U.S. patent application number 14/109402 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for foldable tonneau cover for pick-up truck and waterproof flexible strip thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to CYC ENGINEERING, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CYC ENGINEERING, INC.. Invention is credited to Shiawdar shaun YUE.
Application Number | 20150165959 14/109402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53176292 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150165959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YUE; Shiawdar shaun |
June 18, 2015 |
FOLDABLE TONNEAU COVER FOR PICK-UP TRUCK AND WATERPROOF FLEXIBLE
STRIP THEREOF
Abstract
A foldable tonneau cover is disclosed and has two frame sections
and at least one hidden-type hinge. Two frame members of two
adjacent frame sections are correspondingly formed with two
embedded holes. The hidden-type hinge is pivotally connected
between the adjacent frame members. When the frame sections are
horizontally extended relative to each other, the hidden-type hinge
is substantially received in the embedded holes. When the frame
sections are rotated or folded relative to each other, the
hidden-type hinge is partially exposed out of the embedded holes.
Thus, the occupied space of the hidden-type hinge and the gap
between the adjacent frame sections can be minimized. The
waterproof flexible strip can be continuously extended along the
entire length of the two adjacent frame members without being
interfered with by the hidden-type hinge substantially hidden
within frame members, so as to enhance the waterproof reliability
thereof.
Inventors: |
YUE; Shiawdar shaun;
(Cupertino, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CYC ENGINEERING, INC. |
Fremont |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CYC ENGINEERING, INC.
Fremont
CA
|
Family ID: |
53176292 |
Appl. No.: |
14/109402 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/100.09 ;
296/100.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/02 20130101; B60J
10/30 20160201; B62D 33/046 20130101; B60J 10/90 20160201; B60J
10/86 20160201; B60J 7/141 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60P 7/02 20060101
B60P007/02 |
Claims
1. A foldable tonneau cover for a pick-up truck, comprising: a
first frame section having a plurality of first frame members; a
second frame section having a plurality of second frame members,
wherein the adjacent first and second frame members of the first
and second frame sections have two opposite side surfaces; at least
one hidden-type hinge pivotally connected between the opposite side
surfaces of the adjacent first and second frame members; and a
waterproof flexible strip flexibly connected between the adjacent
frame members, disposed outside the hidden-type hinge, and having
at least two rigid edge rims continuously connected to and extended
along the entire length of the adjacent first and second frame
members, and a flexible sheet integrally and flexibly connected
between the at least two rigid edge rims.
2. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 1, wherein the at
least two rigid edge rims are made of a first plastic material, the
flexible sheet is made of a second plastic material, and the first
plastic material has a stiffness greater than that of the second
plastic material.
3. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 1, wherein the
opposite side surfaces of the adjacent first and second frame
members have a first C-shape insertion groove and a second C-shape
insertion groove, respectively, and two of the rigid edge rims of
the waterproof flexible strip are inserted into the first and
second C-shape insertion grooves, respectively.
4. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 1, wherein the at
least two rigid edge rims have a cross-sectional height greater
than that of the flexible sheet, so that a water collection recess
is defined by the at least two rigid edge rims and the flexible
sheet, wherein the water collection recess faces an outer side of a
gap defined between the adjacent first and second frame members in
a horizontally extended status of the adjacent first and second
frame members.
5. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 1, wherein an
outer surface of the first frame member has at least one first
C-shape insertion groove, an outer surface of the second frame
member has at least one second C-shape insertion groove, and the at
least two rigid edge rims of the waterproof flexible strip are
inserted into the first and second C-shape insertion grooves,
respectively.
6. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 5, wherein the
outer surface of the first frame member has two of the first
C-shape insertion grooves, the outer surface of the second frame
member has two of the second C-shape insertion grooves, and four of
the rigid edge rims of the waterproof flexible strip are inserted
into the two first C-shape insertion grooves and the two second
C-shape insertion grooves, respectively.
7. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 1, wherein the
first frame section has two rigid cover plates covering on the
first frame members, and a foam core filled in a space defined
between the two rigid cover plates and the first frame members.
8. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 7, wherein the
second frame section has two rigid cover plates covering on the
second frame members, and a foam core filled in a space defined
between the two rigid cover plates and the second frame
members.
9. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 8, wherein each of
the first and second frame members is formed with an installation
slot, a C-shaped insertion groove and a linear installation groove,
wherein the foam core is filled into the C-shaped insertion groove,
and an outer edge of one of the rigid cover plates is inserted into
the linear installation groove.
