the second channel, the open side of the second longitudinal channel being aligned at least substantially parallel to the open side of the first longitudinal channel;
- a first hinged rail disposed proximate a first end of the first and second longitudinal channels,
- a second hinged rail disposed proximate a second end of the first and second longitudinal channels,
- each hinged rail comprising a lower leg and an upper leg, the lower leg including a first end rotatably coupled to the first channel and an opposite second end hingedly coupled to a first end of the upper leg, the upper leg including an opposite second end rotatably coupled to the second channel;
- a first linear actuator having an anchor end rotatably coupled with respect to the first channel and an extension end rotatably coupled with respect to the hinged coupling of the first hinged rail;
- a second linear actuator having an anchor end rotatably coupled with respect to the first channel and an extension end rotatably coupled with respect to the hinged coupling of the second hinged rail,
- the first and second linear actuators being substantially contemporaneously retractable to a first position and extendable from the first position to a second position,
- wherein, when the actuators are in the first position, the first channel and second channel forming a chamber through respective open sides, the chamber containing at least a majority of the first hinged rail and a majority of the second hinged rail, the upper leg of each hinged rail overlapping the lower leg of each hinged rail, and
- wherein, when the actuators are in the second position, the first channel is spaced further from the second channel than in the first position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.