Tonneau Cover Patents (Class 296/136.03)
  • Patent number: 11855583
    Abstract: A system for a solar-powered protective car charging cover. The solar-powered car charging cover is designed to directly trickle charge electric cars by bypassing the internal charging power supply whilst also providing a protective barrier around the vehicle. This trickle charge provides enough power for charging cellular phones, powering lights, and other small electronics without further draining the battery and may even produce a net-positive charge to charge the vehicle's batteries. The barrier portion is a multi-layer cover with an adjustable-rigid air bladder layer sandwiched between an outer solar-panel layer and an inner vehicle paint protection layer. Zippered portions provide multiple configurations including using the solar-powered car charging cover without a vehicle for a make-shift tent with solar-powered charging ports. A power control box provides the means to connect external power sources to the solar-powered car charging cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Mark Edward Skinner
  • Patent number: 11718236
    Abstract: Reconfigurable cargo screen assemblies for a vehicle are provided. The assembly includes a retracting component including a cassette member, a retractable screen, a first end beam, and a retraction mechanism. A first end of the retractable screen is connected to the first end beam, and a second end of the retractable screen is retractably connected within the cassette member by the retraction mechanism. The assembly further includes a middle cover component including a rod member, a middle screen, and a second end beam. A first end of the middle screen is connected to the rod member, and a second end of the middle screen is connected to the second end beam. Also included is a back component having a connection beam and a back screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Monica Sjöstedt, Peter Landqvist, Tony Nilsson
  • Patent number: 11584210
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved cover for a vehicle, which includes a frame and a hinge, so that the cover can be unfolded to substantially cover the vehicle and folds back into a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Tesfa Guma
  • Patent number: 11458822
    Abstract: In embodiments herein, a vehicle cover device is provided. The device includes a vehicle cover member and a housing for receiving the vehicle cover member, including a first housing member and a second housing member hingeably associated with one another. The housing includes a roller rotatably disposed there within for receiving the vehicle cover member, the roller having a first and a second end, and being rotatable to roll the vehicle cover member into a retracted position, and to extend the vehicle cover member. The housing includes a first end member and a second end member for abutting the first and second ends, respectively, of the roller, and a biasing member associated with at least one of the first end member or the second end member to bias the roller in the first rotatable direction, wherein vehicle cover member is movable between an extended and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Giambrone
  • Patent number: 11453462
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a magnetic coupling shade system for boats. The magnetic coupling shade system features a sheet of material that includes magnetic portions coupled with magnets disposed in locations of a boat. The locations of the boat include any of the hull, deck, superstructure, hardtop, or any other suitable surface of the boat. Magnets located on the hull are located within the interior of the hull. The sheet extends from the top to either or both of the port and starboard sides. The sheet can include a variety of materials, and a window portion for viewing through the sheet. In some embodiments, the window portion includes an entirety of the sheet with the magnetic portions attached to opposite edges of the window portion. The sheet is configured to be detached from the magnets and either suspended overhead or rolled upward when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventors: Connor Martin, Garret Martin
  • Patent number: 11399607
    Abstract: A retractable display, storage and carrying case for necklaces includes an inverted-V-shaped frame, a torsion-spring-loaded tube rotatably suspended between the frame, a rectangular cloth sheet attached along one edge to the tube, with an opposite edge wrapped around a weighted rod to form a pocket on a front surface of the sheet. A plurality of jewelry hanging hooks are secured to an upper portion of the cloth sheet. One end of a necklace is attached to a single hanging hook, while the opposite end is tucked into the pocket. Much like a roll-up blind, the cloth sheet can be extended to a desired length by tugging on the weighted rod. Another tug will cause the roll-up mechanism to release and wind up the cloth sheet around the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventors: Carrie K. Kelsch, Ryan J. Humphreys, David K. Kelsch, Jean B. Kelsch
  • Patent number: 11273734
    Abstract: An occupant support includes a seat frame and a seat pad coupled to the seat frame. The seat pad includes a cushion member fixed to the seat frame and an outer trim arranged to cover the cushion member. Portions of the outer trim are movable relative to the rest of the occupant support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 11253082
