Paddle latch for tonneau cover

Abstract

A paddle latch can be used to unlatch and latch a tonneau cover to a cargo area of a vehicle. The paddle latch includes a housing and a paddle handle pivotally coupled relative to the housing. The paddle handle is configured to pivot relative to the housing between a first handle position and a second handle. The paddle handle includes a handle body. The paddle handle defines a hole extending through the handle body. The paddle latch further includes a cable extending through the hole defined by the handle body of the paddle handle. The paddle handle is configured to pull the cable as the paddle handle moves from the first handle position to the second handle position. The paddle latch further includes a protrusion coupled to the cable. The protrusion is movable relative to the housing and the inner wall between a retracted position and an extended position.

Description

Docket: P1496-WO-PCTPADDLE LATCH FOR TONNEAU COVERFIELD

[0001] These teachings relate to tonneau covers, and more particularly to a release latch device, a tonneau cover that includes a release latch device, and to a method of operating a release latch device.BACKGROUND

[0002] 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 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.

[0003] Some covers have a latch for locking and unlocking the cover. However, many latches are not intuitive to operate. For example, some latches are located under a panel of the cover, which may be difficult for an operator to locate, especially at night or for an operator who is unfamiliar with the cover. Some latches require an operator to pull down on a handle with one hand while pushing up on the cover with the other hand. These simultaneous and opposing movements may be awkward for the user, especially for a user who is unfamiliar with the cover. Accordingly, it may be desirable to have an improved cover and / or latch device that overcomes at least some of the challenges described above.S MMARY

[0004] The present disclosure describes a paddle latch for unlatching a tonneau cover from a cargo area of a vehicle. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the paddle latch includes a housing and a paddle handle pivotally coupled relative to the housing. The paddle handle is configured to pivot relative to the housing between a first handle position and a second handle. Further, the paddle handle includes a handle body and defines a hole extending through the handle body. The paddle latch includes a tension member (e.g., cable) extending through the hole defined by theDocket: P1496-WO-PCThandle body of the paddle handle. The paddle handle is configured to pull the tension member (e. ., cable) as the paddle handle moves from the first handle position to the second handle position. The paddle latch further includes a protrusion coupled to the cable. The protrusion is movable relative to the housing and an inner wall of the vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the protrusion engages the inner wall of the vehicle to lock the tonneau cover in position. In the retracted position, the protrusion is disengaged from the inner wall to allow the tonneau cover to move relative to the inner wall of the vehicle. The tension member (e.g., cable) interconnects the paddle handle and the protrusion. As such, moving the paddle handle between the first handle position and the second handle position causes the protrusion to move between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The paddle latch may include a biasing member coupled to the paddle handle to bias the paddle handle toward the first handle position, thereby biasing the protrusion toward the extended position. As a nonlimiting example, the biasing member may be a coil spring that is disposed inside the paddle handle. The protrusion is configured to translate relative to the housing between the extended position and the retracted position. The tonneau cover includes one or more panels, such as a first panel and a second panel. The second panel is pivotably coupled to the first panel. The protrusion precludes the first panel from pivoting relative to the second panel when the protrusion engages the inner wall in the extended position. The paddle latch may include a track body defining a track sized to slidably receive the protrusion. The track body is laterally spaced apart from the housing. The protrusion includes a ramp to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the protrusion with the inner wall when the protrusion moves between the extended position and the retracted position relative to the inner wall. The tonneau cover may include one or more paddle latches. Each of the plurality of paddle latches includes a housing fixed to the first panel of the tonneau cover. As such, the housing remains stationary relative to the first panel The paddle handle may be directly and pivotally coupled to the housing. The paddle handle is configured to pivot relative to the housing. The present disclosure also describes a method for unlatching a tonneau cover from a vehicle. The method includes pivoting the pivoting the paddle handle relative to the housing from the first handle position to the second handle position to unlatch the tonneau cover from the vehicle and moving one or more of the panels of the tonneau cover away from the cargo area after unlatching to the tonneau cover from the vehicle.Docket: P1496-WO-PCTBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings are provided for understanding of the technical schemes of the present disclosure, and constitute a part of the description. The drawings and the embodiments of the present disclosure are used to illustrate the technical schemes of the present disclosure, and are not intended to constitute a limit to the technical schemes of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. l isa perspective view of a vehicle including a tonneau cover, wherein the tonneau cover includes a paddle latch device.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of part of the vehicle of FIG. 1, showing a frontal cross-section of the paddle latch.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a panel of the tonneau cover of the vehicle of FIG. 1, wherein the first panel is shown upside down to show two paddle latches.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the panel shown in FIG. 3, depicting a paddle handle of one of the paddle latches in the first handle position.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the panel shown in FIG. 3, depicting a paddle handle of one of the paddle latches in the second handle position.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the paddle latches.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective, top cross-sectional view of part of one of the paddle latches.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for unlatching a tonneau cover of a vehicle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a vehicle 10 including a cargo area 12. Although the drawings show a pickup truck, it is envisioned that the vehicle 10 may be another kind of vehicle, such as a station wagon. In addition to the cargo area 12, the vehicle 10 may include a passenger area (e.g., cab). The cargo area 12 may be defined by one or more walls, namely: a front wall 16 that is located adjacent to the passenger area; a first sidewall 18; a second sidewall 20 opposite the first sidewall 18; and a rear wall e.g., tailgate 22) that opposes the front wall 16. Each of the first sidewall 18 and the second sidewall 20 has an inner wall 24 that faces an inside of the cargo area 12.