10. The foldable tonneau cover according to claim 9, wherein at
least one hole is formed between the C-shaped insertion groove and
the installation slot, and the foam core is further filled into the
installation slot through the hole.
11. A waterproof flexible strip for a foldable tonneau cover for a
pick-up truck, the foldable tonneau cover including a first frame
section having a plurality of first frame members, a second frame
section having a plurality of second frame members, and at least
one hidden-type hinge pivotally connected between two opposite side
surfaces of the adjacent first and second frame members, the
waterproof flexible strip flexibly connected between the adjacent
frame members, disposed outside the hidden-type hinge, and
comprising: at least two rigid edge rims continuously connected to
and extended along the entire length of the adjacent first and
second frame members; and a flexible sheet integrally and flexibly
connected between the at least two rigid edge rims.
12. The waterproof flexible strip according to claim 11, wherein
the at least two rigid edge rims are made of a first plastic
material, the flexible sheet is made of a second plastic material,
and the first plastic material has a stiffness greater than that of
the second plastic material.
13. The waterproof flexible strip according to claim 11, wherein
the opposite side surfaces of the adjacent first and second frame
members have a first C-shape insertion groove and a second C-shape
insertion groove, respectively, and two of the rigid edge rims of
the waterproof flexible strip are inserted into the first and
second C-shape insertion grooves, respectively.
14. The waterproof flexible strip according to claim 11, wherein
the at least two rigid edge rims have a cross-sectional height
greater than that of the flexible sheet, so that a water collection
recess is defined by the at least two rigid edge rims and the
flexible sheet, wherein the water collection recess faces an outer
side of a gap defined between the adjacent first and second frame
members in a horizontally extended status of the adjacent first and
second frame members.
15. The waterproof flexible strip according to claim 11, wherein an
outer surface of the first frame member has at least one first
C-shape insertion groove, an outer surface of the second frame
member has at least one second C-shape insertion groove, and the at
least two rigid edge rims of the waterproof flexible strip are
inserted into the first and second C-shape insertion grooves,
respectively.
16. The waterproof flexible strip according to claim 15, wherein
the outer surface of the first frame member has two of the first
C-shape insertion grooves, the outer surface of the second frame
member has two of the second C-shape insertion grooves, and four of
the rigid edge rims of the waterproof flexible strip are inserted
into the two first C-shape insertion grooves and the two second
C-shape insertion grooves, respectively.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable tonneau cover
and a waterproof seal thereof, and more particularly to a foldable
tonneau cover for a pick-up truck having a waterproof flexible
strip.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A traditional pick-up truck has a cargo box used to carry
various cargo. Generally, the cargo box is covered by a tonneau
cover which is releasably clamped to and extended above the cargo
box, so as to protect the carried cargo from adverse weather and
improve the aesthetic appearance of the pick-up truck. Tonneau
covers can be classified into hard-top type and soft-top type,
wherein the hard-top type tonneau cover has a hard top made of
rigid material, such as metal, fiberglass or the like, while the
soft-top type tonneau cover has a soft top made of flexible
material, such as canvas, vinyl plastic or a weather-resistant
fabric. Moreover, the tonneau cover can be designed to provide a
foldable function to help a user to conveniently extend or store
the tonneau cover.
[0003] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, schematic views of a
traditional foldable tonneau cover system for a pick-up truck are
illustrated, wherein a tonneau cover system 10 is used to cover a
cargo box 21 of a pick-up truck 20, and the tonneau cover system 10
comprises a plurality of frame sections 11, 12, 13, a plurality of
hinges 14, a plurality of clamps (not-shown) and at least one cover
portion 15. The number of the cover portion 15 can be one or
corresponding to that of the frame sections 11-13 (such as three).
The cover portion 15 is made of flexible or rigid material, and can
be suitably fixed on the corresponding frame sections 11-13. Each
of the frame sections 11 is constructed by a plurality of frame
members. One of the frame sections 11, 13 can be pivotally
connected to another adjacent frame section 12 through two or more
of the hinges 14, so that all of the frame sections 11-13 can be
adjusted to an extended position or a storage position.
[0004] When the frame sections 11 are in the extended position as
shown in FIG. 2, the frame sections 11-13 are horizontally extended
on two side walls 22 and a tailgate 23 of the cargo box 21, and
fixed thereon by the clamps, so as to cover an inner space of the
cargo box 21. When the frame sections 11-13 are in the storage
position as shown in FIG. 3, the frame sections 11-13 are folded
and stacked on a front end of the two side walls 22, so as to
expose the inner space of the cargo box 21 for placing or taking
cargo.
