Abstract: An expandable camper shell for a pickup truck which includes a cover that is to be movable from a lower position to a raised position with the cover assuming a tilted configuration relative to the bed of the pickup truck. When in the maximum raised position additional head room is provided for any individuals located within the internal compartment located between the cover and the bed. When the cover is in the maximum raised position, there is provided a gap area with this gap area to be closable by a removable, double-thickness, fabric, insert assembly. A shock strut assembly is mounted between the cover and the bed that will maintain the cover in the maximum raised position after it is manually raised.

Abstract: A hard tonneau cover includes a hinging mechanism that relies on a compound hinge to control the position of the front of the cover yet allows the cover to be easily removed from the cargo bed. The compound hinge includes a hinge plate that is slidingly received in a hinge pocket that is attached to the cargo bed. A locking mechanism serves to pop the rear edge of the cover off of the tailgate upon being unlocked so as to allow the rear edge to more easily be grasped and pivoted toward its open position. The hinge pocket, strike loop of the locking mechanism and a telescoping strut are all attached to a common bracket that is attached to the cargo box.

Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.

Abstract: A tool box is shown for use with a vehicle having a bed having a length and a width. The vehicle has a back wall having a top, a left side wall having a top and a right side wall having a top. The vehicle has a tailgate. The tool box has a top plate having a wall end and an extended end. The top plate is rotatably attached to the top of the back wall at the wall end. The top plate has a width at least approximately equal to the width of the bed and a front plate runs between the left side wall and the right side wall. The front plate has a bed end and a raised end. The front plate is rotatably attached by pivots at the bed end to the bed of the vehicle at a given location between the tailgate and the back wall. The raised end can be connected to the extended end to form a tool box which may be folded out of place when not in use.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed has reconfigurable drop side and tail panels. Tail lights are incorporated within the reconfigurable panels. Each side panel is hinged with respect to the cargo bed so that the side panel can pivot downwardly to a cargo bed widening horizontal position or upwardly to a vertical or horizontal position spaced from the cargo bed. The cargo bed includes a storage box accessible through the side entrance. The side panel may also be hinged with respect to itself to form a lip or small restraining wall.

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.

Abstract: A storage assembly for a vehicle includes an open bed defined by opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a rear tailgate. The storage assembly also includes a tonneau cover that covers at least a portion of the open bed. The tonneau cover is movable between open and closed positions to provide selective access to the open bed. A plurality of brackets extends between the opposing sidewalls, the front wall and the rear tailgate. A storage bin is removably securable to the plurality of brackets. The storage bin creates a removable compartment within the open bed allowing items stored therein to be organized and removed as a group when desired.

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: 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.

Abstract: A truck bed cover is adapted to be attached to a toolbox. The cover is hinged to the rearward portion of the toolbox, thereby leaving the toolbox accessible even when the cover is closed over the bed. A single hydraulic cylinder may be used to raise and lower the cover. The hydraulic cylinder is anchored using cross pins in elongated slots. The anchor points are allowed to move so that upon closing the cover the cylinder shifts into a position which does not consume much of the useful space within the bed. A recessed channel on the underside of the cover locks over the pickup bed sides and the tailgate. When closed, the hydraulic cylinder pulls the cover tightly against the pickup truck body—thereby securing the contents of the bed. In addition, certain elements of the invention can be adapted for use in a cover which is not attached to a toolbox.

Abstract: A dual purpose truck bed cover includes a pair of door panels that are hinged respectively to the sidewalls of a truck bed. The panels are suitable for deployment into an upwardly raised position so as to extend the height of the cargo bed storage cavity of the truck. In such a raised position, stabilizing braces are provided for releasably supporting the panels in the upright, raised position. The door panels are alternately deployed into a closed position completely covering the storage cavity of the truck bed and a latch device is provided for releasably holding the door panels in the closed position.

Abstract: A hard cover is easily installed, removed, replaced, and inspected on the open bed of a pickup truck. The hard cover is a unitary thermoformed sheet material mounted on a rail frame assembly secured to side walls of the truck bed. The hard cover is hingedly connected by a bar fastened to the cover and extending into a slot of a bracket connected to the frame assembly. The bar is pivotal on the bracket to move the cover between open and closed positions over the bed of the pickup truck. The hinged connection of the bar to the bracket is released by manually disconnecting the bar from the cover, permitting the bar to be released from the bracket only after the bar is disconnected from the cover.

