Abstract: The invention relates to an openable structure for a substrate, such as a lorry, trailer, semitrailer, railway wagon, dumper truck or container, comprising a tarpaulin framework to which, for example, a tarpaulin made of weather-resistant material or a plurality of hingedly couplable wall elements can be connected, wherein the tarpaulin framework has a plurality of slides which are shiftable along at least one guide, wherein the guide comprises a longitudinal member element along which the slides are shiftable. An openable structure permitting smooth opening and closing of the structure is provided according to the invention in that the longitudinal member element is arranged adjustably at least in sections in a direction transversely with respect to the shifting direction of the slides.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for use with a tonneau cover assembly is provided. Illustratively, the clamp assembly may include a first clamp member, a second clamp member, a clamp fastener, and at least one shim. The second clamp member is located opposite the first clamp member to form a space located therebetween. The clamp fastener is extended through the space between the first clamp member and the second clamp member. The at least one shim is located in the space between the first clamp member and the second clamp member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for shipping of fabricated rectangular wooden modules used for construction of a wood frame structure and for shipping of other bulky items are described. In particular, the disclosure features a modified shipping container for shipping the fabricated rectangular wooden modules and methods of loading, transporting, and unloading the fabricated rectangular wooden modules. The modified shipping container features a removable header system and a removable cover. The fabricated rectangular wooden modules include a module length axis, a module width axis, a bounded wood perimeter, and joists or rafters oriented perpendicularly to the module length axis, and are stacked as cargo in the interior of the container such that joists or rafters of the fabricated rectangular wooden modules are substantially vertical and the length axes of the modules are substantially parallel to a length axis of the container.

Abstract: There is described a system for assembling a frame for a containing structure adapted to be mounted on a vehicle chassis. The system comprises a plurality of joints, each having a central core and a plurality of arms extending from the central core and forming securing members for a respective plurality of segments of tubular profile.

Abstract: A bed cap configured for attachment to a top surface of a bed wall defining a cargo area of a vehicle, the bed cap assembly includes: a first channel extending at least partially along a length of the bed cap and configured to collect fluid and/or debris; a first opening for evacuating the fluid and/or debris from the first channel; a tonneau cover supporting surface extending at least partially along the length of the bed cap, wherein the tonneau cover supporting surface comprises a planar surface that is arranged inboard of the channel in vehicle position; and a seal provided between the tonneau cover supporting surface and a bottom surface of a tonneau cover that is supported by the tonneau cover supporting surface.

Abstract: Provided herein is an auto locking mechanism for use with a flat bed and a sliding tarpaulin system. The auto locking mechanism comprises a stationary guide having a longitudinal axis, where the stationary guide is securable to the flat bed between the flat bed and the sliding tarpaulin system, and a mobile component slidably coupled to the stationary guide along the longitudinal axis. The auto locking mechanism also includes an actuator that is operatively coupled to the mobile component. The actuator is adapted to impart motion to the mobile component relative to the stationary guide. The auto locking mechanism further includes an engagement arm secured to the mobile component for engagement with the sliding tarpaulin system. Movement imparted on the mobile component by the actuator slides the mobile component and the engagement arm relative to the stationary guide, thereby moving the sliding tarpaulin system relative to the flat bed.

Abstract: A striker assembly comprising: (a) a latch that releasably engages a tonneau cover or a truck cap; and (b) an actuator in communication with the latch to actuate the latch between an open position and a closed position, wherein the actuation causes the tonneau cover or the truck cap to move between the open position and the closed position; wherein actuation is initiated wirelessly based on an input signal received by the actuator.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a tray, and an orientation restriction mechanism. The tray is rotatably connected to the housing. One end of the orientation restriction mechanism is adjustably connected to the housing, and the other end of the orientation restriction mechanism is adjustably connected to the tray. When the tray is in the first tray orientation, the orientation restriction mechanism has a first mechanism length, and when the tray is in the second tray orientation, the orientation restriction mechanism has a second mechanism length.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for shipping of fabricated rectangular wooden modules used for construction of a wood frame structure and for shipping of other bulky items are described. In particular, the disclosure features a modified shipping container for shipping the fabricated rectangular wooden modules and methods of loading, transporting, and unloading the fabricated rectangular wooden modules. The modified shipping container features a removable header system and a removable cover. The fabricated rectangular wooden modules include a module length axis, a module width axis, a bounded wood perimeter, and joists or rafters oriented perpendicularly to the module length axis, and are stacked as cargo in the interior of the container such that joists or rafters of the fabricated rectangular wooden modules are substantially vertical and the length axes of the modules are substantially parallel to a length axis of the container.

