Slidable Patents (Class 296/100.03)
  • Patent number: 11878654
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a rear gate assembly of the vehicle that includes a closure panel operable to pivot vehicle-downward from a closed position to an open position. The system also includes a support feature coupled to the closure panel and operable to move relative to the closure panel between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the open position of the closure panel, the position of the support feature in the deployed position is further vehicle-downward than the position of the support feature in the retracted position. The system also includes a sensing system of the vehicle that detects a living being proximate to the rear gate assembly. The system further includes a controller that authenticates an identity and determines a position of the living being based on data received from the sensing system and prompts movement of the support feature from the retracted position to the deployed position based on the authenticated identity and determined position of the living being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Hussein Berry, Marguerite Lynn Kimball, Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 11446994
    Abstract: A dynamic roof top for a truck body and method of assembly is provided. The dynamic roof top comprises at least one dynamic panel having a plurality of wheels for translating the at least one dynamic panel from an extended or closed position to a retracted or opened position and from the retracted or opened position to the extended or closed position. A static panel is included that allows the at least one dynamic panel to obtain and enveloped condition between the dynamic panel and the static panel. A rail system is also provided to allow the dynamic panel to translate from the extended or closed position to a retracted or opened position and from the retracted or open position to the extended or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Stahl/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Kent R. Biscan
  • Patent number: 11446993
    Abstract: A telescoping truck bed shell is disclosed herein. The truck bed shell is capable of being retracted so that the user can have full access to the truck bed and also extended so that the user can have a protected volume at the truck bed in order to store things. The telescoping truck bed has traversable frames and a traversable cover wherein the frames and cover may be traversed between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the truck bed shell is being deployed or stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11427062
    Abstract: A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a first panel and a second panel; (b) a hinge located between and connecting the first panel and the second panel; and (c) a cover extending over all or a portion of the first panel, the second panel, or both, and the hinge so that, when the first panel or the second panel rotates about the hinge, the cover forms a portion of the hinge and maintains the integrity of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: EXTANG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, Chad Carter, David Germano, Robbie Mosingo
  • Patent number: 11376935
    Abstract: A fully-embedded vehicle cover is disclosed, the main cross rod being maintained in parallel to the auxiliary cross rod; T-shaped embedding slots being provided on both the main cross rod and the auxiliary cross rod; T-shaped embedding bars are provided on the elastic sealing bar; the embedding bars being clamped and embedded in the embedding slots; the elastic sealing bar being used for sealing gaps between the main cross rod and the auxiliary cross rod; the longitudinal rod and the main or auxiliary cross rod being directly or indirectly sealingly matched with together to form a plurality of frames; and the cover plate being sealingly clamped and embedded in the frames. There is no fitting gap between the longitudinal rod, the main cross rod, the auxiliary cross rod, the cover plate and the elastic sealing bar in the vehicle cover, which can ensure no water leakage or seepage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: HANGZHOU GOLDEN SUN AUTO PARTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinqin Fu, Shaoyong Zheng, Feng Wang, Chenshan Lin, Peng Cao, Xue'e Wang, Xiaohong Tang
  • Patent number: 11345224
    Abstract: A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a plurality of panels; (b) one or more hinges between each panel of the plurality of panels so that the plurality of panels are rotatably connected together, wherein some or all of the one or more hinges include: (i) a plurality of expansion links that are movably interconnected together, some of the plurality of expansion links including: (1) one or more expansion projections; (2) one or more pockets that receive all or a portion of the one or more expansion projections from an adjacent one of the plurality of expansion links; and (3) one or more expansion stops that restricts movement of the one or more expansion projections from the adjacent one of plurality of the expansion links that extend within the one or more pockets; wherein the one or more hinges rotate so that the one or more hinges form of angle of about 90 degrees or more and about 225 degrees or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: EXTANG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, David Germano
  • Patent number: 11331990
    Abstract: A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a plurality of panels including at least a first panel and a second panel; and (b) one or more hinges located between and connecting the plurality of panels, at least one of the one or more hinges being a standing hinge located between the first panel and the second panel; wherein the standing hinge includes one or more rotary stands; and wherein the tonneau cover has a closed position where all of the plurality of panels are coplanar and extend within a plane, and when the first panel is rotated about the standing hinge, the one or more rotary stands lift the first panel and the second panel a distance above the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: EXTANG CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chad Carter
