Latching systems for tonneau covers
View Patent ↗The present invention is directed a tonneau system. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a tonneau system, which includes multiple frame bars interconnected by latches. At least one of latches includes a rod that is operably coupled to its main portion, which includes an opening to accommodate the rod. The rod attaches to a hook jaw that includes two openings for attaching to the truck frame. There are other embodiments as well.
1. A latch device for a tonneau system, the device comprising:
a tongue member;
a main portion directly attached to the tongue member, the main portion consisting of an opening and a cover;
a groove member directly attached to the main portion;
a rod including a semi-cylindrical portion and a threaded portion, the semi-cylindrical portion being configured within the opening and positioned behind the cover;
a hook jaw including a first hook opening and a second hook opening and a hole, a portion of the rod being configured within the hole; and
a knob screwed onto the threaded portion of the rod.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the tongue member is integrally attached to the main portion.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the groove member is integrally attached to the main portion.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the groove member is shaped to fit a groove of a frame bar.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the hook jaw comprises aluminum or steel material.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the first hook opening is capable of withstanding at least 7000N.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the second hook opening is capable of withstanding at least 5000N.
8. A tonneau system comprising:
a frame bar comprising a groove;
a cross bar configured substantially perpendicular relative to the frame bar, the cross bar comprising a first opening;
a latch device comprises:
a tongue member inserted into the first opening;
a groove member configured inside the groove;
a main portion integrally attached to the tongue member and the groove member, the main portion comprising a second opening;
a rod comprising a semi-cylindrical portion and a threaded portion, the semi-cylindrical portion being positioned within the second opening;
a hook jaw including a first opening and a second opening; and
a knob being screwed onto the threaded portion.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the tongue member is non-metal.
10. The system of claim 8 further comprising a buffer attached to the frame bar.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the buffer provides a water seal.
12. The system of claim 10 wherein the buffer comprises rubber material.
13. A tonneau system comprising:
a frame bar comprising a groove and a buffer;
a cross bar comprising a first opening;
a latch device comprises:
a tongue member inserted into the first opening;
a groove member configured inside the groove;
a main portion integrally attached to the tongue member and the groove member, the main portion comprising a second opening;
a rod comprising a semi-cylindrical portion and a threaded portion, the semi-cylindrical portion being positioned within the second opening;
a hook jaw including a first opening and a second opening; and
a knob being screwed onto the threaded portion.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the first opening is attachable to a truck frame.
15. The system of claim 13 wherein the first opening is capable of withstanding at least 7000N.
16. A tonneau system comprising:
a frame bar comprising a side groove and a bottom grove;
a buffer coupled to the frame bar via the bottom groove, the buffer comprises a weather seal strip;
a cross bar comprising a first opening;
a latch device comprises:
a tongue member inserted into the first opening;
a groove member configured inside the groove;
a main portion integrally attached to the tongue member and the groove member, the groove member being coupled to the side groove of the frame bar, the main portion comprising a second opening;
a rod comprising a semi-cylindrical portion and a threaded portion, the semi-cylindrical portion being positioned within the second opening;
a hook jaw including a first opening and a second opening; and
a knob being screwed onto the threaded portion.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the hook jaw further comprises a third opening.
18. The system of claim 16 wherein the main portion further comprises a cover enclosing the second opening.