Patent Publication Number: US-2023158871-A1

Title: Tonneau system for use with a pickup truck

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/572,616, filed Jan. 10, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/826,939, filed Mar. 23, 2020, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/771,957, filed Apr. 27, 2018, which is a § 371 national stage application of PCT/CA2016/051247, filed Oct. 28, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/248,831, filed Oct. 30, 2015. The entire contents of each of above referenced applications is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The following relates generally to tonneau covers. In particular, the following relates to a tonneau system for use with a pickup truck. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the invention, a tonneau system for use with a cargo box of a pickup truck is provided. The cargo box typically includes opposing first and second sidewalls and also includes a front sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at one end thereof and a rear sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at another end thereof. The tonneau system includes: a first side rail configured to be respectively mounted to the first sidewall of the cargo box; a second side rail configured to be respectively mounted to the second sidewall of the cargo box; a tonneau cover having at least two tonneau sections including a first tonneau section and a second tonneau section, the tonneau sections being moveable relative to one another between an unfolded state and a folded state, in the unfolded state the tonneau sections substantially covering the cargo box, in the folded state the tonneau sections being arranged in a stack with the tonneau sections arranged one atop another, the first tonneau section being the tonneau section located closest to the front sidewall of the cargo box in the unfolded state; and the stack of tonneau sections being pivotally connected to at least one of the first and second side rails by a pivot connection, the pivot connection including first and second portions being moveable between secure and release positions, in the secure position the stack being retainingly engaged with the first and second side rails, in the release position the stack being removably engaged with the first and second side rails whereby the stack is removable from the cargo box while the first and second side rails remain mounted therewith. 
     In another aspect, one of the first and second portions is mounted to the stack and the other of the first and second portions is mounted to the first side rail. 
     In a further aspect, one of the first and second portions is mounted to the first tonneau section of the stack and the other of the first and second portions is mounted to the first side rail. 
     In an additional aspect, the first portion is a pin and the second portion includes a pin slot, the pin being received in the pin slot. 
     In another aspect, the pin projects from a side of the first tonneau section that is located immediately adjacent to the first side rail when the tonneau cover is in the unfolded position. 
     In a further aspect, the first and second side rails each include a top side and a lateral side, the lateral sides of the first and second side rails being located generally opposite from one another when the first and second side rails are mounted to the first and second sidewalls of the cargo box, the top side of the first and second side rails facing out of the cargo box when the first and second side rails are mounted to the first and second sidewalls of the cargo box, the pin slot is provided in the first side rail and includes a top opening formed in the top side of the first side rail, the pin slot further including a channel extending from the top opening. 
     In an additional aspect, the channel is open on the lateral side of the first side rail. 
     In another aspect, at least a portion of the pin has a cross-section of a non-round shape presenting a different width in a direction of the top opening in each of the secure position and the release position, at least a portion of the top opening having a width corresponding to the width of the non-round shape in the release position whereby the pin in the release position can pass through the top opening and the stack of tonneau sections removed from the side rails. 
     In a further aspect, the width of the non-round shape in the release position is smaller than the width of the non-round shape in the secure position. 
     In an additional aspect, the non-round shape is provided as a protrusion of the pin. 
     In another aspect, the protrusion is on an end of the pin 
     In a further aspect, the non-round shape is provided as a flat protrusion of the pin. 
     In an additional aspect, adjacent to the non-round shape the pin is provided with a cross-section having a round shape. 
     In another aspect, the non-round shape is provided as a protrusion of the pin. 
     In a further aspect, the channel extends along a length of the first side rail. 
     In an additional aspect, the pin is slidingly received within the channel. 
     In another aspect, the stack of tonneau sections is pivotally connected to each of the first and second side rails by a pivot connection. 
     In a further aspect, the secure position of the pivot connection, the first tonneau section is generally parallel to a plane defined by the first and second side rails. 
     In an additional aspect, in the secure position of the pivot connection, the first tonneau section is horizontal oriented. 
     In another aspect, in the release position of the pivot connection, the first tonneau section is generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and second side rails. 
     In a further aspect, in the release position of the pivot connection, the first tonneau section is vertically oriented. 
     In an additional aspect, the pivot connection is spaced apart from an end of the at least one of the first and second side rails. 
     In another aspect, the tonneau sections are one of rigid and flexible. 
     In a further aspect, the first side rail includes a locking bracket moveable along the first side rail between an open position and a locking position, in the locking position the locking bracket engaging one of the first and second portions. 
