Flexible With Securing Means Patents (Class 296/100.16)
  • Patent number: 7008000
    Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus including a strap assembly. The apparatus preferably including a flexible cover and a support frame for attachment to a cargo box of a pick-up truck; the support frame having a front bar to the first end of the flexible cover is secured. The strap assembly including a strap bracket; a buckle insertion member and a strap to secure the flexible cover in a rolled up configuration proximate the front bar. The buckle insertion member is secured to a first end of the strap and the strap bracket is attached to the front bar. The strap bracket including a buckle insertion receiving member and a strap receiving opening. The buckle insertion receiving member resists movement forward of the front bar of a rolled-up segment of the flexible cover, when the rolled-up segment is secured to the front bar by the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignees: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7004530
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle bed includes a first pair of track members mountable to side walls of the bed. A cover unit includes a second-pair of track members and a plurality of support members movably mounted on the second pair of track members. A cover is mounted to the support members. The cover unit is to be removably mounted in an operative position to the bed with the second pair of track members aligned with the first pair of track members so that the support members can move along the first and second pairs of track members to extend and retract the cover. At least one motor is connected to the support members for selectively moving them. At least one fastener secures the cover unit in the operative position and is releasable to allow the cover unit to be removed from the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Marx, Thomas J. Apfel II, Nicanor P. Cantu III, Thomas J. Mack
  • Patent number: 6988713
    Abstract: The invention is a device for receiving and drawing tight an edge of a tarp on a moveable vehicle. The tarp edge retainer has a latching member with a latch plate and an arm. The latch plate has an inverted channel and a lip, under which the edge of a tarp can extend in an operable orientation. The arm extends from the latch plate, through a guide and connects to a displacing means. The invention further includes a spring means mounted to the latching member for returning the latching member to a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Eric L. Walls
  • Patent number: 6976724
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle having a support frame connectable to the cargo box. A cover spans the support frame and is positionable between a tensioned position and an untensioned position. A bow member is coupled to the cover and is moveable between a first position and a second position in response to the movement of the cover between the tensioned position and the untensioned position. A retaining member is then operably coupled to the support frame. The retaining member retains the bow member when the bow member is in the first position and releases the bow member when the bow member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6959955
    Abstract: A storage enclosure includes a base including a top panel extending transversely from a front panel. The base is attachable to a load deck of an open deck vehicle such that an enclosed space is defined by the front and top panels and the load deck. The base includes mounts within the enclosed space that are attachable to a bracket for attaching the base to the load deck. The top panel includes side portions that extend from opposite ends of the front panel, and a removable cover panel is disposed between the side portions. A cage is mounted to the base that defines a cage compartment above the top panel. The cage includes legs that extend through the base and are engaged by locking elements to removably secure the cage to the base. The cage includes frame segments that are releasably connected to one another by release pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
  • Patent number: 6948761
    Abstract: The present invention provides a frame and cover assembly for use with a truck having a truck bed. The frame includes frame bars that are disposable on the top ends of the walls of the truck bed and corner brackets for connecting adjacent bars to form the support frame for the cover material. The cover material attaches to the support frame with fastening means disposed on the perimetric edge of the cover material. The support frame may be used to mount hard, soft or semi-rigid cover materials thereto without any additional components required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Colonel's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Haack, Louis Simko, Gary Mobley
  • Patent number: 6942275
    Abstract: A Collapsible Bed Cap for Trucks is disclosed. The cover has a plurality of collapsible or sectioned ribs extending longitudinally along the length of the bed in order to provide structural rigidity to the cover. The cap or cover is sectional and detachable such that it can be disassembled and/or collapsed and then stored in a single bag. When assembled, the cover has a tight, aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing material cover to protect truck bed contents from environmental effects. The bed cover further has front and rear arches for strength; these arches are also collapsible for storage. Still further, the cover may be removed from a bed while assembled so that it might be converted into a free-standing awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Adrian Corbett
