Patents Assigned to Extang Corporation
  • Patent number: 9895964
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for covering a cargo box of a vehicle. The tonneau cover includes a plurality of flexible hinges, each of which is between two rigid members. Each flexible hinge includes an elastomeric material having a first portion connected to a first one of the rigid members, a second portion connected to a second one of the rigid members, and a web between the first portion and the second portion. A cut-resistant barrier is associated with the flexible web and bridges between the first portion and the second portion. The cut-resistant barrier is effective to resist penetration by a sharp edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Hickey, Jerome J. Facchinello, Joseph J. Koengeter
  • Publication number: 20180009298
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system can include a cover sized and shaped to cover the truck cargo box and a spring clamp designed to secure the cover to the truck cargo box. The spring clamp can include a rod connected to the cover. The rod can have a rod axis. A clamp body can be rotatably and slidably mounted on the rod. The clamp body can include a pair of oppositely disposed catches spaced apart from the rod axis. The catches can extend in a catch length direction intersecting the rod axis at a first angle. A grasping tether can be attached to the clamp body for manually sliding the clamp body along the rod in a direction away from the cover. Due to the flexible nature of the grasping tether, potential interference of the clamp with cargo in the cargo box can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Paul KOZLOWSKI, Mark Alan HICKEY
  • Patent number: 9862257
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system can include a cover sized and shaped to cover the truck cargo box and a spring clamp designed to secure the cover to the truck cargo box. The spring clamp can include a rod connected to the cover. The rod can have a rod axis. A clamp body can be rotatably and slidably mounted on the rod. The clamp body can include a pair of oppositely disposed catches spaced apart from the rod axis. The catches can extend in a catch length direction intersecting the rod axis at a first angle. A grasping tether can be attached to the clamp body for manually sliding the clamp body along the rod in a direction away from the cover. Due to the flexible nature of the grasping tether, potential interference of the clamp with cargo in the cargo box can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Paul Kozlowski, Mark Alan Hickey
  • Patent number: 9764628
    Abstract: A clamp to secure a tonneau cover to a frame of a cargo box includes a first clamp member coupled that has a first clamping surface. A second clamp member that has a second clamping surface. A ramp mechanism that causes lateral translation of the second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface, as the clamp moves between clamped and unclamped positions. A cam lock member positioned to engage with the second clamp member and includes a lever for placing the cam lock member in locked or unlocked states. When the cam lock member moves from the unlocked state to the locked state, the second clamp member moves toward the tonneau cover to the clamped position. When the cam lock member moves from the locked state to the unlocked state, the second clamp member moves away from the tonneau cover to the unclamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20170197498
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system clamp can include first and second clamp members with first and second clamping surfaces, respectively. The second clamp member can be slidably coupled to an elongate member relative to the first clamp member. A locking mechanism can be movable to engage the elongate member to prevent lateral translation of the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface in response to the first and the second clamp members being in the locked position. The locking mechanism can be movable to release the elongate member to allow lateral translation of the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface in response to the first and the second clamp members being in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the first clamp member and the second clamp member toward the proximal end of the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS
  • Publication number: 20170151864
    Abstract: Rigid panel sections can include a rigid panel, a first frame member, a second frame member and a coupling mechanism. The rigid panel can have a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and an edge therebetween. The first face can having a first margin adjacent the edge and the second face can have a second margin adjacent the edge. The first frame member can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a first flange overlying the first margin. A second frame member, distinct from the first frame member, can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a second flange overlying the second margin. The coupling mechanism connecting the second frame member and the first frame member together can be positioned outboard of the edge. Methods of assembling the rigid panel sections are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS
  • Publication number: 20170144522
    Abstract: A tonneau clamp including a link slidably coupled to tonneau cover; a clamping link pivotably coupled to the link and having a clamping surface; and a handle pivotably coupled to the link and the clamping link and moveable between lowered and upper positions. The handle can be pivotably coupled to the link at a first pivot joint and to the clamping link at a second pivot joint. Handle movement causes the clamping link to pivot relative to the link to raise the clamping surface from an unclamped position to a clamped position in which the clamping surface applies a clamping force against the underside of a ledge of a vehicle cargo box. In the unclamped position the first pivot joint is on a first side of a line and in the clamped position the first pivot joint is on a second side of the line opposite the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS
  • Publication number: 20170144523
    Abstract: A threaded rod can be pivotably coupled to the tonneau cover via a proximal end. A housing can have first and second housing portions slidably coupled to the threaded rod and moveable along the threaded rod relative to each other between locked and unlocked positions. The second housing portion can include a channel positioned to receive a downwardly disposed distal edge of an inboard flange. Locking pawls within the housing can move to engage threads of the rod to prevent movement of the channel relative to the elongate member when in the locked position. The locking pawls can move to release the threads of the rod to allow movement of the channel relative to the rod when in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the housing toward the proximal end of the elongate member and biasing the housing toward the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS, Brian P. KOZLOWSKI
  • Patent number: 9630479
    Abstract: A threaded rod can be pivotably coupled to the tonneau cover via a proximal end. A housing can have first and second housing portions slidably coupled to the threaded rod and moveable along the threaded rod relative to each other between locked and unlocked positions. The second housing portion can include a channel positioned to receive a downwardly disposed distal edge of an inboard flange. Locking pawls within the housing can move to engage threads of the rod to prevent movement of the channel relative to the elongate member when in the locked position. The locking pawls can move to release the threads of the rod to allow movement of the channel relative to the rod when in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the housing toward the proximal end of the elongate member and biasing the housing toward the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 9623737
