Abstract: A tonneau cover (10) for use on automotive vehicle has a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16). Each panel has a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to interlock with an adjacent panel. A pair of rails (18, 20) are mounted on opposite side walls (38, 40) of the vehicle in a position to support the panels. Each of the rails has a pivotally mounted plate (44) which pivots between a storage condition enabling the panels (12, 14, 16) to be received and stored between the rails and an operative condition supporting the panels. A plurality of latch assemblies (22, 42) operatively extends between each of the panels and each of the pair of rails. The latch assemblies (22, 42) selectively secure the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16) to the rails (18, 20).

Abstract: A tonneau cover (10) for use on automotive vehicle has a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16). Each panel has a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to interlock with an adjacent panel. A pair of rails (18, 20) are mounted on opposite side walls (38, 40) of the vehicle in a position to support the panels. Each of the rails has a pivotally mounted plate (44) which pivots between a storage condition enabling the panels (12, 14, 16) to be received and stored between the rails and an operative condition supporting the panels. A plurality of latch assemblies (22, 42) operatively extends between each of the panels and each of the pair of rails. The latch assemblies (22, 42) selectively secure the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16) to the rails (18, 20).

Abstract: A hinge assembly mounts a hard tonneau cover on a vehicle having a storage area. The assembly has a moveable hinge portion adapted for mounting on the tonneau cover and a stationary hinge portion adapted for mounting to the vehicle. A guided member co-acts with a guiding member for pivotally mounting the tonneau cover to the vehicle about an axis of rotation between a closed position. The guiding member positions the axis of rotation of the tonneau cover forwardly of an upper edge of the storage area allowing the forward edge of the tonneau cover to lift thereby minimizing damage to the peripheral seal.

Abstract: A stowable step has a housing, a U-shaped step platform and a sliding member pivotally engaging the step platform. The sliding member is slidably mounted within the housing for reciprocating movement between a retracted stowed position wherein the platform extends into the housing and a deployed position wherein the platform can pivot relative to the sliding member to a substantially vertical position.