Pop-top roof assistance accessory
The pop-up roof accessory provides improved leverage and ease of use by engaging with the pivot rod from a lower posture, addressing the strenuous nature of conventional lifting mechanisms and enhancing usability without structural changes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- HK · HK
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 达拉斯·格林
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Conventional pop-up roof lifting mechanisms in caravans require significant physical effort, are cumbersome, and hinder access due to their placement within confined spaces, posing challenges for users with limited strength or mobility.
A pop-up roof accessory comprising a distal connector, a proximal handle, and an elongated rod that engages with the pivot rod of the lifting mechanism, allowing for improved leverage and ease of use by applying force from a lower posture, with secure engagement channels to prevent disengagement.
Reduces the physical effort required to raise and lower the roof, enhances usability, and allows operation from a more comfortable position, while maintaining secure attachment without altering the caravan's structure.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202511208124.3 (22) Application Date 2025.08.27 (30) Priority Data 2024902709 2024.08.29 AU (71) Applicant Dallas Green Address Newport, Queensland, Australia (72) Inventor Dallas Green (74) Patent Agency Shenzhen Borui Patent Agency 44275 Patent Attorney Lin Dong (51) Int.Cl. B60J 7 / 16 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title Pop-up Roof Assist Accessory (57) Abstract This invention discloses a pop-up roof assist accessory, which includes a remote connector, a proximal handle, and an elongated rod extending between the remote connector and the proximal handle. This accessory is suitable for use with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism comprising a pivot rod interconnecting roof lifting arms and a handle rod pivotally engaged with the pivot rod. A distal connector is configured to releasably engage the pivot rod when the elongated rod is positioned below the handle rod, such that an upward force applied to the proximal handle pushes the handle rod upward to raise the lifting mechanism. In a preferred form, the distal connector defines one or more channels that capture the pivot rod on three sides to resist disengagement under load, and the elongated rod may be curved to allow the handle to be positioned below the handle rod during operation. This accessory provides improved leverage and ease of use for raising and lowering a pop-up roof without altering the caravan's structure. Claims (2 pages), Description (5 pages), Drawings (3 pages), CN 121625743 A, 2026.03.10, CN 1 21 62 57 43 A. 1. A pop-up roof accessory comprising: a distal connector; a proximal handle; and an elongated rod extending between the distal connector and the proximal handle; wherein the accessory is adapted for use with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism including a pivot rod interconnecting a plurality of roof lifting arms and a handle rod pivotally engaged with the pivot rod; wherein the distal connector is configured to releasably engage the pivot rod when the elongated rod is positioned below the handle rod, such that an upward force applied to the proximal handle forces the handle rod upward to elevate the lifting mechanism. 2. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongated rod is bent between a distal portion and a proximal portion such that when the distal portion engages the handle rod in a generally horizontal orientation, the proximal handle is located below the handle rod. 3. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 2, wherein the distal connector is elongated and laterally engages the end of the elongated rod.4. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 3, wherein the distal connector defines a channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides. 5. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 4, wherein the channel is configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a lever force applied by the elongated rod. 6. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 4, wherein the channel is configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a reverse lever force applied by the elongated rod. 7. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 4, wherein the channel is configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a thrust applied along the elongated rod. 8. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 4, wherein the channel is configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a pull force applied along the elongated rod. 9. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 4, wherein the distal connector comprises: a first wall, a second wall orthogonally connected to the first wall, and a third wall orthogonally connected to the second wall, the first, second, and third walls defining a first channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a thrust applied along the elongated rod; and a fourth wall orthogonally connected to the third wall, the second, third, and fourth walls defining a second channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a lever force applied by the elongated rod; A fifth wall orthogonally connected to the fourth wall, the third, fourth, and fifth walls defining a third channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a thrust applied along the elongated rod; and a sixth wall orthogonally connected to the fifth wall, the first and sixth walls defining an entrance for the pivot rod, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth walls defining a fourth channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a counter-lever force applied by the elongated rod. 10. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 2, wherein the proximal handle comprises a straight rod orthogonally connected to the proximal end of the elongated rod. Claims 1 / 2 page 2 CN 121625743 A 11. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 2, wherein the proximal handle comprises side handle portions extending from opposite sides of the elongated rod. 12. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 1, further comprising a separate attachment configured for lowering the pop-up roof lifting mechanism, the attachment comprising: a handle rod engagement channel configured for attachment to the handle rod; an elongated rod engagement channel configured for attachment to the elongated rod; and13. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 12, wherein the handle rod engagement channel is configured to capture the handle rod on three sides, and the elongated rod engagement channel is configured to capture the elongated rod on three sides. 14. The pop-up roof accessory of claim 13, wherein the rod portion holds the handle rod engagement channel orthogonally and at an angle relative to the elongated rod engagement channel. 15. A method of raising a pop-up roof of a caravan or similar vehicle, the roof being associated with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism including a pivot rod interconnecting roof lifting arms and a handle rod pivotally engaged with the pivot rod, the method comprising: attaching a distal connector of the accessory of claim 1 to the pivot rod; positioning the elongated rod below the handle rod; and applying an upward force to a proximal handle to push the handle rod upward, thereby raising the lifting mechanism and the roof. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the distal connector comprises inserting the distal connector behind the front portion of the handle rod and raising the distal connector to engage with the pivot rod. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the distal connector engages the pivot rod within a channel defined by the wall of the distal connector, the channel capturing the pivot rod on three sides during the raising of the roof. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongated rod bends between a distal and a proximal portion and applies an upward force to the proximal handle from below the handle rod to provide improved mechanical advantages. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising pushing the proximal handle forward when an obstacle prevents the proximal handle from fully advancing upward, wherein the distal connector transmits thrust along the elongated rod to fully open the lifting mechanism. 20. A method for lowering a pop-up roof of a caravan or similar vehicle, the roof being associated with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism including a pivot rod and a handle rod pivotally engaged with the pivot rod, the method comprising: attaching an attachment according to claim 12 between the handle rod and an elongated rod of an accessory according to claim 1; and applying a downward force to the proximal handle to push the handle rod downward relative to the pivot rod, thereby lowering the lifting mechanism and the roof in a controlled manner. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121625743 A Pop-up Roof Auxiliary Accessory Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to lifting mechanisms for pop-up roofs of caravans and similar vehicles, and more specifically to accessories configured to assist in raising and lowering such mechanisms. Background Art
[0002] Pop-up roofs are commonly used in caravans and similar vehicles to provide additional headroom and ventilation when the vehicle is stationary. A conventional pop-up roof lifting mechanism typically comprises a lower frame fixed to the interior wall of the vehicle and an upper frame connected to the underside of the roof, the two frames being pivotally connected. The upper frame typically includes a pivot rod, while the lower frame includes a handle rod that is manually lifted by the user to raise the roof.
[0003] While such mechanisms provide a practical means of increasing interior space, they have certain limitations. In particular, considerable physical effort is often required to lift the roof, which can be difficult for users with limited strength or range. The placement of the lifting mechanism within the limited space of a caravan further hinders access and operation.
[0004] Therefore, the manual nature of conventional mechanisms can be cumbersome, and the available mechanical advantages can be insufficient, resulting in a more strenuous lifting process than desired. These challenges indicate a need to improve pop-up roof lifting systems to increase usability and reduce the physical effort required during operation.
[0005] According to one aspect, a pop-up roof accessory is provided, comprising a distal connector, a proximal handle, and an elongated rod extending between the distal connector and the proximal handle. The accessory is adapted for use with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism including a pivot rod interconnecting roof lifting arms and a handle rod pivotally engaged with the pivot rod. The distal connector is configured to releasably engage the pivot rod when the elongated rod is positioned below the handle rod, such that applying an upward force to the proximal handle forces the handle rod upward to raise the lifting mechanism.
[0006] This arrangement allows the accessory to be quickly attached to and removed from the lifting mechanism without altering the caravan structure. The engagement of the distal connector with the pivot rod provides a secure connection against accidental disengagement during use, while still allowing for intentional removal.
