Having Securing Means Patents (Class 296/100.07)
  • Patent number: 11945291
    Abstract: A truck cap having a cap body with an opening, and a cap door that is movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening. At least one hinge that attaches to the cap body and the cap door of the truck cap. The hinge includes a first hinge bracket member and a second hinge bracket member. The first hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket to receive a pivot pin. The second hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket with an opening sized to receive at least a portion of the pivot pin. The first hinge bracket member and the second hinge bracket member are pivotable with respect to each other about the pivot pin. A longitudinally extending gas prop pivotably attached to the pin extending from the second angled portion of the first hinge bracket member and to the pin of the second hinge bracket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Leer Group
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joal Hickey, Donald Richard Ireland, Terrill D. Becker, Mitchell Austin Westra, James Dillard Fletcher
  • Patent number: 11642948
    Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for removable attachment to a cargo box of a pickup truck including a support frame assembly and a cover assembly. The cover assembly includes a plurality of pivotally interconnected rigid panels that can be folded up and secured to the cargo box such that respective upper surfaces of at least two of the plurality of rigid panels reside in an upright folded orientation. The tonneau cover apparatus further includes a mechanism for securing the at least two of the plurality of rigid panels in the upright folded orientation. A method of removably securing the tonneau cover apparatus to the pickup truck is also described, as is an alternate embodiment of the tonneau cover apparatus, wherein the cover assembly includes first and second pivotally interconnected rigid panels and a pair of hinge support mechanisms that generally restrict the way the second rigid panel pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Brendan T. Bohn, Mark E. Beam, John W. Simon
  • Patent number: 11498625
    Abstract: A one-piece pick-up truck bed storage shelf including a foldable body having a dimension of an interior perimeter of a truck bed, a top surface and a wheel well engaging bottom surface with the foldable body including a first and a second support panel each having a first and second end, a first side edge of the first support panel having a shape corresponding to a contour of a first elongated sidewall of the interior truck bed and a first side edge of the second support panel having a shape corresponding to a contour of a second elongated sidewall of an interior truck bed and a hinge pivotably connecting the second side edges of the first and second support panel while allowing for the movement of the support panels from a linear condition to a mirroring condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Andrew W. Dusold
  • Patent number: 11485207
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body with a truck bed at least partially defining a cargo area, a tonneau cover at least partially enclosing the cargo area, a vehicle interior with passenger seating, and a modular, multi-component hard top assembly. The hard top assembly is configured to selectively and removably couple interchangeably between (i) the vehicle body to provide an enclosed configuration at least partially enclosing the vehicle interior and (ii) the tonneau cover. The multi-component hard top assembly is detachable from the vehicle body to provide an open air configuration for the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Dorinel Neag, Brice A Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 11446995
    Abstract: A truck that includes a bed section located rear of a cab section where the bed section is bounded on each side by opposing first and second upward-extending side walls, respectively. The truck includes a tonneau cover which has a first panel section pivotable with respect to the opposing first and second upward-extending side walls. A latching assembly is attached to the first panel section that selectively secures and releases the first panel section with respect to the first and second upward-extending side walls of the truck. The latching assembly includes at least one adjustable pinch latch assembly. The pinch latch assembly includes a latch handle portion and a latch base located on the first panel section adjacent the latch handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Christopher David Mattison, John William Bevis, III, Thomas Augustine Hubbard
  • Patent number: 11358453
    Abstract: Herewith is a truck cap for removably covering a vehicle bed. The truck cap includes a first and second cover member extending between a cab and a tailgate of the vehicle. The cover members are pivotably connected to driver and passenger side panels which adjoin the vehicle bed. The cover members pivot between an open position and a closed position. Raised portions are formed along the top surfaces and extend over abutting edges of the cover members opposite the pivot edges. The abutting edges are in abutment when the cover members are in the closed position, such that the raised portions interlock to cover the abutting edges. The cover members are preferably formed of a plastic material by a rotational molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: JOHN SINCHOK DESIGN, LLC
    Inventor: John Sinchok
  • Patent number: 11312216