  • Patent number: 6916060
    Abstract: An arm assembly for a cover of a truck comprises a base, an intermediate segment, and an extension. The base is pivotably connected to the truck proximate a top of a cab of the truck. The intermediate segment is pivotably connected to the base, and the extension is connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the intermediate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
  • Patent number: 6913175
    Abstract: A load carrier has a pair of rails each being affixed to one of the two side walls of the open bed of a pickup truck. Each rail has a longitudinally extending slot along which a bar slides. A bracket is connected to each bar. The two ends of a stringer are connected to the two brackets so that stringer extends transversely across the open bed for supporting a load. Instead of bars, clamps are used to connect the brackets to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Donald Martin
  • Patent number: 6905161
    Abstract: A tarpaulin bow cover system for vehicle such as lorries or trailers includes a number of U-shaped bow members which cover the width of a loading platform of the vehicle and for opening or closing the cover by means of rollers or roller trolleys can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the loading platform along running or guide rails positioned along the two lateral sides of the loading platform. When the cover system is closed the bow members on their bow elements, which define an upper limit, support a tarpaulin which covers the loading platform or the loading area of the vehicle. A first terminal bow member is immovably fixed to a face end of the loading platform and a second mobile terminal bow member is assigned to at least one fixing or locking device which is positioned at the other end of the loading platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Edscha LKW-Schiebeverdecke GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Fliege, Roger Remmel, Josef Drasch
  • Patent number: 6905162
    Abstract: A tent enclosure for a pickup truck cargo box includes a pair of support tracks mounted to the side rails of the cargo box, a number of flexible support rods connected to the support tracks, and a fabric siding spanning the support rods and connected to the support tracks. The flexible support rods can be made up of multiple sections linked together, and, being longer than the width of the cargo box, describe an arch when connected to the support tracks. The forwardmost support rod can be secured to the truck cab. The fabric siding includes a U-channel edge for engaging the support track on each side of the cargo box, and is stretched over the support rods. The tent enclosure includes a door assembly for the end of the cargo box, which may be formed of fabric and integral with the fabric siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Lester, E. Mackey King, Gerald Olszewski
  • Patent number: 6902218
    Abstract: The invention relates to covering for a utility vehicle superstructure that includes a tarpaulin made of cloth and having two lateral edges, the tarpaulin having elements which are prestressed in an opening direction. The lateral edges of the tarpaulin can each be secured laterally by a pivoting strip, respectively. The covering enables a superstructure opening of a utility vehicle superstructure to be closed when a lateral tarpaulin edge is jammed in the pivoting strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Edscha LKW-Schiebeverdecke GmbH
    Inventors: Roger Remmel, Rainer Freimann, Lars Remmel
  • Patent number: 6832803
    Abstract: A truck tonneau for covering a bed of a truck includes a cover having a portion that is at least translucent. The cover can include at least two distinct layers, a first, polymeric layer and a second, fabric reinforcing layer. The fabric reinforcing layer can have a light diffusing pattern formed therein to enhance a light diffusing property of the cover. A fastener can be coupled to the cover to enable fastening of the cover over the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Global Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Byrne Elliott
  • Publication number: 20040245800
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6824189
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for wrapping a tarp around a load. The system generally includes a cart that attaches to a tarp, a rigid pole placed within the tarp connecting the cart to the tarp. Typically, a powered winch includes a strap wrapped around it and the strap is connected to the cart. The winch can be connected to the cart, or to the frame of the trailer. In operation, the powered winch is energized thereby winding the strap around the winch spool, thereby drawing the cart to the trailer load and up one side of the trailer load, across the top and down the other side at which time the tarp is fully placed around the load. Multiple overlapping wheels are connected to the cart. Once the load is covered, the system can be disconnected and stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry Crabb
  • Patent number: 6814389
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6814388
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20040212212
