Hard tonneau cover with concealed exterior latch handle
US6497445B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J7/1621
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A substantially rigid tonneau cover is provided which is hingedly connectable to a truck bed and moveable between open and closed positions. A latch mechanism mounted on the interior surface of the cover is selectively engagable with the truck bed to secure the cover in the closed position. A latch release handle is mounted in a recessed compartment formed on the exterior surface of the cover and is connected to the latch mechanism. A hatch is connected to the cover proximate the latch handle and is moveable between a hatch open position and a hatch closed position. In the hatch closed position the hatch covers the recessed compartment and the latch release handle mounted therein. The hatch is preferably mounted such that in the hatch closed position the exterior surface of the hatch is generally flush with exterior surface of the cover and conforms to the contour of the cover.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.