    Abstract: A locking structure of a vehicle cover includes a vehicle cover, at least two mounting rods, a depressor and a torsion spring. The mounting rods are arranged in parallel. The vehicle cover is laid on the mounting rods. The depressor is rotatably mounted on the mounting rods through the torsion spring, and cooperates with the mounting rods to clamp the vehicle cover. The depressor is installed on the mounting rods through the spring, and the cover is clamped between the rod and the depressor by the depressor, so that the spring always has a tendency to drive the depressor to clamp the rod, and the cover is pressed against the rods, which means the cover is fixed on the rods, so that a connection between the cover and the rods is more stable and it is not easy for the cover to shake off from the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Hangzhou Golden Sun Auto Parts Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Chenshan Lin, Shaoyong Zheng, Jinqin Fu, Xue'e Wang, Xiaohong Tang
  • Patent number: 11292324
    Abstract: A folding tonneau cover apparatus including a cover assembly and a support frame assembly. The cover assembly having a plurality of rigid panels interconnected in series by a series of flexible hinges. Elongated support members having hinge support flanges help to secure the flexible hinges to the rigid panels. In preferred embodiments, the support flanges of the elongated support members cooperate with the underside of the respective rigid panels to which the support members are secured, to form a partial enclosure within which a side portion of the respective flexible hinge is secured. The cover assembly is secured to the support frame assembly to cover a cargo box of a pickup truck by a plurality of locking members when the support frame assembly is secured to sidewalls of the cargo box. Methods of making a tonneau cover apparatus and methods of folding and unfolding the cover assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Agh-Cover, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Brendan T. Bohn, Mark E. Beam, John W. Simon
  • Patent number: 11142053
    Abstract: An innovative article and manufacturing method therefore. The article is a truck cap which may be selectively assembled and mounted to an associated pickup truck bed by a single person. The article features two primary members which can be selectively opened or closed to carry cargo. The article includes a locking mechanism which enables the contents of the truck bed to be safely locked and secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: John Sinchok Design, LLC
    Inventor: John Sinchok
  • Patent number: 11130393
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo cover system, including a cover frame slider configured to be slidable along a slider axis and a ratchet strap assembly coupled to the cover frame slider. The ratchet strap assembly includes: a ratchet strap pivotably coupled to the cover frame slider about a strap axis generally parallel to the slider axis and a ratchet latch configured to accept the ratchet strap therethrough. The ratchet latch includes: a base, an advancement lever pivotable with respect to the base to advance the ratchet strap, and a releasable pawl movably coupled to the base to releasably latch the ratchet strap with respect to the base, and a hook carried by the base of the ratchet latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Motor City Aftermarket
    Inventor: Adam Allen
  • Patent number: 11097605
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system, comprising: (a) one or more brackets secured to at least one of a pair of opposing sidewalls of a cargo box of a vehicle; (b) a foldable tonneau cover having a plurality of interconnected panels, at least one of the plurality of interconnected panels including: (1) one or more latch assemblies that engage the one or more brackets; and (2) an actuator assembly connected to each of the one or more latch assemblies by a cable, wherein actuation of the actuator assembly moves the cables that in turn release engagement of the one or more latch assemblies from the one or more brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: EXTANG CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric Scott Mahler
  • Patent number: 11084362
    Abstract: A moveable tonneau cover includes multiple wheels and multiple hinge elements. A tonneau cover mechanism includes multiple tracks each including an upper portion and a lower portion, and a switch that transitions to connect with the upper portion and the lower portion based on a weight of the movable tonneau cover such that the moveable tonneau cover is configured to move between a first position above a truck bed and a second position above the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Droptop, LLC
    Inventor: Edmund Jung
  • Patent number: 10893242
    Abstract: A communication vehicle system or platform that provides for the integration of multiple audio, visual, telecommunications, thermal, radiological, chemical and biological data detection and/or communication devices. The communication vehicle can be configured for providing mobile communications and surveillance in an environment in which the surrounding communications and/or power infrastructure has been damaged or is non-existent. For example, the vehicle can be deployed to the scene of a disaster or emergency. Accordingly, the mobility of the preferred communication vehicle can enhance and extend the reach of any emergency operations center. Other possible applications include law enforcement surveillance; tactical military command and control; weather and storm chasing; homeland security search and rescue; forward deployment monitoring, news agencies and border patrol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Jenesia1 Inc.