Abstract: A pick-up truck having a bed with a front wall, two side walls, and a tailgate, has a tonneau cover installed over the bed. The tonneau cover comprises a set of interconnected rail members, a pair of cross members, and a flexible cover. The cover has a pocket attached to the underside for storage of items that are small, fragile or valuable. The pocket may be partitioned into smaller compartments for selective isolation of items from other items. The pocket is attached to the tonneau cover by stitches that are used along a perimeter of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trunk lid cover for the bed of a pickup, pivotally attaching to the bed of the pickup bed near the cab with piston lifters attaching the cover to the sides of the pickup to apply force pushing the cover upwards when lifted, the cover extending to the tailgate section of the pickup bed, replacing the tailgate. The cover engages the tailgate attaching mechanismk of the pickup to form a secure closure, with the vertical portion of the cover including a hinged license plate attachment under which a keyed or coded security lock is located, with running lights and accent lights which integrate with the electrical system of the pickup.

Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.

Abstract: The present invention is a bed trunk for a pickup bed of a pickup, inserting and attaching within the pickup bed with a removed pickup tailgate, the bed trunk fitted within the entire pickup bed. The bed trunk forms a trunk cavity with a hinged trunk lid having a locking closure providing the trunk lid with a weather seal engagement to the bed trunk. The trunk lid incorporates a hinged license plate attachment under which a keyed or coded security lock is located, with running lights and accent lights which integrate with the electrical system of the pickup. The bed trunk also includes locking clamps to firmly secure the bed trunk within the pickup bed to prevent theft or removal of the bed trunk from the pickup without access to the truck cavity.

Abstract: A hinge structure of a trunk lid for an automobile adapted to prevent a user from being hurt by a closing trunk lid due to a weakened resilience of an aged torsion bar, is provided. The structure includes a hinge bracket fixed to a package tray at a body, a hinge arm rotatably supported at one side thereof to the hinge bracket and fixed at the other side thereof to a bottom side of the trunk lid and a torsion bar mounted between the hinge arm and the hinge bracket for receiving resilience in a direction in which the hinge arm is opened. The structure also includes a guide bracket integrally formed with the hinge bracket having a trace on which the hinge arm moves, and multi-stage control structure mounted between the guide bracket and the hinge arm for resiliently controlling a position of the hinge arm at multi-stages.

Abstract: A cover and extender unit for the bed of a truck bounded by a forward wall, opposing side walls and a rear tailgate mounted for movement between fixed upright and horizontal positions comprising a pivoting frame stowed in the bed having laterally spaced sides, a transversely extending gating panel, and a rigid top cover roofing the bed; the top cover is hinged at forward points to the sides so it can be turned upwardly from the aft end of the bed for bed access, side pivot construction connects the frame to the side walls of the bed near the aft end thereof allowing the unit to be turned 180 degrees rearward from the stowed and bed cover position to a horizontal position thereby to extend the bed beyond the extremity of the lowered tailgate with the cover now serving as the bed extension and the forward gating panel as a rear tailgate.

Abstract: A pickup-bed cover prop having an elongated base, a pair of straps attached to the base, a pair of struts extending orthogonally from the base, and a clamp on each strut at the end distal from the end attached to the base. Each strut includes a mechanism which allows the length of the strut to be adjusted and secured. The prop is secured to the truck bed by lowering the rear gate of the pickup bed, passing the straps through the space between the rear edge of the bed and the bottom of the gate, aligning the base of the prop with the rear edge of the bed, and closing the gate, thereby securing the straps due to pressure applied to the straps by the rear edge of the bed and the bottom of the gate. The orientation of the cover is secured by clamping the clamps to the rear end of the cover, and adjusting and securing the lengths of the struts.

