Patent Publication Number: US-2017361691-A1

Title: Pickup truck bed covering system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to pickup truck bed covers. In particular, pickup truck bed covers that do not require after-market modifications to the truck are described. 
     There are several type of truck bed covers (also known as Tonneau covers) that are used to protect items in the truck bed from rain, sun, wind, snow, and other harmful elements. They are also used to keep the bed contents in place and prevent them from falling out of the truck bed while the vehicle is in motion. 
     Known pickup truck bed covers are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing pickup truck bed covers require drilling holes or otherwise modifying the bed of the pickup truck in order to ensure a proper fit. In addition, conventional pickup truck bed covers require bed contents that are no higher than the side panels of the pickup truck bed, which severely limits the type of cargo one can carry. Further, if one wishes to transport items that are taller than the side panels of the truck bed (such as garbage cans or landscaping materials) the user must use a separate side wall system that requires removal of the cover. 
     Thus, there exists a need for pickup truck bed covers that improve upon and advance the design of known pickup truck bed covers. What is needed is a truck bed covering system that does not require drilling holes or otherwise making after-market modifications to the truck. What is also needed is a truck bed covering system that is capable as functioning as a bed cover and as a side wall system according to the user&#39;s needs and the type of cargo being transported. Such a covering system should be easy to install, simple to use, and cheap to manufacture. Examples of a new and useful pickup truck bed covering system relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
     The present disclosure is directed to a covering system for protecting the contents of the bed of a pickup truck. In some examples, the system is designed for use in any standard pickup truck without the need for after-market modifications to the truck. In some other examples, the system comprises a panels that are easily installed using the existing stake holes of the truck. In some further examples, the system includes ability to convert the panels to sidewalls to protect taller cargo. In still further examples, the covering system includes retaining cables, support bars, moisture protection, and a locking mechanism. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pickup truck bed covering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first example of the panels of a truck bed covering system according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the truck bed covering system shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary pickup truck bed having stake holes for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of an adjustable bar for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of a retaining cable system for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the cable retaining system according to the embodiment in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a portion of the cable retaining system according to the embodiment in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is an alternate view of the embodiment the invention shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of a plurality of stake hole assemblies for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a stake a hole assembly for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a stake a hole assembly for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of stake hole assembly for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the covering system in a closed position and also a perspective view of a moisture preventing system for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11B  is an alternative view of the moisture preventing system shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the covering system for use with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed pickup truck bed covering system will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
     Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various pickup truck bed covers are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
     The present invention functions to protect the contents of a pickup truck bed without the need for after-market modifications to the truck bed itself. It also has the capability of functioning as bed sidewalls to protect taller cargo. It comprises a two-panel system and a plurality of attachment assemblies that are designed to work within the existing stake holes of a pickup truck&#39;s bed. It also comprises adjustable bars and retaining cables to provide support for the panels when they are functioning as sidewalls. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-12 , a first example of a pickup truck bed covering system, covering system  100 , will now be described. Covering system  100  functions to protect the contents in the bed of a pickup truck. The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that covering system  100  addresses shortcomings of conventional pickup truck bed covers. Covering system  100  works with the existing components of the bed  110  of a standard pickup truck and, as shown in  FIG. 1 , comprises a truck bed cover panel system  120 , a rain guard  106 , at least two adjustable bars  150 , a retaining cable system  130 , a locking mechanism  105 , and a plurality of stake hole assemblies  160 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first example of the pickup truck bed covering system according to an embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 3  is a plan view of covering system  100 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and described in further detail in the following figures, truck bed cover panel system  120  further comprises a passenger side cover panel  125  comprising a passenger side cover panel outside  121  having a passenger side cover panel outside tailgate side top  121   a , passenger side cover panel outside cab side top  121   b , passenger side cover panel outside tailgate side bottom  121   c , and a passenger side cover panel outside cab side bottom  121   d . Similarly, truck bed cover panel system  120  further comprises a passenger side cover panel underside  122  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), having a passenger side cover panel underside tailgate side top  122   a , a passenger side cover panel underside cab side top  122   b , a passenger side cover panel underside tailgate side bottom  122   c , and a passenger side cover panel underside cab side bottom  122   d.    