    Inventors: Kervin R. Spivey, Jevon L. Spivey
  • Patent number: 10730376
    Abstract: A pickup truck and tonneau cover including hard panels configured to selectively secure horizontally and vertically over a pickup truck bed, with a window in each panel, each window located to align with the other windows when the panels are oriented vertically in a fully retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Christopher Anthony Danowski, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 10648205
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a vehicle having a cargo box and a tailgate movable between an open position and a closed position. The tonneau cover system includes a tonneau cover mountable to the vehicle and movable between deployed and open arrangements. In the deployed arrangement, the tonneau cover overlies the cargo box. In the open arrangement, the tonneau cover is opened for allowing access to the cargo box. A latch mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the latch mechanism secures the tonneau cover in the deployed arrangement, and an unlocked position in which the latch mechanism is released to allow movement of the tonneau cover into the open arrangement. The latch mechanism is biased in the unlocked position and comprises a tailgate contact positionable to engage the tailgate in the closed position to move the latch mechanism from the unlocked position to the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TRUXEDO, INC.
    Inventor: Michael R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 10471815
    Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a tonneau cover. The assembly having a plate; a latch in communication with the plate, the latch having a finger that is adapted to engage the tonneau cover; and a shaft that is connected to the plate at one end, and at another end, the shaft has a pin that is adapted to engage a slot defined in the latch. Application of a force on the plate in a first direction causes the plate to move in the first direction, which causes the latch to move in a second direction so that the tonneau cover is moved into a closed configuration. Removal of the force from the plate causes the plate to move in a third direction, which causes the latch to move in a fourth direction so that the tonneau cover is moved into an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Tectum Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Carter, Anthony Stubbs
  • Patent number: 10384733
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure defining a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment. A first roof panel is disposed over at least part of the passenger compartment and a second roof panel is disposed over at least part of the cargo compartment. A plurality of side panels surround at least the cargo compartment. A plurality of extensions are fixed to the second roof panel and coupled to the side panels. The extensions and the second roof panel are movable relative to the first roof panel and the side panels between a pre-assembled position and a final-assembled position. The second roof panel is disposed closer to the side panels when in the pre-assembled position than when in the final-assembled position. A method of manufacturing the vehicle includes providing the body structure, fixing a plurality of extensions to the second roof panel and coupling the extensions to the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Frederic M. Moler
  • Patent number: 10232691
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a latching/locking system for securing tonneau cover to a vehicle. The system includes a mounting bar, a hanging rod, a locking block and a handle and further includes a cargo area cover frame body. The cargo area cover frame body includes an outer frame bar along an outer edge and an inner support bar inside the cargo area cover frame body. The mounting bar comprises a built-in section and an inserting block, which is fixed within the outer frame bar. An upper end of the hanging rod is inserted into the mounting bar, a horizontal shaft is disposed at an upper portion of the handle, and a lower end of the hanging rod is disposed into the horizontal shaft and connected to the horizontal shaft through a thread. The locking block is disposed on the hanging rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: NINGBO DIROAN AUTO ACCESSORIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rongjie Weng, Fangliang Weng
  • Patent number: 10144274
    Abstract: A roof attachment for a passenger car includes at least one roof shell and at least two lateral-wall shells. The lateral-wall roof shells are arranged on opposite sides of the passenger car relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof and are pivotable between a storage position folded against an inner side of the roof shell and an unfolded usage position. The roof attachment has a cross section shaped like an upside-down U and can be attached onto interfaces of the passenger car via lower edges of the lateral-wall shells facing away from the roof shell. The roof shell and the lateral-wall shells can be brought into contact with a hard-top section and lateral pillars of the passenger car with their frontal edges when in the usage position. Rearward edges of the roof shell and the lateral-wall shells form a continuous edge of the vehicle rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventor: Magnus Sviberg
  • Patent number: 10046631