Abstract: A generally laminar cover member extends between the sidewalls, end wall, and tailgate of the bed of a pickup truck and is removably secured to at least one of the sidewalls and end wall. The cover member is formed of a rigid material adapted to bear a load and is secured to the sidewalls in a location to leave at least 75% of the bed volume under the cover usable for storage. At least one leg member is secured to one side of the cover member, the leg members being selectively extendable to permit use of the cover as a table when the cover is removed from the bed of the pickup truck.

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.

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.

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 tonneau cover assembly is adapted to be secured to a vehicle having a cargo bed and side walls. The tonneau cover assembly includes a panel that extends between two sides, a front edge and a back edge. The panel is movable between open and closed positions. A hinge mechanism includes first and second attachment brackets wherein the second attachment bracket is secured to the panel. A link mechanism extends between two ends wherein the first end is secured to the panel. A storage tray is secured to the first attachment bracket and the second link end. The storage tray is supported by the panel and moves relative to the panel when the panel moves.

Abstract: A hinged connector assembly for truck toppers for allowing a truck topper to be pivotally coupled to a truck bed side wall. A hinge is mounted adjacent to each side stake hole of the truck bed side wall. Each hinge has a topper plate coupled to the topper which is pivotally coupled to a side wall plate. The side wall plates are mounted on the truck bed side wall through the side stake holes in conjunction with a respective securing plate by a threaded bolt fastening assembly. For enhancing the stability of the topper on the truck, the securing plates include a plurality of spacer tabs that are disposed within each of the side stake holes.

Abstract: A substantially rigid tonneau cover is provided which is hingedly connectable to a truck bed and moveable between open and closed positions. A latch mechanism mounted on the interior surface of the cover is selectively engagable with the truck bed to secure the cover in the closed position. A latch release handle is mounted in a recessed compartment formed on the exterior surface of the cover and is connected to the latch mechanism. A hatch is connected to the cover proximate the latch handle and is moveable between a hatch open position and a hatch closed position. In the hatch closed position the hatch covers the recessed compartment and the latch release handle mounted therein. The hatch is preferably mounted such that in the hatch closed position the exterior surface of the hatch is generally flush with exterior surface of the cover and conforms to the contour of the cover.

Abstract: A storage assembly is disclosed for a vehicle having an open bed defined by opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a rear tailgate. The storage assembly includes a tonneau cover that covers at least a portion of the open bed. The tonneau cover is movable between open and closed positions to provide selective access to the open bed. A plurality of brackets extend between the opposing sidewalls, the front wall and the rear tailgate. A storage bin is removably securable to the brackets. The storage bin creates a removable compartment within the open bed allowing items stored therein to be organized and removed as a group when desired.

Abstract: An inflated raft trailer adapted for transporting an inflated raft to and from a river, a lake and other water recreation areas. The trailer is designed to be pulled behind a vehicle and to quickly discharge the raft from the top of the trailer into the water and quickly return the raft to the top of the trailer at the completion of a trip. The inflated raft trailer includes a trailer bed mounted on a wheeled axle. The trailer bed includes front and rear portions, first side portion and second side portions and a center portion. A vertical front frame is mounted along a length of the front portion. A movable tail gate frame, with an elongated roller mounted thereon, is hinged along a length of the rear portion of the trailer bed. The tail gate frame can be raised from a lowered position to a raised vertical position. A vertical first side frame is mounted along a length of the first side portion and a vertical second side frame is mounted along a length of the second side portion of the trailer bed.

Abstract: A gasket for a steel coil railroad car wherein the gasket is contained within a U-shaped channel in the coil cover. The gasket includes a base which has a mediate section which joins opposite flanges and a bulbous portion which defines a volume. The bulbous portion has a mediate flat section that joins opposite arcuate sections. The mediate section of the base is thicker than the arcuate sections and the flat section of the bulbous portion. The gasket is retained in the U-shaped channel in such a fashion that the base contacts the mediate portion of the U-shaped channel. The gasket is compressible upon the engagement of the gasket with the railroad car so as to form a seal between the coil cover and the railroad car.

Abstract: A cover is disclosed for a pickup truck bed with the cover being comprised of upper and lower metal sheet members secured at their edges to define a compartment therebetween which is preferably filled with a foam strengthening material. Preferably, the sheet members are constructed of an aluminum material.

