US20220097505A1 - Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover - Google Patents
Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover Download PDFInfo
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- US20220097505A1 US20220097505A1 US17/485,278 US202117485278A US2022097505A1 US 20220097505 A1 US20220097505 A1 US 20220097505A1 US 202117485278 A US202117485278 A US 202117485278A US 2022097505 A1 US2022097505 A1 US 2022097505A1
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- United States
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- base wall
- latch
- bed
- rail attachment
- base
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Classifications
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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
- B60J7/12—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 foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts
- B60J7/14—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 foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement
- B60J7/141—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 foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering load areas, e.g. for pick-up trucks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
- B62D33/02—Platforms; Open load compartments
- B62D33/0207—Connections of movable or detachable racks or stanchions to platforms
-
- 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
- B60J7/10—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 readily detachable, e.g. tarpaulins with frames, or fastenings for tarpaulins
- B60J7/102—Readily detachable tarpaulins, e.g. for utility vehicles; Frames therefor
- B60J7/104—Fastening means for tarpaulins
-
- 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
- B60J7/12—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 foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts
- B60J7/14—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 foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement
- B60J7/143—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 foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering the passenger compartment
- B60J7/146—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 foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering the passenger compartment all elements being folded in same orientation and stacked fashion
-
- 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
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to tonneau covers. More particular, the present invention relates to latch assemblies and rails of tonneau covers used in connection with pickup trucks, and still more particularly for covering the cargo box of such trucks.
- Tonneau covers are used to cover the cargo boxes or beds of pickup trucks (hereafter just “trucks”) for aesthetics and to protect the contents in the bed, and the bed itself, from view, environmental factors, such as rain, dirt, snow and debris. Such systems also operate to retain the contents of the cargo box therein.
- a foldable tonneau cover is desirable in that when not required to cover the bed of the truck, the tonneau cover may be folded toward the rear of the cab of the truck, leaving at least a portion of the bed open and uncovered.
- Foldable tonneau covers themselves come in soft fold tonneau covers and hard fold tonneau covers.
- Soft fold tonneau covers employ a foldable frame having typically three or more sections defined by side frame members and transverse frame members. Additional transverse members, sometimes referred to as cross bows, may be provided between the transverse frame members.
- a cover or tarp of a flexible material is retained over the entire foldable frame.
- the sections of the frame are connected by hinge systems that allow the sections to fold as noted above. When being folded, generally, the rearmost section of the tonneau cover is folded forwardly toward the cab and on top of the next rearmost section of the tonneau cover. These two sections are then folded forwardly together onto the next rear most section of the tonneau cover.
- tonneau cover is folded one on top of one another forming a stack of tonneau cover sections adjacent to the passenger cabin or cab of the truck.
- the section of the tonneau cover located closest to the cab forms the bottom of the stack.
- a hard fold tonneau cover typically include three or more rigid panel sections.
- the panel sections include upper and lower rigid skins between which a rigid core is provided. Opposing sides are defined by side frame members and front and rear ends of the panel sections are defined by transverse frame members. Cross bows may also be provided in the panel sections between the transverse frame members.
- the panel sections are interconnected by hinge systems that allow them to fold in the generally the same manner as the previously described soft fold tonneau covers. Accordingly, the panels sections can be folded forwardly, one a top another, until forming a stack adjacent to rear of the cab of the truck.
- the tonneau cover includes latches, typically, but not necessarily, located adjacent the four corners of the tonneau cover.
- latch is an over center cam lock latch that hooks onto a downwardly projecting flange of the sidewall of the bed of the truck. This latch utilizes a handle that cooperates with a cam surface to cause a clamp jaw to clamp onto the flange of the sidewall.
- Another common type of latch is what is often referred to as a screwdriver latch. With this type of latch, a handle, resembling a screwdriver handle, is threadably engaged with a shaft extending through the handle and rotation of the handle relative to the shaft causes a clamp jaw to clamp onto the flange of the sidewall.
- tonneau covers include roll-up tonneau covers and single section tonneau covers.
- the cover can be rolled up, starting adjacent to the tailgate, to open the bed of the truck.
- the tonneau cover cannot fold and is typically pivotally mounted near the passenger cabin of the truck and can be lifted at the tailgate to allow for access into the bed of the truck.
- Single panel tonneau covers still employ lateral frame members and or cross bows and require a means to secure the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck.
- tonneau cover Different trucks have different sized beds and different sized sidewalls that define their beds. Accordingly, to allow for a particular size of tonneau cover to be used with different trucks, while still being properly retained over the bed of the truck, the location at a latch extends from a section of the tonneau cover to may need to be different from installation to another. In other words, the position of attachment of the latch to the tonneau cover section, relative to side edge of the tonneau cover section, may need to different for different trucks.
- the present invention provides a tonneau system for use with a bed of a pickup truck.
- the tonneau system includes a tonneau cover having at least two tonneau sections, including a first tonneau section and a second tonneau section.
- the tonneau sections are moveable relative to one another between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state the tonneau sections substantially cover the cargo box, and in the folded state the tonneau sections are arranged in a stack, with the tonneau sections being arranged one atop another.
- the tonneau system also includes latch assemblies having a latch base and a latch handle assembly.
- the latch handle assembly including a handle, a clamp jaw, an adjustment rod, and a pivot member.
- the handle and clamp jaw are supported on the adjustment rod with the handle being engaged with the clamp jaw and configured to move the clamp jaw relative to the adjustment rod.
- the adjustment rod is connected at one end to the pivot member.
- the latch base is supported by the tonneau cover and includes a body defining a plurality of discrete mounting positions.
- the body defines a longitudinal axis extending transversely across the tonneau cover, a lateral axis extending lengthwise of the tonneau cover and a normal axis extending perpendicularly to a plane generally defined by the tonneau cover in the unfolded position.
- the latch handle assembly is releasably retained with the latch base in one of the mounting positions, and each mounting positions includes an entrance passageway extending into the body of the latch base.
- the latch handle assembly is releasably retained in one of the mounting positions by a resilient retention member that is located in the passageway and deformable by the latch handle assembly during insertion and withdrawal of the latch handle assemble through the passageway.
- the resilient retention member engages the latch handle assembly and retains the latch handle assembly in the mounting positions.
- the passageway is oriented substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the body of the latch base.
- the passageway terminates in an arcuate end wall, the retention member being spaced apart from the end wall.
- the retention member is spaced apart from end wall a distance less than an effective diameter of the pivot member.
- the retention member is a protuberance defining in the passageway.
- the protuberance extends across the passageway.
- the passageway corresponds in shape to the pivot member.
- the pivot member is a cylindrical barrel defining a diameter.
- the pivot barrel defines a slot and an end of the adjustment rod is engaged in the slot.
- the pivot barrel has a longitudinal axis oriented along the transverse axis in the one of the mounting positions.
- the pivot barrel is rotatable about the longitudinal axis in each of the plurality of the mounting positions.
- a slot is defined in the body of the latch base opposite of the passageway.
- the slot is oriented substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the body of the latch base.
- the slot has a width corresponding to a diameter of the adjustment rod.
- the latch handle assembly is moveable between use and stowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rod being located in the slot.
- a protuberance is located in the slot and engaging the adjustment rod whereby the adjustment rod is removeable retained in the slot.
- the protuberance extends along a length of the slot.
- the passageway has a width corresponding to a length of the pivot member.
- the pivot member is rotatable within the plurality of mounting positions.
- the tonneau cover includes side frame members configured to extend along the sidewalls of the bed of the pickup truck and lateral frame members extending between the side frame members, the latch base including a mounting boss received in an end of one of the lateral frame members.
- the latch base includes a mounting flange opposite of the mounting boss, the mounting flange being attached to one of the side frame members.
- the adjustment rod includes an off-set shank
- the latch handle assembly is moveable between use and stowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rod extending over latch base in a direction generally parallel with the transverse axis of the latch base.
- the passageway defines an entrance opening oriented generally parallel to the normal axis.
- the entrance passage way include channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the latch base.
- the channel terminates in a recess defined in the latch body.
- the recess is defined in part by a bottom wall of the latch base, the bottom wall facing into the bed of the truck.
- recess is defined in part by a top wall of the latch base.
- the top wall is a formed at least in part by a web extending in the direction of the lateral axis of the latch body.
- the channel is defined in part by a resilient tang.
- the resilient tang includes a free end terminating a distanced spaced apart from a terminal end of the passageway.
- the retention member is protuberance on the free end of the resilient tang.
- protuberance is spaced apart from the terminal end of the passageway a distance generally corresponding to a width of the pivot member.
- the pivot member defines a pivot axis oriented generally parallel to the lateral axis of the latch base.
- the tonneau cover includes side frame members configured to extend along the sidewalls of the bed of the pickup truck and lateral frame members extending between the side frame members, the latch base being received an end of one of the lateral frame members.
- the lateral member includes portions defining cutouts corresponding to the entrance openings.
- the latch handle assembly is moveable between a use position and stowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rod extending generally along the longitudinal axis of the latch base.
- the lateral frame member includes retainer located therein and configured to engage the handle of the latch handle assembly.
- the retainer defines a width less than a width of the latch handle.
- the retainer is resilient.
- a tonneau system for use with a bed of a pickup truck.
- the bed has opposing first and second sidewalls and also have a front sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at one end thereof, and a rear sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at another end thereof.
- the tonneau system includes a tonneau cover having at least two tonneau sections, including a first tonneau section and a second tonneau section.
- the tonneau sections are moveable relative to one another between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state the tonneau sections substantially cover the cargo box.
- the tonneau cover also includes a plurality of latch assemblies, with each latch assembly including a latch base and a latch handle assembly.
- the latch handle assembly further including a handle, a clamp jaw, and an adjustment member.
- the handle and clamp jaw are supported on the adjustment member, with the handle being engaged with the clamp jaw and configured to move the clamp jaw relative to the adjustment member.
- the adjustment member is connected at one end to the latch base.
- the latch base includes a belt extending about end rollers and is moveable about the end rollers in a direction generally transvers to lateral side of the tonneau cover.
- the belt is an endless belt.
- the adjustment member is connected to the latch base by attachment of the one end to the belt.
- the adjustment member is connected to the latch base by attachment of the one end to the belt at an outer surface of the belt.
- the belt includes a central split over at least a portion of the length of the belt.
- the adjustment member is connected to the latch base by attachment of the one end to the belt at an inner surface of the belt.
- the one end of the attachment member extends through the central split of the belt.
- an extension projects of off an end of the adjustment member, the projection engages the belt in a use position of the latch assembly and during such engagement.
- the projection engages an upper run of the belt.
- the latch assembly is moveable between use and stowed positions, in the stowed position the clamp jaw of the being located in the split of the belt.
- the latch assembly is moveable between use and stowed positions, in the stowed position the clamp jaw extending about the belt and one end roller of the latch base.
- a lock assembly is moveable between a position engaged with the belt and a position disengaged with the belt, in the engaged position the lock assembly inhibits rotation of the belt.
- the lock assembly is a cam lock
- the cam lock have a cam surface moveable between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
- the cam lock includes a lever handle coupled to the cam surface and configured to move the cam surface between the engage and disengaged position.
- the cam lock further includes a biasing member coupled to the cam surface and biasing the cam surface into the engaged position.
- the adjustment member is connected to the latch base by attachment of the one end to the belt at an inner surface of the belt.
- the belt is freely moveable about the rollers and tension on the belt during engagement of the latch assembly with the sidewall of the bed cause self-centering of the latch handle assembly and latch base relative to the sidewall of the bed of the truck.
- the tonneau cover is a soft fold tonneau cover.
- tonneau cover is a hard fold tonneau cover.
- a rail attachment for use with a bed of a pickup truck, wherein the bed has opposing first and second side walls and also has a front sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at one end thereof and a rear sidewall extending between the first and second bed at an opposed end thereof.
- Upper portions of the first and second side walls define bed rails of the bed.
- the rail attachment includes a base plate having an upper lip projecting laterally outward from a base wall of the base plate.
- the base wall including portions defining a clamp opening.
- a catch plate is mounted to the base plate at least partially over the clamp opening.
