Abstract: This electromobility vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a seat unit mounted to the vehicle frame, a suspension mounted to a front-end side of the vehicle frame, a pair of front wheels aligned in a direction parallel to a width dimension of the vehicle and supported by the suspension, at least one rear wheel supported by the vehicle frame, and a drive device that drives either of the front wheels and the rear wheel, where the front wheels are omnidirectional wheels whose outer circumferential surfaces are formed by a plurality of rollers and the pair of front wheels is supported by the suspension such that it is placed in a toe-in arrangement.

Abstract: A wheel hub bearing for motor vehicles including a rotatable hub provided with a flange for the engagement of the hub to a wheel of a vehicle and provided with a radially outer free portion and a bearing unit provided with a radially outer ring for the engagement of the wheel hub bearing to a knuckle of the vehicle and a radially inner rotatable ring angularly connected to the hub. Furthermore, the wheel hub bearing has a device for detecting a vehicle parameter and provided with an encoder and a sensor in communication with the encoder. The encoder is ridgidly coupled to the radially outer free portion of the flange to jointly rotate with the hub.

Abstract: Wheel bearing flanges and wheel bearings are disclosed. The wheel bearing flange may include a flange connected to an inner ring of a bearing, the flange having a front surface facing away from the inner ring and a rear surface facing towards the inner ring. A plurality of geometric features may extend from the rear surface in an axial direction and define recessed regions of the flange therebetween. The geometric features may be formed in a pattern and the geometric features may include ribs.

Abstract: The production method disclosed is a method for producing a front axle beam. The production method includes a die forging step and a bending step. The die forging step is a step of forging a steel material with dies to produce a forged product including a rough web part, which is to be formed into a web part, and four plate-shaped rough flange parts protruding frontward and rearward from an upper side and a lower side of the rough web part, respectively. The bending step is a step of pressing at least one specified rough flange part, which is at least one of the four rough flange parts, with a first die to form a bent portion in the specified rough flange part such that the bent portion is bent inward in an up-down direction of the forged product.

Abstract: A tire including a tire frame formed from a resin material containing a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has an amorphous moiety thickness La, as measured by a small-angle X-ray scattering method, in a range of from 12.3 nm to 13.9 nm.

Abstract: A spoke (100) for a wheel (10) attaching an outer tread (200) to a hub (20), the spoke having a first (142) and second (144) spoke elements joined by a joint body (130) comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element to a second spoke element.

Abstract: Provided are: an elastomer-metal cord composite capable of improving the performance of a tire, in which composite a metal cord composed of a bundle of metal filaments that are parallelly aligned without being twisted together is coated with an elastomer; and a tire including the same. An elastomer-metal cord composite (10) is obtained by coating, with an elastomer (3), a metal cord (2) composed of a bundle of two to ten metal filaments (1) that are parallelly aligned in a single row without being twisted together. The metal filaments (1) are patterned in the same patterning amount at the same pitch, and the metal cord (2) includes at least one pair of adjacent metal filaments (1) having different phases from each other.

Abstract: Provided are: an elastomer-metal cord composite capable of improving the performance of a tire, in which composite a metal cord composed of a bundle of metal filaments that are parallelly aligned without being twisted together is coated with an elastomer; and a tire including the same. An elastomer-metal cord composite (10) is obtained by coating, with an elastomer (3), a metal cord (2) composed of a bundle of two to ten metal filaments (1) that are parallelly aligned in a single row without being twisted together, and the metal cord (2) includes at least one pair of adjacent metal filaments (1) being different from each other in at least either of patterning amount and patterning pitch in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the metal filaments (1).