Abstract: A bed cap configured for attachment to a tailgate of a vehicle, the bed cap includes a channel configured to collect fluid and/or debris, the channel comprising a first opening for evacuating the fluid and/or debris from within the channel.

Abstract: A bed cap configured for placement on a top surface of a bed wall defining a cargo area of a vehicle, the top surface defined between an inside wall and an outside wall, the bed cap covering the top surface between the inside wall and the outside wall at least along a section of a length of the bed wall, wherein the bed cap comprises a channel configured to collect fluid and/or debris and an opening for evacuating the fluid and/or debris from the channel.

Abstract: A continuous sealing flat for a truck cargo box for a unibody motor vehicle includes a pair of parallel opposed top side rails and a cab back panel disposed between and orthogonally thereto. A central portion of the cab back panel has a central ledge having a substantially flat upper surface extending horizontally between each of the pair of parallel opposed top side rails. A pair of corner members is disposed over and proximate a forward end of each of the parallel opposed top side rails. A forward end of a horizontal portion of each of the pair of corner members comprises a flat upper surface proximate to and at substantially the same vertical height as a vertical height of the flat upper surface of the central ledge to form a substantially continuous corner flat upper surface.

Abstract: A truck cover system is proposed according to some embodiments of the present invention. The truck cover system includes: a rail coupled to a wall of a truck, wherein the rail comprises a channel on a top portion of the rail and a latching slot at a side of the rail; a latching insert inserted in the latching slot, wherein the latching insert comprises a first through hole and a positioning hole; a latching positioner comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the latching positioner comprises a second through hole aligned with the first through hole and a positioning pin aligned with the positioning hole, wherein the latching positioner further comprise a stop plate pivotably coupled to the second side of the latching positioner; and a latching housing releasably latched to the latching positioner.

Abstract: A rolling tarp deployment system includes a trailer, a bulkhead fixed to the trailer, first and second bows movable along the trailer, first and second tensioning assemblies, and a cover. The first tensioning assembly has a first member secured to the first bow, a second member secured to the bulkhead, and a first actuator configured to engage the first and second members to restrain the first bow to the bulkhead. The second tensioning assembly has a third member secured to the second bow, a fourth member fixed to the trailer, and a second actuator configured to engage the third and fourth members and move the second bow away from the bulkhead. The cover is tensioned when both the first and second members and the third and fourth members are engaged.

Abstract: This invention provides a clip locking device including a first clip body, a second clip body, and a fastener. The first clip body has a protruding piece, the first clip body sliding fits with the sliding groove on the guide rail by the protruding piece. The fastener is mounted at the first clip body for pressing the first clip body tightly against the guide rail. The second clip body is detachably connected with the first clip body, the second clip body has a vertical sheet, the vertical sheet is used for connecting with the locking tongue. By the first clip body, the protruding piece, and the fastener, mounted the first clip body to the guide rail, and the position of the first clip body on the guide rail can be adjusted by adjusting the fastener.

Abstract: A rear corner element for a truck bed cover serve to guide rainwater exterior to the truck bed wall. The rear corner element has a mounting part and a cover part. The mounting part has a base mounting part adapted for being secured on top of the rear end of a side wall of the truck bed in elongated of a coupling rail adapted for mounting a roll-up truck bed cover to said side wall of the truck bed, a first front end part configured to be assembled to a free rear end of the coupling rail in lengthwise extension of said coupling rail, a first rear end part opposite the first front end part, and at least one rainwater diverting channel and/or chamber extending lengthwise of the mounting part from the rainwater inlet to the first rear end part.

