Folding trunk lid with integrated solar panel

Abstract

A tailgate for use with a cargo bed of a pickup truck, the cargo bed including a pair of opposing side walls connected by a tailgate and a bulkhead. The size of the trunk cover substantially corresponds to the cargo compartment of the pickup truck, and the trunk cover comprises at least one trunk cover section on which a solar energy receiving material is fixed or integrated, a main body supporting the solar energy receiving material, and a frame member arranged along at least one side of the trunk cover section, the frame member is configured to be positioned on or along a sidewall of a pickup truck bed. The frame member covers at least a portion of the solar energy receiving material, and the solar energy receiving material includes photovoltaic cells.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 506,409, filed June 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to a tailgate for covering the cargo bed of a pickup truck. More specifically, this invention relates to the construction of a hard-fold tailgate. Background Technology

[0004] One advantage of pickup trucks (hereinafter referred to as "trucks") is that they can use the truck bed to transport goods that may not be suitable for transport in other vehicles, such as oversized items like large kitchen utensils, or items that may soil the interior of the vehicle, such as garden supplies. The truck bed typically consists of a pair of opposing side walls connected at its front and rear ends by a partition and a tailgate, respectively.

[0005] An accessory for truck beds is often referred to as a tonneau cover. For a variety of reasons, including aesthetics, aerodynamics, and protecting any contents located in the bed from pop-outs and environmental factors such as rain, dirt, snow, and debris, a tonneau cover can be used to cover the bed of a pickup truck.

[0006] Examples of bed cover types include one-piece bed covers and folding bed covers. A popular style, particularly a hard-sided, folding bed cover, typically comprises a series of rigid panel sections that extend laterally across the width of the cargo bed. Each panel section is connected to an adjacent panel section by a hinge mechanism that also extends laterally across the width of the cargo bed. When it is not necessary to cover the entire cargo bed of a pickup truck, the panel sections can be folded sequentially from the tailgate towards the bulkhead into a nested stack, keeping at least a portion of the cargo bed open and uncovered.

[0007] Society continues to become increasingly reliant on portable electronic devices for daily activities. Such devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, watches, laptops, tablets, e-readers, wireless headphones, wireless speakers, power tools, power stations, and electric vehicles. Due to the limited battery life of these devices, the continued expansion of their use depends on readily available means of recharging or refilling batteries, particularly in off-grid situations or locations (i.e., devices not connected to or served by a power company). Portable solar panels have been developed to facilitate charging the batteries of such devices when electricity services are inconvenient or unavailable.

[0008] Portable solar panels are composed of photovoltaic cells that capture solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. Multiple panels can be connected together to increase the size and capacity of the collective panel, allowing for faster charging of larger devices and / or simultaneous charging of multiple devices. SUMMARY

[0009] To meet the above-identified need, and in view of the listed drawbacks and other limitations of the related art, the present disclosure provides a tonneau cover for a cargo bed of a pickup truck, and having solar-receiving material secured therewith in a manner that protects the solar-receiving material, as shown and described herein.

[0010] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is a tonneau cover for a cargo bed of a pickup truck, wherein the cargo bed includes a pair of opposing sidewalls connected by a tailgate and a bulkhead. The tonneau cover has a size that substantially corresponds to the cargo bed of the pickup truck. The tonneau cover includes at least one tonneau cover section that includes a solar-receiving material (e.g., a solar panel) secured thereto or integrated therewith, a body that supports the solar-receiving material, and a frame member disposed along at least one side or edge of the tonneau cover section that is configured to be positioned on or along the sidewalls of the cargo bed of the pickup truck. The solar-receiving material includes photovoltaic cells. The frame member covers at least a portion of the solar-receiving material.

[0011] In an aspect, the frame member includes a portion that defines a channel such that an edge of the solar-receiving material and an edge of the body are configured to be secured within the channel of the frame member. Optionally, the portion of the frame member includes an upper leg and a lower leg connected by an end wall, wherein the upper leg and the lower leg can be spaced apart a distance that is substantially equal to a thickness of the body plus a thickness of the solar-receiving material.

