Heated truck bed cover

Abstract

A tonneau cover for a cargo area of a pickup truck, the tonneau cover includes a first panel or slat, a second panel or slat, and a hinge connecting the first panel or slat to the second panel or slat, the tonneau cover comprises a heating device that is configured to increase or raise a temperature of one or more components of the tonneau cover.

Description

HEATED TRUCK BED COVERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None.FIELD

[0002] These teachings are directed to a truck bed cover, and more particularly to a truck bed cover having one or more heating devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] Some vehicles, like pick-up trucks, have an open-topped bed or cargo area that may be used for storing or transporting cargo. A cover, such as a bed cover or tonneau cover, may be placed over the cargo area. The cover may be opened to access the cargo and / or the inside of the cargo area and closed to conceal the cargo from view and / or to prevent fluid and / or debris from entering the cargo area.

[0004] In cooler climates, ice and snow may accumulate on the cover, which may make opening and closing the cover difficult. A cover, or components of the cover, may become damaged if a user tries to operate the cover that has a buildup of snow and / or ice on it. It may be desirable to improve the current state of the art by having a tonneau cover with features for preventing ice and snow from accumulating on the cover and / or for removing ice and snow from the cover.SUMMARY

[0005] These teachings are directed to a truck bed cover, and more particularly to a truck bed cover having one or more heating devices. The one or more heating devices may function to prevent ice and snow from accumulating on the cover and / or remove ice and snow from the cover.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. l is a perspective view of a vehicle and a tonneau cover.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle and a tonneau cover.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of a tonneau cover.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of a tonneau cover.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame of a tonneau cover.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a method of operating the cover according to these teachings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] These teachings are directed to a truck bed cover, and more particularly to a truck bed cover having one or more heating devices. The one or more heating devices may function to prevent ice and snow from accumulating on the cover and / or remove ice and snow from the cover.

[0013] The tonneau cover may be a folding tonneau cover. A folding tonneau cover may have one or a plurality of hard or soft flexible panels that are configured to be folded onto one another to move the tonneau cover between an open and closed configuration. The tonneau cover may be a rolling or roll up tonneau cover. A rolling or roll up tonneau cover may have one or a plurality of slats or panels or tarps that are configured to be rolled onto one another to move the tonneau cover between an open and closed configuration. The tonneau cover may be a retractable tonneau cover. A retractable tonneau cover may have one or more slats or panels that are moved into and out of a canister or compartment to move the cover between a closed and open configuration.

[0014] The tonneau cover may have one or more heating devices. A heating device may be a device suitable for or configured to generate heat. The heating device may be configured to raise a temperature of one or more elements of the tonneau cover. For example, the heating device may be incorporated onto or into one or more elements of a tonneau cover such as one or more panels, one or more hinges, one or more frames or frame sections, one or more bow members or cross bow members, one or more slats, one or more tarps, one or more rails that are attached to the vehicle, one or more latches for locking or unlocking the tonneau covers, one or more handles, one or more seals, or any combination thereof. The heating deivce may function to melt or unfreeze snow or ice from the tonneau cover or portions of the vehicle that are in close proximity of the tonneau cover. The heating deivce may function to prevent snow or ice or water from freezing melt on the tonneau cover or portions of the vehicle that are in close proximity of the tonneau cover. The one or more heating devices may function to increase a temperature ofthe cargo area and / or cargo located within the cargo area. Advantageously, this may prevent cargo from becoming damaged if exposed to cold or freezing temperatures.

[0015] In some configurations, the one or more heating devices may be one or more thermal devices. A thermal device may be configured to change its temperature of one or more elements of the tonneau cover or one or more features of the truck but in close proximity to the tonneau cover for example. In some configurations, a thermal device may be a device that is configured to cool or decrease a temperature of one or more elements of the tonneau cover and or one or more features of the vehicle in close proximity to the tonneau cover. For example the one or more thermal elements maybe one or more devices configured to provide cooling functions which may help reduce fatigue or damage from the sun if one or more elements of the tonneau cover are exposed to direct sunlight for too long and / or to heat for too long. In some configurations, the one of our thermal devices may function to reduce a temperature within the cargo area, which may be advantageous to prevent damage to cargo located within the truck but that may become damaged if exposed to high heat temperatures, which may result when the ambient temperature surrounding the tunnel cover or cargo area is above a certain threshold.

