Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
TONNEAU COVER SYSTEM
AND SIDE LOCK CLAMP
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/323,017, filed on April 15, 2016. This application is a continuation-in-
part of United
States Patent Application No. 14/874,795, filed on October 5, 2015, which
claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/060,637, filed on October 7,
2014.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to tonneau covers for vehicles. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a clamp system for use in a
tonneau cover
system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the present
disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Tonneau covers have been used for a number of years to cover the cargo
box of pickup trucks to block dirt, debris, and other environmental
contaminants and to
improve the aesthetic quality thereof. Originally, tonneau covers were
designed by
upholstery shops and typically made of vinyl covered fabrics or canvas. The
material
was often doubled over along its edges for
1
CA 2963379 2023-06-19
, ,
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
added strength and appearance. Male snaps were then attached to the sides of
the cargo box of the pickup truck via fasteners, while female snaps were
attached along the edges of the cover. Wooden bows were sometimes used to
span the cargo box and ensure that the cover remained high enough to drain
water. Unfortunately, these covers were sometimes difficult to handle and/or
manufacture, and occasionally failed to protect the cargo box.
[0005] More recently, foldable tonneau covers are often
more desirable
in that they conveniently cover the bed of the pickup truck for cargo
protection.
However, when not in use, the foldable tonneau cover may be folded toward the
rear of the passenger cabin (or other location). Generally, foldable tonneau
covers include a frame network of cross bows, a tarp or covering operably
coupled to and spanning the frame network, a latching or clamp system for
coupling the frame network to the pickup truck and a means for stowing the
clamp system, and a hinge system for hingedly coupling adjacent sections of
the
foldable tonneau cover. However, the known prior art fails to maximize the
ease
and effectiveness of foldable tonneau covers and, thus, many foldable tonneau
covers suffer from numerous disadvantages.
[0006] By way of example, existing clamp systems generally
employ an
over-center cam lock arrangement, wing nut clamp arrangement, and/or spring
biased clamp arrangement to fasten the tonneau cover in place relative to the
pickup truck. The clamps typically hook onto the downwardly projecting (metal)
flange of the truck bed. Such clamps, in the case of the cam lock arrangement,
are adjustable by rotating a threaded cam pivot to permit attachment of the
2
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
clamps to pickup trucks with downwardly projecting flanges of differing
lengths.
The other clamping systems can use threaded portions or other telescoping type
mechanisms to provide a length adjustment feature.
[0007] However, these clamping systems lead to various problems or
failures when used with more recent pickup truck bed designs produced by
original equipment manufacturers (OEM). For instance, many of the newer
sidewall flanges of pickup truck beds can become deformed under the extreme
load that can be exerted by clamping systems. In fact, several new vehicles
being designed are contemplating changes to the flange material or reducing
the
flange thickness. The result is a less structural flange which could be
distorted
when using typical tonneau clamp designs clamped to such downwardly
extending flanges of the truck bed box. Consequently, as a conventional
tonneau cover clamp is tightened in place, a user can exert sufficient force
that
causes the sidewall flange of the pickup truck bed to become permanently
deformed.
[0008] Accordingly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide
a
tonneau cover system capable of overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.
Additionally, there exists a need to provide sufficient retention capability
to retain
the tonneau cover on the pickup truck bed, without causing permanent
deformation.
3
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
SUMMARY
[0009] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and
is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
tonneau cover system for a cargo box, including a frame, of a pickup truck can
include a tonneau cover for covering the cargo box. A clamp to secure the
tonneau cover to the frame can include a first clamp member, a second clamp
member, a ramp mechanism, and a cam lock member. The first clamp member
can be coupled to the tonneau cover and can have a first clamping surface. The
second clamp member can be coupled to the tonneau cover and can have a
second clamping surface. The second clamp member can be moveable relative
to the first clamp member between an unclamped position and a clamped
position. The ramp mechanism can include at least one ramp surface between
the first and second clamp members shaped to cause lateral translation of the
second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface in response to
movement of the second clamp member toward the tonneau cover as the clamp
moves from the unclamped position to the clamped position. The cam lock
member can be positioned to engage with the second clamp member and can
include a lever for placing the cam lock member in a locked state or an
unlocked
state. The cam lock member can cause the second clamp member to move
toward the tonneau cover as the cam lock member moves from the unlocked
state to the locked state and can cause the second clamp member to move away
4
,
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
from the tonneau cover as the cam lock member moves from the locked state to
the unlocked state.
