Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
A TONNEAU WITH INTEGRATED TOOLBOX
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to truck pick-up accessories
and more
particularly to a tonneau having an integrated toolbox.
Background
[0002] A tonneau cover or "tonneau" is well known in automotive terminology
and
generally refers to a cargo space area of a car or truck that opens from the
top. In a
pickup truck or utility vehicle having an open bed, the tonneau often
describes a hard
or soft cover used to protect the cargo bed from the environment. Hard tonneau
covers open by a hinged or folding mechanism while soft covers typically open
by
rolling up the soft vinyl material. Both types of covers work to conceal
and/or cover
the bed and/or cargo. The tonneau also keeps items in the truck bed out of the
driving
environment by providing extra security to keep personal items out of sight.
[0003] One of the problems associated in using a tonneau, in connection with
the
truck bed, deals with the truck while in motion. When an item is located in
the bed
for transport, it can move freely around the bed under the tonneau with the
motion of
the vehicle. In the case of groceries or other fragile items, this can have
disastrous
consequences even under the best driving conditions since the truck and cargo
can be
damaged by items rolling round in the bed.
[0004] Accordingly, a tonneau with additional features for securing items is
needed
for use with an open bed pick-up truck.
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Brief Description of the Figures
[0005] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to
identical or
functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together
with
the detailed description below are incorporated in and from part of the
specification,
serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and
advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating the tonneau cover frame
subassembly
and cargo management subassembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of the tonneau cover frame
subassembly.
[0008] FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of the cargo management
subassembly.
[0009] FIG. 1C is a lower perspective view of the cargo management
subassembly.
[0010] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly where the floor
pan in
the cargo management basket is fully deployed in the forward position.
[0011] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly functionality
where
the floor pan in the cargo basket is partially folded and the sliding gates
are open.
[0012] FIG. 2C is perspective view of the tonneau assembly where the floor
pans are
fully stowed, the short gate assemblies are fully stowed, and the tall gate
assemblies
are pivoting into their stowed positions.
[0013] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly where the floor
pans,
tall gate assemblies, and short gate assemblies are illustrated in their fully
stowed
positions.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the passenger tall and short gate
assemblies
folded into the stowed position as shown in FIG. 2D.
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[0015] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cargo management basket in a
deployed
forward position with the truck bed tailgate closed.
[0016] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the cargo management basket in a
deployed
forward position with the truck bed tailgate open.
[0017] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the cargo management basket in a
deployed
extended position with the truck bed tailgate down.
[0018] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
illustrated in
the stowed extended position over the truck bed tailgate.
[0019] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
illustrated in
its forward stowed position against the sides of the truck bed.
[0020] FIG. 5 is also a perspective view of the cargo management basket shown
inside the truck bed in a stowed position.
[0021] FIG. 5A is a magnified preservative view of the cargo management basket
in
a stowed position.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a magnified perspective view of the cargo management basket
attached to a roller rail.
[0023] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the cargo management basket
attached to
a roller rail.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a magnified view illustrating the frame attached to the pick-
up truck
bed.
[0025] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the frame and pick-up truck bed
illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a magnified perspective view of the cargo management basket
attached to a roller rail. The basket 601 is configured so to be attached to
the roller
rail 603 allowing the basket 601 to be moveable between a forward and extended
position.
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[0027] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the cargo management basket shown
in
FIG. 6 illustrating the basket attached to a roller rail.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a magnified view illustrating the frame attached to the pick-
up truck
bed. The frame 701 is configured to be positioned on top of the truck bed 703.
[0029] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the frame and pick-up truck bed
illustrated in FIG. 7 where the frame 701 sits on top of the truck bed 703.
Side rail
clamp 705 engages under the rim 707 of the truck bed 703.
[0030] FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating a toolbox in a forward
position
according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 8B is a perspective view illustrating a toolbox in an extended
position
over the tailgate with the pick-up gate down and the toolbox top in the closed
position.
[0032] FIG. 8C is a perspective view illustrating a toolbox in an extended
position
over the pickup tailgate with the toolbox top in an open position.
[0033] FIG. 9A is a partial cross-sectional view of a side rail clamp for
holding
tonneau to the truck bed.
[0034] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the side rail clamp shown in FIG. 9A
inside
the truck bed.
