U.S. patent application number 11/934343 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for tonneau cover fastening system.
Invention is credited to James Badalamenti.
Application Number | 20080104808 11/934343 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39358434 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080104808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Badalamenti; James |
May 8, 2008 |
TONNEAU COVER FASTENING SYSTEM
Abstract
A fastener includes a generally planar plate, which is sewn into
a cover. The fastener includes a first arm and a second arm, each
extending from the plate to a distal end in spaced relationship.
The first arm includes a concave portion having an arcuate shape.
The second arm includes a concave portion having an arcuate shape
opposing the concave portion of the first arm. The concave portions
of the first and second arms cooperate together to define a
generally circular cross section defining a non-compressed width,
and are compressible toward each other to define a compressed
width. A rail includes an elongated channel having a channel
opening, with the first and second arms insertable through the
channel opening when the first and second arms are compressed into
the compressed diameter and biased into the non-compressed diameter
to retain the first and second arms within the elongated
channel.
Inventors: |
Badalamenti; James; (Troy,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101, 39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Family ID: |
39358434 |
Appl. No.: |
11/934343 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60864315 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/459 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/44034 20150115;
B60J 7/104 20130101; B60R 2011/0094 20130101; B60R 2011/004
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/459 |
International
Class: |
A44B 17/00 20060101
A44B017/00 |
Claims
1. A fastener for detachably coupling a flexible cover to a rail
including an elongated channel having a channel opening defining an
opening width, said fastener comprising: a plate; a first arm
extending from said plate to a distal end and including a concave
portion having an arcuate shape; and a second arm extending from
said plate in spaced relationship to said first arm to a distal end
and including a concave portion having an arcuate shape opposing
said concave portion of said first arm and cooperating with said
concave portion of said first arm to define a generally circular
cross section having a non-compressed diameter greater than the
opening width of the channel opening with said first arm and said
second arm compressible toward each other to define a compressed
diameter less than the opening width of the channel opening to
permit insertion of said first arm and said second arm into the
elongated channel and removal of said first arm and said second arm
from the elongated channel.
2. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a biasing
device for biasing said distal end of said first arm and said
distal end of said second arm into a neutral position defining said
non-compressed diameter.
3. A fastener as set forth in claim 2 wherein said biasing device
includes a spring.
4. A fastener as set forth in claim 3 wherein said spring includes
a bent spring bar.
5. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 wherein said distal end of
said second arm is spaced from said plate a distance greater than
said distal end of said first arm is spaced.
6. A fastener as set forth in claim 5 wherein said second arm
includes a tab extending from said distal end of said second arm
towards and over said distal end of said first arm in overlapping
relationship.
7. A fastener as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first arm and
said second arm include a fastener length extending along an axis
and said tab includes a tab length along said axis less than said
fastener length.
8. A fastener as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first arm and
said second arm include a fastener length extending along an axis
and said tab includes a tab length along said axis equal to said
fastener length.
9. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first arm
includes a convex portion interconnecting said plate and said
concave portion of said first arm and said second arm includes a
convex portion interconnecting said plate and said concave portion
of said second arm wherein each of said convex portions of said
first arm and said second arm defines a pocket for engaging said
rail when said fastener is disposed within said elongated
channel.
10. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a
polymer.
11. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 wherein said polymer
includes nylon.
12. A fastening system comprising: a cover; a rail including an
elongated channel having a channel opening defining an opening
width; and a plurality of fasteners attached to said cover for
detachably coupling said cover to said rail, each of said plurality
of fasteners including: a plate; a first arm extending from said
plate to a distal end and including a concave portion having an
arcuate shape; and a second arm extending from said plate in spaced
relationship to said first arm to a distal end and including a
concave portion having an arcuate shape opposing said concave
portion of said first arm and cooperating with said concave portion
of said first arm to define a generally circular cross section
having a non-compressed diameter greater than said opening width of
said channel opening with said first arm and said second arm
compressible toward each other to define a compressed diameter less
than said opening width of said channel opening to permit insertion
of said plurality of fasteners into said elongated channel and
removal of said plurality of fasteners from said elongated
channel.
13. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein each of said
plurality of fasteners further includes a biasing device for
biasing said distal end of said first arm and said distal end of
said second arm into a neutral position defining said
non-compressed diameter.
14. A system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said biasing device
includes a spring.
15. A system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said spring includes
a bent spring bar.
16. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said distal end of
said second arm is spaced from said plate a distance greater than
said distal end of said first arm is spaced.
17. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said second arm
includes a tab extending from said distal end of said second arm
towards and over said distal end of said first arm in overlapping
relationship.
18. A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said first arm and
said second arm include a fastener length extending along an axis
and said tab includes a tab length along said axis less than said
fastener length.