  • Patent number: 11279212
    Abstract: A pickup truck bed cover includes foldable horizontal sections retained on a mounting frame by left and right latches attached under the sections. The latches mounting plates, left and right locks, and left and right operating mechanisms. The operating mechanisms are connected to the locks to pull the locks into disengagement with the mounting frame allowing the sections to be folded. Connecting members connect the operating mechanisms. When a handle of one of the operating mechanism is being twisted, both the left and right locking blocks are simultaneously retract to disengage with the mounting frame. When the handle is released, the left and right locks extend to engage the mounting frame. The rotation of the handles may be coupled to the locks by sliding cylinders having spiral surfaces engaged by inside protrusions in the handles. Springs inside the handles bias the sliding cylinders apart to engage the locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Jia Hui Wang
  • Patent number: 11014435
    Abstract: A tonneau cover comprising: (a) one or more panels pivotally connected to one or more additional panels via hinge portions; and (b) hinges having a plurality of engaging features, the hinges being positioned within the hinge portions so that the plurality of engaging features are secured within channels of the panels to connect the panels, the hinges further including a fin that projects from the hinges and seals a gap between the connected panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: RETRAX HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Alyce Voegele, Steven John Givens, Jonathan Charles Fargo
  • Patent number: 10994648
    Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a bed of a vehicle has a first panel fixedly attached to a bed of the vehicle and at least one movable panel adapted to pivot between an open position and a folded position. The cover assembly also includes a pair of rails attached to a pair of sidewalls of the vehicle. Each rail includes a first portion engaged with a sidewall and a second portion having an elongated member. Moreover, the cover assembly includes a pair of first clamps engaging the rails with the sidewalls and the first panel with the rails. The first clamp includes a first rod engaged with the first portion of a rail and a second rod engaged with the sidewall. The first clamp also includes a first member adapted to couple to the elongated member, a second member and a third member coupled with the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignees: TIANJIN REGIS STAR GROUP CO., LTD, FOSHAN CITY MANYIN AUTO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Liling Luo, Chaochao Deng
  • Patent number: 10391906
    Abstract: A sliding mechanism for a vehicle floor console is disclosed. The sliding mechanism comprises a base portion including a panel and a sliding groove, the sliding groove being positioned at the end of the panel and having an opening, and a guide portion including a guide rail disposed in the sliding groove and being slidable in the sliding groove. The sliding groove includes first and second surfaces positioned along the first direction, having angles with the first direction, connected to each other and enclosing a first sliding portion of the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Mao, Shin Wang, Mandy Jiang
  • Patent number: 10384522
    Abstract: A tonneau cover includes a hinge assembly including a first portion attached to a first panel and a second portion attached to a second panel. Each of the first portion and the second portion include release sections and secure sections and the second portion is detachable when moved to align the release sections with the secure sections. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Yilma, Pattrick Loew
  • Patent number: 9895963
    Abstract: A tonneau cover including a core panel having a first panel surface, a second panel surface, and a perimeter. An upper film is bonded to the first panel surface. A lower film is bonded to the second panel surface. The tonneau cover has a first section, a second section, and a flexible hinge separating the first and second sections. The tonneau cover is foldable between a deployed arrangement where the first section and the second section are generally planar for covering the cargo box, and a folded arrangement where the first section and the second section are stacked for allowing access to the cargo box. The tonneau cover has a first thickness at the first section and the second section, and a second thickness at the flexible hinge. The second thickness is less than the first thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Truxedo, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 9855828
    Abstract: A tonneau cover generally includes two rails and at least two plates. The two rails are adapted to be fixedly mounted at two lateral sides of a cargo bed of a truck. A first plate is fixed to the two rails. A second plate is pivotally connected to the first plate and other plates are pivotally connected one after another in the same manner. In operation, all the plates except the first plate can be operated to move along the two rails to allow the plates to overlap each other to uncover the cargo bed of the truck, or to allow the plates to be flush with each other to cover the cargo bed of the truck. The tonneau cover occupies less space and can be operated easily and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TAYIH KENMOS AUTO PARTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Yang
  • Patent number: 9834076