[0007] By enabling the user to apply force at a distance from the lifting mechanism, operation can be performed from a lower and more comfortable posture, thereby reducing the need to reach the roof or manipulate objects within a confined interior space. The slender rod transmits force directly to the handle of the lifting mechanism, thus providing improved leverage and reducing the physical effort required to raise the roof.
[0008] This accessory can be easily carried and stored when not in use and provides a practical means of enhancing the usability of existing pop-up roof lifting mechanisms without requiring permanent changes.
[0009] In some preferred arrangements, the slender rod may be shaped to have curvature between a distal and proximal portion. Such a shape allows the distal portion to engage the handle in a generally horizontal direction, while the proximal handle is located below the handle, allowing the user to apply force from a lower posture.
[0010] Optionally, the distal connector may be formed as an elongated member that laterally engages the end of the slender rod. This configuration helps...It resists lateral torsion during use and helps maintain the straight alignment of the slender rod under load.
[0011] In one form, the distal connector may define a channel arranged to capture the pivot rod on three sides. By providing such a partial housing, the connector can be reliably secured around the pivot rod during operation, while still allowing intentional removal when needed. The channel may be arranged to resist movement under leverage, under reverse leverage, under longitudinally applied thrust, or under tension applied along the slender rod.
[0012] In another embodiment, the distal connector may include a series of interconnected walls that together form a plurality of channels. The first, second, and third walls may cooperate to define channels configured to hold the pivot rod under thrust. A fourth wall may then combine with an adjacent wall to form a channel resisting leverage. A fifth wall may define another channel for retaining the pivot rod under tension, while a sixth wall may complete the channel arranged to capture the pivot rod against a reverse lever force. An inlet may be defined between the first and sixth walls to allow insertion and withdrawal of the pivot rod. This configuration enables the pivot rod to remain engaged with the connector within the range of operating positions and under loads in different directions.
[0013] In some examples, the proximal handle may include a straight bar extending orthogonally from the proximal end of the elongated rod, defining a side handle portion extending outward from the opposite side of the elongated rod to allow the user a firm grip, and may optionally include a foam or rubber-coated cover for comfort.
[0014] In one embodiment, the attachment may include a separate attachment for lowering the roof lift mechanism. The attachment may include a channel for engaging the handle bar, another channel for engaging the elongated rod, and a bar portion engaging both channels. These channels may each capture their respective elements on three sides to prevent slippage. The bar portion may be orthogonal to the elongated rod channel and oriented at an angle to retain the handle bar channel. This arrangement allows downward forces applied to the proximal handle to be transmitted through the attachment to the handle bar, thereby lowering the lifting mechanism in a controlled manner.
[0015] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0016] Although any other forms may fall within the scope of the invention, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG1 shows a perspective view of a pop-up roof auxiliary attachment according to a preferred embodiment.
[0018] FIG2 shows the attachment of FIG1 used with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism.
[0019] FIG3 shows a side view of the distal connector of the attachment, showing the channel formed therein.
[0020] FIG4 shows an embodiment of the attachment including an attachment configured for lowering the pop-up roof lifting mechanism.Detailed Description
[0021] FIG1 shows a pop-up roof accessory 100 including a remote connector 101, a proximal handle 102, and an elongated rod 103 extending between the remote connector 101 and the proximal handle 102.
[0022] FIG2 shows the accessory 100 used with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism 104, which includes a pivot rod 105 that interconnects roof lifting arms 106, which are attached to the roof 107 via hinges 108. The pivot rod 105 is surrounded by and pivotally engaged with a handle rod 109. The handle rod 109 includes a front portion 110 and a side portion 111 operated by a user, the side portion 111 extending rearward from the front portion 110 and attached to a frame, wall, etc. via a rear hinge 112.
[0023] Since the side portion 111 pivotally engages the pivot rod 105 between the front portion 110 and the rear hinge 112, it provides a mechanical advantage in applying an upward lifting force to the front portion 110.