    Abstract: A chair (10) has a chair frame (20) with a seat base (22), a seat cushion (30) sized and adapted for removable placement in the seat base and a chair back (26), attached to the seat base. A cover assembly for use therewith has a web (32) of water-resistant material, with first and second ends (34, 36) and a biased, window-shade type spring roller (50), positioned in the seat base. The first end of the web of water resistant material is attached to the spring roller and the second end of the web of water resistant material is provided with means for removably attaching the second end to the chair frame. In a first, deployed condition, the web of water-resistant material extends across a top surface of the seat cushion; and in a second, non-deployed condition, the web of water-resistant material is rolled onto the biased, window-shade type spring roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Marc Burt
  • Patent number: 10421563
    Abstract: A kit for covering a load (18) comprising: a cargo cover (10); a deployment means comprising a base sheet (2) for containing the cargo cover (10) prior to covering the load (18), the base sheet (2) comprising releasable securement means (4) for securing it around the cargo cover (10); and a plurality of cargo cover deployment straps (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew Alexander Davies, Keith Stephen Mulhern, Ranasinghe Hewage Prasad Kularatna, Gamaralalage Manoj Buddhika
  • Patent number: 9827839
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a vehicle having a cargo box includes a striker which is adapted to be fixed to the cargo box along with a cover disposed over the cargo box when the cover is in a closed position. Moreover, the cover includes a latch mounted to the frame. The latch engages the striker when the cover is in the closed position. The cover further includes a link which extends from the latch along the frame and a handle coupled to the latch in order to move the latch into a released position which disengages the striker. Finally, the cover includes a coupler which is coupled to the handle. The coupler moves from a first position to a second position and responds to movement of the handle with the link moving relative to the frame in order to facilitate movement of the latch into the released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rugged Liner, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Williamson, David Kosinski, Michael Yang, Xichang Yan, Jianfeng Tong, Chengping Wei
  • Patent number: 9216636
    Abstract: There is provided a retractable covering device comprising a sheet for covering an object comprising sleeves for receiving cords, a plurality of cords having proximal ends secured to spools and distal ends secured to the sheet, a retraction device that can use a clutching system having a rotating member for winding the cords onto spools to retract the sheet and unwinding the cords from the spools to extract the sheet, wherein at least two sleeves are oriented essentially longitudinally in a proximal portion of the sheet and essentially in a medial lateral orientation in a distal portion of the sheet to prevent a lateral accumulation of the sheet at the retraction device during retraction. The spools can be fitted with one or more tangle prevention members (spool covers) to prevent tangling of cords during use of the retraction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Flint Kaya, Evgeniya Rybkina
  • Patent number: 9016758
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for a vehicle includes a housing, a first cover having a cover tab, wherein the first cover selectively extends from an interior of the housing to engage a rear seat, a second cover selectively extendable from the interior of the housing opposite the first cover and a seatback of the rear seat having a seat tab that engages the cover tab when the seatback is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Lee, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8991894
    Abstract: A configurable pickup bed utility management system features a segmented panel assembly pivotally mounted to a pickup bed. The panel assembly features a first panel, a second panel pivotally located on the first panel, a third panel pivotally located on the second panel, and a fourth panel pivotally located on the third panel. A plurality of curved linear extrusions with ridges are located on the panels. The panel assembly can be fully extended over the pickup bed forming a bed cover structure, fully extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a work surface structure, fully extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a ramp structure, partially extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a sun shade structure, folded into the pickup bed forming a lockable toolbox, or folded into the pickup bed forming a bed extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Cortney Smith
  • Patent number: 8944486
    Abstract: This invention includes a soft-top mounted on a jeep-type SUV. First, a structural support is used to support the soft-top. The structural support includes at least two rails, mounting brackets, pillars attached to the rails, cross bars attached to the pillars, and bows to form a front and rear structural support. Next, the soft-top is attached to the outside of the support structure. The soft-top is made with several panels attached together with zippers, and straps and buckles used to firmly secure the soft-top to the support structure. The use of several panels and zippers enable a soft-top that can be changed into several different configurations to meet different looks, functions, or weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory Donohoe
  • Patent number: 8857887