Abstract: A tonneau system for use with a bed of a pickup truck. The tonneau system includes a tonneau cover and latch assemblies to retain the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck. The cover is moveable between an unfolded positon where the cover encloses the bed and a folded position where the bed is uncovered. The latch assemblies can include latch bases that define discreet mounting positons for a latch handle assembly that employ retention members to retain the latch handle assembly in a particular mounting positon. Another latch assembly includes a latch base having an endless belt to positon the latch handle assembly. A rail attachment is also provided to mount to the bed and provide an anchor point for keep in to tonneau cover engage over the bed.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly for supporting a tonneau cover comprising: opposing frame rails locatable on a cargo area of a vehicle, each of the opposing frame rails having one or more slots formed therein; and one or more inserts that fit within the one or more slots respectively; wherein the one or more inserts are shaped to fit substantially flush with a transverse cross-sectional profile of the opposing frame rails.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo area of a vehicle. The tonneau cover system includes a tonneau cover and a bed rail system. The bed rail system includes a tonneau rail and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes an attachment block that is configured to attach to the bed wall. An attachment finger of the tonneau rail is configured to engage the attachment block to attach the tonneau rail to the bed wall.

Abstract: An automated tarping device and system is provided, wherein the at least two swing arm devices of the tarping system are configured to be enclosed within the side walls and frame of the trailer, when the automated tarping system is in a fully closed position so as to cover the opening of the trailer with the tarp assembly. When the system is in a closed position, the swing arm devices themselves are covered by the tarp. The system also includes a tarp assembly comprising a flexible tarp and first and second resilient actuating ribs. The attaching member of each swing arm device releasably couples to an actuating rib, and the tarp and the first and second actuating ribs of the tarp assembly are transversely disposed across, so as to cover, the opening of the trailer when the arm devices are in the closed position.

Abstract: A tonneau cover bed rail assembly that includes: a first bed rail section; a second rail section; and a connector configured to join together the first rail section and the second rail section. At least one seal arranged between an end of the first bed rail section and an end of the second bed rail section. The tonneau cover bed rail assembly is configured to extend along a length of a bed wall of cargo area of a pickup truck.

Abstract: A locking device for a carriage cover includes a limit locking clamp assembly and a lock catch assembly, wherein the limit locking clamp assembly is detachably disposed at the carriage of the vehicle body and is provided with a limit step and a limit protrusion disposed at the lower surface of the limit step; and the lock catch assembly is disposed at the carriage cover and is provided with a lock bolt and a limit groove formed in the lock bolt, the lock bolt is clamped into the limit step, and the limit protrusion is clamped into the limit groove to connect the lock catch assembly to the limit locking clamp assembly, so that the carriage cover is mounted on the carriage. The carriage cover is reliably connected to the vehicle body and is not prone to getting loose or moving.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck cargo box comprising a tonneau cover sized and shaped for covering the cargo box. A side rail comprises a first clamping surface adapted to engage the first side of the downward flange. A rod has a rod axis and is mounted on the side rail. A clamp body is mounted on the rod and includes a clamp arm having a second clamping surface adapted to engage the second side of the side rail. A cam is included with one of the side rail and the clamp body. A cam follower engages with the cam. The cam follower is included with the other one of the side rail and the clamp body. Movement of the clamp body along the axis of the rod advances the cam follower along the cam to thereby move the first clamping surface toward the downward flange.

Abstract: The adjustable fixture for a cover plate of a pickup truck includes a mounting seat, a sliding seat and a sliding block. The lower end of the mounting seat is provided with a horizontal sliding slot, and the lengthwise direction of the horizontal sliding slot is parallel to the lengthwise direction of the mounting seat. The sliding seat is engaged in and slidable in the horizontal sliding slot, and is provided with a first elongated slot. The sliding block is engaged in and slidable in the sliding seat A quick-detachable component passes through the first elongated slot and is connected with said sliding block. A tension spring is provided between the sliding block and the sliding seat. The upper end plane of the sliding block extends rearwards so as to form a connection part, and an end of the connection part bends upwards so as to form a clamping part.