[0016] The one or more heating devices may be connected to one or more power sources. The one or more power sources may supply the one or more heating devices with power to provide the heating function. The one or more power sources may be or may include one or more batteries, solar panels, capacitors, motors, engines, or a combination thereof. The one or more power sources may be charged by wind and / or solar power (i.e., wind power while the vehicle is moving).

[0017] The one or more power sources and / or heating devices may be connected to one or more control devices or processing devices for operating the one or more heating devices. The one or more control devices may function to determine when to turn the one or more heating devices on and off. The one or more control devices may modulate or control the amount of power supplied more heating devices to provide an optimal level of heating. The one or more control devices may function to provide different levels of power to the one or more heating devices. This may allow for the one or more heating devices to operate in a high heat mode, a low heat mode, or a medium heat mode, which may be used to pending on the outdoor or ambient temperature surrounding the tonneau cover, and or a surface temperature of one or more elements of the tonneau cover. The one or more control devices may be connected to one ormore control devices of the vehicle. This may allow for the one or more heating devices to be turned down or operated depending on certain conditions of the vehicle. For example, if a user's remote starts their vehicle, then the one or more heating devices of the tonneau cover may also be turned on to warm or increase the temperature of one or more elements of the tonneau cover. In another configuration, the one or more heating elements may be turned on after one or more defrost functions of the vehicle are activated. In another configuration, the one or more controlled devices may function to activate or turn on the one or more heating devices depending on a measured or determined temperature of the ambient environment surrounding the tunnel cover, a surface temperature the tunnel cover or any combination that are off.

[0018] The one or more heating devices disclosed herein may be a suitable device for generating heat and / or increasing a temperature of its surroundings. For example, heating device as used herein may refer to a wire, a resistive wire, a heating blanket, a heating mat, an insert, a fan, an air mover, a device configured to circulate a fluid (such as a liquid or air) or any combination thereof. The fluid may be antifreeze. For example, the heating device may be connected to the engine of the vehicle and coolant from the engine may be circulated through one or more components of the heating device and / or tonneau cover to provide the heating function.

[0019] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 each illustrate a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a cargo area 12 and a passenger area or cab 14. The vehicle 10 may be a pickup truck.

[0020] The cargo area 12 may be defined by one or more walls that include: a front wall 16 that is located adjacent the passenger area or cab 14; a pair of opposing side walls 18, 20; and a rear wall or tailgate 22 that opposes the front wall 16. Each side wall 18, 20 has an inner wall 24A, 24B that faces an inside of the cargo area 12.

[0021] The cargo area 12 has an open top that can be covered with a cover 30, which may also be referred to herein as a tonneau cover 30. The tonneau cover 30 may be attached to or supported on one or more rails or frames 13 connected to the inner walls 24 A, 24B; and / or attached to or supported on the top surfaces of the side walls 18, 20.

[0022] In FIG. 1, the tonneau cover 30 includes three panels Pl, P2, P3. Adjacent panels Pl, P2, and P2, P3 are connected to one another by a hinge device or spacer bar 32 that is configured to allow the panels to be moved, folded, or otherwise repositioned relative to one another and / or relative to the walls of cargo area 12 to move the tonneau cover 30 between an open and closedconfiguration. FIG. 3 illustrates the panels Pl, P2, P3 in a folded configuration. Further details of this cover 30 may gleaned from and / or found in US Patent 9,211,834, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0023] In FIG. 2, the tonneau cover 30 includes a plurality of slats SI, S2, Sn. Adjacent slats SI, S2, and S2, Sn are connected to one another by a hinge 32 that is configured to allow the slats to be moved, rolled, or repositioned relative to one another and / or relative to the cargo area 12 to move the tonneau cover 30 between an open and closed configuration. In FIG. 2, the slats SI, S2, Sn are configured to be rolled onto one another to move the tonneau cover 30 into an open configuration. FIG. 4 illustrates the slats SI, S2 in a partially folded or rolled configuration. Further details of this cover 30 may be gleaned from and / or found in US patent 9,399,391 and / or US Patent 10,406,899, the entireties of which are each hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0024] As will be discussed below and throughout, the tonneau cover 30 comprises one or more heating devices 34. The one or more heating devices 34 may be electrically connected (e.g., wired and / or wireless communication) to one or more control devices 36. The one or more control devices 36 may be associated with the vehicle 10, the tonneau cover 30, or both. The one or more control devices 36 may be configured to provide electrical power and / or signals to the one or more heating devices 34 to activate, turn ON, and / or monitor a temperature of the one or more heating devices 34. The one or more heating devices 34 may be configured to increase or raise a temperature of one or more components of the tonneau cover 30. In the event ice or snow is predicted to accumulate on the cover 30, is actively accumulating the cover 30, and / or has accumulated on the cover, the one or more heating devices 34 may increase or raise a temperature of one or more components of the tonneau cover 30 to melt or prevent accumulation of the ice or snow on the tonneau cover 30. Advantageously, this may allow a user to open the tonneau cover 30 without first having to remove the accumulated ice or snow therefrom; may prevent damage to the tonneau cover 30 if a user tries to open the tonneau cover 30 with accumulated ice and / or snow; and / or may reduce the amount of work or effort a user must undertake to clear their vehicle or cover 30 before operating the vehicle 10 or opening the cover 30 to access cargo within the cargo area 12. Advantageously, the one or more heating devices 34 may function to raise or increase a temperature inside the cargo area 12, which may prevent freezing of goods or items stored therein.

