US20190291554A1 - Latch assembly and tonneau cover - Google Patents
Latch assembly and tonneau cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190291554A1 US20190291554A1 US15/928,545 US201815928545A US2019291554A1 US 20190291554 A1 US20190291554 A1 US 20190291554A1 US 201815928545 A US201815928545 A US 201815928545A US 2019291554 A1 US2019291554 A1 US 2019291554A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- latch
- striker
- tonneau cover
- latch arm
- cover according
- Prior art date
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/185—Locking arrangements
- B60J7/19—Locking arrangements for rigid panels
- B60J7/198—Locking arrangements for rigid panels for locking tonneau covers such as covers for roof storage compartments or for pick-up truck beds
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
- B60J7/16—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel
- B60J7/1607—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable and rigid, e.g. a one-piece hard-top or a single rigid roof panel for covering load areas, e.g. rigid panels for pick-up truck beds
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to tonneau covers. More specifically, the invention relates to a latch assembly for selectively securing a tonneau cover to the cargo box of a pickup truck.
- Tonneau covers are well known for covering the cargo boxes of pickup trucks to protect the contents of the cargo box from environmental factors and to enhance the aesthetics of the pickup truck.
- tonneau covers are movable so as to selectively close off or provide access to the cargo box, without requiring complete removal of the tonneau cover.
- the tonneau covers are typically of a roll-up variety, a tilting variety or a folding variety.
- these tonneau covers typically include a frame disposed about the upper surfaces of the side and end rails of the cargo box with transverse rails extending between the side rails. If of the foldable variety, one or more hinged connections are provided in the frame to allow the frame to fold upon itself. This folding may be in multiple directions, but is typically in a direction from the tailgate toward the cab of the pickup truck.
- the tonneau cover may be provided with a flexible cover extending over the entire frame. This is generally known as a soft-top tonneau cover.
- the tonneau cover may be provided with one or more rigid panels between the various frame members. This is often referred to as a hardtop tonneau cover.
- a clamp assembly toward the rear of the tonneau cover, (generally adjacent to the tailgate) needs to be provided to quickly and easily engage with and disengage from the side rail of the cargo box, thereby providing quick access into or quick closure of the cargo box.
- the present invention provides a tonneau cover for covering the cargo box of a pickup truck.
- the tonneau cover includes a cover assembly and at least one latch assembly including a striker subassembly and a latch subassembly.
- the striker subassembly is integrated into the cover assembly and includes a striker.
- the latch subassembly includes a clamp configured to attachment the latch subassembly to a sidewall of the cargo box.
- the latch subassembly also includes a latch arm and a latch hook.
- the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp and the latch hook is connected to the latch arm at a location spaced apart from where the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp.
- Provided at an end of the latch hook is a hook for releasable engagement with the striker.
- the invention provides a tonneau cover for covering a cargo box of a pickup truck, the tonneau cover including a cover assembly configured to cover the cargo box of the pickup truck; and at least one latch assembly including a striker subassembly and a latch subassembly.
- the striker subassembly being integrated into the cover assembly and including a striker.
- the latch subassembly including a clamp, a latch arm and a latch hook.
- the clamp has first and second clamp members interconnected by at least one bolt and configured for attachment to a sidewall of the cargo box.
- the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp, and the latch hook is formed at one end for releasable connection with the striker and is connected at the other end to the latch arm.
- the connection of the latch arm with the latch hook being at a location along the latch arm spaced apart from where the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp.
- the clamp is attached to the sidewall of the cargo box, the latch arm is pivotally mounted to one of the first and second clamp members.
- the latch hook includes a leg extending from the latch arm and terminating in one of a hook or clip.
- the latch hook includes a rigid leg extending from the latch arm and terminating in one of a hook and clip.
- the latch hook includes a pair of spaced legs extending from the latch arm and each of the legs terminates in one of a hook or clip.
- the hooks are interconnected at distal ends thereof by a crossbar.
- the latch hook is unitarily constructed.
- the legs connect to the latch arm on opposing sides of the latch arm.
- the legs are rigid.
- the latch arm is moveable between first and second positions.
- the latch hook is pivotally connected to the latch arm.
- the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp at a first location and latch hook is connected to the latch arm at a location that rotates about the first location as the latch arm is moved between the first and second positions.
- the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp at a first location and latch hook is connected to the latch arm at a location that rotates about the first location as the latch arm is moved between the first and second positions.
- first and second clamp members are pivotally engaged and one of the first and second clamp members includes a pivot received in a recess of the other of the first and second clamp members.
- first and second clamp members are configured for attachment to the sidewall of the cargo box by engagement with the sidewall between opposing faces of the first and second clamp members.
- the latch arm is non-metal.
- the clamp is metal
- the striker is moveable between a stowed position and a non-stowed position, in the stowed position, the striker extending parallel to the cover assembly.
- the striker is pivotably mounted relative to the cover assembly.
- the striker subassembly include a striker base supporting the striker, the striker being moveable relative to the striker base between a stowed position and a non-stowed position
- the stowed position the striker is wholly positioned within the striker base.
- the striker base includes a retainer, the retainer engaging and retaining the striker in the stowed position.
- a tonneau cover for covering the cargo box of a pickup truck.
- the tonneau cover includes a cover configured to cover the cargo box of the pickup truck and at least one latch assembly including a striker subassembly and a latch subassembly.
- the striker subassembly is integrated into the cover assembly and includes a striker.