     Truck bed cover panel system  120  also comprises a driver side cover panel  126  comprising a driver side cover panel outside  123  having a driver side cover panel outside tailgate side top  123   a , a driver side cover panel outside cab side top  123   b , a driver side cover panel outside tailgate side bottom  123   c , and a driver side cover panel outside cab side bottom  123   d  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). Finally, truck bed cover panel system  120  comprises a driver side cover panel underside  124  having a driver side cover panel underside tailgate side top  124   a , a driver side cover panel underside cab side top  124   b , a driver side cover panel underside tailgate side bottom  124   c , and a driver side cover panel underside cab side bottom  124   d.    
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , pickup truck bed  110  includes a pickup truck bed floor  111 , a pickup truck bed diver side wheel well  112 , pickup truck bed passenger side wheel well  113  pickup truck bed driver side panel  114 , a pickup truck bed passenger side panel  115 , a pickup truck bed cab panel  116  having a cab panel middle  116   a , and a pickup truck tailgate  117 . Pickup truck bed driver side panel  114  comprises a driver side panel tailgate side top  114   a  and a driver side panel cab side top  114   b . Similarly, pickup truck bed passenger side panel  115  comprises a passenger side panel tailgate side top  115   a  and a passenger side panel cab side top  115   b.    
     As can be seen in the plan view according to  FIG. 3 , the present embodiment of covering system  100  comprises an adjustable bar  150  positioned between passenger side cover panel underside cab side top  122   b  and driver side cover panel underside cab side top  124   b  and another adjustable bar  150  positioned between passenger side cover panel underside tailgate side top  122   a  driver side cover panel underside tailgate side top  124   a .  FIG. 3  also shows four stake hole assemblies  160  in each of four stake holes (described in further detail in  FIG. 8 ). Finally, as can be seen, retaining cable system  130  is affixed to the middle of pickup truck tailgate middle  116  as shown. 
     As mentioned above, it is an object of the present invention to function both as a truck bed cover and truck bed sidewalls. Thus, the reader will appreciate that, for the sake of simplicity, the present specification will refer to the system being in an “open” position when passenger side cover panel  125  and driver side cover panel  126  are substantially perpendicular to truck bed floor  111 . When covering system  100  is in the open position, panel system  120  functions as sidewalls for protection of taller cargo.  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8  depict covering system  100  in the open position. Similarly, the present specification will refer to the system being in a “closed” position when passenger side cover panel  125  and driver side cover panel  126  are substantially parallel to truck bed floor  111 . When covering system  100  is in the closed position, it functions to keep bed contents dry and acts as a cover.  FIGS. 11 and 12  depict covering system in the closed position. Thus, in the open position, driver side cover panel  126  and passenger side cover panel  125  are substantially perpendicular to truck bed floor  111  and adjustable bar  150  may be positioned substantially between, and perpendicular to, driver side panel  114  and passenger side panel  115  as shown. In the closed position are substantially parallel to driver side panel  114  and passenger side panel  115  may be folded inward respectively such that they form a cover (discussed in further detail below). 
     Finally, the present figure shows tailgate  117  to be in a lowered position, however it should be understood that covering system  100  is designed to function with or without tailgate  117  and whether tailgate  117  is raised or lowered. 