[0025] The one or more heating devices disclosed herein may be a suitable device for generating heat and / or increasing a temperature of its surroundings. For example, heating device as used herein may refer to a wire, a resistive wire, a heating blanket, a heating mat, an insert, a fan, an air mover, a device configured to circulate a fluid (such as a liquid or air) or any combination thereof. The fluid may be antifreeze. For example, the heating device may be connected to the engine of the vehicle and coolant from the engine may be circulated through one or more components of the heating device and / or tonneau cover to provide the heating function.

[0026] The heating device may be, or may include, a wire that may be a coil, ribbon, or strip. After electrical energy or power is supplied to the wire which has resistive properties, the electrical energy is converted into heat, which is dissipated into the surrounding environment, which may be the hinge, panel, frame, panel, slat, or any other feature of the tonneau cover. Thereafter, snow or ice that may, is, or has accumulated will melt.

[0027] The heating device may be or may comprise a fan or blower or compressor. The fan or blower or compressor may function to dissipate heat or warmth to the surrounding environment, which may be the hinge, panel, frame, slat, tarp, or any other feature of the tonneau cover. Thereafter, snow or ice will melt that may already have accumulated, is accumulated, or may in the future accumulate.

[0028] The heating device may be or may include the vehicle HVAC system that includes ducts or tubes that are configured to carry warm air from the vehicle to one or more parts of the tonneau cover, which may be the hinge, panel, frame, tarp, slat, or any other feature of the tonneau cover. Thereafter, snow or ice that may, is, or has accumulated will melt. In such a configuration, the heating device may include a vent or opening through the air is exhausted to provide the warming function in the desired location(s) of the tonneau cover.

[0029] The heating device may be or may include a fluid that is heated (air and / or liquid) or an ambient temperature fluid and configured to be pushed or pass through one or more tubes or ducts to provide warmth to one or more features of the tonneau cover, as such as one or more hinge, panel, frame, panel, slat, or any other feature of the tonneau cover. Thereafter, snow or ice that may, is, or has accumulated will melt.

[0030] The heating device may include one or more positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters, radiative heaters, halogen heaters, ceramic heaters, infrared heaters, convective heaters,heating pads, meshes, mats, patches, or a combination thereof. The heating device may include one or more peltier chips, metal heating elements, such as nichrome, Kanthal (FeCrAl), and the like, ceramic heating elements, such as molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), polymer heating elements, such as PTC rubber, composite heating elements, such as fine coil of nichrome (NiCr) resistance heating alloy wire, that is located in a metallic tube (of stainless steel alloys, such as Incoloy, or copper) and insulated by magnesium oxide powder, and combination heating element systems, such as those using thick film technology, or any other device that converts electricity into heat.

[0031] It is envisioned that about 100 or more Watts of heating power may be required to sufficiently melt or prevent accumulation of snow or ice on the tonneau cover. In some configuration 200 or more Watts, 300 or more Watts, 400 or more Watts, or 500 or more Watts of heating power may be required to sufficient melt or prevent accumulation of snow or ice on the tonneau cover.