    Abstract: A dual action truck cover provides two modes, actions or ways to access contents in a truck bed. Side rails can be mountable to a cargo box so as to be pivotable between a raised position to provide a rear opening in an open pivot arrangement, and a lowered or closed pivot arrangement. The side rails can be spaced apart to define an inter-rail area therebetween. A door can include a plurality of elements hingedly coupled together and extending between the side rails and movable between a closed door arrangement wherein the elements cover the inter-rail area, and an open door arrangement in which the elements are positioned to permit access through the inter-rail area. The door can move between the open and closed arrangements by rolling up the hingedly coupled elements together or folding the elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: A.R.E. Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew N. Rohr, Robert E. Hill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9643479
    Abstract: A box cover of a pickup truck, includes at least two panels and at least one rotating shaft mechanism. The rotating shaft mechanism is connected with two adjacent panels, and the rotating shaft mechanism includes a base and two connecting units. The base includes a base portion having a hollow structure inside and two rotating shaft portions respectively disposed on two sides of the base portion. The base portion and one of the rotating shaft portion form a rotating space. The rotating space is isolated from the interior of the base portion. The connecting unit includes a fixing portion fixedly connecting with the panels and a rotary portion rotatably inserted into the rotating space. It is capable of avoiding water falling into the rotating space of the rotating shaft mechanism from seeping into the interior of the base portion of the rotating shaft mechanism. The structure is simple and waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HANG ZHOU GOLDEN SUN AUTO PARTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shaoyong Zheng, Xiaohong Tang
  • Patent number: 9409521
    Abstract: Protection device for a storage space of a motor vehicle. Such a protection device having a cartridge housing, in which at least one flexible planar formation is supported so as to be able to be wound and unwound, wherein the cartridge housing is able to be positioned so as to be secured to the storage space in vehicle-side retention receiving members, wherein the retention receiving members can be displaced inside the storage space by means of a kinematic displacement system, is known. The kinematic displacement system has vehicle-side linear guides, which extend with a main direction component in the vertical direction of the vehicle and in which the retention receiving members are guided, and there is provided a storage-space-base-side recess in which the cartridge housing is arranged in a recessed manner in a rest position. Use in private motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: BOS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Maier, Bernd Starzmann
  • Patent number: 9004571
    Abstract: A hard folding cover system for securely covering the bed of a pickup truck that can be opened or closed without the need to manually lift and fold individual panels sequentially in order to access the bed of the truck. The cover includes a plurality of hard folding panels that pivotably interconnected by alternatingly attached up-acting hinges and down-acting hinges whereby the panels are configured to sequentially fold and retract lengthwise while riding along side tracks. The cover is configured to operate between a flat position and at least one retracted position; in the retracted position, at least one of the folding panels is in a substantially vertical position. As the cover is retracted, the panels sequentially fold vertically toward one another. The retracted position, the panels do not block a rear window or brake light of the vehicle on which the cover is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Gregory Bernardo, Brandon G. Bernardo
  • Patent number: 8783755
    Abstract: The hard shell comprises a fore element (1) and a back element (2) permanently mounted on the bed and a certain number of intermediate elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7); the fore element (1) and the back element (2) of the shell are made up of rigid frames; to each free end of the girders a moving element is fixed, sliding in a rail (19) fixed to the side edge of the motor vehicle bed; each intermediate element (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) is formed by at least one upper crosspiece (3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1) and two girders (3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2); each girder (3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2) is hinged to the upper crosspieces (3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1); each intermediate element (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) is foldable along the hinge plans and the girders (3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2) are placed under the upper crosspiece (3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1) when the shell is not mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Fabio Sinkauz
  • Publication number: 20130300148
    Abstract: The hard shell comprises a fore element (1) and a back element (2) permanently mounted on the bed and a certain number of intermediate elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7); the fore element (1) and the back element (2) of the shell are made up of rigid frames; to each free end of the girders a moving element is fixed, sliding in a rail (19) fixed to the side edge of the motor vehicle bed; each intermediate element (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) is formed by at least one upper crosspiece (3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1) and two girders (3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2); each girder (3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2) is hinged to the upper crosspieces (3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1); each intermediate element (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) is foldable along the hinge plans and the girders (3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2) are placed under the upper crosspiece (3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1) when the shell is not mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Fabio Sinkauz