[0012] In alternative or additional aspects, the solar-receiving material includes a continuous perimeter, wherein the frame member encloses the continuous perimeter of the solar-receiving material between the frame member and the body.

[0013] In alternative or additional aspects, the at least one tonneau cover section includes a plurality of tonneau cover sections that are configured to be foldable relative to one another so as to form a nested stack in a folded state.

[0014] In alternative or additional aspects, when the solar-receiving material takes the form of a solar panel that includes solar / photovoltaic cells, the solar panel includes a chamfer on an upper outer edge of the solar panel.

[0015] In alternative or additional aspects, the frame member includes an edge frame member, a hinge frame member, and a corner frame member, all of which at least partially cover the solar-receiving material.

[0016] In alternative or additional aspects, the body includes at least one perimeter edge defining a C-shape, the perimeter edge configured to be secured to the frame member. In another aspect, the C-shape includes an upper surface, a lateral leg extending substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and a terminal leg extending substantially perpendicular to the lateral leg, the terminal leg being located inferior with respect to the upper surface. In such cases, the upper surface of the C-shape covers at least a portion of the solar-receiving material. Optionally, the terminal leg can extend downward at an angle between about one (1) degree and about five (5) degrees from a horizontal plane parallel to the upper surface.

[0017] In alternative or additional aspects, a perimeter of the solar-receiving material substantially corresponds to a perimeter of the body supporting the solar-receiving material.

[0018] In alternative or additional aspects, the frame member does not cover any photovoltaic cells of the solar-receiving material.

[0019] In one embodiment, the present invention is a tonneau cover for use with a cargo bed of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover has a size substantially corresponding to the cargo bed of the pickup truck. The tonneau cover includes at least one tonneau cover section including a solar-receiving material (e.g., a solar panel) secured thereto or integrated therewith, a body supporting the solar-receiving material, and a frame member disposed along at least one side or edge of the tonneau cover section, the frame member configured to be positioned on or along a side wall of the cargo bed of the pickup truck. The frame member includes an upper leg and a lower leg defining a channel therebetween, wherein edges of the solar-receiving material and edges of the body are sandwiched between the upper leg and the lower leg of the frame member within the channel of the frame member.

[0020] In one aspect, the at least one tonneau cover section includes a plurality of tonneau cover sections configured to be foldable relative to one another so as to form a nested stack in a folded state.

[0021] In alternative or additional aspects, the upper leg and the lower leg are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to a thickness of the body plus a thickness of the solar-receiving material.

[0022] In alternative or additional aspects, the edges of the solar-receiving material include a continuous perimeter around the tonneau cover section, and the edges of the body include a continuous perimeter around the tonneau cover section.

[0023] In alternative or additional aspects, a perimeter of the solar-receiving material substantially corresponds to a perimeter of the body supporting the solar-receiving material.

[0024] In alternative or additional aspects, the photovoltaic cells are not positioned within the channel of the frame member between the upper leg and the lower leg.

[0025] In alternative or additional aspects, the solar-receiving material comprises a solar panel, the solar panel comprising a photovoltaic cell, and the solar panel comprises a chamfer on an upper outer edge of the solar panel.

[0026] In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of manufacturing a tonneau cover, comprising the step of assembling at least one tonneau cover section. The assembling is performed by providing a substantially planar rigid body and positioning a solar-receiving material on or integrated with the body, such that the body supports the solar-receiving material. A frame member is provided and configured to secure the body and the solar-receiving material, wherein the frame member covers a portion of the frame member on an edge of the solar-receiving material. Optionally, the at least one tonneau cover section comprises at least two tonneau cover sections connected to each other by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly allowing the tonneau cover sections to pivot relative to each other.

[0027] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] For a fuller understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tonneau cover according to the present disclosure, and is shown in an extended position covering a pickup truck bed.

[0030] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a top plan view of the tonneau cover seen in

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken generally along Figure 2 line 3-3 in

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3 and also taken generally along Figure 2 line 3-3 in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the following detailed description of embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] As used in the following description, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are used with reference to the orientation of the elements presented in the drawings. Thus, "upper" denotes a direction toward the top of the drawing, and "lower" denotes a direction toward the bottom of the drawing. The terms "left" and "right" are interpreted similarly. The terms "inwardly" or "inner" and "outwardly" or "outer" denote directions toward and away from, respectively, the central axis of the component being referred to, whether or not such an axis is marked in the drawing. It will be understood, however, that the directional references utilized herein can not necessarily correspond to the actual installation and orientation of the respective components or devices in an actual implementation.

