U.S. patent application number 12/872924 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for system for securing a truck bed cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to BRIDGEWAY ENTERPRISES, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark A. Wolf, Robert A. Wolf.
Application Number | 20120049568 12/872924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45696149 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120049568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wolf; Mark A. ; et
al. |
March 1, 2012 |
System For Securing a Truck Bed Cover
Abstract
A system for securing a truck bed cover includes a pair of
vertical side rails clamped to the bed railing of a pickup truck. A
first one of a pair of horizontal side rails is attached along the
front side of the truck bed and the second one of the pair of
horizontal side rails is attachable via a latching mechanism along
the rear. The cover is attached along respective front and rear
edges to each of the horizontal side rails, and is attachable along
respective side edges to the vertical side rails, preferably, using
a hook-and-loop fastener. Tensioning devices are employed to keep
the cover taut and even on both sides.
Inventors: |
Wolf; Mark A.; (Surprise,
AZ) ; Wolf; Robert A.; (Scottsdale, AZ) |
Assignee: |
BRIDGEWAY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Surprise
AZ
|
Family ID: |
45696149 |
Appl. No.: |
12/872924 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/100.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 7/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/100.15 |
International
Class: |
B60P 7/04 20060101
B60P007/04 |
Claims
1. A tensioning device for a Tonneau cover, comprising: from a
horizontal side rail, an edge of the cover attached thereto, a
fastener; on an end of a vertical side rail, the vertical side rail
attached substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal side rail,
a plurality of pin holes and a larger, longitudinally elongated
hole formed therein; and between the horizontal side rail and an
end portion of the vertical side rail, a plate having a hole and a
pin on a bottom surface thereof; wherein the fastener extends from
the horizontal side rail, passing through the hole in the plate and
the longitudinally elongated hole in the end portion of the
vertical side rail, secured on an opposing side of the end portion
of the vertical side rail; and wherein the pin is fitted into a
selected one of the plurality of pin holes.
2. A system for securing a cover to an exterior compartment of a
motor vehicle, the exterior compartment situate in the rear of the
motor vehicle, comprising: a pair of vertical side rails, the first
one of the pair of vertical side rails attached along a driver side
of the exterior compartment and the second one of the pair of side
rails attached along a passenger side of the exterior compartment;
a pair of horizontal side rails, the first one of the pair of
horizontal side rails attached along the front side of the exterior
compartment and the second one of the pair of horizontal side rails
attachable along the rear side of the exterior compartment; the
cover, attached along opposite edges to each of the horizontal side
rails and attachable along opposite side edges to the vertical side
rails, capable of covering the exterior compartment substantially
entirely when attached; and a pair of tensioning devices, each of
the tensioning devices structured and arranged to pull the cover in
a particular direction by a selected degree; wherein the cover is
attachable to each of the vertical side rails using a hook and
fastening means.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the cover can be pulled a
distance toward the front of the exterior compartment by the pair
of tensioning devices moving the first one of the pair of
horizontal side rails toward the front of the exterior
compartment.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the cover is attachable along an
edge of the second one of the pair of horizontal side rails using a
latching mechanism.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the latching mechanism allows the
cover to be detached from the second one of the pair of horizontal
side rails.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the latching mechanism further
includes a spring-loaded catch.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the tensioning devices is
situate in a respective corner formed between the first one of the
pair of horizontal side rails and a respective one of the vertical
side rails.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the tensioning devices
comprise: from the first one of the pair of horizontal side rails,
a fastener; on an end of a respective one of the vertical side
rails, the one of the vertical side rails attached substantially
perpendicularly to the first one of the pair of the horizontal side
rails, a plurality of pin holes and a larger, longitudinally
elongated hole formed therein; and between the first one of the
pair of horizontal side rails and an end portion of the one of the
vertical side rails, a plate having a hole and a pin on a bottom
surface thereof; wherein the fastener extends from the first one of
the pair of horizontal side rails, passing through the hole in the
plate and the longitudinally elongated hole in the end portion of
the one of the vertical side rails, secured on an opposing side of
the end portion of the respective one of the vertical side rails;
and wherein the pin is fitted into a selected one of the plurality
of pin holes.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the fastener is a bolt, the bolt
secured on the opposing side with a nut.
11. The system of claim 2, wherein the cover is substantially
rectangular.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cover is constructed of a
substantially flat, flexible weather-resistant material.
13. (canceled)
14. The system of claim 2, wherein the cover is detachable from the
vertical side rails.