- the catch plate includes a catch extending through the clamp opening and a vertical clamping space is defined between the upper lip and the catch and is configured to receive a portion of the bed rail therein.
- a clamp plate mounted to the base plate. The clamp plate cooperates with the base wall to define a lateral clamping space between clamp plate and the base wall and is configured to receive a portion of the bed rail therein.
- the lateral clamping space is oriented perpendicular to the vertical clamping space.
- An anchor point is mounted to the base plate and the anchor point includes a catch extending from the base wall in a direction opposite from upper lip.
- the catch is configured to engage a latch of a tonneau cover for mounting of the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck.
- the catch plate is adjustably mounted to the base wall on a first side thereof.
- catch plate includes portions defining slots extending through the catch plate.
- the threaded fasteners extend through the slots and engage threaded bores defined in the base wall, the catch plate being adjustable along a length of the slots.
- the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wall on a second side thereof.
- the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wall on a side thereof.
- the base wall includes portions defining slots extending through the base wall, threaded fasteners extending through the slots in the base wall and through bores defined in clamp plate, the clamp plate being adjustable along the slots in the base wall.
- the slots are provided in an embossment formed in the base wall.
- the base wall includes an upturned lip extending from a lower portion of the base wall and to a same side of the base wall as the upper lip, the upturned lip receiving a downturned lip provided on the clamp plate and supporting the clamp plate therein.
- the anchor point is adjustably mounted to the base wall on a first side thereof.
- the anchor point includes portions defining slots extending through the anchor point, and threaded fasteners extend through the slots in the anchor point and through bores defined in base wall, with the anchor point being adjustable along the slots.
- a tapered shim is provided between the anchor point and the base wall, the anchor point being adjustable through positioning of the shim.
- the shim includes portions defining slots extending through the shim, the threaded fasteners extending through the slots in the shim.
- the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall and the clamp plate is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall, the first height being close to the upper lip than the second height.
- the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall and the anchor point is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall, the second height being close to the upper lip than the first height.
- the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall
- the clamp plate is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall
- the anchor point is mounted at a third height relative to the base wall, the third height being close to the upper lip than the first height and the first height being close to the upper lip than the second height.
- a hook or loop is provided on the base wall and configured for attachment of an accessory thereto.
- FIG. 1 is partial perspective view of a pickup truck having a tonneau cover according to the principles of the present invention extended over and covering the bed of the pickup truck.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of framework and latch assemblies for the tonneau cover.
- FIG. 3 is an inverted perspective view of one embodiment of a latch assembly seen in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is an inverted perspective view illustrating the latch assembly of FIG. 3 in conjunction with the framework of the tonneau cover.
- FIG. 5 is an inverted exploded view of the latch assembly and framework.
- FIGS. 6A-6C are plan views of the latch assembly in three different mounted positions on the latch base for use with different sized bed rails of different trucks.
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the latch base showing the pivot barrel retained in one of the three mounting positions defined by the latch base of the latch assembly.
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6A-6C showing the latch assembly in a stored position.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a variation of the latch assembly shown in the stored position.
- FIGS. 10A and 10B are side view of two different latch handle varieties for the latch assembly.
- FIGS. 11A-11C are illustrations of the barrel and shaft in perspective, exploded and side views.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of framework and another embodiment of latch assemblies for the tonneau cover.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 12 in connection with the framework of the tonneau cover.
- FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is an inverted view of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 13 , apart from the framework.
- FIGS. 16 and 17 are plan views of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 15 in stored positions.
- FIG. 18 is an inverted perspective view of a portion of a lateral frame member used in conjunction with the latch assembly of FIG. 12 .
- FIGS. 19, 20A and 20B illustrate the latch handle assembly and engagement with a mounting position defined by latch base, shown inverted for clarity purposes.
- FIG. 21 is top perspective view of the latch base.
- FIG. 22 is schematic illustration of another embodiment of a latch assembly for the tonneau cover.
- FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a variation of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 22 .
- FIG. 24 is a side view of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view of a mechanism for locking the latch assemblies of FIGS. 22 and 23 .
- FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view of mechanism for storing the latch assemblies of FIGS. 22 and 23 .
- FIG. 27 is a perspective illustration of a bed rail attachment for a pickup truck.
- FIG. 28 is a side view of the bed rail attachment seen in FIG. 27 .
- FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the bed rail attachment.
- FIGS. 30A and 30B are side view of long and short sizes of the bed rail attachment.
- FIG. 31 shows the bed rail attachment in conjunction with different accessories that are illustrative of the types of accessories that can be used therewith.
- 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 axis 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.
- FIG. 1 a tonneau cover embodying the principles of the present invention is generally illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated at 10 .
- the tonneau cover 10 is shown as being mounted to the cargo box or bed (hereafter “bed”) 12 of a pickup truck (hereafter “truck”) 14 so as to cover or enclose the bed 12 .
- the bed 12 is located rearward of the passenger cabin or cab (hereafter “cab”) 16 and includes a pair of opposed sidewalls 18 joined at their forward and reward ends by a front wall or bulkhead 20 and rear wall or tailgate 22 , respectively.
- the tops of the sidewalls are typically reinforced and define bed rails 24 that include, on their laterally inward sides, a downwardly projecting flange 26 .
- tonneau covers themselves come in single section tonneau covers, soft fold tonneau covers and hard fold tonneau covers.
- Each of these tonneau covers include one or more sections having lateral frame members or crossbows.
- the latch and rail constructions described herein are equally useable with and applicable to single section tonneau covers, soft fold tonneau covers and hard fold tonneau covers. Accordingly, as described below, a reference to tonneau cover 10 is generic to any of these types of tonneau cover, unless the language of the description specifically requires a different interpretation or the description otherwise indicates to the contrary.
- the tonneau cover 10 is mounted to the bed 12 of a truck 14 and may include one or more sections.
- the tonneau cover 10 is a soft fold tonneau cover having four tonneau sections, designated as tonneau sections 28 , with section 28 ′ being located closest or adjacent to the tailgate 22 and section 28 ′′ being located closest or adjacent to the bulkhead 20 .
- the tonneau cover 10 includes a framework 32 (not seen in FIG. 1 ) of side frame members 34 and lateral frame members 36 , the latter of which may include cross bows.
- the side frame members 34 rest on top of the bed rails 24 and the lateral frame members extend between the side frame members on opposite sides of the bed 12 .
- a cover of flexible material, such as polyester backed vinyl, extends over and is retained with the framework 32 .
- the tonneau cover 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in its unfolded position where the tonneau cover 10 is fully extended and covers the bed 12 of the truck 14 .
- a folded position of the tonneau cover 10 is also illustrated in FIG. 1 . This is representatively shown with dash-dot lines with the tonneau sections 28 forming a stack 30 and the tonneau sections 28 being located one a top another.
- the section 28 ′ adjacent to the tailgate 22 is first folded on top of the immediately adjacent intermediate section 28 .
- these two sections 28 are folded on top of the next intermediate section 28 .
- all three of these sections are folded on top of the section 28 ′′ adjacent to the bulkhead 20 or cab 16 .
- the tonneau sections 28 ′′ forms the bottom of the stack 30 .
- the tonneau cover 10 of FIG. 1 may have included less than four sections 28 or more than four sections 28 .
- latches and rails is not limited to one specific type of tonneau cover 10 .
- FIG. 2 a representative framework 32 of the tonneau cover 10 is illustrated therein, but in a three tonneau section 28 embodiment instead of the four tonneau section 28 embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- the side frame members 34 and lateral frame members 36 are readily seen in FIG. 2 .
- three side frame members 34 are separated by hinges 38 that provide for the folding of the tonneau cover 10 .
- a tailgate end lateral member 40 extends between the side frame members 34 closest to the tailgate 22 and a bulkhead end lateral member 42 extends between the side frame members 34 closest to the bulkhead 20 (when the tonneau cover 10 is mounted to the bed 12 ).
- tonneau covers not shown in FIG. 2 is the flexible cover that would be used with the framework 32 in a tonneau cover 10 of the soft fold variety or the rigid skins and cores that would be used with the framework 32 in a tonneau cover of the hard fold variety.
- a representative construction of a hard fold tonneau cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,596,887 and a representative construction of a soft fold tonneau cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,399,420, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- latch assemblies 44 used to secure the tonneau cover 10 to the bed 12 of the truck 14 .
- latch assemblies 44 are integrated with lateral frame members 36 at the ends thereof to join the lateral frame members 36 with the side frame members 34 , as seen in FIG. 4 .
- latch assemblies 44 Two varieties of the latch assemblies 44 are used with the tonneau cover 10 , but a single variety may be employed if desired. Since the tonneau section 28 ′ needs to be released to provide access into the bed 12 , latch assemblies 44 having quick releasing latch handle assemblies are used therewith. These latch handle assemblies 44 may be of an over center, locking cam handle variety, as seen in FIG. 10B , and which are well known in the industry and therefore not described in detail herein other than as needed to understand the present inventive concepts.
- the tonneau section 28 ′′ adjacent the bulkhead end of the tonneau cover 10 typically remains attached to the bed 12 of the truck 14 , unless the tonneau cover 10 is being completely removed.
- a rotary latch handle assembly 44 which is not as readily released, may be used with the tonneau section 28 ′′.
- One type of rotary latch handle assembly 44 includes a knob threadably received on a shaft.
- screwdriver-like handle may be threadably received on the shaft.
- the screwdriver-like handle variety is illustrated in various figures, including FIG. 10A .
- a latch assembly 44 having the rotary handle assembly mentioned above is seen therein.
- the latch assembly 44 includes a latch base 46 , and a rotary handle assembly 48 .
- the rotary latch handle assembly 48 is further comprised of a screwdriver-type latch handle 50 , a clamp jaw 51 , a threaded adjustment rod 52 and pivot barrel 54 .
- the latch base 46 includes a mounting boss 56 extending from one end, seen in FIG. 3 , and which is configured to be received within the end of a lateral frame member 36 , as seen in FIG. 4 .
- the mounting boss 56 may be press fit or otherwise provided into the end of the lateral frame member 36 .
- the latch base 46 also includes a three positon mounting block 58 that allows the latch handle assembly 48 to be engaged therewith in three distinct positions.
- the mounting block 58 also includes, opposite of the mounting boss 56 , a mounting flange 60 for use in securing the latch base 46 , and the lateral frame member 36 , to the side frame member 34 .
- the lateral frame member 36 may be provided with apertures 62 and secured to the side frame member 34 by mechanical fasteners (not shown), such as screws or rivets.
- the mounting flange 60 may be formed as T-fitting and received within a slot defined in the side frame member 34 .
- the pivot barrel 54 is a cylindrical body having a slot 64 formed and oriented longitudinally within the body.
- the slot 64 is configured to receive a blade shaped tip 66 of the adjustment rod 52 .
- a bore 68 is provided in the pivot barrel 54 and a pin 69 is received therein.
- the pin 69 extends in the bore 68 and through a corresponding bore 70 in the tip 66 of the adjustment rod 52 to secure the pivot barrel 54 to the adjustment rod 52 .
- the pin 69 may be press fit or otherwise secured in the bore 68 .
- the slot 64 has a length greater than the width of the tip 66 and the bore 70 is slightly oversized relative to the pin 69 .
- the adjustment rod 52 can pivot relative to the pivot barrel 54 and about the pin 69 in a direction corresponding the longitudinal axis of the pivot barrel 54 .
- the adjustment rod 52 can pivot about 35 degrees in either direction.
- the clamp jaw 51 includes a bore through which the shank of the adjustment rod is inserted and the latch handle 50 is threadably engaged with a threaded portion 72 formed on the adjustment rod.
- the latch handle 50 thereby retains the clamp jaw on the adjustment rod 52 .
- the clamp jaw 51 can be brought into engagement with the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 or disengaged therefrom.
- the side frame member 34 may be clamped down onto the top of the bed rail 24 , securely retaining the tonneau cover 10 in place.
- the position of the latch handle assembly 48 on the latch base 46 in relation to the side frame member 34 may need to be adjusted for proper positioning of the tonneau cover 10 .
- the latch handle assembly 48 is located in a narrow or first position, generally designated at 74 , immediately adjacent to the side frame member 34 .