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A tonneau cover 10 for attachment to a pickup truck 12 is generally shown in The tonneau cover 10 is shown as a foldable tonneau cover, but it is contemplated herein that the tonneau cover can also be non-foldable (e.g., a single-piece tonneau cover, a roll-up tonneau cover, etc.). The tonneau cover 10 is shown as being mounted to a bed or cargo box 14 of the pickup truck 12 so as to cover or enclose the cargo box 14. The cargo box 14 is located rearward of a passenger compartment 16 (hereinafter "cabin") and includes a pair of opposed side walls 18 that are connected at their front and rear ends by a bulkhead 20 (front wall) and a tailgate 22 (rear wall), respectively. The top of the side walls 16 defines a cargo box rail 24, and the tonneau cover 10 can be mounted to, rest on, or otherwise be flush with the cargo box rail 24. Thus, the tonneau cover 10 has a length and width that substantially correspond to the length and width of the cargo box 14 of the pickup truck 12.

[0036] When foldable, the tonneau cover 10 is shown in an extended or unfolded position in which the individual tonneau cover segments 26 (hereinafter "segments 26") are generally coplanar and adjacent to one another so as to fully extend and cover the cargo box 14. The adjacent segments 26 are connected to one another by hinge assemblies 28, and thus, the tonneau cover 10 is foldable from the extended position to a folded position.

[0037] When folding the tonneau cover 10, the segments 26 are folded relative to one another from the tailgate 22 toward the cabin 16 to expose at least a portion of the cargo box 14. The rear segment 26 (the segment 26 adjacent to the tailgate 22) is first folded over and on top of the adjacent or middle segment 26. Next, the middle segment 26 and the rear segment 26 are folded over and on top of the front segment 26 (the segment 26 adjacent to the bulkhead 20 and the cabin 16), thereby forming a nested stack of segments 26 at the front end of the cargo box 14 proximate the cabin 16. To accommodate the combined thickness of the previously folded segments 26, the middle and front segments 26 can be connected by a pair of hinge assemblies 28 that are themselves connected to one another by a spacer 29. As Figure 1As shown, a buckle 30 can be provided to secure the folded rear box cover 10 in a nested stack.

[0038] Although shown as having three sections 26, it should be understood that the folding rear cargo cover 10 may have more or fewer than three sections 26. Therefore, the portion of the cargo box 14 covered by the stack of sections 26 may constitute one-quarter or more of the area of ​​the cargo box 14. Optionally, the stack of sections 26 may pivot and be secured in a substantially upright position adjacent to the rear window of the cab 16, thereby providing additional access to the cargo box 14 of the truck 12.

[0039] Each segment 26 includes a central portion 32, which is reinforced around its continuous periphery by a frame 33. The frame 33 includes edge frame members 34 and hinge frame members 36, which are located between adjacent segments 26 and connected to hinge assemblies 28. The frame 33 may further include corner frame members 38 at the intersection between the edge members 34 and the hinge members 36, and at the intersection between two edge members 34. The edge frame members 34, hinge frame members 36, and corner frame members 38 may be collectively referred to as frame members 34, 36, and 38.

[0040] Edge and hinge frame members 34, 36 can be formed as extrusions of metal, plastic or other suitable materials. However, corner frame member 38 can be formed as a casting or machined part of metal, plastic or other suitable materials.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the central portion 32 of segment 26 may each be provided with a body 40 supporting the solar receiving material 42, which, by way of example, is referred to herein as a solar panel 42. The body 40, formed of sheet metal, plastic, or other suitable material, includes a central segment 44, ends, and sides that join the edges and hinge frame members 34, 36. The central segment 44 supports the solar panel 42 thereon. The ends and sides of the body 40 may include generally C-shaped bends 46. Other constructions of the body 40 may also be employed. For example, the body 40 may be formed of an outer skin surrounding the inner core (e.g., formed of polyurethane foam or other materials), provided that the ends and sides of the body 40 can be secured to the corresponding edge and hinge frame members 34, 36.