    Abstract: A fastening system for a flexible cover system for a truck box includes a first fastening means on the side edges of the flexible cover and a second fastening means that releasably engages with the first fastening means. The second fastening means comprises a fastening surface disposed on an elongated slat, and is slidingly received in channel portions of side rails mounted on the side of the truck box. The first fastening means can be one member of a hook and loop type fastener and the second fastening surface can be the mating member of the hook and loop type fastener. The elongated slat may also be shorter than the channel portions of the side rail to permit the slat to slide within the channel during operation of the cover system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Shur Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Spencer, Jerry R. Dimmer
  • Patent number: 6805395
    Abstract: A tarpaulin rod securing device for use with a vehicle having an open area covered by a tarpaulin, the device comprising a first member having a recess formed therein with an access opening to the recess, and a second movable member which is movable between first and second positions, the second movable member permitting a rod to enter the recess while preventing withdrawal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Réal Royer
  • Publication number: 20040150246
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20040108746
    Abstract: A truck tonneau for covering a bed of a truck includes a cover having a portion that is at least translucent. The cover can include at least two distinct layers, a first, polymeric layer and a second, fabric reinforcing layer. The fabric reinforcing layer can have a light diffusing pattern formed therein to enhance a light diffusing property of the cover. A fastener can be coupled to the cover to enable fastening of the cover over the truck bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Global Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Byrne Elliott
  • Patent number: 6709043
    Abstract: An apparatus that may be removably attached to a golf cart for covering a bag storage area of the golf cart may include a top panel sized to cover the bag storage area, fasteners for releasably coupling the top panel to the golf cart, a first side panel and a second side panel each having a respective upper edge wherein a first segment of each respective upper edge is connected to a corresponding respective edge of the top panel, fasteners for releasably coupling the first side panel and the second side panel to the golf cart, a back panel having a rear upper edge and a pair of lateral edges, the back panel positioned between the first side panel and the second side panel wherein the back panel is connected along a portion of each lateral edge to a respective portion of the first side panel and the second side panel and wherein a portion of the rear upper edge is connected to the top panel, and fasteners for releasably coupling the top panel to at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Pro Line Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Beusse, Albert James Light
  • Patent number: 6688668
    Abstract: A retainer system for vehicle soft tops and tonneau covers. The system includes a belt attached to the edge of the fabric of the top or tonneau cover and a channel member mounted on the vehicle to selectively receive the belt. The belt is provided with a stop mechanism to positively prevent the belt from peeling out of the retaining channel member farther than desired. In the preferred embodiments, the stop mechanism is a notch or cutout in the belt. With the present retainer system, the notch will effectively stop the peel or withdrawal of the belt from the retaining channel at a predetermined location along the channel. In this manner, the belt and attached top or tonneau cover can be partially removed from engagement along the channel member to make it easier and quicker for the operator to perform a number of desirable tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Stevens, Rick H. Troeger, Nancy L. Brunner, Timothy J. Gile
  • Patent number: 6676189
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle bed includes track members, support members, a flexible cover, and a reversible motor. The support members are movably arranged on the track members such that (1) movement of a distal one of the support members in the opening or closing direction causes the distal support member to push or pull each of the other support members in a sequential manner in the opening or closing direction. A drive cable is engaged with a gear operatively connected to the motor in intermeshed relation such that (a) rotation of the gear by the motor in a first rotational direction pushes the cable in a distal direction to push the distal support member in the closing direction and (b) rotation of the gear in a second rotation direction pulls the cable in a proximal direction to pull the distal support member in the opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Schall, Thomas Murray, Anthony E. Michon, Michael J. McIsaac, Thomas J. Mack, Daniel G. Beohmer
  • Patent number: 6669264
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably attaching a cover to an open-topped vehicle enclosure including a cover attachment member, a plurality of cover attachment clip members and a plurality of rail members attached to the top of a side wall of the enclosure by any suitable means. A cover attachment member affixed to a peripheral element of a cover is engageable with the cover attachment clip members, which are engageable with the rail members. The cover attachment member may be attached to the rail member in various different positions to accommodate variations in the cover dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Design Automotive Group, Inc.