[0024] As further shown in FIG2, the distal connector 101 is configured to releasably engage the pivot rod 105, while the elongated rod 103 is positioned below the handle rod 109, wherein the proximal handle 102 extends forward to the front portion 110. Specification 2 / 5 pages 5 CN 121625743 A
[0025] The embodiment of FIG2 shows a spring-loaded roof lifting mechanism 104 in a raised position. In use, the mechanism 104 will initially be in a lowered position, with the front portion 110 of the handle rod 109 below the pivot rod 105, and the roof 107 lowered. In this configuration, the accessory 100 is inserted behind the front portion 110 of the handle lever 109 and lifted upwards, such that the distal connector 101 hooks onto the pivot lever 105.
[0026] Preferably, the distal connector 101 defines a downwardly oriented channel, as described in further detail below, allowing the accessory 100 to suspend freely from the pivot lever 105 without the risk of falling, and to be disengaged only by manually lifting it from the pivot lever 105.
[0027] When the accessory 100 is attached to the mechanism 104 in its lowered configuration, the user can stand back, grasp the proximal handle 102, and apply an upward force, thereby pushing the handle lever 109 upwards to mechanically raise the lifting mechanism 104 and the roof 107.
[0028] The distal connector 101 holds the elongated rod 103 on the lifting mechanism 104 to prevent the accessory 100 from dangerously slipping off the mechanism, which could otherwise cause the roof 107 to suddenly fall or the elongated rod 103 to strike an adjacent wall.
[0029] FIG1 also shows a preferred embodiment in which the elongated rod 103 is bent between a distal portion 113 and a proximal portion 114. The relative lengths of the distal portion 113 and the proximal portion 114 are such that the distal portion 113 is perpendicular to the front of the handle rod 109.Part 110 engages. Thus, when the distal part 113 engages the handle bar 109 in a generally horizontal orientation, the proximal handle 102 is located below the handle bar 109.
[0030] This arrangement allows the user to raise the mechanism 104 from a relatively low position without needing to stand on a ladder, stool, etc., and is particularly beneficial for shorter users or those with limited ability to raise their arms above head height.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment shown, the distal connector 101 is elongated and laterally engages one end of the elongated bar 103. This elongated profile resists lateral forces, thereby keeping the elongated bar 103 straight during lifting operations.
[0032] As described above, the distal connector 101 preferably captures the pivot bar 105 on three sides. Referring to FIG3, the distal connector 101 preferably includes a series of walls 115 defining a series of channels 117 that capture the pivot bar 105 on three sides at different locations.
[0033] Specifically, the distal connector 101 may include a first wall 115A, a second wall 115B orthogonally connected to the first wall 115A, and a third wall 115C orthogonally connected to the second wall 115B.
[0034] The first, second, and third walls 115A-C may define a first channel 117A configured to capture the pivot rod 105 on three sides in position 105D against a thrust 118C applied along the elongated rod 103. Specifically, when an obstacle such as a luminaire prevents the proximal handle 102 from being fully raised to open the mechanism 104, the proximal handle 102 may be pushed forward, thereby holding the pivot rod 105 in position 105D within the first channel 117A without the risk of the distal connector 101 slipping.
[0035] The distal connector 101 may also include a fourth wall 115D orthogonally connected to the third wall 115C, thereby defining a second channel 117B. The second channel 117B resists the lever force 118A applied by the elongated rod 103 to capture the pivot rod 105 on three sides in position 105B. The distal connector 101 can be configured to allow the pivot rod 105 to slide from position 105B to position 105D during the lever action, at which point the elongated rod 103 is pushed longitudinally.
[0036] The distal connector 101 may also include a fifth wall 115E orthogonally connected to the fourth wall 115D, thereby defining a third channel 117C, which is configured to capture the pivot rod 105 on three sides between the second position 105B and the third position 105C. The second channel 117B and / or the third channel 117C may allow the attachment 100 to suspend freely from the pivot rod 105 against the pulling or suspension force 118D without the risk of disconnection until it is manually lifted away from the pivot rod 105. Instruction manual, page 3 / 5, document number 6, CN 121625743 A
[0037] The distal connector 101 may further include a sixth wall 115F orthogonally connected to the fifth wall 115E, thereby defining a fourth channel 117D, which is configured to capture the pivot 105 on three sides in position 105C against a reverse lever force 118B (in the opposite direction to the lever force 118A).