- the latch subassembly includes a clamping means for attaching the latch subassembly to a sidewall of the cargo box of the pickup truck, and a latching means supported by the clamping means and being moveable between first and second positions for releasably engagement with the striker.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pickup truck with tonneau cover positioned over the cargo box of the pickup truck;
- FIG. 2 is bottom, partial perspective view of the latch assembly of the tonneau cover seen in FIG. 1 , with the clamp assembly in the latched condition;
- FIG. 3 is top perspective view of the latch assembly of the tonneau cover seen in FIG. 1 , with the cover assembly removed;
- FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the latch assembly, seen in FIG. 3 , with the channel that houses the striker and striker base removed;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the latch assembly, seen in FIG. 3 , in the unlatched condition.
- FIG. 6 is bottom perspective view, similar to that of FIG. 5 , of the channel, striker and striker base, and showing the striker in the stowed position.
- a tonneau cover is shown therein and designated at 10 .
- the tonneau cover 10 is disposed on the upper surfaces 16 of the sidewalls 18 , including the tailgate 20 , that define the cargo box 12 of the pickup truck 14 and covers the bed or cargo box 12 of the pickup truck 14 .
- the tonneau cover 10 may be one of the folding or tilting varieties mentioned above. Merely for the purposes of the following discussion and not to be limited thereby, the tonneau cover 10 will be described as a folding hardtop variety.
- the tonneau cover 10 includes a plurality of individual panels 22 , each of which has a substantially rectangular configuration. As illustrated, the tonneau cover 10 is a tri-fold tonneau cover, meaning that it is comprised of three panels 22 that are foldable over one another so as to selectively cover some or substantially all of the cargo box 12 . As referred to herein, panel 22 r is the first, rear or tailgate-end panel; panel 22 c is the second, center or middle panel; and panel 22 f is the third, front or cab-end panel of the tonneau cover 10 .
- the tonneau cover 10 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 , is fully unfolded and in its fully extended position. In this position, the tonneau cover 10 fully or substantially covers the opening of the cargo box 12 .
- the rear panel 22 r is folded onto the center panel 22 c , and then both of those panels 22 r , 22 c can be folded on the front panel 22 f Since the folding capability of the tonneau cover 10 is not the particular focus hereof, the folded position of the tonneau cover 10 is not illustrated in connection with the present description. Notwithstanding this, in the interest of completeness, general aspects of the tonneau cover 10 , and its ability to fold, are discussed below.
- the panels 22 are rigid structures. Accordingly, the panels 22 may be formed as composite structures through a variety of techniques that are well known to those skilled in field of tonneau covers.
- the panels 22 may be comprised of solid upper and lower sheets of aluminum, between which an extruded polystyrene foam sheet core is provided. Since the particular construction of the panels 22 will vary based on the individual preferences of the manufacturer and the particular design criteria for the tonneau cover, further details regarding the specific construction of the panels 22 themselves are not provided herein.
- Each panel 22 is bounded about its perimeter by a series of frame members, including a pair of side frame members 24 , a front frame member 26 and a rear frame member 28 .
- the rear frame member 28 is arranged to cooperate with the upper surface of the tailgate 20 and the front frame member 26 may form part of a rear hinge assembly 30 .
- the front frame member 26 is arranged to cooperate with the front side rail (not shown) of the cargo box 12 , adjacent to the cab 32 of the pickup truck 14 , while its rear frame member 28 may form part of a front hinge assembly 34 .
- the rear frame member 28 may form part of the rear hinge assembly 30
- the front frame member 26 may form part of the front hinge assembly 34 .
- the hinge assemblies 30 , 34 themselves may be of any of the well know varieties and, accordingly, are not further described herein.
- corner members 36 interconnect the frame members 24 , 26 , 28 to one another.
- the tonneau cover 10 includes two sets of clamp and/or latch assemblies, a pair of front assemblies (not shown) and a pair of rear assemblies.
- Front assemblies are provided as part of the front panel 22 f and secure the front panel 22 f to the side rails 18 of the cargo box 12 .
- the rear assemblies are associated with the rear panel 22 r and operate to secure the rear panel 22 r to the side rails 18 of the cargo box 12 .
- the front assemblies may be of the same or similar construction as that of the rear assemblies. Generally, however, the rear assemblies require a greater ease of operation since these assemblies must be disconnected in order for the tonneau cover 10 to be folded.
- the front assemblies once installed, can remain installed until the tonneau cover 10 needs to be removed, unless, of course, the tonneau cover is designed such that the front panel 22 f can be folded rearward. In that latter case, the front assemblies must also be readily and easily engaged and disengaged. In view the above, only the rear assemblies are discussed herein, it being understood that the front assemblies may have the same, a similar or different construction.
- a latch assembly 38 is illustrated as securing the rear panel 22 r of the cover assembly 11 (the tonneau cover 10 absent the latch assembly 38 ) to the cargo box 12 , and more particularly the inner flange 40 of the sidewall 18 of the cargo box 12 . While only one latch assembly 38 is shown, it will be understood that a second latch assembly 38 is located on opposing side of the panel 22 r to secure the cover assembly 11 to the opposing side rail 18 . Also seen in FIG. 2 is a perimeter seal 42 that, when the latch assembly 38 is engaged, prevents water, dirt, debris, etc. from penetrating into the cargo box 12 from between the cover assembly 11 and the upper surface 16 of the sidewalls 18 .
- the latch assembly 38 includes a striker subassembly 44 and a latch subassembly 46 .
- the striker subassembly 44 is secured to the rear panel 22 r .
