Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Trunk lids
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-16
2001-07-03
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Trunk lids
C296S136070, C296S107080
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254165
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a linkage and drive system for a tonneau cover connecting the tonneau cover to the decklid for storage and deployment.
BACKGROUND ART
Tonneau covers are used to cover a storage well for a retractable roof. Tonneau covers are provided for aesthetic purposes and to improve aerodynamics.
One problem with manual tonneau covers is that they must be manually attached over the storage well for the retractable top. Manual tonneau covers take time to install, as a result, and many owners do not install the tonneau cover which adversely impacts aesthetics and aerodynamics of a vehicle.
Power tonneau systems are known that are either incorporated as part of the top stack or are secured to the retractable top storage well. In these types of systems, the tonneau cover pivots vertically upwardly to provide clearance for raising and lowering of the convertible top or retractable hardtop. This approach may require a complex linkage and careful coordination with the top stack operating mechanism. Including the tonneau as part of the top stack or as part of the storage well creates problems relating to storing the tonneau cover when it is not covering the storage well.
Another problem with prior art tonneau covers relates to restraining the tonneau cover when the tonneau cover is in its storage position, not covering the convertible top storage well. If the tonneau cover is not locked in place, it may vibrate and cause unwanted noise.
These and other problems are addressed by applicant's invention as summarized below.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a tonneau cover and decklid in combination are provided for a vehicle having a retractable roof. The retractable roof may be either a convertible roof or a retractable hardtop. The tonneau cover is connected to the decklid by a linkage that is movable between a first position wherein the tonneau cover is disposed in front of the decklid and over a roof storage compartment, or storage well, and a second position wherein the tonneau cover is disposed below the decklid. A drive system is operatively connected to the linkage to move the linkage between the first and second positions.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a four bar link is provided as the linkage mechanism. The four bar link includes a front control link connecting a bracket on the front of the tonneau cover to a forward location on a bracket on the decklid and a rear control link connecting the rear of the tonneau cover to a rearward location on the bracket on the decklid. The linkage also includes an idler link that is connected to a bracket secured to the decklid and the rear control link or front control link.
According to another aspect of the invention relating to the drive system, the drive system includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted for movement on the bracket on the decklid. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted on a rod that is secured with a sliding mount to the bracket on the decklid. The hydraulic cylinder is connected through a bracket to the front control link that is connected to the bracket on the front of the tonneau cover. The cylinder is also connected through the bracket to the rear control link that is connected to the rear portion of the bracket on the tonneau cover.
According to the invention, two linkages are provided at transversely spaced locations on brackets connected to the decklid and the tonneau. Two drive systems are provided with one drive system being provided for each linkage.
Another aspect of the invention relates to providing a latch mechanism for a hydraulic cylinder drive that uses a single cylinder and is automatically lockable in two positions. The latch mechanism locks the tonneau in place when covering the storage well for the retractable hood top or convertible in its first position or when stored below the decklid in its second position. The latch mechanism includes a first latch and a catch on the linkage that are coupled together when the tonneau cover is in its first position covering the storage well. A second latch is formed on the decklid to engage a pin (or catch) on the linkage. The second latch and pin are coupled together when the tonneau cover is in the second position, that is, when the tonneau is suspended below the decklid.
The invention also relates to providing a tonneau cover assembly for a vehicle having a retractable roof and a roof storage well. The storage well is disposed behind the rear-most seats of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a decklid and tonneau cover assembly. The tonneau cover assembly includes a tonneau cover panel, a linkage system and a drive system. The linkage system connects the tonneau cover to the decklid. The linkage system has a right side linkage and a left side linkage. Each of the side linkages have a front control link and a rear control link. Each of the front and rear control links has an intermediate pivoting end and an arcuately moving end. The arcuately moving end is connected by a bracket to the tonneau panel. The drive system is operatively connected between the linkage system on a bracket on and the decklid to move the tonneau cover when the decklid is open between a first position in which the tonneau cover panel is disposed in front of the decklid and a second position wherein the tonneau cover panel is disposed below the decklid.
According to another feature of the invention, at least one hydraulic cylinder is connected by brackets to at least one of the side linkages and the decklid. Two hydraulic cylinders are preferably provided, with one hydraulic cylinder being provided for each of the two side links. Each hydraulic cylinder is mounted on a bracket to be linearly movable relative to the decklid whereby movement of the drive cylinder causes the arcuately movable ends of the front and rear control links to move between the first and second positions. Right and left side linkages are provided at transversely spaced locations on the decklid and tonneau. The bracket that mounts the cylinder on the decklid is slidable relative to the decklid to provide a “lost motion” type of connection when the cylinder is actuated. This lost motion connection is used to unlatch the latches provided at either end of the cylinder rod.
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Brooks & Kushamn P.C.
CTS Fahrzeug - Dachsysteme GmbH
Pape Joseph D.
Patel Kiran B.
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