[0035] FIG. 10A is a side view of a tensioner used with the tonneau front
header.
[0036] FIG. 10B is a perspective view the tensioner of FIG. 10A shown inside
the
truck bed.
[0036.1] FIG. 10C is a perspective view the tensioner of FIG. 10A shown inside
the
truck bed.
Detailed Description
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[0037] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the
present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily
in
combinations of apparatus components related to a tonneau pick-up bed cover.
Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented
where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those
specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the
present
invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be
readily apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description
herein.
[0038] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and
bottom,
and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from
another entity
or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or
order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising,"
or any
other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such
that a
process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does
not
include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly
listed or
inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded
by
"comprises a..." does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of
additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus
that
comprises the element.
[0039] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a tonneau and its cover according to an
embodiment of the invention. The tonneau assembly 100 includes a cover frame
subassembly 101 and a cargo management basket subassembly 102. The cover frame
subassembly 101 works in combination with the cargo management basket
subassembly 102 for providing a cover over the truck bed by providing the user
with
additional utility of providing a slidable cargo management basket which
provides the
user with easy access to cargo items. The truck bed includes a front wall,
side walls
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and a floor. A moveable tailgate at the back of the bed provides access inside
the
bed.
[0040] FIG. lA is an upper perspective view of the tonneau cover frame
subassembly. The tonneau cover frame subassembly 101A is comprised of a driver
side rail 103, a front header 105, a passenger side rail 107, a rear header
109, and a
plurality of side rail clamps 106. The frame 101A is substantially rectangular
in
shape where both frame 101 and the cargo management basket subassembly 102 are
manufactured of plastic or metal material allowing it to remain rigid while
covering
the pick-up truck bed. The frame rails 103 and 107 are angled so they can be
positioned at a point on the top edge of the truck bed and the inner edge of
the truck
bed. Each respective rail 103, 107 attaches to the upper rim of the truck bed
using a
side rail clamp 106 that frictionally engages under the rim of the truck bed
to hold the
cover frame subassembly 101A into a fixed position. In one embodiment, four
(4)
clamps can be positioned under both the driver side rail 103 and passenger
side rail
107 for use with up to 7 foot and 8-foot sized pick-up long beds. Further, the
frame
101A includes a plurality of cross-bar supports 111, 113, 115 that work to
provide
cross-support for the tonneau cover on the frame subassembly. The tonneau
cover
used to cover the frame subassembly 101A is typically a strong material such
as
cloth, vinyl or metal to protect any cargo from theft and/or environmental
elements
when placed within the truck bed.
[0041] FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of the cargo management basket
subassembly. FIG. 1C is a lower perspective view of the cargo management
basket
subassembly. With regard to both FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, the cargo management
basket subassembly 102 is substantially rectangular forming a drawer-like
shape and
is formed using a plurality of panels supported by a frame. More specifically,
the
front of the basket is formed by a driver side short pivot gate 117, a driver
side short
slide gate 119, a passenger side short sliding gate 121 and a passenger side
short pivot
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gate 123. The driver side short slide gate 119 and the passenger short sliding
gate
121 are joined or latched together at their upper or top edge using a short
gate slide
lock 120 that bridges the gates 121, 123 holding them in position.
[0042] Similarly, the rear of the basket if formed by a driver side tall pivot
gate 125,
driver side tall sliding gate 127, passenger side tall sliding gate 129 and
passenger
side tall pivot gate 131. The driver side tall sliding gage 127 and passenger
side tall
sliding gate 129 are also joined or latched together at their upper edge using
a tall
gate slide lock 128. The sides of the basket are formed by driver side panel
133 and
passenger side panel 135. The bottom of the basket is formed using a plurality
of
folding panels. These include first driver side floor pan 137, and second
driver side
floor pan 139, first passenger side floor pan 141 and second passenger side
floor pan
143. Although the cargo management basket 102 typically uses a solid floor
pan,
those skilled in the art will also recognize the bottom of the cargo
management basket
can also include or be replaced with a net or mesh-like material to securely
hold items
in the basket.
[0043] The cargo management basket subassembly 102 is supported by and is
suspended from a driver roller rail 145 and a passenger roller rail 147. A
driver roller
plate 149 and passenger roller plate 151 work with the respective roller rail
145, 147
allowing the roller plate to move and/or glide along the rail. This enables
the cargo
management basket 102 to move between a fully extended and fully forward
position.