[0038] The first wall 115A and the sixth wall 115F may define an inlet 116 between them, the size of which is determined to allow the pivot 105 to enter position 105A. Once the pivot 105 is captured within the distal connector 101, the respective channels 117 hold it away from the inlet 116 regardless of omnidirectional forces, thereby reducing the possibility of accidental disconnection during operation.
[0039] The interior of the distal connector 101 may be padded with felt or other suitable material to prevent damage to the pivot 105.
[0040] The proximal handle 102 preferably includes a straight rod 119 having handle portions extending from both sides of the elongated rod 103. These handle portions may be foam-padded or rubber-coated to provide improved grip and comfort during operation.
[0041] FIG4 illustrates another embodiment in which the attachment 100 includes a separate attachment 120 configured for lowering the roof lift mechanism 104. The attachment 120 includes a handle rod engagement channel 121 and an elongated rod engagement channel 122, the handle rod engagement channel 121 being configured to attach to the front portion 110 of the handle rod 109 and the elongated rod engagement channel 122 being configured to attach to the elongated rod 103. The attachment 120 also includes a rod portion 123 connecting the handle rod engagement channel 121 and the elongated rod engagement channel 122.
[0042] Preferably, the handle rod engagement channel 121 is configured to capture the handle rod 109 on three sides, and the elongated rod engagement channel 122 is configured to capture the elongated rod 103 on three sides. More preferably, the rod portion 123 holds the handle rod engagement channel 121 orthogonally relative to the elongated rod engagement channel 122 and at an angle relative to the elongated rod engagement channel 122. This arrangement allows the attachment 120 to be secured between the handle rod 109 and the elongated rod 103 when the mechanism 104 is in the raised position and the distal connector 101 engages with the pivot rod 105 in the fourth channel 117D.
[0043] A downward force can then be applied to the proximal handle 102, causing the attachment 120 to pull the handle rod 109 downward relative to the pivot rod 105, thereby lowering the mechanism 104. This action will not result in the uncontrolled release of mechanism 104 because the distal portion 113 of the elongated rod 103 can be supported upwards on the handle rod 109 as mechanism 104 gradually lowers.
[0044] In an exemplary and non-limiting method of use according to the preferred embodiment shown, accessory 100 is used as follows.
[0045] Initially, the pop-up roof lift mechanism 104 is in a lowered configuration with the roof 107 closed. In this position, the front portion 110 of the handle lever 109 is located below the pivot lever 105. The user positions the attachment 100 by inserting the distal connector 101 behind the front portion 110 of the handle lever 109 and lifting the attachment 100 upward, such that the distal connector 101 hooks onto and releasably engages the pivot lever 105 within one of the channels 117.
[0046] Once the distal connector 101 is securely engaged with the pivot lever 105, the elongated rod 103 extends downward, with the proximal handle 102 positioned in front of the front portion 110 of the handle lever 109. The user then grips the proximal handle 102 with both hands and applies an upward lifting force. This force is transmitted through the elongated rod 103 to the handle lever 109, pushing the handle lever 109 upward. When the handle lever 109 pivots around the rear hinge 112, the pivot lever 105 moves upward, thereby raising the roof 107 via the interconnecting roof lift arm 106.
[0047] During this lifting operation, the distal connector 101 holds the pivot lever 105 within a selected channel 117, thereby preventing accidental disengagement and ensuring that the attachment 100 remains securely attached to the lifting mechanism 104. A preferred curved configuration of the elongated rod 103, defined between the distal portion 113 and the proximal portion 114, positions the proximal handle 102 below the handle lever 109, allowing the user to achieve the desired lifting movement from a lower and more ergonomic posture. This arrangement minimizes the need for overhead lifting and reduces strain, particularly for shorter users.
