Abstract: A cargo box tonneau system includes a system frame and cover. The tonneau system also includes a bow member supported by the system frame. The bow member is coupled to the cover, and the bow member applies biased tension to the cover in a cross vehicle direction. The tonneau system further includes an elongated member coupled to the cover and a bow member supported by the system frame. The bow member includes a bow channel that receives the elongated member such that the cover is engaged with the bow member. The tonneau system also includes a rear frame rail assembly coupled to the cover and to the system frame at each end to facilitate tailgate movement.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle having a support frame connectable to the cargo box. A cover spans the support frame and is positionable between a tensioned position and an untensioned position. A pivot block is mounted to the support frame, while the cover is coupled to a front bracket member. The front bracket member carries the cover and pivotally engages the pivot block such that the front bracket member rotates between a raised position and a lowered position. The front bracket member can be automatically locked in the lowered position. The front bracket member can also be unlocked and rotated to a raised position. In the raised position, bracket member may be removed from the support frame and positioned to provide temporary access to the cargo box without unsecuring the remaining portions of the tonneau cover. A bow member couples the cover along a cross vehicle direction. The bow member or other member can operate to tension the cover in the cross vehicle direction.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having panels and hinge assemblies pivotally coupling the panels is provided. The hinge assemblies can define gutters to collect fluid and guide the fluid away from the cargo box. The hinge assemblies can include covers between pivoting components which can be configured to reduce friction during pivoting. The panels and hinge assemblies can include features to receive excess adhesive material during assembly.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle having a support frame connectable to the cargo box. A cover spans the support frame and is positionable between a tensioned position and an untensioned position. A pivot block is mounted to the support frame, while the cover is coupled to a rear bracket member. The rear bracket member carries the cover and pivotally engages the pivot block such that the rear bracket member rotates between a raised position and a lowered position. The rear bracket member can be automatically locked in the lowered position. A bow member couples the cover along a cross vehicle direction. The bow member or other member can operate to tension the cover in the cross vehicle direction.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having panels and hinge assemblies pivotally coupling the panels is provided. The hinge assemblies can define gutters to collect fluid and guide the fluid away from the cargo box. The hinge assemblies can include covers between pivoting components which can be configured to reduce friction during pivoting. The panels and hinge assemblies can include features to receive excess adhesive material during assembly.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle having a support frame connectable to the cargo box. A cover spans the support frame and is positionable between a tensioned position and an untensioned position. A pivot block is mounted to the support frame, while the cover is coupled to a rear bracket member. The rear bracket member carries the cover and pivotally engages the pivot block such that the rear bracket member rotates between a raised position and a lowered position. The rear bracket member can be automatically locked in the lowered position.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a framework. The framework having a cross bow member for supporting a cover and being positionable generally over the cargo box of the pickup truck. The tonneau system further includes a latch assembly pivotally coupled to the cross bow member. The latch assembly is positionable in a latched position engagable with the cargo box of the pickup truck, an unlatched position disengagable with the cargo box of the pickup truck, and a nested position substantially retracted from the unlatched position and received within the cross bow member. The tonneau system may further include a biasing member that is substantially received within a portion of the latch assembly to improve consistent spring rates across the actuation range.

Abstract: A pair of easy to install universal cargo tie-down rails for mounting on a variety of station wagon or van roof panels and on pick-up truck cargo boxes. Each of the tie-down rails is comprised of a pair of end brackets, at least one intermediate bracket, a cylindrical thin wall tube and small fasteners in each of the brackets for clamping the brackets on the thin wall tube. Each of the brackets is slidably mounted on the thin wall tube and free to rotate about the axis of the cylindrical tube before the bracket is clamped to the tube. In an alternate embodiment, the ends of the tube are closed with pressed in place covers.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle having a support frame connectable to the cargo box. A cover spans the support frame and is positionable between a tensioned position and an untensioned position. A bow member is coupled to the cover and is moveable between a first position and a second position in response to the movement of the cover between the tensioned position and the untensioned position. A retaining member is then operably coupled to the support frame. The retaining member retains the bow member when the bow member is in the first position and releases the bow member when the bow member is in the second position.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle having a support frame connectable to the cargo box. A cover spans the support frame and is positionable between a tensioned position and an untensioned position. A bow member is coupled to the cover and is moveable between a first position and a second position in response to the movement of the cover between the tensioned position and the untensioned position. A retaining member is then operably coupled to the support frame. The retaining member retains the bow member when the bow member is in the first position and releases the bow member when the bow member is in the second position.

Abstract: A method and aluminum extruded, one-piece, easy to install tie-down rail for restraining a cargo in a pick-up truck is provided. The tie-down rail is comprised of an upper cylindrical thin wall section, an adjoining downward extending, substantially vertical wall portion and an adjoining inward extending lower flange portion for supporting the rail on a side panel of the pick-up truck. Rectangular apertures are provided in the vertical wall portion for receiving a tie-down rope, strap, or bungee cord and apertures are provided in the flange portion for attaching the rail to the pick-up truck. The method for making the rail comprises the steps of extruding an aluminum blank, cutting the blank to a specified length to form the rail, stamping the apertures in the vertical wall portion of the rail, drilling or stamping the apertures in the flange portion of the rail and applying a finish to the rail.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: An article and method for reinforcing structural members is provided. The article comprises a carbon fiber material, preferably a carbon fiber mesh with a roughened surface defined by an epoxy resin. The article has lateral fibers woven into longitudinal carbon fibers that are in tension, creating a mesh. An epoxy resin is applied to the fiber mesh to form a rigidified fiber mesh tape once the resin is cured. To obtain a roughened surface a plastic sheet is removably attached to the surface of the fiber mesh. The plastic sheet is removed thereby exposing a roughened carbon fiber surface defined by the epoxy. The rigidified fiber mesh tape is adhered to the structural member by applying a second epoxy to the structural member. The roughened surface of the rigidified carbon fiber mesh material is then joined to the second epoxy resin. To firmly adhere the fiber mesh to the structural member an impermeable material and a plastic barrier are placed above the article and the structural member.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame having a front rail member, a cover spanning the support frame, and a cantilever beam assembly flexibly coupled with the front rail member. An adjustment support bracket extends from at least one of the rail members and includes a finger member. The finger member is engageable with the cantilever beam assembly to bias the front rail member into a first direction to generally maintain a tension in the cover. The cantilever beam assembly is generally contained within the front rail member.

Abstract: An article and method for reinforcing structural members is provided. The article includes a carbon fiber material, preferably a carbon fiber mesh with a roughened surface defined by an epoxy resin. The article has lateral fibers woven into longitudinal carbon fibers that are in tension, creating a mesh. An epoxy resin is applied to the fiber mesh to form a rigidified rigified fiber mesh tape once the resin is cured. To obtain a roughened surface, a plastic sheet is removably attached to the surface of the fiber mesh. The plastic sheet is removed thereby exposing a roughened carbon fiber surface defined by the epoxy. An alternative tensile tape is also provided for reinforcing a wall structure.