1. A canopy structure (100) for a vehicle (5), comprising: at least two vertical side wall members (101) having a first end (101a) and a second end (101b), configured opposite one another on a vehicle platform (5) such that, the first end (101a) of each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101) are fixed to the vehicle platform (5), a first cover element (1) and a second cover element (2) comprising first ends (1a and 2a) and second ends (1b and 2b), wherein the first ends (1a and 2a) of the first cover element (1) and second cover element (2) are pivoted to the second ends (101b) of each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101), and at least one actuator (3) configured on each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101), operably actuates the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP).

2. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuation of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) from open position (OP) to closed position (CP), the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) contact with each other to form a canopy.

3. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are geometrically shaped such that the second ends (1b and 2b) lock each other at closed position (CP).

4. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first side wall (6) and the second side wall (7) are spaced apart by width of the vehicle (5).

5. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are in contact with each other at centre of width of the vehicle at closed position (CP).

6. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a locking element (9) operated by a locking mechanism (10) to lock the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) at the closed position (CP).

7. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism (10) is at least one of latch and pin.

8. A method of operating a canopy structure (100) for a vehicle, said method comprising acts of: operating a first cover element (1) comprising a first end (1a) and a second end (1b) between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP) by at least one actuator (3) configured on each of at least two vertical side wall members (101); operating a second cover element (1) comprising a first end (2a) and a second end (2b) between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP) by at least one actuator (3) configured on each of at least two vertical side wall members (101); wherein the first ends (1a and 2a) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are pivoted to second ends (101b) of each of at least two vertical side wall members (101) configured opposite to one another on a vehicle platform (5) such that, the first end (101a) of each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101) are fixed to the vehicle platform (5) and, actuating the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) from open position (OP) to closed position (CP), wherein the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) contact with each other to form a canopy.

9. The method as claimed in claim 6, comprises acts of actuating a locking element (9) by a locking mechanism (10) to lock ends of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) at closed position (CP).

10. A vehicle comprising a canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a canopy structure for a vehicle. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosure relates to the canopy structure for a cargo vehicle tailored to load and unload the cargo placed on the vehicle platform without de-mounting the canopy from the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Conventionally, load carrier vehicles, especially over dimensioned cargo vehicles such as but not limiting to trailers, semi-trailer trucks, freight carriers etc., are accompanied with a canopy to shelter/house cargo in the carrier of the vehicle. The canopy is assembled onto the vehicle carrier after placing the cargo by an overhead traction crane or multiple mobile cranes located at the assembly site. The canopy provides environmental protection to the cargo placed in the vehicle carrier by restricting entry of dust, rain and other natural elements into the vehicle carrier during transportation. The canopy also acts as a cover/camouflage to prevent disclosure of cargo to public during transportation.

After the cargo is transported to the required location, the overhead traction crane or mobile cranes in the assembly site remove the canopy assembled on the vehicle carrier in order to unload the cargo. This step is necessary to access the cargo in the vehicle carrier. In order to remove the canopy, a clearance height of at least twice the height of canopy is required for safe handling. Also, removing the canopy from carrier vehicle consumes additional time for the user, since the same has to be dismantled or disassembled from the carrier vehicle.

Additionally, increase in height of canopy configured on the carrier vehicle will correspondingly increase the clearance height required for handling or dismantling the canopy from the carrier vehicle. Moreover, the same overhead traction crane must remove the cargo from the vehicle carrier and place it in the assembly site for further processing. This again will consume additional space in the assembly site for handling the cargo.

To mitigate the aforementioned limitations of placing the canopy, split-type canopies are assembled on the vehicle carriers. The split-type canopies ensure that the requirement for assembling and removing the canopy to handle the cargo is mitigated.

One such canopy is disclosed in US6017082 A [hereinafter referred to as ‘082 document]. The ‘082 document discloses a truck trailer body system which has an elongated cargo-supporting bed with front and rear bulkheads, and canopies movable between the bulk heads. The canopies are operated by roller mechanisms for movement along tracks which extend along either side of the trailer bed along the entire length. Further, locking systems are provided to secure the canopies in a fixed position on the trailer so as to prevent unwanted movement and also to prevent decoupling from one another. However, these systems are cumbersome and include numerous parts to mechanise the canopy system. Due to the use of numerous parts, the robustness of the system is affected. Also, a lot of time is invested to operate the canopy system.