[0042] The return bend portions 46 formed at the ends and sides of the middle section 44 include a transverse leg 48 and a terminal leg 50. Specifically, the transverse leg 48 extends generally perpendicularly downward from a plane defined by the middle section 44, and the terminal leg 50 extends generally parallel to the plane. While the terminal leg 50 can be parallel to the plane defined by the middle section 44 of the main body 40, the terminal leg 44 can alternatively be angled downward and away from the plane at an angle (a) of between about one (1) degree and about five (5) degrees. Preferably, the angle (a) is about two (2) degrees.

[0043] To engage the perimeter of the main body 40, the frame members 34, 36 are each formed with an end opening channel 52 configured to receive the return bend portions 46 of the main body 40. To assemble the frame members 34, 36 to the central portion 30 of the tonneau cover section 26, the frame members 34, 36 are fitted over or pushed onto the ends / sides of the central portion 30.

[0044] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A front edge frame member 34 is shown fitted over an adjacent edge of the central portion 32 of the front and rear tonneau cover sections 26. It should be understood that the side edge frame members 34 and hinge members 36 of each tonneau cover section 26 can be similarly fitted over the respective adjacent edges of the respective tonneau cover section 26.

[0045] It should be noted that the construction of the hinge assembly 28 is not unique to the present application. The construction of the hinge assembly 28 can be one of many well-known constructions for hinge assemblies in hard folding tonneau covers, and therefore, no further detailed discussion of the construction is provided herein.

[0046] Unless otherwise stated herein, the construction of the solar panel 42 is not unique to the present application, and the solar panel 42 can be of conventional or yet to be developed construction. According to one conventional solar panel structure, the solar panel 42 includes a plurality of interconnected solar cells or photovoltaic cells, at Figures 1-2 designated generally at 60, between upper and lower layers of encapsulant (e.g., EVA copolymer), supported on a backsheet and coupled to a junction box. In these figures, the individual components and / or layers of the solar panel 42 are not shown other than the solar cells 60. The solar panel 42 of one tonneau cover section 26 can be electrically connected to the solar panel 42 of an adjacent tonneau cover section 26.

[0047] Each solar panel 42 has a shape and size that corresponds to the shape and size of the body 40 as defined by its perimeter. While the solar panels 42 need not have the exact length and width dimensions of the body 40, the size and shape of the solar panels 42 are preferably such that the perimeter of each solar panel 42 substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the body 40 on which it is supported. Additionally, for reasons discussed further below, the perimeter edges of the solar panels 42 can include chamfers 62 on the upper / lateral sides of the solar panels 42 (see particularly Figure 4 ].

[0048] The solar panels 42 can be freely supported on the body 40, adhesively secured to the body 40, or integrally formed with the body 40. Alternatively, each solar panel 42 can be secured to the body 40 by thin acrylic tape disposed only at the corners of the solar panel 42 and around the junction boxes (not shown) of the solar panel 42.

[0049] The channel 52 of each frame member 34, 36 is defined by opposing upper and lower leg portions 54, 56 connected by an end wall 58. The upper and lower leg portions 54, 56 are spaced apart a distance equal to or slightly greater than the total thickness of the edge around the perimeter of the central portion 32. In particular, this thickness includes the thickness of the end of the body 40, i.e., the thickness of the backbend portion 46 (i.e., from the upper surface of the mid-section 44 to the lower surface of the terminal leg 50) - or other configuration of the edge of the section 26 - plus the thickness of the solar panel 42 at its edge.