[0005] In the tonneau cover system 10, each of the hinges 14 mainly
comprises two hinge portions and a pivot axis, wherein each of the
hinge portions is installed on frame members of one of the frame
sections 11-13, while the pivot axis is pivotally connected between
the two hinge portions. In order to prevent water leakage from the
gap between any two adjacent frame sections 11-13, side surfaces of
the frame members of the two adjacent frame sections 11-13 are
provided with a pair of laterally-extending channels (unlabeled),
wherein a sealing strip 16 is disposed in each of the
laterally-extending channels, respectively. Thus, when the frame
sections 11 are in the extended position as shown in FIG. 2, the
two sealing strips 16 can be abutted against each other to provide
a waterproof function for the frame sections 11-13. Furthermore,
the external (or internal) side of each of the hinges 14 can be
covered with another seal sheet (not-shown) to further enhance the
waterproof function for the frame sections 11-13.
[0006] However, in a first case that a large-area elongated piece
of the seal sheet is covered on the external side of the hinge 14,
when the two adjacent frame sections 11-12 are folded and stacked
with each other, it is easy to irregularly twist the seal sheet
between two outer surfaces of the two adjacent frame members, and
thus the ideal folding angle (i.e. 180 degree) between the two
adjacent frame sections 11-12 may not be carried out due to the jam
of the seal sheet. On the other hand, in a second case that a
small-area elongated piece of the seal sheet is covered on the
internal side of the hinge 14, when the two adjacent frame sections
11-12 are horizontally extended, it is still easy to irregularly
twist the seal sheet between two side surfaces of the two adjacent
frame members, and thus the ideal extension angle (i.e. 0 degree)
between the two adjacent frame sections 11-12 may not be carried
out due to the jam of the seal sheet; and when the two adjacent
frame sections 11-12 are folded and stacked with each other, it is
easy to generate a pull force between two outer surfaces of the two
adjacent frame members because the curve length of the seal sheet
may be insufficient, and thus the ideal folding angle (i.e. 180
degree) between the two adjacent frame sections 11-12 may not be
carried out due to the insufficient curve length of the seal
sheet.
[0007] Moreover, the pivot axis of the hinge 14 is installed at a
fulcrum position between the two adjacent frame members, and thus
occupies a certain space of the gap therebetween in the
horizontally extended status. As a result, the pivot axis interfere
with the installation and open/close operation of the seal sheet on
the external or internal side of the hinge 14, so that it may
increase the installation offset between the hinge 14, the seal
sheet and the frame members. As a result, the installation yield
may be affected, and the waterproof reliability thereof may be
reduced.
[0008] As a result, it is necessary to provide a waterproof seal
structure and a hinge structure for the foldable tonneau cover to
solve the problems existing in the conventional technology, as
described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
foldable tonneau cover for a pick-up truck and a waterproof
flexible strip thereof, which is provided with a waterproof
flexible strip continuously extended along the entire length of the
two adjacent frame members without being interfered with by the
hidden-type hinge substantially hidden within the frame members, so
as to enhance the waterproof reliability thereof.
[0010] A secondary object of the present invention is to provide a
foldable tonneau cover for a pick-up truck and a waterproof
flexible strip thereof, which is provided with at least one
hidden-type hinge substantially hidden within two opposite side
surfaces of frame members of two adjacent frame sections in a
horizontally extended status, so as to minimize the occupied space
of the hidden-type hinge and the gap between the adjacent frame
sections.
[0011] A third object of the present invention is to provide a
foldable tonneau cover for a pick-up truck and a waterproof
flexible strip thereof, which is provided with at least one
hidden-type hinge and a waterproof flexible strip between any two
adjacent frame sections, so as to simplify the waterproof
interconnection structure between the adjacent frame sections.
[0012] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a
foldable tonneau cover for a pick-up truck and a waterproof
flexible strip thereof, which is provided with a foam core between
two rigid cover plates of each frame section, so as to enhance the
structural strength and waterproof reliability of the frame
section.
[0013] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides
a foldable tonneau cover of a pick-up truck, which comprises:
[0014] a first frame section having a plurality of first frame
members;
[0015] a second frame section having a plurality of second frame
members, wherein the adjacent first and second frame members of the
first and second frame sections have two opposite side
surfaces;
[0016] at least one hidden-type hinge pivotally connected between
the opposite side surfaces of the adjacent first and second frame
members; and [0017] a waterproof flexible strip flexibly connected
between the adjacent frame members, disposed outside the
hidden-type hinge, and having at least two rigid edge rims
continuously connected to and extended along the entire length of
the adjacent first and second frame members, and a flexible sheet
integrally and flexibly connected between the at least two rigid
edge rims.
