Power tonneau cover actuator
US6951363B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J7/1621
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a power assisted cover actuator for operating a tonneau cover for an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck. The cover is hingably coupled to a distal end of the truck bed adjacent the truck cab. The power assisted cover actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a track upon which a trolley is guided by a linear actuator. An end of an arm is pivotally coupled to the trolley and the cover. The linear actuator comprises a motor driven drive rod coupled to the trolley that extends to advance the trolley along the track from a lower position to a higher position which raises the arm to push the cover open. Retracting the drive rod reverses the direction of travel of the trolley from a higher position to a lower position lowering the arm and closing the cover.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.