     In an additional aspect, the first portion is a pin and the second portion includes a pin slot, the pin being received in the pin slot and the locking bracket engaging the pin in the locking position. 
     In another aspect, the locking bracket includes a locking slot, the locking slot engaging the pin in the locking position. 
     In a further aspect, the locking bracket is biased between the open position and the locking position. 
     In an additional aspect, the locking bracket includes a protuberance and the first side rail includes at least two indentations, the locking bracket being secured in the open positon by the protuberance engaging one of the indentations and being secured in the locking position by the protuberance engaging the other of the indentations. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, a tonneau system for use with a pickup truck is provided, the tonneau system including: a tonneau cover, comprising: a plurality of rigid tonneau sections, the plurality having at least a first tonneau section and a second tonneau section; a first hinge system coupling the first tonneau section to the second tonneau section, enabling stacking and expanding of the first tonneau section relative to the second tonneau section; and a frame, comprising a first side rail securable to a first side of a cargo box of a pickup truck and a second side rail securable to a second side of the cargo box of the pickup truck, the frame being pivotally connected to the first tonneau section distal to the first hinge system; at least one latch releasably securing the tonneau cover to the first side rail and to the second side rail and, when released, enables the stacked tonneau sections to depend into the cargo box. 
     The tonneau system may further comprise at least a second hinge system coupling a third tonneau section to the second tonneau section along an edge of the second tonneau section spaced apart from the first hinge system. 
     The first hinge system may comprise a piano hinge. The second hinge system may comprise a pair of piano hinges coupling a spacer member between the second tonneau section and the third tonneau section. 
     The first side rail and the second side rail may each comprise a pin slot, and the first tonneau section may have a pair of pins projecting therefrom at each side thereof, the pins being received in the pin slots to provide the pivotal connection of the frame to the first tonneau section. 
     The pin slots may comprise a notched top opening and a generally rearward-sloping channel. 
     A cap may be removably securable to the pin slots to prevent the pair of pins from being removed from the pin slots. 
     The pins may each comprise a flat protrusion that cooperate with the pin slots to prevent removal of the first tonneau section from the side rails when the first tonneau section is in an extended position. 
     The flat protrusions may cooperate with the pin slots to permit removal of the first tonneau section from the side rails when the first tonneau section is in a vertical position. 
     The at least one latch may comprise a catch secured to the side rail and a latchbolt extending from the first tonneau section. 
     The latchbolt may be disposed upon a flange extending from a bottom surface of the first tonneau section. 
     The latchbolt may comprise an actuator causing movement of a cable coupled to the latchbolts, wherein actuating the actuator causes a release of the latchbolt from the catch to permit free pivotal movement of the tonneau system. 
     A tonneau section distal from the first tonneau section may have a pair of latches projecting therefrom at each side thereof, the latches being securable to the side rails to retain the tonneau system in an extended position. 
     The at least one latch may comprise a catch secured to the side rail and a latchbolt extending from the tonneau section. 
     The latchbolt may be disposed upon a flange extending from a bottom surface of the tonneau section. 
     The latchbolt may comprise an actuator causing movement of a cable coupled to the latchbolts, wherein actuating the actuator causes a release of the latchbolt from the catch to permit pivoting of the tonneau section. 
     The pivotal connection may permit pivoting the tonneau cover upwards or downwards relative to the frame when the tonneau cover is in a nested position. 
     The tonneau system may further comprise a pair of struts pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the first tonneau section, the struts coupleable to the side rails to maintain the stacked tonneau sections in a generally upright position above the cargo box. 
     The tonneau system may further comprise a dead panel in fixed relationship to the frame, the dead panel being pivotally coupled to the first tonneau section and having a cable-activated release mechanism to permit the first tonneau section to be selectively pivoted thereto. 
     At least one tonneau section may comprise a solar panel disposed on the top surface thereof, and the tonneau system couples the solar panel to a battery to store power generated therefrom. 
     Each tonneau section may be coupled by an electrical cabling system comprising a cable extending from a sheath, wherein the cable is decoupleable to permit removal or replacement of the respective tonneau section. 
     Each tonneau section and spacers separating each tonneau section may comprise electrical contacts disposed along edges thereof to permit electrical coupling among the tonneau sections. 
     The electrical contacts may be spring-loaded pins. 
     The frame may comprise a utility track along the top surface of at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail thereof to permit an attachment to be secured thereto. 