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 8702150
    Abstract: There is provided a tonneau cover apparatus including: a winding shaft that winds up a tonneau cover; an elongated shaped case that accommodates the winding shaft; support members provided at one end portion and another end portion of the case, and supporting the winding shaft; a retention member provided at the one end portion and/or the other end portion of the case and including an outer wall portion that covers the support member; and blocking portions provided at the support member and the retention member at the at least one end portion, the blocking portions being disposed at the inner side relative to the outer wall portion, and blocking movement of the retention member outward in the axial direction of the winding shaft from the engaging position by abutting against one another at the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Saito, Takahiro Yajima
  • Publication number: 20140077521
    Abstract: This invention includes a soft-top mounted on a jeep-type SUV. First, a structural support is used to support the soft-top. The structural support includes at least two rails, mounting brackets, pillars attached to the rails, cross bars attached to the pillars, and bows to form a front and rear structural support. Next, the soft-top is attached to the outside of the support structure. The soft-top is made with several panels attached together with zippers, and straps and buckles used to firmly secure the soft-top to the support structure. The use of several panels and zippers enable a soft-top that can be changed into several different configurations to meet different looks, functions, or weather conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory Donohoe
  • Publication number: 20140015276
    Abstract: A tonneau cover device moves a tonneau cover, which is coupled to a hatchback door of a vehicle, between an extension position and a storage position. The tonneau cover device includes a detection unit and a controller. The detection unit detects whether a pre-operation for opening the hatchback door has been performed. The controller permits movement of the tonneau cover to the extension position when a courtesy switch, which is arranged in the vehicle, detects that the hatchback door is closed and the detection unit does not detect that the pre-operation has been performed. The controller restricts movement of the tonneau cover to the extension position when the courtesy switch detects that the hatchback door is closed and the detection unit detects that the pre-operation has been performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicants: HAYASHI TELEMPU CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Takashi Nagao, Hiroyuki Mori, Zhengtai Yu
  • Publication number: 20140015275
    Abstract: A tonneau cover device that electrically moves a tonneau cover between an extension position, at which the tonneau cover conceals a cargo compartment of a vehicle, and a storage position, at which the tonneau cover is separated from the cargo compartment. The tonneau cover device includes a switch, which is operated from outside the vehicle, and a tonneau cover control unit, which moves the tonneau cover between the extension position and the storage position when the switch is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicants: HAYASHI TELEMPU CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Shinichi Miyazaki, Hiroyuki Mori, Kunihiko Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20130328348
    Abstract: Integral solar panel for an electric vehicle to recharge the traction battery pack. An integrally installed electronic solar panel array that is capable of fully recharging an automobile with energy obtained from sunlight or other wavelengths of ambient energy. Such an energy collecting panel is modular and may be removed or replaced with common tools. Further, such a collecting panel is non-glass, shatterproof, and non-glare. Further still, such a solar panel is designed to provide an isolated source of power to directly recharge the main traction storage device, such as a battery or a capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Brooks Alexander Agnew
  • Patent number: 8523268
    Abstract: Provided is an arrangement for stowing away a retractable tonneau cover assembly (50) under a floor of a luggage space (10) requiring a very small space. A recess (36) is formed laterally across a width of a vehicle body in a rear end thereof. When stowing away the assembly, an outer tube (52) of the assembly is received in the recess with a longitudinal slot (54) thereof facing upward. A flexible cover sheet (56) extends out of the longitudinal slot (54), and a rigid free end member (58) attached to a free end of the flexible cover sheet (56) extends along a rear side of the outer tube into a deep section (36B) of the recess (36). Therefore, the recess (36) is required to have a width which is not significantly greater than the height (h) of the outer tube (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirobumi Kikuchi, Mitsufumi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20120061985
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly provided in a vehicle including a panel hingedly attached to a vehicle seat, and a release assembly with an actuating mechanism provided on the panel. The actuating mechanism is connected to a panel lock assembly and a seat lock assembly which are provided to selectively lock the panel and the vehicle seat in place. Actuation of the actuating mechanism causes the lock assemblies to release, thereby allowing rotation of the panel about the hinged attachment and folding of the vehicle seat from a seating position to a folded-forward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Grey B. Parker