[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least two
rigid edge rims are made of a first plastic material, the flexible
sheet is made of a second plastic material, and the first plastic
material has a stiffness greater than that of the flexible
sheet.
[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two opposite
side surfaces of the adjacent first and second frame members have a
first C-shape insertion groove and a second C-shape insertion
groove, respectively, and two of the rigid edge rims of the
waterproof flexible strip are inserted into the first and second
C-shape insertion grooves, respectively.
[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least two
rigid edge rims have a cross-sectional height greater than that of
the flexible sheet, so that a water collection recess is defined by
the at least two rigid edge rims and the flexible sheet, wherein
the water collection recess faces an outer side of a gap defined
between the adjacent first and second frame members in a
horizontally extended status of the adjacent first and second frame
members.
[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, an outer surface
of the first frame member has at least one first C-shape insertion
groove, an outer surface of the second frame member has at least
one second C-shape insertion groove, and the at least two rigid
edge rims of the waterproof flexible strip are inserted into the
first and second C-shape insertion grooves, respectively.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer
surface of the first frame member has two of the first C-shape
insertion grooves, the outer surface of the second frame member has
two of the second C-shape insertion grooves, and four of the rigid
edge rims of the waterproof flexible strip are inserted into the
two first C-shape insertion grooves and the two second C-shape
insertion grooves, respectively.
[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first frame
section has two rigid cover plates covering on the first frame
members, and a foam core filled in a space defined between the two
rigid cover plates and the first frame members.
[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second frame
section has two rigid cover plates covering on the second frame
members, and a foam core filled in a space defined between the two
rigid cover plates and the second frame members.
[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the
first and second frame members is formed with an installation slot,
a C-shaped insertion groove and a linear installation groove,
wherein the foam core is filled into the C-shaped insertion groove,
and an outer edge of one of the rigid cover plates is inserted into
the linear installation groove.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one
hole is formed between the C-shaped insertion groove and the
installation slot, and the foam core is further filled into the
installation slot through the hole.
[0027] Furthermore, the present invention provides another
waterproof foldable tonneau cover for a pick-up truck, which
comprises:
[0028] a first frame section having a plurality of first frame
members;
[0029] a second frame section having a plurality of second frame
members, wherein the adjacent first and second frame members of the
first and second frame sections have two opposite side
surfaces;
[0030] at least one hidden-type hinge pivotally connected between
the adjacent first and second frame members; and
[0031] a waterproof flexible strip flexibly connected between the
adjacent frame members, disposed outside the hidden-type hinge, and
having at least two rigid edge rims continuously connected to and
extended along the entire length of the adjacent first and second
frame members, and a flexible sheet integrally and flexibly
connected between the at least two rigid edge rims, wherein a water
collection recess is defined by the at least two rigid edge rims
and the flexible sheet.
[0032] Moreover, the present invention provides a waterproof
flexible strip for a foldable tonneau cover for a pick-up truck,
the foldable tonneau cover including a first frame section having a
plurality of first frame members, a second frame section having a
plurality of second frame members, and at least one hidden-type
hinge pivotally connected between two opposite side surfaces of the
adjacent first and second frame members, the waterproof flexible
strip flexibly connected between the adjacent frame members,
disposed outside the hidden-type hinge, and comprising:
[0033] at least two rigid edge rims continuously connected to and
extended along the entire length of the adjacent first and second
frame members; and
[0034] a flexible sheet integrally and flexibly connected between
the at least two rigid edge rims;
[0035] wherein the at least two rigid edge rims have a
cross-sectional height greater than that of the flexible sheet, so
that a water collection recess is defined by the at least two rigid
edge rims and the flexible sheet, and wherein the water collection
recess faces an outer side of a gap defined between the adjacent
first and second frame members in a horizontally extended status of
the adjacent first and second frame members.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a traditional foldable
tonneau cover system of a pick-up truck;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the traditional
foldable tonneau cover system of FIG. 1 in a horizontally extended
status;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the traditional
foldable tonneau cover system of FIG. 1 in a folded status;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a partially top view of a foldable tonneau cover
of a pick-up truck according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 4A is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a
frame section having two rigid cover plates and a foam core
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a partially bottom view of the foldable tonneau
cover according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the hidden-type hinge
according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a
partially folded status;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged and partially cross-sectional
view of the hidden-type hinge according to the first embodiment of
the present invention in a completely folded status, similar to
FIG. 6;
[0044] FIG. 8 is an exploded top view of the hidden-type hinge, a