     As mentioned above, covering system  100  is designed to work with the bed of a standard pickup truck.  FIG. 4 , then, is a perspective view of an exemplary pickup truck bed  110  for use with an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, in the present embodiment, pickup truck bed  110  comprises a driver side cab stake hole  101 , a driver side tailgate stake hole  102 , a passenger side cab stake hole  104 , and a passenger side tailgate stake hole  104 . It should be understood that it is an object of the present invention that covering system  100  is capable of being used in any standard pickup truck that is equipped with at least four stake holes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a plan view of adjustable bar  150  in use within covering system  100  is shown and described. When in use, adjustable bar  150  may function to provide additional support and to secure truck bed cover panel system  120  in an open position as shown. In the present embodiment, covering system  100  comprises two adjustable bar  150  by way of example only. It should be understood that the user may employ more or less adjustable bar  150  according to his or her specific needs. Thus, if the user wishes to employ a third or fourth adjustable bar  150  for additional stability of covering system  100  in the open position, he or she may do so by simply attaching additional adjustable bar  150  in a manner similar to that described below. Similarly, if the user wishes to use only one adjustable bar  150 , he or she may do so by simply attaching the bar between the cab side or the passenger side of the panels (also discussed in further detail below). 
     In the embodiment according to  FIG. 5 , adjustable bar  150  comprises a pivoting means  152 , a bar retaining means  153 , a cover retaining means  154 , a turning means  155 , a pivoting means bar  158 , and a retaining means bar  159 . The reader will appreciate that the number of pivoting means  152  will always be equal to the number of retaining means  153  and the two structures will always be positioned on either end of adjustable bar  150  as shown. By way of example, the present figure shows one pivoting means  152  attached to passenger side cover underside cab side top  122   b  and a corresponding bar retaining means  153  attached to driver side panel cover underside cab side top  124   b . Similarly, another pivoting means  152  is attached to passenger side cover panel underside tailgate side top  122   a  with a corresponding bar retaining means  153  attached to the driver side panel cover underside tailgate side top  124   a . The reader will appreciate that it is an object of the present invention that the retaining and pivoting means may be attached to either side of the truck. Thus, in alternative embodiments, the user may attach pivoting means  152  to the driver side and the retaining means to the passenger side. 
     When the user wishes to employ adjustable bar  150 , he or she will do so as follows: starting from the point where covering system  100  is in the closed position, the user will fold driver side cover panel  126  and passenger side cover panel  125  upward and outward via stake hole assembly  160  (described in further detail below) such that covering system  100  is in the open position. The user will then employ turning means  155  to extend adjustable bar  150  outward until retaining means bar  158  comes in contact with the opposite panel. In the embodiment according to  FIG. 5 , retaining means bar  158  comes into contact with driver side cover panel  126 . It should be understood that, in alternative embodiments, adjustable bar  150  may be positioned such that retaining means bar  158  may be extended to passenger side cover panel  125 . By way of example, in the present embodiment, adjustable bar  150  is an extendable threaded pole. It is an object of the present invention that other types of extendable poles may be employed such as telescoping and sliding poles and the like. In the present figure, two adjustable bar  150  are employed, both of which the user has turned turning mechanism  155  to extend retaining means bar  159  until it comes in contact with driver side or passenger side cover underside panel  124 / 122 . The user will then engage cover retaining means  154  with bar retaining means  153 . In this manner, the user may travel with covering system  100  in the open position thus employing covering system  100  as a sidewall system comprised of driver side cover panel  126  and passenger side cover panel  125 . 
     In the present embodiment, bar retaining means  153  comprises a clip, however, it is an object of the present invention that bar retaining means  153  may be any mechanism sufficient to retain adjustable bar along the underside of a panel in a parallel position when not in use, such as ball and socket, clips, snaps, hook and loop, carabiners, and other suitable configurations. Further, in the present embodiment, pivoting means  152  is shown as a hinge and bar and cover retaining means ( 153 ,  154 ) is shown as a clip and ball joint configuration, however it should be understood that it is an object of the present invention to employ other retaining mechanisms such as friction fit, snap fit. 
     When not in use, (e.g., if the user does not wish to employ it or when covering system  100  is in the closed position), the user will place adjustable bar  150  in the non-use position as follows: Starting from the point where covering system  100  is in the open position, the user will disengage retaining means bar  158  from bar retaining means  153  and turn turning means  153  to retract retaining means bar  153  such that the length of adjustable bar  150  is reduced and is therefore no longer touching driver side cover panel  126 . The user will then fold adjustable bar  150  inward via pivoting means  152  until pivoting means bar  157  comes to rest in a position that is substantially parallel to truck bed floor  111  when covering system  100  is in the closed position. Thus, when adjustable bar  150  is in the non-use position and covering system  100  is in the open position, adjustable bar will lie horizontally along the panel. 