  • Patent number: 8132840
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a center drive tonneau cover assembly for covering a convertible top in a stored configuration is provided. The assembly has a tonneau cover with a linkage system that pivotally couples the cover to the vehicle. The linkage system can have a center link that is located generally along a longitudinal center portion of the vehicle body. The linkage system is operable to move the tonneau cover between a closed position and the open position in which the center link occupies free space between the tonneau cover and the convertible top in the stored configuration within the storage compartment. In addition, with the center link provides free space between a side portion of the tonneau cover and an adjacent portion of a side body panel of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 8061758
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
  • Patent number: 8011711
    Abstract: In a tonneau cover device for a vehicle, an interlocking mechanism (interlocking means) 40 comprises a pair of pulleys 45, 46 disposed separated in a vertical direction at each of the left and right sides of a cargo compartment, a first linking wire 51 wrapped around the pulleys 45, 46 and connected to the rear end of a tonneau cover, a rotary member 50 whereabout the first linking wire 51 is wrapped or wound between the pulleys 45, 46, and a second linking wire 53 having an end thereof connected to the back door, another end thereof wrapped around and engaged with the rotary member 50, and rotating the rotary member 50 interlocked with opening and closing of the back door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Hirayama, Noriaki Haba, Tomoatsu Tani
  • Patent number: 7963585
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a vehicle bed includes a rail disposed on a top portion of the vehicle bed. A tonneau cover extends over the vehicle bed and includes an elongate retention clip is adjacent the rail and is connected thereto by an interference fit. The elongate retention clip includes a removal tab. A connection clip is slidable along the linear extent of the rail. An elongate band is slidably received in the tonneau cover and in a band aperture of the connection clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited
    Inventors: Peter Jones, David Alan Parsons, Cindy Jane Tocci
  • Publication number: 20110115250
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a truck having a bed and a pair of upstanding sidewalls generally includes a panel and a mechanism for enabling movement of the panel between the first position abutting the bed and a second position generally level with tops of the upstanding sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Dave Hobrecht, Scott Willis
  • Publication number: 20110062746
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus and method for protecting the interior of a convertible car or other open-topped vehicle. The apparatus covers the interior portion of a convertible car, leaving the exterior exposed, and attaches by means of one or more attachment devices. Suitable attachment devices may include elastic or adjustable straps, suction cups, and the like. The cover folds for easy storage when not in use. The cover may include an edge material to aid or assist in folding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: EMSCO
    Inventor: Patricia P. DRIGGERS
  • Patent number: 7748767
    Abstract: A tonneau cover is mounted to the cargo area of a pickup truck by a hinge mechanism positioned at the forward end of the pickup truck cargo area. The hinge assembly has two major components. The first component is a mounting plate that is affixed to each sidewall of the cargo area near the forward extent of the cargo area. The mounting plate includes an alignment mechanism and a mechanism for clamping the second component onto the mounting plate. The base plate also includes slots for engagement by the clamping mechanism of the mounting plate. The articulating mechanism is configured to open the tonneau cover in a nearly vertical direction initially, prior to rotation of the tonneau cover to an open position. An installer can reach in from the side of the truck cargo area and engage the clamps to secure the removable component to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Machining Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Terhaar, David J. Terhaar
  • Publication number: 20100156137
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a vehicle bed includes a rail disposed on a top portion of the vehicle bed. A tonneau cover extends over the vehicle bed and includes an elongate retention clip is adjacent the rail and is connected thereto by an interference fit. The elongate retention clip includes a removal tab. A connection clip is slidable along the linear extent of the rail. An elongate band is slidably received in the tonneau cover and in a band aperture of the connection clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Jones, David Alan Parsons, Cindy Jane Tocci
  • Patent number: 7611186
    Abstract: A protective cover (30) for a motorbike, the motorbike including a fairing over forward parts of the motorbike, the cover (30) having a shape that conforms to the shape of at least a front portion of the fairing and being adapted for attachment there over by fastening means (82, 84) so as to prevent debris striking the fairing from the direction of vehicles travelling ahead of the motorbike, and wherein the cover (30), in use, is in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: George Metzikis
