US 6,318,792 B1 · Articulated tonneau cover

Abstract

An articulated tonneau cover having a center panel and right and left corner panels that are pivotally connected to the center panel. Right and left corner panels are moved between an extended position in which the corner panels are adjacent to right and left edges of the center panel and a retracted position in which the right and left corner panels are inboard of the center panel. A motor drives the corner panels between their extended and retracted positions. Cam ramp pivots shift the corner panels vertically as they are pivoted relative to the center panel so that the corner panels are substantially coplanar with the center panel when they are in their extended position. When the corner panels are in their retracted position they are disposed below and parallel to the center panel. Side counter panels are provided forward of the corner panels and are moved in conjunction with the center panels by means of a cylinder and four bar link.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A tonneau cover for a vehicle comprising:

a center panel having right and left edges;
right and left corner panels are each connected by a pivot connector to the center panel and moveable between an extended position in which the corner panels are adjacent to right and left edges of the center panel and a retracted position in which the right and left corner panels are at least partially inboard of the center panel, wherein the pivot connectors are cam ramp pivots that shift the corner panels vertically as they are pivoted wherein the corner panels are substantially coplanar with the center panel when in the extended position and are parallel to the center panel when in the retracted position;
and
a drive system for moving the corner panels between the extended and retracted positions.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Articulated tonneau cover

Life of this patent

Articulated tonneau cover

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13