Abstract: A tire, including: an annular tire frame member; a belt ply disposed at an outer side of the tire frame member in a tire radial direction, the belt ply including a plurality of reinforcing cords and a coating resin that coats the reinforcing cords, and the belt ply having, at an outer surface of the belt ply in the tire radial direction, a groove along an extension direction of the reinforcing cords; and a rubber member disposed at the outer surface of the belt ply in the tire radial direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic tyre includes a tread portion including a shoulder land portion having a tread edge. The shoulder land portion is provided with shoulder lateral grooves extending inwardly in a tyre axial direction from the tread edge so as to define shoulder block elements therebetween, and at least one protrusion protruding from an outer surface in the tyre axial direction of the respective shoulder land portion. The protrusion includes first portions provided on the respective shoulder block elements and extending in a tyre radial direction, and a second portion located inwardly in the tyre radial direction of one of the shoulder lateral grooves and extending in a tyre circumferential direction to connect inner portions of at least two first portions.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread; sidewalls; beads inward of the sidewalls; lug grooves formed in the tread and inclined symmetrically about the equator, an inclination angle ? of the lug grooves with respect to the lateral direction being 15°???45°; and shoulder grooves connecting the lug grooves and inclined in an opposite direction to the lug grooves, a center line of the shoulder grooves at both sides meeting with two of the lug grooves at intersection points. A difference between distances L1, L2 from the equator to the intersection points and a tread width TW satisfy TW×0.03?|L1?L2|?TW×0.2. An average value of the distances and the tread width TW satisfy TW×0.15?(L1+L2)/2?TW×0.35. A groove area ratio of the tread is from 0.4 to 0.7.

Abstract: A tyre for running on rough terrain has a tread portion including a plurality of blocks and tread crossing grooves extending between a first tread edge and a second tread edge without intersecting the blocks. Each of the tread crossing grooves includes a soil discharging space having a width of at least 10 mm or more and extending linearly so as to connect between the first tread edge and the second tread edge. The soil discharging space is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less with respect to a tyre axial direction.

Abstract: Provided are: a cable bead which can realize a weight reduction while maintaining the breaking pressure resistance; and an airplane tire including the same. A cable bead (10) includes: a core (1) composed of an annularly formed steel; and a sheath (3) composed of at least one sheath layer, which is formed by spirally winding a sheath filament (2) composed of a steel around the core (1). The sheath filament (2) has a carbon content of higher than 0.90% by mass but 0.95% by mass or less, and a chromium content of 0.15 to 0.30% by mass.

Abstract: A tire monitoring system with mounting features on a housing provide for positioning through a wide range of angles. Accordingly, the system can be positioned on an a variety of wheel rim/valve combinations. The tire monitoring apparatus includes two opposed wings provided on the housing to facilitate the range of positioning angles at which the housing can be positioned with respect to a valve base. Each opposed wing has a same exterior surface radius of curvature and the wings are clamped between a base plate and a clamp plate at the desired angle.

Abstract: An electronic unit for measuring operating parameters of a vehicle wheel, including an electronic casing; an inflation valve; and elements for attaching the electronic casing and the inflation valve. The elements for attaching the electronic casing and the inflation valve include an insert provided with an axial bore and mounted with the ability to pivot in the continuation of the body of the inflation valve; a sleeve secured to the electronic casing, designed to be mounted with the ability to slide around the insert, a way of assembling the sleeve of the electronic casing and the insert of the valve body; and a spring-effect elastic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inflating a tire are described herein. The systems and methods use a centrifugal force acting on a piston or the inertia of the piston to compress air to inflate the tire. Compressed air is ported into the tire, maintaining the pressure of the tire.

Abstract: A portable roadside assistant device; a system which includes a tool designed to ease the process of removing and changing a tire for any user. The present invention is superior to other systems in that it effectively automatically loosens and tightens lug nuts to assist users in changing a flat tire.

Abstract: A coupling plate for a fifth wheel coupling, wherein the coupling plate on a top side includes a planar bearing surface and at a rear end it includes two entrance horns bordering on an entrance opening, the entrance opening extends in a longitudinal axis (x) of the coupling plate and ends in a kingpin bearing region, and the coupling plate is configured with a respective receiving structure for a bearing block on its bottom side, on either side of the kingpin bearing region and spaced apart from each other on a transverse axis (y). The problem which the invention proposes to solve is to provide a standardized coupling plate, having a minimal natural weight, given a slight loading, and whose strength can be adapted for higher anticipated loads. The problem is solved according to the invention in that at least one connection means for the releasable mounting of at least one stiffening element is formed on the coupling plate beneath the planar bearing surface.

Abstract: A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes a sensing system configured to detect a trailer proximate a vehicle. The hitch assist system also includes a controller for determining an environmental visibility level; determining an offset from a first sensor in high visibility levels and from a second sensor in low visibility levels; and maneuvering the vehicle along a path to align a hitch ball with a coupler of the trailer.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a mobile mechanism, a mobile robot having the mobile mechanism and a method for moving the mobile robot. The mobile mechanism includes a housing in which a guide portion is provided, a sliding seat mounted on the guide portion and movable along the guide portion, a moving wheel fixed on the sliding seat and partially protruding beyond a surface of the housing, a pressing portion pressing against the sliding seat and moving the sliding seat toward the surface of the housing; and a deformation portion mounted on the housing and connected with the pressing portion, exerting a force for moving the sliding seat towards the surface of the housing through the pressing portion when deformed.