  • Publication number: 20090167051
    Abstract: A motor vehicle accessory capable of shielding the interior of a car from the sun, specifically a device that can cover the entire interior surface of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Alfredo P. Bernardo
  • Publication number: 20090146450
    Abstract: A tonneau cover deployable into a lumber-type rack includes a cover that when mounted on a pick-up truck bed is generally adapted to slide back from a first position where the cover secures the pick-up truck bed to a second position where the front portion of the pick-up truck bed is uncovered and from said second position the cover is deployable into a third position where it may function as a lumber type rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Amal Flores
  • Publication number: 20090058128
    Abstract: In a tonneau cover device for a vehicle, an interlocking mechanism (interlocking means) 40 comprises a pair of pulleys 45, 46 disposed separated in a vertical direction at each of the left and right sides of a cargo compartment, a first linking wire 51 wrapped around the pulleys 45, 46 and connected to the rear end of a tonneau cover, a rotary member 50 whereabout the first linking wire 51 is wrapped or wound between the pulleys 45, 46, and a second linking wire 53 having an end thereof connected to the back door, another end thereof wrapped around and engaged with the rotary member 50, and rotating the rotary member 50 interlocked with opening and closing of the back door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicants: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION, ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Isao Hirayama, Noriaki Haba, Tomoatsu Tani
  • Publication number: 20080289158
    Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed for a tonneau cover for a vehicle wherein the clamp assembly includes a plurality of spacers disposed therein to facilitate installation thereof on a variety of vehicle types and styles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Boulard
  • Publication number: 20080238133
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a truck having a bed and a pair of upstanding sidewalls generally includes a panel having a perimeter conforming to a perimeter of the bed and a mechanism for enabling movement of the panel between the first position abutting the bed and a second position generally level with tops of the upstanding sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Dave Hobrecht, Scott Willis
  • Publication number: 20080143133
    Abstract: A pickup truck accessory comprising a first L-shaped assembly that can be removeably attached to a first side of a pickup truck bed, a first tubular member attached to the first L-shaped assembly, a second L-shaped assembly that can be removeably attached to a second side of the pickup truck bed, a second tubular member attached to the second L-shaped assembly, and a rack assembly slidably disposed along the first tubular member and along the second tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher B. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20080129077
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly is provided having a plurality of substantially rigid panels inserted between the fabric and the bows and then locked into place and/or supported by snap-fit elements connecting to the peripheral frame of the tonneau cover. The snap-fit elements can also serve to positively locate the bows with respect to the frame. The panels can be closely dimensioned with respect to the distance across the frame or spaced somewhat to accommodate insertion about frame hinges and/or close fitting fabric, bows and frames. Two sided adhesive tape can be used between the panels and the snap-fit elements and the bows to maintain panel placement in the event that the assembly is to be a permanent aspect of the tonneau cover. Panels can also be perforated for weight reduction and/or cost savings without significant loss of theft security. Panels can be padded for impact absorption without permanent deformation so as to maintain tonneau cover attractiveness despite significant wear and tear during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Ross Weldy
  • Patent number: 7316445
    Abstract: An attachment structure for a tonneau cover, formed in an approximately tabular shape, for a pickup truck with a bed extending from a rear end of a vehicle to a rear pillar portion, comprises a bed rail as an elongated support member on which the tonneau cover for the pickup truck is placed, the tonneau cover extending on an inner surface of a side wall of the pickup truck in the longitudinal direction of the pickup truck in such a way that the upper surface of the tonneau cover is put apart downward from the upper end of the bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Access Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7237822
    Abstract: Each of the sets of pivots (5) comprise a base (9) fixed to the bodyshell (10) of the vehicle, a body (11) linked to the hood (4) of the rear boot by a hinge (12) and means for locking the body (11) in relation to the base. For a lock in the closed position of the hood, a hook (16) of the front and rear sets of pivots (5 and 7) engages, in a co-ordinated manner, the first and second stubs (17 and 21), whereas, for an opening of the hood swiveled towards the rear, during unfolding or folding away of the roof into the boot, the hooks (16) of the front and rear sets of pivots operates so as to respectively and solely engage the second stubs (17) of the rear set of pivots (7) and release, in a co-ordinated manner, the second and third stubs of the front set of pivots (5), and inversely for an opening swiveled towards the front of the hood, to access a luggage loading zone in the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne des Brevets Automobiles