Abstract: A foldable canopy that, when unfolded, encloses the rear section of a motor vehicle. The canopy comprises two folding, longitudinally aligned canopy members pivotally connected to the opposite sides of the motor vehicle. Each canopy member includes a lower planar member pivotally connected with hinges. The upper and lower planar members are selectively stowed in a stacked, vertical position along the outer sides of the motor vehicle. During use, the lower planar member is raised into a vertical orientation and the upper planar members are extended transversely over the center axis of the bed of the motor vehicle. Two rotating bracing members connect the two upper planar members to the rear surface of the motor vehicle's cab. A horizontally disposed support member also attaches to the rear surface of the motor vehicle's cab to support the front edges of the upper planar members. A water resistant seal is created between the adjoining edges of the upper planar members to prevent water leakage.

Abstract: A vehicle pick-up bed is disclosed that can be folded into shape by hand. The pick-up bed includes a generally flat sheet of colored material molded together with a generally flat sheet of reinforced polymeric material. Preferably, the sheet of colored material is placed in the mold and the reinforced polymeric material is injected into the mold, onto the back of the colored sheet. During the molding process, the reinforced polymeric material and the colored material are formed or molded into a single, generally flat, solid component. The sheet of colored material adheres to the reinforced polymeric material. Once molded, the sides of the pick-up bed are folded into shape along hinge edges and connected to stay in place. Hinge edges could be formed by locating few or no reinforcing fibers in the reinforced polymeric material in the desired location of the hinge edges. The colored material is preferably a paintless polymer film. Alternatively, the colored material is pre-painted aluminum.

Abstract: A control linkage system for opening and closing a door at least partially covering an opening to a large container such as a transfer trailer. The linkage system maintains constant control over the door during rotation, using mechanical linkage providing increased rotational motion and enhanced mechanical advantage. The linkage system employs hydraulic cylinders pivotally attached to the side wall of the container. The linkage system alse employs a curved link joined to a straight link in the same plane as the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A carrier system for transporting equipment, such as bicycles. The carrier of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a partial enclosed compartment having a substantially oval shape. Two opposing lid members are pivotally mounted on each end of the compartment. The two lid members open upward and outward to allow full access to the interior of the compartment. The two lid members then close downward and towards one another with a slight overlap to fully enclose the body to form the carrier body. In one embodiment, the axle assembly and tongue are directly mounted on the lower surface of the trailer body. Equipment mounting devices are formed or affixed directly in the interior of the trailer body. The equipment is thus able to be securely transported without danger from the elements or from unauthorized access.

Abstract: A pivoting device for pick-up truck camper shells including a pair of support posts selectively coupled with respect to the forward and rearward ends of one of the opposed sides of the camper shell. The support posts each have a short lower section and a long upper section. The short lower sections have lower ends dimensioned for being received within the forward and rearward post holes of the truck bed. The long upper sections, extend upwardly at an inward angle from the short lower sections. The long upper sections each have an upper end securable to the camper shell for elevating the side of the camper shell above the truck bed. A pivot rod assembly is secured to each of the opposed side walls of the truck bed for selectively holding the camper shell to the side walls of the truck bed.

Abstract: A truck lid hinge and opener system for removably connecting a lid or cover to the bed of a truck wherein the bed includes a vertical front wall, first and second vertical side walls extending rearwardly from the front wall, and a tailgate at the rearward end of the bed with the side walls having downwardly extending flanges at the upper end thereof. A pair of hinge units removably hingedly connect the forward end of the lid to the truck bed. A pair of like opener mechanisms pivotally interconnect the sides of the lid to the side walls of the truck bed. Each of the open mechanisms includes a gas spring which is adjustably mounted to compensate for varying temperature conditions. The hinge units and opener mechanisms are clamped onto the truck bed to avoid drilling holes in the truck bed.

Abstract: Tonneau cover for placement on a pick-up truck bed, said tonneau cover being made of an energy recoverable foam capable of withstanding the torsional and rotational torque subjected to the truck bed during strenuous off-road conditions without the cover popping off or coming undone at any corner. Further in order to achieve this withstanding of torque and other forces, the cover is attached to the front of the truck bed by at least one hinge which is holding the cover onto the truck by its own independent suspension. This causes a “floating” effect of the cover on top of the truck bed while the truck is; being put to the test on off-road conditions, and allowing the cover to twist and turn during off-road operation. The top surface of the tonneau cover may have a smooth surface, while the underside may be textured like a snakeskin for crumbling upon a rear end collision. Use of the tonneau cover of the present invention results in a significant gas mileage increase.

