초록 ▼

The present invention provides a power assisted cover actuator for operating a tonneau cover for an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck. The cover is hingably coupled to a distal end of the truck bed adjacent the truck cab. The power assisted cover actuator in accordance with an embodiment o

The present invention provides a power assisted cover actuator for operating a tonneau cover for an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck. The cover is hingably coupled to a distal end of the truck bed adjacent the truck cab. The power assisted cover actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a track upon which a trolley is guided by a linear actuator. An end of an arm is pivotally coupled to the trolley and the cover. The linear actuator comprises a motor driven drive rod coupled to the trolley that extends to advance the trolley along the track from a lower position to a higher position which raises the arm to push the cover open. Retracting the drive rod reverses the direction of travel of the trolley from a higher position to a lower position lowering the arm and closing the cover.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A powered tonneau cover actuator, comprising:a track;a trolley adapted for sliding engagement with the track and adapted to traverse at least a portion of the length of the track;a lift arm pivotally coupled to a tonneau cover at a first end and the trolley at a second end; anda drive apparatus a

1. A powered tonneau cover actuator, comprising:a track;a trolley adapted for sliding engagement with the track and adapted to traverse at least a portion of the length of the track;a lift arm pivotally coupled to a tonneau cover at a first end and the trolley at a second end; anda drive apparatus adapted to translate the trolley along the track.2. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, wherein the drive apparatus comprises a linear actuator, comprising:a drive rod having a rod end adapted to couple with the trolley;a housing adapted to contain at least a portion of the drive rod in a retracted position; anda motor adapted to engage the drive rod to extend and retract at least a portion of the drive rod out of and into the housing.3. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 2, wherein the drive rod is a solid rod.4. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 2, wherein the drive rod comprises telescoping sections.5. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, further comprising a wireless, remotely controlled switch adapted to operate the drive apparatus.6. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, wherein the drive apparatus comprises:a hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston coupled to the trolley and adapted to impart forward and reverse motion thereto from a first to a second position.7. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 1, wherein the drive apparatus is adapted to stop and hold the trolley in a position along the track when the drive apparatus is not in operation.8. A powered tonneau cover actuator for pivotally opening and closing a tonneau cover about a hinge, comprising:a track;a trolley adapted for sliding engagement with the track and adapted to traverse at least a portion of the length of the track;a lift arm pivotally coupled to a tonneau cover at a first end and the trolley at a second end; anda drive apparatus adapted to translate the trolley along the track pivotally moving the tonneau cover about the hinge.9. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 8, wherein the drive apparatus comprises a linear actuator, comprising:a drive rod having a rod end adapted to couple with the trolley;a housing adapted to contain at least a portion of the drive rod in a retracted position; anda motor adapted to engage the drive rod to extend and retract at least a portion of the drive rod out of and into the housing.10. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 9, wherein the drive rod is a solid rod.11. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 9, wherein the drive rod comprises telescoping sections.12. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 8, further comprising a wireless, remotely controlled switch adapted to operate the drive apparatus.13. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 8, wherein the drive apparatus comprises:a hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston coupled to the trolley and adapted to impart forward and reverse motion thereto from a first to a second position.14. The powered tonneau cover actuator of claim 8, wherein the drive apparatus is adapted to stop and hold the trolley in a position along the track when the drive apparatus is not in operation.