Convertible cover arrangement for vehicle cargo area

Details Convertible cover arrangement for vehicle cargo area Convertible cover arrangement for vehicle cargo area

2003-07-24

2004-11-23

Patel, Kiran (Department: 3612)

Land vehicles: bodies and tops

Tops

Load cover

C296S100060, C296S026050, C296S165000, C296S100020

Reexamination Certificate

active

06820915

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to covers for vehicular cargo beds, such as pick-up truck boxes. More specifically, the invention pertains to a movable cover which may function as a tonneau cover and can be converted to a cargo bed cap cover.
Various types of covers for open cargo beds, such as found in pick-up trucks have become common place. A first conventional cover, styled a tonneau cover, traditionally rests on side panels of the cargo bed and covers any contents either partially or fully.
A second type of cover called a cap has become well known for use with cargo beds of vehicles such as pick-up trucks. The cap cover conventionally also rests upon the side panels of the cargo bed but extends upwardly to substantially align itself with a width of the passenger cabin to form an enlarged closed cargo space either for larger items or for converting the vehicle to a camper.
These individual styles of covers have traditionally been independent of each other and if one switches between cover types, the unused cover must be stored separately from the vehicle.
There is a need for a cover arrangement which may be convertible between a tonneau cover and a cap cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A deployable cover for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a movable tonneau cover having a closed position adapted to close off the cargo bed. A plurality of linearly extendable supports positioned with respect to the tonneau cover such that they may extend to move the tonneau cover from its closed position to an upwardly extended deployed position is also provided wherein the tonneau cover is substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the cargo bed and raised above the side panels of the vehicle.
In a further aspect of the invention, the tonneau cover contains a storage space for side and rear window panels which slide into place between the raised tonneau cover and the side panels of the vehicle to form cap-like cover therefor.


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