Abstract: A folding cover for a pickup truck bed comprises at least two panels pivotally connected together. An attachment mechanism for the cover restrains the cover from sliding on the pickup truck bed while permitting both panels to be opened. The attachment mechanism comprises a track and follower mechanism interconnecting one panel with the bed, the track and follower mechanism defining an arcuate path that generally follows the arc of a circle having the panel hinge axis as a central axis. One of a track and follower is attached to the pickup truck bed and the other of the track and follower comprises either one element attached to one of the panels or separate elements attached to each of the panels, the track and follower fitting together such that the follower is constrained to follow the arcuate path between open and closed positions of the panel.

Abstract: A truck lid hinge and opener system for removably connecting a lid or cover to the bed of a truck wherein the bed includes a vertical front wall, first and second vertical side walls extending rearwardly from the front wall, and a tailgate at the rearward end of the bed with the side walls having downwardly extending flanges at the upper end thereof. A pair of hinge units removably hingedly connect the forward end of the lid to the truck bed. A pair of like opener mechanisms pivotally interconnect the sides of the lid to the side walls of the truck bed. Each of the open mechanisms includes a gas spring which is adjustably mounted to compensate for varying temperature conditions. The hinge units and opener mechanisms are clamped onto the truck bed to avoid drilling holes in the truck bed.

Abstract: A hard cover for the open bed of a pickup truck is thermoformed from two sheets of heat deformable plastic material. The top sheet has a slightly crowned surface and four depending walls defining a perimeter lip corresponding to the top ledge of a pickup truck bed. The bottom sheet reinforces the top sheet and is itself slightly crowned and includes four walls. The bottom sheet includes prop support members which depend below the margin defined by the perimeter lip of the hard cover. The perimeter lip of the hard cover may be adapted to reside within a range of similarity sized pickup truck bed rail margins, so that one hard cover can be utilized on several truck models. The hard cover may also be associated with a molded platform that overlays and closely conforms to the bed rails of a truck bed to provide a protective truck bed cover assembly. The molded platform is provided with a channel to receive the lip of the hard cover to provide a seal.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for mounting a tonneau cover on a motor vehicle having a cargo area defined by first and second side walls, an end wall and a tailgate, the side walls having an inner panel and an outer panel includes a fastener, a first coupler plate and a bracket. The first coupler plate has a first end and a second end. The first coupler plate is articulable from an operable position to a disengaged position. The bracket has a generally horizontal rail and a vertical rail. The bracket is adapted for contacting the outer panel of the first side wall and further has a seat pivotally retaining the first end of the first coupler plate. The second end of the first coupler plate is adapted for engaging the inner panel of the first side wall defining a first restraining area between the horizontal rail and the second end of the first coupler plate. A second restraining area between the vertical rail and the second end of the first coupler plate is also defined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge which can be used to attach a cover made up of individual parts to a cargo bed of a pick-up truck. The hinge provides adjustments to accommodate variations in the cargo bed so that the cover can be placed on the bed and the parts of the cover located relative to one another to allow the parts to be opened and closed independently. The hinge includes a mechanism which permits lengthwise movement relative to the truck as the cover part is raised angularly about the hinge so that the part does not interfere with adjacent parts as the part is raised or lowered. A cover made up of several parts for attachment to a cargo bed of a pick-up truck is also provided.

Abstract: A hard cover assembly for the open bed of a pickup truck is provided comprising a rigid cover and a rail kit. A rigid cover, with a crowned central body portion, constructed out of thermoplastic having a relatively high coefficient of linear thermal movement is used for operation within an outdoor environment having a wide range of temperature variation. A rail kit comprising molded thermoplastic members configured to closely conform to and protect the truck bed rails is combined with the rigid cover to provide a complete hard cover assembly. The molded thermoplastic members of the rail kit include a channel receiving a depending perimeter lip of the rigid cover. The channel is developed to accommodate the linear thermal movement of the rigid cover and may be further adapted to limit the full linear thermal expansion of the rigid cover thereby causing the crowned central body portion to deflect upwards.