Abstract: A gap seal for a tonneau cover assembly is provided to seal between a front rail, a sliding element, and a side wall of a vehicle between the front rail and the sliding element. The gap seal includes a base, an extension extending from a first side of the base, the extension being disposed in the front rail, and a series of lips extending from a second side of the base, the lips each having a distal edge making sealing contact with the sliding element and a bottom edge making sealing contact with the side wall. Notches in the bottom of the lips allow the lips to easily move with the sliding element.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck cargo box comprising a tonneau cover sized and shaped for covering the cargo box. A side rail comprises a first clamping surface adapted to engage the first side of the downward flange. A rod has a rod axis and is mounted on the side rail. A clamp body is mounted on the rod and includes a clamp arm having a second clamping surface adapted to engage the second side of the side rail. A cam is included with one of the side rail and the clamp body. A cam follower engages with the cam. The cam follower is included with the other one of the side rail and the clamp body. Movement of the clamp body along the axis of the rod advances the cam follower along the cam to thereby move the first clamping surface toward the downward flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a tarp systems, in particular, to improvements to various aspects of a tarp tensioning system. The tarp tensioning system has a plurality of frames, the frames having two or more bow members and a biasing mechanism coupled therebetween to maintain tension on the tarp.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck cargo box comprising a tonneau cover sized and shaped for covering the cargo box. A side rail comprises a first clamping surface adapted to engage the first side of the downward flange. A rod has a rod axis and is mounted on the side rail. A clamp body is mounted on the rod and includes a clamp arm having a second clamping surface adapted to engage the second side of the side rail. A cam is included with one of the side rail and the clamp body. A cam follower engages with the cam. The cam follower is included with the other one of the side rail and the clamp body. Movement of the clamp body along the axis of the rod advances the cam follower along the cam to thereby move the first clamping surface toward the second clamping surface.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly with a top cover connected to a cable tensioning system that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension the top cover. The cable tension system seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and fabric management bows of the assembly in place. The assembly includes a front attachment assembly and rear attachment assembly connected to cables, where the front attachment provides a forward mounting location and seals a front bow to the vehicle. The rear attachment assembly holds the top cover in a closed tensioned state until the cover is opened by an operator. The tonneau cover assembly reduces weight and complexity, while eliminating the need for side rails.

Abstract: A tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer or vehicle. The device has a flexible and resilient tube assembly bowed from a normally straight position under tension to an arched position outwardly from the trailer or vehicle. The tube assembly may be removably mounted to the side walls of the trailer or vehicle via brackets with angled bores therethrough. The tube assembly comprises an outer tube, an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube, a rod located substantially within an outer tube, or a rod located substantially within an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a tarp systems, in particular, to improvements to various aspects of a tarp tensioning system. The tarp tensioning system has a plurality of frames, the frames having two or more bow members and a biasing mechanism coupled therebetween to maintain tension on the tarp.

Abstract: A device for covering at least part of a container using a tarpaulin, comprising: a rod for rolling the tarpaulin thereonto and unrolling of the tarpaulin therefrom; a support arm mountable to the container for rotatably supporting the rod, the support arm being pivotally movable relative to the container; a rod actuator for selectively rotating the rod; and an arm biasing element for biasing the support arm towards a predetermined position. Rotating the rod using the rod actuator to roll the tarpaulin therearound moves the support arm towards a support arm first position to move the tarpaulin to a tarpaulin retracted configuration and rotating the rod using the rod actuator to unroll the tarpaulin therefrom moves the support arm towards a support arm second position to move the tarpaulin to a tarpaulin extended configuration.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a pickup bed having a bracket system connectable with a side wall of the pickup bed having a ratchet receiving member, a tonneau cover assembly having a pivotal first cover section and a second section, and a latching system operably coupled between the tonneau cover assembly and the bracket system. The latching system includes a ratchet striker member operably coupled to the tonneau cover assembly selectively engageable with the ratchet receiving member of the bracket system to define a latched condition of the first cover section of the tonneau cover assembly relative to the bracket system. An actuation system is operably coupled to the latching system to permit actuation of the latching system. The actuation system includes an actuation lever operably coupled to a drive member and the drive member being coupled to the latching system for actuation of the ratchet striker member.

