Power tonneau cover actuator

• US 6,623,062 B1
• Filed: 09/20/2002
• Issued: 09/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Newlight LLC
• Original Assignee: Drew Hoffman
• Inventors: Hoffman, Drew
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, KIRAN B
• Application Number:
  US10/251,358
• Time in Patent Office: 368 Days
• Field of Search: 296/100.1, 296/100.18, 296/165, 296/100.16, 296/37.6, 296/100.06, 296/100.12, 296/100.17, 296/100.02, 296/100.07, 296/100.01
• US Class Current: 296/100.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 7/1621 hinged on one side

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. A common truck bed cover includes, but is not limited to, a fiberglass panel that overlies the truck bed. The cover is typically 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 linear track upon which a trolley is guided. One end of an actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the trolley. The power assisted cover actuator is secured to the inside surface of a side wall of the truck bed proximal to the opening end of the cover and distal to the hinge coupling. The linear track is positioned at an angle to the horizontal extending in an upward direction towards the hinged coupling. The other end of the actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the inside of the cover. A drive means for translating the trolley along the linear track is provided. The drive means advances the trolley along the linear track from a lower position to a higher position which raises the arm to push the cover open. Reversing the direction of travel of the trolley from a higher position to a lower position lowers the arm and closes the cover.

Claims

1. A powered tonneau cover actuator for power-assisted opening and closing of a tonneau cover, the tonneau cover covering an area of a vehicle bounded by spaced walls, the walls comprising a front panel, a rear panel opposite the front panel, and parallel side panels, the tonneau cover pivotally coupled at the front panel by a hinge, comprising:

a linear track coupled to the inside surface of a side panel adjacent the rear panel distal to the hinge, the track extending at an upward angle to the horizontal and toward the hinge;

a trolley adapted for sliding engagement with the track and adapted to traverse at least a portion of the length of the track;

a lift arm pivotally coupled to the cover at one end and the trolley at the other end; and

a drive means for translating the trolley to and from a lower position distal from the hinge wherein the lift arm closes the cover to a higher position proximal the hinge wherein the lift arm opens the cover.

2. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, wherein the drive means comprises:

a drive cable coupled to the trolley; and

a motor coupled to the track, the motor adapted to engage the drive cable to impart forward and reverse motion thereto from a first position distal to the hinge wherein the cover is lowered, to a second position proximal to the hinge wherein the cover is pivoted about the hinge in an upward direction.

3. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 2, fturther comprising a gear, the motor comprising a drive shaft coupled to the gear, wherein the gear is driven by the motor through the drive shaft, the drive cable comprising a helical coil, wherein the trolley is driven along the track by the engagement of the gear with the openings of the helical coil.

4. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 3, further comprising a flexible tubular drive cable cover, the cable cover adapted to receive the drive cable when the drive cable is external to the track.

5. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 3, the drive cable further comprising a core insert having bristles, the core insert disposed in the center of the helical coil, the bristles extending through the openings of the helical coil.

6. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, further comprising a wireless, remotely controlled switch, the switch adapted to operate the tonneau cover actuator.

7. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, wherein the drive means comprises:

a hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston coupled to the trolley and adapted to impart forward and reverse motion thereto from a first position distal to the hinge wherein the cover is lowered, to a second position proximal to the hinge wherein the cover is pivoted about the hinge in an upward direction.

8. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, wherein the linear track extends at an upward angle in the range from 15 to 45 degrees to the horizontal and toward the hinge.

9. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, wherein the drive means is adapted to hold the cover in position when not in operation, wherein the cover is securely held in the open position and prevented from closing, and wherein the cover is securely held in the closed position and prevented from opening.