15. (canceled)
16. A system for securing a cover to an exterior compartment of a
motor vehicle, the exterior compartment situate in the rear of the
motor vehicle, comprising: a pair of vertical side rails, the first
one of the pair of vertical side rails attached along a driver side
of the exterior compartment and the second one of the pair of side
rails attached along a passenger side of the exterior compartment;
a pair of horizontal side rails, the first one of the pair of
horizontal side rails attached along the front side of the exterior
compartment and the second one of the pair of horizontal side rails
attachable along the rear side of the exterior compartment; the
cover, attached along opposite edges to each of the horizontal side
rails and attachable along opposite side edges to the vertical side
rails, capable of covering the exterior compartment substantially
entirely when attached; and a pair of tensioning devices, each of
the tensioning devices structured and arranged to pull the cover in
a particular direction by a selected degree; wherein the cover is
attachable along an edge of the second one of the pair of
horizontal side rails using a latching mechanism, the latching
mechanism allowing the cover to be detached from the second one of
the pair of horizontal side rails, the latching mechanism including
a spring-loaded catch.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicle
accessories, and, more particularly to a system for securing a
truck bed cover to a vehicle such that the cover remains taut.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, larger vehicles such as pickup trucks have
become increasingly popular. With the increased popularity of
pickups, a substantial aftermarket for truck bed covers has
emerged. While many types of covers exist, one of the most popular
has been the soft Tonneau cover that can be rolled over a truck
bed. Benefits include protection from the elements, theft
protection, and securing articles in the cargo area that could
become damaged or blown away when the vehicle is driven.
Additionally, studies have shown that placement of a Tonneau cover
on a pickup reduces coefficient of drag significantly, thereby
increasing fuel efficiency.
[0003] In general, such soft Tonneau covers are made from a
substantially flat, flexible weather-resistant material such as
vinyl. However, one practical difficulty has been that such covers
can become loose or wrinkled over time or as a consequence of being
exposed to the elements. To deal with this problem, various
solutions have been offered. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,445,264
to Spencer et al. discloses a pair of tension control devices
disposed on the front of the cover area that each include a spring
plunger. These tension control devices work by constantly pulling
the cover forward (and the tension can be manually adjusted by
turning a screw on each device). However, these tension control
devices are relatively complex and costly to manufacture. Moreover,
it may be difficult to ensure that the tension control devices are
in sync after manual adjustment, and if they are not, the cover can
be pulled to one side, causing wrinkling and possible damage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A system for securing a truck bed cover includes a pair of
vertical side rails clamped to the bed railing of a pickup truck. A
first one of a pair of horizontal side rails is attached along the
front side of the truck bed and the second one of the pair of
horizontal side rails is attachable via a latching mechanism along
the rear. The cover is attached along respective front and rear
edges to each of the horizontal side rails, and is attachable along
respective side edges to the vertical side rails, preferably, using
a hook-and-loop fastener. Tensioning devices are employed to keep
the cover taut and even on both sides.
[0005] Preferably, each of the tensioning devices includes a
fastener extending from an end of the front horizontal side rail; a
plurality of pin holes and a larger, longitudinally elongated hole
formed on an end of a vertical side rail; and, between the front
horizontal side rail and the end portion of the vertical side rail,
a plate having a hole and a pin on a bottom surface thereof. From
the front horizontal side rail, the fastener passes through the
hole in the plate and the longitudinally elongated hole, secured on
an opposing side. The pin is fitted into a selected one of the
plurality of pin holes.
[0006] Preferably, the latching mechanism includes a spring-loaded
catch that automatically secures the latch when it is closed. The
latch may be opened by manually pulling a release lever so that the
catch releases the latching mechanism.
[0007] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments, which is to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary truck bed cover installed on a
pickup truck;
[0009] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the exemplary truck bed
cover with framing support and exemplary tension control and
latching devices;
[0010] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) show exploded views of an exemplary
tension control device;
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of the tension control
device;
[0012] FIGS. 5(a) through 5(d) show cutaway views of the tension
control device at different settings;
[0013] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary latching device;
[0014] FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of the exemplary latching
device;
[0015] FIGS. 8(a) through 8(c) show cutaway views of the latching
device in various stages of closure; and
[0016] FIG. 8(d) shows a cutaway view of the exemplary latching
device being opened by manual operation of a release lever.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Throughout the following description of the invention the
modifiers "front", "rear", and "side" (and "sides") are employed.
It is to be understood that "front" as used herein refers to an
area toward the front of the vehicle (where the driver is seated
when the car is driven), "rear" as used herein refers to an area
toward the rear of the vehicle (where the tailgate is situated),
and the sides as used herein refer to the areas along the driver's
side of the vehicle and the passenger side of the vehicle. Thus, it
is to be understood that these words are used according to their
ordinary and usual meanings.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary truck bed cover 120
installed on a pickup truck 170. As will be described in greater
detail, the truck bed cover 120 is, preferably, a soft Tonneau
cover that can be rolled over the bed of the pickup truck 170.
Preferably, the truck bed cover 120 maintains a low profile, and is
constructed of a substantially flat, flexible weather-resistant
material, such as vinyl.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the exemplary truck bed
cover 120 with framing support. Also shown are exemplary tension
control devices 150 and latching device 180. For illustrative
purposes, the framing is shown separated into its component parts.
The framing itself includes a pair of substantially identical
vertical side rails 130 and a pair of horizontal side rails 102,
104. When installed, the first one of the pair of vertical side
rails 103 is attached along a driver side and the second one of the
pair of vertical side rails 103 is attached along a passenger side.
