CN110494325B

CN110494325B - Tonneau cover system for cargo compartment of vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN110494325B
Application number: CN201780055522.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·威廉森; D·科辛斯基; M·杨; 闫锡昶; 仝剑峰; 魏澄平; R·B·史密斯; D·D·伯格; J·梅斯
Original assignee: Beiang Electromechanical Industry Nanjing Co ltd
Current assignee: Beiang Electromechanical Industry Nanjing Co ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-27
Filing date: 2017-04-25
Publication date: 2022-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-25
Also published as: CN110494325A

Abstract

A tonneau cover system includes a plurality of panels coupled to a first side rail and a second side rail. The panels include a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a spacer bar, wherein the spacer bar is secured to the side rail. The first panel pivots relative to the spacer while the spacer remains secured to the side rail. The third panel pivots relative to the second panel to allow the third panel to be positioned over the second panel while the spacer remains secured to the side rail to define the intermediate folded position. The cover further includes a hinge assembly mounted between the second panel and the spacer to enable the second panel and the third panel to pivot as a unit relative to the spacer from a neutral position to a final position at least above the spacer bar while the spacer bar remains fixed to the side rails.

Description

Tonneau cover system for cargo compartment of vehicle

Cross Reference to Related Applications

Priority and ownership of the present application claims priority and ownership of chinese application 201610597765.7 filed 2016, 27, 7, 2016, 201620796716.1, 28, 10, 2016, 62/414,384, and 201621215371.2, 11, 2016, 11, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to tonneau cover (trunk) systems for cargo compartments of vehicles.

Background

The trunk lid is typically used to cover the cargo bed of a vehicle (e.g., a pick-up truck). The tonneau cover generally increases the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle and protects the cargo bed from dust, debris, foreign objects, and the like. While current tailgate designs are suitable for their intended purpose, there remains an opportunity to provide a tailgate with improved cargo compartment accessibility for the vehicle. There is also an opportunity to provide a tailgate with improved water management.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a tonneau cover system for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes first and second side rails, each adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, and a plurality of panels coupled to the side rails. The plurality of panels includes a first panel, a second panel spaced apart from the first panel, a third panel adjacent the second panel, and a spacer bar disposed between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the spacer bar is secured to the first side rail and the second side rail. The first panel is pivotably coupled to the spacer bar to enable the first panel to pivot relative to the spacer bar while the spacer bar remains secured to the side rail. The third panel is pivotably coupled to the second panel to enable the third panel to pivot relative to the second panel and allow the third panel to be positioned over the second panel while the spacer bars remain secured to the side rails to define an intermediate folded position of the tonneau cover system. The tonneau cover system also includes a hinge assembly mounted between the second panel and the spacer bar to enable the second panel and the third panel as a whole to pivot relative to the spacer bar from an intermediate folded position to a final folded position over the spacer bar and a portion of the first panel while the spacer bar remains secured to the side rails.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a tonneau cover system for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle includes first and second side rails, each adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, and a plurality of panels coupled to the side rails. The plurality of panels includes a first panel, a second panel spaced apart from the first panel, a third panel pivotably coupled to the second panel, a fourth panel disposed between the first panel and the second panel, and a fifth panel, wherein the fourth panel is secured to the first side rail and the second side rail. The tonneau cover system further includes a first hinge mounted to the second panel and the third panel to enable the third panel to pivot relative to the second panel and allow the third panel to be positioned over the second panel while the fourth panel remains secured to the side rail to define an intermediate folded position of the tonneau cover system, a second hinge mounted to the first panel and the fourth panel to enable the first panel to pivot relative to the fourth panel while the fourth panel remains secured to the side rail, and a hinge assembly having a fifth panel, a third hinge mounted to the fourth panel and the fifth panel, a fourth hinge mounted to the second panel and the fifth panel such that the hinge assembly is mounted between the second panel and the fourth panel to enable the second panel and the third panel as a whole to pivot relative to the fourth panel from the intermediate folded position to a final folded position over a portion of the fourth panel and the first panel, while the fourth panel remains secured to the side rails.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a cargo bed having a front fender (header), a tailgate (tailgate), and opposing sides, and a plurality of panels coupled to the cargo bed. The plurality of panels includes a first panel, a second panel spaced apart from the first panel, a third panel pivotably coupled to the second panel, a fourth panel disposed between the first panel and the second panel, and a fifth panel, wherein the fourth panel is fixedly coupled to an opposite side of the cargo bed. The tonneau cover system also includes a first hinge mounted to the second panel and the third panel to enable the third panel to pivot relative to the second panel and allow the third panel to be positioned over the second panel while the fourth panel remains fixedly coupled to the opposite side of the cargo bed to define a center-folded position of the lid assembly, a second hinge mounted to the first panel and the fourth panel to enable the first panel to pivot relative to the fourth panel while the fourth panel remains fixedly coupled to the opposite side of the cargo bed, and a hinge assembly having a fifth panel, a third hinge mounted to the fourth panel and the fifth panel, and a fourth hinge mounted to the second panel and the fifth panel such that the hinge assembly is mounted between the second panel and the fourth panel to enable the second panel and the third panel as a whole to pivot relative to the fourth panel from the center-folded position to a position over a portion of the fourth panel and the first panel The final folded position of the square, while the fourth panel remains fixedly coupled to the opposite side of the cargo compartment.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a tonneau cover device for a vehicle includes a plurality of panels, and a hinge mounted to adjacent panels of the plurality of panels to enable one of the adjacent panels to pivot relative to another of the adjacent panels. The hinge has: a body formed of an elastic material and having a first portion and a second portion; a first securing member integral with and extending from the first portion of the body, wherein the first securing member engages one of the adjacent panels; a second securing member integral with and extending from the second portion of the body, wherein the second securing member engages the other of the adjacent panels; and a plurality of barbs extending from the body, wherein the barbs engage adjacent panels to form a seal between the body of the hinge and the adjacent panels.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a tonneau cover device for a vehicle includes a plurality of panels, each panel having a perimeter and each panel having a frame disposed about at least a portion of the perimeter, wherein the frames define an upper cavity and a lower cavity, and a hinge mounted to adjacent panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the hinge enables one of the adjacent panels to pivot relative to another of the adjacent panels. The hinge includes: a resilient body having a first portion and a second portion; a first securing member and a third securing member integral with and extending from the first portion of the resilient body, wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is disposed within a lower cavity defined in the frame of one of the adjacent panels and at least a portion of the third securing member is disposed within an upper cavity defined in the frame of one of the adjacent panels such that the first securing member and the third securing member engage one of the adjacent panels; and a second securing member and a fourth securing member integral with and extending from the second portion of the resilient body, wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is disposed within a lower cavity defined in the frame of the other of the adjacent panels and at least a portion of the fourth securing member is disposed within an upper cavity in the frame of the other of the adjacent panels such that the second securing member and the fourth securing member engage the other of the adjacent panels.

Drawings

Advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are purely illustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a semi-schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a cargo compartment with an embodiment of a tonneau cover system disposed over and covering the cargo compartment.

FIG. 2 is a semi-schematic exploded view of a tonneau cover system disposed over and covering a cargo bed of a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a cargo bed and a portion of a tonneau cover system mounted to the cargo bed.

FIG. 3A is a perspective cross-sectional view of another portion of the cargo bed and another portion of the tonneau cover system mounted to the cargo bed.

FIG. 4 is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a cargo bed and a portion of a tonneau cover system mounted to the cargo bed.

FIG. 5 is a semi-schematic exploded view of another embodiment of a tonneau cover system disposed over and covering a cargo bed of a vehicle.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the tonneau cover system.

Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a plurality of panels, a plurality of hinges, a hinge assembly, and a frame of the tonneau cover system, wherein the frame includes an outer frame member and an inner frame member.

Fig. 8 is another bottom perspective view of the plurality of panels, plurality of hinges, hinge assembly and frame of the tonneau cover system of fig. 7, with a portion of the inner frame member removed to expose the channel, with the first and second latch mechanisms at least partially disposed in the channel.

FIG. 9 is a semi-schematic perspective view of a cargo compartment of a vehicle with a plurality of panels disposed over and covering the cargo compartment. The plurality of panels includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a fourth panel, wherein each of the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel is in a closed position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plurality of panels taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9. The cross-hatching has been removed from fig. 10 in order to simplify the drawing.

FIG. 11 is a semi-schematic perspective view of a cargo bed of a vehicle with a plurality of panels disposed above and partially covering the cargo bed, with a first panel in an open position and each of a second panel and a third panel in a closed position.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11. The cross-hatching has been removed from fig. 12 in order to simplify the drawing.

FIG. 13 is a semi-schematic perspective view of a cargo bed of a vehicle with a plurality of panels disposed above and partially covering the cargo bed, with a third panel in an open position and each of the first and second panels in a closed position. Fig. 13 also shows a third panel positioned above the second panel to define an intermediate folded position of the tonneau cover system.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly taken along line 14-14 of figure 13. The cross-hatching has been removed from fig. 14 in order to simplify the drawing.