- two additional positions are defined in the latch base 46 . These include a wide or second position 78 and an intermediate or third position 76 , the latter being located between the narrow and wide positions 74 , 78 .
- FIG. 7 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the engagement of the pivot barrel 54 , and therefore the latch handle assembly 48 , in the latch base 46 is shown.
- the engagement seen in FIG. 7 is representative of the engagement occurring at each of the three mounting positions 74 , 76 , 78 of the latch base 46 .
- the engagement is shown in an inverted orientation, contrary to its installation position. This is inverted position is shown to remain consistent with presentation of FIGS. 3 and 4 , as well as other figures.
- Each mounting position 74 , 76 , 78 is defined by a lateral slot 80 partway formed through the latch base 46 approximately midway between the bottom and top surfaces 82 , 83 of the latch base 46 .
- the lateral slot 80 has a height approximating the diameter of the pivot barrel 54 and a length, which is in a direction into the page of FIG. 7 , approximating the length of the pivot barrel 54 .
- the laterally inward end 84 of the lateral slot 80 is arcuate and approximates the radius of curvature defined by the cylindrical surface of the pivot barrel 54 .
- At least one of an upper and lower surface of the slot 80 is provided with a raised protrusion, boss or bump 86 that reduced the height of the lateral slot 80 to a dimension that is less than the diameter of the pivot barrel 54 .
- the pivot barrel 54 will progress until encountering the protrusion(s) 86 .
- the material of the latch base 46 is sufficiently resilient that the pivot barrel 54 can be pushed over the protrusions(s) 86 and thereafter retained between the protrusions 86 and the inward end 84 of the lateral slot 80 .
- Non-limiting examples of materials for the latch base 46 is a plastic material or glass reinforced nylon or a similar material.
- This entrance slot 88 which is readily seen in FIG. 3 , allows for the latch handle assembly 48 , including the pivot barrel 54 , to be rotated while in the inward end of the lateral slot 80 so that the latch handle assembly 48 is generally perpendicular to the side frame member 34 and in a position for attaching the tonneau cover to the bed 12 of the truck 14 . This position is the use position of the latch handle assembly 48 .
- the latch handle assembly 48 When the tonneau cover 10 is to be folded into the stack 30 , the latch handle assembly 48 must be moved from the use position so as to not interfere with folding of the tonneau cover 10 . For this purpose, the latch handle assembly 48 may be rotated back through the entrance slot 88 into a position where the adjustment rod 54 extends out through the lateral slot 80 . In this position, the latch handle assembly 48 is retained by the protrusion(s) 86 .
- the latch base 46 is provided with an additional slot 90 specifically defining a stowed position for the latch handle assembly 48 .
- the latch base is formed with a stowage slot 90 that extends laterally out of the side of the latch base 46 and downward to the bottom surface 82 .
- This stowage slot 90 has a diameter approximating the diameter of the adjustment rod 52 .
- a protrusion, boss or bump 92 Provided in a side wall of the stowage slot 90 , and seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B , a protrusion, boss or bump 92 extending into the slot 90 .
- the protrusion 92 may also extend the lateral length of the stowage slot 90 .
- the protrusion 92 in the stowage slot 90 is provided at a location in the slot 90 whereby the shank of the adjustment rod 52 can resiliently deform the protrusion allowing the adjustment rod 52 to move beyond the protrusion 92 and snap into the stowed position. This occurs as the latch handle assembly 48 , including the pivot barrel 54 , is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the pivot barrel 54 . With the latch handle assembly 48 in the stowed position, the tonneau cover 10 may be folded as described above without interference by the latch handle assembly 48 .
- the tonneau cover 10 may also be provided with a c-shaped clip 94 to engage the latch handle 50 in the stowed position.
- the C-shaped clip may be utilized with the previously discussed embodiment or may be used in an embodiment where the latch base 46 does not include a stowage slot 90 and, instead, employs an offset shank 96 in the adjustment rod 52 obviating the need for the stowage slot 90 .
- the latch assembly 44 has been described as a rotational latch handle assembly 48 .
- a cam latch assembly 98 may also be employed, particularly in connection with the tonneau section 28 ′ adjacent to the tailgate 22 .
- a cam latch handle assembly 98 is seen in FIGS. 2 and 10B and utilizes the same latch base 46 , adjustment rod 52 and pivot barrel 54 discussed above.
- the cam latch handle assembly 98 includes a lever handle 100 having a cam surface 102 that engages a clamp jaw 104 and forces the clamp jaw 104 into retaining engagement with the flange 26 as the lever handle 100 is pivoted upward toward the tonneau section of the tonneau cover, which is counterclockwise from the position seen in FIG.
- the lever handle 100 is threadably received on the threaded portion 72 of the adjustment rod 52 .
- rotation of the lever handle 100 about the adjustment rod 52 to advance the lever handle 100 toward the latch base 46 is done only to initially position the clamp jaw 104 relative to the flange 26 .
- Final engagement of the clamp jaw 104 with the flange 26 is achieved by pivoting the lever handle 100 toward the tonneau section 28 ′ as mentioned above.
- the cam surface 102 interacts with the clamp jaw 104 further forcing the clamp jaw 104 toward the flange 26 .
- FIG. 12 a representative framework 32 , like that seen in FIG. 2 , for a tonneau cover 10 , of the varieties represented by FIG. 1 , is illustrated therein.
- the framework 32 includes side frame members 34 separated by hinges 38 , lateral frame members 36 , a tailgate end lateral member 40 , and a bulkhead end lateral member 42 .
- the framework 32 includes four latch assemblies 44 generally located toward the four corners of the tonneau cover 10 .
- the latch assemblies 44 also include rotary latch handle assemblies 48 and cam latch handle assemblies 98 .
- the distinction in the present embodiment from the prior embodiments lies in the engagement of the adjustment rod with the pivot barrel, the engagement of the pivot barrel with the latch base and the construction of the latch base itself. Accordingly, for discussions regarding the handle assemblies 48 , 98 , reference is made to the previously discussion of these features.
- the latch handle assemblies 48 , 98 include an adjustment rod 52 having tip 112 that is fixedly received within a bore 114 of a pivot barrel 116 .
- the tip 112 is be threadably engaged in the bore 114 of the pivot barrel 116 forming a T-bar construction.
- the tip 112 is threadably secured by a nut.
- the latch assemblies 44 also include a latch base 118 engaged with the pivot barrel 116 of the latch handle assemblies 48 , 98 .
- the latch base 118 is received within the end of an aluminum extrusion 120 , which may be the end of a lateral frame member 36 in a soft folding tonneau cover 10 or a separate extrusion incorporated into an opening formed in a corresponding tonneau section 28 ′, 28 ′′ of a hard folding tonneau cover 10 .
- the extrusion 120 may be formed as a channel member having central slot 122 bounded by inwardly extending flanges 124 on a lower side of the extrusion 120 (in the installed position).
- the latch base 118 is received in the end of the extrusion 120 and is retained therein by mechanical fasteners 126 , such as screws or rivets, extending through the flanges 124 into the body of the latch base 118 .
- the latch base 118 also includes a flange 128 on one end, positioned outward of the extrusion 120 , and used to secure the latch base and extrusion 120 to the corresponding side frame member 34 .
- the flange 128 may be received in a slot 130 formed in the side frame member 34 or may be secured to an insert 132 provided in the slot 130 by threaded fasteners 134 that clamp the flange 128 to the side frame member 34 via the insert 132 .
- the latch base 118 defines multiple positions, three in the figures, for mounting of the latch handle assemblies 48 , 98 to the latch base. These mounting positions are used to enable the tonneau cover 10 to be used with various sized bed rails 24 of different trucks 14 . Similar to the prior embodiment, the three positions include a narrow or first mounting position 136 , a wide or third mounting position 140 , and an intermediate mounting position 138 located between the narrow and wide mounting positions 136 , 140 .
- Each mounting position 136 , 138 , 140 is cooperatively defined on opposite sides of the latch base 118 in side rails 142 of the latch base 118 .
- the side rails 142 form part of the body of the latch base 118 and are connected at opposed ends by webs or cross members 144 , which may also be provided centrally between the side rails as seen in FIG. 21 .
- the mounting positions 136 , 138 , 140 are distinct in that the pivot barrel 116 must be removed from the latch base 118 in order to be repositioned in another one of the mounting positions 136 , 138 , 140 . Thus, there is no common pathway or passage for the pivot barrel 116 between the mounting positions 136 , 138 , 140 .
- the mounting positions 136 , 138 , 140 are formed by a channel 146 extending from an opening 148 in the bottom wall 150 of the side rail 142 .
- the channel 146 extend obliquely from the opening 148 to a recess 152 defined between the bottom wall 150 and a top wall 154 of the side rail 142 .
- the webs 144 may positioned so as to effectively operate as the top wall allowing the recess 152 to open immediately above the bottom wall 150 .
- the channel 146 is partially defined by a resilient tang 156 having a protuberance 158 formed on the free end of the tang 156 .
- the pivot barrel 116 Upon insertion of the pivot barrel 116 through the opening 148 into the channel 146 and toward the recess 152 , the pivot barrel 116 causes the tang 156 to deflect outwardly allowing the pivot barrel 116 to pass over the protuberance 158 and into the recess 152 , at which point the tang 156 returns to its original position and the protuberance 158 operates as a stop inhibiting removal of the pivot barrel 116 from the recess 152 and the mounting positon 136 , 138 , 140 . In the recess 152 , the pivot barrel 116 , and therefore the latch handle assembly 48 , 98 , is free to pivot toward and away from the side frame member 34 .
- the flanges 124 of the extrusion 120 are provided with cutouts 160 that correspond with the openings 148 .
- the cutouts 160 are readily seen in FIGS. 15 and 18 .
- the center portion of the latch base 118 is generally free of obstruction allowing the latch handle assemblies 48 , 98 to pivot upward into the extrusion 120 from its use position, seen in FIG. 15 , into a stowed position, regardless of the mounting position 136 , 138 , 140 of the pivot barrel 116 .
- the stowed position of the latch handle assemblies 48 , 98 is seen in FIGS. 16 and 17 .
- resilient retainers 162 extend in the extrusion 120 away from the latch base 118 beneath the flanges 124 .
- the retainers 162 may be formed from a foam material and are preferably sized so as to define a distance there between that is slightly less than the effective width of the screwdriver-like handle 50 and lever handle 100 . The retainers 162 therefore squeeze against the respective handle 50 , 100 retaining the latch handle assemblies 48 , 98 in the stowed position.
- the retainer may be monolithic as seen in FIG. 18 or formed in a layer construction as seen in FIG. 15 .
- a conveyor latch assembly 170 may be incorporated into either of the frameworks 32 discussed above as a substitute for the latch assemblies 44 discussed in connection therewith.
- the conveyor latch assembly 170 of the present embodiment similarly includes a latch base 172 and a latch handle assembly 174 .
- the latch base 172 may be incorporated into the ends of a lateral frame members 36 , which may be and extrusion 120 , associated with tonneau sections 28 ′, 28 ′′ and which may be provided as part of a soft fold tonneau cover 10 or a hard fold tonneau cover 10 .
- the side frame member 34 and lateral frame member 36 are only diagrammatically depicted in FIGS. 22-24 .
- the latch base 172 of the present embodiment is provided in the form of a conveyor having an endless belt 176 , of nylon strapping or similar material, extended about end rollers 178 that are rotationally coupled to the side walls of the lateral frame member 36 utilizing bearings, bushings or similar means.
- the rollers may be fixed and have a low friction outer surface. As such, the belt 176 is free to move about the rollers 178 .
- a latch handle assembly 174 Attached to the belt 176 is a latch handle assembly 174 , which may be a rotary latch handle assembly 48 , a cam lever latch handle assembly 98 or other style of latch handle assembly, such as the dial latch handle assembly 170 discussed below.
- the latch handle assembly 174 is pivotally coupled to the belt 176 at fixed position of the belt 176 and, therefore, the position of the pivot connection moves with the belt 176 toward or away from the side frame member 34 (arrows 177 ) and the associated flange 26 of the bed rail 24 of the truck 14 .