Abstract: The present invention consists in giving access into transportation vehicles, by means of pivoting the major part of the body shell, on low placed lateral axes, in order to facilitate entrance and exit from three sides of the vehicle, including the front side; and without necessity of the space normally required by traditional doors.

Abstract: A hard tonneau cover is pivotally attached to each side wall of a truck cargo box having a tail gate by a hinge assembly. Each hinge assembly includes a four bar linkage and a drive mechanism. The four bar linkage consists of a tonneau bracket that is secured to the tonneau cover, a mounting bracket, a hinge link that is pivotally attached to the tonneau bracket at one end by a first pivot and to the mounting bracket at an opposite end by a second pivot, and a control link that is pivotally attached to the tonneau bracket at one end by a third pivot and to the mounting bracket at an opposite end by a fourth pivot. The drive mechanism has a pivot arm that is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket by a fifth pivot, and a drive arm that is pivotally attached to the pivot arm by a sixth pivot and pivotally attached to the tonneau bracket by a seventh pivot so that the tonneau cover and bracket are moved between a closed position and an open position by rotation of the pivot arm.

Abstract: A vehicle with an adjustable roof for providing a vehicle with enhanced capacity by permitting adjustment of the position of the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle with an adjustable roof includes an enhanced transport vehicle system, which comprises a vehicle having a front and a rear. The vehicle has a body including a cab portion located toward the front of the vehicle. The cab portion has a roof section. The body also includes a cargo portion extending rearwardly from the cab portion. The cargo portion has a floor and a pair of laterally spaced side walls extending upwardly in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the floor. The floor has a rear end, and the cargo portion has a roof section extending rearwardly from the roof section of the cab portion to a rear edge of the roof section. The side walls have upper edges extending substantially parallel to each other, and the upper edge of the side walls extend rearwardly from the rear edge of the roof section of the cargo portion.

Abstract: A toolbox with a built-in-roll-top tonneau cover for installation within an open cargo bed of a pickup truck. The toolbox in one configuration is a rectangular shaped tool-box having in combination a cigarette lighter adaptor and a roll top tonneau cover. The roll-top cover is rotatably mounted and secured within a concealed rear portion of the tool box. A special lock mechanism secures the cover to the tailgate in an extended state which protects concealed items from theft and weather. The roll top tonneau is uniquely formed by a plurality of successive and interconnected slats via a reinforced rubber connecter assembly. Each of the plurality of slats is attached to a first and second, respective adjoining edge by a successive or adjacent slat. The adjoining edges are formed of a first and second tapered channel for fictionally securing the reinforced rubber connector assembly therebetween.

Abstract: A tonneau cover is provided which has at least one hinge-mounted latch adjacent the front of the cover, at least one support prop along the side of the cover intermediate the front and rear of the cover, and at least one latch mounted adjacent the rear of the cover, with a pair of independent side rails mounted to the vehicle, at least one of which contains a bracket for releasably receiving the hinge-mounted latch, a support prop receiving bracket cantilevered below and away from the vehicle side wall, and a rear catch bracket for receiving the rearward latch independent of dimensional variations induced from thermal forces over the cover. To facilitate release of the hinge-mounted latch within close confines of the front area of the vehicle bed, a self-contained trip handle is included in the receiving bracket.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for mounting a tonneau cover on a motor vehicle having a cargo area defined by first and second side walls, an end wall and a tailgate, the side walls having an inner panel and an outer panel includes a fastener, a first coupler plate and a bracket. The first coupler plate has a first end and a second end. The first coupler plate is articulable from an operable position to a disengaged position. The bracket has a generally horizontal rail and a vertical rail. The bracket is adapted for contacting the outer panel of the first side wall and further has a seat pivotally retaining the first end of the first coupler plate. The second end of the first coupler plate is adapted for engaging the inner panel of the first side wall defining a first restraining area between the horizontal rail and the second end of the first coupler plate. A second restraining area between the vertical rail and the second end of the first coupler plate is also defined.