[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent
from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this
summary are intended for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended
to
limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative
purposes only
of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary
embodiment of a
tonneau cover system with a side lock clamp in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0014] Fig. 2 is a side plan view of one exemplary
embodiment of a
side lock clamp of the tonneau cover system of Fig. 1 in a clamped position,
with
a partial cross-sectional view of a cargo box.
[0015] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of components
of the
tonneau cover system with side lock clamp of Fig. 2 in a clamped position,
with a
portion of the cargo box.
[0016] Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the side lock
clamp of Fig. 2
in an unclamped position.
, ,
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
[0017] Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the side lock
clamp of Fig.
4A in an intermediate unclamped position.
[0018] Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the side lock
clamp of Fig.
4A in a clamped position.
[0019] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the side lock clamp
of Fig. 2 in a
clamped position.
[0020] Fig. 6 is a side plan view of the side lock clamp of
Fig. 2 in a
clamped position.
[0021] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the side
lock clamp of
Fig. 2.
[0022] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a side lock clamp in
a second
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the side
lock clamp of
Fig. 8.
[0024] Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the
side lock clamp of
Fig. 8 in the unlocked state.
[0025] Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the
side lock clamp of
Fig. 8 in the locked state.
[0026] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a side lock clamp
having a distal
member in a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the distal member
of Fig. 12.
[0028] Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the side
lock clamp of
Fig. 12.
6
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
[0029] Fig. 15 is a side plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a
side lock clamp of the tonneau cover system of Fig. 12 in a clamped position,
with a partial cross-sectional view of a cargo box.
[0030] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] Figs. 1-7 illustrate one exemplary tonneau cover system 10 for
covering a truck bed or cargo box 11 in accordance with the present
disclosure.
In some cases, the truck bed or cargo box 11 can be part of a pickup truck 13
as
shown. The cargo box 11 includes a frame that can have an outer wall 16, a
ledge 18 extending inboard from the outer wall 16, and a flange 20 extending
downwardly from the ledge 18 and spaced inboard from the outer wall 16. The
flange 20 includes an outboard face or side 22 facing the outer wall 16 and an
inboard face or side 24 opposite the outboard side 22.
[0033] In some embodiments, the tonneau cover system 10 can
include a plurality of sections 12 foldable between a deployed arrangement
covering the truck bed 11 and a folded arrangement wherein the sections 12 are
stacked, allowing access to the truck bed 11. In some embodiments, each
section 12 of the tonneau cover system 10 can comprise a plurality of frame
and/or bow members 31 that together form a rectangular frame supporting a
7
, ,
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
fabric, textile, or other flexible sheet material 14 spanning the rectangular
frame
31. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of tonneau sections 12 can
alternatively comprise a generally rigid panel as the spanning material 14,
and
which can optionally include frame members 31 around the periphery of the
rigid
panel 14 that can similarly form the rectangular frame 31. The sections 12,
the
frame members 31, and the material 14 can be considered a tonneau cover.
Other tonneau cover configurations are, of course, possible.
[0034] The tonneau cover system 10 can include a side lock clamp 26
pivotably coupled to one of the frame members 31. For example, the frame
member 31 can comprise an extruded metal rail having a C-shaped cross-
section defining a longitudinal internal channel 28 with a longitudinally
extending
central opening 30. A barrel member 32 can be rotatably and slidably retained
within the channel 28. The clamp 26 can include a rod 34 that can be
threadably
coupled to the barrel member 32. The rod 34 can extend out of the channel 28
through the opening 30 to pivotably couple the clamp 26 to the frame member
31.
[0035] A first clamp member 36 can be threadably coupled to the rod
34 via threaded insert 48. The first clamp member 36 can include a first
clamping surface 38 that can extend generally parallel to the longitudinal or
central axis 40 of the rod 34. The first clamping surface 38 can be disposed
to
engage the inboard side 24 of the flange 20. The first clamp member 36 can
also include a first ramp surface 42 extending at an acute angle A relative to
the
axis 40 of the rod 34. In some embodiments, the first clamp member 36 can
8
. .
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
additionally be integrated with a housing portion 44 defining an interior
cavity 46.