In the light of foregoing discussion, there is a need for developing a canopy structure which overcomes the limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through a system and a method of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a canopy structure for a vehicle is provided. The canopy structure comprises at least two vertical side wall members having a first end and a second end, configured opposite one another on a vehicle platform. The side wall members are configured such that, the first end of each of the at least two vertical side wall members are fixed to the vehicle platform. A first cover element and a second cover element comprising first ends and second ends, is configured on the at least one side wall members, such that the first ends of the first cover element and second cover element are pivoted to the second ends of each of the at least two vertical side wall members. Further, at least one actuator is configured on each of the at least two vertical side wall members to operably actuate the first cover element and the second cover element between an open position and a closed position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, actuation of the first cover element and the second cover element from open position to closed position, the second ends of the first cover element and the second cover element contact with each other to form a canopy.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first side wall and the second side wall are spaced apart by width of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ends of the first cover element and the second cover element are in contact with each other at centre of width of vehicle at closed position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking element operated by a locking mechanism is provided, to lock the second ends of the first cover element and the second cover element at the closed position. The locking mechanism provided is at least one of latch and pin.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a canopy structure for a vehicle is provided. The method comprising acts of firstly operating a first cover element comprising a first end and a second end between an open position and a closed position by at least one actuator configured on each of at least two vertical side wall members. Secondly, operating a second cover element comprising a first end and a second end between an open position and a closed position by at least one actuator configured on each of at least two vertical side wall members. The first ends of the first cover element and the second cover element are pivoted to second ends of each of at least two vertical side wall members configured opposite to one another on a vehicle platform such that, the first end of each of the at least two vertical side wall members are fixed to the vehicle platform. Lastly, the method comprises act of actuating the first cover element and the second cover element from open position to closed position, wherein the second ends of the first cover element and the second cover element contact to form a canopy.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking element is actuated by a locking mechanism to lock second ends of the first cover element and the second cover element at closed position.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The embodiments of the disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of canopy structure assembled on a carrier vehicle in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates front view of the canopy structure shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a locking mechanism along portion X-X’ shown in figure 2 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of 4-bar linkage mechanism along portion Y-Y’ shown in figure 2 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates canopy structure of figure 1 in open position (OP).

Figure 6 illustrates the canopy structure of figure 1 in closed position (CP).

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the canopy structure for a vehicle to facilitate access to cargo without dismantling the canopy. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

In order to overcome the limitations stated in the background, the present disclosure provides a canopy structure for vehicle, predominantly for over-dimensional vehicles. The canopy structure comprises a vehicle platform fixed to vehicle chassis, and configured with at least two vertical side wall members. The vertical side wall members have a first end and a second end, with the first end fixed to the vehicle platform. The vertical side wall members are spaced apart by the width of the vehicle and are configured opposite to one another. A first cover element and a second cover element comprising first ends and second ends are configured on each of the at least two vertical side wall members, such that the first ends of the first cover element and the second cover element are pivoted to second ends of each of the at least two vertical side wall members. Thus, the vertical side wall members act as supporting pillars for the first cover element and the second cover element. Further, at least one actuator is configured on each of the at least two vertical side wall members, such that one end of the at least one actuator is connected to the side wall members and the other end to each of the cover elements i.e. the first cover element and second cover element. The at least one actuator is configured to operate the first cover element and the second cover element between an open position and a closed position. In an embodiment, open position of first cover element and the second cover element enables access to cargo stored/placed in the vehicle platform without the need for dismantling the canopy from the vehicle platform. In another embodiment, closed position of the first cover element and the second cover element contacts the second ends of the first cover element and the second cover element contact, forming a canopy. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cover element and second cover element contact at the centre of width of the vehicle to form a canopy. Further, a locking element is configured in between the first cover element and the second cover element, to lock upward movement during transportation. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking element is operated manually by a locking mechanism. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking mechanism is configured along any of the first cover element and the second cover element. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism is at least one of latch type and pin type.

Upon operating the first cover element and the second cover element from open position to closed position by the at least one actuator, the second ends contact to form a canopy. After contact of the first cover element and the second cover element, no further movement of the cover elements are observed due to the geometry or configuration of the first cover element and the second cover element. At this condition, the locking mechanism is operated to lock upward movement of the first cover element and second cover element in closed position.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In the Figures the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the figures illustrate aspects involved in over-dimensioned vehicle. However, the over-dimensioned vehicle illustrated in the figures is for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the system and method as disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in any vehicle including but not liming to carrier vehicles, light cargo vehicles, heavy vehicles and light duty vehicles.

Figures 1 and 2 in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a perspective view and a front view of the canopy structure (100) for a vehicle (4), particularly an over-dimensioned vehicle. The canopy structure (100) comprises a vehicle platform (5) fixed to vehicle chassis [not shown] to receive and store cargo. At least two vertical side wall members (101) of predetermined height, having a first end (101a) and second end (101b) are configured opposite one another on the vehicle platform (5). The first end (101a) of each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101) is fixed on the vehicle platform (5). The height of the at least two vertical side wall members (101) are determined based on the height and shape of the cargo to be stored in the vehicle (4). In an embodiment, the at least two vertical side wall members (101) can dimensionally vary in height, length and width with respect to the dimension of the cargo to be stored in the vehicle (4).

A first side wall (6) and a second side wall (7) of the at least two vertical side wall members (101) are spaced apart by width of the vehicle (4) [shown in figure 2]. In an embodiment, another side wall [not shown in figures] can be placed at predetermined location in between the width of the vehicle (4) to enable compartmental storage configuration for cargo.

A first cover element (1) comprising a first end (1a) and a second end (1b) such that, the second end (1b) of the first cover element (1) is configured to the second end (101b) of the at least two vertical side wall members (101), such that the first end (1a) is pivoted to the second end (101b). Further, a second cover element (2) comprising first end (2a) and a second end (2b), is configured to the second end (101b) of the at least two vertical side wall members (101) such that the first end (2a) is pivoted to the second end (101b). The pivoted first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) can be operated between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP).

In an embodiment, the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are configured such that the second ends (1b and 2b) always contact with each other when operated to closed position (CP). That is, the dimensions of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) is set such that the second ends (1b and 2b) of each of first and second cover elements (1 and 2) always contact with each other at closed position (CP).

In an embodiment, the first cover element (1) and second cover element (2) are roof panels of the vehicle (4) which forms the canopy structure. In an embodiment, the roof panels of the vehicle (4) can be made of metal, plastic, tarpaulin or any other material which suits the purpose of forming a canopy in order to conceal the cargo loaded in the vehicle (4). The roof panels are also configured to protect the cargo stored in the vehicle (4) from as dust, rain and other natural elements during transportation. The roof panels also act as a camouflage to conceal the cargo transported from the traffic/public.

In an embodiment, along the length of the roof panels, frame reinforcement members (1c and 2c) are provided at appropriate locations which act as reinforcement for adequate support and strength to the roof panels.

In an embodiment, at open position (OP), the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are not in contact with each other, thus allow loading of the cargo into the vehicle (4) by means of an over-head traction crane.

In an embodiment, at closed position (CP), the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are in contact with each other such that, the second ends (1b and 2b) contact thereby forming a canopy. In closed position (CP) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2), access of cargo to the over-head traction crane for accessing the cargo on the vehicle platform (5) is restricted. In another embodiment, the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) contact at the centre of width of the vehicle (4).

In another embodiment, at open position (OP), either the first cover element (1) or the second cover element (2) enables access to the over-head traction crane for handling the cargo, when multiple cargos are stored in the vehicle platform (5) [as shown in figure 4].

Additionally, at least one actuator (3) is configured on each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101), to operate the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP). In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (3) is selected from group comprising such as but not limiting to hydraulic, pneumatic actuators or any other actuation means which serves the purpose of operating the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) in between open position (OP) and closed position (CP).

In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (3) is pivotally connected between first side wall (6) and the first cover element (1) by brackets (12) [shown in figures 4 and 5]. The pivotal connection enables oscillatory movement of the at least one actuator (3), while operating the first cover element (1) between the open position (OP) and closed position (CP). This mechanism provides flexibility to the at least one actuator (3), to operate the first cover element (1) of any scale/dimension between open position (OP) and closed position (CP).

In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (3) is pivotally connected between the second side wall (7) and the second cover element (2) by brackets (12) [shown in figures 4 and 5]. The pivotal connection enables oscillatory movement of the at least one actuator (3), while operating the second cover element (2) between the open position (OP) and closed position (CP). This mechanism provides flexibility to the at least one actuator (3), to operate the second cover element (2) of any scale/dimension between open position (OP) and closed position (CP).

In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (3) operates the first cover element (1) and second cover element (2) simultaneously between the open position (OP) and closed position (CP).

Figures 3 and 4 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating enlarged view of a locking mechanism (10) for the canopy structure (100). The locking mechanism (10) includes a linkage mechanism coupled to a locking element (9) [shown in figure 2] to lock/restrict/arrest upward movement of the first cover element (1) and second cover element (2) in closed position (CP). The locking mechanism (10) is positioned proximal to first cover element (1) [shown in figure 3 and 4]. In an embodiment, the locking element (10) is positioned proximal to the second cover element (2). In another embodiment, the locking mechanism (10) is positioned in between the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) as per requirement and feasibility.

In an embodiment, the locking mechanism (10) is a four-bar linkage which is actuated manually by the user after the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are in closed position (CP). The four bar linkage comprises two straight linkages and two L-brackets, which are configured to aid in locking the first cover element and the second cover element in closed position (CP). At closed position (CP) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2), one of the L-linkages are actuated by the user to in-turn operate the remaining straight links and the L-link. Operating the remaining straight links and L-links will actuate the locking element (9), to lock the first cover element (1) and second cover element (2) at closed position (CP).

In an embodiment, actuation of the locking mechanism (10) operates the locking element (9) to a provision (13) provided in the second cover element (2) to lock upward movement of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2). In an embodiment, the provision (13) is provided either to the first cover element (1) or in between the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) as per requirement and feasibility. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism (10) is automated by inclusion of motors or any other actuating means, to actuate the locking element (9). In an embodiment, the locking element (9) is at least one of latches, locking pins, magnetic lock or any other lock which serves the purpose of locking the first cover element and second cover element at closed position.

In an embodiment, a sealing member (9) is provisioned at either of the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) to prevent entry of dust, rain and other natural elements into the vehicle platform (5) during transportation. In an embodiment, the sealing member (9) is provisioned at both of the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2). In yet another embodiment, the sealing member (9) extends along the entire length of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) for air-tight sealing. In an embodiment, the sealing member (9) is selected from group such as but not limiting to rubber, resin, plastic or any other member which serves the purpose of sealant.

Figure 6 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating front view of the canopy structure (100). The at least one actuator (3) upon actuation, operates the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) simultaneously from open position (OP) to the closed position (CP) or vice versa. In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (3) individually operates the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) from open position (OP) to the closed position (CP) or vice versa. Due to the configuration and dimension of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2), the second ends (1b and 2b) contact each other. Upon contact of the second ends (1b and 2b), no further travel of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) occurs, thereby forming a canopy. In this condition, the locking mechanism (10) is actuated by the user to operate the locking element (9) into the provision (13) and thus, securing/locking the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) in closed position (CP). This mechanism therefore, enables to secure and access cargo without dismantling the canopy from the vehicle (4).

Advantages:

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a canopy structure is provided which facilitates access to cargo without the need for dismantling the canopy from the vehicle. Thus, the canopy structure of the present disclosure mitigates the need for large work area to handle vehicle and the cargo.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the canopy structure provided is modular, cost effective and robust.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS

Referral Numerals Description
100 Canopy structure
101 Vertical side wall members
101a First end of vertical side wall members
101b Second end of vertical side wall members
1 First cover element
1a First end of first cover element
1b Second end of first cover element
1c Frame reinforcement member for first cover element
2 Second cover element
2a First end of second cover element
2b Second end of second cover element
2c Frame reinforcement member for second element
3 Actuator
4 Vehicle
5 Vehicle platform
6 First side wall
7 Second side wall
8 Sealing member
9 Locking element
10 Locking mechanism
11 Ramp of the vehicle
12 Bracket
13 Provision for locking element
14 Support member
OP Open position of first cover element and second cover element
CP Closed position of first cover element and second cover element

Claims:We Claim:

1. A canopy structure (100) for a vehicle (5), comprising:
at least two vertical side wall members (101) having a first end (101a) and a second end (101b), configured opposite one another on a vehicle platform (5) such that, the first end (101a) of each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101) are fixed to the vehicle platform (5),
a first cover element (1) and a second cover element (2) comprising first ends (1a and 2a) and second ends (1b and 2b), wherein the first ends (1a and 2a) of the first cover element (1) and second cover element (2) are pivoted to the second ends (101b) of each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101), and
at least one actuator (3) configured on each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101), operably actuates the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP).

2. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuation of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) from open position (OP) to closed position (CP), the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) contact with each other to form a canopy.

3. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are geometrically shaped such that the second ends (1b and 2b) lock each other at closed position (CP).

4. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first side wall (6) and the second side wall (7) are spaced apart by width of the vehicle (5).

5. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are in contact with each other at centre of width of the vehicle at closed position (CP).

6. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a locking element (9) operated by a locking mechanism (10) to lock the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) at the closed position (CP).

7. The canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism (10) is at least one of latch and pin.

8. A method of operating a canopy structure (100) for a vehicle, said method comprising acts of:
operating a first cover element (1) comprising a first end (1a) and a second end (1b) between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP) by at least one actuator (3) configured on each of at least two vertical side wall members (101);
operating a second cover element (1) comprising a first end (2a) and a second end (2b) between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP) by at least one actuator (3) configured on each of at least two vertical side wall members (101);
wherein the first ends (1a and 2a) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) are pivoted to second ends (101b) of each of at least two vertical side wall members (101) configured opposite to one another on a vehicle platform (5) such that, the first end (101a) of each of the at least two vertical side wall members (101) are fixed to the vehicle platform (5) and,
actuating the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) from open position (OP) to closed position (CP), wherein the second ends (1b and 2b) of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) contact with each other to form a canopy.

9. The method as claimed in claim 6, comprises acts of actuating a locking element (9) by a locking mechanism (10) to lock ends of the first cover element (1) and the second cover element (2) at closed position (CP).

10. A vehicle comprising a canopy structure (100) as claimed in claim 1