Abstract: An in-wheel motor drive device (10) includes: a motor portion (21); a casing (43) housing a rotation transmission path from a motor rotation shaft of the motor portion to a rotating wheel; a suspending bracket (61) including an upper joining seat portion (62) joinable with an upper side suspension member (76) of a suspension device, a lower joining seat portion (64) joinable with a lower side suspension member (71) of the suspension device, and an intermediate portion (63) connecting the upper joining seat portion and the lower joining seat portion, and a fixing means (69) for mounting and fixing the suspending bracket (61) to an outer wall surface of the casing (43).

Abstract: Air spring strut for a motor vehicle including an air spring with a shock absorber for spring-cushioning and damping oscillations of a motor vehicle running gear assembly. The air spring includes an air spring cover and an air spring piston. An air spring bellows made of elastomeric material is clamped air-tightly between the air spring cover and the air spring piston partially delimits a working space filled with compressed air and, while forming a rolling fold, rolls on the air spring cover and/or the air spring piston. The air spring cover is embodied in two parts with a first cover part for receiving an absorber bearing and with a second cover part for fastening the air spring bellows. The first cover part is manufactured from metal and the second cover part is manufactured from plastic.

Abstract: A damping air spring for a heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension system includes a bellows and a piston. The bellows has a bellows chamber. The piston is operatively connected to the bellows and includes at least two portions forming a continuous piston chamber. One of the portions of the piston is at least partially disposed within the bellows chamber and has a variable volume.

Abstract: An adjustment control for adjusting a damping curve of a shock absorber includes an aperture seat coupled to a base of the shock absorber. The aperture seat defines a flow tube. A plug, in mechanical communication with a spring, slidably engages the flow tube. A plug nut is threadably coupled to an adjustment nut shaft stud and is in mechanical communication with the spring. An adjustment nut is coupled to the base. The adjustment nut has a non-circular cavity to receive at least a portion of the adjustment nut shaft stud and at least a portion of the non-circular region of the plug nut such that the plug nut cannot rotate relative to the non-circular cavity of the adjustment nut. An adjustment knob causes rotation of the adjustment nut shaft stud. The rotation of the adjustment nut shaft stud causes axial movement of the plug nut.

Abstract: A suspension strut for a wheel suspension of a vehicle may have a vibration damper, a supporting spring that partially surrounds an outer tube of the vibration damper and is supported by a spring collar, and a lifting device for height adjustment of the vehicle. The lifting device may comprise a hollow piston and a cylinder that are arranged concentrically around the outer tube. The hollow piston may be guided axially between the outer tube and the cylinder and is connected to the spring collar to adjust a base point of the supporting spring. The hollow piston may comprise a stripping and sealing element that lies against the vibration damper.

Abstract: A shock absorber including: a first cylinder having an interior, first and second ends and defining an axis, wherein the interior includes a damping fluid chamber and a damping piston movably mounted therein for movement between the first and second ends, wherein the damping piston is mounted on a first end of a shaft, wherein the first end of the shaft is movably retained within the interior of the first cylinder; first and second bypass openings configured for opening into the damping fluid chamber at first and second axially spaced-apart positions; a bypass channel fluidly coupling the first and second bypass openings; a fluid metering valve; and a floating piston dividing a portion of the shock absorber into a gas chamber and the reservoir chamber, wherein the fluid metering valve and the floating piston define the reservoir chamber there between.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to suitably estimate a state of a vehicle. A vehicle state estimation section (1200) includes: a main computation section (1210) configured to carry out linear computation with respect to a state amount related to a state of a vehicle; and a tire model computation section (1240) configured to carry out nonlinear computation with direct or indirect reference to at least part of a result of the linear computation carried out by the main computation section (1210).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to improve accuracy in estimation of a state of a vehicle in order to achieve excellent ride comfort. An ECU (600) includes a reference vehicle model computation section (1100), which is configured to calculate a reference output by carrying out computation with respect to at least one of a plurality of state amounts in a planar direction and at least one of a plurality of state amounts in an up-down direction in an inseparable manner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, certain aspects of forces at a structural interface applied by one actuator are mitigated by a secondary actuator that applies a secondary force. In some embodiments the secondary actuator applies a static force. In yet another embodiment, an actuator is used to apply a force on a wheel assembly of a vehicle to detect and/or ameliorate the effect of certain tire incongruities.