[0016] The cargo area 12 has an open top that may be covered with a cover, such as a tonneau cover 30. The tonneau cover 30 may be attached to or supported on one or more rails or frames connected to the inner walls 24, and / or attached to or supported on the top surfaces of the firstDocket: P1496-WO-PCTsidewall 18 and the second sidewall 20. Additionally, or alternately, the tonneau cover 30 may be attached, connected, or supported on one or both inner or top surfaces of the front wall 16 and / or tailgate 22.

[0017] The tonneau cover 30 includes one or more panels, one or more of which are operable to be moved or repositioned relative to one another and / or the cargo area 12 to move the tonneau cover 30 between an open and closed configuration. As a non-limiting example, the tonneau cover 30 includes a first panel 32, a second panel 34 (e.g., an intermediate panel) and a third panel 36 The first panel 32 may be referred to as the rearmost panel and may be the panel that is located closest to the tailgate 22. The third panel 36 may be referred to as the frontmost panel may be the panel that is located closest to the front wall 16. The second panel 34 may be referred to as the intermediate panel that is located between the first panel 32 and the third panel 36. The tonneau cover 30 may include any number of panels, including only one panel (i.e., no more than one panel). In some configurations, one or more of the panels may be replaced with or referred to as slats, such as the slats of the hard rolling tonneau cover. The first panel 32 may be pivotally coupled to the second panel 34. For example, a first hinge 38 may pivotally couple the first panel 32 to the second panel 34. The second panel 34 may be pivotally coupled to the third panel 36. A second hinge 40 may pivotally couple the second panel 34 to the third panel 36.

[0018] With reference to FIGS. 2-7, the vehicle 10 further includes one or more paddle latches 42. The paddle latches 42 may be considered part of the tonneau cover 30 and are each configured to lock or maintain the tonneau cover 30 or a panel thereof in a closed or locked position. The paddle latches 42 may be unlocked or unlatched to allow the tonneau cover 30 or panel to be opened or moved into an open position.