Abstract: A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A roll tarp system is provided which includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position in which the tarp covers the open top to an open position in which the open top is exposed, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion. The arm assembly biases the roll pipe toward the closed position when the roll pipe is in the open position.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo area of a vehicle. The system may comprise a flexible cover mounted to a main support frame. The flexible cover may include a folded portion such that the cover is operable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In the collapsed position, the flexible cover is substantially planar, in the expanded position, the flexible cover is able to cover loads taller than the sidewalls of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck cargo bed incorporates hinge assemblies to allow individual panels to open, close or fold over on top of each other. To provide individual compartments within a cargo bed, the main hinge assembly of a foldable tonneau cover system provides for a secondary hinge assembly for the addition of a pivoting lock in place isolation wall.

Abstract: Storable exterior lift cover systems, apparatus, devices, methods, etc. are configured to be used in connection with a lift device or the like (such as an exterior lift used to raise, transport, store and lower mobility devices like scooters, power chairs and the like) mounted to a motor vehicle using a trailer hitch or the like. To aid in protecting the lift and any cargo thereon, a covering apparatus has a foldable frame that can be unfolded to allow a pliable material cover to extend over the lift platform and any cargo. Retraction of the cover and folding of the frame compactly configures and stores the cover apparatus, for example in space between the lift platform and a motor vehicle to which the lift is secured. Embodiments of the storable exterior lift cover system permit easily deployment and storage of a cover that can be reliably transported externally in its deployed or stored configuration.

Abstract: Pickup truck bed tonneau covers and varieties thereof are manufactured using universal components. An outer frame is made from rails cut from universal rail stock. Universal, adjustable corner brackets can be fixed into a desired position to accommodate all different angles at the corners of the tonneau cover. Intermediate cross car rails are cut from universal rail stock and all are coupled to the outer frame via universal intermediate rail brackets. Opposing pairs of universal hinge brackets are used for all hinges of the tonneau cover. Thus, the tooling required to make a variety of tonneau covers is greatly reduced. An elongated step is adjacent to, and protrudes downwardly beyond, a seal coupling channel with a compressible seal extends along the outer frame. The downwardly protruding elongated step member acts as a continuous elongated stop, limiting compression of the seal member.

Abstract: A bow system is provided for an open-topped container body having a cover sized and configured to extend laterally across the body from one side rail to the other side rail. The bow system includes a plurality of curved bows pivotably mounted at one end to one side rail and sized to extend in a curved path over the open-top of the container body to engage the other side rail at an opposite end of the bows. A ridge pole assembly is provided that includes first and second ridge pole segments, each of the segments pivotably engaged to a corresponding number of the plurality of curved bows. A tether element is coupled between the facing ends of the ridge pole segments that permits movement of the segments relative to each other as the bow system is moved between a deployed configuration in which the plurality of curved bows extend across the open-top of the container body and a retracted position in which the curved bows are substantially outside the open-top of the container body.

Abstract: Tonneau cover assemblies including a cover and side rails that are attached to sidewalls of the cargo box. The cover and side rails include magnetic fastener elements or a combination of hook and loop and magnetic fasteners to secure the cover to the side rails. Preferably, the respective side rails will have a raised ridge so that magnets on the respective sides of the cover can abut against this raised ridge to prevent the magnets from sliding off of the side rail. Various embodiments further include an end plate having two spring biased locking members and a draw cord interconnecting the two locking members; wherein the draw cord includes a pull loop which can be drawn away from the end plate to draw the respective locking members away from respective the side rails so that the end plate can be disengaged from the respective side rails.

