Folding tonneau cover having secured flexible hinge
US11292324B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2020 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J7/141
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A folding tonneau cover apparatus including a cover assembly and a support frame assembly. The cover assembly having a plurality of rigid panels interconnected in series by a series of flexible hinges. Elongated support members having hinge support flanges help to secure the flexible hinges to the rigid panels. In preferred embodiments, the support flanges of the elongated support members cooperate with the underside of the respective rigid panels to which the support members are secured, to form a partial enclosure within which a side portion of the respective flexible hinge is secured. The cover assembly is secured to the support frame assembly to cover a cargo box of a pickup truck by a plurality of locking members when the support frame assembly is secured to sidewalls of the cargo box. Methods of making a tonneau cover apparatus and methods of folding and unfolding the cover assembly are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.