waterproof flexible strip and two adjacent frame members according
to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 9A is an assembled cross-sectional view of installing
the waterproof flexible strip onto the two adjacent frame members
according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the
horizontally extended status;
[0046] FIG. 9B is an assembled cross-sectional view of installing
the waterproof flexible strip onto the two adjacent frame members
according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the
completely folded status;
[0047] FIG. 10A is an assembled cross-sectional view of installing
a waterproof flexible strip onto two adjacent frame members
according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a
horizontally extended status;
[0048] FIG. 10B is an assembled cross-sectional view of installing
the waterproof flexible strip onto the two adjacent frame members
according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a
completely folded status;
[0049] FIG. 11A is a schematic side view of the foldable tonneau
cover according to the first or second embodiment of the present
invention in a folded status; and
[0050] FIG. 11B is another schematic side view of the foldable
tonneau cover according to the first or second embodiment of the
present invention in a folded status.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] The structure and the technical means adopted by the present
invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best
understood by referring to the following detailed description of
the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
Furthermore, directional terms described by the present invention,
such as upper, lower, front, back, left, right, inner, outer, side,
longitudinal/vertical, transverse/horizontal, and etc., are only
directions by referring to the accompanying drawings, and thus the
used directional terms are used to describe and understand the
present invention, but the present invention is not limited
thereto.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, partially top and bottom
views of a foldable tonneau cover of a pick-up truck according to a
first embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. As
shown, the foldable tonneau cover designated by numeral 30 is
applied to a pick-up truck (as shown in FIG. 1) and comprises at
least two frame sections 31,32, at least one hidden-type hinge 33
and at least one waterproof flexible strip 34, all of which will be
described in more detailed hereinafter.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, the number of the frame
sections 31,32 can be two, three, four or more. In the embodiment,
the foldable tonneau cover 30 is provided with a first frame
section 31 and a second frame section 32, but not limited to
include additional frame section or not. The first frame section 31
has a plurality of first frame members 311, two rigid cover plates
312 and a foam core 313. The number of the first frame members 311
can be four, and can be made of metal (such as aluminum, iron,
stainless steel, copper or alloy thereof) or engineering plastic.
Each set of the first frame members 311 can be used to construct a
rectangular frame and define a rectangular space within the
rectangular frame. The rigid cover plates 312 are made of rigid
material, such as engineering plastic (such as polyamide 6 (PA6),
polyamide 66 (PA66), polypropylene (PP),
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer, polycarbonate (PC)
or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), without limitation) or metal
(such as aluminum, iron, stainless steel, copper or alloy thereof).
Two of the rigid cover plates 312 can be suitably covered and fixed
on a top side and a bottom side of the first frame members 311, and
the size of the rigid cover plates 312 is slightly greater than
that of the rectangular space defined by the first frame members
311.
[0054] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 4A, a cross-section of each
of the first frame members 311 at the outer edge of the first frame
section 31 is formed with an installation slot 311a, a C-shaped
insertion groove 311b and a linear installation groove 311c,
wherein the installation slot 311a is used to be installed with two
corner members 314 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5); the C-shaped
insertion groove 311b is formed at an internal side of the
installation slot 311a, wherein the foam core 313 (such as urethane
foam material) is filled into the C-shaped insertion groove 311b
and the rectangular space defined between the first frame members
311 and the two rigid cover plates 312; the linear installation
groove 311c is formed at a top side (and/or a bottom side) of the
installation slot 311a, wherein an outer edge of one of the rigid
cover plates 312 is inserted into the linear installation groove
311c; and the first frame members 311 can be further formed with at
least one hole 311d formed between the C-shaped insertion groove
311b and the installation slot 311a, and the foam core 313 is thus
further filled into the installation slot 311a through the hole
311d.
[0055] Therefore, when water enters the installation slot 311a from
the gap between the first frame members 311 and the corner members
314, there is no space in the installation slot 311a to receive
water, so that the water leakage and the noise caused by water in
the installation slot 311a can be minimized and avoided. In
addition, the foam core 313 is further filled into the C-shaped
insertion groove 311b, so that a reliable connection strength can
be provided between the first frame members 311 and the foam core
313 in the rectangular space defined by the first frame members 311
and the two rigid cover plates 312.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4, 4A and 5, similarly, the second frame
section 32 also has a plurality of second frame members 321, two
rigid cover plates 322 and a foam core 323, all of which have
structures and functions substantially the same as the
corresponding first frame members 311, the rigid cover plates 312
and the foam core 313, as described above, so that the detailed
description thereof will be omitted herein.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a partially enlarged view of the
hidden-type hinge 33 in a partially folded status and a partially
enlarged and partially cross-sectional view of the hidden-type
hinge 33 in a completely folded status are illustrated.