FIG. 15 is a semi-schematic perspective view of a cargo bed of a vehicle with a plurality of panels disposed above and partially covering the cargo bed, with a second panel and a third panel in an open position, and a first panel in a closed position. Fig. 15 also shows that the second and third panels are integrally located on a portion of the fourth and first panels to define a final folded position of the tonneau cover system.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly taken along line 16-16 of figure 15. The cross-hatching has been removed from fig. 16 in order to simplify the drawing.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a tonneau cover system including a portion of a fourth panel, a portion of a side rail, and a mounting mechanism for mounting the fourth panel to the side rail. FIG. 17 also shows the mounting mechanism in a locked position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a tonneau cover system including a portion of a fourth panel, a portion of a side rail, and a mounting mechanism for mounting the fourth panel to the side rail. FIG. 18 also shows the mounting mechanism in the loading position.

Fig. 19 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the third panel, a portion of the outer frame member, a portion of the inner frame member, a channel defined in the inner frame member, and a latch mechanism at least partially disposed within the channel. Fig. 19 also shows a rearward release device accessible from the bottom of the third panel for moving the latch mechanism from the latched position to the unlatched position.

Fig. 20 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the first panel, a portion of the outer frame member, a portion of the inner frame member, a channel defined in the inner frame member, and a latch mechanism at least partially disposed in the channel. Fig. 20 also shows a forward release device accessible from the bottom of the first panel for moving the latch mechanism from the latched position to the unlatched position.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a second panel pivotably coupled to a fourth panel by a hinge assembly and a first panel pivotably coupled to the fourth panel by a single hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a second panel pivotably coupled to a third panel by another single hinge.

Fig. 22A is an exploded view of the cross-section shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hinge of fig. 23.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hinge of fig. 25.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, an embodiment of the tonneau cover system 10 is shown in the drawings and described in detail below. As described herein, the tonneau cover system 10 may be disposed over the cargo compartment 12 of the vehicle 14 and at least partially cover the cargo compartment 12 of the vehicle 14. In one example, the vehicle 14 is a pick-up truck that includes a cargo bed 12, and the tonneau cover system 10 is disposed over the cargo bed 12 and at least partially covers the cargo bed 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cargo box 12 has a front fender 16,A tailgate 18 and opposing

sides

20, 22, and a tonneau cover system 10 is disposed over the opposing

sides

20, 22 and coupled to the opposing

sides

20, 22. The cargo bed 12 has a width W extending between the

opposite sides

20, 22_CBAnd a length L extending between the front and

rear fenders

16, 18_CB. The vehicle 14 has a leading end 24 and a trailing end 26, and the vehicle 14 has a length L extending between the leading end 24 and the trailing end 26_V. The vehicle 14 also has a width W extending between

opposite sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12_V. As shown, the width W of the vehicle 14_VWidth W of the cargo box 12_CBThe same is true. The vehicle 14 further defines a length L along the vehicle 14_VLongitudinal axis of extension A_LVAnd along the width W of the vehicle 14_VExtended width direction axis A_W。

The tonneau cover system 10 is described in detail below as being coupled to a cargo compartment 12 of a vehicle 14. However, it should be understood that the tonneau cover system 10 may alternatively be used to cover another space defined by the vehicle 14, and is not limited to the cargo compartment 12. For example, the tonneau cover system 10 may be used to cover a passenger compartment of a vehicle, a storage compartment of a vehicle, and the like. It should also be understood that the tonneau cover system 10 may be used for other purposes unrelated to vehicles, such as for homes, buildings, boats, etc.

In one embodiment, and as shown in fig. 2-4, the tonneau cover system 10 includes a first side rail 28 and a second side rail 30, each adapted to be mounted to the vehicle 14. As shown in fig. 2, the first side rail 28 is parallel to one side 20 of the cargo bed 12 and mounted to one side 20 of the cargo bed 12, and the second side rail 30 is parallel to the other side 22 of the cargo bed 12 and mounted to the other side 22 of the cargo bed 12. The side rails 28, 30 extend at least partially along the

respective sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12 and along the length L of the cargo bed 12_CBAt least a portion of which extends. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the side rails 28, 30 run along the entire length L of the cargo bed 12_CBAnd (4) extending. In an alternative embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 5, the side rails 28, 30 are discontinuous, and each

side rail

28, 30 has a plurality of fastener members (strikers) 23, 25 distributed at preselected locations along the

sides

20, 22 of the cargo compartment 12.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and 4, the side rail 28 is mounted to the side 20 of the cargo compartment 12 with the seal 27 disposed between the side rail 28 and the side 20. As shown in fig. 3A, the side rail 30 is mounted to the other side 22 of the cargo bed 12 with another seal 29 disposed between the side rail 30 and the side 22. In the example, each of the opposing

sides

20, 22 has an inner surface 32, and each

side rail

28, 30 has an outer surface 34. The opposing sides 20, 22 and side rails 28, 30 are semi-schematically illustrated in the drawings. Alternatively, the side rails 28, 30 may directly abut the

sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12. In this alternative embodiment, the configuration of the outer surface 34 of the side rails 28, 30 may be complementary to a portion of the inner surface 32 of the

respective side

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12. With this configuration, the first side rail 28 accommodates and/or fits within a complementary portion of the inner surface 32 of one side 20, and the second side rail 30 accommodates and/or fits within a complementary portion of the inner surface 32 of the other side 22. The side rails 28, 30 may be mounted to the

respective sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12 using any suitable fastening mechanism, such as one or more fasteners, clamps, latches, and/or the like.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A, side rail 30 has a body 31 and opposing, substantially

parallel legs

33, 35 extending from body 31 to define a generally C-shaped configuration. As shown in fig. 3, the side rail 28 also has a body 31 and opposed, substantially

parallel legs

33, 35 extending from the body 31 to define a generally C-shaped configuration. In the case where the side rails 28, 30 have a plurality of the

fastening pieces

23, 25, as shown in fig. 5, each

fastening piece

23, 25 also defines a substantially C-shaped configuration. As shown in fig. 17 and 18, and in one embodiment, leg 35 of second side rail 30 defines a slot 68 for receiving bracket 66 of mounting mechanism 62 for securing fourth panel or spacer 44 to side rail 30. Likewise, the first side rail 28 also defines a slot for receiving another bracket of another mounting mechanism for securing the fourth panel or spacer 44 to the side rail 28. Further details of mounting mechanism 62 are set forth below.

In addition, and as shown in fig. 2-4, the leg 33 of the first side rail 28 (or the latches 23, 25) defines a receiving feature for receiving a catch 80 of the

latch mechanisms

82, 83 adjacent the first side rail 28, and the leg 33 of the second side rail 30 defines a receiving feature for receiving the catch 80 of the

latch mechanisms

82, 83 adjacent the second side rail 30. The latch mechanism 82 is coupled to a first panel 38 of the plurality of panels of the tonneau cover system 10, and the latch mechanism 83 is coupled to a third panel 42 of the plurality of panels of the tonneau cover system 10. Details of the latching

mechanisms

82, 83 are also set forth below with reference to at least fig. 19 and 20. It should be understood that side rail 28 has the same construction as side rail 30 described above.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second side rails 28, 30 may have a body 31 and a single leg 33 to define a generally L-shaped configuration. In the case where the side rails 28, 30 have a plurality of the

fastening pieces

23, 25, each

fastening piece

23, 25 also defines a substantially L-shaped configuration. In this alternative configuration, the legs 33 of the side rails 28, 30 may operate as receiving features for receiving the detents 80 of the

respective latching mechanisms

82, 83.

While the side rails 28, 30 (or snaps 23, 25) have been described above as having a generally C-shaped or L-shaped configuration, it should be understood that the side rails 28, 30 (or snaps 23, 25) may alternatively have any suitable configuration that defines the receiving feature 33.

The tonneau cover system 10 also includes a plurality of panels coupled to the side rails 28, 30 and defining a length L adapted to be along the vehicle 14_VLongitudinal axis A of_LP. It should be understood that the longitudinal axis A_LPA longitudinal axis A defined with the vehicle 14_LVThe same is true. In one embodiment, and as shown in at least fig. 2 and 5-16, the plurality of panels includes a first panel 38, a second panel 40 spaced apart from the first panel 38, a third panel 42 adjacent the second panel 40, and a fourth panel 44 disposed between the first panel 38 and the second panel 40, wherein the fourth panel 44 is secured to the first side rail 28 and the second side rail 30. The plurality of panels also includes a fifth panel 46, the fifth panel 46 being part of a hinge assembly 48. The hinge assembly 48 is described in further detail below.

In alternative embodiments, tonneau cover system 10 does not include or utilize side rails. In this embodiment, and as shown, for example, in FIG. 5, a plurality of

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 are coupled directly to the

opposite sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12. For example, each of the opposing

sides

20, 22 may have or define a car rail (bed rail), and the plurality of

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 are directly coupled to the car rail. The car rail also defines suitable receiving features for receiving the detents 80 of

latch mechanisms

82, 83 coupled to the multiple panels of the tonneau cover system 10.