- the striker subassembly 44 may be secured directly to a surface of the rear panel 22 r or, alternatively, may be secured within the recess of a channel 48 provided in the rear panel 22 r .
- the channel 48 includes opposing sidewalls 50 connected by a bottom wall 52 that cooperate to define defines a pocket within which the striker subassembly 44 is received.
- the striker subassembly 44 is principally composed of a striker base 54 and a striker 56 .
- the striker base 54 engages the channel 48 so as to be either fixedly secured or slideably retained within the channel.
- the sidewalls 58 of the striker base 54 are provided with a shape corresponding to the sidewalls 50 of the channel 48 .
- the shape of the sidewalls 50 in that instance, may include opposed lips 58 or other features preventing the striker base 54 from being pulled downwardly (as oriented in the figures) out of engagement with the channel 48 .
- the striker 56 is mounted to the striker base 54 so as to define a loop with an open center.
- the striker 56 may constructed from a bar stock material formed into a U-shape.
- the striker 56 may include feet 60 extending laterally outward from the legs 62 of the U-shape, the latter of which are joined by a crossbar 64 .
- the feet 60 of the striker 56 are received within slots 66 defined front upper surface and extending partway across the width of the striker base 54 .
- the feet 60 are loosely retained within the slots 66 allowing the striker 56 to pivot relative to the striker base 54 . As seen in FIG.
- striker 56 to be pivoted into a stowed position within the striker base 54 and the channel 48 .
- This stowed position allows for the panels 22 of the cover assembly 11 to be folded upon one another without damage by contact with the striker 56 .
- a retainer 68 formed as one or more protrusions from the inner perimeter of the striker base 54 , may be provided to engage the crossbar 64 and secure the striker in the stowed position.
- the striker 56 may be provided with a single leg 62 and crossbar 64 or another construction allowing for engagement with features of the latch subassembly 46 as discussed below.
- the latch subassembly 46 is secured to the sidewall 18 by inner and outer clamp members 70 , 72 , which are preferably made of metal or another rigid and strong material.
- inner and outer clamp members 70 , 72 which are preferably made of metal or another rigid and strong material.
- the inner flange 40 of the sidewall 18 is impinged between opposed faces 74 , 76 of the inner and outer clamp members 70 , 72 .
- the faces 74 , 76 may include surface enhancements, such as teeth, ribs, other projections, friction material or surface treatments, to increase engagement between the faces 74 , 76 and the inner flange 40 .
- the mounting portion 92 of the outer clamp member 72 may be provided with flanges 94 or a collar, projecting outwardly from the mounting portion 92 , that engage the lock nut 84 and prevent its rotation when the lock bolt 82 is threadably rotated therein.
- the latch subassembly 46 engages the striker subassembly 44 through a latch hook 96 .
- the latch hook 96 is preferably unitarily formed from bar stock and includes a pair of legs 98 each of which is provided with a return bend or hook 100 at one end.
- the hooks 100 of each of the legs 98 are joined together by a crossbar 102 and together form the hook end 104 of the latch hook 96 .
- the width of the latch hook 96 in the vicinity of the hook end 104 is less than the width of the opening between the legs 62 of the striker 56 . Accordingly, the hook end 104 may be extended through the opening of the striker 56 such that the crossbar 64 of the striker 56 is received within the concave interior of the hooks 100 of the hook end 104
- the legs 98 of the latch hook 96 extend generally transversely away from the crossbar 102 and are interconnected at their opposing ends by a pivot bar 106 .
- the pivot bar 106 is provided with apertures 108 in its opposing ends and through which the legs 98 extend.
- a pair of nuts 110 are threadably received on the ends of each of the legs 98 and are provided so as to be on opposing sides of the pivot bar 106 . Accordingly, the nuts 110 are utilized to fix the position of the pivot bar along the length of the legs 98 .
- the latch hook 96 may be formed with a single leg 98 with the hook 100 or clip or other attachment feature at the end thereof. Additionally, the leg(s) 98 may be flexible and not rigid or may be resilient.
- a latch arm 112 Pivotally mounted to the inner clamp member 70 is a latch arm 112 , which in the preferred embodiment is constructed of plastic, but which may be constructed of metal, rubber other material.
- a bore is provided in one end, the upper end, of the latch arm 112 .
- This end of the latch arm 112 is received between a pair of pivot bosses 114 , each of which includes a bore aligned with the bore in the latch arm 112 .
- a pivot axle 116 extends through the bore of one pivot boss 114 , into the bore of the latch arm 112 and further into the bore of the other pivot boss 114 .
- the pivot axle 116 may be may be press-fit or otherwise engaged within the bores of the pivot bosses 114 to securely retain the pivot axle 116 therein. Pivotally mounted to the inner clamp member 70 in this manner, the latch arm 112 is capable of pivoting generally perpendicularly or laterally relative to the sidewall 18 of the cargo box 12 . At a location spaced apart from the pivot axle 116 , the latch arm 112 includes a bore through which the pivot bar 106 rotatably extends, such that each leg 98 of latch hook 96 is located on an opposite side of the latch arm 112 .
- the latch arm 112 unitarily formed with the latch hook 96 of the various previously described embodiments.
- latch arm 112 Upon rotation of the latch arm 112 about the pivot axle 116 from the location seen FIGS. 2-4 , the pivot bar 106 and the legs 98 of the latch hook 96 are generally moved toward the interior of the cargo box 12 . Since latch arm 112 is pivotally connected to the inner clamp member 70 at its upper end and the pivot bar 106 extends through the latch arm 112 at a location spaced apart from that upper end, the pivot bar 106 rotates upwardly as it is moved inwardly. This upward rotation lifts the legs 98 of the latch hook 96 causing the hook end 104 to be lifted from the crossbar 64 of the striker 56 and moved toward the bottom wall 52 of the channel 48 .