    Abstract: A cover for the deck of a utility vehicle may be formed from a single shell of thermoplastics material and reinforced with an extrusion that, by virtue of being formed in aluminum or another suitable material, has a lower co-efficient of expansion relative to the shell. The two parts of the cover, shell and extrusion, may be secured in such a way that there can be some degree of independent movement between them. Effectively, limited thermal expansion of the shell is allowed without overly compromising the connection between it and the aluminum extrusion. A flexible extrusion may connect the cover to the utility vehicle at one end and act as a hinge such that as it is raised, it is not only displaced in a vertical orientation, but also in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Proform Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Porter, Philip Butler
  • Patent number: 9889728
    Abstract: A truck bed storage system includes a pair of mounting rails each having a channel, a front cover, and a rear cover. The front cover is supported by a pair of front cover hinges attached to the pair of mounting rails. The rear cover is supported by a pair of six-bar hinges attached to the pair of mounting rails. The pair of six-bar hinges each includes a pair of tabs that engage each of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Cargo Solutions Group, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Stewart Chapman, Wesley Adams
  • Patent number: 9845056
    Abstract: The pivoting bar lock for truck bed cabinets is a device that is installed onto an existing truck, and which rotates about a direction of travel of a vehicle in order to enable access to or restrict access to truck bed cabinets of the vehicle. Truck bed cabinets are typically located on opposing exterior side surfaces of the vehicle. Moreover, the truck bed cabinets are provided on opposing exterior sides of the truck bed of a truck. The pivoting bar lock may include a frame that attaches to a rear truck bed surface as well as a front truck bed surface. Moreover, the frame extends vertically over top of the truck bed. The pivoting bar lock is further defined with a locking bar that is affixed to a first locking arm as well as a second locking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Joe Lovas
  • Patent number: 9421851
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo box tonneau cover apparatus includes two or more hard panels. Adjacent panels are joined along their common edges by a hinge enabling transitioning the panels between a planer deployed position and a folded retracted position. An opposed pair of headed cantilevered striker pins, are carried with an inner surface of the opposed pair of box panels and extend inwardly within said cargo box for selective engagement with an associated rotary latch when an associated panel portion is in the deployed orientation. A release mechanism carried with the lower surface of each panel portion interconnect a single release member with both associated rotary latch mechanisms carried with said common panel portion, wherein release of a panel can only be effected by manual operation of the release member subsequent to release of an adjacent tonneau cover panel or cargo box panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman C. Kerr, III
  • Patent number: 9393855
    Abstract: A truck cap assembly for a cargo hold of a pickup truck. The truck cap assembly includes a truck cap pivotally engaged at one end with a region of the cargo hold, said truck cap being pivotable between an open position and a closed position; an aperture defined in the truck cap and extending between a top surface and a bottom surface thereof; said aperture being in communication with an interior of the cargo hold; and a door assembly provided on the truck cap and being movable between a closed position where access to the aperture is blocked and an open position where the aperture is accessible. The door assembly includes a door that is complementary in size and shape to the aperture and the door is movable, particularly pivotable, relative to a top surface of the truck cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: A.R.E. Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew N. Rohr, Thomas M. Ertl, Todd S. Dreher
  • Patent number: 9381794
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system includes at least one tonneau panel configured to be coupled to a pickup bed. The tonneau panel includes a panel body. The panel body includes a first panel wall and a second panel wall opposite the first panel wall. The tonneau panel defines at least one open slot extending through the first panel wall. The open slot includes a channel and an opening in communication with the channel. The channel has a width that is greater than the width of the opening. The open slot is configured to securely receive a cargo attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerald J. Gomes, Sarah A Squier Ykema
  • Publication number: 20150130212
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck including a cover member positionable generally over the cargo box of the pickup truck and a locking spring clamp assembly. The locking spring assembly having: a linkage member coupled to the cover member at a connection location along the linkage member; and a latch housing slidably coupled to the linkage member. The latch housing includes an engaging member engaging the cargo box of the pickup truck in a latched position. A first biasing member urges the latch housing into the latched position. A locking feature releasably couples the linkage member and the latch housing into a locked position, such that a distance between the connection location and the engaging member is generally constant in the latched position and generally maintained by the locking feature in a locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: MICHAEL R. SPENCER