As previously described, the plurality of panels includes a first panel 38, a second panel 40, a third panel 42, a fourth panel 44, and a fifth panel 46. Although only the configuration of the first panel 38 is shown in fig. 3 and 4, the second, third, fourth and

fifth panels

40, 42, 44 and 46 have substantially the same configuration. In one example, each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 is formed of a rigid material. The rigid material may be selected from any material that exhibits a suitable degree of resistance to deformation in response to an applied force or load. Typically, the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 are formed of a lightweight rigid material. Non-limiting examples of suitable rigid materials include metals (e.g., aluminum alloys, steel, and/or the like), polymers (e.g., thermoplastic olefins), fiber reinforced plastics, composites, laminates, and/or combinations thereof. As shown in fig. 3-4, 10, 12 and 14, the panel 38 has opposing top and bottom plates or surfaces 58, 60 formed of a rigid material, and a polymeric core 61 disposed between the top and

bottom surfaces

58, 60. As shown in fig. 10, 12 and 14, each of the remaining

panels

40, 42, 44, 46 also has opposing top and bottom plates or surfaces 58, 60 formed of a rigid material, and a polymeric core 61 disposed between the top and

bottom surfaces

58, 60. The polymer core 61 may be a polymer foam, such as polystyrene foam or other suitable foam resin. The polymer core 61 may additionally have a honeycomb configuration. While polymer cores are typical, the core may alternatively be formed from or include a metal (e.g., aluminum alloys, steel, and/or the like). In another embodiment, each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may be a solid panel formed of a rigid material.

As shown in fig. 8-10 and 12, each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 has a generally rectangular configuration and each has opposed first and second ends 50, 52 and opposed first and

second sides

54, 56. It should be understood that the rectangular configuration depends at least in part on the size of the cargo bed 12 of the vehicle 14. Each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 also has a longitudinal axis A along which_LPA length L disposed between the opposite ends 50, 52_PAnd has a width W defined between the opposing

sides

54, 56_P. Further, one side 54 of each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 is adjacent to and substantially parallel to the first side rail, and another side 56 of each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 is adjacent to and substantially parallel to the second side rail 30. In one embodiment, the length L of the fourth panel 44_PIs less than the length L of each of the first, second and

third panels

38, 40, 42_P. In another embodiment, the length L of the fourth panel 44_PIs less than the length L of each of the first, second and

third panels

38, 40, 42_PAnd the length L of the fourth panel 44_PIs greater than the length L of the fifth panel 46_P。

Each of the first, second, third, fourth, and

fifth panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 has a perimeter or perimeter 45, and each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 has a frame 47 disposed around at least a portion of the perimeter 45. In one embodiment, frame 47 includes a plurality of outer frame members, including a first outer frame member 84 adjacent to first side rail 28 and substantially parallel to first side rail 28, and a second outer frame member 86 adjacent to second side rail 30 and substantially parallel to second side rail 30. The first outer frame member 84 and the second outer frame member 86 are along the longitudinal axis A_LVAnd the first outer frame member 84 and the second outer frame member 86 are substantially parallel to each other. The frame 47 also includes a second end 50 adjacent to and substantially parallel to each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and a first end 50 of each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46A third outer frame member 88 at one end 50, and a fourth outer frame member 90 adjacent the second end 52 of each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and substantially parallel to the second end 52 of each of the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46. The third outer frame member 88 and the fourth outer frame member 90 are along the width direction axis A_WExtending between a first outer frame member 84 and a second outer frame member 86. In addition, the third outer frame member 88 and the fourth outer frame member 90 are substantially parallel to each other.

It should be understood that the

outer frame members

84, 86, 88, 90 are generally discontinuous. In other words, neither the first outer frame member 84 nor the second outer frame member 86 directly contact the third outer frame member 88 nor the fourth outer frame member 90. In addition, the

outer frame members

84, 86, 88, 90 of

adjacent panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 do not directly contact each other. The discontinuity of the

outer frame members

84, 86, 88, 90 enables the

panels

38, 40, 42, 44, 46 to pivot relative to one another when one or more of the first, second, and

third panels

38, 40, 42 are opened to access the interior of the cargo bed 12.

As shown in at least fig. 7, 8, and 18-21, the frame 47 includes a first inner frame member 92, the first inner frame member 92 being coupled to the first panel 38 and along a width-direction axis a_WExtending between a first outer frame member 84 and a second outer frame member 86. The frame 47 further includes a second inner frame member 94, the second inner frame member 94 being coupled to the third panel 42 and extending along the width direction axis A_WExtending between a first outer frame member 84 and a second outer frame member 86. The first inner frame member 92 defines a channel 96 for receiving and supporting the latch mechanism(s) 82 and a forward release apparatus 98 for actuating the latch mechanism(s) 82 to pull the first panel 38 away from the side rails 28, 30. The second inner frame member 94 defines a channel 97 for receiving and supporting the latch mechanism 83 and a rearward release apparatus 99 for actuating the latch mechanism 83 to pull the third panel 42 away from the side rails 28, 30. With the tonneau cover system 10 mounted directly to the cargo bed 12, the first inner frame member 92 defines a channel 96 for receiving and supporting the latch mechanism(s) 82 and for actuating the latch(s)The lock mechanism 82 to release the device 98 in a forward direction to pull the first panel 38 away from the

sides

20, 22 of the cargo compartment 12 adjacent the front baffle 16. The second inner frame member 94 defines a channel 97 for receiving and supporting the latch mechanism 83 and a rearward release apparatus 99 for actuating the latch mechanism 83 to pull the third panel 42 away from the

sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12 adjacent the tailgate 18.

In one embodiment, the frame 47 further includes a third inner frame member 95, the third inner frame member 95 being coupled to the fourth panel 44 and along the width direction axis a_WExtending between a first outer frame member 84 and a second outer frame member 86, see fig. 17 and 18. The third inner frame member 95 also defines a channel 96 for receiving and supporting the mounting mechanism 62 that secures the fourth panel 44 to the first and second side rails 28, 30.

Additionally, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the tonneau cover system 10 includes a first seal 85, the first seal 85 being along the longitudinal axis a_CBExtends between and is disposed between the first side rail 28 and the side 20 of the cargo compartment 12. As shown in FIG. 3A, the tonneau cover system 10 also includes a second seal 87, the second seal 87 being along the longitudinal axis A_CBExtending between and disposed between the second side rail 30 and the side 22 of the cargo bed 12. In one embodiment, a first seal 85 is coupled to the first side rail 28 and abuts the side 20 of the cargo bed 12, and a second seal 87 is coupled to the second side rail 30 and abuts the side 22 of the cargo bed 12. In this embodiment, the

seals

85, 87 form seals at the interface between the frame 47 of the tonneau cover system 10 and the respective side rails 28, 30. The first seal 85 coupled to the tonneau cover system 10 also abuts the side 20 of the cargo bed 12, and the second seal 87 coupled to the tonneau cover system 10 also abuts the side 22 of the cargo bed 12. In this embodiment, the

seals

85, 87 also form seals at the interface between the frame 47 of the tonneau cover system 10 and the

respective sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12.

Referring now to fig. 6-16, the plurality of panels are arranged such that the first panel 38 is positioned adjacent the front fender 16 of the cargo bed 12, the fourth panel 44 is positioned adjacent the first panel 38, the hinge assembly 48 including the fifth panel 46 is positioned adjacent the fourth panel 44, the second panel 40 is positioned adjacent the hinge assembly 48, and the third panel 42 is positioned adjacent the second panel 40. The third panel 42 is also positioned adjacent the tailgate 18 of the cargo box 12.

A first panel 38 of the plurality of panels is pivotably coupled to a fourth panel 44 to enable the first panel 38 to pivot relative to the fourth panel 44. In one embodiment, the tonneau cover system 10 includes a second hinge 72, the second hinge 72 being mounted to the first panel 38 and the fourth panel 44 to enable the first panel 38 to pivot relative to the fourth panel 44. The second hinge 72 enables the first panel 38 to pivot between a closed position (shown in fig. 9 and 10) and an open position (shown in fig. 11 and 12). Where the tonneau cover system 10 includes side rails 28, 30, the second end 52 of the first panel 38 is adjacent the side rails 28, 30 when in the closed position (as shown in fig. 9). In the case where the tonneau cover system 10 does not include side rails 28, 30 and the panels are mounted directly to the cargo bed 12, the first panel 38 may engage the

sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12 adjacent the front fender 16 or discrete side rails (or latches 23, 25) when in the closed position. When in the open position or partially open position (which is any position between the closed position and the fully open position), the second end 52 of the first panel 38 is spaced from the side rails 28, 30 (as shown in fig. 11). Also, the first panel 38 provides partial access to the cargo bed 12 proximate the front fender 16 when in the open or partially open position.

The third panel 42 is pivotably coupled to the second panel 40 to enable the third panel 42 to pivot relative to the second panel 40 and allow the third panel 42 to be positioned above the second panel 40. In one embodiment, the tonneau cover system 10 further includes a first hinge 70, the first hinge 70 being mounted to the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 to enable the third panel 42 to pivot relative to the second panel 40. As shown, the first hinge 70 is mounted to the second end 52 of the third panel 42. The first hinge 70 enables the third panel 42 to pivot between a closed position (shown in fig. 9 and 10) and an open position (shown in fig. 13 and 14). When in the closed position, the first end 50 of the third panel 42 is adjacent the side rails 28, 30 (as shown in FIG. 9). When in the open position or partially open position (which is any position between the closed position and the fully open position), the first end 50 of the third panel 42 is spaced from the side rails 28, 30 (as shown in fig. 13).

As shown in fig. 13, the third panel 42 is in the fully open position when the third panel 42 is positioned over the second panel 40 and into the intermediate folded position of the tonneau cover system 10. In this fully open position, or even in a partially open position, the third panel 42 provides partial access to the cargo bed 12 proximate the tailgate 18. In addition, the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 provide partial access to the cargo bed 12 when in the intermediate folded position.

