US 12,269,329 B2
Tonneau cover with torsion element
Jerome Facchinello, Grand Blanc, MI (US); and Chad A Carter, Manchester, MI (US)
Assigned to EXTANG CORPORATION, Ann Arbor, MI (US)
Filed by Extang Corporation, Ann Arbor, MI (US)
Filed on Feb. 9, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/437,471.
Application 18/437,471 is a division of application No. 18/104,403, filed on Feb. 1, 2023, granted, now 11,938,800.
Application 18/104,403 is a continuation of application No. 17/582,089, filed on Jan. 24, 2022, granted, now 11,602,980.
Application 17/582,089 is a continuation of application No. 16/852,714, filed on Apr. 20, 2020, granted, now 11,267,323.
Prior Publication US 2024/0239163 A1, Jul. 18, 2024
Int. Cl. B60J 7/12 (2006.01); B60J 7/19 (2006.01); B60R 5/04 (2006.01)
CPC B60J 7/12 (2013.01) [B60J 7/196 (2013.01); B60R 5/045 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A cover for a vehicle comprising a cargo area, the cargo area has a plurality of walls that include opposing side walls, a front wall that is located adjacent to a passenger cab of the vehicle, and a rear wall or tailgate, the cover comprising:
a single panel, wherein the single panel comprises a frame;
one or more hinges, brackets, or mechanisms that connect the single panel to the vehicle and/or to provide for the single panel to be moved relative to the cargo area or vehicle between a closed configuration and an open configuration and/or between the open configuration and the closed configuration;
one or more shocks configured to assist with moving the single panel and/or for maintaining a position of the single panel in the open configuration;
a torsion element that is configured to apply an assisting force or torque onto the single panel during movement of the single panel between the closed configuration and the open configuration and/or between the open configuration and the closed configuration;
a motor for moving the single panel between the closed configuration and the open configuration and/or between the open configuration and the closed configuration;
wherein the torsion element is configured to assist the motor in moving the single panel between the closed configuration and the open configuration and/or between the open configuration and the closed configuration; and
wherein the torsion element comprises a spring, a torsion spring, or a torsion bar, and the torsion element is attached to the frame.