Patent ID: 6830281
Filing Date: 2004-12-14
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A powered tonneau cover actuator for power-assisted opening and closing of a tonneau cover, the tonneau cover covering an area of a vehicle bounded by spaced walls, the walls comprising a front panel, a rear panel opposite the front panel, and parallel side panels, the tonneau cover pivotally coupled at the front panel by a hinge, comprising:a track coupled to the inside surface of a side panel adjacent the rear panel distal to the hinge, the track extending at an upward angle to the horizontal and toward the hinge; 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 the tonneau cover at one end and the trolley at the other end; and a drive apparatus adapted to translate the trolley to and from a lower position distal from the hinge wherein the lift arm closes the cover to a higher position proximal the hinge wherein the lift arm opens the cover.