The second panel 40 is pivotably coupled to the fourth panel 44 such that the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 as a whole pivot relative to the fourth panel 44 from an intermediate folded position to a final folded position of the tonneau cover system 10. As shown in fig. 15 and 16, when in the final folded position, second panel 40 and third panel 42 as a whole are positioned over fourth panel 44 and a portion of first panel 38. Thus, when the second and

third panels

40, 42 are in the final folded position, the first panel 38 remains in the closed position. In addition, when the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 are in the final folded position, the first panel 38, the second panel 40, the third panel 42, and the fourth panel 44 are parallel to each other. When the second and

third panels

40, 42 are in the final folded position as a whole, partial access to the cargo compartment 12 adjacent the tailgate 18 is generally achieved. In other words, the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 provide partial access to the cargo bed 12 when in the final folded position.

As shown in fig. 11, 13 and 15, the first panel 38 is pivotable in a first direction relative to the fourth panel 44, and the third panel 42 is pivotable in a second direction relative to the fourth panel 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the second direction is opposite the first direction. For example, the first panel 38 pivots relative to the fourth panel 44 in a direction toward the tailgate 18, and the third panel 42 pivots relative to the second panel 40 in a direction toward the front tailgate 16. Further, the first panel 38 is pivotable relative to the fourth panel 44 in a first direction, and the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 are pivotable relative to the fourth panel 44 in a second direction, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction. In this example, the first panel 38 pivots relative to the fourth panel 44 in a direction toward the tailgate 18, and the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 as a whole pivot relative to the fourth panel 44 in a direction toward the tailgate 16.

As previously described, the fourth panel 44 is secured to the first and second side rails 28, 30, and the fourth panel 44 remains secured to the side rails 28, 30 as the first, second, and

third panels

38, 40, 42 pivot to provide access to the interior of the cargo bed 12. With the panels mounted directly to the cargo bed 12, the fourth panel 44 is secured to the

sides

20, 22, and the fourth panel 44 remains secured to the

sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12 as the first, second, and

third panels

38, 40, 42 pivot to provide access to the interior of the cargo bed 12. In certain embodiments, the fourth panel 44 may be referred to as a spacer bar that is secured to the side rails 28, 30, or to the

sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12. The spacer bars are also formed of a rigid material having a top surface 58 and a bottom surface 60 to define a panel configuration.

As shown in fig. 8, 17, and 18, the tonneau cover system 10 includes a mounting mechanism 62 located on each of the first side 54 and the second side 56 of the fourth panel 44. Mounting mechanisms 62 at the first side 54 of the fourth panel 44 secure the first side 54 to the first side rail 28, and mounting mechanisms 62 at the second side 54 of the fourth panel 44 secure the second side 56 to the second side rail 30.

In one embodiment, mounting mechanism 62 is disposed within a channel 96 defined in third inner frame member 95 and secured to channel 96. Mounting mechanism 62 includes a housing 64 defining an opening 100 and is coupled to bottom surface 60 of fourth panel 44. More specifically, the housing 64 is disposed within the channel 96 and mounted to the third inner frame member 95.

The mounting mechanism 62 also includes a bracket 66, the bracket 66 coupled to the housing 64 and movable between a loading position and a locked position. In one embodiment, the bracket 66 is formed of metal or other suitably strong material. As shown in fig. 17 and 18, the bracket 66 has opposite ends 102, 104, with one end 102 coupled to the housing 64 and the other end 104 having a lip 106, the lip 106 insertable into the slot 68 defined in the leg 35 of the side rails 28, 30. In another embodiment, the lip 106 of the end 104 directly engages the

sides

20, 22 of the cargo bed 12. The end 102 of the bracket 66 is coupled to the housing 64 by a fastener 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the end 102 of the bracket 66 defines an aperture (not shown), and a fastener 108 is disposed through the aperture and secured to the end 102. The fastener 108 is also disposed within the opening 100 defined in the housing 64 such that the fastener 108 may move and/or pivot within the opening 100. In this manner, the bracket 66 may be moved between the locked position and the stowed position.

In one example, the fastener 108 may include a head 110 and a threaded body 112 extending from the head. The threaded body 112 may be inserted into the opening 100 defined in the housing 64 with the head 110 abutting the underside of the housing 64. The threaded body 112 is disposed through an aperture defined in the bracket 66. The bracket 66 may be moved to the locked position by pivoting the fastener 108 to position the bracket 66 such that the lip 106 is aligned with the slot 68 defined in the side rails 28, 30. The lip 106 is inserted into the slot 68 and the fastener 108 is tightened within the opening 100 using a suitable tightening mechanism 114 (e.g., one or more nuts, etc.) to secure the fastener 108 and the bracket 66 in a desired position. Once the bracket 66 is secured in the locked position, the

sides

54, 56 of the fourth panel 44 are secured to the side rails 28, 30. When secured to the side rails 28, 30, the fourth panel 44 cannot move during the pivoting movement of the first, second and

third panels

38, 40, 42.

Fourth panel 22 may be released from

side rails

28, 30 by manually moving bracket 66 to the loading position. For example, and referring to fig. 18, the brace 66 may be moved to the loading position by loosening the tightening mechanism 114 to release the lip 106 from the slot 38 defined in the side rails 28, 30, and then pivoting the fastener 108 to move the brace 66 away from the side rails 28, 30 to a position abutting the channel 96 defined by the third inner frame member 95. The tightening mechanism 114 may be retightened to secure the bracket 66 in the loading position.

With the fourth panel 44 secured to the side rails 28, 30, the first panel 38 pivots relative to the fourth panel 44 while the fourth panel 44 remains secured to the side rails 28, 30. The third panel 42 pivots relative to the second panel 40 to allow the third panel 42 to be positioned over the second panel 40 while the fourth panel 44 remains secured to the side rails 28, 30 to define a center-folded position of the tonneau cover system 10. Further, the second and

third panels

40, 42 as a whole are pivoted relative to the fourth panel 44 from the intermediate folded position to a final folded position over a portion of the fourth panel 44 and the first panel 38, while the fourth panel 44 remains secured to the side rails 28, 30. In one embodiment, and as shown in fig. 6, the tonneau cover system 10 includes buckles 175, and the plurality of panels includes straps (not shown). Straps are tied or otherwise attached to the buckles 175 to secure the panels in the final folded position. This is desirable, for example, when the vehicle 14 is operating while the tonneau cover system 10 is in the final folded position.

As previously described, and with reference to fig. 9-16, the rear cover assembly 10 also includes a hinge assembly 48. The hinge assembly 48 has a fifth panel 46, a third hinge 74 and a fourth hinge 76. The third hinge 74 is mounted to the fourth panel 44 and the fifth panel 46, and the fourth hinge 76 is mounted to the second panel 40 and the fifth panel 46 such that the hinge assembly 48 is mounted between the second panel 40 and the fourth panel 44. The hinge assembly 48 operates as a unit and enables the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 to pivot as a unit relative to the fourth panel 44 from the intermediate folded position to the final folded position of the tonneau cover assembly 10. When the second and

third panels

40, 42 are pivoted relative to the fourth panel 44 and into a final folded position (again, the second and

third panels

40, 42 are positioned over a portion of the fourth and first panels 44, 38), the hinge assembly 48 is positioned such that the fifth panel 46 is transverse to the fourth panel 44. This is shown in fig. 15 and 16. However, when the second and

third panels

40, 42 are in the intermediate folded position (again, the third panel 42 is above the second panel 40), the fifth panel 46 is parallel to the fourth panel 44. Details of the first hinge 70, the second hinge 72, the third hinge 74, and the fourth hinge 76 are described below.

As previously described, the first panel 38 also includes at least one latch mechanism 82 for latching the first panel 38 to at least one of the first side rail 28 and the second side rail 30. In one embodiment, the first panel 38 has a single latch mechanism 82 for latching the first panel 38 to one of the first side rail 28 and the second side rail 30. In another embodiment, the first panel 38 has two latch mechanisms 82, with one of the latch mechanisms 82 at one side 54 of the first panel 38 for latching the first panel 38 to the first side rail 28 and the other latch mechanism 82 at the other side 56 of the first panel 38 for latching the first panel 38 to the second side rail 28.

An embodiment of a latch mechanism 82 coupled to the first panel 38 is shown at least in fig. 20. The latch mechanism 82 has a detent 80 movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The detent 80 is biased towards the side rails 28, 30 and towards the latched position. In the latched position, the detent 80 is captured within a receiving feature 33 defined in the side rails 28, 30. In one embodiment, the detent 80 is biased toward the latched position by a biasing spring (not shown). The latch mechanism 82 further includes a bayonet housing 116 mounted to the first inner frame member 92, and the bayonet 80 is partially disposed and supported in the bayonet housing 116. When in the latched position, the detent 80 engages a receiving feature 33 defined in the side rails 28, 30 to latch the first panel 38 to the side rails 28, 30.