  • Patent number: 8540302
    Abstract: A cover assembly and a method of covering a cargo bed for a truck having a separate cab uses a raised structure with removable side panels, constructed and arranged in sections of successively smaller width and height dimensions, the cover sections being slideably mounted within grooves on side rails that are secured to the sides of the cargo bed so that the smaller sections can be either extended, with the smallest section is toward the rear of the cargo bed or retracted into the largest section, and locking pins are provided to secure the cover sections in the desired locations, the method of installation and removal being to install the cover sections in order of size with the smallest sections installed first and the largest sections removed first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur W. Lenz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8376446
    Abstract: A protective cover for a truck bed having a pair of opposite sidewalls includes a main body selectively configurable in a stored position and a protective position, wherein the main body is disposed adjacent the truck bed while in the stored position and shelters at least a portion of the truck bed while in the protective position and a means for securing the main body to at least one of the sidewalls of the truck bed while the main body is in the protective position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ryan Golden
  • Patent number: 8342589
    Abstract: Trailers are described that include a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container comprises a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tital Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
  • Patent number: 8282148
    Abstract: Trailers are described that include a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container comprises a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Titan Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
  • Publication number: 20120235439
    Abstract: The Retractable Rack & Canopy System may comprise a soft top version or a hard top version (or combination thereof). A retractable and extendable fabric covered canopy (soft top version) may be used in conjunction with a truck box for protecting transported cargo on a pick-up truck or with a flat bed trailer. Furthermore, the hard top version of the invention may comprise a plurality of nestable telescopic sections which may be retracted to a user-preferred position providing ready access to the cargo bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Stanislaw Wojciech Mazur
  • Publication number: 20110316302
    Abstract: A cover assembly and a method of covering a cargo bed for a truck having a separate cab uses a raised structure with removable side panels, constructed and arranged in sections of successively smaller width and height dimensions, the cover sections being slideably mounted within grooves on side rails that are secured to the sides of the cargo bed so that the smaller sections can be either extended, with the smallest section is toward the rear of the cargo bed or retracted into the largest section, and locking pins are provided to secure the cover sections in the desired locations, the method of installation and removal being to install the cover sections in order of size with the smallest sections installed first and the largest sections removed first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur W. Lenz, JR.
  • Patent number: 8075035
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a motor vehicle having a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. The cover assembly includes a track formed in each sidewall and a panel. A first leg of each track is arranged substantially orthogonal to a floor of the vehicle and a second leg of each track is positioned above the floor and extends from the first leg. The panel is movably coupled to the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7967357
    Abstract: A trailer having a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container includes a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Titan Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
  • Patent number: 7914064
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retractable roof system that provides slidable roof sections for vehicles and truck bed shells/caps, where the cargo area roof panels and rear window panel (hatch above tailgate) may be moved forward and above the seating area roof section, by means of a telescoping track system. Additionally, as applied to vehicles, the roof section above the seating areas may be moved rearward and above the cargo area roof section. The retractable roof system truck bed shell/cap assembly will come in segments that can be stored and shipped in a relatively small container. The shell/cap structure is composed of metal frame members and window panels. Right and left telescoping track assemblies are mounted on the metal frame members, with roof panels secured between them. Side and front window panels are attached to the exterior of the metal frame members to form the shell/cap walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jacob J. Joab