    Inventor: W. David Tucker
  • Patent number: 6637800
    Abstract: An improved tarp cover system for covering the open-topped container body of a vehicle is characterized by the provision of a generally U-shaped inverted hold-down arm that is pivotally connected with the front wall of the container body and that is spring biased to apply a downward force on the front portion of the cover when the container is in the completely closed condition, thereby to reduce flapping of the cover during transport. The flexible tarp cover is wound on a roll that is rotatably supported adjacent the front wail of the container. In a first embodiment, to cover the container, the free end of the cover is displaced rearwardly of the container by a cover arm that is pivotally connected with the side walls of the container. The cover arm is biased toward its rearmost container covering position by a pair of side mounted spring arrangements that include compression springs that are concealed within the hollow leg portions of the cover arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Steven A. Henning
  • Publication number: 20030197394
    Abstract: A fastening system for a flexible cover system for a truck box includes a first fastening material on the side edges of the flexible cover and a second fastening material that releasably engages with the first fastening material. The second fastening material comprises a fastening surface bonded to a substantially rigid elongated slat, and is slidingly received in channel portions of side rails mounted on the side of the truck box. The first fastening material can be one member of a hook and loop type fastener and the second fastening material can be the mating member of the hook and loop type fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry R. Dimmer
  • Patent number: 6619719
    Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus comprises a frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced apart side rails, an end rail, and a pair of connector assemblies. The connector assemblies are coupled to the end rail, and are movably mounted to an associated side rail to thereby movably interconnect the end rail to the side rails. A pair of springs bias the connector assemblies in a direction outwardly from the side rails such that the end rail applies a force to the flexible cover to maintain the flexible cover in a taut state. Each connector assembly includes a fixed component and a rotatable component. The fixed component includes an aperture and a first plug end secured to an associated side rail. The rotatable component includes a post end and a third plug end removably secured to the end rail. The post end is thus removably secured to the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20030168879
    Abstract: A ladder rack cover designed for the pick up truck and four post utility ladder rack mounted on the walls or bed of the truck which is fabric based, attached to the ladder rack and bed of the pick up truck creating a weather resistant shell for the protection of goods in the bed or on the ladder rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Mike Grudek
  • Patent number: 6607234
    Abstract: A Tonneau Cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, a latching member movably attached to the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate and the end plate engagement member are provided with complimentarily shaped surfaces which enable the end plate to engage with and swing around or pivot with respect to the support frame into and out of a fixed, stretching position where the flexible cover may be alternatively tensed and relaxed. The end plate may be retained in the fixed, stretching position by a latching member that operatively connects the end plate to the support frame or a locking member that operatively connects the support frame to the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 6592174
    Abstract: A structural support for frame and grid constructions of vehicle cabs and transport elements includes at least two profile parts, e.g., an outer profile part and an inner profile part, the profile parts being connectable together such as with an adhesive. Preferably the outer profile part is made of a metal such as aluminum, and the inner profile part is made of a plastic and particularly a fiber-reinforced plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Ulrich Röllin, Samuel Streiff
  • Patent number: 6588825
    Abstract: A diverter for diverting rain water and inhibiting it from leaking into a cargo box of an automotive vehicles, such as a pick-up truck. The diverter is positioned below a front rail of a tonneau cover frame and includes a horizontal portion extending along the length of the front rail of the tonneau cover frame. A plurality of ribs in a top of the horizontal portion define channels for diverting rain water. The diverter includes a vertical portion coupled to the horizontal portion and adapted to be positioned adjacent to a storage container. Preferably, a width of the horizontal portion is such to accommodate a range of different sized storage containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6585309
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Penda Corporation
    Inventor: Terry Dicke
  • Patent number: 6575520
    Abstract: A flexible cover system for a truck box includes a tension control assembly that allows both manual and automatic control of the tension of the flexible cover when covering the truck box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Shur Company
    Inventor: Michael R. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20030102698