    Abstract: Rigid panel sections can include a rigid panel, a first frame member, a second frame member and a coupling mechanism. The rigid panel can have a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and an edge therebetween. The first face can having a first margin adjacent the edge and the second face can have a second margin adjacent the edge. The first frame member can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a first flange overlying the first margin. A second frame member, distinct from the first frame member, can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a second flange overlying the second margin. The coupling mechanism connecting the second frame member and the first frame member together can be positioned outboard of the edge. Methods of assembling the rigid panel sections are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros
  • Patent number: 9597995
    Abstract: A cover includes multiple panels pivotally connected together and foldable between a stacked arrangement and a deployed arrangement. Side rails are attachable to opposite sides of the cargo box and include ledges. Storage extension guides intersects the ledges. The panels are supportable upon the ledges in the deployed arrangement to cover the cargo box. The stack is supportable upon the first and second ledges in an intermediate position adjacent the storage extension guides. The stack is movable along the guides between the intermediate position and a storage position in which the forward edge of the lowermost panel is oriented below the rear edge of the lowermost panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: Retrax Holdings, LLC, Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon Scott Weltikol, Tim Adam, Ryan W. Delong
  • Publication number: 20170066311
    Abstract: A clamp to secure a tonneau cover to a frame of a cargo box includes a first clamp member coupled that has a first clamping surface. A second clamp member that has a second clamping surface. A ramp mechanism that causes lateral translation of the second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface, as the clamp moves between clamped and unclamped positions. A cam lock member positioned to engage with the second clamp member and includes a lever for placing the cam lock member in locked or unlocked states. When the cam lock member moves from the unlocked state to the locked state, the second clamp member moves toward the tonneau cover to the clamped position. When the cam lock member moves from the locked state to the unlocked state, the second clamp member moves away from the tonneau cover to the unclamped position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS, Brian P. KOZLOWSKI
  • Patent number: 9545835
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping a tonneau cover to a vehicle cargo box. The clamp can include a first member, a second member, a rod, and a driving member. The first member can have a proximal end pivotably coupled to the cover and a distal end pivotably coupled to a proximal end of the second member. The second member can have a distal end extending at an angle relative to its proximal end and toward the cover. The rod can be coupled to the first member's proximal end and can extend through an opening intermediate the second member's proximal and distal ends. The driving member can be mounted on the rod to engage the second member between its proximal and distal ends to drive the second member along the rod and to cause the first and second members to pivot relative to each other between unclamped and clamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 9533555
    Abstract: A clamp to secure a tonneau cover to a frame of a cargo box includes a first clamp member coupled to the tonneau cover and has a first clamping surface. A second clamp member is coupled to the tonneau cover and has a second clamping surface. A ramp mechanism can include at least one ramp surface between the first and second clamp members shaped to cause lateral translation of the second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface in response to axial movement of the second clamp member toward the first clamp member as the clamp moves from an unclamped position to a clamped position. When in the clamped position, the first clamping surface of the first clamp member can be in opposed relationship to the second clamping surface to apply a clamping force therebetween, which can reinforce and prevent permanent deformation of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 9352698
    Abstract: A universal mounting system for mounting an accessory in a pickup truck bed. The system includes a main support member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is engageable with the upper horizontal portion of the sidewall of the pickup truck bed and the lower end is engageable with the floor of the pickup truck bed. The main support member includes a transverse channel. The universal mounting system further includes a cantilever member extending through at least a portion of the transverse channel of the main support member. The cantilever member has a mounting system defining a pivot axis. A swivel plate is connectable to the accessory and includes a mounting system pivotally engaging the mounting system of the cantilever member to define a pivotal connection along the pivot axis therebetween to permit the accessory to pivot about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Romanelli
  • Publication number: 20160096421
    Abstract: A clamp to secure a tonneau cover to a frame of a cargo box includes a first clamp member coupled to the tonneau cover and has a first clamping surface. A second clamp member is coupled to the tonneau cover and has a second clamping surface. A ramp mechanism can include at least one ramp surface between the first and second clamp members shaped to cause lateral translation of the second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface in response to axial movement of the second clamp member toward the first clamp member as the clamp moves from an unclamped position to a clamped position. When in the clamped position, the first clamping surface of the first clamp member can be in opposed relationship to the second clamping surface to apply a clamping force therebetween, which can reinforce and prevent permanent deformation of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS, Brian P. KOZLOWSKI
  • Patent number: 9290122
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck including a cover member positionable generally over the cargo box of the pickup truck and a locking spring clamp assembly. The locking spring assembly having: a linkage member coupled to the cover member at a connection location along the linkage member; and a latch housing slidably coupled to the linkage member. The latch housing includes an engaging member engaging the cargo box of the pickup truck in a latched position. A first biasing member urges the latch housing into the latched position. A locking feature releasably couples the linkage member and the latch housing into a locked position, such that a distance between the connection location and the engaging member is generally constant in the latched position and generally maintained by the locking feature in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 9211834
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, and a third tonneau section. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second section to an attachment member assembly, which is connected to the cargo box, to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to a front mounting bar assembly, which is connected to the front wall of the cargo box, to permit pivotal movement of only the third tonneau section into a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, William Reminder
  • Publication number: 20150061315
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, and a third tonneau section. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second section to an attachment member assembly, which is connected to the cargo box, to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to a front mounting bar assembly, which is connected to the front wall of the cargo box, to permit pivotal movement only the third tonneau section into a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: JEROME FACCHINELLO, William REMINDER
  • Patent number: 8960765
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, a third tonneau section, and a fourth tonneau section, each being generally coplanar in an extended position. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second and third sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to the fourth section to permit pivotal movement of the combination of the first, second, and third tonneau sections relative to the fourth section into a retracted, stacked, and rotated upward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, William Reminder