- the return bends of the hooks 100 are dimensioned such that, when sufficiently lifted by rotation of the latch arm 112 , the crossbar 102 of the hook end 104 can be rotated through the opening defined by the striker 56 and out of engagement with the striker subassembly 54 .
- the downward force exerted upon the cover assembly latch assembly 38 may be adjusted by raising the lowermost nuts 110 along the legs 98 of the latch hook 96 . Once this tension adjustment has been made, the upper nuts 110 may be tightened downward to lock the position of the latch hook 96 relative to the latch arm 112 and inner clamp member 70 .
- the inner clamp member 70 is further provided on a lower end thereof with a depression or recess 118 .
- This recess is preferably located substantially vertically beneath or slightly outward of the pivot axle 116 .
- the relative locations of the pivot axle 116 and the passage of the pivot bar 106 through the latch arm 112 cause the pivot bar 106 to be rotatably be received into the recess 118 , and therefore located substantially directly below or outward of the pivot axle 116 .
- the upward force inherently exerted by the cover assembly 11 thus operates to provide a biasing force that retains the pivot bar 106 within the recess 118 , until purposely moved therefrom by inward rotation of the latch arm 112 .
- the pivot bar 106 When the latch hook 96 is disengaged from the striker subassembly 44 , the pivot bar 106 may also be received and retained in the recess 118 . In this positions, because of pivot bar 106 is rotationally received through the latch arm 112 , the latch hook 96 may be rotated 180 degrees and positioned with the hook ends 104 extending downward. If the rotational engagement between the pivot bar 106 and the latch arm 112 is not freely rotatable and is sufficiently, frictionally constrained, the latch hook 96 can be placed and retained in the downwardly extended position without excessive motion during operation of the pickup truck 14 . A frictionally constrained bearing or fit between the pivot bar 106 and latch arm 112 is preferably provided for this purpose.
- the latch arm 112 may be provided with a handgrip 120 on its end opposite from the pivot axle 116 .
- the tonneau cover 10 is provided with a latch assembly 38 in which the latch subassembly 46 is mounted to and retain with cargo box 12 of the pickup truck 14 when the cover assembly 11 is opened and in its folded position.
- This has the benefit of placing less weight and stress on the cover assembly 11 , as well as providing a simpler structure, the striker subassembly 44 , on the cover assembly 11 that is easily and readily moved into its stowed position and less likely to be inadvertently damaged or cause damage if the cover assembly 11 is folded without the striker subassembly 44 in its stowed position.
- the above benefits are contrary to the conventional constructions employed with present-day tonneau covers.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally relates to tonneau covers. More specifically, the invention relates to a latch assembly for selectively securing a tonneau cover to the cargo box of a pickup truck.
- Tonneau covers are well known for covering the cargo boxes of pickup trucks to protect the contents of the cargo box from environmental factors and to enhance the aesthetics of the pickup truck. Generally, tonneau covers are movable so as to selectively close off or provide access to the cargo box, without requiring complete removal of the tonneau cover. In this regard, the tonneau covers are typically of a roll-up variety, a tilting variety or a folding variety.
- Regarding the tiltable and foldable varieties, these tonneau covers typically include a frame disposed about the upper surfaces of the side and end rails of the cargo box with transverse rails extending between the side rails. If of the foldable variety, one or more hinged connections are provided in the frame to allow the frame to fold upon itself. This folding may be in multiple directions, but is typically in a direction from the tailgate toward the cab of the pickup truck.
- To cover the open areas between the various frame members of the tonneau cover, the tonneau cover may be provided with a flexible cover extending over the entire frame. This is generally known as a soft-top tonneau cover. Alternatively, the tonneau cover may be provided with one or more rigid panels between the various frame members. This is often referred to as a hardtop tonneau cover. In either instance, a clamp assembly toward the rear of the tonneau cover, (generally adjacent to the tailgate) needs to be provided to quickly and easily engage with and disengage from the side rail of the cargo box, thereby providing quick access into or quick closure of the cargo box.
- In satisfying the above need, as well as overcoming various drawbacks and other limitations of the related art, the present invention provides a tonneau cover for covering the cargo box of a pickup truck.
- In one aspect of the invention, the tonneau cover includes a cover assembly and at least one latch assembly including a striker subassembly and a latch subassembly. The striker subassembly is integrated into the cover assembly and includes a striker. The latch subassembly includes a clamp configured to attachment the latch subassembly to a sidewall of the cargo box. The latch subassembly also includes a latch arm and a latch hook. The latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp and the latch hook is connected to the latch arm at a location spaced apart from where the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp. Provided at an end of the latch hook is a hook for releasable engagement with the striker.
- In another aspect, the invention provides a tonneau cover for covering a cargo box of a pickup truck, the tonneau cover including a cover assembly configured to cover the cargo box of the pickup truck; and at least one latch assembly including a striker subassembly and a latch subassembly. The striker subassembly being integrated into the cover assembly and including a striker. The latch subassembly including a clamp, a latch arm and a latch hook. The clamp has first and second clamp members interconnected by at least one bolt and configured for attachment to a sidewall of the cargo box. The latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp, and the latch hook is formed at one end for releasable connection with the striker and is connected at the other end to the latch arm. The connection of the latch arm with the latch hook being at a location along the latch arm spaced apart from where the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp.