     The frame may comprise a utility track along the inner side surface of at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail thereof to permit an attachment to be secured thereto. 
     The frame may comprise a first utility track along the top surface of at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail and a second utility track along the inner side surface of the at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail thereof, to permit an attachment to be secured simultaneously to the first utility track and the second utility track. 
     These and other aspects are contemplated and described herein. It will be appreciated that the foregoing summary sets out representative aspects of a tonneau system to assist skilled readers in understanding the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A greater understanding of the embodiments will be had with reference to the Figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a tonneau system for use with a pickup truck in accordance with one embodiment thereof; 
         FIG.  2   a    is a top perspective view of the tonneau cover and frame of the tonneau system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  2   b    is a bottom perspective view of the tonneau cover and frame of  FIG.  2     a;    
         FIG.  3    shows a left side view of the tonneau cover  28  of  FIG.  2     a;    
         FIG.  4    shows a portion of a side railing of the frame of  FIG.  1    having a slot for receiving the tonneau cover; 
         FIG.  5    shows a portion of a pivot pin of the tonneau cover of  FIG.  1    to be received by the slot of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    shows the slot of a side rail of  FIG.  4    having received the pivot pin of  FIG.  5    of the tonneau cover in a stacked state; 
         FIG.  7    shows the orientation of the pin of  FIG.  5    relative to the slot of  FIG.  4    when the tonneau cover is in an expanded state covering the cargo box of the pickup truck; 
         FIG.  8    shows a sectional view of the side rail at line A-A in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    shows a sectional view of the side rail at line B-B in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10    shows a latch between a front-most tonneau section and the side rail of  FIG.  2    in an open position as the stacked tonneau sections are being pivoted up out of the cargo box of the pickup truck; 
         FIG.  11    shows the latch of  FIG.  10    after engagement; 
         FIG.  12    shows the tonneau cover in a stacked state after engagement of the latch as shown in  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  13    shows an end view of a portion of a side rail and a catch of another latch for releasably securing the tonneau cover to the side rail of the frame; 
         FIG.  14    shows a bottom perspective view of the latch of  FIG.  13    after engagement; 
         FIG.  15    shows the tonneau cover of  FIG.  1    in a stacked state and depending into the cargo box of the pickup truck; 
         FIG.  16    shows the tonneau cover of  FIG.  1    in a stacked state and oriented vertically above the cargo box of the pickup truck; 
         FIG.  17    shows the position and orientation of the pin of the tonneau cover inside the slot of  FIG.  4    when the tonneau cover is stacked and oriented vertically as shown in  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    shows a side view of the stacked tonneau cover oriented vertically out of the cargo box of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  19    shows the stacked tonneau cover being propped above the cargo box via a pair of struts; 
         FIG.  20    shows a tonneau system similar to that of  FIG.  1   , wherein solar panels are positioned at the top surfaces of the tonneau cover sections; 
         FIG.  21    shows an electrical coupling system for the tonneau cover sections of  FIG.  20   ; 
         FIG.  22    shows a schematic view of the power collection and conversion system of the tonneau system of  FIG.  20   ; 
         FIG.  23    shows an electrical coupling system for the tonneau cover sections of  FIG.  20    in an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG.  24    shows a tonneau system in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the front latch is further forward than that of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  25    shows a side rail for a tonneau system wherein the slot is diagonally sloped forward and down; 
         FIG.  26    is a sectional view of a side rail similar to that of  FIG.  8    in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the side rail is clamped to a horizontal portion of the side wall of the cargo box; 
         FIG.  27    shows an exemplary fastener for maintaining the tonneau system in a nested stacked arrangement; and 
         FIG.  28    shows a bottom view of an alternative tonneau cover arrangement in which a dead panel is provided ahead of the first tonneau section. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
     Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. 
     The following provides a tonneau system for use with a pickup truck. The described tonneau system includes a tonneau cover, a frame, and at least one latch. The tonneau cover has a plurality of tonneau sections. The plurality of tonneau sections has at least a first tonneau section and a second tonneau section. In the following description, a third tonneau section is also included. In the following description, the section referred to as the first tonneau section is the one most closely abutting the truck cab. 