19. A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said first arm and
said second arm include a fastener length extending along an axis
and said tab includes a tab length along said axis equal to said
fastener length.
20. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first arm
includes a convex portion interconnecting said plate and said
concave portion of said first arm and said second arm includes a
convex portion interconnecting said plate and said concave portion
of said second arm wherein each of said convex portions of said
first arm and said second arm defines a pocket for engaging said
rail when said fastener is disposed within said elongated
channel.
21. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said plurality of
fasteners comprise a polymer.
22. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said polymer includes
nylon.
23. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said rail includes: a
base wall; a top wall spaced from and generally parallel to said
base wall; and a vertical wall extending from said base wall to
said top wall; said base wall including a first lip and said top
wall including a second lip with said first lip and said second lip
extending toward each other to define said channel opening between
said first lip and said second lip.
24. A system as set forth in claim 23 wherein said rail comprises a
metal.
25. A system as set forth in claim 24 wherein said metal comprises
aluminum.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/864,315, filed on Nov. 3, 2006, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The subject invention relates to a fastening system, and
more specifically to a fastener for detachably coupling a tonneau
cover to a rail.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Tonneau cover fastening systems for attaching a weatherproof
tonneau cover to a bed of a truck are well known in the art. These
fastening systems typically include a rail system disposed on the
sidewalls of the truck bed, to which the tonneau cover is attached.
A common fastening system includes a plurality of snap connectors
disposed around the periphery of the tonneau cover and
interconnecting the rails and the tonneau cover. The snap
connectors include a male portion attached to the tonneau cover and
a female portion attached to the rails. The rails define a channel,
in which the female portion of the snap connectors are slideably
disposed. Accordingly, the female portion of the snap connectors
must be positioned longitudinally along the channel to mate with
the male portion of the snap connectors attached to the tonneau
cover.
[0006] In an attempt to minimize the hassle of attaching the
tonneau cover to the rails, different fastening systems have been
developed that do not require aligning the female portion of the
snap connectors longitudinally along the rail with the male
portions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,635 issued to Downey (the '635
patent) discloses a fastening system for tonneau covers that
permits the male portion of the snap connectors to snap into a
elongated female portion extending along an entire length of the
rail. Accordingly, there is no need to longitudinally align the
male portion of the snap connectors with the female portion. The
male portion of the snap connectors may be inserted into the
longitudinally extended female portion anywhere along the length of
the elongated female portion and slide into the appropriate
longitudinal position. As disclosed in the '635 patent, the rail
defines a channel having lower grooves disposed in opposing
sidewalls of the channel. The elongated female portion includes a
flat base extending into each of the grooves in the sidewalls of
the channel to secure the elongated female portion transversely
within the channel. A pair of arms extends from the flat base of
the elongated female portion to a detent end defining a down-turned
lip. The male portion of the snap connectors includes a square
panel, which is sewn into the tonneau cover to connect the male
portion to the tonneau cover. A head extends from the square panel
to a ridge at the end thereof. When connected together, the ridge
of the male portion mechanically locks with the lips on the arms of
the elongated female portion. While the fastening system disclosed
in the '635 patent permits the male portion of the snap connectors
to be attached to the elongated female portion, the snap connectors
are still required to include separate male portions and female
portions.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,652 issued to Rushford (the '652 patent)
also provides a fastening system for attaching the tonneau cover to
the rails. The fasteners disclosed in the '652 patent include a
plate having a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism
includes a first arm and a second arm extending from the plate in
spaced parallel relationship to a distal end. The first and second
arms each include a lip disposed at the distal end thereof for
engaging the channel wall in a snap fit connection. A biasing
device extends diagonally between the first arm and the plate to
bias the first arm against the channel wall, thereby restraining
the fastener to the rail. The fasteners may engage the rail at any
location along the channel, and are slideably within the
channel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0008] The subject invention provides a fastener for detachably
coupling a flexible cover to a rail. The rail includes an elongated
channel having a channel opening. The channel opening defines an
opening width. The fastener comprises a plate. A first arm extends
from the plate to a distal end, and includes a concave portion
having an arcuate shape. A second arm extends from the plate in
spaced relationship to the first arm. The second arm extends to a
distal end and includes a concave portion having an arcuate shape
opposing the concave portion of the first arm. The concave portion
of the second arm cooperates with the concave portion of the first
arm to define a generally circular cross section having a
non-compressed diameter greater than the opening width of the
channel opening. The first arm and the second arm compressible
toward each other to define a compressed diameter less than the
opening width of the channel opening, thereby permitting insertion
of the first arm and the second arm into the elongated channel and
removal of the first arm and the second arm from the elongated
channel.
