Patent ID: 6076881
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
An apparatus for supporting a tonneau cover for an open-topped vehicle enclosure, wherein the enclosure has a plurality of side walls, at least two substantially opposing ones of the side walls each having an outer wall portion, a transversely extending top wall portion, and an inner wall portion descending from the top wall portion, at least one of the side walls being movable between an open position, and a closed position, the supporting apparatus comprising:a first frame section including at least two rail members operably configured to rest upon the top wall portions of, and be substantially affixed to, the at least two substantially opposing ones of the side walls of an open-topped vehicle enclosure;a second frame section including at least two rail members operably configured to rest upon the top wall portions of the at least two substantially opposing ones of the side walls of an open-topped vehicle enclosure;the first and second frame sections being configured for having a cover member releasably attached thereto for substantially covering the vehicle enclosure;means for pivotably connecting the first and second frame sections, so that when the first frame section is substantially affixed to the at least two substantially opposing ones of the side walls of an open-topped vehicle enclosure, the second frame section may be pivotably raised to a raised position, to permit access to the enclosure, and lowered to a closed position on the side walls of the enclosure;means for releasably affixing the second frame section in a closed position, the means for releasably affixing the second frame section being operably configured so that actuation thereof is enabled only when the movable at least one side wall has been moved to its open position;means for supporting the second frame section, when the second frame section is in its raised position,the means for releasably affixing the second frame section and the means for supporting the second frame section being cooperatively associated with one another,the supporting apparatus permitting pivoting of the second frame portion, without requiring removal of a cover from the second frame section.