  • Publication number: 20110049926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller carriage for a sliding bow roof for a truck or truck trailer. The roof encompasses guidance and runner rails, extending on the cargo surface of the truck along the longitudinal sides of the cargo surface. Roller carriages, which comprise rollers and on which retaining bows, embodied in gantry fashion and having a roof tarpaulin mounted thereon, are displaceably guided. At least one roller carriage is equipped with a securing device for preventing inadvertent shifting of the roller carriage along the rails. The securing device encompasses a wedge element associated with a roller, which element is shiftable between a release position and a secured position. In its release position it has no contact with the roller. In its secured position a portion of the wedge element is between the roller and the corresponding guidance and runner rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Udo WENSING, Hans Boris Hahnen, Frank Neumeyer, Frank Frentzen, Rolf Birkenbach, Joachim Rossbach, Karl Kemmerling, Axel Scholz, Tim Lauterbach, Rolf Weigelt
  • Patent number: 7878576
    Abstract: An airflow deflector assembly for an open bed truck or like vehicle including a plurality of preferably two cover sections each having a base and an attachment assembly cooperatively disposed and structured to adjustably interconnect the two cover sections facilitating their selective positioning into any one of a plurality of operative orientations. The selected operative orientation corresponds to the width of the trailing end of the open bed of the vehicle so as to so as to establish a substantially continuous air deflecting surface over the trailing end and thereby increasing the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The cooperative structuring of the attachment assemblies facilitate an adjustable sliding interconnection there between such that the bases of each cover section may be reciprocally positioned toward and away from one another to assume the preferred operative orientation corresponding to the width of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Susan Embler, Kenneth Embler, Mark Embler
  • Patent number: 7566093
    Abstract: An airflow deflector assembly for an open bed truck or like vehicle including a plurality of preferably two cover sections each having a base and an attachment assembly cooperatively disposed and structured to adjustably interconnect the two cover sections facilitating their selective positioning into any one of a plurality of operative orientations. The selected operative orientation corresponds to the width of the trailing end of the open bed of the vehicle so as to so as to establish a substantially continuous air deflecting surface over the trailing end and thereby increasing the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The cooperative structuring of the attachment assemblies facilitate an adjustable sliding interconnection there between such that the bases of each cover section may be reciprocally positioned toward and away from one another to assume the preferred operative orientation corresponding to the width of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventors: Susan Embler, Kenneth Embler, Mark Embler
  • Publication number: 20080284199
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for opening and closing a roof of a container for simply opening and closing a roof of a container using a sliding method without separating constitutional elements, and for opening and closing the roof by a small force. The apparatus comprises a pair of guide rails installed on top ends of both side walls of the container, respectively; cover supporting members disposed on the guide rails for supporting the cover, both ends of the cover supporting member being installed to be slid on the guide rails, respectively; sliding means for sliding the cover supporting member; and brace bars foldably connected to the cover supporting member for connecting the adjacent cover supporting members. The cover supporting member is slid along the guide rail to open and close the cover thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Byung-jin Chun
  • Patent number: 7316445
    Abstract: An attachment structure for a tonneau cover, formed in an approximately tabular shape, for a pickup truck with a bed extending from a rear end of a vehicle to a rear pillar portion, comprises a bed rail as an elongated support member on which the tonneau cover for the pickup truck is placed, the tonneau cover extending on an inner surface of a side wall of the pickup truck in the longitudinal direction of the pickup truck in such a way that the upper surface of the tonneau cover is put apart downward from the upper end of the bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Access Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7118158
    Abstract: A truck trailer that can be loaded from the sides or from overhead and which allows cargo to be transported within an enclosure includes a trailer bed, and an enclosure that is linearly movable with respect to the trailer bed from a position in which the enclosure extends over the entire length of the trailer bed to a position in which substantially the entire trailer is uncovered. In certain embodiments, a roller and track mechanism is used for facilitating linear movement of the enclosure as a unit from an enclosing position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Randall C. Schlipp
  • Patent number: 7097228
    Abstract: Parallel, substantially horizontal, upper first tracks (34) extend lengthwise of a vehicle load bed (14). Parallel, substantially horizontal, second tracks that are below the first tracks (34) also extend lengthwise of the load bed (14). Forward guides (44) carried by cover sections (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) travel in the tracks (34) and rear guides (46) travel in the tracks (36). A rear cover section (18) is driven forwardly and rearwardly by a drive mechanism (54, 72, 74, 76). Forward movement of the cover section (18) moves the other movable cover sections (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) into a nested position within the forward cover section (20). Movement of the rear cover section (18) in the opposite direction pulls the cover sections (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) out from the nested position and spread them out over the length of the load bed (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Michael P. Norgard