[0009] Accordingly, the fastener of the subject invention relies on
the concave portion of the first arm and the concave portion of the
second arm being positioned within the elongated channel and
defining the non-compressed diameter to retain the fastener on the
rail. The opposing concave portions act as a spring against the
rail to draw the plate of the fastener against the rail.
Additionally, the generally circular cross section defined by the
concave portion of the first arm and the concave portion of the
second arm are self-aligning within the channel opening. Thus, the
fastener of the subject invention is easier to use than the
fasteners previously utilized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tonneau cover fastening
system on a bed of a truck;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along cut line 2-2 shown in
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an end view of a fastener in a non-compressed
state;
[0014] FIG. 3a is an end view of the fastener in a compressed
state
[0015] FIG. 4 is a first side view of the fastener;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a second side view of the fastener opposite that
shown in FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of the fastener; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a rail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
corresponding parts throughout the several views, a fastening
system is generally shown at 20. Referring to FIG. 1, the fastening
system 20 is for a tonneau cover 22. The cover 22 is typically
disposed over an open truck bed 24 to enclose the truck bed 24, and
is manufactured from a waterproof or water resistant material, such
as vinyl, leather, plastic, or some other suitable material. It
should be understood, however, that the cover 22 may also be
utilized for boats, containers, or for covering other similar
objects.
[0020] The fastening system 20 includes at least one rail 26.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the rail 26 includes a base wall 28, a
top wall 30 spaced from and generally parallel to the base wall 28,
and a generally vertical wall 32 extending from the base wall 28 to
the top wall 30. Preferably, the vertical wall 32 extends from an
approximate midsection of the base wall 28, to an approximate
midsection of the top wall 30. As shown, the vertical wall 32
includes a stepped or z shape
[0021] The rail 26 further includes an elongated channel 34. The
elongated channel 34 includes a channel opening 36, which defines
an opening width W. The base wall 28 includes a first lip 38 and
the top wall 30 includes a second lip 40 opposing the first lip 38.
The first lip 38 and the second lip 40 extend toward each other to
define the channel opening 36 between the first lip 38 and the
second lip 40. Accordingly, the elongated channel 34 is bounded and
defined by the top wall 30, the vertical wall 32, the bottom wall,
and extends the length of the rail 26. The first lip 38 on the base
wall 28 and the second lip 40 on the top wall 30 define the channel
width therebetween.
[0022] Typically, when the cover 22 is utilized to cover 22 a truck
bed 24, a rail 26 is disposed on top of each of the two sidewalls,
a front wall, and the tail gate of the truck bed 24 as is shown in
FIG. 1. It should be understood, however, that when the cover 22 is
utilized in other circumstances, the rails 26 may be otherwise
disposed than as required to attach the cover 22 to the truck bed
24. Preferably, the rails 26 are manufactured from and comprise a
metal. More preferably, the metal comprises aluminum. However, it
should be appreciated that other suitable materials may also be
utilized. The rails 26 are typically attached to the walls of the
truck bed 24 by clamps, but other methods of attaching the rails 26
to the truck bed 24 may also be utilized.
[0023] The fastener 42 system 20 further comprises a plurality of
fasteners 42. The fasteners 42 are attached to the cover 22 for
detachably coupling the cover 22 to the rail 26. Accordingly, the
fasteners 42 are releasably engaged within the elongated channel 34
to couple the cover 22 to the rail 26 as is shown in FIG. 2.
Preferably, the fasteners 42 are sewn into the cover 22. However,
it should be appreciated, that the fasteners 42 may be attached to
the cover 22 by other methods, such as by an adhesive or some other
suitable method, depending upon the materials utilized for the
cover 22 and the fasteners 42.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, each of the fasteners 42
includes a generally planar plate 44. The plate 44 is preferably
square. However, it should be appreciated that the plate 44 may
also be rectangular, circular, or some other shape if so
desired.
[0025] As best shown in FIG. 3, a first arm 46 extends from the
plate 44 to a distal end. The first arm 46 includes a first concave
portion 48 having an arcuate shape, and a first convex portion 50
having an arcuate shape open opposite the first concave portion 48
of the first arm 46. The first convex portion 50 of the first arm
46 interconnects the plate 44 and the first concave portion 48 of
the first arm 46. Accordingly, the first convex portion 50 and the
first concave portion 48 of the first arm 46 cooperate to define a
generally vertical sinusoidal shape. The first convex portion 50 of
the first arm 46 defines a first pocket 52 for engaging the rail 26
therein when the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 of the fastener
42 are fully disposed within the elongated channel 34.