     A first hinge system couples the first tonneau section to the second tonneau section, enabling stacking and expanding of the first tonneau section relative to the second tonneau section. A second hinge system couples the second tonneau section to the third tonneau section, enabling stacking and expanding of the second tonneau section and third tonneau section, when stacked, relative to the first tonneau section. When installed on a pickup truck, the frame has a first side rail secured to a first side of a cargo box of a pickup truck and a second side rail secured to a second side of the cargo box of the pickup truck. The frame is pivotally connected to the first tonneau section distal to the first hinge system. The at least one latch releasably secures the tonneau cover to the first side rail and to the second side rail. When the at least one latch is released, the stacked tonneau sections are permitted to depend into the cargo box. In preferred embodiments, this prevents or mitigates blockage of the rearview window of the pickup cab. 
     An exemplary tonneau system  20  for use with a pickup truck  24  is shown in  FIG.  1   . The tonneau system  20  includes a tonneau cover  28  covering a cargo box of the pickup truck  24 . The tonneau cover  28  is secured in an unfolded (expanded) state to a frame that includes two side rails  32  that are secured to the side walls of the cargo box. A back edge  36  of the tonneau cover  28  lies adjacent a tail gate of the cargo box. A utility rack  40  is optionally secured to front end of each of the side rails  32  for securing large apparatus such as ladders thereto. 
       FIGS.  2   a ,  2   b   , and  3  show the tonneau cover  28  and frame  38  of the tonneau system  20  in more detail. The tonneau cover  28  can have a plurality of sections, but in the illustrated example, has four tonneau sections  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c , and  44   d . The number of sections can be determined by designing the sections so that they are no longer than the height of the truck bed for reasons that will become apparent. It is possible that the sections can be slightly longer than such height depending on the location of a hinge member on the section closest to the truck cab, again for reasons that will become apparent. 
     The tonneau sections  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c , and  44   d  have hinge systems there between to pivotally couple them. The hinge systems in this embodiment are piano hinges and spacer members used to enable nested stacking of the tonneau sections  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c , and  44   d  one atop another forming a stack  45  as seen in  FIG.  12   . In particular, a first spacer member  48   a  pivotally couples the tonneau section  44   a  that is closest to the front of the cargo box when deployed and the adjacent tonneau section  44   b  via piano hinges  50 . A second spacer member  48   b  pivotally couples the tonneau section  44   b  to the adjacent tonneau section  44   c  via piano hinges  50 . The tonneau section  44   c  is pivotally coupled to the rear-most tonneau section  44   d  via piano hinge  50 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the tonneau sections  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c , and  44   d  and the spacer members  48   a  and  48   b  are constructed from aluminum panels housing a honeycomb structure therein to provide rigidity. Rubber or other suitable wipers, gaskets or sealing mechanisms (not shown) may be provided in between the tonneau sections and spacer members to prevent liquid ingress to the truck bed. Similarly, suitable wipers, gaskets or sealing mechanisms  96  may be provided between the frame side rails  32  and the tonneau cover  28  to prevent liquid ingress. 
     The frame  38  includes a front cross member  52  spanning the two side rails  32  at a front end thereof. The front end is adjacent the truck cab when the tonneau system is placed upon a truck bed. 
     A pin slot  56  is located along each side rail  32  for receiving a pin  58  projecting from each side of the tonneau section  44   a  distal from the first spacer member  48   a.    
     A utility track  60  is located along the top of each side rail  32 . The utility track  60  enables various attachments to be secured to the side rail  32  for securing tools, tool boxes, and the like thereto. The utility track  60  may be vented by one or more apertures along a rear and/or bottom surface thereof to permit water to drain from the utility track  60 . 
     A pair of front latches  64  secures the tonneau section  44   a  at a rear end thereof to the side rails  32  to retain the first tonneau section in an extended position. A pair of rear latches  68  secures the tonneau section  44   d  at a rear end thereof to the side rails  32  to retain the tonneau cover as a whole in an extended position. 
     An alternative embodiment is shown in  FIG.  28   , in which a dead panel  702  is provided ahead of the first tonneau section  44   a . In this case, a hinge  704  couples the dead panel  702  to the first tonneau section  44   a  so that the first tonneau section  44   a  can be pivoted into the bed during use. The dead panel is fixed in orientation to the frame, for example being integrated therein or fastened thereto. 
       FIG.  4    shows the pin slot  56  of the left side rail  32  having a notched top opening  72  and a generally rearward-sloping channel. The right side rail  32  has a corresponding pin slot  56  with a similar notched top opening  72  and a generally rearward-sloping channel. 