[0058] According to the foldable tonneau cover 30 of the present
invention, one of the frame sections (e.g. the first frame section
31) can be pivotally connected to another adjacent frame section
(e.g. the second frame section 32) through one, two or more of the
hidden-type hinge 33, so that all of the two adjacent frame
sections 31,32 can be pivotally rotated to an extended position or
a storage position. When the two adjacent frame sections 31,32 are
in the extended position, the frame sections 31,32 are horizontally
extended on two side walls and a tailgate of a cargo box (as shown
in FIG. 1), so as to cover an inner space of the cargo box. When
the frame sections 31,32 are in the storage position, the frame
sections 31,32 are folded and stacked on a front end of the two
side walls, so as to expose the inner space of the cargo box.
[0059] In the embodiment, the adjacent first and second frame
members 311,321 of the adjacent first and second frame sections
31,32 have structures different from that of the first and second
frame members 311,321 at the outer edge of the first and second
frame sections 31,32, wherein two opposite side surfaces of the
adjacent first and second frame members 311,321 of the adjacent
first and second frame sections 31,32 are correspondingly formed
with a first/second embedded hole 310,320 and a first/second
C-shape insertion groove 311e,321e, respectively, wherein the
hidden-type hinge 33 is substantially received in the first and
second embedded holes 310,320 when the first and second frame
sections 31,32 are horizontally extended relative to each other;
and the hidden-type hinge 33 is partially exposed out of the first
and second embedded holes when the first and second frame sections
31,32 are rotated or folded relative to each other.
[0060] For more details, referring now to FIG. 8, each of the
hidden-type hinge 33 comprises: a first embedded body 331, a second
embedded body 332, at least one first sliding member 333, at least
one second sliding member 334, a central axis 335, a first pivotal
shaft 336, a second pivotal shaft 337, a first sliding shaft 338
and a second sliding shaft 339, all of which are made of metal,
such as stainless steel, aluminum, iron, copper or alloy thereof,
without limitation.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, in the embodiment, the first
embedded body 331 is substantially entirely (or mostly) embedded in
the first embedded hole 310 of the first frame member 311; the
second embedded body 332 is substantially entirely (or mostly)
embedded in the second embedded hole 320 of the second frame member
321; the first sliding member 333 is pivotally connected to the
first embedded body 331 by the first pivotal shaft 336 and slidably
connected to the second embedded body 332 by the second sliding
shaft 339; the second sliding member 334 is pivotally connected to
the second embedded body 332 by the second pivotal shaft 337 and
slidably connected to the first embedded body 331 by the first
sliding shaft 338; and a central portion of the first and second
sliding members 333,334 are commonly pivotally connected to the
central axis 335. The hidden-type hinge 33 preferably has two of
the first sliding members 333 and two of the second sliding members
334, both of which are alternately arranged with each other and
rotatably connected with each other by the central axis 335.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and second embedded
bodies 331, 332 have a first receiving space 331a and a second
receiving space 332a, respectively, to commonly receive the first
and second sliding members 333,334. The first receiving space 331a
of the first embedded body 331 has a pair of first pivotal holes
(unlabeled) and the first pivotal shaft 336, the first pivotal
shaft 336 has two ends fixed on the two first pivotal holes, and
one end of the first sliding member 333 is pivotally connected to
the first pivotal shaft 336. Similarly, the second receiving space
332a of the second embedded body 332 has a pair of second pivotal
holes (unlabeled) and the second pivotal shaft 337, the second
pivotal shaft 337 has two ends fixed on the two second pivotal
holes, and one end of the second sliding member 334 is pivotally
connected to the second pivotal shaft 337.
[0063] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first receiving
space 331a of the first embedded body 331 has a pair of first
sliding grooves 331b and the first sliding shaft 338, the first
sliding shaft 338 has two ends slidably disposed in the two first
sliding grooves 331b, and the other end of the second sliding
member 334 is pivotally connected to the first sliding shaft 338.