[0019] The paddle latches 42 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the first panel 32 and are therefore configured to unlock the first panel 32 from the first sidewall 18 and the second sidewall 20 of the cargo area 12. Each paddle latch 42 includes a first mating part 44 configured to mate with a second mating part 48 of the first sidewall 18 or the second sidewall 20. In the present disclosure, the term “mating part” means a physical structure configured, shaped, and sized to mate to a complementary mating part to create a mating connection, thereby connecting the mating parts together. The mating parts may be a female mating part or a male part. As non-limiting examples, the male mating parts may include pins, projections, fingers, arm, plungers, and projections configured, shaped, and size to lock or maintain a position of the tonneau cover 30 or panel in aDocket: P1496-WO-PCTlocked or closed position. As non-limiting examples, female mating parts may include a hole, aperture, slot, recess, tab, or other member to lock or maintain a position of the tonneau cover 30 or panel in a locked or closed position.

[0020] With specific reference FIG. 2, the first mating part 44 of the paddle latch 42 may be a protrusion 46 that is movable toward and away from the inner wall 24 to directly or indirectly engage the inner wall 24 to lock the first panel 32 to the inner wall 24. The second mating part 48 may be a recessed wall 50 of a bracket 52 attached to the inner wall 24. The recessed wall 50 is configured, shaped, and sized to receive the protrusion 46 to lock or maintain a position of the first panel 32 of the tonneau cover 30 in a locked or closed position. As a consequence, the first panel 32 is unable to pivot relative to the second panel 34.

[0021] With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the paddle latch 42 includes a housing 54 and a paddle handle 56 pivotally coupled relative to the housing 54. The paddle handle 56 is configured to pivot relative to the housing 54 between a first handle position (FIG. 4) and a second handle position (FIG. 5). The paddle handle 56 includes a handle body 57. Further, the paddle handle 56 defines a hole 58 extending through the handle body 57. The paddle latch 42 further includes a tension member 59, such as cable 60, extending through the hole 58 defined by the handle body 57 of the paddle handle 56. In the present disclosure, the term “tension member” means a structural element designed to resist loads primarily through tensile forces, meaning it is subjected to stretching rather than compression or bending. As non-limiting examples, the tension member 59 may a cable 60, rod, bar, wire, and / or other structural body design to resist loads primarily through tensile forces. The paddle handle 56 is configured to pull the cable 60 as the paddle handle 56 moves from the first handle position (FIG. 4) to the second handle position (FIG. 5).

[0022] Moving the paddle handle 56 from the first handle position (FIG. 4) toward the second handle position (FIG. 5) causes the first mating part 44 (e.g., protrusion 46) to move (e.g., translate or move linearly) relative to the housing 54 and the inner wall 24 between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the first mating part 44 (e.g., protrusion 46) engages (directly or indirectly) the inner wall 24 to lock the tonneau cover 30 (and / or the first panel 32) in position. For example, in the extended position, the protrusion 46 directly contacts (and mates with) the recessed wall 50 of the bracket 52 attached to the inner wall 24 to lock the first panel 32 to the inner wall 24. In the extended position, the protrusion 46 can preclude the first panel 32 from pivoting relative to the second panel 34. In the retracted position, the first mating part 44Docket: P1496-WO-PCT(e.g., protrusion 46) is disengaged from the inner wall 24 to allow the tonneau cover 30 to move (e. ., pivot) relative to the inner wall 24 of the vehicle 10. For instance, in the retracted position, the protrusion 46 does not contact the recessed wall 50 of the bracket 52 attached to the inner wall 24, thereby allowing the first panel 32 to pivot relative to the inner wall 24. The protrusion 46 may include a ramp 66 to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the protrusion 46 with the inner wall 24 (and / or the recessed wall 50 of the bracket 52 attached to the inner wall 24) when the protrusion 46 moves between the extended position and the retracted position relative to the inner wall 24.

[0023] The paddle latch 42 may include a biasing member 62, such as a coil spring 64, coupled to the paddle handle 56 to bias the paddle handle 56 toward the first handle position, thereby biasing the first mating part 44 (e.g., protrusion 46) toward the extended position. The biasing member 62 (e.g., coil spring) maybe disposed inside the paddle handle 56 to bias the paddle handle 56 toward the first handle position. When the paddle handle 56 is in the second handle position, the tension member 59 (e.g., cable 60) is in tension. The tension in the tension member 59 biases the paddle handle 56 toward the first handle position.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 7, the paddle latch 42 may include a track body 68 defining a track 70 sized to slidably receive the first mating part 44 (e.g., protrusion 46). The track body 68 is laterally spaced apart from the housing 54.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 8, the present disclosure also describes a method 100 for unlatching a tonneau cover 30 from the vehicle 10. The method 100 begins at step 102. Step 102 entails pivoting the paddle handle 56 relative to the housing 54 from the first handle position to the second handle position. Moving the paddle handle 56 from the first handle position to the second handle position causes the first mating part 44 (e.g., protrusion 46) to move from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby unlatching the tonneau cover 30 from the vehicle 10. Specifically, moving the paddle handle 56 from the first handle position to the second handle position causes the tension member 59 (e.g., cable 60) to be placed in tension. As a consequence, the first mating part 44 (e.g., protrusion 46) moves (e.g., translates) from the extended position to the retracted position. Then, the method 100 proceeds to step 104. Step 104 entails moving the tonneau cover 30 (and / or the first panel 32) away from the cargo area 12 after unlatching to the tonneau cover 30 from the vehicle 10, thereby uncovering the cargo area 12.Docket: P1496-WO-PCT

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.”

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 elementDocket: P1496-WO-PCTor 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.

[0033] The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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

Docket: P1496-WO-PCTCLAIMS1. A paddle latch for unlatching a tonneau cover, the tonneau cover configured for use with a vehicle comprising a cargo area, the cargo area having an inner wall and a tailgate, the paddle latch comprising:a housing;a paddle handle pivotally coupled relative to the housing, wherein the paddle handle is configured to pivot relative to the housing between a first handle position and a second handle, the paddle handle includes a handle body, and the paddle handle defines a hole extending through the handle body;a cable extending through the hole defined by the handle body of the paddle handle, wherein the paddle handle is configured to pull the cable as the paddle handle moves from the first handle position to the second handle position;a protrusion coupled to the cable, wherein the protrusion is movable relative to the housing and the inner wall between a retracted position and an extended position;wherein, in the extended position, the protrusion engages the inner wall to lock the tonneau cover in position; andwherein, in the retracted position, the protrusion is disengaged from the inner wall to allow the tonneau cover to move relative to the inner wall of the vehicle; andwherein the cable interconnects the paddle handle and the protrusion such that moving the paddle handle between the first handle position and the second handle position causes the protrusion to move between the retracted position and the extended position.

2. The paddle latch according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member coupled to the paddle handle to bias the paddle handle toward the first handle position, thereby biasing the protrusion toward the extended position.

3. The paddle latch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing member is a coil spring disposed inside the paddle handle.Docket: P1496-WO-PCT4. The paddle latch according to claim 1 or any one of the previous claims, wherein the protrusion is configured to translate relative to the housing between the extended position and the retracted position.

5. The paddle latch according to claim 1 or any one of the previous claims, wherein the tonneau cover includes a first panel and a second panel, and the second panel is pivotably coupled to the first panel, and the protrusion precludes the first panel from pivoting relative to the first panel when the protrusion engages the inner wall in the extended position.

6. The paddle latch according to claim 1 or any one of the previous claims, further comprising a track body, wherein the track body defines a track sized to slidably receive the protrusion, and the track body is laterally spaced apart from the housing.

7. The paddle latch according to claim 1 or any one of the previous claims, wherein the protrusion includes a ramp to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the protrusion with the inner wall when the protrusion moves between the extended position and the retracted position relative to the inner wall.