       FIG.  5    shows a pin  58  located on a left side of the tonneau section  44   a  that is received by the pin slot  56  of  FIG.  4   . The pin  58  has a flat protrusion  80 . A cap  71  may be removably engaged to the top of the notched top opening  72  to retain the pin  58  in the slot  56  for further securing the pin from sliding out of the side rail  32  during operation. The cap  71  is a thin plate  73  that has a protrusion  75 , allowing it to slide over the side opening of the notched top opening  72 , preventing the tonneau cover&#39;s pin  58  from sliding out of the rail  32  during operation. 
     In another embodiment, the protrusion  80  of the pin  58  may be round to permit easier removal of the pin  58  from the slot  56 . It will be appreciated that it is possible to remove the tonneau cover  28  altogether and utilize the frame with the pin slot  56  to engage a third party cover for the truck bed. For example, a soft cover or other device could be adapted to fit the frame. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , when the tonneau section  44   a  and pin  58  are oriented vertically, the flat protrusion  80  of the pin  58  is received by the notched top opening  72  of the slot  58  to allow the pin  58  to enter the channel of the pin slot  56 . 
       FIG.  7    shows the tonneau section  44   a  oriented horizontally after insertion of the pins  58  through the notched top opening  72  into the pin slots  56  of the side rails  32 . As will be understood, upward lifting of the tonneau section  44   a  is prohibited by abutting of the flat protrusion  80  of the pin  58  against the notched top opening  72  of the pin slot  56 , thereby securing the front of the tonneau section  44   a  to the side rail  32 . 
     As will be appreciated, by reorienting the tonneau cover  28  such that tonneau section  44   a  is disposed vertically relative to the side rails  32 , as shown in  FIG.  6   , when it is deployed on the pickup truck  24 , the tonneau cover  28  can be removed from the pickup truck  24 , thus providing full access to the cargo box. The tonneau cover  28  can then be stored elsewhere or in the cargo box until required again. 
       FIG.  8    shows a cross section of the right side rail  32  atop a sidewall  82  of the cargo box of the pickup truck  24  at line A-A in  FIG.  1   . As shown, the side rail  32  has a utility track  60  along a top edge thereof. The side rail  32  is clamped along a vertical portion  84  thereof to the sidewall  82  of the pickup truck  24  by a clamp  86 . A side utility track  88  is positioned along the vertical portion  84  to enable various attachments to be secured to the side rail  32  inside the cargo box for securing tools, tool boxes, and the like thereto. The attachments are generally additional components to be mounted inside the cargo box or to allow secondary mounting for accessories that require additional support like seating or items that will hold heavy cargo loads. Attachments may be securable to either or both of the side utility track  88  and the utility track  60  so that the utility tracks  60 ,  88  can accept independent accessories (one thing mounted to the top and a separate thing mounted to the inside) or one item that mounts in both slots simultaneously for additional support/rigidity. The inner utility track ends at the tonneau section  44   a  so that the tonneau cover can pass through to depend into the cargo bed without being obstructed by the inner utility track. 
     The side utility track  88  may be vented by one or more apertures along a rear and/or bottom surface thereof to permit water to drain from the inner utility track  88 . 
     A tonneau rest  92  projects perpendicularly from the vertical portion  84  to provide a horizontal support for the tonneau cover  28 . A sealing strip  96  is adhered to the upper part of the vertical portion  84  of the side rail and along the top surface of the tonneau rest  92  to provide a water-resistant seal and to dampen movement of the tonneau cover  28  during travel of the pickup truck  24 . A flexible upper lip  100  of the tonneau cover  28  helps cover the gap between the tonneau cover  28  and the side rail  32 . 
       FIG.  9    shows a cross section of the right side rail  32  atop of the sidewall  82  of the cargo box of the pickup truck  24  at line B-B in  FIG.  1   . As shown, the side utility track  88  and tonneau rest  92  continue from the back end of the side rail  32  until just before the back edge of the tonneau section  44   a  when the tonneau section  44  is oriented horizontally. The profile of the side rail  32  further front from that is as shown in  FIG.  9   . The tonneau cover  28  does not rest on a horizontal surface at the front end of the side rail  32 . 