As illustrated, the housing portion 44 can be a separate component of the
first
clamp member 36. Alternatively, a single piece component can provide any
combination or all of the housing portion 44, the ramp surface 42, and the
first
clamping surface 38 of the first clamp member 36.
[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, it should be apparent
that the
housing portion 44 component is integrated with the other component portion of
the first clamp member 36 in the sense that they move together along the axis
40
of the rod 34. As noted above, the first clamp member 36 can be rotated
clockwise or counter-clockwise on the post 34 so that threads of the post 34
and
of the insert 48 of the first clamp member 36 cooperate to adjust the first
clamp
member 36 upwardly toward or downwardly away from the barrel 32 or tonneau
cover by turning on the bolt. In some cases, the clamp 26 can be positioned to
be as high as possible when in the clamped position (e.g., Fig. 3) without a
base
52 of the clamp 26 touching the bottom or distal edge 50 of the flange 20.
[0037] A second clamp member 54 can be mounted on the rod 34 via
an aperture 56 such that the second clamp member 54 can be slidably coupled
to the rod 34. The second clamp member 54 can include a second clamping
surface 58 that can extend substantially parallel to the first clamping
surface 38.
The second clamp member 54 can include a second ramp surface 60 extending
at a complementary angle to the acute angle A and disposed to engage against
the first ramp surface 42. The second clamp member 54 can be axially
moveable relative to the first clamp member 36 along the rod 34. In response
to
9
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
this axial movement, the second ramp surface 60 of the second clamp member
54 can also move along the first ramp surface 42 of the first clamp member 36
which can cause translation of the second clamp member 54 relative to and
toward the first clamp member 36 and in a direction that is perpendicular to
the
axis A as the second clamp member 54 moves from an unclamped position to a
clamped position relative to the first clamp member 36.
[0038] The side lock clamp 26 can further include a manually rotatable
threaded connector or wing nut 62. This manually rotatable threaded connector
62 can be threaded onto the rod 34, where it can engage the second clamp
member 54. Thus, manual clockwise rotation of the threaded connector 62 can
cause the axial movement of the second clamp member 54 along the rod 34, and
the resulting perpendicular movement driven by the sliding contact of the
first
ramp surface 42 and the second ramp surface 60 as the clamp moves from its
unclamped position to its clamped position. Of course, alternative cooperating
coupling and driving members, beyond the illustrated cooperating threads, can
be provided on the rod 34 and the connector 62 to enable engagement of the
ramp surfaces 42 and 60 via movement under influence of a driving member 62
of the second clamp member 54 relative to the first clamp member 36.
[0039] Fig. 4A illustrates one embodiment of the clamp 26 in an
unclamped position. In this unclamped position, the second ramp surface 60 of
the second clamp member 54 is axially spaced from the first ramp surface 42 of
the first clamp member 36. In other words, there is a gap or space between the
first and second ramp surfaces 42 and 60, respectively. Fig. 4A illustrates
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
another unclamped position in which the second ramp surface 60 of the second
clamp member 54 have just initially contacted each other, eliminating the gap
or
space therebetween. Thus, the second clamp member 54 has moved relative to
the first clamp member 36 in a purely axial direction of the rod 34 from Fig.
4A to
Fig. 4B. In other words, the second clamp member 54 has not undergone any
lateral or perpendicular translation or movement relative to the axis 40 of
the rod
34, or relative to the first clamp member 36.
[0040] In contrast, Fig. 4C illustrates one embodiment of the clamp 26
in a clamped position. In moving from the unclamped position illustrated in
Fig.
4B to the clamped position illustrated in Fig. 4C, continued clockwise
rotation of
the threaded connector 62 continues the axial movement, resulting in the
second
ramp surface 60 of the second clamp member 54 moving along the first ramp
surface 42 of the first clamp member 36 causing translation of the second
clamp
member 54 relative to and toward the first clamp member 36 and in a direction
that is perpendicular to the axis A of the rod 34. Thus, the second clamp
member 54 has moved relative to the first clamp member 36 in both an axial
direction and a direction perpendicular thereto from Fig. 4B to Fig. 4C. In
other
words, the second clamp member 54 has undergone both axial and lateral or
perpendicular translation or movement relative to the axis 40 of the rod 34,
or
relative to the first clamp member 36.