[0032] One or more of the elements of the tonneau cover that carry the one or more heating devices and / or that are adjacent to the one or more heating devices may have a higher thermal conductivity than other areas of the vehicle and / or tonneau cover, which may assist with heating the desired region of the cover. The materials(s) may be or may include heat insulating materials, such as rubber, plastic, fiberglass insulation, or any other heat insulating material.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a tonneau cover 30 for a cargo area of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover 30 has at least a first panel Pl, a second panel P2, and a hinge 32 connecting the first panel Pl to the second panel P2. The tonneau cover 30 also has a third panel P3 and another hinge 32 connecting the second panel P2 to the third panel P3. The tonneau cover 30 may include one or more heating devices.

[0034] In one example, a heating device may be located within a thickness of one or more of any of the panels of the tonneau cover. For example, the one or more heating devices 34’ in panel P3 may be an insert or wire that is / are provided within a thickness of the panel, between the top and bottom surfaces of the panel. In other configurations, the heating device 34’ may be integrated into the core structure of the panel between the top and bottom surfaces or layers of the panel. In some configurations, the heating element 34’ may be located within a groove, notch, or recess 36 defined in the panel. In some configurations, the heating element 34’ may be provided or located in a frame part of the tonneau cover 30 and / or any of the panels. In someconfigurations, the heating element 34’ may be located below a structure or material thickness of one or more of the panels (i.e., on or above the top and / or bottom surfaces of the panel).

[0035] This heating device 34’ may be configured to melt or prevent accumulation of ice and / or snow from a surface of the one or more panels. In some configurations, the heating device 34’ may be configured to provide heat to the inside of the cargo area to raise a temperature therein and / or prevent freezing of cargo therein.

[0036] In another example, one or more heating devices may be located at one or more hinges of the tonneau cover or within a thickness of the one or more hinges. For example, the heating device 34” in one or more of the hinges 32 may be an insert or wire that is provided within the hinge. The heating element 34’ may be located within a groove, notch, or recess 36 defined in the hinge 32. The heating element 34’ may be located below or above a structure or material thickness of the hinge 32. In some configurations, the hinge 32 may include a rigid material part and a resilient or compressible material part and the heating device 34’ may be provided within the rigid material part and / or the resilient or compressible material part. This heating device 34” may be configured to melt or prevent accumulation of ice and / or snow from the hinge region of the tonneau cover to allow the one or more panels to move.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a tonneau cover 30 for a cargo area of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover 30 has a first slat SI, a second slat S2, and a hinge 32 connecting the first slat SI to the second slat S2. The tonneau cover 30 has one or more heating devices.

[0038] In one example, a heating device may be located within a thickness of one or more of any of the slats of the tonneau cover. For example, the one or more heating devices 34’ in slat SI may be an insert or wire that is / are provided within a thickness of the slat, between the top and bottom surfaces of the slat. In some configurations, the heating element 34’ may be located within a groove, notch, or recess 36 defined in the slat.

[0039] In another example, one or more heating devices may be located at one or more hinges of the tonneau cover or within a thickness of the one or more hinges. For example, the heating device 34” in one or more of the hinges 32 may be an insert or wire that is provided within the hinge. The heating element 34’ may be located within a groove, notch, or recess 36 defined in the hinge 32. The heating element 34’ may be located below or above a structure or material thickness of the hinge 32. In some configurations, the hinge 32 may include a rigid material part 48 and a resilient or compressible material part 50, and the heating device 34’ maybe provided within the rigid material part 48 and / or the resilient or compressible material part 50. The resilient material part 50 may be a rubber-type material that allows the adjacent slats to move or rotate relative to one another. This heating device 34” may be configured to melt or prevent accumulation of ice and / or snow from the hinge region of the tonneau cover to allow the one or more panels to move.

[0040] Referring back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one or more heating devices may be provided in the one or more rails or frames 13 that is / are configured to be attached to the cargo area and on which the panels and / or or slat are supported.