  • Patent number: 6997502
    Abstract: A rigid convertible hard cap for open bed vehicles (18) made of rigid material and of the type having an arched shape of individual sections (24, 26 and 28) with fixed or movable sides and top or roof that communicate at the base and top with tracks (32 and 34) to guide and facilitate movement of cap sections (24, 26 and 28). Cap sections (24, 26 and 28) contract and extend integrally in an successive overlapping manner to obtain the desired effect of the complete or partial open and enclosed truck bed (18) without having to partially or completely obstruct truck bed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Mark William Reents
  • Patent number: 6908139
    Abstract: A cargo bed cover for covering a cargo bed has a plurality of overlapping panels, and a surface and connectors for associating the plurality of overlapping panels such that the panels are movable between an extended configuration and a stored configuration. The cargo bed extends between a pair of side rails, a front wall, and a rear wall. In the extended configuration, the plurality of overlapping panels are extended in combination from the front wall to the rear wall. In the stored configuration, the plurality of overlapping panels are stacked vertically within or adjacent to the cargo bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: William K. Szieff
  • Patent number: 6848734
    Abstract: The invention includes a sealing mechanism device for sealing the front overhang for the cover of a roll type cover device for the truck box of a pick up truck when closing the cover over the truck box. The mechanism device has a cam structure on spiral ridges for caming the cover when closing the cover. The cams on the spiral ridges cooperate with rollers on the front edge of the cover to cam the front edge of the cover sharply up) against an overhang at the front of the truck box mechanism device to close the front edge of the cover flush to the overhang of the mechanism in substantially watertight relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Tim Mulvaney
  • Patent number: 6783169
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle bed includes first and second cover members and a pair of cover mounts constructed to mount the cover members to the vehicle bed. The cover mounts enable the cover members to be moved between (a) a closed position wherein the cover members extend between the side walls of the vehicle bed to close the upwardly facing opening of the vehicle bed, (b) an open position wherein the cover members extend upwardly from the side walls to uncover the upwardly facing opening of the vehicle bed, and (c) a storage position wherein the cover members are retracted downwardly from the open position into the vehicle bed. At least one motor is operatively connected to the cover members to move the cover members at least between the closed and open positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Marx, Thomas J. Apfel, II, Nicanor P. Cantu, III, Thomas J. Mack, Francois De Gaillard
  • Patent number: 6767043
    Abstract: A pick-up truck bed cover having a cover frame assembly that is secured thereon to cover the truck bed. The cover frame assembly is generally rectangularly shaped to fit over typical truck beds and has a track system for a shutter assembly. The shutter assembly is slidably mounted within the track system and has means to retract and extract. In the retracted position, the truck bed is nearly completely exposed and in the extracted position, the truck bed is covered. Positioned approximately perpendicularly to the shutter assembly, is a door assembly that is mounted at one end of the cover frame assembly for access to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Nicolas Sanseviero
  • Patent number: 6692058
    Abstract: A golf cart canopy attachment includes a shield which has a pair of guide channels formed on a top surface. A raised portion or dormer is formed between the channels. The channels engage corresponding guide channels in a golf cart roof to enable the shield to slide with respect to the roof. A pair of locking grooves are formed on the shield for preventing further movement in either a fully extended or fully retracted position. Stop blocks are provided on side walls of the shield to prevent further outward movement of the shield in the fully open position. A rod extends from an underside of the shield from which a pair of curtains extends. The curtains are moved along the rod on opposite sides to be connected together when the shield is in the fully opened position. When a shield is in a closed position, the curtains are pulled back to stored positions and fastened onto roof supports at the rear of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Micco
  • Patent number: 6663160
    Abstract: A cargo bed cover is provided for enclosing the cargo bed of a vehicle. A generally planar outer frame is mounted to the cargo bed, and two generally planar inner frames are connected with hinges to the outer frame for pivoting relative to the outer frame. The inner frames are moveable between a position with the inner frame generally parallel to the outer frame and a position with the inner frame at an angle relative to the outer frame. A generally planar cover panel is connected with a hinge to each inner frame for pivoting relative to the inner frame between a position with the cover panel is generally parallel to the inner frame and a position with the cover panel is at an angle relative to the inner frame. Each cover panel is slidingly connected to the inner frame for sliding relative to the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Randy D. Yarbrough, Charles W. Kemp
  • Patent number: 6641201