- In another aspect, the clamp is attached to the sidewall of the cargo box, the latch arm is pivotally mounted to one of the first and second clamp members.
- In a further aspect, the latch hook includes a leg extending from the latch arm and terminating in one of a hook or clip.
- In an additional aspect, the latch hook includes a rigid leg extending from the latch arm and terminating in one of a hook and clip.
- In yet another aspect, the latch hook includes a pair of spaced legs extending from the latch arm and each of the legs terminates in one of a hook or clip.
- In still a further aspect, the hooks are interconnected at distal ends thereof by a crossbar.
- According to an additional aspect, the latch hook is unitarily constructed.
- In still another aspect, the legs connect to the latch arm on opposing sides of the latch arm.
- According to a further aspect, the legs are rigid.
- In still an additional aspect, the latch arm is moveable between first and second positions.
- According to another aspect, the latch hook is pivotally connected to the latch arm.
- In yet a further aspect, the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp at a first location and latch hook is connected to the latch arm at a location that rotates about the first location as the latch arm is moved between the first and second positions.
- In an additional aspect, the latch arm is pivotally mounted to the clamp at a first location and latch hook is connected to the latch arm at a location that rotates about the first location as the latch arm is moved between the first and second positions.
- In a further aspect, the first and second clamp members are pivotally engaged and one of the first and second clamp members includes a pivot received in a recess of the other of the first and second clamp members.
- In another aspect, the first and second clamp members are configured for attachment to the sidewall of the cargo box by engagement with the sidewall between opposing faces of the first and second clamp members.
- In still an additional aspect, the latch arm is non-metal.
- In yet another aspect, the clamp is metal.
- In a further aspect, the striker is moveable between a stowed position and a non-stowed position, in the stowed position, the striker extending parallel to the cover assembly.
- In an additional aspect, the striker is pivotably mounted relative to the cover assembly.
- In another aspect, the striker subassembly include a striker base supporting the striker, the striker being moveable relative to the striker base between a stowed position and a non-stowed position
- In a further aspect, the stowed position the striker is wholly positioned within the striker base.
- In an additional aspect, the striker base includes a retainer, the retainer engaging and retaining the striker in the stowed position.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a tonneau cover is provided for covering the cargo box of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover includes a cover configured to cover the cargo box of the pickup truck and at least one latch assembly including a striker subassembly and a latch subassembly. The striker subassembly is integrated into the cover assembly and includes a striker. The latch subassembly includes a clamping means for attaching the latch subassembly to a sidewall of the cargo box of the pickup truck, and a latching means supported by the clamping means and being moveable between first and second positions for releasably engagement with the striker.
- Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after review of the following description with reference to the drawings and the claims that are appended to and form a part of this specification
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pickup truck with tonneau cover positioned over the cargo box of the pickup truck; -
FIG. 2 is bottom, partial perspective view of the latch assembly of the tonneau cover seen inFIG. 1 , with the clamp assembly in the latched condition; -
FIG. 3 is top perspective view of the latch assembly of the tonneau cover seen inFIG. 1 , with the cover assembly removed; -
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the latch assembly, seen inFIG. 3 , with the channel that houses the striker and striker base removed; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the latch assembly, seen inFIG. 3 , in the unlatched condition; and -
FIG. 6 is bottom perspective view, similar to that ofFIG. 5 , of the channel, striker and striker base, and showing the striker in the stowed position. - As used in the description that follows, directional terms such as “upper” and “lower” are used with reference to the orientation of the elements as presented in the figures.
- Accordingly, “upper” indicates a direction toward the top of the figure and “lower” indicates a direction toward the bottom of the figure. The terms “left” and “right” are similarly interpreted. The terms “inward” or “inner” and “outward” or “outer” indicate a direction that is generally toward or away from a central axis of the referred to part whether or not such an access is designated in the figures. An axial surface is therefore one that faces in the axial direction. In other words, an axial surface faces in a direction along the central axis. A radial surface therefore faces radially, generally away from or toward the central axis. It will be understood, however, that in actual implementation, the directional references used herein may not necessarily correspond with the installation and orientation of the corresponding components or device.
- Referring now to the drawings, a tonneau cover is shown therein and designated at 10. As seen in
FIG. 1 , thetonneau cover 10 is disposed on theupper surfaces 16 of thesidewalls 18, including thetailgate 20, that define thecargo box 12 of thepickup truck 14 and covers the bed orcargo box 12 of thepickup truck 14. Thetonneau cover 10 may be one of the folding or tilting varieties mentioned above. Merely for the purposes of the following discussion and not to be limited thereby, thetonneau cover 10 will be described as a folding hardtop variety. - The
tonneau cover 10 includes a plurality of individual panels 22, each of which has a substantially rectangular configuration. As illustrated, thetonneau cover 10 is a tri-fold tonneau cover, meaning that it is comprised of three panels 22 that are foldable over one another so as to selectively cover some or substantially all of thecargo box 12. As referred to herein,panel 22 r is the first, rear or tailgate-end panel;panel 22 c is the second, center or middle panel; andpanel 22 f is the third, front or cab-end panel of thetonneau cover 10. Thetonneau cover 10, as seen inFIGS. 1 and 2 , is fully unfolded and in its fully extended position. In this position, thetonneau cover 10 fully or substantially covers the opening of thecargo box 12. - In the folded position, the
rear panel 22 r is folded onto thecenter panel 22 c, and then both of thosepanels front panel 22 f Since the folding capability of thetonneau cover 10 is not the particular focus hereof, the folded position of thetonneau cover 10 is not illustrated in connection with the present description. Notwithstanding this, in the interest of completeness, general aspects of thetonneau cover 10, and its ability to fold, are discussed below. - As noted above, the panels 22 are rigid structures. Accordingly, the panels 22 may be formed as composite structures through a variety of techniques that are well known to those skilled in field of tonneau covers. For example, the panels 22 may be comprised of solid upper and lower sheets of aluminum, between which an extruded polystyrene foam sheet core is provided. Since the particular construction of the panels 22 will vary based on the individual preferences of the manufacturer and the particular design criteria for the tonneau cover, further details regarding the specific construction of the panels 22 themselves are not provided herein.