    Abstract: A retainer system for vehicle soft tops and tonneau covers. The system includes a belt attached to the edge of the fabric of the top or tonneau cover and a channel member mounted on the vehicle to selectively receive the belt. The belt is provided with a stop mechanism to positively prevent the belt from peeling out of the retaining channel member farther than desired. In the preferred embodiments, the stop mechanism is a notch or cutout in the belt. With the present retainer system, the notch will effectively stop the peel or withdrawal of the belt from the retaining channel at a predetermined location along the channel. In this manner, the belt and attached top or tonneau cover can be partially removed from engagement along the channel member to make it easier and quicker for the operator to perform a number of desirable tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Michael C. Stevens, Rick H. Troeger, Nancy L. Brunner, Charles A. Brunner, Timothy J. Gile
  • Publication number: 20030102691
    Abstract: Protective device for a luggage area of the vehicle. A protective device with at least one holder for the seat, at least one flexible flat structure that can be moved into at least one withdrawn functional position and into a compact resting position in the holder is prior art. According to the invention, the holder is held on a mounting system that can be moved so that the holder can be changed into at least two different positions within the vehicle. Use for station wagons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Werner P. Schlecht, Holger Seel
  • Patent number: 6568740
    Abstract: A fastening system for a flexible cover system for a truck box includes a first fastening material on the side edges of the flexible cover and a second fastening material that releasably engages with the first fastening material. The second fastening material comprises a fastening surface bonded to a substantially rigid elongated slat, and is slidingly received in channel portions of side rails mounted on the sides of the truck box. The first fastening material can be one member of a hook and loop type fastener and the second fastening material can be the mating member of the hook and loop type fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Shur Company
    Inventor: Jerry R. Dimmer
  • Publication number: 20030085585
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Terry Dicke
  • Patent number: 6543835
    Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, a latching member movably attached to the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate and the end plate engagement member are preferably provided with complementarily shaped surfaces which enable the end plate to engage with and swing around or pivot with respect to the support frame into and out of a fixed, stretching position where the flexible cover may be alternatively tensed and relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Steven C. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 6543659
    Abstract: A collapsible container for a truck bed includes a weather resistant, flexible envelope. There are two frames engaged with two ends of the envelope, respectively, and two support members connected with each of two side walls of the envelope. The support members are pivotable relative to each other and the frames. The collapsible container may be extended for use as a container with the envelope supported by the frames and the support members to define a substantially box shaped enclosure. The collapsible container may also be folded for storing, with the frames and the support members arranged in a stacked relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Saint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Blair
  • Patent number: 6513856
    Abstract: In a tarp system used to cover an open container such as a truck, the tarp being connected on one longitudinal edge to a roll bar, an improved mechanism for assisting movement of the roll bar comprises one or more constant force springs, each spring attached at one end to a longitudinal side of the container and at the other end to a reel mounted on the roll bar. When the roll bar is at one side of the container, the tarp is rolled around the roll bar and the constant force springs are extended. As the bar rolls across to the opposite side, the tarp is unrolled to cover the container opening, and the constant force springs wind into a coil around the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Shur Company
    Inventors: Bradford P. Swanson, Christopher J. McCallum
  • Patent number: 6499791
    Abstract: A vehicle tonneau system having a flexible fabric cover and a rail system having flanges attached to a vehicle for mounting the flexible fabric cover in which elongated fasteners for attaching the flexible cover to the rail flanges are provided with a hinging portion. A portion of the fastener is pivoted about the hinging portion which eases the initial removal of the fastener. Once a distal end of the fastener is moved past a terminal edge of the rail flange, the remainder of the fastener easily peels from the frame, by lifting the flexible fabric cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20020180235
    Abstract: A vehicle tonneau system having a flexible fabric cover and a rail system having flanges attached to a vehicle for mounting the flexible fabric cover in which elongated fasteners for attaching the flexible cover to the rail flanges are provided with a hinging portion. A portion of the fastener is pivoted about the hinging portion which eases the initial removal of the fastener. Once a distal end of the fastener is moved past a terminal edge of the rail flange, the remainder of the fastener easily peels from the frame, by lifting the flexible fabric cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6485083
