Tonneau cover apparatus having engagement member with integral fastening element
US6672644B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S135/907
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tonneau cover apparatus can attach a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, a latching member movably attached to the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate and the end plate engagement member are preferably provided with complimentarily shaped surfaces which enable the end plate to engage with and swing around or pivot with respect to the support frame into and out of a fixed stretching position where the flexible cover may be alternatively tensed and relaxed. The end plate may be retained in the fixed stretching position by a latching member that operatively connects the end plate to the support frame or a locking member that operatively connects the support frame to the end plate. The latching member and the locking member may be used individually or in combination with each other to prevent accidental or deliberate unauthorized access to a covered cargo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.