    Abstract: A vehicle body has a roof-enclosed passenger compartment and a rear cargo compartment. The cargo compartment has a cover and a tailgate to close the cargo compartment. The cover is movable along a pair of tracks from its closed position on the cargo compartment to a stowed position on top of the passenger compartment. The cover has an intermediate position above the cargo compartment which serves as a camper top and with the addition of zip-on side covers converts the vehicle body to a camper. The intermediate position of the cover in conjunction with the roof of the vehicle body also provides support for hauling long cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Brad L Pietryga, James C. Ostrand, Thomas A. Ebi, Wieslaw Stanislaw Zaydel
  • Patent number: 6637160
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plurality of movable transparent arcuate sections 12 that can roll on their own designated tracks 14 to enclose or expose a sun room or pool area 18. Thus, the present invention 10 is comprised of a plurality of overlapping transparent arcuate arches or sections 12 positioned on parallel tracks 14. The arches 12 can be selectively moved to any position on the parallel tracks 14. The two distal end arches have removable end closure panels 20. Each of the transparent panel members 22 or arch 12 are positioned within a frame member 16 having a plurality of wheels 36 engaging the spaced apart track members 14. Track members 14 are fixedly positioned to the ground or foundation structures 58 in a spaced-apart parallel configuration. Each side of an arch 12 consists of a plurality of wheels 36 fixedly positioned between spaced apart track elements 14 having hook-like terminations 53 to prevent dislocation of the frame member 16 from the track member 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Bob Brooks
  • Publication number: 20030193209
    Abstract: A vehicular accessory for a bed of a pickup truck comprising a track system having rails incorporating grooves therein adapted to accept each side of a tonneau cover. A front end of the tonneau cover is adjacently received by a longitudinal lip extending across a forward end of the bed. Supportive ribs are attached and extend across the underbelly of the tonneau cover. A connective lock may be inserted into and through a tailgate to prevent outsiders from accessing contents held within the cavity of the pickup bed. A storage compartment is preferably attached to the tonneau cover, desirably underneath the tonneau cover, to secure and protect either smaller items or sensitive items susceptible to damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Alberto Melvani
  • Patent number: 6623062
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power assisted cover actuator for operating a tonneau cover for an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck. A common truck bed cover includes, but is not limited to, a fiberglass panel that overlies the truck bed. The cover is typically hingably coupled to a distal end of the truck bed adjacent the truck cab. The power assisted cover actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a linear track upon which a trolley is guided. One end of an actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the trolley. The power assisted cover actuator is secured to the inside surface of a side wall of the truck bed proximal to the opening end of the cover and distal to the hinge coupling. The linear track is positioned at an angle to the horizontal extending in an upward direction towards the hinged coupling. The other end of the actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the inside of the cover. A drive means for translating the trolley along the linear track is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Drew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6533343
    Abstract: A subassembly element in the form of an intermediate product for a multipart cover element for motor vehicles contains at least two subassembly parts, e.g., for a multipart sunroof or sliding roof cover or for a multipart loading zone or cargo space cover, containing edge regions on the adjacent edges of the subassembly parts which are correspondingly shaped such that they had least partially overlap in the closed position. All subassembly parts are present in the form of one connected-together part and are shaped in accordance with the predetermined contour of the cover element. A channel-shaped depression is arranged at least in the outer side of the subassembly element in the edge region in which two respective subassembly parts adjoin one another. The contour of the channel-shaped depression is comprised of the desired contours of the edge regions of adjacent subassembly parts of the respective cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Arvin Meritor GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Bohm, Rainer Grimm
  • Patent number: 6447051
    Abstract: An extended cab pickup truck (10) has split rear seats (32, 34) and a load receiving container (40) is positioned between the rear seats. The rear wall (20) of the cab defines a rear opening (52) below the rear window (18) and a rearwardly facing opening (50) of the container registers with the rear opening of the cab at the level of the load bed of the truck. An external door (54) selectively closes the rear opening. The container has an internal opening (62) that is in communication with the cab for access to the load receiving container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Alexandr V. Lukomskiy
  • Patent number: 6447044
    Abstract: A sheltered aircraft supply vehicle includes an entrance station located above the cab of the vehicle. The vehicle body is elevatable. A cover system is mounted to the vehicle body and is extended outwardly above the entrance station when the body is elevated. The cover system includes a roof section disposed over the entrance station and includes downwardly depending wings which contact side walls of the entrance station to create a closed tunnel between the vehicle body and an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Cramaro Tarpaulin Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Buker, Michael Cramaro