Most preferably, and as is known in the art, the vertical side
rails 103 can be clamped to bed railing of the pickup truck 170,
using a plurality of clamps 110. The first one of the pair of
horizontal side rails 104 is attached along the front side of the
truck bed, preferably, by bolting the first one of the pair of
horizontal side rails 104 to front corners where the first one of
the pair of horizontal side rails 104 and respective vertical side
rails 103 meet.
[0020] Preferably, the first one of the horizontal side rails 104
is attached to a front edge of the truck bed cover 120, and the
second one of the pair of horizontal side rails 102 is attached to
a rear edge of the truck bed cover 120. Preferably, the second one
of the pair of horizontal side rails 102 is attachable to
respective rear corners of the vertical side rails 103 using the
latching device 180, as will be described in further detail.
Preferably, the side edges of the truck bed cover 120 are
attachable (and detachable) to respective vertical side rails 104
using a hook-and-loop fastener. Most preferably, each of the
vertical side rails 103 includes a strip of "hooks" bonded thereon,
and a strip of loops" is sewn on (or otherwise fastened to) each of
the side edges of the truck bed cover 120. Preferably, and as is
known in the art, the vertical side rails 103 can include a sloped
area, wherein the aforementioned strip of hooks is bonded
thereto.
[0021] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) show exploded views of an exemplary
tension control device 150. It is to be understood that this
tension control device 150 is one of a pair of substantially
identical tension control devices 150 situated on front opposite
corners. Thus, discussion will be limited to only one of the pair,
as it applies to the other one as well.
[0022] As depicted in FIG. 3(a), an end portion of the first one of
the horizontal side rails 104 includes a receiving slot 112 for
receiving a bolt 153, the end portion of the first one of the side
rails 104 secured by an end cap 108. As illustrated in FIG. 3(b),
on an end of a vertical side rail 103, the vertical side rail 103
attached substantially perpendicularly to the first one of the
horizontal side rails 104, a plurality of pin holes 156 and a
larger, longitudinally elongated hole 154 are formed therein.
Between the first one of the horizontal side rails 104 and the end
portion of the vertical side rail 103, is a plate 152 having a hole
159, and a pin 158 on a bottom surface thereof. When installed, the
bolt 153 extends from the first one of the horizontal side rails
104, passing through the hole 159 in the plate 152 and the
longitudinally elongated hole 154 in the end portion of the
vertical side rail 103, secured on an opposing side of the end
portion of the vertical side rail 103 by a washers/nut 157
combination, as shown; and the pin 158 is fitted into a selected
one of the plurality of pin holes 156.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of the exemplary tension control
device 150.
[0024] FIGS. 5(a) through 5(d) show cutaway views of the tension
control device 150 at different settings. As shown, there are four
available pin holes 156, and depending on the pin hole 156
selected, the first one of the horizontal side rails 104 (and along
with it the truck bed cover 120) will be moved toward the front of
the vehicle by a certain distance. Thus, the user can adjust the
tension by selecting an appropriate pin hole, and then bolting the
mechanism in place at that particular position. Advantageously, the
longitudinally elongated hole 154 allows the bolt 153 to be easily
positioned appropriately.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows the exemplary latching device 180. Preferably,
the latching device 180 is situated at a rear end corner of a
vertical side rail 103, most preferably, the passenger-side rear
end corner (as shown in FIG. 2). The latching assembly 183 is,
preferably, bolted or welded to the vertical side rail 103. As will
be described in greater detail, the latching assembly 183 includes
a spring-loaded catch 182 engageable with a slotted extrusion 185
that is attached to the second one of the horizontal side rails
102. Referring to FIG. 7, which shows a cutaway view of the
exemplary latching device 180, the latching device 180 is shown in
a closed position. As illustrated, the latching assembly 183
includes the spring-loaded catch 182 using a spring 186 to exert
force for moving the catch through the slotted extrusion 185, and
keeping it in that position (until it is manually released).
Additionally, the latching device 180 includes a latch 188
hingeably attached (using hinge 189) to the second one of the
horizontal side rails 102, as shown. When the latching device 180
is in the closed position, the latch engages with a complementary
portion of the latching assembly 192 to form a friction fit.
[0026] FIGS. 8(a) through 8(c) show cutaway views of the latching
device in various stages of closure. As shown, the latch 188
engages the complementary portion of the latching assembly 192,
and, as the user applies downward pressure, the slotted extrusion
185 presses a curved portion of the spring loaded catch 182,
pushing the catch slightly frontward and then allows the catch to
move rearward and through the slotted extrusion 185, creating a
secure fit. FIG. 8(d) shows a cutaway view of the exemplary
latching device 180 being opened by manual operation of a release
lever 190.
[0027] For simplicity of exposition, the present discussion does
not include description of every feature that might be included in
an actual commercial product, such as, for example, the use of
weather stripping to seal the framing. Furthermore, it is to be
understood that variations of the above-described features may be
made. For example, additional clamping/bolting may be used to
secure the framing. As another example, although four pin holes are
shown, a fewer or greater number may be used in practice. Moreover,
alternative fastening means (e.g., buttons, zippers) for securing
the truck bed cover 120 to the vertical rails 103 may be also be
used in place of, or in addition to, the hook-and-loop strips.
[0028] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the various exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary
embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to
be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *