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Not sure if it is applicable for your design, but I have found some clever hinge in Melbourne that is completely water/dust tight. It is good for something like 500,000 opens and closes or something.
It is like piano hinge but has no joints or gaps in it to leak. You can only buy it in 25 foot rolls, but it is not too expensive ($80 to $100 for 40mm wide hinge).
http://www.conceptlatch.com.au/shopp...7677500_04.jpg
Anyway - that might give you some more options.
Cheers
David
Continuous Plastic Hinge
CPH
Continuous Plastic Hinges
Rolls available: 25ft, 50ft or 100ft
Colours: White & Black only
Flex-tested for millions of cycles, one piece continuous hinge may be used in place of metal piano hinges for bind-free and pinchless operation. Continuous plastic hinges are a great alternative to metal hinges where safety, corrosion or ease of clean up might be an issue.
Continuous Plastic Hinges are moulded from flexible alloyed polymers in 50' and 100' coils and in open widths from 1 1/8 inches to 3 inches. They may be cut to size for most applications or inquire about custom hinges molded to your specifications! Continuous hinges may be used on metal, wood or plastic surfaces and are easily installed with screws, brads, or staples.
General Specifications:
Material: Modified Ployolefin copolymer
Temperature Range: -40°F to 180°F
Fasteners: Rivets, screws, nails, staples
Chemical Resistance: Saltwater, oil, solvents, dilute acids, alkalis and most chemicals
Continuous Plastic Hinge Codes:
Code Width Color
CHWH18 1-1/8" White
CHWH15 1-1/2" White
CHWH2 2" White
CHWH3 3" White
CHB18 1-1/8" Black
CHB15 1-1/2" Black
CHB2 2" Black
CHB3 3" Black
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That stuff looks great! thanks for that ill be looking further into it :)
Just doing some quick measurements, if i bend the sides toward the centre of the tub the canopy roof will be able to be removed and stored vertically without standing higher than the cabin roof
maybe one of your hinges on one side to have it 'fold' to vertical?
...the plot thickens
thanks guys
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What about a Series Landy roof mounted on a reasonably solid framework with telescopic SHS corner supports? When you need to carry the bikes you just undo the canvas sides, raise the roof the required 300mm or so and 'pin' it in the raised position. You'd then have a covered trailer with a temporarily raised roof and canvas sides that would be about 300mm short, unless you had them made with a section that could fold down to extend the sides when in the raised position.
Somewhat like a pop top caravan roof only a bit more substantial so you could travel with it in the raised position.
If you wanted to get real fancy and make the roof easier to raise/lower you could fit hydraulic rams on each corner - but maybe I'm getting a bit carried away with possibilities, probably best to KISS.