- the pivotal connection of the latch handle assembly 174 may be made by various means, including providing eyelet 180 on the end of an adjustment rod or strap 182 of the latch handle assembly 174 and coupling the eyelet 180 to via an integral loop 184 formed with the belt 176 and extended through the eyelet 180 to captively retain the eyelet 180 .
- the latch handle assembly 174 may be adjusted so as to lengthen or shorten, as indicated by arrows 186 , the position of a hook or clamp jaw 188 relative to side frame member 34 .
- the hook 188 is integrally formed on the distal end of a handle body 190 into which the adjustment strap 182 is received.
- the handle body 190 further includes a rotary dial 192 , threadably coupled to the handle body 190 and adjustment strap 182 , so that rotation (arrow 194 ) of the dial will operate to tighten and or loosen fixation of the adjustment strap 182 with the handle body 190 and allow adjustment of the hook 188 via relative movement of the adjustment strap 182 in the handle body 190 .
- the latch assembly 170 is able to self-center into a best leverage position because the belt 176 is free to move about the roller 178 .
- the tension of the adjustment strap 182 may again be adjusted, if necessary, to retain the tonneau cover 10 to the bed of the truck 14 .
- FIG. 23 illustrates variations on the conveyor latch assembly 170 seen in FIG. 22 .
- the dial latch handle assembly 174 may be replaced with the rotary latch handle assembly 48 discussed above and utilized with the belt 176 of FIG. 22 .
- a variation of the belt 176 may also be used.
- the belt 176 is replaced with a belt 196 having a split construction, which may be full or partial (designated in phantom).
- a pivot shaft or barrel 198 coupled to the end of the adjustment rod 52 , may be located within the endless loop defined by the belt 196 and retained to the belt 196 by an inner integral loop 200 of the belt 198 , similar to the loop 184 of the previously variation seen in FIG. 22 .
- an extension 202 may be provided off of the pivot shaft 198 , toward the upper run 204 of the belt 196 .
- the extension 202 is dimensioned so that when the latch assembly 170 is in its use position and engaged with the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 , an end 204 of the extension 202 will engage the upper run 206 of the belt 196 and fix the position of the belt 196 .
- the engagement of the extension 202 with the upper run operates to lock the belt 196 and prevent further movement about the rollers 178 .
- a cam lock 208 may be provided at one end of the belt 176 , 196 so as to engage a cam surface 210 with the belt 176 , 196 and to pinch the belt 176 , 196 between the cam surface 210 and the roller 178 .
- the cam lock 208 may include a lever arm 212 coupled to the cam surface 210 and biased by a spring 214 to lock movement of the belt 176 , 196 . By depressing the lever arm 212 against the bias of the spring 214 , the cam surface 210 is rotated out of engagement with the belt 175 , 196 and the belt 176 , 196 freed for movement.
- the latch handle assembly 174 may be rotated to position the hook 188 about the return end of the belt 176 and roller 178 adjacent to the side frame member 34 .
- the handle body 190 may be then adjusted along the adjustment strap 182 and the dial 192 tightened to fix the hook 188 about the roller 178 and secure the latch assembly 170 in a stowed position allowing folding of the tonneau cover 10 .
- the belt 196 may be moved such that the pivot connection of the latch handle assembly 48 with the belt 196 is near the roller 178 and return end of the belt 196 adjacent to the side frame member 34 .
- the screwdriver-like handle 50 and clamp jaw 51 may then be rotated into a position where they are generally between the upper and lower runs 206 , 207 of the belt 196 . In this position, the tonneau cover 10 may be folded without interference from the latch assembly 170 .
- a rail attachment for the bed rail 24 of a truck 14 is seen therein and generally designated at 220 .
- the rail attachment 220 provides an anchor point for various accessories that person might desire to incorporate into the bed 12 of their truck 14 .
- Such accessories might include, without limitation, a striker for the latch assembly of a tonneau cover, such as the tonneau cover 10 seen in FIG. 1 , a cargo or tailgate net, a tool pouch, a grocery bag hook, a tie down loop, etc.
- the rail attachment 220 mounts to the bed rail 24 of one of the sidewalls 18 of the truck's bed 12 , generally as close as practical to the tailgate 22 .
- the rail attachment 220 is configured to clamp both vertically and laterally to the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 .
- the rail attachment 220 includes a base plate 222 having an upper lip 224 extending outward from a base wall 228 and configured to engage the upper surface 226 of the bed rail 24 .
- the side of the base wall 228 in contact with the flange 26 may be provide with a backing 230 (e.g. foam or double sided tape) to inhibit damage or scratching of the bed rail 24 by the attachment rail 220 .
- a backing 230 e.g. foam or double sided tape
- a vertical clamp opening 232 is provided in the wall 228 of the base plate 222 and a catch plate 234 is received over the opening 232 .
- the catch plate 234 includes a flange forming a catch 236 that is oriented perpendicular to the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 and extends through the clamp opening 232 .
- the catch plate 234 is also provided with two adjustment slots 238 , extending vertically and parallel to the plane of the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 . The position of the slots 238 align with threaded bores 240 provided in the base plate 222 on opposite sides of the clamp opening 232 .
- the upper lip 224 is rested on the upper surface of the bed rail 24 with the backing 230 and the wall 228 pushed firmly against the flange 26 .
- the lower edge of the flange 26 registers somewhere within the clamp opening 232 .
- the catch plate 234 is position over the clamp opening 232 with the catch 236 beneath the lower edge of the flange 26 , and threaded fasteners 242 are inserted through the slots 238 and into the bores 240 .
- the catch plate 234 is raised to clamp the flange 26 between the catch 236 and the upper lip 224 and the fasteners 242 tightened to secure the rail attachment 220 down onto the bed rail 24 .
- a clamp plate 244 is positioned behind and overlapping the lower edge of the flange. 26 .
- the clamp plate 244 includes bores 246 that align with clamp slots 248 provided in a reinforced portion or embossment 250 of the base plate 222 .
- the embossment 250 is preferably located forward of and lower than the clamp opening 232 so as to be clear of the lower edge of the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 .
- Beneath the embossment 250 the base plate 222 includes a returnly bent lower end forming a upturned lip 252 to receive and hold the clamp plate 244 during positioning of the rail attachment 220 .
- the clamp plate 244 may be provided with correspondingly shaped downturned lip 254 to engage and support the clamp plate 244 on the base plate 222 .
- threaded fasteners e.g bolts
- the clamp plate 244 may be additionally formed with flanges 260 defining a slot to receive the nuts 258 and prevent their rotation to aid in engagement with the fasteners 256 .
- Washers 262 may be provided between the fasteners 256 and the base plate 222 . Tightening of the fasteners 256 accordingly will securely clamp the rail attachment 220 laterally with the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 .
- the rail attachment 220 is provided with a second embossment 264 .
- the second embossment 264 defines an attachment point for a bolt-on anchor point 266 that may be used to secure a tonneau cover 10 to the bed 12 through use of slam latches.
- the anchor point 268 includes vertical slots 268 that aligned with bores 270 defined in the embossment 264 so as to be secured with threaded fasteners 272 inserted there through and engaged by Pem nuts 274 .
- a tapered shim 276 may be provided between the anchor point 266 and the embossment 264 .
- the shim 276 allows for a catch 278 extending laterally into the bed 12 from the anchor point to be horizontally aligned, while the slots 268 allow for the vertical positioning of the catch 278 . These positions may be adjusted so that the slam latch of the tonneau cover 10 is properly engaged with the anchor point and the tonneau cover 10 secured.
- the base plate 222 may be provided with different lengths, long and short versions 280 , 282 , for use with different trucks 14 .
- the anchor point 266 is located as close as practically possible to the end of the base plate 222 adjacent to the tailgate 22 .
- rail attachment 220 can be configured to receive and work with various accessories that might be desirable.
- the rail attachment 220 may be provided with additional hooks, loops or apertures to which the accessories can be secured.
- a tailgate net 284 is attached to a hook 286 extending from a lower edge of the rail attachment. Additional loops 288 may be provided off of the same edge, or elsewhere for engagement by a pouch 290 , such as a tool pouch.
Abstract
A tonneau system for use with a bed of a pickup truck. The tonneau system includes a tonneau cover and latch assemblies to retain the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck. The cover is moveable between an unfolded positon where the cover encloses the bed and a folded position where the bed is uncovered. The latch assemblies can include latch bases that define discreet mounting positons for a latch handle assembly that employ retention members to retain the latch handle assembly in a particular mounting positon. Another latch assembly includes a latch base having an endless belt to positon the latch handle assembly. A rail attachment is also provided to mount to the bed and provide an anchor point for keep in to tonneau cover engage over the bed.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/598,025, filed Sep. 24, 2021, which is a national phase application of PCT/US2020/024737, filed Sep. 25, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/823,316, filed Mar. 25, 2019, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.
- The present invention generally relates to tonneau covers. More particular, the present invention relates to latch assemblies and rails of tonneau covers used in connection with pickup trucks, and still more particularly for covering the cargo box of such trucks.
- Tonneau covers are used to cover the cargo boxes or beds of pickup trucks (hereafter just “trucks”) for aesthetics and to protect the contents in the bed, and the bed itself, from view, environmental factors, such as rain, dirt, snow and debris. Such systems also operate to retain the contents of the cargo box therein.
- While various styles of tonneau covers exist, one of today's most popular styles is a foldable tonneau cover. A foldable tonneau cover is desirable in that when not required to cover the bed of the truck, the tonneau cover may be folded toward the rear of the cab of the truck, leaving at least a portion of the bed open and uncovered.
- Foldable tonneau covers themselves come in soft fold tonneau covers and hard fold tonneau covers. Soft fold tonneau covers employ a foldable frame having typically three or more sections defined by side frame members and transverse frame members. Additional transverse members, sometimes referred to as cross bows, may be provided between the transverse frame members. A cover or tarp of a flexible material is retained over the entire foldable frame. The sections of the frame are connected by hinge systems that allow the sections to fold as noted above. When being folded, generally, the rearmost section of the tonneau cover is folded forwardly toward the cab and on top of the next rearmost section of the tonneau cover. These two sections are then folded forwardly together onto the next rear most section of the tonneau cover. This may then be continued until all sections of the tonneau cover are folded one on top of one another forming a stack of tonneau cover sections adjacent to the passenger cabin or cab of the truck. In this instance, the section of the tonneau cover located closest to the cab forms the bottom of the stack.
- In a hard fold tonneau cover, typically include three or more rigid panel sections. The panel sections include upper and lower rigid skins between which a rigid core is provided. Opposing sides are defined by side frame members and front and rear ends of the panel sections are defined by transverse frame members. Cross bows may also be provided in the panel sections between the transverse frame members. The panel sections are interconnected by hinge systems that allow them to fold in the generally the same manner as the previously described soft fold tonneau covers. Accordingly, the panels sections can be folded forwardly, one a top another, until forming a stack adjacent to rear of the cab of the truck.
- In order to retain the tonneau covers on the bed of the truck, the tonneau cover includes latches, typically, but not necessarily, located adjacent the four corners of the tonneau cover. One common type of latch is an over center cam lock latch that hooks onto a downwardly projecting flange of the sidewall of the bed of the truck. This latch utilizes a handle that cooperates with a cam surface to cause a clamp jaw to clamp onto the flange of the sidewall. Another common type of latch is what is often referred to as a screwdriver latch. With this type of latch, a handle, resembling a screwdriver handle, is threadably engaged with a shaft extending through the handle and rotation of the handle relative to the shaft causes a clamp jaw to clamp onto the flange of the sidewall.
- Other styles of tonneau covers include roll-up tonneau covers and single section tonneau covers. With the former, the cover can be rolled up, starting adjacent to the tailgate, to open the bed of the truck. With a single section tonneau cover, the tonneau cover cannot fold and is typically pivotally mounted near the passenger cabin of the truck and can be lifted at the tailgate to allow for access into the bed of the truck. Single panel tonneau covers still employ lateral frame members and or cross bows and require a means to secure the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck.
- Different trucks have different sized beds and different sized sidewalls that define their beds. Accordingly, to allow for a particular size of tonneau cover to be used with different trucks, while still being properly retained over the bed of the truck, the location at a latch extends from a section of the tonneau cover to may need to be different from installation to another. In other words, the position of attachment of the latch to the tonneau cover section, relative to side edge of the tonneau cover section, may need to different for different trucks.