Abstract: The ball joint manufacturing method for manufacturing a ball joint including a ball stud which includes a substantially spherical metal ball section, and a resin housing rotatable accommodating the ball section of the ball stud, includes: a step of forming the housing to cover an outer periphery of the ball section; an induction heating step of subjecting the ball section to induction heating in a state in which the ball section is accommodated in an accommodation section of the housing until the temperature of the ball section reaches a predetermined target temperature; and a cooling step of cooling the ball section which has been subjected to the induction heating, wherein a torque adjustment step including the induction heating step and the cooling step is repeatedly performed.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting odor nuisances along a route of a subject transportation vehicle and for predictively initiating measures for preventing the penetration of the odorants of the odor nuisance into the subject transportation vehicle during travel. The method includes collecting swarm data from a plurality of swarm transportation vehicles in the surroundings of the route of the subject transportation vehicle, relating to the odor nuisance of each swarm transportation vehicle, ascertaining locations of an odor nuisance from the collected swarm data, ascertaining the extent of the odor nuisance around the respective location of the odor nuisance, and initiating measures in the subject transportation vehicle when approaching the location of an odor nuisance while taking into account the extent of the odor nuisance along the future route, wherein the measure is implemented at a predefined distance from the extent of the odor nuisance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle air-conditioning device using semiconductor as a cooling core, including a thermoelectric cooling chip, a cooling circulator, a heat dissipation device, and a power-supplying and temperature-controlling device. The thermoelectric cooling chip has an electricity receiving end electrically connected to the power-supplying and temperature-controlling device to receive electricity therefrom to be energized as to have an end thereof forming a cold generating surface adjacent to the cooling circulator and an end opposite to the cold generating surface forming a heat generating surface adjacent to the heat dissipation device. The cooling circulator includes a tube-winding circulation box including temperature-reduction conducting fins distributed on a surface, a temperature-receiving water tank, a temperature-receiving conducting plate, a fan, and an assistive temperature transferring device including an electric water pump.

Abstract: A vehicular speaker temperature control device may include: a sensing unit configured to sense a temperature of a vehicle; an amplifier unit configured to amplify a sound of the vehicle; a speaker unit connected to the amplifier unit and configured to output the amplified sound; and a controller in operable communication with the sensing unit and the amplifier unit. The controller may receive a current temperature of the vehicle measured by the sensing unit, to determine whether the current temperature of the vehicle is less than or equal to a preset reference temperature, and when the current temperature of the vehicle is less than or equal to the preset reference temperature, to control operation of the amplifier unit so as to cause an increase in temperature of the speaker unit by applying a driving signal of a specific frequency to the speaker unit.

Abstract: An air conditioning control device includes: a passenger determination unit that determines whether a passenger is in a self-driving vehicle; a travel determination unit that determines a traveling state of the self-driving vehicle; and a light blocking control unit that executes a light blocking air conditioning control for a vehicle cabin by operating a light blocking device to adjust solar radiation into the vehicle cabin from a window of the self-driving vehicle when the passenger determination unit and the travel determination unit determine that the self-driving vehicle is in an unmanned traveling condition.

Abstract: A vehicle air handling system includes a user input interface, air duct housing, first and second panel duct doors, at least one air blower, and a first panel actuation assembly. The air duct housing has an air inlet, and first and second panel ducts. The first and second panel duct doors are disposed to selectively open and close the first and second panel ducts, respectively. Air is drawn into the air duct housing via the air inlet and conveyed toward the panel ducts. The first panel actuation assembly is operatively coupled to the first and second panel duct doors to simultaneously control positions in response to operation of the user input interface between a plurality of settings. The positions of the first and second panel duct doors include at least one setting in which different airflow volumes are passed by the first and second panel duct doors.