The driver roller plate 149 and passenger roller plate 151 both include a
slider
mechanism, roller bearing or the like allowing a smooth and easy motion along
each
of the roller rails 145, 147. Each of the driver roller rail 145 and passenger
side rail
147 is adjusted in the truck bed using a respective tensioner 153, 155 located
at the
end of each rail. The tensioner 153, 155 provides a back stop which applies
tension
on the roller rails for ease of operation as well as unclamping and moving the
basket
to the extended position.
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[0044] In order that the user may gain easy access to the truck bed, each of
the gates
in the basket slide to open. More specifically, the short gate slide lock 120
is moved
to allow the driver side sliding gate 119 and passenger side sliding gate 121
to be
moved outwardly to slide open thus creating a gap of hole. _Similarly, the
tall gate
slide lock 128 also moves to allow the driver side tall slide gate 127 and
passenger
side tall slide gate 129 slide outwardly to create and opening or access slot
into the
truck bed. Moreover, as described herein, the cargo management basket
subassembly
102 can be folded to allow full access to the truck bed.
[0045] The folding process for storage of the cargo basket includes the
following
steps.
1. Unlatch and slide the cargo management basket 102 to its extended position.
2. Fold the first driver floor pan 137 to driver side panel 133.
3. Fold first passenger floor pan 141 to passenger side pane 135.
4. Disengage the short gate slide lock 120.
5. Slide the driver side short sliding gate 119 over the driver side short
pivot gate
117.
6. Lift and rotate the driver side short pivot gate 117 into its stowed
position next to
the second driver side floor pan 139 in its folded position.
7. Slide the passenger side short sliding gate 121 over the passenger side
short pivot
gate 123.
8. Lift and rotate the passenger side short pivot gate 123 into its stowed
position next
to the second passengers side floor pan 141 in its folded position.
9. Disengage tall gate slide lock 128.
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10. Slide the driver side tall sliding gate 127 over the driver side tall
pivot gate 125.
11. Lift and rotate the driver side tall pivot gate 125 into its stowed
position over to
the driver side panel 133 holding the driver folded assembly.
12. Slide passenger side tall sliding gate 129 over the passenger side tall
pivot gate
131.
13. Lift and rotate the passenger side tall pivot gate 131 into its stowed
position over
to the passenger side panel 135 holding the folded passenger assembly.
14. Return the driver and passenger folded stowed basket assembly to its
forward
position in the truck bed.
100461 FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly where the floor
pan in
the cargo management basket is deployed and the basket in its forward
position. The
tonneau assembly 200 is illustrated where the cargo management basket 201 is
shown
in a forward position normally used in transit. The driver side tall slide
gate 203 and
passenger side tall slide gate 205 are shown pulled together or closed and the
driver
side short slide gate 207 and passenger side short sliding gate 209 is also
shown
pulled together or closed.
100471 FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly illustrating the
steps in
the folding process for the cargo management basket. Initially, the floor pan
in the
cargo management basket is folded. The second driver side floor pan 211 and
folds
upon the first driver side floor plan 212. Similarly, the second passenger
side floor
pan 213 folds upon the first passenger floor plan 214. The floor pan has
concave or
"cupped" shape on the edges allowing it to engage in the gate assemblies to
maintain
its flat surface during normal use. The floor plan includes a plurality of
hinges
allowing it to fold into quarter sections so to be easily stored against the
side of the
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truck bed. Thereafter, when the user desires to fold up the cargo management
basket
201, the driver side short sliding gate 207 and the and passenger side short
sliding
gate 209 each outwardly slide toward their respective side of the bed to form
a gap.
Similarly, the driver side tall sliding gate 203 and passenger side tall
sliding gate 205
also slide outwardly toward the side of the truck bed to form a gap.
[0048] FIG. 2C is perspective view of the tonneau assembly where the floor
plan is
folded and the driver side tall gate assembly 203 is folding upon the driver
side short
gate assembly 207. Similarly, the passenger side tall gate assembly 205 is
folded
upon the passenger side short gate assembly 209. As described herein, the
floor pans
211, 213 are pivoted upwardly and folded against the side panels of the basket
which
are next to the side of the truck bed. The driver side short gate assembly 207
and
passenger side short gate assembly 209 are folded upon the previously stowed
floor
pans. Then the drivers tall sliding gate assembly 203 and passenger side tall
gate
assembly 205 are then folded upon the short gate assemblies so the truck bed
is fully
accessible.