       FIGS.  10  and  11    show the tonneau cover  28  being pivoted about the pin  58  in the pin slot  56  from a position in which the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  depends generally vertically into the cargo box to a generally horizontal position. To achieve the vertical orientation of the nested stacked tonneau cover, a latch and catch system may be used. Referring now to  FIG.  10   , the front latches  64  include a catch  104  secured to the side utility track  88  and a latchbolt  108  on a flange  112  extending from a rear bottom surface of the tonneau section  44   a . The latchbolt  108  includes an actuator  114  to which a cable is fastened. The cable is then fastened to the actuator  114  of the corresponding latchbolt  108  on the other side of the tonneau section  44   a . Pulling the cable releases the latchbolts  108  from the catches  104  to permit free pivotal movement of the nested stacked tonneau cover  28 . The actuating of the actuator may be accomplished by hand or electrically. 
     As shown, the tonneau cover  28  has clearance  90  from the forward end of the inner side utility track  88  when nested and stacked to pivot about the pin  58  from a position in which it depends generally vertically in the cargo box to a position in which the tonneau cover  28  is generally horizontal and above the cargo box. 
       FIG.  11    shows the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  in a horizontal orientation with the front latch  64  engaged to restrict pivoting of the nested stacked tonneau cover  28 . 
       FIG.  12    shows the horizontal position of the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  when the front latches  64  are engaged. The front latches  64  are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the tonneau cover  28  thereon. 
       FIG.  13    shows the rear end of the left side rail  32 . A catch  116  of the rear latch  68  is shown secured to the side utility track  88 . 
       FIG.  14    shows the underside of the tonneau cover  28  wherein a latchbolt  120  of the tonneau section  44   d  is engaged with the catch  116  to secure the tonneau cover  28  in a fully extended and horizontal position in which it covers the cargo box of the pickup truck  24 . In this extended horizontal position, the rear three tonneau sections  44   b ,  44   c , and  44   d  rest atop of the tonneau rests  92  of the side rails  32 . Like the latchbolt  108 , the latchbolt  120  includes an actuator  122  to which a cable is fastened. The cable is then fastened to the actuator  122  of the corresponding latchbolt  120  on the other side of the tonneau section  44   d.    
     In order to put the tonneau cover  28  into the nested stacked horizontal position shown in  FIG.  12   , the cable between latchbolts  120  is pulled to release the latchbolts  120  from the catches  116 . Once the rear latches  68  are released, the tonneau section  44   d  can be pivoted upward and forward about the hinge  50  into a stacked position atop of the tonneau section  44   c . Stacked tonneau sections  44   c  and  44   d  can then be pivoted upward and forward about the second spacer member  48   b  into a stacked position atop of the tonneau section  48   b . Similarly, nested stacked tonneau sections  44   b ,  44   c , and  44   d  can be pivoted upward and forward about the first spacer member  48   a  into a stacked position atop of the tonneau section  48   a , which is locked in a horizontal position via the front latches  64 . 
     Releasing the front latches  64  allows the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  to be pivoted downward so that it depends into the cargo box, as shown in  FIG.  15   . As the pivot axis  59  of the pin  58  and pin slot  56  are close to the front edge of the cargo box, the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  tucks into the cargo box proximal to a front wall of the cargo box. Thus, in this manner, the tonneau cover  28  can be first stacked in a nested manner above the cargo box in a first position and then pivoted into the cargo box in a second position at the front edge thereof, thereby requiring little clearance inside the cargo box proximal to the front edge thereof. When the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  is pivoted down into the cargo box, it only occupies about a foot of cargo room at the front of the cargo box. 
     Alternatively, when the front latch  64  is released, the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  can be pivoted upwards and forwards to provide access to the cargo box, as shown in  FIG.  16   . 
       FIG.  17    shows the position and orientation of the pin  58  of the tonneau section  44   a  relative to the pin slot  56  when the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  pivoted vertically upwards above the cargo box. 
       FIG.  18    shows a side view of the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  when oriented vertically above the cargo box. As shown, the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  nests inside the utility rack  40  in this position. 
       FIG.  19    shows a pair of struts  128  pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the tonneau section  44   a  that can be snap connected to locations along the side rails  32  to maintain the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  in a generally upright position above the cargo box to provide access to cargo stored at the front end of the cargo box. When no longer required, the struts  128  are unsnapped from the side rails  32  so that the nested stacked tonneau cover  28  is free to pivot. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  28   , a dead panel  702  in fixed relationship to the rails has one or more locking hinges  704  that are activated by cables  706 , that allow the cover  28  to rotate upwards or downwards and locking at various angles, e.g., in 45 degree increments. 
     While in the above-described embodiment, the tonneau sections are primarily made of an aluminum shell housing a honeycomb structure, it can be desirable to modify their structure in certain scenarios. 