     The reader will appreciate that, in alternative embodiments that contemplate two adjustable bar  150 , the non-use position may also comprise opposing pivoting means  152  on a single panel, such that each adjustable bar  150  rests one above the other. It should be understood that the user may affix more than one adjustable bar to either panel. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, one pivoting means  152  may be affixed to, for example, the driver side panel cab side hinged at the back one hinged to driver side panel cab side top  114   b  and a second picoting means  152  may be affixed in a slightly lower position on driver side panel tailgate side top  114   a . Finally, it is an object of the present invention that the user may employ one or more adjustable bar in any manner described above. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , a plan view of retaining cable system  130  is shown and described. As can be seen, retaining cable system  130  comprises a center link  135 , at least two panel attachment means  145  for coupling with cable panel  144 , and at least two cable device  140 . As can be seen, center link  135  is attached to cab panel  116  and is configured to receive cable device  140 . In the present embodiment, cable device  140  comprises a driver side cable device  141  and a passenger side cable device  142 . As can be seen, panel attachment means  145  is attached to the cover panel underside tops near the cab of the truck. Thus, in the present embodiment, a panel attachment means  145  is attached to driver side cover panel underside cab side top  124   b  and a second panel attachment means  145  is attached to passenger side cover panel underside cab side top  122   b . Thus, driver side cable device  141  connects to the panel attachment means attached on the driver side and passenger side cable device  142  connects to the panel attachment means on the passenger side as shown. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7C, 7A , alternative views of the components of retaining cable system  130  are shown. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7A , an example of center link  135 , passenger side cable device  142 , and panel attachment means  145  is shown.  FIG. 7B  is a close-up view of center link  135  and  FIG. 7C  is a side view of center link  135 . For the sake of brevity, the identical features of passenger side cable device  142  and driver side cable device  141  will not be redundantly explained. It should be understood that it is an object of the present invention that cable device  140  comprises passenger side cable device  142  and driver side cable device  141 , which have identical features and work in tandem with the correlating cover panel to effectuate the purpose of retaining cable system  130 , which is to provide support for covering system  100  in the open position and assist with keeping the panels from becoming over extended. Thus, though  FIG. 7A  depicts only to passenger side cable device  142 , it should be understood that driver side cable device  141  works with driver side cover panel  126  in the same manner as described below. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 7A , cable device  140  further comprises a center link cable  143  having a center link cable anchor  131  (shown in  FIG. 7B ), a center link cable connector  146 , a panel cable  144  having a panel cable anchor (not shown) and a panel cable connector  147 . Cable device  140  further comprises cable joiner  148  having a center cable loop  149  and a panel cable loop  139 . In the embodiment according to  FIGS. 6 and 7A , and as shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , center link  135  is fitted over cab panel  116  and secured via retaining cable system securing means  129  as shown. Also shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , center link  135  further comprises a driver side cable receptor  132 , a passenger side cable receptor  133 , a center link securing means  134 , a center link front plate  136 , a center link rear plate  137 , a center link top plate  128 , a retaining cable system securing means  129 , and a pair of cable retainers  138 . By way of example,  FIG. 7A  is an illustration of passenger side cable device  142 , however as mentioned above, the components of cable device  140  are identical and function in the same manner whether panel cable  144  is attached to panel attachment means  145  on passenger side cover panel  125  or driver side cover panel  126 . 