Similarly, the second receiving space 332a of the second embedded
body 332 has a pair of second sliding grooves 332b and the second
sliding shaft 339, the second sliding shaft 339 has two ends
slidably disposed in the two second sliding grooves 332b, and the
other end of the first sliding member 333 is pivotally connected to
the second sliding shaft 339.
[0064] Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, when the first and second
frame sections 31,32 are horizontally extended relative to each
other (i.e. in an extended status), the first and second sliding
members 333,334 are substantially entirely received in the first
and second embedded bodies 331,332, wherein the first and second
sliding members 333,334 are used to interconnect the first and
second frame sections 31,32 with each other; and referring to FIGS.
6 and 7, when the first and second frame sections 31,32 are rotated
or folded relative to each other (i.e. in a partially or completely
folded status), the first and second sliding members 333,334 can
partially slide out of the first and second embedded bodies
331,332, wherein the first and second sliding members 333,334 also
can be used to interconnect the first and second frame sections
31,32 with each other.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9A-9B, the foldable tonneau
cover 30 further comprises a waterproof flexible strip 34 flexibly
connected between the adjacent frame members 311,321 and disposed
outside/above the hidden-type hinge 33 (i.e. relatively close to
the outer surface of the first and second frame members 311,321; or
close to the ambient environment outside the first and second frame
members 311,321), wherein the waterproof flexible strip 34 has two
rigid edge rims 341 and a flexible sheet 342, the two rigid edge
rims 341 are used to be continuously connected to and extended
along the entire length of the adjacent first and second frame
members 311,321; and the flexible sheet 342 is integrally and
flexibly connected between the two rigid edge rims 341. In the
embodiment, the two rigid edge rims 341 are made of a first plastic
material, the flexible sheet 342 is made of a second plastic
material, and the first plastic material preferably has a stiffness
(rigidity) greater than that of the second plastic material.
[0066] Furthermore, in the horizontally extended status, the first
C-shape insertion groove 311e and the second C-shape insertion
groove 321e are formed at two opposite side surfaces of the
adjacent first and second frame members 311,321, respectively, and
the first C-shape insertion groove 311e is corresponding to second
C-shape insertion groove 321e, wherein the two rigid edge rims 341
of the waterproof flexible strip 34 are inserted into the first and
second C-shape insertion grooves 311e,321e, respectively, and the
flexible sheet 342 is continuously connected to and extended along
the entire length of a gap defined between the adjacent first and
second frame members 311,321. Meanwhile, the two rigid edge rims
341 have a cross-sectional height greater than that of the flexible
sheet 342, so that a water collection recess 340 is defined by the
two rigid edge rims 341 and the flexible sheet 342 (as shown in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A), wherein the water collection
recess 340 faces an outer side of the gap between the adjacent
first and second frame members 311,321 in the horizontally extended
status. Water collected by the water collection recess 340 or the
first and second C-shape insertion grooves 311e,321e can be further
drained outward from draining holes (not-shown) formed two ends of
the adjacent first and second frame members 311,321.
[0067] In the folded status, the first frame member 311 is rotated
about 180 degree relative to the second frame member 321, so that
the two opposite side surfaces of the adjacent first and second
frame members 311,321 formed with the first and second C-shape
insertion grooves 311e,321e are not aligned with each other again,
while the flexible sheet 342 is bent to be a curved shape and still
provides a waterproof effect for the adjacent first and second
frame members 311,321.
[0068] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the first embedded
body 331 is substantially mostly embedded in the first embedded
hole 310 of the first frame member 311, wherein a small portion of
the first embedded body 331 is protruded from the side surface of
the first frame member 311; Similarly, the second embedded body 332
is substantially mostly embedded in the second embedded hole 320 of
the second frame member 321, wherein a small portion of the second
embedded body 332 is protruded from the side surface of the second
frame member 321.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, assembled
cross-sectional views of installing a waterproof flexible strip
onto two adjacent frame members according to a second embodiment of
the present invention in a horizontally extended status and in a
completely folded status are illustrated and similar to FIGS. 9A
and 9B of the first embodiment, so that the second embodiment uses
similar terms or numerals of the first embodiment. As shown, the
difference of the second embodiment is that: the two opposite side
surfaces of the adjacent first and second frame members 311,321,
the structure of the waterproof flexible strip 34 and the position
of the first and second C-shape insertion groove 311e,321e are
further modified.