[0049] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly where the floor
pans,
driver and passenger tall gate assemblies as well as the driver's and
passenger side
short gate assemblies are illustrated in a fully folded and stowed position
against their
respective side panel. The folded driver side tall gate assembly 219 and
folded
passenger side tall gate assembly 221 are shown folded against the folded
driver side
short gate assembly 215 and folded passenger side short gate assembly 217 so
to be
in a stowed position against each respective side of the side panel. This
enables the
user to break-down and fold the cargo management basket so that it is folded
and
stowed out of the way if the entire truck bed area is needed under the tonneau
cover.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the folded basket assembly with the
passenger
side tall gate assembly folded on the passenger side short gate assembly as
show in
FIG. 2D. The folded basket assembly 300 is illustrated with the passenger
roller plate
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303 that includes a slidable rail 301 that is attached to the roller plate 303
in a manner
so that it can slide longitudinally partially along its length. The slideable
rail 301
rides within a slot or channel using roller bearings or the like making it
easy to move
along the length to its extended position over the tailgate of the truck bed.
As seen in
FIG. 3, the passenger side tall gate assembly 305 is folded upon the passenger
side
short gate assembly 307 using one or more hinges 309 or the like.
100511 FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cargo management basket in a
deployed
forward position with the truck bed tailgate closed. The cargo management
basket
400 is shown in its deployed forward position where the truck bed tailgate 401
is
shown "raised" or closed. This is the typical position of the cargo management
basket
when in use and the vehicle is moving or in transit.
100521 FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the tonneau with its cargo
management basket in a deployed forward position and the truck tailgate open.
In
this embodiment, the cargo management basket 400 is illustrated with truck
tailgate
401 down where both the driver side tall sliding gate 403, passenger side tall
sliding
gate 405, driver side short sliding gate 407 and passenger side short sliding
gate 409
are illustrated in a closed position so that items stowed with the cargo
management
basket 411 are contained inside the basket.
100531 FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the cargo management basket in a
deployed
extended position with the truck bed tailgate down. In this view, the truck
tailgate
401 is down or lowered and the cargo management basket assembly 400 is pulled
outwardly so that it hangs over the tailgate 401. As noted herein, the cargo
management basket 411 is suspended above the tailgate 401 so that it does not
touch
the surface of the of truck bed or tailgate. This is the typical position of
the cargo
management basket when the cargo is being loaded and unloaded in the basket.
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[0054] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
illustrated
stowed and extended over the truck bed tailgate. As described herein, when the
user
desires to fold the cargo management basket to gain full access to the truck
bed, the
driver's and passenger tall sliding gates and the driver and passenger short
sliding
gates are folded with the floor pan into their respective positions. In FIG.
4D, the
driver side tall gate assembly 403 and passenger side tall gate assembly 405
are
shown folded over the driver side short gate assembly 409 and the passenger
side
short gate assembly 410 and is in its stowed extended position over the
tailgate 401.
[0055] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
illustrated and
folded against the sides of the truck bed. In this view, the folded panels
forming the
cargo management basket have been pushed forward from over the tailgate 401 to
the
sides of the truck bed just behind the wheel well 413. In this stowed
position, the
user has full access to the truck bed for cleaning or carrying large cargo.
[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cargo basket shown inside the truck
bed in
a fully stowed position. FIG. 5A is a magnified preservative view of the cargo
basket
in the stowed position. With regard to both FIG. 5 and FIG. 5A, the tonneau
assembly 500 is shown mounted in the truck bed where the truck tailgate 501 in
a
down position. The driver side floor pan assembly 505 is folded against the
driver
side panel 506. The driver side short gate assembly 504 is folded upon the
driver side
floor pan assembly 505. The driver side tall gate assembly 503 is folded upon
the
driver side short gate assembly 504. When folded in this position, the cargo
management basket is positioned on the side and substantially in parallel with
the
side of the truck bed just behind the wheel well 507 toward the truck
tailgate. The
folded position of the cargo management basket assembly allows the user full
access
to the truck bed.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a magnified perspective view of the cargo management basket
attached to a roller rail. The basket 601 is configured so to be attached to
the roller
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rail 603 allowing the basket 601 to be moveable between a forward and extended
position.