Abstract: A vapor injection heat pump includes a compressor, a first valve directing a refrigerant of the compressor to a first or second heat exchanger dependent upon a mode of operation, an expansion device receiving the refrigerant from at least one of the heat exchangers, a vapor generator receiving an expanded liquid/vapor refrigerant mix from the first expansion device and directing a vapor component to a first input port of the compressor and a liquid component to at least one of the second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger, via controlling a second valve, a second expansion device, a third expansion device, and a third valve. A second input of the compressor receives an output refrigerant from at least one of the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger dependent upon the mode of operation.

Abstract: A first casing part (41), a second casing part (42) removable from the first casing part (41), a first screw (38) configured to secure a distal end portion (66A) of a first terminal (66) to a first connection portion (83), and a second screw configured to secure a distal end portion of a second terminal to a second connection portion are provided, the distal end portion (66A) of the first terminal (66) and the first connection portion (83) are disposed facing each other in a Z direction, and the distal end portion of the second terminal and the second connection portion are disposed facing each other in the Z direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile accommodation vehicle (1) comprising a first free flow opening (2) enabling free airflow between the inside and the outside of the vehicle and a second free flow opening (3) also enabling free airflow between the inside and the outside of the vehicle, wherein the first free flow opening (2) is arranged higher than the second free flow opening (3) in the accommodation vehicle (1). The first free flow opening (2) or the second free flow opening (3) is provided with heat recovery ventilation means (4) and the heat recovery ventilation means (4) is arranged to enable free air flow through the heat recovery ventilation means (4), when the heat recovery ventilation means (4) is not in operation or the heat recovery ventilation means (4) is provided in a third free flow opening (5) if passage through the heat recovery ventilation means (4) is blocked or at least substantially reduced when the heat recovery ventilation means (4) is not in operation.

Abstract: A vehicle vent assembly includes a first flow channel selectively operating a primary airflow. A second flow channel selectively operates a first secondary airflow that exerts a first pressure on the primary airflow. A third flow channel selectively operates a second secondary airflow that exerts a second pressure on the primary airflow. The first and second secondary airflows control a direction of the primary airflow. The first pressure includes a positive or negative pressure, and the second pressure includes a respective negative or positive pressure.

Abstract: A combined luminaire and air conditioning nozzle includes a front panel (101) with an opening. A nozzle frame (103) is pivotably connected to the opening of the front panel (101) so as to separate an air cavity (105) located behind the front panel (101) from a front side of the front panel (101). The structure includes a controller element (106) with a closing mechanism mechanically coupled thereto and arranged to adjustably limit an air passage (107) from the air cavity (105) to the front side of the front panel (101) in response to a movement of the controller element (106). A luminaire element (108) forms part of the closing mechanism and is provided with a light source arranged to output light to the front side of the front panel (101). The closing mechanism is arranged to convert a movement of the controller element (106) into a movement of the luminaire element (108), so that said adjustable limiting of the air passage (107) occurs as a result of said movement of the luminaire element (108).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dimming element for an ADAS camera comprising a layer that can be placed on a surface of a window that comprises liquid crystal cells that can be actuated individually and absorb light when electricity is applied, in order to dim an image section of the ADAS camera depending on the position of the sun detected by the ADAS camera. A delay layer, located between the layer and the ADAS camera may provide polarized light to the ADAS camera independently of an alignment of the liquid crystal cells in relation to the ADAS camera. The disclosure also relates to a control device for an ADAS camera system, and ADAS camera system, and a vehicle comprising an ADAS camera system.

Abstract: A sun visor connector includes: a bracket; an arm portion having an end inserted through the bracket to be rotatably arranged; a housing fixed to the bracket and arranged in a vicinity of the end of the arm portion inserted through the bracket; a pair of connector terminals accommodated in the housing and connected to counterpart terminals; a pair of arm connection parts provided in an elastically deformable manner on the pair of connector terminals and connected by sandwiching the end of the arm portion by a biasing force; and a preliminary displacement portion provided in the housing, abutting on the pair of arm connection parts, and causing the pair of arm connection parts to be arranged in a separated manner by keeping a biasing force against the end of the arm portion.

Abstract: A sun visor connector includes: a bracket attached to an attachment member; an arm portion rotatably supporting a sun visor main body and having an end inserted through the bracket to be rotatably arranged; a housing fixed to the bracket and arranged in a vicinity of the end of the arm portion inserted through the bracket; a connector terminal accommodated in the housing and connected to a counterpart terminal; an arm connection part provided in an elastically deformable manner on the connector terminal and connected to the end of the arm portion by a biasing force; an engaging portion including a projecting portion provided in the housing and a recessed portion provided in the bracket and engaged with the projecting portion; and a first restricting portion provided in the projecting portion and pressed against and abuts on the recessed portion in a deformation direction of the arm connection part.