- While current latches allow for variability in the positioning of the latch relative to the tonneau cover section, such variability is often not stable or conveniently achieved, and often storage of the latch during folding of the tonneau cover is cumbersome or impractical requiring removal of the latch.
- In overcoming the enumerated drawbacks and other limitations of the related art, the present invention provides a tonneau system for use with a bed of a pickup truck.
- Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, the tonneau system includes a tonneau cover having at least two tonneau sections, including a first tonneau section and a second tonneau section. The tonneau sections are moveable relative to one another between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state the tonneau sections substantially cover the cargo box, and in the folded state the tonneau sections are arranged in a stack, with the tonneau sections being arranged one atop another. The tonneau system also includes latch assemblies having a latch base and a latch handle assembly. The latch handle assembly including a handle, a clamp jaw, an adjustment rod, and a pivot member. The handle and clamp jaw are supported on the adjustment rod with the handle being engaged with the clamp jaw and configured to move the clamp jaw relative to the adjustment rod. The adjustment rod is connected at one end to the pivot member. The latch base is supported by the tonneau cover and includes a body defining a plurality of discrete mounting positions. The body defines a longitudinal axis extending transversely across the tonneau cover, a lateral axis extending lengthwise of the tonneau cover and a normal axis extending perpendicularly to a plane generally defined by the tonneau cover in the unfolded position. The latch handle assembly is releasably retained with the latch base in one of the mounting positions, and each mounting positions includes an entrance passageway extending into the body of the latch base. The latch handle assembly is releasably retained in one of the mounting positions by a resilient retention member that is located in the passageway and deformable by the latch handle assembly during insertion and withdrawal of the latch handle assemble through the passageway. The resilient retention member engages the latch handle assembly and retains the latch handle assembly in the mounting positions.
- In another aspect, the passageway is oriented substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the body of the latch base.
- In another aspect, the passageway terminates in an arcuate end wall, the retention member being spaced apart from the end wall.
- In another aspect, the retention member is spaced apart from end wall a distance less than an effective diameter of the pivot member.
- In a further aspect, the retention member is a protuberance defining in the passageway.
- In another aspect, the protuberance extends across the passageway.
- In another aspect, the passageway corresponds in shape to the pivot member.
- In an additional aspect, the pivot member is a cylindrical barrel defining a diameter.
- In another aspect, the pivot barrel defines a slot and an end of the adjustment rod is engaged in the slot.
- In another aspect, the pivot barrel has a longitudinal axis oriented along the transverse axis in the one of the mounting positions.
- In another aspect, the pivot barrel is rotatable about the longitudinal axis in each of the plurality of the mounting positions.
- In still another aspect, a slot is defined in the body of the latch base opposite of the passageway.
- In a further aspect, the slot is oriented substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the body of the latch base.
- In another aspect, the slot has a width corresponding to a diameter of the adjustment rod.
- In yet another aspect, the latch handle assembly is moveable between use and stowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rod being located in the slot.
- In another aspect, a protuberance is located in the slot and engaging the adjustment rod whereby the adjustment rod is removeable retained in the slot.
- In another aspect, the protuberance extends along a length of the slot.
- In an additional aspect, the passageway has a width corresponding to a length of the pivot member.
- In another aspect, the pivot member is rotatable within the plurality of mounting positions.
- In still a further aspect, the tonneau cover includes side frame members configured to extend along the sidewalls of the bed of the pickup truck and lateral frame members extending between the side frame members, the latch base including a mounting boss received in an end of one of the lateral frame members.
- In another aspect, the latch base includes a mounting flange opposite of the mounting boss, the mounting flange being attached to one of the side frame members.
- In another aspect, the adjustment rod includes an off-set shank
- In another aspect, the latch handle assembly is moveable between use and stowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rod extending over latch base in a direction generally parallel with the transverse axis of the latch base.
- In an additional aspect, the passageway defines an entrance opening oriented generally parallel to the normal axis.
- In another aspect, the entrance passage way include channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the latch base.
- In still another aspect, the channel terminates in a recess defined in the latch body.
- In another aspect, the recess is defined in part by a bottom wall of the latch base, the bottom wall facing into the bed of the truck.
- In yet another aspect, recess is defined in part by a top wall of the latch base.
- In another aspect, the top wall is a formed at least in part by a web extending in the direction of the lateral axis of the latch body.
- In further aspect, the channel is defined in part by a resilient tang.
- In another aspect, the resilient tang includes a free end terminating a distanced spaced apart from a terminal end of the passageway.
- In another aspect, the retention member is protuberance on the free end of the resilient tang.
- In another aspect, protuberance is spaced apart from the terminal end of the passageway a distance generally corresponding to a width of the pivot member.
- In still a further aspect, the pivot member defines a pivot axis oriented generally parallel to the lateral axis of the latch base.
- In another aspect, the tonneau cover includes side frame members configured to extend along the sidewalls of the bed of the pickup truck and lateral frame members extending between the side frame members, the latch base being received an end of one of the lateral frame members.
- In another aspect, the lateral member includes portions defining cutouts corresponding to the entrance openings.
- In another aspect, the latch handle assembly is moveable between a use position and stowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rod extending generally along the longitudinal axis of the latch base.
- In another aspect, the lateral frame member includes retainer located therein and configured to engage the handle of the latch handle assembly.
- In another aspect, the retainer defines a width less than a width of the latch handle.
- In another aspect, the retainer is resilient.
- In another aspect of the invention, a tonneau system for use with a bed of a pickup truck is provided. The bed has opposing first and second sidewalls and also have a front sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at one end thereof, and a rear sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at another end thereof. The tonneau system includes a tonneau cover having at least two tonneau sections, including a first tonneau section and a second tonneau section. The tonneau sections are moveable relative to one another between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state the tonneau sections substantially cover the cargo box. In the folded state the tonneau sections are arranged in a stack with the tonneau sections positioned one atop another. The tonneau cover also includes a plurality of latch assemblies, with each latch assembly including a latch base and a latch handle assembly. The latch handle assembly further including a handle, a clamp jaw, and an adjustment member. The handle and clamp jaw are supported on the adjustment member, with the handle being engaged with the clamp jaw and configured to move the clamp jaw relative to the adjustment member. The adjustment member is connected at one end to the latch base. The latch base includes a belt extending about end rollers and is moveable about the end rollers in a direction generally transvers to lateral side of the tonneau cover.
- In another aspect, the belt is an endless belt.
- In another aspect, the adjustment member is connected to the latch base by attachment of the one end to the belt.
- In a further aspect, the adjustment member is connected to the latch base by attachment of the one end to the belt at an outer surface of the belt.
- In another aspect, the belt includes a central split over at least a portion of the length of the belt.
- In another aspect, the adjustment member is connected to the latch base by attachment of the one end to the belt at an inner surface of the belt.
- In an additional aspect, the one end of the attachment member extends through the central split of the belt.
- In another aspect, an extension projects of off an end of the adjustment member, the projection engages the belt in a use position of the latch assembly and during such engagement.
- In another aspect, the projection engages an upper run of the belt.
- In another aspect, the latch assembly is moveable between use and stowed positions, in the stowed position the clamp jaw of the being located in the split of the belt.
- In an additional aspect, the latch assembly is moveable between use and stowed positions, in the stowed position the clamp jaw extending about the belt and one end roller of the latch base.
- In another aspect, a lock assembly is moveable between a position engaged with the belt and a position disengaged with the belt, in the engaged position the lock assembly inhibits rotation of the belt.
- In another aspect, the lock assembly is a cam lock, the cam lock have a cam surface moveable between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
- In still a further aspect, the cam lock includes a lever handle coupled to the cam surface and configured to move the cam surface between the engage and disengaged position.
- In another aspect, the cam lock further includes a biasing member coupled to the cam surface and biasing the cam surface into the engaged position.
- In yet another aspect, the adjustment member is connected to the latch base by attachment of the one end to the belt at an inner surface of the belt.
- In another aspect, the belt is freely moveable about the rollers and tension on the belt during engagement of the latch assembly with the sidewall of the bed cause self-centering of the latch handle assembly and latch base relative to the sidewall of the bed of the truck.
- In a further aspect, the tonneau cover is a soft fold tonneau cover.
- In still another aspect the tonneau cover is a hard fold tonneau cover.
- In one additional aspect of the invention, a rail attachment for use with a bed of a pickup truck, wherein the bed has opposing first and second side walls and also has a front sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at one end thereof and a rear sidewall extending between the first and second bed at an opposed end thereof. Upper portions of the first and second side walls define bed rails of the bed. The rail attachment includes a base plate having an upper lip projecting laterally outward from a base wall of the base plate. The base wall including portions defining a clamp opening. A catch plate is mounted to the base plate at least partially over the clamp opening. The catch plate includes a catch extending through the clamp opening and a vertical clamping space is defined between the upper lip and the catch and is configured to receive a portion of the bed rail therein. A clamp plate mounted to the base plate. The clamp plate cooperates with the base wall to define a lateral clamping space between clamp plate and the base wall and is configured to receive a portion of the bed rail therein. The lateral clamping space is oriented perpendicular to the vertical clamping space. An anchor point is mounted to the base plate and the anchor point includes a catch extending from the base wall in a direction opposite from upper lip.
- In another aspect, the catch is configured to engage a latch of a tonneau cover for mounting of the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck.
- In another aspect, the catch plate is adjustably mounted to the base wall on a first side thereof.
- In a further aspect, catch plate includes portions defining slots extending through the catch plate.
- In another aspect, the threaded fasteners extend through the slots and engage threaded bores defined in the base wall, the catch plate being adjustable along a length of the slots.
- In still another aspect, the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wall on a second side thereof.
- In another aspect, the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wall on a side thereof.
- In yet another aspect, the base wall includes portions defining slots extending through the base wall, threaded fasteners extending through the slots in the base wall and through bores defined in clamp plate, the clamp plate being adjustable along the slots in the base wall.
- In another aspect, the slots are provided in an embossment formed in the base wall.
- In an additional aspect, the base wall includes an upturned lip extending from a lower portion of the base wall and to a same side of the base wall as the upper lip, the upturned lip receiving a downturned lip provided on the clamp plate and supporting the clamp plate therein.
- In another aspect, the anchor point is adjustably mounted to the base wall on a first side thereof.
- In another aspect, the anchor point includes portions defining slots extending through the anchor point, and threaded fasteners extend through the slots in the anchor point and through bores defined in base wall, with the anchor point being adjustable along the slots.
- In a further aspect, a tapered shim is provided between the anchor point and the base wall, the anchor point being adjustable through positioning of the shim.
- In another aspect, the shim includes portions defining slots extending through the shim, the threaded fasteners extending through the slots in the shim.
- In another aspect, the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall and the clamp plate is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall, the first height being close to the upper lip than the second height.
- In additional aspect, the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall and the anchor point is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall, the second height being close to the upper lip than the first height.
- In another aspect, the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall, the clamp plate is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall, and the anchor point is mounted at a third height relative to the base wall, the third height being close to the upper lip than the first height and the first height being close to the upper lip than the second height.
- In another aspect, a hook or loop is provided on the base wall and configured for attachment of an accessory thereto.
- Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of the following description, including the claims, and with reference to the drawings that are appended to and form a part of this specification. It will be appreciated that the foregoing summary sets out representative aspects of a tonneau system to assist skilled readers in understanding the following detailed description.