    Abstract: A net is located on the top surface of a truck trailer or box body on a truck that traps and holds in place snow or ice that forms on the flat tops of the truck or trailer. The mesh of the net aids in breaking up the snow or ice into smaller lumps and thus redices the hazard from sheet of ice or snow slipping from the top of trucks or trailers as they travel on highways. A plastic or rope mesh material held above the surface of the truck or trailer top is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis Giannias
  • Patent number: 6481780
    Abstract: A golf bag cover attachment for the rear compartment of a golf cart that protects golf bags and equipment from inclement weather, such as rainfall. The golf bag cover attachment includes a plurality of elongate members that are secured together to form a semi-rigid structure that can be selectively moved into and out of an operative condition to cover the equipment platform on which the golf bags are placed. The golf bag cover attachment is strong, lightweight, durable, easy to install, and can be attached to golf carts with little effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Eagle Parts and Products, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank Dolan, Robert Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6474719
    Abstract: An improved tarp cover system for covering the open-topped container body of a vehicle is characterized by the provision of generally U-shaped inverted hold-down arm that is pivotally connected with the front wall of the container body and that is spring biased to apply a downward force on the front portion of the cover when the container is in the completely closed condition, thereby to reduce flapping of the cover during transport. The flexible tarp cover is wound on a roll that is rotatably supported adjacent the front wall of the container. In a first embodiment, to cover the container, the free end of the cover is displaced rearwardly of the container by a cover arm that is pivotally connected with the side walls of the container. The cover arm is biased toward its rearmost container covering position by a pair of side mounted spring arrangements that include compression springs that are concealed within the hollow leg portions of the cover arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Henning
  • Patent number: 6474720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tarpaulin fixture for canopies of utility vehicles, notably folding canopies for vehicle superstructures and containers, comprising a canopy frame made of upper longitudinal booms (2) which cover the length of the loading area and are supported in relation to the vehicle chassis by means of a upright supports and stakes. Bows (3) which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and support a roof cover, notably a tarpaulin, are supported on the upper longitudinal booms (2) of the canopy frame in such a way that their end faces or caps (4) placed onto same laterally overlap the longitudinal booms (4). Especially side wall tarpaulins are fixed by irremovable clips passing through eyelets or at least recesses in the tarpaulin to support elements, such as the fixing plate of suspension slides or bow caps, arranged at intervals to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Edscha LKW-Schiebeverdecke GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Fliege, Josef Drasch, Roger Remmel
  • Patent number: 6435599
    Abstract: A device for tensioning a side tarpaulin on a mounting structure, such as a vehicle superstructure, includes an abutment element attachable to the mounting structure, at least one side tarpaulin tightener separate from the abutment element being attachable to the side tarpaulin and swivelable into the abutment element to a closed position therein so as to apply a desired tension to the side tarpaulin, and a latch mechanism pivotally attached to the side tarpaulin tightener and engageable with the abutment element upon swiveling of the side tarpaulin tightener to the closed position for releasably securing the side tarpaulin tightener to the abutment element at the closed position and for retaining the side tarpaulin tightener at the closed position independent of the tension exerted on the side tarpaulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Miederhoff OHG
    Inventor: Johannes Than
  • Publication number: 20020109371
    Abstract: A pivoting rail assembly for use in a tonneau cover for covering an area of a vehicle, the vehicle area being bounded by spaced walls and the walls including a forward wall, side walls and a rear wall. The pivoting rail assembly comprises an elongated base rail having a pivot portion and a conjunct feature and further comprises a pivot rail having pivot portion and a conjunct feature. The pivot portions are cooperatively engaged and permit relative rotational movement of the base and pivot rails between a closed position, an open position and a release position. The conjunct features are cooperatively engaged in the closed and open positions to prevent the base and pivot rails from disengaging. In the release position, the conjunct features are not cooperatively engaged and the pivot rail is disengageable from the base rail. The conjunct features are disengaged from one another solely as a result of movement of the base rail and the pivot rail into the release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20020096902
    Abstract: A flexible pick-up box enclosable liner for use in a motor vehicle having a pick-up box rear compartment. The flexible pick-up box liner includes an enclosable liner arranged to form a base portion, several sidewalls, and an upper portion, which collectively define an internal compartment, as well as an adjustable fastener system for selectively reducing and expanding the volume of the internal compartment. The liner preferably includes several fasteners for attaching the liner to a pick-up box, and a structural support system for retaining the upper portion of the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Oswald, Del C. Schroeder, John Sabol, William W. Doolittle III