Abstract: A connector for a sun visor includes a bracket attached to an attachment member, an arm portion which rotatably supports a sun-visor body arranged on one side of the attachment member and of which an end is rotatably inserted into the bracket, a housing fixed to the other side of the attachment member of the bracket and arranged near the end of the arm portion, a connector terminal accommodated in the housing and including a mating connection portion arranged on the other side of the attachment member and an arm-connection portion connected to the end of the arm portion, a fixing portion provided in the connector terminal, and fixing the connector terminal to the housing, and a pressing portion provided at a portion of the connector terminal which faces the bracket, abutting on the bracket, and pressing the connector terminal in an insertion direction of the fixing portion.

Abstract: A slide-on-rod assembly includes a tube and a carriage configured to move within the tube. The carriage has a first contact surface, the carriage includes a wing rotatably coupled to a body of the carriage, the wing has a second contact surface, the first contact surface of the carriage is configured to contact a corresponding first contact surface of the tube, and the second contact surface of the wing is configured to contact a corresponding second contact surface of the tube. The slide-on-rod assembly also includes a biasing member coupled to the at least one wing and to the body of the carriage. The biasing member is configured to drive the first contact surface of the carriage into contact with the corresponding first contact surface of the tube and the second contact surface of the wing into contact with the corresponding second contact surface of the tube.

Abstract: Light-reducing devices that can be removably attached to a window or other panel through which light is able to pass, and methods of using such devices. Such a light-reducing device includes a tinted flexible transparent sheet and a microsuction tape adhered to the tinted flexible transparent sheet. The microsuction tape has a surface with micrometer-sized cavities that create a vacuum when the surface is pressed against a window. At least the surface of the tape is formed of a material that is sufficiently pliable and elastic so that each of the cavities forms a seal against the window and individual vacuums created between the surface and the window releasably secure the light-reducing device to the window when subjected to only the weight of the light-reducing device, but the light-reducing device can be peeled from the window.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an anti-glare device, a control method and a vehicle. The anti-glare device includes a sensing circuit, a driving circuit and an electrically-controlled color-variable thin film. The sensing circuit is configured to acquire status information about the vehicle in a running state. The driving circuit is configured to generate a driving signal for the electrically-controlled color-variable thin film in accordance with the status information. The electrically-controlled color-variable thin film is arranged on a front windshield of the vehicle and configured to change a transmittance to external light beam in accordance with the driving signal.

Abstract: An opening and closing structure for a vehicle includes a pair of guide rails and an opening and closing unit. The opening and closing unit includes a plurality of slats, a reinforcement, a first joint portion, and second joint portions. The plurality of slats are made of resin and arranged side by side in an extending direction of the guide rails. The reinforcement reinforces two of the slats that are adjacent to each other. The first joint portion is made of a flexible material which is more flexible than the resin forming the slats. The first joint portion joins the two adjacent slats. The second joint portions each join the two adjacent slats to the reinforcement. The reinforcement is configured to cover the second joint portions.

Abstract: A tarpaulin fastening device includes a support frame for support of one or more winch/spool assemblies and associated interconnecting line cord while being removably attached to a flat bed trailer using compression. The interconnecting line cord is extracted/retracted from/to its respective winch/spool assembly through a keeper mechanism. The interconnecting line cord is woven through eyelets of one or more connection pins and terminated with an anchoring mechanism. Once extracted from the winch/spool assembly, the interconnecting line cord is anchored to a flatbed trailer using the anchor mechanism and each connection pin is alternatingly connected to connection points along a length of tarp covering a payload supported by the flatbed and to connection points along a length of the flatbed trailer. Once the interconnecting line cord is anchored and connected to the tarp and flatbed, the tarp is secured onto the payload by actuation of the gear assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a tonneau cover for covering a pickup truck's cargo bed may include a frame structure for attaching to walls of the cargo bed. The tonneau cover may include a soft cover for covering the cargo bed, wherein the soft cover has edges that can be attached to the frame structure, and a cross bar attached to an inner side of the soft cover. When the soft cover is in a closed position, two ends of the cross bar are supported by the frame structure, and at least a portion of the soft cover is supported by the cross bar.