As shown in at least fig. 5, 8, and 9-16, the first panel 38 also has a forward release device 98 coupled to the latch mechanism(s) 82. In one embodiment, the forward releasing apparatus 98 is coupled to the latch mechanism(s) 82 by at least one cable 118. The forward release apparatus 98 includes a forward handle 120 coupled to the top surface 58 of the first panel 38. A cover 121 is coupled to the bottom surface 60 and is used to cover the release device 98 from the bottom side. With this configuration, the operator can access the forward handle 120 from a position above the tonneau cover system 10. The forward release device 98 can be actuated to retract the cable 118 and release the detent 80 of the latch mechanism(s) 82 from the receiving feature 33 to move the detent 80 from the latched position to the unlatched position. Thus, when actuated, the forward release apparatus 98 retracts the cable 118 and releases the detent 80 from the receiving feature 33 to pull the first panel 38 away from the side rails 28, 30.

Where the first panel 38 has two latch mechanisms 82, the forward release apparatus 98 may be coupled to one of the latch mechanisms 82 with one cable 118 and may be coupled to the other latch mechanism 82 with another cable 118. The forward release device 98 can be actuated to retract and release the latch pin 80 of one of the latch mechanisms 82 simultaneously with the latch pin 80 of the other latch mechanism 82. In this manner, the forward release devices 98 retract and release the respective detents 80 of the two latch mechanisms 82 from the respective receiving features 33 defined in the first and second side rails 28, 30 to pull the first panel 38 away from the first and second side rails 28, 30.

As shown in fig. 7, 8 and 19, the third panel 42 also includes at least one latch mechanism 83 for latching the third panel 42 to at least one of the first side rail 28 and the second side rail 30. In one embodiment, the third panel 42 has a single latch mechanism 83 for latching the third panel 42 to one of the first side rail 28 and the second side rail 30. In another embodiment, the third panel 42 has two latch mechanisms 83, with one latch mechanism 83 at one side 54 of the third panel 42 for latching the third panel 42 to the first side rail 28 and the other latch mechanism 83 at the other side 56 of the third panel 42 for locking the third panel 42 to the second side rail 30.

An embodiment of a latch mechanism 83 coupled to the first panel 38 is shown at least in fig. 19. The latch mechanism 83 has a latch 80 movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The detent 80 is biased towards the side rails 28, 30 and towards the latched position. In the latched position, the detent 80 is captured within a receiving feature 33 defined in the side rails 28, 30. In one embodiment, the detent 80 is biased toward the latched position by a biasing spring. The latch mechanism 82 further includes a bayonet housing 116 mounted to the first inner frame member 92, and the bayonet 80 is partially disposed and supported in the bayonet housing 116. When in the latched position, the detent 80 engages a receiving feature 33 defined in the side rails 28, 30. To latch the first panel 38 to the side rails 28, 30.

As also shown in fig. 7, 8 and 19, the third panel 42 also has a rearward release device 99 coupled to the latch mechanism(s) 83. In one embodiment, the rearward release apparatus 99 is coupled to the latch mechanism(s) 83 by at least one cable 118. The rearward release device 98 includes a rearward handle 120 coupled to the bottom surface 60 of the third panel 42. With this configuration, an operator can access the rearward handle 120 from a position below the tonneau cover system 10, for example, by opening the tailgate 18 and reaching below the third panel 42. The rearward release device 99 can be actuated to retract and release the detent 80 from the receiving feature 33 to move the detent 80 from the latched position to the pulled-apart position. Thus, when actuated, the rearward release device 99 retracts and releases the detent 80 from the receiving feature 99 to pull the third panel 42 away from the side rails 28, 30.

In the case where the third panel 42 has two latch mechanisms 83, the rearward release apparatus 99 may be coupled to one latch mechanism 83 with one cable 118 and may be coupled to the other latch mechanism 83 with the other cable 118. The rearward release device 99 can be actuated to retract and release the latch pin 80 of one latch mechanism 83 simultaneously with the latch pin 80 of the other latch mechanism 83. In this manner, the rearward release apparatus 99 retracts and releases the respective detents 80 of the two latch mechanisms 83 from the respective receiving features 33 defined in the first and second side rails 28, 30 to pull the third panel 42 away from the first and second side rails 28, 30.

Embodiments of the first hinge 70, the second hinge 72, the third hinge 73, and the fourth hinge 74 are described in detail below with reference to at least fig. 21-26. Each

hinge

70, 72, 74, 76 is mounted to an adjacent panel to enable one of the adjacent panels to pivot relative to the other of the adjacent panels. For example, and as previously described, the first hinge 70 is mounted to the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 to enable the third panel 42 to pivot relative to the second panel 40. The second hinge 72 is mounted to the first panel 38 and the fourth panel 44 to enable the first panel 38 to pivot relative to the fourth panel 44. The third hinge 48 and the fourth hinge 76 are part of a hinge assembly 48, the hinge assembly 48 being mounted between the second panel 40 and the fourth panel 44 to enable the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 to pivot as a unit relative to the fourth panel 44. Tong (Chinese character of 'tong')Often, each of the

hinges

70, 72, 74, 76 has a widthwise axis A along the vehicle 14_WExtended width W_hAnd hinges 70, 72, 74, 76 extend along the width W of

panels

38, 40, 42, 44_PAt least a portion of which extends.

For simplicity, embodiments of the hinge will be described with reference to the first hinge 70 being mounted between adjacent second and

third panels

40, 42. It should be understood that the embodiments of the hinge described below are applicable to each of the first hinge 70, the second hinge 72, the third hinge 74, and the fourth hinge 76.

Still referring to fig. 21-26, the hinge 70 has a body 122 formed of a resilient material and having a first portion 124 and a second portion 126. The hinge 70 also has a first securing member 128 integral with and extending from the first portion 124 of the body 122, and the hinge 70 has a second securing member 130 integral with and extending from the second portion 126 of the body 122. The first securing member 128 engages one of the

panels

40, 42 and the second securing member 130 engages the other of the

panels

40, 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the first securing member 128 engages the second panel 40 and the second securing member 130 engages the third panel 42.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 21 and 22, each of the first and

second fixation members

128, 130 has a circular or substantially circular configuration. Alternatively, one or more of the first and

second fixation members

128, 130 may have a circular configuration, an elliptical configuration, a quadrilateral configuration, a diamond configuration, a heart configuration, a teardrop configuration, a triangular configuration, and/or the like, and/or combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that the first and second securing

members

128, 130 may have any configuration so long as the first and second securing

members

128, 130 are properly mounted to the respective

lower cavities

134, 138. Further, the first and second securing

members

128, 130 may have any suitable dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second securing

members

128, 130 have the same or substantially the same dimensions. Alternatively, the first fixing member 128 may have a size different from that of the second fixing member 130.

As shown in at least fig. 21 and 22, the second panel 40 has an upper fixed cavity 132 and a lower fixed cavity 134, and the third panel 40 has an upper fixed cavity 136 and a lower fixed cavity 138. More specifically, the second panel 40 has a frame 47, and an upper fixing cavity 132 and a lower fixing cavity 134 are defined in the frame 47. Similarly, the third panel 42 has a frame 47, and an upper fixing cavity 136 and a lower fixing cavity 138 are defined in the frame 47. At least a portion of the first securing member 128 is disposed within the lower securing cavity 134 of the second panel 40 and at least a portion of the second securing member 130 is disposed within the lower securing cavity 138 of the third panel 42. To this end, the first fixing member 128 is mounted to the lower fixing cavity 134 of the second panel 40, and the second fixing member 130 is mounted to the lower fixing member 138 of the third panel 42.

The body 122 of the hinge 70 also has a first leg 140 and a second leg 142, wherein the first securing member 128 is mounted to the first leg 140, and wherein the second securing member 130 is mounted to the second leg 142. In one embodiment, and as shown, a portion of the first leg 140 is disposed within the lower securing cavity 134 of the second panel 40, and a portion of the second leg 142 is disposed within the lower securing cavity 138 of the third panel 42. In another embodiment, no portion of the first leg 140 is disposed within the lower securement cavity 134 of the second panel 40 and no portion of the second leg 142 is disposed within the lower securement cavity 138 of the third panel 42. To this end, the respective

lower fixation cavities

134, 138 receive only the first and

second fixation members

128, 130.

The hinge 70 also has a third securing member 144 integral with the first portion 124 of the body 122 and extending from the first portion 124 of the body 122, and a fourth securing member 146 integral with the second portion 126 of the body 122 and extending from the second portion 126 of the body 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 122 has a first flange 148 extending from the first portion 124, with the third securing member 144 extending from the first flange 148, and the body 122 has a second flange 150 extending from the second portion 126, with the fourth securing member 146 extending from the second portion 126.In one embodiment, the first flange 148 and the second flange 150 are integral with the body 122. In addition, the third fixing member 144 is integral with the first flange 148, and the fourth fixing member 146 is integral with the second flange 150. The first flange 148 extends transversely to the widthwise axis A_WExtends from the first portion 124 of the body 122, and the second flange 150 extends transverse to the width-direction axis a_WExtends from the second portion 126 of the body 122, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. Additionally, the first and second directions are along a longitudinal axis A of the vehicle 14_LVAnd (4) extending. The third fixing member 144 is transverse to the longitudinal axis a_LVAnd transverse to the widthwise axis A_WExtends from the first flange 148, and the fourth securing member 146 extends transverse to the longitudinal axis a_LVAnd transverse to the widthwise axis A_WExtends from the second flange 150.