  • Publication number: 20150061315
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, and a third tonneau section. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second section to an attachment member assembly, which is connected to the cargo box, to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to a front mounting bar assembly, which is connected to the front wall of the cargo box, to permit pivotal movement only the third tonneau section into a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: JEROME FACCHINELLO, William REMINDER
  • Patent number: 8960764
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck including a framework having a cross bow member supporting a cover and a locking spring clamp assembly. The locking spring assembly having: a linkage member coupled to at least one of the framework and the cover at a connection location along the linkage member; and a latch housing slidably coupled to the linkage member. The latch housing includes an engaging member engaging the cargo box of the pickup truck in a latched position. A first biasing member urges the latch housing into the latched position. A locking feature releasably couples the linkage member and the latch housing into a locked position, such that a distance between the connection location and the engaging member is generally constant in the latched position and generally maintained by the locking feature in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20150035309
    Abstract: A solid, hard top cover device for a Jeep storage area. It is a security enclosure for the open storage space behind the back seat and in front of a hinged tailgate deck of a Jeep vehicle. The device includes a deck; a way to secure the deck to the storage area and structure of the jeep; a top pivoting lid 33; a manner for pivoting; and a manner for sealing the lid and the deck so that the device can provide a solid top to the storage area of a jeep protected with roll bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: John T. Clark
  • Patent number: 8939494
    Abstract: A roll up cover for a box of a pick-up truck includes a plurality of substantially rigid slats connected by hinge joints. A flexible sheet of material is attached to the top surface of the slats. The hinge joints include a stop which allows pivoting of adjacent slats only in a direction moving the top surfaces of the slats towards each other, to allow the cover to be rolled up with flexible sheet facing inwardly, and with bottom surfaces of the slats facing outwardly, and not vice versa. Side rails are attached to the box of the pick-up truck. A roll rod in each side rail pivots into closed position when the cover is unrolled, with the roll rods engaging the end fittings on the slats, to hold the cover down onto the side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Laurmark Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
  • Patent number: 8807625
    Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus is provided. In one aspect, a tonneau cover apparatus includes a handle or lever, a mount, a locator, a finger, a detent and a complementary peg. In another aspect, a handle and mount are configured such that the handle is substantially horizontal when in a closed position. A further aspect employs at least one locator to align a tonneau cover to a truck bed. Another aspect includes a finger which is coupled to a handle to clamp a tonneau cover apparatus to a truck bed when the handle is in a closed position, thus securing the tonneau cover to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley R. Garska
  • Publication number: 20140152047
    Abstract: The present invention is a hinged truck accessory that includes a top cover fitted over a pick-up truck bed to cover a plurality of contents placed in the pick-up truck bed, a frame that includes a plurality of bolts and a pair of angle irons, the frame is attached to the perimeter of the pick-up truck bed with the bolts and a plurality of hinges disposed on the first side edge of the top cover and on the first side of the frame. The hinged truck accessory also includes a sliding bar latch with a middle portion, the sliding bar latch is attached to the first end of the top cover and a handle attached to the middle portion of the sliding bar latch, the handle is utilized to swing open and close the top cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Raymond H. Starman
  • Patent number: 8678459
    Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate the panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side bracing connected to the panels to move into supporting position when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, the bracing including a telescoping strut assembly having first and second elongated struts, and an actuator manually swingable to relatively extend and retract the struts configured to lock to bar structure in response to actuator swinging, and there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
  • Publication number: 20140054920