       FIG.  20    shows a tonneau system  200  in accordance with another embodiment that is similar to the previously described embodiment and illustrated in  FIGS.  1  to  19   , wherein solar panels  218  are installed on the top surface of a tonneau cover  204 . Preferably the panels  218  are fastened, for example with screws or bolts and nuts, to be easily removable for service, repair, or upgrades. For example, solar panels can be interchanged with metal panels to add or remove solar function. The tonneau cover  204  rests between a pair of side rails  208 . Like the tonneau cover  28  shown in  FIG.  1   , the tonneau cover  204  includes four tonneau sections  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c , and  212   d . The tonneau sections  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c , and  212   d  have hinge systems there between to pivotally couple them. The hinge systems are piano hinges and spacer members  216   a  and  216   b  are used to enable nested stacking of the tonneau sections  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c , and  212   d  one atop another. In particular, a first spacer member  216   a  pivotally couples the tonneau section  212   a  that is closest to the front of the cargo box when deployed and the adjacent tonneau section  212   b  via piano hinges. A second spacer member  216   b  pivotally couples the tonneau section  212   b  to the adjacent tonneau section  212   c  via piano hinges. The tonneau section  212   c  is pivotally coupled to the rear-most tonneau section  212   d  via a piano hinge. 
     The tonneau section  212   a  and the spacer members  216   a  and  216   b  are constructed from aluminum panels housing a honeycomb structure therein to provide rigidity. The tonneau sections  212   b ,  212   c , and  212   d  are constructed having solar panels  218  along their top surfaces. 
     A utility rack  220  has a brake light aperture  224  along a top bar thereof to enable visibility of the brake light at the top of the rear of the cabin when the tonneau system  200  is deployed thereon. 
     In order to transfer power generated from each solar panel  218  in tonneau sections  212   b ,  212   c , and  212   d , the solar panels  218  are coupled to a battery that stores the power. 
       FIG.  21    shows the electrical cabling system employed with the tonneau cover  204 . A plug  228  on the bottom of tonneau section  212   d  adjacent the front edge thereof receives a cable  232  that extends from a sheath  236  on the bottom surface of the tonneau section  212   c  adjacent a rear edge thereof. The cable  232  is rigid enough to resist bunching and pinching between the tonneau sections  212   c ,  212   d  when they abut one another in an expanded state. The sheath  236  extends into the tonneau section  212   c  and is sufficiently long enough to permit compression of the cable  232  therein when the tonneau section  212   d  is stacked atop of the tonneau section  212   c . The cable  232  can be unplugged from the plug  228  to permit disassembly of the tonneau cover  204 , for example, to replace a tonneau section having a faulty solar panel. Such cabling and connections are employed between tonneau sections  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c , and  212   d  and spacer members  216   a  and  216   b . As will be understood, the slack length of the cable  232  between tonneau sections  212   c ,  212   b ,  212   a  and spacer members  216   b ,  216   a  is not as great as between the tonneau section  212   c  and the tonneau section  212   d.    
     Each solar panel  218  may require its own cable to the battery. As a result, there may be two cables  232  between the tonneau section  212   c  and the tonneau section  212   b , and three cables  232  between the tonneau section  212   b  and the tonneau section  212   a.    
       FIG.  22    is a schematic diagram of the power elements of the tonneau system  200  relative to a pickup truck  240  in which it is deployed. An inlet plug  244  can receive three cables from the tonneau section  212   a . The cables are sufficiently long to permit pivoting of the tonneau cover  204  when stacked in a nested manner. The inlet plug  244  has a cable  248  extending back between the side rail  208  and the sidewall of the cargo box of the pickup truck  240 . The cable  248  extends to a battery  252  in a retaining basket secured to a side utility track of the side rail  208 . The battery  252  receives the power generated by the solar panels  218  and stores it. A transformer outlet  256  is coupled to the battery  252  for drawing power therefrom, converting it to alternating current, and powering a set of power outlets, such as a standard 220 volt household outlet, a USB port, etc. In this way, tools can be charged using solar power when they are not being used and when the tonneau cover  204  is extended to cover the cargo box of the pickup truck  240 . 