As shown, the third direction in which the third securing member 144 extends from the first flange 148 defines a first vertical axis a_V1And a fourth direction in which the fourth securing member 146 extends from the second flange 150 defines a second vertical axis a_V2. The first stationary member 128 is along a first vertical axis A_V1Aligned with the third stationary member 144 and the second stationary member 130 is along the second vertical axis a_V2Aligned with the fourth securing member 146. In addition, the first fixing member 128 is spaced apart from the third fixing member 144, and the second fixing member 130 is spaced apart from the fourth fixing member 146.

Each of the third and fourth securing

members

144, 146 has a neck portion 152 and a main portion 154 extending from the neck portion 152. As shown, the cross-section of the main portion 154 is larger than the cross-section of the neck portion 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the main portion 154 has a cross-section of a rectangular configuration. It should be appreciated that the main portion 154 may have any configuration, such as a circular configuration, an elliptical configuration, a triangular configuration, a polygonal configuration, a heart-shaped configuration, a tear-drop configuration, and/or the like, and/or combinations thereof. Additionally, the main portions 154 of the third and fourth securing

members

144, 146 may have any suitable dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment, the main portions 154 of the third and fourth securing

members

144, 146 have the same or substantially the same dimensions. Alternatively, the main portion 154 of the third fixing member 144 may have a different size than the main portion 154 of the fourth fixing member 146. Further, the neck portion 152 may have any suitable size and/or configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the neck portions 152 of the third and fourth securing

members

144, 146 have the same or substantially the same dimensions. Alternatively, the neck portion 152 of the third securing member 144 may be sized differently than the neck portion 152 of the fourth securing member 146.

As previously described, the second panel 40 has an upper fixing cavity 132 defined in the frame 47, and the third panel 42 has an upper fixing cavity 136 defined in the frame 47. As shown, an upper fixture cavity 132 is defined in the frame 47 of the second panel 40, open to the upper surface or top surface 58 of the second panel 40, and an upper fixture cavity 136 is defined in the frame 47 of the third panel 42, open to the upper surface or top surface 58 of the third panel 42. At least a portion of the third securing member 144 is disposed within the upper securing cavity 132 defined in the frame 47 of the second panel 40, and at least a portion of the fourth securing member 146 is disposed within the upper securing cavity 136 defined in the frame 47 of the third panel 42. As shown, the upper fixing cavity 132 defined in the frame 47 of the second panel 40 is spaced apart from the lower fixing cavity 134 defined in the frame 47 of the second panel 40. Similarly, an upper fixation cavity 136 defined in the frame 47 of the third panel 42 is spaced apart from a lower fixation cavity 138 defined in the frame 47 of the third panel 42.

Each of the upper cavities 132, 136 has a rod portion 156 and a chamber portion 158, wherein the cross-section of the chamber portion 158 is greater than the cross-section of the rod portion 156. Generally, the rod portion 156 of the upper fixing cavity 132 of the second panel 40 has substantially the same configuration as the neck portion 152 of the third fixing member 144, and the rod portion 156 of the upper fixing cavity 136 of the third panel 42 has substantially the same configuration as the neck portion 152 of the fourth fixing member 146. Further, the rod portion 156 of the upper fixing cavity 132 of the second panel 40 has a slightly larger cross-section than the neck portion 152 of the third fixing member 144 such that the neck portion 152 of the third fixing member 144 is fitted into the rod portion 156 of the upper fixing cavity 132 of the second panel 40. Similarly, the stem portion 156 of the upper fixing cavity 136 of the third panel 42 has a slightly larger cross-section than the neck portion 152 of the fourth fixing member 146, such that the neck portion 152 of the fourth fixing member 146 fits within the stem portion 156 of the upper fixing cavity 136 of the third panel 42.

In addition, the cavity portion 158 of the upper fixing cavity 132 of the second panel 40 has substantially the same configuration as the main portion 154 of the third fixing member 144, and the cavity portion 156 of the upper fixing cavity 136 of the third panel 42 has substantially the same configuration as the neck portion 152 of the fourth fixing member 146. In addition, the cross-section of the cavity portion 158 of the upper fixing cavity 132 of the second panel 40 is slightly larger than the main portion 154 of the third fixing member 144, so that the main portion 154 of the third fixing member 144 fits within the cavity portion 158 of the upper fixing cavity 132 of the second panel 40. Similarly, the cavity portion 158 of the upper fixture cavity 136 of the third panel 42 is slightly larger in cross-section than the main portion 154 of the fourth fixture member 146 such that the main portion 154 of the fourth fixture member 146 fits within the cavity portion 158 of the upper fixture cavity 136 of the third panel 42.

The arrangement of the first and third securing

members

128, 144 of the first portion 124 of the resilient body 122 defines a relatively complex water path. Similarly, the arrangement of the second and fourth securing

members

130, 146 of the second portion 126 of the resilient body 122 defines a relatively complex water path. To do so, the water must make several turns (e.g., around the third securing member 144 and then around the first securing member 128) before finding its way through the interface between the body 122 of the hinge 70 and the panel (e.g., the second panel 40). In this way, water leakage at the interface between the main body 122 of the hinge 70 and the

panels

40, 42 is reduced or even prevented, which helps to improve water management of the tonneau cover system 10.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 21, 22 and 22A, the main body 122, the first fixing member 128, the second fixing member 130, the third fixing member 144 and the fourth fixing member of the hinge 70146 have a substantially smooth surface. In another embodiment, and as shown in fig. 23 and 24, the hinge 70 also has a plurality of barbs 160 extending from the body 122, wherein the barbs 160 engage the second panel 40 and the third panel 42 to form a seal between the body 122 of the hinge 70 and the

adjacent panels

40, 42. The seal formed at the interfaces between the body 122 and the

panels

40, 42 also helps to improve water management by preventing water (or other liquids) from leaking through these interfaces. Barb 160 is also along width W of hinge 70_hAnd (4) continuous. In the illustrated embodiment, the barbs 160 also extend from at least a portion of the first fixation member 128, at least a portion of the second fixation member 130, and combinations thereof. In the embodiment shown in fig. 23, barbs 160 also extend from at least a portion of third fixation member 144, at least a portion of fourth fixation member 146, and combinations thereof. Additionally, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 24, the plurality of barbs 160 are integral with the body 122, the first fixation member 128, and the second fixation member 130. As shown in the embodiment depicted in fig. 23, the plurality of barbs 160 are integral with the body 122, the first fixation member 128, the second fixation member 130, the third fixation member 144, and the fourth fixation member 146.

In one embodiment, each barb 160 has the same configuration. As shown in fig. 23 and 24, for example, each barb 160 has a cross-section with a triangular configuration. In another example, at least one of the barbs 160 has a cross-section with a triangular configuration. Additionally, the barbs 160 may be the same or different sizes. Barbs 160 may also be formed at selected locations along the body 122, the first fixation member 128, the second fixation member 130, the third fixation member 144, and the fourth fixation member 146. For example, the first and

second legs

140, 142 of the body 122 each have an outer surface 162 and an inner surface 164, and the barbs 160 may be formed along at least the entire outer surface 164 of each of the first and

second legs

140, 142 and partially along the inner surface 162 of each of the first and

second legs

140, 142. Barbs 160 are also formed along each of the first and

second fixation members

128, 130 and along the neck portion 152 and main portion 154 of each of the third and

fourth fixation members

144, 146. Each barb 160 may have a thickness T and adjacent barbs 160 define a space 166 between barbs 160, the cross-section of space 166 being greater than thickness T of each barb 160. Further, barbs 160 include a series 168 of barbs 160. Wherein the barbs 160 of the series 168 are equally spaced from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 122 has a plurality of series 168 of barbs 160, with the barbs 160 of each series 168 being equally spaced from one another.

In another embodiment, at least one of barbs 160 has a different configuration than the other barb 160. For example, as shown in fig. 25 and 26, at least one of the barbs 160 has a triangular configuration and at least one of the barbs 160 has a barb body 170 with a rounded configuration and a tip 172 extending from the barb body 170. For example, and as shown, each of the first and

second portions

124, 126 of the body 122 has a plurality of barbs 160 with a rounded barb body 170 and a tip 172, and the first leg 140, the second leg 142, the first securing member 128, and the second securing member 130 each have barbs 160 with a triangular configuration.

While a specific example of the configuration and/or distribution of barbs 160 is shown in fig. 23-26, it should be appreciated that hinge 70 may alternatively have any suitable configuration and/or distribution of barbs 160 along body 122 and

fixation members

128, 130, 144, 146. For example, the barbs 160 may have any suitable configuration, such as the triangular or circular configurations mentioned above, rectangular configurations, polygonal configurations, and/or the like. Additionally, the hinge 70 may have one, two, three, or more barbs 160 of different configurations distributed or formed along at least a portion of the hinge 70. The different configurations of barbs 160 may be randomly formed along at least a portion of hinge 70, formed in an alternating pattern along at least a portion of hinge 70, formed sequentially along at least a portion of hinge 70, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the tonneau cover system 10 further includes a width-wise axis A along the vehicle 14_WAn extended seal 174. As shown in at least fig. 21 and 22, a seal 174 is disposed below the resilient body 122 of the hinge 70 between the first and second securing

members

128, 130. Sealing element174 are formed of any suitable resilient material. In one example, the seal 174 is formed from the same material as the elastomeric body 122 of the

hinges

70, 72, 74, 76. As shown, the seal 174 is located between adjacent panels and is coupled to one of the adjacent panels and abuts the other of the adjacent panels.