[0041] The one or more heating devices may be electrically connected to one or more control devices and / or power sources via a wired or wireless system. For example, wires connecting the heating device(s) to the control device may extend through the one or more panels, slats, frames, side rails, walls of the cargo area, the vehicle, or any combination thereof.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a tonneau cover 30. The tonneau cover 30 comprises a frame 38 onto which a flexible, stretchable fabric (not illustrated) is disposed or attached. The fabric may be a tarp, a vinyl, canvas, or other flexible material. The tonneau cover 30 or frame 38 may include one or more heating devices that are configured to melt or prevent accumulation of ice and / or snow from the fabric material. For example, the one or more heating devices may be provided on or in the tarp and / or on or in one or more members of the frame, such as on one or more of the side frame members 40, the one or more cross bow members 42 that extend between the side frame members 40, the front and / or rear frame members 44, one or more corner braces 46, or any combination thereof.

[0043] If one or more of the heating devices are incorporated into the tarp material, then the one or more heating devices may function to also add strength and provide a “cut-resistant” cover. In such a configuration, the heating device may be a wire mesh, pad, or mat. Further elements of this tonneau cover and features of the frame onto or in which the one or more heading devices can be located or attached are disclosed in US Patent 8,960,765, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0044] In some configurations, the tonneau cover may be a tarp or fabric that is configured to be rolled into an open configuration. Such a roll-up tonneau cover may include some of the frame members illustrated in FIG. 5 such as the one or more cross bow members 42. Such a tonneau cover may include one or more heating devices in the one or more cross-bow membersand / or integrated into the tarp material. If integrated into the tarp material, then the one or more heating devices may function to also add strength and provide a “cut-resistant” cover. In such a configuration, the heating device may be a wire mesh, pad, or mat.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method 100 of operating the tonneau cover 30. The method 100 may include a step 102, where using a temperature sensor or a weather report, a realtime outdoor temperature is acquired by a control device, the vehicle, the tonneau cover, and / or the vehicle. The temperature sensor may be part of the tonneau cover (i.e., attached to one or more components of the tonneau cover) and / or part of the one or more heating devices and / or may be part of the vehicle and communicated to a control device via the vehicle CAN or other communication protocol. The weather report may be obtained via an internet or satellite communication associated with the vehicle and / or the tonneau cover.

[0046] The method 100 may include a step 104, where it is determined if the real-time outdoor temperature acquired in step 100 is below a predetermined threshold. This determination may take place via a processor or control device associated with the tonneau cover, the vehicle, and / or in the cloud.

[0047] The method 100 may include a step 106, where, using a precipitation sensor or the weather report, it is determined if precipitation is or will be present in an environment surrounding the tonneau cover. The precipitation sensor may be part of the tonneau cover (i.e., attached to one or more components of the tonneau cover) and / or may be part of the vehicle and communicated to a control device via the vehicle CAN or other communication protocol. In some configurations, the weather report obtained in step 102 may also provide precipitation date for use in this method.

[0048] The method 100 may include a step 108, where, using a temperature sensor, a surface temperature of the tonneau cover or one or more components thereof is determined. The temperature sensor may be part of the tonneau cover (i.e., attached to one or more components of the tonneau cover) and / or may be part of the vehicle and communicated to a control device via the vehicle CAN or other communication protocol. The temperature sensor may be the same sensor as the temperature sensor used in step 102 to determine an outdoor temperature, or may be a different temperature sensor than the sensor used in step 102.

[0049] The method 100 may include a step 110 of activating the heating devices on the tonneau cover if the real-time outdoor temperature is at or below a predetermined temperature,and / or if the precipitation is or will be present in the environment surrounding the tonneau cover, and / or if the surface temperature of the tonneau cover is at or below a predetermined temperature. The activating step 110 may take place with a control device or processor associated with the vehicle and / or the tonneau cover. The activating step 110 may include supplying the one or more heating devices with electrical power from a power source. The power source may be part of the vehicle (i.e., battery, motor, solar panel, engine, etc.) The power source may be part of the tonneau cover (i.e., battery, motor, solar panel, etc.). The power source may comprise a battery, such as a lithium ion battery, nickel cadmium battery, alkaline battery, or any other suitable type of battery, a fuel cell, a capacitor, a super capacitor, or any other type of energy storing and / or electricity releasing device. One or more of the steps 102-108 may take place before the vehicle is turned ON.