- Each panel 22 is bounded about its perimeter by a series of frame members, including a pair of
side frame members 24, afront frame member 26 and arear frame member 28. For therear panel 22 r, therear frame member 28 is arranged to cooperate with the upper surface of thetailgate 20 and thefront frame member 26 may form part of arear hinge assembly 30. For thefront panel 22 f, thefront frame member 26 is arranged to cooperate with the front side rail (not shown) of thecargo box 12, adjacent to thecab 32 of thepickup truck 14, while itsrear frame member 28 may form part of afront hinge assembly 34. For thecenter panel 22 c, therear frame member 28 may form part of therear hinge assembly 30, while thefront frame member 26 may form part of thefront hinge assembly 34. Thehinge assemblies - At the corner intersections of the various frame members,
corner members 36 interconnect theframe members - The
tonneau cover 10 includes two sets of clamp and/or latch assemblies, a pair of front assemblies (not shown) and a pair of rear assemblies. Front assemblies are provided as part of thefront panel 22 f and secure thefront panel 22 f to the side rails 18 of thecargo box 12. The rear assemblies are associated with therear panel 22 r and operate to secure therear panel 22 r to the side rails 18 of thecargo box 12. The front assemblies may be of the same or similar construction as that of the rear assemblies. Generally, however, the rear assemblies require a greater ease of operation since these assemblies must be disconnected in order for thetonneau cover 10 to be folded. The front assemblies, once installed, can remain installed until thetonneau cover 10 needs to be removed, unless, of course, the tonneau cover is designed such that thefront panel 22 f can be folded rearward. In that latter case, the front assemblies must also be readily and easily engaged and disengaged. In view the above, only the rear assemblies are discussed herein, it being understood that the front assemblies may have the same, a similar or different construction. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , alatch assembly 38 is illustrated as securing therear panel 22 r of the cover assembly 11 (thetonneau cover 10 absent the latch assembly 38) to thecargo box 12, and more particularly theinner flange 40 of thesidewall 18 of thecargo box 12. While only onelatch assembly 38 is shown, it will be understood that asecond latch assembly 38 is located on opposing side of thepanel 22 r to secure thecover assembly 11 to the opposingside rail 18. Also seen inFIG. 2 is aperimeter seal 42 that, when thelatch assembly 38 is engaged, prevents water, dirt, debris, etc. from penetrating into thecargo box 12 from between thecover assembly 11 and theupper surface 16 of thesidewalls 18. - As its two main subcomponents, the
latch assembly 38 includes astriker subassembly 44 and alatch subassembly 46. - The
striker subassembly 44 is secured to therear panel 22 r. Thestriker subassembly 44 may be secured directly to a surface of therear panel 22 r or, alternatively, may be secured within the recess of achannel 48 provided in therear panel 22 r. As seen inFIG. 2 , thechannel 48 includes opposingsidewalls 50 connected by abottom wall 52 that cooperate to define defines a pocket within which thestriker subassembly 44 is received. Thestriker subassembly 44 is principally composed of astriker base 54 and astriker 56. Thestriker base 54 engages thechannel 48 so as to be either fixedly secured or slideably retained within the channel. When fixedly secured, threaded fasteners or other means the securement may be employed. When slideably retained, thesidewalls 58 of thestriker base 54 are provided with a shape corresponding to thesidewalls 50 of thechannel 48. The shape of thesidewalls 50, in that instance, may includeopposed lips 58 or other features preventing thestriker base 54 from being pulled downwardly (as oriented in the figures) out of engagement with thechannel 48. - In a preferred embodiment, the
striker 56 is mounted to thestriker base 54 so as to define a loop with an open center. Thestriker 56 may constructed from a bar stock material formed into a U-shape. To engage thestriker base 54, thestriker 56 may includefeet 60 extending laterally outward from thelegs 62 of the U-shape, the latter of which are joined by acrossbar 64. Thefeet 60 of thestriker 56 are received withinslots 66 defined front upper surface and extending partway across the width of thestriker base 54. Preferably, thefeet 60 are loosely retained within theslots 66 allowing thestriker 56 to pivot relative to thestriker base 54. As seen inFIG. 6 , such a construction allowsstriker 56 to be pivoted into a stowed position within thestriker base 54 and thechannel 48. This stowed position allows for the panels 22 of thecover assembly 11 to be folded upon one another without damage by contact with thestriker 56. Aretainer 68, formed as one or more protrusions from the inner perimeter of thestriker base 54, may be provided to engage thecrossbar 64 and secure the striker in the stowed position. Alternatively, thestriker 56 may be provided with asingle leg 62 andcrossbar 64 or another construction allowing for engagement with features of thelatch subassembly 46 as discussed below. - The
latch subassembly 46 is secured to thesidewall 18 by inner andouter clamp members latch subassembly 46, theinner flange 40 of thesidewall 18 is impinged between opposed faces 74, 76 of the inner andouter clamp members faces inner flange 40. - Retention in this fashion achieved by a
pivot 78 of theouter clamp member 72 being received within arecess 80 of the inner clamp member and by engagement of alock bolt 82 with alock nut 84, theshaft 86 of thelock bolt 82 extending throughapertures 88 defined in mountingportions outer clamp members sidewall 18 and adjacent to theinner flange 40, the mountingportion 92 of theouter clamp member 72 may be provided withflanges 94 or a collar, projecting outwardly from the mountingportion 92, that engage thelock nut 84 and prevent its rotation when thelock bolt 82 is threadably rotated therein. - The
latch subassembly 46 engages thestriker subassembly 44 through alatch hook 96. Thelatch hook 96 is preferably unitarily formed from bar stock and includes a pair oflegs 98 each of which is provided with a return bend or hook 100 at one end. Thehooks 100 of each of thelegs 98 are joined together by acrossbar 102 and together form thehook end 104 of thelatch hook 96. The width of thelatch hook 96 in the vicinity of thehook end 104 is less than the width of the opening between thelegs 62 of thestriker 56. Accordingly, thehook end 104 may be extended through the opening of thestriker 56 such that thecrossbar 64 of thestriker 56 is received within the concave interior of thehooks 100 of thehook end 104 - The