     Retaining cable system  130  functions when covering system  100  is in the open position as shown. It should be understood that it is an object of the present invention for the retaining cable system to provide additional support for driver side cover panel  126  and passenger side cover panel  125  when they are functioning as sidewalls. Thus, when in use, the user folds open the panels in the manner described in the preceding figures. In the present embodiment, the pair of cable retainers  138  each comprises a screw and nut configuration as shown. It should be understood that, in alternative embodiments, cable retainers may be any appropriate threaded or non-threaded fasteners such as rivets, anchors, bolts, and other suitable means to securely connect the cables to center link  135  in the manner shown. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a plan view of stake hole assembly  160  is shown. In the present embodiment, the number of stake hole assembly  160  is four, however it should be understood that it is an object of the present invention to provide a number of stake hole assemblies  160  that is equal to the number of stake holes present within the user&#39;s pickup truck. Thus, the number of stake hole assemblies in any given covering system  100  may vary depending on the number of available stake holes and according to the user&#39;s needs. As previously mentioned in  FIG. 3 , the present embodiment includes a driver side cab stake hole  101 , a driver side tailgate stake hole  102 , a passenger side cab stake hole  103  and a passenger side tailgate stake hole  104 . Thus the four stake hole assemblies  160  in the present embodiment correspond, and are removably inserted into, each of the four stake holes mentioned above. Thus, the components of stake hole assembly are not directed to a particular side of the pickup truck or the corresponding panel. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a perspective view of stake hole assembly  160  and an alternative embodiment thereof is shown.  FIG. 10  is an exploded view of stake hole assembly  160 .  FIG. 9B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of block assembly  170  comprising alternative block assembly leaf  165   a  and alternative block assembly top  168   a . In this embodiment, alternative block assembly leaf  165   a  and alternative block assembly top  168   a  each have an increased surface area, thus increasing the security of the fit between the two. As shown in  FIG. 9A , stake hole assembly  160  comprises a panel plate  161  having a panel plate aperture  162  a panel plate leaf  162 , and a panel plate leaf aperture. Stake hole assembly  160  further comprises a block assembly  170  comprising a block assembly leaf  165  having a block assembly leaf aperture  166 , a block assembly leaf fastener  167 , and a block assembly top  168  having a plurality of block assembly top aperture  169 . 
     Block assembly  170  further comprises a block assembly top platform  171 , a block assembly side  173 , a block assembly channel  174 , a block assembly channel aperture  175 , a block assembly groove  176 , a block assembly front  177 , a block assembly front plate  178 , a block assembly front plate aperture  196 , a block assembly front plate securer aperture  180 , a pair of block assembly washers  180 , a block assembly securer  181 , a block assembly front plate leaf  182 , and a block assembly front plate leaf aperture  183 . Finally, stake hole assembly  160  also comprises a lift support bottom leaf  184 , a lift support bottom leaf aperture  185 , a block assembly front plate leaf fastener  186 , lift support bottom  187 , a lift support bottom extension  188 , a lift support top  189 , a lift support top  190 , a lift support top panel leaf fastener  191 , a lift support top panel leaf  192 , a lift support top panel leaf aperture  193 , a lift support top leaf  194 , and a lift support top leaf aperture  196 . 
     When in use, stake hole assembly  160  works within covering system to assist with lifting and keeping the panels to the open position. In order to install and use stake hole assembly  160 , the user will employ one stake hole assembly  160  for each stake hole in the truck. Thus, the present embodiment utilizes four stake hole assemblies. Referring back to  FIG. 9 , then, the user will appreciate that, in the present embodiment, four stake hole assemblies  160  correspond, and are removably inserted into, each of the four stake holes mentioned above. Thus,  FIG. 8  depicts a stake hole assembly in a driver side cab stake hole  101 , a stake hole assembly in a driver side tailgate stake hole  102 , a stake hole assembly in a passenger side cab stake hole  103 , and a stake hole assembly in a passenger side tailgate stake hole  104 . It should be understood that more or less stake hole assembly  160  may be used according to the user&#39;s needs and number of stake holes in the truck. 