[0058] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the cargo management basket shown
in
FIG. 6 illustrating the basket attached to a roller rail.
[0059] FIG. 7 is a magnified view illustrating the frame attached to the pick-
up truck
bed. The frame 701 is configured to be positioned on top of the truck bed 703.
[0060] Thus, the tonneau with a cargo management basket provides high utility
accessory adding a rear storage compartment or basket to a vehicle having a
cargo
bed. The tonneau provides easy access to the basket providing an additional
means to
safely transport everyday items without them moving freely about the bed. This
adds
safety and prevents damage to both the truck and/or goods. The tonneau
requires no
alternations on the vehicle and fastens with clamps to hold the tonneau top
rails in
place. The tonneau top rails hold the cover assembly in place along with
supporting
the entire storage compartment. Further, the tonneau includes a rear slide out
storage
compartment that is designed to operate inside of the truck bed while under a
protective tonneau cover. Thus, while in use, the cargo basket can be accessed
without having to open the tonneau cover. The cargo basket uses roller that
moves in
a track on a rail for ease of operation allowing access to the basket over the
pickup
tailgate area. The cargo basket moves and is suspended above the truck bed so
that it
does not touch the bed.
[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the cargo basket may also include a
sling/storage bag or net replacing the bottom of the basket. The bag works to
restrain
smaller items without having to individually tie them down. The sling/storage
bag is
attached to the front and rear gates which creates a storage bag with cover
and sides
for protection of the items. The tonneau with cargo management also provides
access
to the entire length of the truck bed. Both the front and rear gates can be
easily
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folded away and fastened outside of the truck wheel wells. This enables full
use of
the truck bed for larger items such a plywood, drywall, appliances etc.
[0062] FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating yet another embodiment where
a
cargo management box such as a toolbox is shown in a stowed position according
to
an alternative embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the tonneau 800
includes a toolbox 801 positioned at the rear for the pick-up truck bed 803
near the
tailgate 805. In this configuration, a hinged lid or top 807 is shown down and
closed
such that the toolbox 801 is in its forward position with the tailgate up.
Those skilled
in the art will recognize the toolbox is typically a 6-sided container that
may be made
of plastic or metal materials that are strong enough to hold heavy contents
and/or
withstand environmental elements. As described herein, the toolbox is
structurally
rigid, but is quickly removeable from the truck bed without tools allow full
use of the
truck bed.
[0063] FIG. 8B is a perspective view illustrating the toolbox in an extended
position
with the pick-up gate down. As noted with regard the cargo management basket
herein, the toolbox 801 is also moveable between forward and extended
positions. In
this illustration, the pick-up truck tailgate is down exposing the front side
809 of the
toolbox 801. The top 807 of the toolbox 801 remains closed with any contents
secured inside. The toolbox 801 moves and/or slides using a rail assembly
under the
tonneau frame. Since it fully supported by rails, the toolbox 801 does not
contact the
floor of the truck bed. In an alternative embodiment, the toolbox may contain
a door
or slidable window enabling the user to gain access to the inside of the
toolbox
without opening the top 807. As seen in the figure, the toolbox 801 is
supported on
each side of the truck bed using support rail 802 which holds the toolbox 801
above
the floor of the truck bed 804.
100641 FIG. 8C is a perspective view illustrating the toolbox in an extended
over the
pickup tailgate with the toolbox top in an open position. As noted with regard
the
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cargo management basket herein, the toolbox 801 is also moveable and is shown
positioned over the tailgate 805 with the top 807 open. Those skilled in the
art will
further recognize that the inside of the toolbox may include one or more
adjustable
partitions. These partitions provide item separation and might include such
things as
cabinetry, shelving, bins and/or dividers for efficiently organizing work
tools, sports
gear and personal items.