While the invention has been described with reference to the above examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tonneau cover system for a cargo bed of a vehicle, the system comprising:

first and second side rails each adapted to be mounted to the vehicle; and

a plurality of panels coupled to the side rails, the plurality of panels comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel spaced apart from the first panel;

a third panel adjacent to the second panel;

a spacer bar disposed between the first and second panels, wherein the spacer bar is secured to the first and second side rails, wherein the spacer bar has opposing first and second sides and top and bottom surfaces extending between the sides, and further having a mounting mechanism at each of the sides for securing the first side to the first side rail and for securing the second side to the second side rail;

wherein the mounting mechanism has a housing and a bracket connected to the housing and movable between a locked position and a loading position;

wherein the first panel is pivotably coupled to the spacer bar to enable the first panel to pivot relative to the spacer bar while the spacer bar remains secured to the side rail;

wherein the third panel is pivotably coupled to the second panel to enable the third panel to pivot relative to the second panel and allow the third panel to be positioned over the second panel while the spacer bars remain secured to the side rails to define an intermediate folded position of the tonneau cover system; and

a hinge assembly mounted between the second panel and the spacer bar to enable the second and third panels to pivot as a unit relative to the spacer bar from the intermediate folded position to a final folded position over a portion of the spacer bar and the first panel while the spacer bar remains secured to the side rail.

2. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 1 wherein said spacer bar is formed of a rigid material having a top surface and a bottom surface to define a panel configuration.

3. The tonneau cover system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a first hinge mounted to the second panel and the third panel to enable the third panel to pivot relative to the second panel; and

a second hinge mounted to the first panel and the spacer bar to enable the first panel to pivot relative to the spacer bar.

4. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 1 wherein a portion of the hinge assembly is transverse to the spacer bar when the second and third panels are in the final folded position.

5. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 4, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a fifth panel, and the hinge assembly has the fifth panel, a third hinge mounted to the fifth panel and the spacer bar, and a fourth hinge mounted to the second panel and the fifth panel, wherein the fifth panel is transverse to the spacer bar when in the final folded position.

6. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 1, wherein the first panel is pivotable relative to the spacer bar in a first direction and the third panel is pivotable relative to the spacer bar in a second direction opposite the first direction.

7. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 1, wherein the first panel is pivotable relative to the spacer bar in a first direction, and the second and third panels are pivotable relative to the spacer bar in a second direction opposite the first direction.

8. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and spacer bars are parallel to one another when the second and third panels are in the final folded position.

9. The tonneau cover system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels define a longitudinal axis adapted to be along a length of the vehicle, and wherein each of the first, second, third and spacer bars has a length along the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the spacer bar is less than the length of each of the first, second and third panels.

10. A tonneau cover system for a cargo bed of a vehicle, the system comprising:

first and second side rails each adapted to be mounted to the vehicle; and

a first panel;

a second panel spaced apart from the first panel;

a third panel pivotably coupled to the second panel;

a fourth panel disposed between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the fourth panel is secured to the first side rail and the second side rail; and

a fifth panel;

a first hinge mounted to the second and third panels to enable the third panel to pivot relative to the second panel and allow the third panel to be positioned over the second panel while the fourth panel remains secured to the side rails to define a mid-folded position of the lid;

a second hinge mounted to the first panel and the fourth panel to enable the first panel to pivot relative to the fourth panel while the fourth panel remains secured to the side rail; and

a hinge assembly having the fifth panel, a third hinge mounted to the fourth and fifth panels, and a fourth hinge mounted to the second and fifth panels such that the hinge assembly is mounted between the second and fourth panels to enable the second and third panels to pivot as a unit relative to the fourth panel from the intermediate folded position to a final folded position over a portion of the fourth and first panels, wherein when in the final folded position the fifth panel is transverse to the fourth panel while the fourth panel remains secured to the side rail.

11. The tonneau cover system of claim 10, wherein the first panel is pivotable relative to the fourth panel in a first direction, and the third panel is pivotable relative to the fourth panel in a second direction opposite the first direction.

12. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 10, wherein the first panel is pivotable relative to the fourth panel in a first direction, and the second and third panels are pivotable relative to the fourth panel in a second direction opposite the first direction.

13. The tonneau cover system of any of claims 10-12, wherein the fifth panel is transverse to the fourth panel when the second and third panels are in the final folded position.

14. The tonneau cover system of any of claims 10-12, wherein the fifth panel is parallel to the fourth panel when the second and third panels are in the intermediate folded position.

15. The tonneau cover system of any of claims 10-12, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth panels are parallel to one another when the second and third panels are in the final folded position.

16. The tonneau cover system of any of claims 10-12, wherein each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels is formed of a rigid material.

17. The tonneau cover system of any of claims 10-12, wherein the plurality of panels define a longitudinal axis adapted to be along a length of the vehicle, and wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth panels has a length along the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the fourth panel is less than the length of each of the first, second, and third panels.

18. The tonneau cover system of any of claims 10-12, wherein the plurality of panels define a longitudinal axis adapted to be along a length of the vehicle, and wherein each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels has a length along the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the fourth panel is less than the length of each of the first, second, and third panels, and the length of the fourth panel is greater than the length of the fifth panel.

19. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 10 wherein said fourth panel has opposing first and second sides and top and bottom surfaces extending between said sides, and said fourth panel further has a mounting mechanism at each of said sides for securing said first side to said first side rail and for securing said second side to said second side rail.

20. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 19 wherein said mounting mechanism has a housing mounted to said bottom surface of said fourth panel and a bracket movable between a stowed position and a locked position.

21. The tonneau cover system of claim 20, wherein each of the first and second side rails defines a slot, and the bracket is insertable into the slot when the bracket is in the locked position to secure the fourth panel to the first and second side rails.

22. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 10, wherein the first panel has a first end and a second end, wherein the second hinge is mounted at the first end and the second hinge enables the first panel to pivot between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second end is adjacent the side rail when the first panel is in the closed position and the second end is spaced apart from the side rail when the first panel is in the open position.

23. The tonneau cover system of claim 22, wherein the first panel remains in the closed position when the second and third panels are in the final folded position.

24. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 10, wherein the first panel has a latching mechanism for latching the first panel to at least one of the first and second side rails.

25. The tonneau cover system of claim 24, wherein the latch mechanism has a detent biased toward the side rail and the side rail has a receiving feature, wherein the detent engages the receiving feature to latch the first panel to the side rail.

26. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 25, wherein the first panel further has a forward release device coupled to the latch mechanism, wherein the forward release device is actuatable to retract and release the bayonet from the receiving feature to pull the first panel away from the side rail.

27. The tonneau cover system of claim 26, wherein the first panel has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the forward release apparatus includes a forward handle coupled to the top surface of the first panel.

28. The tonneau cover system of claim 10, wherein the third panel has a first end and a second end, wherein the first hinge is mounted at the second end, and the first hinge enables the third panel to pivot between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first end is adjacent to the side rail when the third panel is in the closed position, and the first end is spaced apart from the side rail when the third panel is in the open position.

29. The tonneau cover system of claim 10, wherein the third panel has a latching mechanism for latching the third panel to at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail.

30. The tonneau cover system of claim 29, wherein the latch mechanism of the third panel has a detent biased toward the side rail and the side rail has a receiving feature, wherein the detent engages the receiving feature to latch the third panel to the side rail.

31. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 30, wherein the third panel further has a rearward release device coupled to the latch mechanism, wherein the rearward release device is actuatable to retract and release the bayonet from the receiving feature to pull the third panel away from the side rail.

32. The tonneau cover system as defined in claim 31, wherein the third panel has a top surface and a bottom surface and the rearward release device includes a rearward handle coupled to the bottom surface of the third panel.

33. A vehicle, comprising:

a cargo box having a front flap, a rear flap, and opposing sides; and

a cover coupled to the cargo bed, the cover comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel spaced apart from the first panel;

a third panel pivotably coupled to the second panel;

a fourth panel disposed between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the fourth panel is fixedly coupled to the opposite side of the cargo bed; and

a fifth panel;

a first hinge mounted to the second panel and the third panel enabling the third panel to pivot relative to the second panel and allowing the third panel to be positioned over the second panel while the fourth panel remains fixedly coupled to the opposite side of the cargo bed to define an intermediate folded position of the cover;

a second hinge mounted to the first panel and the fourth panel enabling the first panel to pivot relative to the fourth panel while the fourth panel remains fixedly coupled to the opposite side of the cargo bed;

a hinge assembly having the fifth panel, a third hinge mounted to the fourth and fifth panels, and a fourth hinge mounted to the second and fifth panels such that the hinge assembly is mounted between the second and fourth panels to enable the second and third panels to pivot as a unit relative to the fourth panel from the intermediate folded position to a final folded position over a portion of the fourth and first panels, wherein when in the final folded position the fifth panel is transverse to the fourth panel while the fourth panel remains fixedly coupled to the opposite side of the cargo bed; and

a mounting mechanism having a housing and a bracket connected to the housing and movable between a locked position and a loading position for securing to the opposite sides of the cargo bed.

34. The vehicle of claim 33, wherein the first panel is pivotable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first panel engages the front flap when in the closed position and provides partial access to the cargo compartment when the first panel is in the open position.