    Abstract: A tonneau cover latching mechanism is described. The tonneau cover latching mechanism provides for the tonneau cover to be slammed or closed shut in a single motion and engage at two points on the pick-up truck to secure the tonneau cover in a closed position. The tonneau cover latching mechanism may include a lockable handle. A link is engaged to the handle. The link is engaged to a spring loading mechanism. A first rod is rotatably engaged to the spring loading mechanism. A second rod is rotatably engaged to the spring loading mechanism. The first rod engages and disengages the first striker. The second rod engages and disengages a second striker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Steven Jeffries, Norman Allen Smith
  • Patent number: 8550527
    Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate a panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side braces carried by the panels to pivot into bar supporting positions when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
  • Patent number: 8511736
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for selectively enclosing a space within a cargo box. The cover has an elongate channel laterally extending between a proximate end located proximate a side edge of the cover and a distal end at which the channel terminates. The cover includes a clamp mechanism slidably engaged with the channel, and the clamp mechanism includes a handle, a block member slidably received in the channel, an elongate rod member coupled to the handle, and a latch or hook member connected to the rod member. The latch member is moveable between a clamped position for operatively engaging a portion of the cargo box and a released position for spacing the latch member from and placing the latch member out of operative engagement with the cargo box. The handle and rod member are positioned in the channel in the clamp mechanism stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Rugged Liner, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Williamson, Michael Williamson, David Kosinski, Thomas Dean Walser
  • Patent number: 8480154
    Abstract: A clamp structure for a tonneau cover of a pick-up truck is disclosed and mounted to one frame section of a tonneau cover for releasably securing the frame section on a side wall of a cargo bed of the pick-up truck. The clamp structure has a composite grip element which has a metal grip body and a plastic sleeve. The metal grip body has an engaging portion to stably engage with the side wall of the pick-up truck. The plastic sleeve has a first abutment flange to smoothly abut against a turning handle, and a second abutment end facing a sliding block. Thus, the composite grip element can provide advantages of both of metal and plastic material, so that the operational stability and reliability of the clamp structure can be enhanced, and the lifetime thereof can be elongated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: CYC Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiawdar Shaun Yue
  • Publication number: 20130001979
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck comprising a plurality of tonneau sections each being pivotally coupled to the other to permit pivotal movement of a first tonneau sections relative to a second tonneau sections between an opened position and a closed position. The tonneau cover system further comprises a side rail member connectable to a side wall of the cargo box, a keeper member downwardly extending from the first tonneau sections for pivotal movement therewith between the opened position and the closed position; and a first keeper pin coupled with the side rail member. The keeper member automatically engages the first keeper pin when the first tonneau section is pivoted into the closed position and automatically disengages the first keeper pin when the first tonneau section is pivoted into the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Ryan Rusher, Jerome Facchinello
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120274092
    Abstract: A clamp structure for a tonneau cover of a pick-up truck is disclosed and mounted to one frame section of a tonneau cover for releasably securing the frame section on a side wall of a cargo bed of the pick-up truck. The clamp structure has a composite grip element which has a metal grip body and a plastic sleeve. The metal grip body has an engaging portion to stably engage with the side wall of the pick-up truck. The plastic sleeve has a first abutment flange to smoothly abut against a turning handle, and a second abutment end facing a sliding block. Thus, the composite grip element can provide advantages of both of metal and plastic material, so that the operational stability and reliability of the clamp structure can be enhanced, and the lifetime thereof can be elongated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: CYC ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Shiawdar Shaun Yue
  • 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: 20120205939
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a pick-up truck cargo box includes first and second rails attachable at the sides of the box. A cover has a first resilient hinge strip connecting a first panel to a second panel and allowing the first panel to pivot relative to the second panel. A third panel is attached to the second panel by a second resilient hinge strip, which allows the second panel to pivot relative to the third panel. The panels are supported on the rails. Latches on the panels hold the panels onto the rails. The cover may be opened by sequentially releasing the latches and folding the panels over onto each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