[0050] During engagement of the edge of the central portion 32 with one of the frame members 34, 36, a portion of the solar panel 42 and the backbend portion 46 of the body 40 is inserted into the open end of the channel 52 between the upper and lower leg portions 54, 56. The inclined lead-in surface defined by the chamfer 62 on the upper edge of the solar panel 42 makes insertion into the channel 52 easy and facilitates insertion into the channel 52, which can continue until the central portion 32 is fully seated and engages the end wall 58 or other stop provided in the channel 52. The terminal leg 50 of the backbend portion 46 is sufficiently resilient to allow some inward deflection of the terminal leg 50 through the lower leg portion 56 without permanent deformation. Thus, the engagement is a press-fit engagement. A locking tab (not shown) can be provided on the lower leg portion 56 and is configured to engage the distal end of the terminal leg 50 as it moves past the locking tab during insertion into the channel 52, thereby mechanically preventing extraction of the central portion 32 from the channel 52.

[0051] Optionally, one or more sealing elements, such as foam gaskets or liquid sealants, can be provided in the area between those portions of the frame members 34, 36 that define the channel 52 and the perimeter of the central portion 32 that is inserted therein.

[0052] As previously mentioned, the length and width of the solar panel 42 correspond to the length and width of the body 40 supporting it. While these dimensions need not be exactly the same, the length and width of the solar panel 42 are sufficient to ensure that most, and preferably all, of the edges are received in the channel 52 of the frame members 34, 36 and covered by the upper leg 54 of the frame members 34, 36. The corners of the solar panel 42 are also preferably covered by the upper lip of the corner frame members 38.

[0053] With this construction, a portion of the solar panel 42 is sandwiched and held between the upper and lower legs 54, 56 of the associated frame members 34, 36. The sandwiched portion of the solar panel 42 can or can not include portions of the solar cells 60. Thus, the edges of the solar panel 42, as well as the perimeter interface 64 between the edges of the solar panel 42 and the body 40, are protected from environmental factors, including the intrusion of water between the solar panel 42 and the upper surface of the body 40. It will also be appreciated that the positioning of the edges of the solar panel 42 below the upper legs of the frame members 34, 36 limits access to the perimeter interface 64 between the solar panel 42 and the body 40, thereby limiting the likelihood that the solar panel 42 will separate from the body 40 by environmental factors or by manual forces applied thereto.

[0054] While embodiments of the application have been described with the tonneau cover sections 26 having C-shaped ends, it will be appreciated that the tonneau cover sections can have any suitable construction and be formed of any suitable material. For example, there can be no C-shape at all, but rather each tonneau cover section can be a solid plastic or foam panel (possibly with a metal skin covering) that is secured to the frame members 34, 36 by a press fit joint or other securing mechanism (e.g., screws) as discussed.

[0055] Similarly, while embodiments of the application have been described with the solar panel 42, it will be appreciated that the photovoltaic cells 60 can take any construction, such as being secured to a rigid substrate as described above, being rolled as a sheet onto a suitable substrate, such as certain embodiments of the tonneau cover sections 26, or being fully integrated into the tonneau cover sections 26. As another example, the solar panel 42 itself can be considered to be the tonneau cover, depending on the substrate used. Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the application includes a plurality of tonneau cover sections 26 having photovoltaic cells 60 disposed thereon, with the ends / edges of the tonneau cover sections 26 and photovoltaic cells 60 (whether in the form of panels 42 or otherwise) being sandwiched between the upper and lower legs 54, 56 of the frame members 34, 36. In this manner, the photovoltaic cells 60 are also sandwiched between the upper legs 54 and the upper surface of the tonneau cover sections 26.

[0056] While the application has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments thereof, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that changes can be made thereto without departing from the true spirit and rational of the application as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited to the preferred embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation commensurate with the entire specification. Therefore, the terms used herein are intended to be construed in their broadest, most liberal sense to encompass all equivalents.

Claims

1. A tailgate for a pickup truck bed, the bed including a pair of opposing sidewalls connected by a tailgate and a partition, the tailgate comprising: At least one rear cargo box cover section, comprising: Solar energy receiving materials fixed to or integrated with it. The main body supporting the solar energy receiving material, and A frame member is disposed along at least one side of the rear cargo bed section and configured to be positioned on or along the side wall of the pickup truck's cargo bed. in: The solar energy receiving material includes photovoltaic cells. The frame member covers at least a portion of the solar energy receiving material, and The rear bed cover has dimensions that are basically corresponding to the cargo bed of a pickup truck.

