MODULAR CANOPY

Abstract

A modular canopy including in combination, a plurality of modules which can be assembled together to construct a canopy for a truck or utility vehicle, the modules interchangeable to vary the size, length and configuration to suit a type of trade or business.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the invention to be better understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a preferred canopy of the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the canopy of FIG. 1, fully assembled, and

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the canopy of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings and to FIGS. 1 to 3 there is shown a preferred modular canopy 10 according to the invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the canopy. FIGS. 2 and 3 show top and bottom perspectives of the canopy fully assembled. In all three representations, the same and or consistent numbering system has been used to enumerate and identify identical or analogous parts and views.

FIG. 1 shows the canopy 10 comprising a roof section 12 or panel, a left 14 and a right side 16 section, a front 18 and a rear 20 section. The sections or modules are joined together as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 by inter-engaging grooves 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d on the roof panel and 14a, 16a, 18a, 20a on the separate modules or channels which provide flush fitting joins resulting in a smooth exterior surface.

This is an obvious advantage in increasing both the water resistance and aerodynamic characteristics of the canopy. The separate modules are preferably joined by screws and/or rivets of stainless steel or aluminium or other inert metal. Gaskets and seals and adhesives can also be used in the assembly. It will be obvious to the skilled addressee that the canopy can also be disassembled either completely or partially such as when a particular module is damaged and is replaced.

As previously discussed, preferably, the roof panel 12 is supplied as a fixed size component and the side 14, 16 and end 18, 20 modules are used to vary the shape and configuration of the assembled canopy. The doors 14c, 16c, 20d have rubber seals 14d, 16d, 20e and windows 14b, 16b, 18b, 20b, 20c are also bonded and recessed into the canopy modules to contribute to a flush fitting resulting in a smooth exterior.

Variations

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A modular canopy including in combination, a plurality of modules which can be assembled together to construct a canopy for a truck or utility vehicle,said modules interchangeable to vary the size, length and configuration to suit a type of trade or business.

2. A modular canopy as claimed in claim 1, wherein a roof panel is of a fixed size and the variation to the canopy is a function of the modules not comprising the roof panel.

3. A modular canopy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modules and the roof panel are constructed of glass reinforced plastic or fiberglass or an equivalent material.

4. A modular canopy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modules are assembled together by having complementary grooves or channels such that the modules are joined together to achieve a flush fitting contributing to the water resistance of the canopy.

5. A modular canopy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modules can be disassembled and replaced with other modules in the event of damage to a particular module or to alter the configuration of the canopy.

6. A modular canopy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modules are joined together by inert material fastenings and can include the use of gaskets or adhesives where required.

7. A modular canopy as claimed in claim 1, wherein complementary grooves or channels are used for fitting of hinged doors or covers to prevent the ingress of water and to provide a flush fitting resulting in a smooth exterior surface of the canopy.

8. A modular canopy as claimed in claim 1, wherein windows are bonded and recessed into the canopy modules resulting in a flush finish.

9. A modular canopy as claimed in claim 2, wherein the modules and the roof panel are constructed of glass reinforced plastic or fiberglass or an equivalent material.