[0041] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, this embodiment of the clamp 26 is
illustrated in a clamped position similar to Fig. 4C. As illustrated, the
first
clamping surface 38 of the first clamp member 36 engages the inboard side 24
of
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
the flange 20 and the second clamping surface 58 of the second clamp member
54 engages the outboard side 22 of the flange 20 to apply a compressive
clamping force to the flange 20. As illustrated, both the first and second
clamping surfaces, 38 and 58, directly engage against the opposing sides or
faces, 24 and 22, respectively, of the flange 20. In other embodiments, one or
both of the first and second clamping surfaces, 38 and 58, can indirectly
engage
the opposing sides or faces, 24 and 22, respectively, of the flange 20. For
example, another component of the tonneau cover system 10, such as a plastic
cover material, can overlay one or both sides of the flange 20.
[0042] In some embodiments, the clamping surfaces, 38 and 58, can
have a rectangular or other shape that has both a longitudinally (generally
vertically) extending dimension and a laterally (generally horizontally)
extending
dimension that is sufficient to reinforce the flange 20 and eliminate or
minimize
permanent deformation of the flange 20 under the loads transmitted by the
clamp
26 from the tonneau cover to the flange 20 during normal vehicle operation.
For
example, even if the clamp 26 ultimately engaged the distal end 50 of the
flange
20 and applied a meaningful upwardly directed force thereto, the reinforcing
effect of the clamping surfaces, 38 and 58, could eliminate or minimize such
permanent deformation of the flange 20.
[0043] In some cases, the clamp 26 can be coupled to a rail of the
fore-
most tonneau section 12. For example, the rail(s) 31 to which a side lock
clamp
26 is coupled can include a header and cross-rail of such a foremost tonneau
section 12. Other positions are possible in other cases. For example, the
clamp
12
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
26 can be coupled to a side rail and to rail members of an intermediate or aft-
most tonneau cover section 12.
[0044] In the
example embodiment of Figs. 1-7, the clamp 26 includes
the manually rotatable wing nut 62 to engage the second clamp member 54 and
cause the axial movement of the second clamp member 54 along the rod 34. The
clamp can alternatively or additionally include a manually rotatable cam lock
member of the present disclosure. More particularly, with reference to Figs. 8-
11, the tonneau cover system can include a side lock clamp 100 that includes a
manually operable cam lock member or cam lever lock 102. Similar to the clamp
26, the clamp 100 can also include the barrel member 32, the rod 34, the first
clamp member 36 having the first ramp surface 42, and the second clamp
member 54 having the second ramp surface 60.
[0045] The cam lock member 102 can be positioned along the rod 34,
and can be manually operable to place the clamp 100 in a locked state or an
unlocked state. The cam lock member 102 can include an arm or a lever portion
104 and a cam portion 106. The lever portion 104 can be rotatable about the
cam portion 106 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise in Fig. 10) to place the
cam
lock member 102 in a locked state and in a second direction opposite the first
direction (e.g., counter-clockwise in Fig. 11) to place the cam lock member
102 in
an unlocked state. In the example embodiment, with the cam lock member 102
in the locked state, the lever 104 can be positioned adjacent to and
substantially
parallel with the housing 44. With the cam lock member 102 in the unlocked
13
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
state, the lever 104 can be positioned on the side of the base 52 opposite to
the
second clamp member 54 and away from the housing 44.
[0046] The cam portion 106 can include an oblong portion 108, a pin
110, and a bearing 112. The oblong portion 108 can have an oblong or oval like
cross-section and a core opening 114 defined off-set from a center of the
oblong
portion 108. The oblong portion 108 can be configured to engage with the
second clamp member 54 such that the second clamp member 54 rests or is in
contact with an outer surface of the oblong portion 108.
[0047] The pin 110 can be positioned within the core opening 114 of
the oblong portion 108 and can have an opening 116. The pin 110 and the core
opening 114 can be positioned coaxially with each other and can be offset from
a
center of the oblong portion 108. The bearing 112 can be positioned between
the pin 110 and the oblong portion 108, and can have an opening 115. The rod
34 can extend through the opening 116 of the pin 110 and the opening 115 of
the
bearing 112. The pin 110 and the bearing 112 can secure the cam lock member
102 to the rod 34. For example, in one example, the bearing 112 and/or pin 110
can have threads, such that the cam lock member 102 can be rotated along the
rod 34 to abut with the second clamp member 54 when the second clamp
member 54 is in an unclamped state. The lever 104 can then be rotated to have
the cam portion 106 push the second clamp member 54 to the clamped state. In
another example, the pin 110 can be configured to have threads and include a
spring for engaging and disengaging the threads of the pin 110 with the rod
34.