     For the sake of brevity, the identical features of each stake hole assembly  160  will not be redundantly explained. It should be understood that it is an object of the present invention that the stake hole assemblies have identical features and work in tandem with the correlating cover panel to effectuate the purpose of stake hole assembly  160 , which is to facilitate moving the panels into the open position. Thus, though  FIGS. 9A and 10  depict only one stake hole assembly,  FIG. 8  makes it clear that a plurality of assemblies work within covering system  100  in the same manner. Finally, as shown in  FIG. 8 , and read in conjunction with  FIG. 4 , each stake hole assembly is attached to the underside of a panel that corresponds to an individual stake hole. As can be seen in the present embodiment, a first stake hole assembly  160  is inserted into driver side cab stake hole  101  at attached near driver side cover panel underside cab side bottom  124   d , a second stake hole assembly  160  is inserted into driver side tailgate stake hole  102  and attached near driver side cover panel underside tailgate side bottom  124   c , a third stake hole assembly  160  is inserted into passenger side cab stake hole  103  and attached near passenger side cover panel underside cab side bottom  122   d , and a fourth stake hole assembly  160  is inserted into passenger side tailgate stake hole  104  and attached near passenger side cover panel underside tailgate side bottom  122   c.    
     Stake hole assembly  160  is assembled within and around a stake hole as follows: Lift support panel leaf  192  is positioned on the underside of a panel as mentioned above and secured using lift support top panel leaf fastener  191  and lift support top panel aperture  193 . In the present embodiment, lift support top panel leaf fastener  191  is a threaded screw, however it is an embodiment of the present invention for other fasteners to be employed such as, for example, brads, nails, and the like. Lift support top  190  is retained within lift support top leaf  195  via lift support top leaf aperture  195  as shown. Lift support bottom extension  188  is connected to lift support bottom  187  and fits within lift support top extension  189 , which is connected to lift support top  190 . Finally, lift support bottom  187  is retained within lift support bottom leaf  184  via lift support bottom leaf aperture  185 . In this manner, the lift support top, bottom, and their correlating extensions function to assist the user is raising and lowering the panel. In a preferred embodiment, covering system  100  utilizes a gas charged lift support, such as those known in the art. 
     Referring now to block assembly  170 , as can be seen, block assembly front plate leaf  182  is positioned over block assembly front plate  178  and secured using block assembly plate lift fastener  186  and block assembly front plate leaf aperture  183 . In the present embodiment, block assembly plate lift fastener  186  is a threaded screw, however it is an embodiment of the present invention for other fasteners to be employed such as, for example, brads, nails, and the like. It should be understood that it is an object of the present invention that the dimensions of block assembly front plate  178 , block assembly side  173 , and block assembly front  177  are slightly less, but commentary to, the dimensions of a standard pickup truck stake hole. Thus, stake hole assembly  160  is designed to be inserted to, and fit within, a stake hole as shown in the preceding figures. 
     After inserting block assembly  170  into a stake hole, the user will assemble the remaining components of stake hole assembly  160  as follows: block assembly front plate  178  (and therefore the attached components as discussed above) is positioned over the appropriate part of driver side or passenger side panel ( 114 ,  115 ) such that block assembly front plate securer aperture  179  aligns with block assembly channel aperture  175 . Thus the appropriate portion of driver side truck panel  114  and passenger side truck panel  115  are placed substantially between block assembly  170  and block assembly front plate  178  as shown in the preceding figures. The user will then insert block assembly securer  181  into two block assembly washers  180  and through block assembly front plate securer aperture  179  and finally through block assembly channel aperture  175 . The user will tighten block assembly securer  181 , thus securing stake hole assembly  160  within and around a stake hole. In the present embodiment, block assembly securer  181  is a socket screw, however it is an object of the present invention that other types of fasteners, such as threaded screws, brads, nails, dowels, and the like are contemplated. 