-
FIG. 1 is partial perspective view of a pickup truck having a tonneau cover according to the principles of the present invention extended over and covering the bed of the pickup truck. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of framework and latch assemblies for the tonneau cover. -
FIG. 3 is an inverted perspective view of one embodiment of a latch assembly seen inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is an inverted perspective view illustrating the latch assembly ofFIG. 3 in conjunction with the framework of the tonneau cover. -
FIG. 5 is an inverted exploded view of the latch assembly and framework. -
FIGS. 6A-6C are plan views of the latch assembly in three different mounted positions on the latch base for use with different sized bed rails of different trucks. -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the latch base showing the pivot barrel retained in one of the three mounting positions defined by the latch base of the latch assembly. -
FIG. 8 is a view similar toFIGS. 6A-6C showing the latch assembly in a stored position. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a variation of the latch assembly shown in the stored position. -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are side view of two different latch handle varieties for the latch assembly. -
FIGS. 11A-11C are illustrations of the barrel and shaft in perspective, exploded and side views. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of framework and another embodiment of latch assemblies for the tonneau cover. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the latch assembly ofFIG. 12 in connection with the framework of the tonneau cover. -
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the latch assembly seen inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is an inverted view of the latch assembly seen inFIG. 13 , apart from the framework. -
FIGS. 16 and 17 are plan views of the latch assembly seen inFIG. 15 in stored positions. -
FIG. 18 is an inverted perspective view of a portion of a lateral frame member used in conjunction with the latch assembly ofFIG. 12 . -
FIGS. 19, 20A and 20B illustrate the latch handle assembly and engagement with a mounting position defined by latch base, shown inverted for clarity purposes. -
FIG. 21 is top perspective view of the latch base. -
FIG. 22 is schematic illustration of another embodiment of a latch assembly for the tonneau cover. -
FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a variation of the latch assembly seen inFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 24 is a side view of the latch assembly seen inFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view of a mechanism for locking the latch assemblies ofFIGS. 22 and 23 . -
FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view of mechanism for storing the latch assemblies ofFIGS. 22 and 23 . -
FIG. 27 is a perspective illustration of a bed rail attachment for a pickup truck. -
FIG. 28 is a side view of the bed rail attachment seen inFIG. 27 . -
FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the bed rail attachment. -
FIGS. 30A and 30B are side view of long and short sizes of the bed rail attachment. -
FIG. 31 shows the bed rail attachment in conjunction with different accessories that are illustrative of the types of accessories that can be used therewith. - 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 axis 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 embodying the principles of the present invention is generally illustrated in
FIG. 1 and designated at 10. Thetonneau cover 10 is shown as being mounted to the cargo box or bed (hereafter “bed”) 12 of a pickup truck (hereafter “truck”) 14 so as to cover or enclose thebed 12. Thebed 12 is located rearward of the passenger cabin or cab (hereafter “cab”) 16 and includes a pair ofopposed sidewalls 18 joined at their forward and reward ends by a front wall orbulkhead 20 and rear wall ortailgate 22, respectively. The tops of the sidewalls are typically reinforced and definebed rails 24 that include, on their laterally inward sides, a downwardly projectingflange 26. - As previously mentioned, tonneau covers themselves come in single section tonneau covers, soft fold tonneau covers and hard fold tonneau covers. Each of these tonneau covers include one or more sections having lateral frame members or crossbows. The latch and rail constructions described herein are equally useable with and applicable to single section tonneau covers, soft fold tonneau covers and hard fold tonneau covers. Accordingly, as described below, a reference to
tonneau cover 10 is generic to any of these types of tonneau cover, unless the language of the description specifically requires a different interpretation or the description otherwise indicates to the contrary. - As seen in
FIG. 1 , thetonneau cover 10 is mounted to thebed 12 of atruck 14 and may include one or more sections. As specifically illustrated therein, thetonneau cover 10 is a soft fold tonneau cover having four tonneau sections, designated astonneau sections 28, withsection 28′ being located closest or adjacent to thetailgate 22 andsection 28″ being located closest or adjacent to thebulkhead 20. Thetonneau cover 10 includes a framework 32 (not seen inFIG. 1 ) ofside frame members 34 andlateral frame members 36, the latter of which may include cross bows. Theside frame members 34 rest on top of the bed rails 24 and the lateral frame members extend between the side frame members on opposite sides of thebed 12. A cover of flexible material, such as polyester backed vinyl, extends over and is retained with theframework 32. - The
tonneau cover 10 ofFIG. 1 is illustrated in its unfolded position where thetonneau cover 10 is fully extended and covers thebed 12 of thetruck 14. A folded position of thetonneau cover 10 is also illustrated inFIG. 1 . This is representatively shown with dash-dot lines with thetonneau sections 28 forming a stack 30 and thetonneau sections 28 being located one a top another. - In folding the
tonneau cover 10 from its extended, unfolded position to its folded position, thesection 28′ adjacent to thetailgate 22 is first folded on top of the immediately adjacentintermediate section 28. Next these twosections 28 are folded on top of the nextintermediate section 28. Finally, all three of these sections are folded on top of thesection 28″ adjacent to thebulkhead 20 orcab 16. In the stack 30 oftonneau sections 28, thetonneau sections 28″ forms the bottom of the stack 30. As will be readily appreciated, thetonneau cover 10 ofFIG. 1 may have included less than foursections 28 or more than foursections 28. - As previously noted, the following description of latches and rails is not limited to one specific type of
tonneau cover 10. - Side Load Latch
- Referring now to
FIG. 2 , arepresentative framework 32 of thetonneau cover 10 is illustrated therein, but in a threetonneau section 28 embodiment instead of the fourtonneau section 28 embodiment ofFIG. 1 . Theside frame members 34 andlateral frame members 36 are readily seen inFIG. 2 . Along each side of theframework 32, threeside frame members 34 are separated byhinges 38 that provide for the folding of thetonneau cover 10. A tailgateend lateral member 40 extends between theside frame members 34 closest to thetailgate 22 and a bulkheadend lateral member 42 extends between theside frame members 34 closest to the bulkhead 20 (when thetonneau cover 10 is mounted to the bed 12). - As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the technology of tonneau covers, not shown in
FIG. 2 is the flexible cover that would be used with theframework 32 in atonneau cover 10 of the soft fold variety or the rigid skins and cores that would be used with theframework 32 in a tonneau cover of the hard fold variety. A representative construction of a hard fold tonneau cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,596,887 and a representative construction of a soft fold tonneau cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,399,420, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. - Also seen in
FIG. 2 arelatch assemblies 44 used to secure thetonneau cover 10 to thebed 12 of thetruck 14. Four latch assemblies are seen inFIG. 2 , two located near the bulkhead end of thetonneau cover 10 and two near the tailgate end of thetonneau cover 10. In the illustratedframework 32, thelatch assemblies 44 are integrated withlateral frame members 36 at the ends thereof to join thelateral frame members 36 with theside frame members 34, as seen inFIG. 4 . - Two varieties of the
latch assemblies 44 are used with thetonneau cover 10, but a single variety may be employed if desired. Since thetonneau section 28′ needs to be released to provide access into thebed 12,latch assemblies 44 having quick releasing latch handle assemblies are used therewith. These latch handleassemblies 44 may be of an over center, locking cam handle variety, as seen inFIG. 10B , and which are well known in the industry and therefore not described in detail herein other than as needed to understand the present inventive concepts. Thetonneau section 28″ adjacent the bulkhead end of thetonneau cover 10 typically remains attached to thebed 12 of thetruck 14, unless thetonneau cover 10 is being completely removed. Accordingly, a rotarylatch handle assembly 44, which is not as readily released, may be used with thetonneau section 28″. One type of rotarylatch handle assembly 44 includes a knob threadably received on a shaft. As an alternative to the knob, screwdriver-like handle may be threadably received on the shaft. The screwdriver-like handle variety is illustrated in various figures, includingFIG. 10A . - Referring now to
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 , alatch assembly 44 having the rotary handle assembly mentioned above is seen therein. In thelatch assembly 44 includes alatch base 46, and arotary handle assembly 48. The rotarylatch handle assembly 48 is further comprised of a screwdriver-type latch handle 50, aclamp jaw 51, a threadedadjustment rod 52 andpivot barrel 54. - The
latch base 46 includes a mountingboss 56 extending from one end, seen inFIG. 3 , and which is configured to be received within the end of alateral frame member 36, as seen inFIG. 4 . The mountingboss 56 may be press fit or otherwise provided into the end of thelateral frame member 36. Thelatch base 46 also includes a threepositon mounting block 58 that allows thelatch handle assembly 48 to be engaged therewith in three distinct positions. The mountingblock 58 also includes, opposite of the mountingboss 56, a mountingflange 60 for use in securing thelatch base 46, and thelateral frame member 36, to theside frame member 34. For this purpose, thelateral frame member 36 may be provided with apertures 62 and secured to theside frame member 34 by mechanical fasteners (not shown), such as screws or rivets. Alternatively, the mountingflange 60 may be formed as T-fitting and received within a slot defined in theside frame member 34. - As best seen in
FIGS. 7 and 11A-11C , thepivot barrel 54 is a cylindrical body having aslot 64 formed and oriented longitudinally within the body. Theslot 64 is configured to receive a blade shapedtip 66 of theadjustment rod 52. Transverse to theslot 64, abore 68 is provided in thepivot barrel 54 and apin 69 is received therein. Thepin 69 extends in thebore 68 and through acorresponding bore 70 in thetip 66 of theadjustment rod 52 to secure thepivot barrel 54 to theadjustment rod 52. Thepin 69 may be press fit or otherwise secured in thebore 68. Theslot 64 has a length greater than the width of thetip 66 and thebore 70 is slightly oversized relative to thepin 69. As a result and as seen inFIG. 11C , theadjustment rod 52 can pivot relative to thepivot barrel 54 and about thepin 69 in a direction corresponding the longitudinal axis of thepivot barrel 54. Preferably, theadjustment rod 52 can pivot about 35 degrees in either direction. - The
clamp jaw 51 includes a bore through which the shank of the adjustment rod is inserted and the latch handle 50 is threadably engaged with a threadedportion 72 formed on the adjustment rod. The latch handle 50 thereby retains the clamp jaw on theadjustment rod 52. By rotating and advancing or retracting the latch handle 50 along theadjustment rod 52 relative to thelatch base 46, theclamp jaw 51 can be brought into engagement with theflange 26 of thebed rail 24 or disengaged therefrom. As a result, theside frame member 34 may be clamped down onto the top of thebed rail 24, securely retaining thetonneau cover 10 in place. - Depending on the width of the
bed rail 24, the position of thelatch handle assembly 48 on thelatch base 46 in relation to theside frame member 34 may need to be adjusted for proper positioning of thetonneau cover 10. As seen inFIG. 4 , thelatch handle assembly 48 is located in a narrow or first position, generally designated at 74, immediately adjacent to theside frame member 34. As seen inFIGS. 4, 6A-6C, 10A and 10B , two additional positions are defined in thelatch base 46. These include a wide orsecond position 78 and an intermediate orthird position 76, the latter being located between the narrow andwide positions - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , an enlarged cross-sectional view of the engagement of thepivot barrel 54, and therefore thelatch handle assembly 48, in thelatch base 46 is shown. The engagement seen inFIG. 7 is representative of the engagement occurring at each of the three mountingpositions latch base 46. In the figure, the engagement is shown in an inverted orientation, contrary to its installation position. This is inverted position is shown to remain consistent with presentation ofFIGS. 3 and 4 , as well as other figures. - Each mounting
position lateral slot 80 partway formed through thelatch base 46 approximately midway between the bottom andtop surfaces latch base 46. Thelateral slot 80 has a height approximating the diameter of thepivot barrel 54 and a length, which is in a direction into the page ofFIG. 7 , approximating the length of thepivot barrel 54. The laterally inward end 84 of thelateral slot 80 is arcuate and approximates the radius of curvature defined by the cylindrical surface of thepivot barrel 54. To retain thepivot barrel 54 in thelateral slot 80, at least one of an upper and lower surface of theslot 80 is provided with a raised protrusion, boss or bump 86 that reduced the height of thelateral slot 80 to a dimension that is less than the diameter of thepivot barrel 54. Upon insertion of thepivot barrel 54 of thelatch handle assembly 48 into thelateral slot 80, thepivot barrel 54 will progress until encountering the protrusion(s) 86. The material of thelatch base 46 is sufficiently resilient that thepivot barrel 54 can be pushed over the protrusions(s) 86 and thereafter retained between the protrusions 86 and theinward end 84 of thelateral slot 80. Conversely, by pulling on thelatch handle assembly 48, thepivot barrel 54 can be pulled over the protrusion(s) 86 and out of thelateral slot 80 of one mountingposition lateral slot 80 of another mountingposition latch base 46 is a plastic material or glass reinforced nylon or a similar material. - Extending downward from the