  • Patent number: 8210591
    Abstract: A vehicle utility deck and storage system provides improved storage for bedded vehicles. In one embodiment, the deck system (104a) is positioned within the bed (108) of a pickup (102). The system (104a) includes a deck (114a) that substantially matches the dimensions and contours of the bed (108) and support legs (122) for supporting the deck system (104a) on the surface of the bed (108). The system (104a) further includes a number of removable storage bins (124) that can be accessed via hinged hatches (116a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Damar Corporation, LLC
    Inventor: Dave Martin
  • Patent number: 8205928
    Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck includes at least first and second panels hingedly connected to each other. The first panel includes a release mechanism including a lever arm that is movable between a released position and an unreleased position, and a lock that is movable to a locked position preventing movement of the lever arm. The cover includes a resiliently deformable panel latch that is released when the first panel is opened and that is capable of flexing around a keeper if the cover is opened incorrectly. The cover includes a unique mounting clamp for attachment to the pickup truck. A second half of the mounting clamp rides up a shoulder on a first half of the mounting clamp as the halves are drawn together, enabling the to pinch in two directions—one parallel to the drawing force and another perpendicular to the drawing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Steffans Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
  • Publication number: 20110316303
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a pick-up truck cargo box includes first and second rails attachable at the sides of the box. A cover has a first resilient hinge strip connecting a first panel to a second panel and allowing the first panel to pivot relative to the second panel. A third panel is attached to the second panel by a second resilient hinge strip, which allows the second panel to pivot relative to the third panel. The panels are supported on the rails. Latches on the panels hold the panels onto the rails. The cover may be opened by sequentially releasing the latches and folding the panels over onto each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
  • Patent number: 8075041
    Abstract: An improved device for attaching a truck top or appliance fitted with an angle on its base, which rests on a profile attached to the top of the side walls of the vehicle bed and standby parts for coupling to accessories to be used, thus making possible the installation and removal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Marlon Melo Diniz
  • Publication number: 20110260493
    Abstract: This utility model is provide a locking device of car covers for pick-up trucks composing a swing stem and a lock hook inserted and deposited on the swing stem, the end part of the swing stem is inserted into a locking swing handle, a hinge block is disposed on the car cover, which is characterized in that the top of the swing stem is positioned and hinged on the hinge block. The advantages of this utility model are summarized as: to overcome the sliding friction of existing lock devices, to enhance the force born by the main body of device and to increase the flexibility of the swing stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Enli Xu
  • 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: 7905536
    Abstract: A clamp structure for a tonneau cover is disclosed and mounted to one frame section of a tonneau cover for releasably securing the frame section on a cargo bed of a pick-up truck. The clamp comprises: a foundation rail having two side grooves and a recess formed between the two side grooves; and a sliding block having two side hangers extended into and slidably moving along the two side grooves and a pivotal portion received in the recess; a clamp bolt; a grip element; and a handle. The side hangers of the sliding block is used to slidably move along the side grooves of the foundation rail, so that the sliding movement of the clamp structure pivotally connected to the sliding block in relation to the foundation rail is more stable and smooth based on two strong support points of the two side hangers in the two side grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: CYC Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiawdar Shaun Yue
  • Publication number: 20100270824
    Abstract: A clamp structure for a tonneau cover is disclosed and mounted to one frame section of a tonneau cover for releasably securing the frame section on a cargo bed of a pick-up truck. The clamp comprises: a foundation rail having two side grooves and a recess formed between the two side grooves; and a sliding block having two side hangers extended into and slidably moving along the two side grooves and a pivotal portion received in the recess; a clamp bolt; a grip element; and a handle. The side hangers of the sliding block is used to slidably move along the side grooves of the foundation rail, so that the sliding movement of the clamp structure pivotally connected to the sliding block in relation to the foundation rail is more stable and smooth based on two strong support points of the two side hangers in the two side grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Shiawdar Shaun Yue