35. The vehicle of claim 33 or 34, wherein the second and third panels provide partial access to the cargo compartment when in the intermediate folded position.

36. A vehicle according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the second and third panels provide partial access to the cargo compartment when in the final folded position.

37. A tonneau cover device for a vehicle, comprising:

a plurality of panels; and

a hinge mounted to adjacent panels of the plurality of panels to enable one of the adjacent panels to pivot relative to the other of the adjacent panels, wherein the hinge has:

a body made of an elastic material and having a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the body;

a first securing member integral with and extending from the first portion, wherein the first securing member engages one of the adjacent panels;

a second securing member integral with and extending from the second portion, wherein the second securing member engages the other of the adjacent panels; and

a plurality of barbs extending from the first portion, the second portion, or both, wherein the barbs engage the adjacent panel to form a seal between the body of the hinge and the adjacent panel.

38. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein the plurality of barbs further extend from at least a portion of the first securing member, at least a portion of the second securing member, and combinations thereof.

39. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37 or 38, wherein the plurality of barbs are integral with at least one of the main body, the first securing member, and the second securing member.

40. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37 wherein a series of said barbs are equally spaced from one another.

41. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37 wherein each barb has a common configuration.

42. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein at least one of the plurality of barbs has a different configuration than another one of the plurality of barbs.

43. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein at least one of the plurality of barbs has a triangular configuration.

44. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37 wherein at least one of said plurality of barbs has a barb body of circular configuration and a tip extending from said barb body.

45. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein the tonneau cover device defines a width-wise axis adapted to be along a width of the vehicle, and the hinge has a width along the width-wise axis, wherein the plurality of barbs are continuous along the width of the hinge.

46. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein adjacent barbs of said plurality of barbs define spaces therebetween, wherein a cross-section of said spaces is greater than a thickness of each of said barbs.

47. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein the hinge further comprises:

a third securing member integral with and extending from the first portion of the body, wherein the third securing member is spaced apart from the first securing member and the third securing member is engaged with one of the panels;

a fourth securing member integral with and extending from the second portion of the body, wherein the fourth securing member is spaced apart from the second securing member and the fourth securing member engages one of the panels; and

the plurality of barbs further extend from the third and fourth securing members, wherein the barbs engage the adjacent panel to form a seal between the third and fourth securing members and the adjacent panel of the hinge.

48. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 47, wherein the main body further has a first flange extending from the first portion, wherein the third securing member is mounted to the first flange, and the main body has a second flange extending from the second portion, wherein the fourth securing member extends from the second flange.

49. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 47, wherein each of said third and fourth securing members has a neck portion and a main portion extending from said neck portion, wherein said main portion has a cross-section of rectangular configuration.

50. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 47, wherein each of the adjacent panels has an upper receiving cavity and a lower receiving cavity, wherein the first and second securing members are mounted to the respective lower receiving cavities and the third and fourth securing members are mounted to the respective upper receiving cavities.

51. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 50, wherein the upper and lower receiving cavities are spaced apart from one another, and wherein the first and third securing members are mounted to one of the adjacent panels and the second and fourth securing members are mounted to the other of the adjacent panels.

52. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein each of the first and second securing members has a circular configuration, an elliptical configuration, a quadrilateral configuration, and combinations thereof.

53. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein the main body has a first leg, wherein the first securing member is mounted to the first leg, and the main body has a second leg, wherein the second securing member is mounted to the second leg.

54. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 37, wherein the hinge is one of a plurality of hinges and the plurality of panels comprises:

a first panel for covering the first side of the panel,

a second panel spaced apart from the first panel,

a third panel pivotably coupled to the second panel,

a spacer disposed between the first panel and the second panel, an

A hinge assembly having a fifth panel disposed between the second panel and the spacer,

wherein one of the hinges is mounted to the second and third panels to enable the third panel to pivot relative to the second panel and allow the third panel to be positioned over the second panel to define an intermediate folded position of the tonneau cover device,

wherein the other of the hinges is mounted to the first panel and the spacer to enable the first panel to pivot relative to the spacer, an

Wherein another of the hinges is mounted to the spacer and the fifth panel and another of the hinges is mounted to the second panel and the fifth panel to enable the second panel and the third panel as a whole to pivot relative to the spacer from the intermediate folded position to a final folded position above the spacer.

55. A tonneau cover device for a vehicle, comprising:

a plurality of panels, each panel having a perimeter and each panel having a frame disposed around at least a portion of the perimeter, wherein the frame defines an upper cavity and a lower cavity; and

a hinge mounted to an adjacent panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the hinge enables one of the adjacent panels to pivot relative to another of the adjacent panels, wherein the hinge comprises:

a resilient body having a first portion and a second portion;

first and third securing members integral with and extending from the first portion of the resilient body, wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is disposed within the lower cavity defined in the frame of one of the adjacent panels and at least a portion of the third securing member is disposed within the upper cavity defined in the frame of the one of the adjacent panels such that the first and third securing members engage the one of the adjacent panels; and

a second and fourth securing member integral with and extending from the second portion of the resilient body, wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is disposed within the lower cavity defined in the frame of the other of the adjacent panels and at least a portion of the fourth securing member is disposed within the upper cavity defined in the frame of the other of the adjacent panels such that the second and fourth securing members engage the other of the adjacent panels.

56. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 55, wherein the first securing member is spaced from the third securing member and the second securing member is spaced from the fourth securing member.

57. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 55 or 56, wherein the upper cavity defined in the frame of said one of said adjacent panels is spaced apart from the lower cavity defined in the frame of said one of said adjacent panels, and the upper cavity defined in the frame of said other of said adjacent panels is spaced apart from the lower cavity defined in the frame of said other of said adjacent panels.

58. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 55, wherein the resilient body has a first leg, wherein the first securing member is mounted to the first leg, and the body has a second leg, wherein the second securing member is mounted to the second leg.

59. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 58, wherein a portion of the first leg is disposed within the lower cavity defined in the frame of said one of the adjacent panels and a portion of the second leg is disposed within the lower cavity defined in the frame of said other of the adjacent panels.

60. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 55, wherein each of said panels has an upper surface and said upper cavity is defined in said frame, open to said upper surface.

61. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 55, wherein each of said upper cavities has a stem portion and a cavity portion, said cavity portion having a cross-section greater than a cross-section of said stem portion.

62. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 61, wherein each of the third and fourth securing members has a neck portion and a main portion extending from the neck portion, the main portion having a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the neck portion.

63. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 62, wherein the main portion of each of the third and fourth securing members has a cross-section of rectangular configuration.

64. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 62, wherein said neck portions of said third and fourth securing members fit within said stem portion of said upper chamber and said main portions of said third and fourth securing members fit within said chamber portion of said upper chamber.

65. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 62, wherein said neck portions of said third and fourth securing members are of similar configuration to the stem portion of said upper chamber and said main portions of said third and fourth securing members are of similar configuration to the chamber portion of said upper chamber.

66. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 55, wherein the resilient body has a first flange extending from the first portion, wherein the third securing member extends from the first flange, and the resilient body has a second flange extending from the second portion, wherein the fourth securing member extends from the second flange.

67. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 66, wherein the tonneau cover device defines a width-direction axis adapted to extend along a width of the vehicle, and the first flange extends from the first portion of the resilient body in a first direction transverse to the width-direction axis, and the second flange extends from the second portion of the resilient body in a second direction transverse to the width-direction axis, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.

68. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 67, wherein the tonneau cover device defines a longitudinal axis adapted to run a length of the vehicle, and the first and second directions extend along the longitudinal axis, and the third securing member extends from the first flange in a third direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the widthwise axis, and the fourth securing member extends from the second flange in a fourth direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the widthwise axis.

69. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 68, wherein the third direction defines a first vertical axis and the fourth direction defines a second vertical axis, wherein the first securing member is aligned with the third securing member along the first vertical axis and the second securing member is aligned with the fourth securing member along the second vertical axis.

70. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 66, wherein the first and second flanges are integral with the resilient body.

71. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 66, wherein the third securing member is integral with the first flange and the fourth securing member is integral with the second flange.

72. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 66, wherein each of the first and second securing members has a circular configuration, an elliptical configuration, a quadrilateral configuration, and combinations thereof.

73. The tonneau cover device of claim 55, wherein the tonneau cover device defines a widthwise axis adapted to be along a width of the vehicle, and further comprising a seal extending along the widthwise axis, wherein the seal is disposed below the resilient body between the first and second securing members.

74. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 73, wherein the seal is coupled to one of the adjacent panels and the seal abuts the other of the adjacent panels.

75. The tonneau cover device as defined in claim 55, wherein the hinge is one of a plurality of hinges and the plurality of panels comprises:

a first panel for covering the first side of the panel,

a second panel spaced apart from the first panel,

a third panel pivotably coupled to the second panel,

a spacer bar disposed between the first panel and the second panel, an

A hinge assembly having a fifth panel disposed between the second panel and the spacer bar,

wherein the other of the hinges is mounted to the first panel and the spacer bar to enable the first panel to pivot relative to the spacer bar, an

Wherein the other of the hinges is mounted to the spacer bar and the fifth panel and the other of the hinges is mounted to the second panel and the fifth panel to enable the second panel and the third panel as a whole to pivot relative to the spacer bar from the intermediate folded position to a final folded position above the spacer bar.