    Inventors: Gerard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7121602
    Abstract: The package shelf (3) comprises sliders (47) which are moveable in relation to the frame (46) of the vehicle, a shelf (48) which can move along two tracks (46) which are fixed to the frame (45) and along the sliders (47), and driving means whereby a first part thereof is fixed to the shelf (48) and the second part thereof cooperates with the first part and is fixed to the sliders (47). The arrangement of the shelf (48), sliders (47), tracks (46), frame (45) and driving means, which are mounted independently from the frame (45), enable the shelf (48) to be displaced in relation to the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevet Automobiles
    Inventors: Gerard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7100965
    Abstract: A cover includes a plurality of sections and can be attached to a land vehicle using anchor straps. The sections of the cover are attached to each other using connecting straps. The cover can be used when the land vehicle is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin J Stover
  • Patent number: 6948758
    Abstract: A hinge assembly pivotally attaching a tonneau cover panel to a cargo bed of a motor vehicle. The hinge assembly includes a attachment bracket fixedly secured to the cargo bed of the motor vehicle. The attachment bracket defines a slot extending between a closed end and an open end, and the slot includes a pocket disposed adjacent the open end. The hinge assembly also includes a panel bracket fixedly secured to the tonneau cover panel. The panel bracket includes a base and a distal and defining an end aperture. The end aperture is alignable with the slot. In addition, the hinge assembly includes an attachment pin extending through the end aperture and received within the slot for movably securing the panel bracket with the attachment bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventor: Jack V. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6802553
    Abstract: The floral carrier for truck bed is a hollow truck bed cover having a front section and a rear section capable of rotating upward and towards the front section to provide access to the storage area formed by the cover. The rear section of the cover would angle rearward and slightly upward from the front section of the cover. A hand grasp extending from the rear section would facilitate its upwards rotation. The cover would feature multiple low profile bars along the tops of both sections and to which floral arrangements could be attached. The cover would be attached to the truck bed with a set of clips formed to interact with existing hardware in the bed of a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Virgil L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6783169
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle bed includes first and second cover members and a pair of cover mounts constructed to mount the cover members to the vehicle bed. The cover mounts enable the cover members to be moved between (a) a closed position wherein the cover members extend between the side walls of the vehicle bed to close the upwardly facing opening of the vehicle bed, (b) an open position wherein the cover members extend upwardly from the side walls to uncover the upwardly facing opening of the vehicle bed, and (c) a storage position wherein the cover members are retracted downwardly from the open position into the vehicle bed. At least one motor is operatively connected to the cover members to move the cover members at least between the closed and open positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Marx, Thomas J. Apfel, II, Nicanor P. Cantu, III, Thomas J. Mack, Francois De Gaillard
  • Patent number: 6702359
    Abstract: A tonneau cover (10) for use on automotive vehicle has a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16). Each panel has a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to interlock with an adjacent panel. A pair of rails (18, 20) are mounted on opposite side walls (38, 40) of the vehicle in a position to support the panels. Each of the rails has a pivotally mounted plate (44) which pivots between a storage condition enabling the panels (12, 14, 16) to be received and stored between the rails and an operative condition supporting the panels. A plurality of latch assemblies (22, 42) operatively extends between each of the panels and each of the pair of rails. The latch assemblies (22, 42) selectively secure the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16) to the rails (18, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford D. Armstrong, Willi Sitkei
  • Patent number: 6666495
    Abstract: A vehicle convertible system includes a roof section having a plurality of retractable panel and a movable rear section separate from the roof section defining part of a storage area for the retractable panels. The rear section includes a first rear panel and a second rear panel, with the second rear panel may include a window. A convertible system for SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and minivans is thus possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Edscha Roof Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Nania