lateral slot 80 to thebottom surface 82 is aentrance slot 88 of a reduced width that approximates the diameter of theadjustment rod 52. Thisentrance slot 88, which is readily seen inFIG. 3 , allows for thelatch handle assembly 48, including thepivot barrel 54, to be rotated while in the inward end of thelateral slot 80 so that thelatch handle assembly 48 is generally perpendicular to theside frame member 34 and in a position for attaching the tonneau cover to thebed 12 of thetruck 14. This position is the use position of thelatch handle assembly 48. - When the
tonneau cover 10 is to be folded into the stack 30, thelatch handle assembly 48 must be moved from the use position so as to not interfere with folding of thetonneau cover 10. For this purpose, thelatch handle assembly 48 may be rotated back through theentrance slot 88 into a position where theadjustment rod 54 extends out through thelateral slot 80. In this position, thelatch handle assembly 48 is retained by the protrusion(s) 86. - Alternately, and preferably, the
latch base 46 is provided with anadditional slot 90 specifically defining a stowed position for thelatch handle assembly 48. As seen inFIG. 7 , opposite of thelateral slot 80 and theentrance slot 88, the latch base is formed with astowage slot 90 that extends laterally out of the side of thelatch base 46 and downward to thebottom surface 82. Thisstowage slot 90 has a diameter approximating the diameter of theadjustment rod 52. Provided in a side wall of thestowage slot 90, and seen inFIGS. 10A and 10B , a protrusion, boss or bump 92 extending into theslot 90. Theprotrusion 92 may also extend the lateral length of thestowage slot 90. In a manner similar to the protrusion 86 retaining thepivot barrel 54 in thelateral slot 80, theprotrusion 92 in thestowage slot 90 is provided at a location in theslot 90 whereby the shank of theadjustment rod 52 can resiliently deform the protrusion allowing theadjustment rod 52 to move beyond theprotrusion 92 and snap into the stowed position. This occurs as thelatch handle assembly 48, including thepivot barrel 54, is rotated about the longitudinal axis of thepivot barrel 54. With thelatch handle assembly 48 in the stowed position, thetonneau cover 10 may be folded as described above without interference by thelatch handle assembly 48. - As representatively shown in
FIG. 9 , thetonneau cover 10 may also be provided with a c-shapedclip 94 to engage the latch handle 50 in the stowed position. The C-shaped clip may be utilized with the previously discussed embodiment or may be used in an embodiment where thelatch base 46 does not include astowage slot 90 and, instead, employs an offsetshank 96 in theadjustment rod 52 obviating the need for thestowage slot 90. - As so far discussed, the
latch assembly 44 has been described as a rotationallatch handle assembly 48. As previously mentioned, acam latch assembly 98 may also be employed, particularly in connection with thetonneau section 28′ adjacent to thetailgate 22. A camlatch handle assembly 98 is seen inFIGS. 2 and 10B and utilizes thesame latch base 46,adjustment rod 52 andpivot barrel 54 discussed above. Instead of the screwdriver-like latch handle 50, the camlatch handle assembly 98 includes alever handle 100 having acam surface 102 that engages aclamp jaw 104 and forces theclamp jaw 104 into retaining engagement with theflange 26 as thelever handle 100 is pivoted upward toward the tonneau section of the tonneau cover, which is counterclockwise from the position seen inFIG. 10B . Like the screwdriver-like latch handle 50, thelever handle 100 is threadably received on the threadedportion 72 of theadjustment rod 52. Unlike the screwdriver-like latch handle 50, rotation of the lever handle 100 about theadjustment rod 52 to advance the lever handle 100 toward thelatch base 46 is done only to initially position theclamp jaw 104 relative to theflange 26. Final engagement of theclamp jaw 104 with theflange 26 is achieved by pivoting the lever handle 100 toward thetonneau section 28′ as mentioned above. In pivoting thelever handle 100, thecam surface 102 interacts with theclamp jaw 104 further forcing theclamp jaw 104 toward theflange 26. - T-Latch
- Referring now to
FIG. 12 , arepresentative framework 32, like that seen inFIG. 2 , for atonneau cover 10, of the varieties represented byFIG. 1 , is illustrated therein. Similarly, theframework 32 includesside frame members 34 separated byhinges 38,lateral frame members 36, a tailgateend lateral member 40, and a bulkheadend lateral member 42. In the interest of conciseness, for a more complete discussion of thetonneau cover 10 andframework 32, attention is directed to the discussion presented in connection withFIGS. 1 and 2 . Also, like that seen in connection with the previously discussed embodiment, theframework 32 includes fourlatch assemblies 44 generally located toward the four corners of thetonneau cover 10. - The
latch assemblies 44 also include rotary latch handleassemblies 48 and cam latch handleassemblies 98. The distinction in the present embodiment from the prior embodiments lies in the engagement of the adjustment rod with the pivot barrel, the engagement of the pivot barrel with the latch base and the construction of the latch base itself. Accordingly, for discussions regarding thehandle assemblies - As seen in
FIGS. 13-15 , thelatch handle assemblies adjustment rod 52 havingtip 112 that is fixedly received within abore 114 of apivot barrel 116. In one preferred embodiment, thetip 112 is be threadably engaged in thebore 114 of thepivot barrel 116 forming a T-bar construction. In an alternative embodiment, thetip 112 is threadably secured by a nut. Thelatch assemblies 44 also include alatch base 118 engaged with thepivot barrel 116 of thelatch handle assemblies - The
latch base 118 is received within the end of analuminum extrusion 120, which may be the end of alateral frame member 36 in a softfolding tonneau cover 10 or a separate extrusion incorporated into an opening formed in acorresponding tonneau section 28′, 28″ of a hardfolding tonneau cover 10. Theextrusion 120 may be formed as a channel member havingcentral slot 122 bounded by inwardly extendingflanges 124 on a lower side of the extrusion 120 (in the installed position). - The
latch base 118 is received in the end of theextrusion 120 and is retained therein bymechanical fasteners 126, such as screws or rivets, extending through theflanges 124 into the body of thelatch base 118. Thelatch base 118 also includes aflange 128 on one end, positioned outward of theextrusion 120, and used to secure the latch base andextrusion 120 to the correspondingside frame member 34. Theflange 128 may be received in a slot 130 formed in theside frame member 34 or may be secured to aninsert 132 provided in the slot 130 by threadedfasteners 134 that clamp theflange 128 to theside frame member 34 via theinsert 132. - Referring now to
FIGS. 18 and 19 , thelatch base 118 defines multiple positions, three in the figures, for mounting of thelatch handle assemblies tonneau cover 10 to be used with various sized bed rails 24 ofdifferent trucks 14. Similar to the prior embodiment, the three positions include a narrow orfirst mounting position 136, a wide orthird mounting position 140, and anintermediate mounting position 138 located between the narrow and wide mountingpositions - Each mounting
position latch base 118 inside rails 142 of thelatch base 118. The side rails 142 form part of the body of thelatch base 118 and are connected at opposed ends by webs orcross members 144, which may also be provided centrally between the side rails as seen inFIG. 21 . The mountingpositions pivot barrel 116 must be removed from thelatch base 118 in order to be repositioned in another one of the mountingpositions pivot barrel 116 between the mountingpositions - In each
side rail 142, the mountingpositions channel 146 extending from anopening 148 in thebottom wall 150 of theside rail 142. Thechannel 146 extend obliquely from theopening 148 to arecess 152 defined between thebottom wall 150 and atop wall 154 of theside rail 142. In one embodiment, thewebs 144 may positioned so as to effectively operate as the top wall allowing therecess 152 to open immediately above thebottom wall 150. Proceeding toward therecess 152, thechannel 146 is partially defined by aresilient tang 156 having aprotuberance 158 formed on the free end of thetang 156. Upon insertion of thepivot barrel 116 through theopening 148 into thechannel 146 and toward therecess 152, thepivot barrel 116 causes thetang 156 to deflect outwardly allowing thepivot barrel 116 to pass over theprotuberance 158 and into therecess 152, at which point thetang 156 returns to its original position and theprotuberance 158 operates as a stop inhibiting removal of thepivot barrel 116 from therecess 152 and the mountingpositon recess 152, thepivot barrel 116, and therefore thelatch handle assembly side frame member 34. - To enable the
pivot barrel 116 to enter through theopenings 148 in the bottom wall of thelatch base 118, theflanges 124 of theextrusion 120 are provided withcutouts 160 that correspond with theopenings 148. Thecutouts 160 are readily seen inFIGS. 15 and 18 . - The center portion of the
latch base 118, between the side rails 142, is generally free of obstruction allowing thelatch handle assemblies extrusion 120 from its use position, seen inFIG. 15 , into a stowed position, regardless of the mountingposition pivot barrel 116. The stowed position of thelatch handle assemblies FIGS. 16 and 17 . - To retain the
latch handle assemblies resilient retainers 162 extend in theextrusion 120 away from thelatch base 118 beneath theflanges 124. Theretainers 162 may be formed from a foam material and are preferably sized so as to define a distance there between that is slightly less than the effective width of the screwdriver-like handle 50 and lever handle 100. Theretainers 162 therefore squeeze against therespective handle latch handle assemblies FIG. 18 or formed in a layer construction as seen inFIG. 15 . - Conveyor Latch
- Referring now to
FIGS. 22-26 , a third embodiment of a latch assembly for atonneau cover 10 is illustrated therein. As seen below, aconveyor latch assembly 170 may be incorporated into either of theframeworks 32 discussed above as a substitute for thelatch assemblies 44 discussed in connection therewith. Theconveyor latch assembly 170 of the present embodiment similarly includes a latch base 172 and alatch handle assembly 174. The latch base 172 may be incorporated into the ends of alateral frame members 36, which may be andextrusion 120, associated withtonneau sections 28′, 28″ and which may be provided as part of a softfold tonneau cover 10 or a hardfold tonneau cover 10. Theside frame member 34 andlateral frame member 36 are only diagrammatically depicted inFIGS. 22-24 . - Rather than a generally block shaped latch base having defining distinct mounting positions as seen in the prior embodiments, the latch base 172 of the present embodiment is provided in the form of a conveyor having an
endless belt 176, of nylon strapping or similar material, extended aboutend rollers 178 that are rotationally coupled to the side walls of thelateral frame member 36 utilizing bearings, bushings or similar means. Alternatively, the rollers may be fixed and have a low friction outer surface. As such, thebelt 176 is free to move about therollers 178. - Attached to the
belt 176 is alatch handle assembly 174, which may be a rotarylatch handle assembly 48, a cam leverlatch handle assembly 98 or other style of latch handle assembly, such as the diallatch handle assembly 170 discussed below. Thelatch handle assembly 174 is pivotally coupled to thebelt 176 at fixed position of thebelt 176 and, therefore, the position of the pivot connection moves with thebelt 176 toward or away from the side frame member 34 (arrows 177) and the associatedflange 26 of thebed rail 24 of thetruck 14. The pivotal connection of thelatch handle assembly 174 may be made by various means, including providingeyelet 180 on the end of an adjustment rod orstrap 182 of thelatch handle assembly 174 and coupling theeyelet 180 to via anintegral loop 184 formed with thebelt 176 and extended through theeyelet 180 to captively retain theeyelet 180. - The
latch handle assembly 174 may be adjusted so as to lengthen or shorten, as indicated byarrows 186, the position of a hook or clampjaw 188 relative toside frame member 34. Thehook 188 is integrally formed on the distal end of ahandle body 190 into which theadjustment strap 182 is received. Thehandle body 190 further includes arotary dial 192, threadably coupled to thehandle body 190 andadjustment strap 182, so that rotation (arrow 194) of the dial will operate to tighten and or loosen fixation of theadjustment strap 182 with thehandle body 190 and allow adjustment of thehook 188 via relative movement of theadjustment strap 182 in thehandle body 190. As such, with thehook 188 engaged with theflange 26 of thebed rail 24, once the appropriate tension in thelatch handle assembly 174 has been set via theadjustment strap 182, thelatch assembly 170 is able to self-center into a best leverage position because thebelt 176 is free to move about theroller 178. Once self-centered, the tension of theadjustment strap 182 may again be adjusted, if necessary, to retain thetonneau cover 10 to the bed of thetruck 14. -
FIG. 23 illustrates variations on theconveyor latch assembly 170 seen inFIG. 22 . In one variation, the diallatch handle assembly 174 may be replaced with the rotarylatch handle assembly 48 discussed above and utilized with thebelt 176 ofFIG. 22 . Alternatively, a variation of thebelt 176 may also be used. As seen inFIG. 23 , thebelt 176 is replaced with a belt 196 having a split construction, which may be full or partial (designated in phantom). With the split in the belt 196, a pivot shaft orbarrel 198, coupled to the end of theadjustment rod 52, may be located within the endless loop defined by the belt 196 and retained to the belt 196 by an innerintegral loop 200 of thebelt 198, similar to theloop 184 of the previously variation seen inFIG. 22 . - As further seen in
FIG. 24 , anextension 202 may be provided off of thepivot shaft 198, toward theupper run 204 of the belt 196. Theextension 202 is dimensioned so that when thelatch assembly 170 is in its use position and engaged with theflange 26 of thebed rail 24, anend 204 of theextension 202 will engage the upper run 206 of the belt 196 and fix the position of the belt 196. In other words, the engagement of theextension 202 with the upper run operates to lock the belt 196 and prevent further movement about therollers 178. - Other means for locking the position of the