[0065] The top 807 is hinged at one side and includes a guide or lock for
allowing the
top 807 to remain substantially airtight. As noted herein, the toolbox 801,
moves
using a plurality of rails 811 that are fastened to the tonneau allowing the
toolbox 801
to easily move or glide between forward and extended positions. As the bottom
of
the toolbox 801 does not touch the floor of the pick-up truck bed, its motion
requires
little force from the user. Additionally, the toolbox 801 is removable from
the truck
bed. When removed, this allows complete access into the rear of the pick-up
bed
though the tailgate. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a quick-
release or
other fastening mechanism may be used to enable the user to quickly disconnect
the
toolbox 801 from the from the rails 811. In additional to storage, the toolbox
801
might also be used to house customized options such as coolers, gas ovens,
electronics or other entertainment items.
[0066] FIG. 9A is a partial cross-sectional view of a side rail clamp for
holding the
tonneau to the truck bed. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the side rail clamp
shown
in FIG. 9A inside the truck bed. A plurality of clamps 900 are typically used
for
firmly holding a side rail to the truck bed. With regard to both FIGs 9A and
9B, each
clamp 900 includes a plurality of parts including a truck bed clamp body 901
that
engages under the trunk bed lip 903. A side rail clamp body 907 forms around
the
side rail detent and locks in position. The side rail clamp body 907 is
attached to the
truck bed clamp body 901 using a T-pivot 905. The T-pivot 905 works to hold
the
clamp interlock 907 to the side rail interlock 909. Thus, the claim 900
provides a
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pinching type force to the truck bed lip 903, side rail interlock 909 and the
truck bed
cap 911 for holding the tonneau firmly in position. A clamp tensioner bolt 913
at the
lower edge of the truck bed clamp body 901 and side rail clamp body 913 works
to
adjust the amount of clamping force of the clamp 900.
[0067] FIG. 10A is a side view of a tensioner used with the tonneau front
header.
FIG. 10B is a side view showing the formed tabs at the bottom of the
tensioner. FIG.
10C is a perspective view the tensioner of FIG. 10A shown inside the truck
bed. The
tensioner is used to provide a biasing force between the tonneau front header
and
tonneau side rail to hold the tonneau firmly in fixed position. With regard to
each of
FIGs 10A, 10B and 10C, the tensioner assembly 1000 includes an elongated c-
shaped
housing 1001. The housing 1001 includes one or more barbed interlocks 1003
that
are positioned on the side of the housing 1001.
[0068] The tensioner assembly 1000 further includes a spring tensioner clip
1005 the
is poisoned on the interior of the housing 1001. The spring tensioner clip
1005
includes a plurality of tensioner spring clip interlocks 1007 that work to
engage with
the tensioner housing interlocks 1003. The tensioner spring clip 1005 is made
of a
resilient material such as plastic or sheet metal so that a squeezing force
can be
applied to its forward end enabling the tensioner spring clip 1005 to move
into a
desired position inside the housing 1001. The respective interlocks 1003, 1007
engage or interlock together preventing movement.
[0069] In use, the spring clip header contact surface 1009 has a hook type
head that is
fastened to the cab header 1111. The tensioner assembly includes a plurality
of
formed tabs 1113 that are substantially orthogonal to the housing 1001 and
slide
under the tonneau side rail 1115. The enables the tensioner assembly to firmly
Attach
to the side rail 1115 holding the tensioner assembly 1000 to the side rail
1115. Since
the tensioner assembly 1000 is attached to both the cab header 1111 and side
rail
1115, its ratcheting type action allows the user to set the amount of force
needed to
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hold the cab header 1111 to the rail enabling the entire tonneau to be firmly
attached
over the truck bed.
100701 Thus, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a tonneau
for use
with a pick-up truck bed the includes a frame and tonneau over configured on
top of
the frame to protect the contents of the bed. A toolbox is configured at the
rear of the
pick-up truck bed, such that the toolbox is moveable, between a forward and
extended position enabling it to be configured over the pick-up truck
tailgate, when in
its extended position. This provides the user an easily accessible area at the
rear end
of the bed while standing at ground level and preventing movement of cargo in
the
toolbox during vehicle motion in the forward or stowed position. Moreover, the
toolbox moves or slides under the frame, using a rail assembly, without
contacting
the floor, allowing the user easy accessibility and use.
100711 In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present
invention
have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates
that
various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope
of
the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the
specification
and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive
sense, and all
such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present
invention.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may
cause
any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not
to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or
all the
claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any
amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of
those claims as issued.
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