Tonneau cover tension adjuster apparatus

a technology of tension adjuster and tonneau cover, which is applied in the direction of roofs, vehicle components, load transportation vehicles, etc., can solve the problems of tonneau covers that may stretch over time, poor aesthetics, and water puddling

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-01-19
AGRI COVER
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a method of tightening tonneau

Problems solved by technology

The problem with this type of arrangement is that tonneau covers may stretch over time.
This can be greatly affected by the weather and use or stress placed upon the tarp.
As the tarp sags, it may begin to look aesthetically poor and cause problems such as puddling of water.
This can be especially dangerous when the puddles freeze, resulting in chunks or sheets of ice that fly off during travel and create hazards for other drivers on the road.
A second problem caused by sagging tonneau covers is wind flap.
This occurs during travel of the vehicle when the tonneau cover

Method used

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  • Tonneau cover tension adjuster apparatus
  • Tonneau cover tension adjuster apparatus
  • Tonneau cover tension adjuster apparatus

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0020]Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tonneau cover tension adjuster apparatus 10 is made up of a tonneau cover 12 which fits over and covers the opening of a pickup truck box 66 of a typical pickup truck 64. The tonneau cover 12 extends from just behind the pickup cab 70 back to the tail gate 68 located at the most rearward portion of the truck box 66. This is accomplished by the use of a pair of apparatus side rails 14 which are attached to and run down the entire length of the upper outside edges of the truck box 66. The side rails 14 form the outside frame of the tonneau cover 12 and are the base upon which the cover tensioning rail 16 is attached. The side rails 14 also contain at their forward ends, a pair of graduated measuring scales 15 which give the user a point of reference to ensure that each side of the tensioning rail 16 places the same degree of tension on the tonneau cover 12.

[0021]The tensioning rail 16 provides the forward...

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PUM

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Abstract

A tonneau cover is provided that is attached at its most forward end to an adjustable tensioning rail which spans the front end of a pickup truck box. The tensioning rail is adjustably attached at its outside edges to two side rails which are attached to the inside of a pickup box. The adjustable attachment of the tensioning rail to the side rails is accomplished by the use of a tensioning screw and two attachment blocks. As the tensioning screw is moved forwards and backwards by the use of the adjustment knob, the tensioning rail is moved in a corresponding manner. This adjustment is preformed when the tonneau cover is in the open position, and thus, allows a user to obtain the desired amount if tightness when the tonneau cover is subsequently placed in the closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an improvement in the manner in which a tonneau cover is attached to a pickup truck box. More specifically, a method of attachment which allows for the adjustment of the tonneau cover in order to provide the user with a means by which the tension placed upon the tonneau cover can be varied to provide a tight seal in varying conditions and as the cover ages or stretches.[0002]In the past, tonneau covers have been used to cover box openings of pickup trucks to protect the contents from wind, rain and snow, or simply for cosmetic reasons. The types of tonneau covers and methods of fastening the covers have varied greatly over the years. In recent years, one type of cover that has been commonly used is a tonneau cover that attaches at one end, typically the front end nearest the cab of the vehicle, in a permanent fashion. The sides and tailgate area are fastened to box of the pickup when closed. In the open position, the ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B60P7/04B60J7/10
CPCB60J7/104
Inventor SCHMEICHEL, CHARLES M.
Owner AGRI COVER
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