legs 98 of thelatch hook 96 extend generally transversely away from thecrossbar 102 and are interconnected at their opposing ends by apivot bar 106. In this regard, thepivot bar 106 is provided with apertures 108 in its opposing ends and through which thelegs 98 extend. A pair ofnuts 110 are threadably received on the ends of each of thelegs 98 and are provided so as to be on opposing sides of thepivot bar 106. Accordingly, thenuts 110 are utilized to fix the position of the pivot bar along the length of thelegs 98. - In an alternative construction, the
latch hook 96 may be formed with asingle leg 98 with thehook 100 or clip or other attachment feature at the end thereof. Additionally, the leg(s) 98 may be flexible and not rigid or may be resilient. - Pivotally mounted to the
inner clamp member 70 is alatch arm 112, which in the preferred embodiment is constructed of plastic, but which may be constructed of metal, rubber other material. To provide for this pivotable mounting, a bore is provided in one end, the upper end, of thelatch arm 112. This end of thelatch arm 112 is received between a pair ofpivot bosses 114, each of which includes a bore aligned with the bore in thelatch arm 112. Having an axis generally parallel to thesidewall 18 of the cargo box, apivot axle 116 extends through the bore of onepivot boss 114, into the bore of thelatch arm 112 and further into the bore of theother pivot boss 114. Thepivot axle 116 may be may be press-fit or otherwise engaged within the bores of thepivot bosses 114 to securely retain thepivot axle 116 therein. Pivotally mounted to theinner clamp member 70 in this manner, thelatch arm 112 is capable of pivoting generally perpendicularly or laterally relative to thesidewall 18 of thecargo box 12. At a location spaced apart from thepivot axle 116, thelatch arm 112 includes a bore through which thepivot bar 106 rotatably extends, such that eachleg 98 oflatch hook 96 is located on an opposite side of thelatch arm 112. - In an alternative embodiment, the
latch arm 112 unitarily formed with thelatch hook 96 of the various previously described embodiments. - Upon rotation of the
latch arm 112 about thepivot axle 116 from the location seenFIGS. 2-4 , thepivot bar 106 and thelegs 98 of thelatch hook 96 are generally moved toward the interior of thecargo box 12. Sincelatch arm 112 is pivotally connected to theinner clamp member 70 at its upper end and thepivot bar 106 extends through thelatch arm 112 at a location spaced apart from that upper end, thepivot bar 106 rotates upwardly as it is moved inwardly. This upward rotation lifts thelegs 98 of thelatch hook 96 causing thehook end 104 to be lifted from thecrossbar 64 of thestriker 56 and moved toward thebottom wall 52 of thechannel 48. The return bends of thehooks 100 are dimensioned such that, when sufficiently lifted by rotation of thelatch arm 112, thecrossbar 102 of thehook end 104 can be rotated through the opening defined by thestriker 56 and out of engagement with thestriker subassembly 54. - As will be appreciated from the above discussion, the downward force exerted upon the cover
assembly latch assembly 38 may be adjusted by raising thelowermost nuts 110 along thelegs 98 of thelatch hook 96. Once this tension adjustment has been made, theupper nuts 110 may be tightened downward to lock the position of thelatch hook 96 relative to thelatch arm 112 andinner clamp member 70. - The
inner clamp member 70 is further provided on a lower end thereof with a depression orrecess 118. This recess is preferably located substantially vertically beneath or slightly outward of thepivot axle 116. - During downward rotation of the
latch arm 112 to engage thelatch hook 96 with thestriker 56, the relative locations of thepivot axle 116 and the passage of thepivot bar 106 through thelatch arm 112 cause thepivot bar 106 to be rotatably be received into therecess 118, and therefore located substantially directly below or outward of thepivot axle 116. The upward force inherently exerted by thecover assembly 11 thus operates to provide a biasing force that retains thepivot bar 106 within therecess 118, until purposely moved therefrom by inward rotation of thelatch arm 112. - When the
latch hook 96 is disengaged from thestriker subassembly 44, thepivot bar 106 may also be received and retained in therecess 118. In this positions, because ofpivot bar 106 is rotationally received through thelatch arm 112, thelatch hook 96 may be rotated 180 degrees and positioned with the hook ends 104 extending downward. If the rotational engagement between thepivot bar 106 and thelatch arm 112 is not freely rotatable and is sufficiently, frictionally constrained, thelatch hook 96 can be placed and retained in the downwardly extended position without excessive motion during operation of thepickup truck 14. A frictionally constrained bearing or fit between thepivot bar 106 andlatch arm 112 is preferably provided for this purpose. - To facilitate rotation of the
latch arm 112, thelatch arm 112 may be provided with ahandgrip 120 on its end opposite from thepivot axle 116. - With the above construction, the
tonneau cover 10 is provided with alatch assembly 38 in which thelatch subassembly 46 is mounted to and retain withcargo box 12 of thepickup truck 14 when thecover assembly 11 is opened and in its folded position. This has the benefit of placing less weight and stress on thecover assembly 11, as well as providing a simpler structure, thestriker subassembly 44, on thecover assembly 11 that is easily and readily moved into its stowed position and less likely to be inadvertently damaged or cause damage if thecover assembly 11 is folded without thestriker subassembly 44 in its stowed position. The above benefits are contrary to the conventional constructions employed with present-day tonneau covers. - As a person skilled in the art will really appreciate, the above description is meant as an illustration of at least one implementation of the principles of the present invention. This description is not intended to limit the scope or application of this invention since the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the spirit of this invention, as defined in the following claims.