[0026] As best shown in FIG. 3, a second arm 54 extends from the
plate 44 in spaced relationship to the first arm 46 to a distal
end. The second arm 54 includes a second concave portion 56 having
an arcuate shape, which opposes the first concave portion 48 of the
first arm 46. The second arm 54 further includes a second convex
portion 58 having an arcuate shape open opposite the second concave
portion 56 of the second arm 54. The second convex portion 58 of
the second arm 54 interconnects the plate 44 and the second concave
portion 56 of the second arm 54. Accordingly, the second convex
portion 58 and the second concave portion 56 of the second arm 54
cooperate together to define a generally vertical sinusoidal shape,
which is generally a mirror image of the generally vertical
sinusoidal shape defined by the first convex portion 50 and the
first concave portion 48 of the first arm 46. The second convex
portion 58 of the second arm 54 defines a second pocket 60 for
engaging the rail 26 therein when the first arm 46 and the second
arm 54 of the fastener 42 are fully disposed within the elongated
channel 34.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, the first concave portion 48 of the
first arm 46 and the second concave portion 56 of the second arm 54
cooperate together to define a generally circular cross section.
The generally circular cross section includes a non-compressed
diameter D1 greater than the opening width W of the channel opening
36 to retain the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 within the
elongated channel 34 and secure the fastener 42 to the rail 26.
Referring to FIG. 3a, the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 are
compressible toward each other to define a compressed diameter D2
less than the opening width W of the channel opening 36 to permit
insertion of the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 of the fastener
42 into the elongated channel 34 and removal of the first arm 46
and the second arm 54 of the fastener 42 from the elongated channel
34.
[0028] As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 3a, each of the fasteners 42
further includes a biasing device 62 for biasing the distal end of
the first arm 46 and the distal end of the second arm 54 into a
neutral position. The neutral position defines the non-compressed
diameter D1. Preferably, the biasing device 62 includes a spring.
As shown, the spring includes a bent spring bar having a first end
attached to the distal end of the first arm 46 and a second end
attached to the distal end of the second arm 54. However, it should
be appreciated that the spring, and the biasing device 62 in
general, may be configured and include devices other than shown or
described herein.
[0029] The distal end of the second arm 54 is spaced from the plate
44 a distance, which is greater than the distance the distal end of
the first arm 46 is spaced from the plate 44. This prevents the
distal end of the first arm 46 from interfering with the distal end
of the second arm 54 during compression of the first arm 46 and the
second arm 54 towards each other.
[0030] The second arm 54 includes a tab 64 extending from the
distal end of the second arm 54 towards and over the distal end of
the first arm 46 in overlapping relationship. Accordingly, the tab
64 spans the space or gap between the distal end of the first arm
46 and the distal end of the second arm 54. This helps align the
first arm 46 and the second arm 54 within the channel opening 36 by
preventing any portion of the rail 26 from extending between the
first arm 46 and the second arm 54, which would prevent the first
arm 46 and the second arm 54 from being compressed toward each
other.
[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, the first arm 46 and the
second arm 54 include a fastener length FL extending along an axis
X. The tab 64 may include a tab length TL along the axis X less
than the fastener length FL. Alternatively, the tab 64 may include
a tab length TL substantially equal to the fastener length FL. It
should be appreciated that if the tab length TL is substantially
equal to the fastener length FL, the tab 64 will appear to be
merely a continuation of the distal end of the second arm 54 over
the distal end of the first arm 46.
[0032] Preferably, the fasteners 42 are manufactured from and
comprise a polymer. The polymer preferably includes nylon 6/6.
However, it should be appreciated that the polymer may include a
polymer other than nylon 6/6, and that the fastener 42 may be
manufactured from and comprise a material other than a polymer, so
long as the material permits the first arm 46 and the second arm 54
to compress toward each other without fracturing or otherwise
breaking.
[0033] To attach the tonneau cover 22, the first arm 46 and the
second arm 54 of each of the fasteners 42 are disposed adjacent the
channel opening 36. Pressure is applied to each of the fasteners 42
in turn, thereby compressing the first arm 46 and the second arm 54
together to a point at which the circular cross section defines the
compressed diameter D2, which is less than the width of the channel
opening 36. Once the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 are pressed
through the channel opening 36, the biasing device 62 spreads the
first arm 46 and the second arm 54 back into the neutral position,
in which the circular cross section defines the non-compressed
diameter D1 that is greater than the channel width, thereby
restraining the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 of the fastener
42 within the rail 26 and urging the first lip 38 and the second
lip 40 into the pockets 52, 60 defined by the convex portions 50,
58 of the first arm 46 and the second arm 54. The fasteners 42 may
engage the rail 26 at any location along the elongated channel 34,
and are slideably within the elongated channel 34.
[0034] The foregoing invention has been described in accordance
with the relevant legal standards; thus, the description is
exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and
modifications to the disclosed embodiments may become apparent to
those skilled in the art and do come within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the scope of legal protection afforded this
invention can only be determined by studying the following
claims.
* * * * *