Unlock instant, AI-driven research and patent intelligence for your innovation.

Flexible tonneau cover assembly

a tonneau cover and flexible technology, applied in the direction of roofs, mechanical equipment, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of water-proof sealing of the cargo box, and the problem of the tonneau cover assembly

Active Publication Date: 2018-10-04
HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
View PDF0 Cites 9 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a flexible tonneau cover assembly for vehicles that can be easily removed. The assembly includes a first side rail, a second side rail, front rail, and a tonneau cover that can be extended to cover the cargo box of the vehicle. The assembly also includes a latch system that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The technical effects of this invention include improved ease of use, durability, and protection of the cargo box from weather and security risks.

Problems solved by technology

Such tonneau cover assemblies can be problematic.
Additionally, sealing of the cargo box from water may be problematic.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Flexible tonneau cover assembly
  • Flexible tonneau cover assembly
  • Flexible tonneau cover assembly

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0032]As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 5 is provided that includes a cargo box 10 defined by a first side wall 11, a second side wall 12, a rearward end 13 including a tailgate 14, a forward end 15 including a front wall 16, and a bed 17. In general, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a flexible tonneau cover assembly 20 is provided that includes a first side rail 25 positioned on or adjacent an upper surface 30 of the first side wall 11, a second side rail 35 positioned on or adjacent an upper surface 37 of the second side wall 12, a front rail 40 positioned at the forward end 15 of the cargo box 10, a rear rail 45 positioned at the rearward end 13 of the cargo box 10, and a flexible tonneau cover 50. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flexible tonneau cover 50 includes a forward end 51 secured to the front rail 40, a rearward end 52 secured to the rear rail 45, a first side 53 that extends from the forward end 51 of the flexible cover 50 to the rearward end 52 of the flexible cover 50, a second ...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

A flexible tonneau cover assembly includes a pair of side rails positioned on the side wall of a cargo box of a vehicle. A first element is received in the first side rail having a projection extending laterally inward from the first side rail. A second element is received in the second side rail having a laterally inward facing latch receptacle. A front rail includes a first end having an opening for receiving the projection of the first sliding element and a second end having a latch receivable by the latch receptacle of the second sliding element. The tonneau cover is removable by rolling it up, disengaging the latch from the laterally inward facing latch receptacle, lifting the second end of the front rail from the second element, and removing the first end of the front rail from the projection of the first element.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The embodiments described related to the field of tonneau covers for vehicles, and more particularly to assemblies and methods for installing and removing the tonneau cover from the vehicle.BACKGROUND[0002]Tonneau covers are generally used to cover the cargo box of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. A typical tonneau cover includes a cover sheet made of a flexible, waterproof material, and a frame structure to which the cover sheet is removably attached. Such tonneau cover assemblies can be problematic. For example, such frame structures often extend into the cargo space, and some covers can be opened from the exterior of the cargo box even with the tailgate closed. Additionally, sealing of the cargo box from water may be problematic.APPLICATION SUMMARY[0003]The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of t...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
IPC IPC(8): B60J7/10B60J10/86B60J7/12B60J7/185
CPCB60J7/104B60J10/86B60P7/04B60J7/185B60P7/02B60J7/1291B60J7/10
Inventor ZICHETTELLO, ALEXANDERKALTENMARK, DOUGLAS R.BINFET, MICHAEL T.
Owner HONDA MOTOR CO LTD