latch assembly 170 may also be provided. As seen in diagrammatically presented inFIG. 25 , acam lock 208 may be provided at one end of thebelt 176, 196 so as to engage acam surface 210 with thebelt 176, 196 and to pinch thebelt 176, 196 between thecam surface 210 and theroller 178. Thecam lock 208 may include alever arm 212 coupled to thecam surface 210 and biased by aspring 214 to lock movement of thebelt 176, 196. By depressing thelever arm 212 against the bias of thespring 214, thecam surface 210 is rotated out of engagement with the belt 175, 196 and thebelt 176, 196 freed for movement. - In order to store the
latch assembly 170 to allow for folding of thetonneau cover 10, in the variation ofFIG. 22 , thelatch handle assembly 174 may be rotated to position thehook 188 about the return end of thebelt 176 androller 178 adjacent to theside frame member 34. Thehandle body 190 may be then adjusted along theadjustment strap 182 and thedial 192 tightened to fix thehook 188 about theroller 178 and secure thelatch assembly 170 in a stowed position allowing folding of thetonneau cover 10. In the variation ofFIG. 23 , the belt 196 may be moved such that the pivot connection of thelatch handle assembly 48 with the belt 196 is near theroller 178 and return end of the belt 196 adjacent to theside frame member 34. The screwdriver-like handle 50 and clampjaw 51 may then be rotated into a position where they are generally between the upper and lower runs 206, 207 of the belt 196. In this position, thetonneau cover 10 may be folded without interference from thelatch assembly 170. - Rail Attachment
- Referring now to
FIGS. 27-31 , a rail attachment for thebed rail 24 of atruck 14 is seen therein and generally designated at 220. Therail attachment 220 provides an anchor point for various accessories that person might desire to incorporate into thebed 12 of theirtruck 14. Such accessories might include, without limitation, a striker for the latch assembly of a tonneau cover, such as thetonneau cover 10 seen inFIG. 1 , a cargo or tailgate net, a tool pouch, a grocery bag hook, a tie down loop, etc. - As seen in
FIG. 27 , therail attachment 220 mounts to thebed rail 24 of one of thesidewalls 18 of the truck'sbed 12, generally as close as practical to thetailgate 22. Therail attachment 220 is configured to clamp both vertically and laterally to theflange 26 of thebed rail 24. In this regard, therail attachment 220 includes abase plate 222 having anupper lip 224 extending outward from abase wall 228 and configured to engage theupper surface 226 of thebed rail 24. The side of thebase wall 228 in contact with theflange 26 may be provide with a backing 230 (e.g. foam or double sided tape) to inhibit damage or scratching of thebed rail 24 by theattachment rail 220. - A
vertical clamp opening 232 is provided in thewall 228 of thebase plate 222 and acatch plate 234 is received over theopening 232. Thecatch plate 234 includes a flange forming acatch 236 that is oriented perpendicular to theflange 26 of thebed rail 24 and extends through theclamp opening 232. Thecatch plate 234 is also provided with twoadjustment slots 238, extending vertically and parallel to the plane of theflange 26 of thebed rail 24. The position of theslots 238 align with threaded bores 240 provided in thebase plate 222 on opposite sides of theclamp opening 232. - To mount the
rail attachment 220 to thebed rail 24, theupper lip 224 is rested on the upper surface of thebed rail 24 with the backing 230 and thewall 228 pushed firmly against theflange 26. In this position, the lower edge of theflange 26 registers somewhere within theclamp opening 232. Thecatch plate 234 is position over the clamp opening 232 with thecatch 236 beneath the lower edge of theflange 26, and threadedfasteners 242 are inserted through theslots 238 and into the bores 240. Next, thecatch plate 234 is raised to clamp theflange 26 between thecatch 236 and theupper lip 224 and thefasteners 242 tightened to secure therail attachment 220 down onto thebed rail 24. - To secure the
rail attachment 220 laterally to theflange 26 of thebed rail 24, aclamp plate 244 is positioned behind and overlapping the lower edge of the flange. 26. Theclamp plate 244 includes bores 246 that align with clamp slots 248 provided in a reinforced portion orembossment 250 of thebase plate 222. Theembossment 250 is preferably located forward of and lower than the clamp opening 232 so as to be clear of the lower edge of theflange 26 of thebed rail 24. Beneath theembossment 250, thebase plate 222 includes a returnly bent lower end forming aupturned lip 252 to receive and hold theclamp plate 244 during positioning of therail attachment 220. Theclamp plate 244 may be provided with correspondingly shaped downturned lip 254 to engage and support theclamp plate 244 on thebase plate 222. With theflange 26 located between theclamp plate 244 and thebase plate 222, threaded fasteners (e.g bolts) 256 are inserted through the clamp slots 248 and bores 246 and engaged by nuts 258 on the opposing side of theclamp plate 244. Theclamp plate 244 may be additionally formed withflanges 260 defining a slot to receive the nuts 258 and prevent their rotation to aid in engagement with thefasteners 256.Washers 262 may be provided between thefasteners 256 and thebase plate 222. Tightening of thefasteners 256 accordingly will securely clamp therail attachment 220 laterally with theflange 26 of thebed rail 24. - Rearward of the
clamp opening 232, toward thetailgate 22, therail attachment 220 is provided with asecond embossment 264. Thesecond embossment 264 defines an attachment point for a bolt-onanchor point 266 that may be used to secure atonneau cover 10 to thebed 12 through use of slam latches. Theanchor point 268 includesvertical slots 268 that aligned with bores 270 defined in theembossment 264 so as to be secured with threadedfasteners 272 inserted there through and engaged by Pem nuts 274. Atapered shim 276 may be provided between theanchor point 266 and theembossment 264. Theshim 276 allows for acatch 278 extending laterally into thebed 12 from the anchor point to be horizontally aligned, while theslots 268 allow for the vertical positioning of thecatch 278. These positions may be adjusted so that the slam latch of thetonneau cover 10 is properly engaged with the anchor point and thetonneau cover 10 secured. - As seen in
FIGS. 30A and 30B , thebase plate 222 may be provided with different lengths, long andshort versions different trucks 14. In each instance, theanchor point 266 is located as close as practically possible to the end of thebase plate 222 adjacent to thetailgate 22. - As previously noted,
rail attachment 220 can be configured to receive and work with various accessories that might be desirable. Therail attachment 220 may be provided with additional hooks, loops or apertures to which the accessories can be secured. As seen inFIG. 31 atailgate net 284 is attached to ahook 286 extending from a lower edge of the rail attachment.Additional loops 288 may be provided off of the same edge, or elsewhere for engagement by apouch 290, such as a tool pouch. - Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments incorporating the principles of the invention. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the true spirit and fair scope of the invention, as defined in the claims that follow. The scope of the claims should therefore not be limited by the preferred embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The terminology used herein is therefore intended to be understood in the nature of words of description and not words of limitation.
Claims (19)
1.-58. (canceled)
59. A rail attachment for use with a bed of a pickup truck, the bed having opposing first and second side walls and also having a front sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at one end thereof and a rear sidewall extending between the first and second bed at an opposed end thereof, upper portions of the first and second side walls defining bed rails of the bed, the rail attachment comprising:
a base plate having an upper lip projecting laterally outward from a base wall of the base plate, the base wall including portions defining a clamp opening;
a catch plate mounted to the base plate at least partially over the clamp opening, the catch plate including a catch extending through the clamp opening, a vertical clamping space defined between the upper lip and the catch and configured to receive a portion of the bed rail therein;
a clamp plate mounted to the base plate, the clamp plate cooperating with the base wall to define a lateral clamping space between clamp plate and the base wall and configured to receive a portion of the bed rail therein, the lateral clamping space being oriented perpendicular to the vertical clamping space; and
an anchor point mounted to the base plate, the anchor point including a catch extending from the base wall in a direction opposite from upper lip.
60. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , wherein the catch is configured to engage a latch of a tonneau cover for mounting of the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck.
61. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , wherein the catch plate is adjustably mounted to the base wall on a first side thereof.
62. The rail attachment according to claim 61 , wherein catch plate includes portions defining slots extending through the catch plate.
63. The rail attachment according to claim 62 , further comprising threaded fasteners extending through the slots and engaging threaded bores defined in the base wall, the catch plate being adjustable along a length of the slots.
64. The rail attachment according to claim 61 , wherein the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wall on a second side thereof.
65. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , wherein the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wall on a side thereof.
66. The rail attachment according to claim 65 , wherein the base wall includes portions defining slots extending through the base wall, threaded fasteners extending through the slots in the base wall and through bores defined in clamp plate, the clamp plate being adjustable along the slots in the base wall.
67. The rail attachment according to claim 66 , wherein the slots are provided in an embossment formed in the base wall.
68. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , wherein the base wall includes an upturned lip extending from a lower portion of the base wall and to a same side of the base wall as the upper lip, the upturned lip receiving a downturned lip provided on the clamp plate and supporting the clamp plate therein.
69. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , wherein the anchor point is adjustably mounted to the base wall on a first side thereof.
70. The rail attachment according to claim 69 , wherein the anchor point includes portions defining slots extending through the anchor point, threaded fasteners extending through the slots in the anchor point and through bores defined in base wall, the anchor point being adjustable along the slots.
71. The rail attachment according to claim 70 , further comprising a tapered shim provided between the anchor point and the base wall, the anchor point being adjustable through positioning of the shim.
72. The rail attachment according to claim 71 , wherein the shim includes portions defining slots extending through the shim, the threaded fasteners extending through the slots in the shim.
73. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , wherein the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall and the clamp plate is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall, the first height being close to the upper lip than the second height.
74. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , wherein the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall and the anchor point is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall, the second height being close to the upper lip than the first height.
75. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , wherein the catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall, the clamp plate is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall, and the anchor point is mounted at a third height relative to the base wall, the third height being close to the upper lip than the first height and the first height being close to the upper lip than the second height.
76. The rail attachment according to claim 59 , further comprising one of a hook or loop being provided on the base wall and configured for attachment of an accessory thereto.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/485,278 US11305626B1 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2021-09-24 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201962823316P | 2019-03-25 | 2019-03-25 | |
PCT/US2020/024737 WO2020198375A1 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2020-03-25 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
US17/598,025 US11358452B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2020-03-25 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
US17/485,278 US11305626B1 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2021-09-24 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
Related Parent Applications (2)
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US17/598,025 Continuation US11358452B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2020-03-25 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
PCT/US2020/024737 Continuation WO2020198375A1 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2020-03-25 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
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US20220097505A1 true US20220097505A1 (en) | 2022-03-31 |
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US17/598,025 Active US11358452B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2020-03-25 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
US17/485,276 Active US11305625B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2021-09-24 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
US17/485,278 Active US11305626B1 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2021-09-24 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
Family Applications Before (2)
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US17/598,025 Active US11358452B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2020-03-25 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
US17/485,276 Active US11305625B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2021-09-24 | Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover |
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CA (3) | CA3162454C (en) |
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US11305625B2 (en) | 2022-04-19 |
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