2. The rear cargo cover according to claim 1, wherein: The frame component includes a portion that defines a channel. The edges of the solar energy receiving material and the body are constructed to be fixed within the channels of the frame members.

3. The rear box cover according to claim 2, wherein the portion of the frame member includes an upper leg and a lower leg connected by an end wall.

4. The rear cargo cover according to claim 1, wherein: The solar energy receiving material includes a continuous perimeter. The frame members surround the continuous periphery of the solar energy receiving material between the frame members and the main body.

5. The rear hatch cover according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rear hatch cover segment comprises a plurality of rear hatch cover segments configured to be foldable relative to each other so as to form a nested stack in the folded state.

6. The rear hatch cover according to claim 1, wherein the solar energy receiving material comprises a solar panel, the solar panel comprises the photovoltaic cell, and the solar panel includes a chamfer on the upper outer edge of the solar panel.

7. The rear cargo cover according to claim 1, wherein, The frame components include edge frame components, hinge frame components, and corner frame components, all of which at least partially cover the solar energy receiving material.

8. The rear cargo cover according to claim 1, wherein, The body includes at least one peripheral edge defining a C-shaped configuration for fixing to the frame member.

9. The rear cover of claim 8, wherein the C-shape includes an upper surface, lateral legs extending substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and end legs extending substantially perpendicular to the lateral legs, the end legs being located below the upper surface, wherein the upper surface of the C-shape covers at least a portion of the solar receiving material.

10. The rear cover of claim 8, wherein the end leg extends downward at an angle between about one (1) degree and about five (5) degrees with respect to a horizontal plane parallel to the upper surface.

11. The rear cover according to claim 1, wherein the periphery of the solar receiving material substantially corresponds to the periphery of the body supporting the solar receiving material.

12. The rear cover of claim 1, wherein the frame member does not cover any of the photovoltaic cells of the solar receiving material.

13. A tailgate for a pickup truck bed, the bed including a pair of opposing sidewalls connected by a tailgate and a partition, the tailgate comprising: At least one rear cargo box cover section, comprising: Solar energy receiving materials fixed to or integrated with it. The main body supporting the solar energy receiving material, and A frame member is disposed along at least one side of the rear cargo bed section and configured to be positioned on or along the side wall of the pickup truck's cargo bed. in: The frame member includes an upper leg and a lower leg, defining a channel between the upper leg and the lower leg. The edges of the solar energy receiving material and the edges of the main body are clamped within the channel of the frame member between the upper and lower legs of the frame member, and The rear bed cover has dimensions that are basically corresponding to the cargo bed of a pickup truck.

14. The rear hatch cover of claim 13, wherein the at least one rear hatch cover segment comprises a plurality of rear hatch cover segments configured to be foldable relative to each other so as to form a nested stack in the folded state.

15. The rear box cover of claim 13, wherein the distance between the upper leg and the lower leg is substantially equal to the thickness of the body plus the thickness of the solar receiving material.

16. The rear cover of claim 13, wherein the edge of the solar receiving material includes a continuous periphery surrounding the rear cover section, and wherein the edge of the body includes a continuous periphery surrounding the rear cover section.

17. The rear cover of claim 13, wherein the periphery of the solar receiving material substantially corresponds to the periphery of the body supporting the solar receiving material.

18. The rear cargo cover according to claim 13, wherein, The photovoltaic cell is not positioned within the channel between the upper leg and the lower leg of the frame member.

19. A method of manufacturing a trunk lid, comprising the step of assembling at least one trunk lid segment, wherein the assembly step includes the following steps: Provides a basically planar rigid body; The solar energy receiving material is positioned on or integrated with the body, such that the body supports the solar energy receiving material, wherein the solar energy receiving material includes a photovoltaic cell; A frame member is provided, the frame member being configured to secure the main body and the solar energy receiving material; A portion of the frame component is covered over the edge of the solar receiving material.

20. The manufacturing method of claim 19, wherein the at least one rear hatch cover segment comprises at least two rear hatch cover segments, and wherein the manufacturing method further comprises the step of connecting the at least two rear hatch cover segments to a hinge assembly that allows the at least two rear hatch cover segments to pivot relative to each other.

Images