     The embodiment according to  FIG. 10  illustrates alternative block assembly top  168   a  and alternative block assembly leaf  165   a , while the embodiment in  FIG. 9  illustrates block assembly top  168  and block assembly leaf  165 . As can be seen, block assembly  170  further comprises block assembly top platform  171 , which supports either embodiment of the block assembly tops, both of which further comprise a plurality of block assembly top aperture  169 . Depending on which embodiment the user prefers, block assembly leaf  165  is secured to block assembly top  168  or alternative block assembly leaf  165   a  is secured to alternative block assembly top  168   a  via a plurality of block assembly fasteners  167  that correspond to block assembly top aperture  168 . Panel plate leaf  163  is secured to panel plate  161  by inserting block assembly fastener  167  into panel plate leaf aperture  163  and panel plate aperture  162  as shown. In the present embodiment, block assembly fastener  167  is a screw, however it is an object of the present invention that other types of fasteners, such as brads, nails, dowels, and the like are contemplated. 
     Panel plate  161  is secured to either driver side cover panel  126  or passenger side cover panel  125 . Thus, when assembled, the plurality of stake hole assembly  160  allows the user to open and close the panels of covering system  100  in the manner described above. With the assistance of a plurality of stake hole assembly  160 , the user may fold passenger side cover panel  125  upward and in a generally clockwise direction, and may close the same by folding downward and in a generally counter-clockwise direction. The user may open driver side cover panel  126  by folding it upward and in a generally counter-clockwise direction and may close the same by folding it downward and in a general clockwise direction. The reader will appreciate that it is an object of the present invention for the user to be able to attach and use covering system  100  without having to modify, drill holes, or otherwise damage the pickup truck bed floor  111  or any other component of pickup truck  110 . 
     With attention to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of covering system  100  in the closed position is shown and also includes a perspective view of a moisture preventing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, covering system  100  comprises a rain guard  106  and a locking mechanism  105 . As can be seen, rain guard  106  traverses the length of passenger side cover panel  125  and driver side cover panel  126  and is positioned substantially over the portion where both panels join when covering system is in the closed position as shown. In this manner, rain guard  106  functions to prevent excess moisture from entering into pickup truck bed  110  and mitigates the potential for damage to the contents of pickup truck bed  110 . In the present embodiment, rain guard  106  is attached to passenger side cover panel  125 , however it is an object of the present invention that rain guard  106  may be attached to driver side cover panel  126 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 11  is a rain gutter  108  having a pair of rain feet  107 . As can be seen, rain gutter  108  is positioned between driver side cover panel underside  124  and passenger side cover panel underside  124  and one of the said pair of rain feet  107  on the driver side and the other of said pair of rain feet  107  on the passenger side. In this manner, any moisture that is not stopped by the rain guard will be caught by rain gutter  108  and rain feet  107 . The user will appreciate that rain guard  106  and rain gutter  108  function when covering system  100  is in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, rain guard  106 , rain gutter  108 , and rain feet  107  comprise a substantially water resistant material such as vinyl, rubber, nylon, polymers, and the like. 
     Finally referring to  FIG. 12 , a perspective view of the components of covering system  100  is shown. The reader will appreciate the components of covering system  100  work in concert to function as side walls or as a cover for a pickup truck according to the detailed descriptions in the preceding figures. As can be seen, the present figure depicts covering system  100  in the open position. Retaining cable system  130  is in use to keep truck bed cover panel system  120  in the open position and to prevent driver side cover panel  126  and passenger side cover panel  125  from over extending over the panels of the truck. One adjustable bar  150  is shown functioning to keep driver side cover panel  126  and passenger side cover panel  125  from falling down into the closed position. Finally, four stake hole assemblies  160  are shown inserted into each of four stake holes in pickup truck bed  110 , whereby the panel system is closed or opened in the manner described above. 
     In alternative embodiments (not shown) covering system  100  may further comprise a seal that may be affixed to the driver side driver side panel  115 , passenger side panel  114 , and tailgate  117  such that it functions as an intermediate portion between the underside of each cover panel and the corresponding truck panel. In this manner, the seal provides for additional protection around the perimeter of the truck bed to prevent moisture and other damaging elements from affecting the contents of the truck bed while the vehicle is in motion. 
     The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
     Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.