Tonneau cover tension adjuster apparatus

Abstract

A tonneau cover is provided that is attached at its most forward end to an adjustable tensioning rail which spans the front end of a pickup truck box. The tensioning rail is adjustably attached at its outside edges to two side rails which are attached to the inside of a pickup box. The adjustable attachment of the tensioning rail to the side rails is accomplished by the use of a tensioning screw and two attachment blocks. As the tensioning screw is moved forwards and backwards by the use of the adjustment knob, the tensioning rail is moved in a corresponding manner. This adjustment is preformed when the tonneau cover is in the open position, and thus, allows a user to obtain the desired amount if tightness when the tonneau cover is subsequently placed in the closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an improvement in the manner in which a tonneau cover is attached to a pickup truck box. More specifically, a method of attachment which allows for the adjustment of the tonneau cover in order to provide the user with a means by which the tension placed upon the tonneau cover can be varied to provide a tight seal in varying conditions and as the cover ages or stretches.[0002]In the past, tonneau covers have been used to cover box openings of pickup trucks to protect the contents from wind, rain and snow, or simply for cosmetic reasons. The types of tonneau covers and methods of fastening the covers have varied greatly over the years. In recent years, one type of cover that has been commonly used is a tonneau cover that attaches at one end, typically the front end nearest the cab of the vehicle, in a permanent fashion. The sides and tailgate area are fastened to box of the pickup when closed. In the open position, the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a method of tightening tonneau covers that are commonly used to protect the contents of pickup truck boxes from wind, rain and snow.

[0008]It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide a such a method that can be employed in an inexpensive and effective manner.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with this type of arrangement is that tonneau covers may stretch over time.

This can be greatly affected by the weather and use or stress placed upon the tarp.

As the tarp sags, it may begin to look aesthetically poor and cause problems such as puddling of water.

This can be especially dangerous when the puddles freeze, resulting in chunks or sheets of ice that fly off during travel and create hazards for other drivers on the road.

A second problem caused by sagging tonneau covers is wind flap.

This occurs during travel of the vehicle when the tonneau cover flaps in the wind causing noise and creating undue wear and greater stretching of the cover.

This type of system requires the use of tools and trial and error to get the correct tension of the tonneau cover.

It may also be very difficult to adjust each side accurately and evenly with the other.

Due to the difficulty in making these adjustments many tonneau cover owners ignore the problem of improperly adjusting the cover after installation and thus, creating undue stress and wear on the cover as well as posing a potentially dangerous condition for others on the road.

Images