Claims (23)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/928,545 US10434855B1 (en) | 2018-03-22 | 2018-03-22 | Latch assembly and tonneau cover |
CA3037571A CA3037571A1 (en) | 2018-03-22 | 2019-03-21 | Latch assembly and tonneau cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/928,545 US10434855B1 (en) | 2018-03-22 | 2018-03-22 | Latch assembly and tonneau cover |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190291554A1 true US20190291554A1 (en) | 2019-09-26 |
US10434855B1 US10434855B1 (en) | 2019-10-08 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/928,545 Active 2038-03-30 US10434855B1 (en) | 2018-03-22 | 2018-03-22 | Latch assembly and tonneau cover |
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US (1) | US10434855B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3037571A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11021047B2 (en) * | 2019-06-03 | 2021-06-01 | Wenzhou Chaoming Auto Parts Co., Ltd | Bed cover of pickup truck |
US11305626B1 (en) * | 2019-03-25 | 2022-04-19 | Worksport Ltd. | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
WO2022164396A1 (en) * | 2021-01-29 | 2022-08-04 | Vandapac Co., Ltd. | Automobile pickup bed roof |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11465477B2 (en) | 2018-05-02 | 2022-10-11 | Abc Technologies Inc. | Tonneau cover |
CA3098904A1 (en) | 2018-05-02 | 2019-11-07 | Abc Technologies Inc. | Tonneau cover |
US10814706B2 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2020-10-27 | Winbo-Dongjian Automotive Technology Co. Ltd. | Hard tonneau cover with multi-fixed position clamp assembly |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5427428A (en) * | 1993-10-04 | 1995-06-27 | Ericson; John C. | Folding cover for the bed of a pickup truck |
US5931521A (en) * | 1997-05-29 | 1999-08-03 | Kooiker; John | Folding cover for pickup truck bed |
US6302468B1 (en) * | 1999-08-25 | 2001-10-16 | William Steadman | Cover apparatus |
WO2001053126A1 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2001-07-26 | The Budd Company | Tonneau cover stake pocket attachment system and tailgate interlock |
US6382699B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2002-05-07 | The Budd Company | Tonneau cover bumper |
US7334830B2 (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2008-02-26 | Ross Weldy | Tonneau cover |
US7093881B2 (en) * | 2003-02-07 | 2006-08-22 | William Rusu | Hard tonneau cover |
US7252322B2 (en) * | 2003-02-07 | 2007-08-07 | William Rusu | Hard tonneau cover |
US7452024B2 (en) * | 2004-12-06 | 2008-11-18 | Magna International Inc. | Latching arrangement for a tonneau cover |
US7188888B2 (en) | 2005-05-31 | 2007-03-13 | Wheatley Donald G | Tonneau system latch |
US7735881B2 (en) | 2007-12-07 | 2010-06-15 | Steffens Enterprises, Inc. | Folding cargo bay cover for pickup truck |
US7823957B2 (en) | 2008-08-14 | 2010-11-02 | Rugged Liner | Clamp mechanism for a cover assembly |
US8960764B2 (en) | 2012-08-13 | 2015-02-24 | Extang Corporation | Tonneau cover locking spring clamp |
US9630479B2 (en) | 2014-10-07 | 2017-04-25 | Extang Corporation | Tonneau cover system and ratchet clamp |
US9421851B2 (en) * | 2015-01-08 | 2016-08-23 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Tonneau cover latch apparatus |
US20170361692A1 (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2017-12-21 | American Specialty Cars | Latch system for pickup bed tonneau cover |
-
2018
- 2018-03-22 US US15/928,545 patent/US10434855B1/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-03-21 CA CA3037571A patent/CA3037571A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11305626B1 (en) * | 2019-03-25 | 2022-04-19 | Worksport Ltd. | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
US11021047B2 (en) * | 2019-06-03 | 2021-06-01 | Wenzhou Chaoming Auto Parts Co., Ltd | Bed cover of pickup truck |
WO2022164396A1 (en) * | 2021-01-29 | 2022-08-04 | Vandapac Co., Ltd. | Automobile pickup bed roof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US10434855B1 (en) | 2019-10-08 |
CA3037571A1 (en) | 2019-09-22 |
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