8. A tonneau cover configured to be used with a vehicle, the vehicle comprises a cargo area, the cargo area has an inner wall, the tonneau cover comprising:a first panel;a second panel pivotally coupled to the first panel;a plurality of paddle latches each coupled to the first panel, wherein each of the plurality of paddle latches includes:a paddle handle pivotally coupled to the tonneau cover, wherein the paddle handle is configured to pivot relative to the tonneau cover between a first handle position and a second handle;a tension member extending through the paddle handle, wherein the paddle handle is configured to pull the tension member as the paddle handle moves from the first handle position to the second handle position;Docket: P1496-WO-PCTa protrusion coupled to the cable, wherein the protrusion is movable relative to the tonneau cover and the inner wall between a retracted position and an extended position;wherein, in the extended position, the protrusion engages the inner wall to lock the tonneau cover in position;wherein, in the retracted position, the protrusion is disengaged from the inner wall to allow the tonneau cover to move relative to the inner wall of the vehicle.

9. The tonneau cover according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of paddle latches comprises a housing fixed to the first panel of the tonneau cover such that the housing remains stationary relative to the first panel, the paddle handle is directly and pivotally coupled to the housing, and the paddle handle is configured to pivot relative to the housing.

10. The tonneau cover according to claim 8 or any other of the previous claims, wherein each of the plurality of paddle latches comprises a biasing member coupled to the handle to bias the paddle handle toward the first handle position, thereby biasing the protrusion toward the extended position.

11. The tonneau cover according to claim 8 or any of one the previous claims, wherein the biasing member is a coil spring disposed inside the paddle handle.

12. The tonneau cover according to claim 8 or any one of the previous claims, wherein the protrusion is configured to translate relative to the housing between the extended position and the retracted position.

13. The tonneau cover according to claim 8 or any one of the previous claims, wherein the protrusion precludes the first panel from pivoting relative to the first panel when the protrusion engages the inner wall in the extended position.

14. The tonneau cover according to claim 8 or any one of the previous claims, wherein each of the plurality of paddle latches comprises a track body, the track body defines a track sized to slidably receive the protrusion, and the track body is laterally spaced apart from the housing.Docket: P1496-WO-PCT15. The tonneau cover according to claim 8 or any one of the previous claims, wherein the protrusion includes a ramp to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the protrusion with to the inner wall when the protrusion moves between the extended position and the retracted position relative to the inner wall.

16. A method for unlatching a tonneau cover from a vehicle, the vehicle comprises a cargo area, the cargo area has an inner wall, the method comprising:pivoting a paddle handle relative to a housing from a first handle position to a second handle position, wherein the housing and the paddle handle are part of a paddle latch, the paddle handle is configured to pivot relative to the housing between the first handle position and the second handle position, the paddle handle includes a handle body, the paddle handle defines a hole extending through the handle body, the paddle latch further comprises a cable extending through the hole defined by the paddle handle, pivoting the paddle handle causes the paddle handle to pull the cable as the paddle handle moves from the first handle position to the second handle position, the paddle latch further comprises a protrusion coupled to the cable, the protrusion is movable relative to the housing and an inner wall of the vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position, moving the paddle handle from the first handle position to the second handle position causes the protrusion to move from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby unlatching the tonneau cover from the vehicle; andmoving a panel of the tonneau cover away from the cargo area after unlatching to the tonneau cover from the vehicle.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the tonneau cover is a folding tonneau cover.

18. The method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the panel is a first panel, the tonneau cover comprises a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels includes the first panel and a second panel pivotally coupled to the first panel, and moving the panel of the tonneau cover away from the cargo area comprising pivoting the first panel relative to the second panel.Docket: P1496-WO-PCT19. The method according to claim 16 or any of the previous claims, wherein the paddle handle is directly coupled to the cable.

20. The method according to claim 16 or any of the previous claims, wherein the paddle latch further comprises a spring directly coupled to the paddle handle to bias the paddle handle toward the first handle position, thereby biasing the protrusion toward the extended position.

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