       FIG.  23    shows a variation of the tonneau system of  FIG.  20   , wherein, a tonneau cover  300  does not employ external cabling between tonneau sections  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c , and  304   d . Instead, a set of spring-loaded pins  312  along a front edge of each tonneau section  304  or spacer member  308  are urged towards a set of contacts  316  along a rear edge of an adjacent tonneau section  304  or spacer member  308 . The number of sets of spring-loaded pins  312  and contacts  316  is increased from one set between the tonneau section  304   d  and the tonneau section  304   c  to two sets between the tonneau section  304   c , the spacer member  308   b , and the tonneau section  304   b , to three sets between the tonneau section  304   b , the spacer member  308   a , and the tonneau section  304   a . Further, such sets of spring-loaded pins  312  and contacts  316  can be employed between the tonneau section  304   a  and a front cross-member of a frame. Use of such spring-loaded pins and contacts avoids issues with the physical wearing of external cables that are articulated regularly. 
       FIG.  24    shows an alternative configuration of a tonneau system  400 . A frame  402  of the tonneau system  400  has two side rails  404  that include tonneau rests  408 . A tonneau cover has tonneau sections  412   a ,  412   b ,  412   c , and  412   d , and spacer members  416   a  and  416   b , similar to the configuration of the tonneau cover  28  of  FIG.  1   . A front latch  420  is shown under the tonneau section  412   a  forwards from its rear edge. The front latch  420  has a catch that is machined into the inside surface of the side rail  404 . The tonneau rests  408  of the side rails  404  extend forward to about the rear edge of a spacer member  416   a  to permit the tonneau cover to pivot upwards or downwards unimpededly. 
       FIG.  25    shows a side rail  500  for use with a tonneau cover, the side rail  500  having a slot  504  that is angled forward and downward. While a tonneau cover will generally remain securely therein when latched in place, a locking bracket  508  for securing a pin of the tonneau cover in place in the slot  504  is secured in a utility track  512  along the top of the side rail  500 . The locking bracket  508  can be biased between an open position, as shown, and a locking position, in which a locking slot  516  on a front edge of the locking bracket  508  can engage and secure the pin of the tonneau cover, via a ridge  520 . The locking bracket  508  is secured in the open and locking positions via a protuberance on the inside of the locking bracket and indentations on the side rail  500 . Removal of the tonneau cover is facilitated with the slot  504  as it can be pulled up and backward out of the slot  504  once the locking bracket  508  is moved to the shown open position. 
       FIG.  26    shows a side rail  600  similar to that of  FIG.  8    in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the side rail  600  has a clamping element  604  that clamps a horizontal portion of the side wall  82  of the cargo box. A rubber end  608  of the clamping element  604  is provided to reduce damage to the surface of the side wall  82  of the cargo box. 
     While certain configurations for the slot have been shown, those skilled in the art will appreciate that slots having other paths other than those shown can also be utilized. Preferably, the front of the tonneau cover cannot be lifted directly out of the slot when it is latched in, such as with a substantially vertical slot, unless additional securing means are employed to impede removal from the slot. 
     While the power elements connected to the solar panels have been described as separate from the main electrical systems of a pickup truck, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it may be advantageous to couple the solar panels electrically to the main battery of a pickup truck, especially in cases where the pickup truck is a hybrid or electrically-powered vehicle. 
     The tonneau sections may be made so as to receive either solar panels or non-solar panels, allowing customization after purchase and replacement of a solar panel unit if faulty. Access to the panels can be provided via a removable panel fastened to the underside of the tonneau sections via screws, etc. The tonneau sections can provide a frame into which the solar panels or non-solar panels can be fitted. 
     While the tonneau sections have been described as rigid above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the main panels of the tonneau sections, where not using solar panels, can be either rigid or flexible. Rigid panels for the tonneau sections can be constructed from, for example, fiberglass, plastic, or metal. Alternatively, the panels can be flexible and secured over a rigid frame. 
     Flexible panels for the tonneau sections can be made from any weather-resistant flexible material that is also resistant to wear, such as vinyl coated tarpaulin. 
     Instead of using tonneau rests along the side rails of the cargo box extending backward behind the first tonneau section, each of the other tonneau sections can also be held in a horizontal cover position via a locking mechanism such as the slam latches described above, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG.  27   , a retaining mechanism, such as a buckle or plurality of buckles, may be provided to maintain the sections in stacked orientation. The buckle  700  may comprise two portions, one  701   a  of which is secured to the first tonneau section  44   a  and the other  701   b  to either spacer  48   b  or the second tonneau section  44   b  so that closing the buckle  700  retains the third tonneau section  44   c  and fourth tonneau section  44   d  nested within an envelope created by the first tonneau section  44   a , spacer  48   a , second tonneau section  44   b  and spacer  48   b.    
     Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.