In particular, the pin 110 can be compressed to one side to have the spring
14
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
release the threads away from the rod 34. With the pin 110 compressed, the cam
lock member 102 can be moved along the rod 34 in a sliding manner. Once
positioned, the pin 110 can be released to have the spring provide a biasing
force against the pin 110 so that the threads of the pin 110 engage with the
rod
34. It should be understood that other configurations and/or methods can be
used to secure the cam lock member 102 to the rod 34.
[0048] In operation, as the lever portion 104 rotates, the cam portion
106 can translate the rotational movement to lateral movement to move the
second clamp member 54 along the rod 34. Specifically, in the unlocked state,
the lever portion 104 and the pin 110 can be positioned substantially adjacent
to
the base 52 of the second clamp member 54 (see Fig. 10). As the lever portion
104 rotates from the unlocked state to the locked state, the oblong portion
108
can rotate and push the second clamp member 54, which can be engaged with
the oblong portion 108, toward the barrel 32 or the frame 31 of the cargo box
11.
The pin 110 and the lever portion 104 can move away from the base 52 such that
the pin 110 can move laterally away from the second clamp member 54 and the
lever portion 104 can move toward the housing 44.
[0049] In response to this axial movement, the second ramp surface 60
of the second clamp member 54 can move in a similar motion relative to the
first
ramp surface 42 as discussed above. In particular, the second ramp surface 60
can move along the first ramp surface 42 of the first clamp member 36 which
can
cause translation of the second clamp member 54 relative to and toward the
first
clamp member 36 and in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis A (Fig.
4B).
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
With the lever portion 104 moving from the unlocked state to the locked state,
the
second clamp member 54 can move from an unclamped position to a clamped
position relative to the first clamp member 36. Accordingly, the cam lock
member 102 can cause the second clamp member 54 to move toward the
tonneau cover as the cam lock member 102 moves from the unlocked state to
the locked state. With the cam lock member 102 in the locked state (see Fig.
11), the second clamp member 54 and the first clamp member 36 can be
maintained in the clamped stated with the cam lock member 102 applying a force
onto the second clamp member 54.
[0050] As the
lever portion 104 rotates from the locked state to the
unlocked state, the oblong portion 108 can rotate and release the second clamp
member 54 such that the second clamp member 54 can move away from the first
clamping surface 38. The pin 110 and the lever portion 104 can move toward the
base 52 such that the pin 110 and the lever 104 can be positioned closer to
the
second clamp member 54 in the unlocked state than in the locked state.
[0051] When the second clamp member 54 is released, the second
ramp surface 60 can move along the first ramp surface 42 in a similar manner
as
discussed above. Specifically, the second ramp surface 60 can move along the
first ramp surface 42 which can cause translation of the second clamp member
54 relative to and away from the first clamp member 36. Accordingly, the cam
lock member can cause the second clamp member 54 to move away from the
tonneau cover as the cam lock member moves from the locked state to the
16
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
unlocked state. With the cam lock member 102 in the unlocked state, the second
clamp member 54 and the first clamp member 36 can be in the unclamped state.
[0052] In the example embodiments, the clamps 26 and 100 can each
be configured to apply a clamping force to the flange by way of the first
clamp
member 36 and the second clamp member 54. Specifically, the first clamping
surface 38 of the first clamp member 36 can engage the inboard side 24 of the
flange 20 and the second clamping surface 58 of the second clamp member 54
can engage the outboard side 22 of the flange 20 to apply a compressive
clamping force to the flange 20. To protect the flange 20 of the cargo box
from
deformation from loads transmitted during normal vehicle operation, the side
lock
clamp can include a distal member that has a flexible member for engaging with
the flange 20 as the second clamping surface. In addition, the clamp can be
designed to also engage the underside of the ledge for locating the lateral
clamping force in a region of the flange adjacent the ledge and optionally
also
applying a clamping force in a vertical direction between the clamp body and a
portion of the cover overlying the ledge.
