Abstract: A slat assembly for a roll top cover enables an improved sealing arrangement and reduced frictional forces. The assembly includes: a plurality of successive and interconnected slats, each of the slats comprising opposed and adjoining first and second ends and upper and lower surfaces; and first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of each slat and integral therewith, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement that facilitates relative pivotal movement between the slats; wherein the slat assembly is operable between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A drive system for operation of a roll top cover for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle enables improved and smoother roll top cover movement. The drive system includes: an elongate housing that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the housing including an axially extending aperture for receiving the roll top cover therethrough; first and second receiving plates disposed transversely within the housing at the respective first and second ends thereof, the receiving plates comprising opposed spiral-shaped slots extending therethrough, each of the spiral-shaped slots having an open end proximally and a closed end distally; and a drive shaft assembly disposed within the housing and extending axially between the first and second ends thereof; wherein the drive shaft assembly is adapted for being operably connected to a drive chain and driving movement thereof within the spiral-shaped slots during operation of the roll top cover.

Abstract: A side rail for a cargo bed of a vehicle enables the fitting or mounting of a broad range of automotive accessories to a roll top cover. The side rail comprises: an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis; an axially extending drive channel disposed at a medial side of the body and defining an opening therein for receiving a drive chain, the drive channel having a recessed inner portion and a stepped outer portion adjacent the opening; an axially extending first support channel recessed in an upper side of the body and opening upwardly therefrom; and an axially extending second support channel recessed in the upper side of the body and opening upwardly therefrom, the second support channel disposed laterally adjacent to the first support channel.

Abstract: A drive chain element for operably connecting a slat of a roll top cover to a drive rail enables more efficient roll top cover operation. The drive chain element includes: an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, an inner side of the elongate body configured for engaging an end portion of the slat; first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of the body, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement between adjacent drive chain elements that facilitates relative pivotal movement therebetween; and first and second pins disposed in a spaced arrangement along an outer side of the body and extending outwardly therefrom; wherein the first and second pins are configured for operably contacting a drive system during operation of the roll top cover.

Abstract: A side rail for a cargo bed of a vehicle comprising an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis; an axially extending drive channel disposed at a medial side of the body and defining an opening therein for receiving a drive chain, the drive channel having a recessed inner portion and a stepped outer portion adjacent the opening; a first receiving channel disposed within an upper wall of the outer portion of the drive channel and extending axially therealong; a first sealing member disposed within the first receiving channel; a second receiving channel disposed opposite the first receiving channel within a lower wall of the outer portion of the drive channel and extending axially therealong; and a guide element disposed within the second receiving channel and projecting upwardly therefrom, the guide element having an upper contact surface for slidably contacting a surface of the drive chain.

Abstract: A lock system for operation of a roll top cover for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle enables a plurality of locking or engagement points. The system includes: one or more lock assemblies configured to operate a plurality of locking mechanisms for reversibly engaging the cargo bed; and an actuator assembly having an actuator operably connected to the lock assemblies for operation thereof between locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A side rail for a cargo bed of a vehicle enables the fitting or mounting of a broad range of automotive accessories to a roll top cover. The side rail comprises: an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis; an axially extending drive channel disposed at a medial side of the body and defining an opening therein for receiving a drive chain, the drive channel having a recessed inner portion and a stepped outer portion adjacent the opening; an axially extending first support channel recessed in an upper side of the body and opening upwardly therefrom; and an axially extending second support channel recessed in the upper side of the body and opening upwardly therefrom, the second support channel disposed laterally adjacent to the first support channel.

Abstract: A drive chain element for operably connecting a slat of a roll top cover to a drive rail enables more efficient roll top cover operation. The drive chain element includes: an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, an inner side of the elongate body configured for engaging an end portion of the slat; first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of the body, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement between adjacent drive chain elements that facilitates relative pivotal movement therebetween; and first and second pins disposed in a spaced arrangement along an outer side of the body and extending outwardly therefrom; wherein the first and second pins are configured for operably contacting a drive system during operation of the roll top cover.

Abstract: A side rail for a cargo bed of a vehicle enables improved and smoother control and operation of an associated drive chain and slat assembly. The side rail comprises: an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis; an axially extending drive channel disposed at a medial side of the body and defining an opening therein for receiving a drive chain, the drive channel having a recessed inner portion and a stepped outer portion adjacent the opening; a first receiving channel disposed within an upper wall of the outer portion of the drive channel and extending axially therealong; a first sealing member disposed within the first receiving channel; a second receiving channel disposed opposite the first receiving channel within a lower wall of the outer portion of the drive channel and extending axially therealong; and a guide element disposed within the second receiving channel and projecting upwardly therefrom, the guide element having an upper contact surface for slidably contacting a surface of the drive chain.

Abstract: A drive system for operation of a roll top cover for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle enables improved and smoother roll top cover movement. The drive system includes: an elongate housing that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the housing including an axially extending aperture for receiving the roll top cover therethrough; first and second receiving plates disposed transversely within the housing at the respective first and second ends thereof, the receiving plates comprising opposed spiral-shaped slots extending therethrough, each of the spiral-shaped slots having an open end proximally and a closed end distally; and a drive shaft assembly disposed within the housing and extending axially between the first and second ends thereof; wherein the drive shaft assembly is adapted for being operably connected to a drive chain and driving movement thereof within the spiral-shaped slots during operation of the roll top cover.

Abstract: A slat assembly for a roll top cover enables an improved sealing arrangement and reduced frictional forces. The assembly includes: a plurality of successive and interconnected slats, each of the slats comprising opposed and adjoining first and second ends and upper and lower surfaces; and first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of each slat and integral therewith, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement that facilitates relative pivotal movement between the slats; wherein the slat assembly is operable between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A lock system for operation of a roll top cover for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle enables a plurality of locking or engagement points. The system includes: one or more lock assemblies configured to operate a plurality of locking mechanisms for reversibly engaging the cargo bed; and an actuator assembly having an actuator operably connected to the lock assemblies for operation thereof between locked and unlocked positions.