Abstract: A tri folding tonneau cover having multiplicity of cross beams, a soft cover extending over the frame, a set of adjustable front locking system attached onto the two ends of a cross-beam located close to the front side of the frame, and a set of rear latching mechanism. The rear latching mechanism comprising of a set of latches, cables, guiding spools and a cable handle. Each cable can release one latch and all cables are connected to the cable handle through the guiding spools. Therefore, all latched can be released at the same time with pulling onto the cable handle.

Abstract: Generally disclosed is a device for simply and inexpensively tarping the payload of any truck bed without placing the tarper, the tarp, or the payload in danger of injury. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed device generally comprises: (1) a rolled or bunched tarp that is installed on a first portable and adjustable riser; (2) a cable and cable crank installed on a second portable and adjustable riser; (3) wherein the cable may be attached to the tarp so that cranking the cable crank will unroll or unbunch the tarp and suspendedly draw the same toward the second riser; and (4) wherein the risers are removable from the truck bed.

Abstract: A portable hunting or wildlife observation structure is designed to fit to the bed of most pickup trucks. All components of the structure may be stored inside a lockable storage case, which also acts as a bed width adjustable bench seat for the user when the structure is assembled. The structure's five-sided structure may incorporate height adjustable shooting bars and a roof structure. A weatherproof camouflage material provides a surround and roof cover for the structure. Separate weatherproof camouflage material may be magnetically attached to conceal the truck.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a pickup bed comprising a bracket system connectable with a sidewall of the pickup bed, a header system, and a spring retainer system operably coupled between the bracket system and the header system. The spring retainer system can be biased into a locked position wherein the header system is coupled with the bracket system. The spring retainer system can be positionable into an unlocked position wherein the header system is decoupled from the bracket system.

Abstract: A top for a vehicle having a roll cage. The top includes a rigid cover, and a flexible cover having a first end and a second end defining a length of the flexible cover therebetween. The first end of the flexible cover is attached to the rigid cover. The second end of the flexible cover has at least one fastener for attaching the second end to the roll cage. The flexible cover has an open configuration and a storage configuration. In the open configuration, the flexible cover extends along the roll cage from the first end attached to the rigid cover to the second end attached to a portion of the roll cage spaced from the rigid cover. In the storage configuration, the entire length of the flexible cover including the second end is removably secured against the rigid cover. Roll cage and top assemblies, and vehicles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck bed includes an adjustable corner bracket assembly. The corner bracket assembly includes a pivotally connected lower bracket member, upper bracket member, and cap member. The upper and lower bracket members are movable between an acute rail configuration and an obtuse rail configuration.

Abstract: An actuation assembly for a cover extendable over an open-topped container body from a stowed position to a deployed position includes two actuator mechanisms on each side of the body, each including at least one torsion spring having a base portion and at least one reaction end and at least one reaction post in contact with a corresponding reaction end of the at least one spring. In a first exterior actuator mechanism, the reaction post is connectable to the bail arm, while in the second interior actuator mechanism the reaction post is mountable to the container body. A common shaft extends between the base portions of the spring(s) of each actuator mechanism to transmit torque from the interior spring(s) to the exterior spring(s), serving as a rotating anchor for the exterior actuator mechanism. Only the exterior actuator mechanism is situated outside the side extent of the container body.

Abstract: A soft top fabric cover supported by an internal frame work provides a removal end support rail in closest range to a cargo bed tail gate, contains a latch system which allows coupling or uncoupling of the fabric cover from both left and right side longitudinal rails. Further, both left and right longitudinal rails incorporate a full length downward angled slot which accepts an incorporated receiver located on the outer edges of the fabric cover. Upon tensioning, the fabric cover is securely coupled to its internal frame work.

Abstract: An outer frame corresponds to a perimeter of a pickup truck bed. An plurality of upwardly bowed intermediate rail span between, and are coupled to, opposing sides of the outer frame. Each bowed intermediate rail is paired with a wire tension member that spans between, and is coupled to, each end of its paired intermediate rail member. A flexible textile member covers and is supported by the intermediate rail member and is coupled to the outer frame. The wire tension members operate to help reduce lateral deflection of the bowed intermediate rail members when a meaningful downward force is applied to the bowed intermediate rails. A method of assembling a tonneau cover is also disclosed.