[0053] More
particularly, with reference to Figs. 12-15, a side lock
clamp 200 can include a clamping head or distal member 202 positioned on a
distal end 206 of a second clamp member 204. In particular, the distal end 206
of the second clamp member 54 can define a groove or a channel 207 that is
attached to the distal member 202. The side lock clamp 200 can also include
the
barrel member 32, the rod 34, the first clamp member 36, and the cam lock
member 102. In the example embodiment, the second clamp member 204 can
17
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
include similar features as the second clamp member 54 and, thus, for the
purpose of brevity, only the differences between the second clamp member 54
and 204 are described.
[0054] The distal member 202 can include a rigid member 208 and an
elastic, a resilient or a flexible member 210 disposed on the surface of the
rigid
member 208. In the example embodiment, the flexible member 210 can be
attached to the rigid member 208 by way of retention members 212 that extend
through the rigid member 208. Alternatively, the flexible member 210 may be
formed or molded directly on to the rigid member 208.
[0055] The distal member 202 can also include a rail member 214
extending along an underside 216 of the distal member 202. The rail member
214 of the distal member 202 can engage with the groove 207 of the second
clamp member 204 to secure the distal member 202 to the second clamp
member 204. In addition, the retention members 212 can also retain the distal
member 202 to the distal end 206 of the second clamp member 204. In the
example embodiment, the distal member 202 having the flexible member 210 is
provided as a separate component attached to the second clamp member 204.
Alternatively, the distal member can be formed directly on to the distal end
of the
second clamp member and, thus, eliminate the rigid member 208 and the rail
member 214. For example, a flexible member having a tubular shape can be
molded on the distal end and into the groove of the second clamp member. It
should be apparent that the distal member is integrated with the second clamp
18
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
member such that the distal member and the second clamp member move
together.
[0056] The flexible member 210 can have an outboard side clamping
surface 220 that can engage with the outboard side 22 of the flange 20 when
the
clamp 200 is in the clamped state. Accordingly, in operation, the outboard
side
clamping surface 220, as the second clamping surface, can apply a compressive
clamp force in conjunction with the first clamping surface 38 to the flange
20,
which is positioned between the first clamp member 36 and the second clamp
member 54. In addition to or in lieu of the outboard side clamping surface
220,
the flexible member 210 can have an interior side clamping surface 222 that
can
engage with an underside of the ledge 18 when the clamp 200 is in the clamped
state, thereby locating the clamping force to an upper region of the flange 20
adjacent the ledge 18 (Fig. 15). Moreover, in the clamped state, with the
second
clamp member 204 extending between the flange 20 and the outer wall 16 of the
cargo box 11, the interior side clamping surface 222 of the distal member 202
can engage with the underside of the ledge 18 to provide a clamping force
thereto. The rail member 214 of distal member 202 can be pivotally coupled to
the distal end of second clamp member 204 and can swivel to facilitate seating
of
clamping surfaces 220 and 222 as the surfaces 220 and 222 slide into place
against the flange 20 and ledge 18.
[0057] In the
example embodiment, the side lock clamp 200 can
include the cam lock member 102. Alternatively, a side lock clamp having the
distal member 202 can include the threaded connector 62.
19
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
[0058] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the
art.
Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific
components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in
the
art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may
be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to
limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known
processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not
described in detail.
[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used
herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the
plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The
terms
"comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and,
therefore,
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,
elements,
and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more
other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups
thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not
to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular
order
discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of
performance.
It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be
employed.
. .
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
[0060]
When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged
to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be
directly on,
engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening
elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to
as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly
coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or
layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements
should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly
between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term
"and/or"
includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed
items.
[0061]
Features or elements that are "integral" or "integrated" together
include both instances where they are initially formed as portions of a single
piece component, and instances where they are initially formed as portions of
multiple separate components that are subsequently coupled together into a
single unit.
[0062]
Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to
describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by
these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element,
component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section.
Terms
such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not
imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a
first
element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a
21
CA 2963379 2017-04-05
second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the example embodiments.
[0063]
Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description
to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or
feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be
intended to
encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition
to
the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the
figures is
turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus,
the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and
below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other
orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0064] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided
for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or
to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular
embodiment
are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where
applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not
specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and
all
such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
disclosure.
22