[0070] For more details, the two opposite side surfaces of the
adjacent first and second frame members 311,321 of the first and
second frame sections 31,32 are correspondingly formed with a first
recessed groove 311f and a second recessed groove 321f,
respectively, and the first and second embedded holes 310,320 are
formed within the first and second recessed grooves 311f,321f,
respectively, so that a larger front panel portion of the first and
second embedded body 331,332 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8) can be
received in the first and second recessed grooves 311f,321f,
respectively, and the first and second embedded holes 310,320 can
be a smaller hole for only receiving a smaller rear insertion
portion of the first and second embedded body 331,332. Thus, the
hole machining of the first and second embedded body 331,332 can be
simplified.
[0071] Furthermore, an outer surface of the first frame member 311
has at least one first C-shape insertion groove 311e, an outer
surface of the second frame member 321 has at least one second
C-shape insertion groove 321e, and the at least two rigid edge rims
341 of the waterproof flexible strip 34 are inserted into the first
and second C-shape insertion grooves 311e,321e, respectively.
Preferably, the outer surface of the first frame member 311 has two
of the first C-shape insertion grooves 311e, the outer surface of
the second frame member 321 has two of the second C-shape insertion
grooves 321e, and four of the rigid edge rims 341 of the waterproof
flexible strip 34 are inserted into the two first C-shape insertion
grooves 311e and the two second C-shape insertion grooves 321e,
respectively. The flexible sheet 342 is further horizontally
extended leftward and rightward from the leftmost and rightmost
rigid edge rims 341, so as to form an extended portion 343 to cover
the first and second C-shape insertion grooves 311e,321e on the
outer surface of the first and second frame member 311,321. The two
first C-shape insertion grooves 311e and the two second C-shape
insertion grooves 321e can be used as a dual water collection
recess structure, respectively. Therefore, water collected by two
of the dual water collection recess structure (i.e. the first and
second C-shape insertion grooves 311e,321e) can be further drained
outward from draining holes (not-shown) formed two ends of the
adjacent first and second frame members 311,321.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, schematic side views of
two types of the foldable tonneau cover according to the first or
second embodiment of the present invention in a folded status are
illustrated. As shown in FIG. 11A, the foldable tonneau cover 30
comprises a first frame section 31, a second frame section 32, a
spacer frame section 35 and a third frame section 36 in turn,
wherein the three frame sections 31,32,36 have substantially
identical or similar size; the spacer frame section 35 has a
smaller size than the size of each of the frame sections 31,32,36;
at least one hidden-type hinge 33 (the number may be one, two or
three) and one waterproof flexible strip 34 of the first or second
embodiment are installed between any two adjacent frame sections
31,32,35,36. Because the foldable tonneau cover has the spacer
frame section 35, the three frame sections 31,32,36 can be
completely folded for storage.
[0073] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11B, the foldable tonneau cover
30 comprises a first frame section 31, a second frame section 32, a
spacer frame section 35, a third frame section 36 and a fourth
frame section 37 in turn, wherein the four frame sections
31,32,36,37 have substantially identical or similar size; the
spacer frame section 35 has a smaller size than the size of each of
the frame sections 31,32,36,37; at least one hidden-type hinge 33
and one waterproof flexible strip 34 of the first or second
embodiment are installed between any two adjacent frame sections
31,32,35,36,37. Because the foldable tonneau cover has the spacer
frame section 35, the four frame sections 31,32,36,37 can be
completely folded for storage.
[0074] As described above, in comparison with the traditional
waterproof foldable tonneau cover, the foldable tonneau cover 30 of
the present invention as shown in FIGS. 4 to 9B is provided with at
least one hidden-type hinge 33 substantially entirely (or mostly)
hidden within frame members 311,321 of two adjacent frame sections
31,32 in an horizontally extended status, so as to minimize the
occupied space of the hidden-type hinge 33 and the gap between the
adjacent frame sections 31,32. Furthermore, a waterproof flexible
strip 34 is provided to be continuously extended along the entire
length of the two adjacent frame members 31,32 without being
interfered with by the hidden-type hinge 34 substantially entirely
(or mostly) hidden within frame members 311,321, so as to enhance
the waterproof reliability thereof. The hidden-type hinge 34 and
the waterproof flexible strip 34 between any two adjacent frame
sections 31,32 is also advantageous to simplify the waterproof
interconnection structure between the adjacent frame sections.
Moreover, a foam core 313,323 is provided between two rigid cover
plates 312,322 of each frame section 31,32, so as to enhance the
structural strength and waterproof reliability of the frame section
31,32.
[0075] The present invention has been described with a preferred
embodiment thereof and it is understood that many changes and
modifications to the described embodiment can be carried out
without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention
that is intended to be limited only by the appended claims.
* * * * *