[0048] If an obstacle prevents the proximal handle 102 from traveling fully upward, the user can instead push the proximal handle 102 forward. In this mode of use, the pivot 105 is captured within the first channel 117A at position 105D, allowing the accessory 100 (pages 4 / 5, CN 121625743 A) to transmit a forward thrust 118C to the pivot 105 without the risk of the distal connector 101 sliding freely. In this way, the user can fully open the lifting mechanism 104 and raise the roof 107 regardless of space constraints.
[0049] Once the roof 107 is raised, the accessory 100 can remain freely suspended on the pivot 105 within the channel 117, with the elongated rod 103 resisting the lever force 118A, the reverse lever force 118B, the pull force 118D, and the thrust force 118C. This secure engagement ensures that the accessory 100 will not accidentally detach during operation.
[0050] To lower the roof 107, the accessory 100 can be fitted with a separate attachment 120. By engaging the handle rod engagement channel 121 to the front portion 110 of the handle rod 109 and engaging the elongated rod engagement channel 122 to the elongated rod 103, the rod portion is made...123 interconnects the two channels in the desired orthogonal and angular orientation, thereby securing attachment 120. A downward force is then applied to the proximal handle 102, causing attachment 120 to pull the handle lever 109 downward relative to pivot 105. This coordinated action causes the lifting mechanism 104 and roof 107 to gradually descend. Importantly, throughout the descent operation, the distal portion 113 of the elongated lever 103 remains positioned below the handle lever 109 to provide continuous upward support, thereby preventing uncontrolled descent of the roof 107.
[0051] Upon completion of the raising or lowering operation, attachment 100 can be disengaged by manually lifting the distal connector 101 from pivot 105 via inlet 116, allowing attachment 100 to be removed and stored.
[0052] For purposes of explanation, specific terminology has been used in the foregoing description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the invention. Therefore, for purposes of illustration and description, the above description of specific embodiments of the invention has been given. These are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, as it will be apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. These embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the intended particular use. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. Description 5 / 5 pages 8 CN 121625743 A Figure 1 Figure 2 Description Drawings 1 / 3 pages 9 CN 121625743 A Figure 3 Description Drawings 2 / 3 pages 10 CN 121625743 A Figure 4 Description Drawings 3 / 3 pages 11 CN 121625743 A Abstract A pop-top roof assistance accessory is disclosed, comprising a distal connector, a proximal handle, and an elongate bar extending between the distal connector and the proximal handle. The accessory is adapted for use with a pop-top roof lifting mechanism including a pivot bar interconnecting roof lifting arms anda handle bar pivotally engaged with the pivot bar. The distal connector is configured to releasably engage the pivot bar while the elongate bar is positioned beneath the handle bar, such that upward force applied to the proximal handle urges the handle bar upward to raise the lifting mechanism. In preferred forms, the distal connector defines one or more channels capturing the pivot bar on three sides to resist disengagement under load, and the elongate bar may be curved to allow the handle to be located beneath the handle bar during operation. The accessory provides improved leverage and ease of use for raising and lowering pop-top roofs without modification to the caravan structure.
Claims
1. A pop-up roof assist accessory comprising: a distal connector; a proximal handle; and an elongate rod extending between the distal connector and the proximal handle; wherein the accessory is adapted for use with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism including a pivot rod interconnecting a plurality of roof lifting arms and a handle bar pivotally engaged with the pivot rod; wherein the distal connector is configured to releasably engage the pivot rod when the elongate rod is positioned below the handle bar such that application of an upward force to the proximal handle forces the handle bar upward to raise the lifting mechanism.
2. The pop-up roof assist accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongate rod is curved between a distal portion and a proximal portion such that when the distal portion engages the handle bar in a generally horizontal orientation, the proximal handle is positioned below the handle bar.
3. The pop-up roof assist accessory of claim 2, wherein the distal connector is elongate and laterally engages an end of the elongate rod.
4. The pop-up roof assist accessory of claim 3, wherein the distal connector defines a channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides.
5. The pop-up roof assist accessory of claim 4, wherein the channel is configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides with respect to a lever force applied by the elongate rod.
6. The pop-up roof assist accessory of claim 4, wherein the channel is configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides with respect to an inverse lever force applied by the elongate rod.
7. The pop-up roof assist accessory of claim 4, wherein the channel is configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides with respect to a push force applied along the elongate rod.
8. The pop-up roof assist accessory of claim 4, wherein the channel is configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides with respect to a pull force applied along the elongate rod.
9. The pop-up roof assist accessory of claim 4, wherein the distal connector includes: a first wall, a second wall orthogonally connected to the first wall, and a third wall orthogonally connected to the second wall, the first, second, and third walls defining a first channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides with respect to a push force applied along the elongate rod; a fourth wall orthogonally connected to the third wall, the second, third, and fourth walls defining a second channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides with respect to a lever force applied by the elongate rod; a fifth wall orthogonally connected to the fourth wall, the third, fourth, and fifth walls defining a third channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides with respect to a push force applied along the elongate rod; and a sixth wall orthogonally connected to the fifth wall, the fifth and sixth walls defining a fourth channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides with respect to a pull force applied along the elongate rod. a sixth wall orthogonally connected to the fifth wall, the first and sixth walls defining an entryway for the pivot rod, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth walls defining a fourth channel configured to capture the pivot rod on three sides relative to a counter-lever force applied by the elongated rod.
10. The pop-top roof assist accessory of claim 2, wherein the proximal handle comprises a straight rod orthogonally connected to a proximal end of the elongated rod.
11. The pop-top roof assist accessory of claim 2, wherein the proximal handle comprises side handle portions extending from opposite sides of the elongated rod.
12. The pop-top roof assist accessory of claim 1, further comprising a separate attachment configured for lowering the pop-top roof lifting mechanism, the attachment comprising: a handle rod engagement channel configured for attachment to the handle rod; an elongated rod engagement channel configured for attachment to the elongated rod; and a rod portion connecting the handle rod engagement channel and the elongated rod engagement channel.
13. The pop-top roof assist accessory of claim 12, wherein the handle rod engagement channel is configured to capture the handle rod on three sides, and the elongated rod engagement channel is configured to capture the elongated rod on three sides.
14. The pop-top roof assist accessory of claim 13, wherein the rod portion orthogonally and at an angle relative to the elongated rod engagement channel holds the handle rod engagement channel.
15. A method of raising a pop-top roof of a convertible or similar vehicle, the roof associated with a pop-top roof lifting mechanism comprising a pivot rod of interconnected roof lifting arms and a handle rod pivotally engaged with the pivot rod, the method comprising: attaching a distal connector of the accessory of claim 1 to the pivot rod; positioning the elongated rod below the handle rod; and applying an upward force to the proximal handle to push the handle rod upward to raise the lifting mechanism and roof.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the distal connector comprises inserting the distal connector behind a front portion of the handle rod and lifting the distal connector into engagement with the pivot rod.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the distal connector engages the pivot rod within a channel defined by walls of the distal connector, the channel capturing the pivot rod on three sides during raising of the roof.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongated rod is curved between a distal portion and a proximal portion, and the upward force is applied to the proximal handle from below the handle rod to provide an improved mechanical advantage.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising pushing the proximal handle forward when an obstruction prevents the proximal handle from traveling completely upward, wherein the distal connector transfers the pushing force along the elongated rod to fully open the lifting mechanism. 20. A method of lowering a pop-up roof of a caravan or similar vehicle, the roof being associated with a pop-up roof lifting mechanism, the pop-up roof lifting mechanism including a pivot bar and a handle bar pivotally engaged with the pivot bar, the method including: attaching an attachment according to claim 12 between the handle bar and the elongate bar of the accessory according to claim 1 ; and applying a downward force to the proximal handle to urge the handle bar downwardly relative to the pivot bar to lower the lifting mechanism and the roof in a controlled manner.