[0050] One or more of the steps 102-110 may take place after the vehicle is turned ON. The one or more steps may be activated or being when one or more other steps associated with the vehicle occur, such as, for example, a user starts the vehicle; the front or rear window defrost or defogger is activated, one or more seat heaters are activated, the vehicle is put into a drive gear (forward or reverse) or any combination thereof. In some configurations, the vehicle or cover may operate in a standby mode, where the one or more heating devices are selectively and / or periodically activated throughout the day or night to prevent or melt accumulation of snow or ice. In some configurations, the one or more heating devices may be activated after a car wash to assist with removing water from the cover, which may freeze during cold or winter weather and / or may leave water marks.

[0051] It is understood that any of the operation or method steps disclosed herein can be performed in virtually any order. Moreover, one or more of the method or operating steps can be combined with other steps; can be omitted or eliminated; can be repeated; and / or can separated into individual or additional steps.

[0052] The control device according to these teachings may include a main memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), and synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), coupled to the bus for storing information and instructions to be executed by a processor. In addition, the main memory may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor. The control device may further include a read onlymemory (ROM) or other static storage device (e.g., programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM)) coupled to the bus for storing static information and instructions for the processor. The memory may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that the memory may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor. The software in memory can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions.

[0053] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

[0054] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to this description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0055] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

[0056] The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps. For example, disclosure of “a handle” does not limit the teachings to a single handle. Instead, for example, disclosure of “a handle” may include “one or more handles.”

[0057] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.

[0058] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0059] The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0060] Any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to a single embodiment. Instead, any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein may be substituted, combined, and / or modified with any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein to form one or more embodiments that may not be specifically illustrated or described herein.

[0061] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, testing specifications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

Claims

CLAIMS1) A tonneau cover for a cargo area of a pickup truck, the tonneau cover comprising: a first panel or slat, a second panel or slat, and a hinge connecting the first panel or slat to the second panel or slat, wherein the tonneau cover comprises one or more heating devices configured to increase or raise a temperature of one or more components of the tonneau cover.2) The tonneau cover according to claim 1, wherein the one or more heating devices are provided in a thickness of the hinge of the tonneau cover.3) The tonneau cover according to claim 2, herein the hinge comprises a groove in which the one or more heating devices are provided.4) The tonneau cover according to claim 1, wherein the one or more heating devices are provided below a structure or material thickness of the hinge.5) The tonneau cover according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the hinge comprises a rigid material part and a compressible material part and the one or more heating devices are provided within the compressible material part.6) The tonneau cover according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more heating devices are provided in a frame part of the tonneau cover and / or the first panel or slat.7) The tonneau cover according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more heating devices are provided in a rail that is configured to be attached to the cargo area and on which the first panel or slat and the second panel or slat are supported.8) The tonneau cover according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more heating devices comprise a resistive wire.9) The tonneau cover according to any one of the previous claims, wherein one or more heating devices comprises a heating mat or pad.10 The tonneau cover according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more heating devices are provided in a thickness of the first panel or slat.11) The tonneau cover according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more heating devices are provided below a structure of the first panel or slat.12) A method of operating the tonneau cover according to claim 1, the method comprising: acquiring, using a temperature sensor or a weather report, a real-time outdoor temperature; determining if the real-time outdoor temperature is below a predetermined temperature threshold; determining, using a precipitation sensor or the weather report, if precipitation is or will be present in an environment surrounding the tonneau cover; activating the one or more heating devices if the real-time outdoor temperature is below a predetermined temperature and / or if the precipitation is or will be present in the environment surrounding the tonneau cover.13) The method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises determining a surface temperature of one or more elements of the tonneau cover, and the activating step comprises activating the one or more heating devices if the real-time outdoor temperature is below the predetermined temperature, and / or if the precipitation is or will be present in the environment surrounding the tonneau cover, and / or if the surface temperature of the one or more elements of the tonneau cover is below a predetermined threshold.14) The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein one or more of the steps takes place before the vehicle is turned ON.15) The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein one or more of the steps takes place after the vehicle is turned ON.16) The method according to claim 12, 13, 14, or 15 wherein one or more of the steps takes place in response to a user starting the vehicle; a front or rear window defrost or defogger is activated, one or more seat heaters are activated, the vehicle is put into a drive gear, or any combination thereof.17) The method according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein the one or more heating devices are in a wired communication with the one or more sensors or control device.

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