WO2025170565A1

WO2025170565A1 - Tonneau cover, shield for tonneau cover, and kit containing a tonneau cover and a shield

Info

Publication number: WO2025170565A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/014375
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerome Facchinello; Daniel John DELANEY
Original assignee: Extang Corp
Current assignee: Extang Corp
Priority date: 2024-02-05
Filing date: 2024-02-05
Publication date: 2025-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-05

Abstract

A shield assembly for at least partially covering a tonneau cover or a housing containing the tonneau cover, the shield assembly including: a shield; and a mounting device for mounting the shield to the cargo area of the vehicle and/or to the housing of the tonneau cover, and for moving the shield between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the shield is positioned at least partially below the tonneau cover and/or the housing; and in the second position, the shield is positioned at least partially over or above the tonneau cover and/or the housing.

Description

TONNEAU COVER, SHIELD FOR TONNEAU COVER, AND KIT CONTAINING A

TONNEAU COVER AND A SHIELD

FIELD

[0001] These teachings relate to a tonneau cover, a shield for a tonneau cover, and to a kit containing a tonneau cover and a shield.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Some vehicles, like pick-up trucks, have a bed or cargo area that may be used for storing or transporting cargo. A cover, such as a tonneau cover, may be placed over the cargo area. The tonneau cover may be opened to provide access to the cargo and/or to the cargo area and closed to conceal the cargo from view and/or to prevent fluid and/or debris from entering the cargo area.

[0003] Some tonneau covers are configured to be opened by moving the tonneau cover manually and/or automatically into a rolled, folded, or stacked configuration. A tonneau cover that is in an open position may take up space in the front region of the cargo area, which may limit the size and/or amount of cargo that can be stored or transported in the cargo area. Therefore, in some instances, a user may a load or cargo on or against the tonneau cover. However, a tonneau cover may be inadvertently damaged if load or cargo is placed on or against the tonneau cover. It may therefore be desirable to improve the current state of the art.

SUMMARY

[0004] These teachings provided a tonneau cover.

[0005] These teachings provide a shield for a tonneau cover.

[0006] These teachings provide a kit containing a tonneau cover and a shield.

[0007] The tonneau cover may be any cover configured to at least partially cover or conceal at least part of the cargo area of a vehicle. For example, the tonneau cover may be a folding or foldable tonneau cover, a hard folding or foldable tonneau cover, a soft folding or foldable tonneau cover, a roll-up or rolling tonneau cover, a soft roll-up or rolling tonneau cover, a hard roll-up or rolling tonneau cover, a retractable tonneau cover, or any combination thereof. [0008] The tonneau cover may be moveable between an open and closed position. In the open position, a user may insert or remove cargo from the cargo area. In the closed position, the cargo or inside of the cargo area may be at least partially covered or concealed by the tonneau cover or cover material.

[0009] The tonneau cover may be manually moveable between the open and closed position.

[0010] The tonneau cover may be automatically moveable between the open and closed position. Automatically moveable may mean that one or more motors, actuators, and/or computers are configured to change a position of the cover material of the tonneau cover.

[0011] The tonneau cover may have any of the structure illustrated and/or described in any of the following documents, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: US 20190054809A1, US11427060B2, US 2020/0189370 Al, US9731584B2, US 7,445,264 B2, US 9,840,135 B2.

[0012] The shield may be configured to at least partially cover, or protect, or extend over or across, at least part of the tonneau cover. The shield may be provided in between a tonneau cover and load or cargo in the cargo area. Advantageously, the shield may be configured to bear the weight of cargo or goods in the cargo area of the vehicle that may otherwise be leaned or placed on or against the tonneau cover. For example, a user may load goods or cargo such as lumber, a bicycle, a kayak, a dirt bike, a ladder, etc. in the cargo area. Rather than rest the lumber, bicycle, kayak, dirt bike, ladder, or other cargo on or against the tonneau cover, the cargo may be leaded or placed on or against the shield. Accordingly, the shield may protect the tonneau cover from damage that may occur from cargo or goods leaning or placed directly on the tonneau cover. For example, the shield may protect the tonneau cover from being denting, scratched, abrased, scuffed, or other damage that may result from the cargo leaning on or resting against the tonneau cover. Moreover, while operating the vehicle, the shield provided between the cargo and the tonneau cover may prevent or reduce damage to the tonneau cover if the cargo moves, shifts, is bumped, etc., which may otherwise damage the tonneau cover if there was no shield.

[0013] The shield may be configured for load or cargo to be secured thereto. The shield may include one or more tie downs or other cargo securing devices such as anchors or hooks, for cargo to be secured. For example, one or more ropes, chains, bungee cords, straps, and the like may be attached to the shield and then around cargo to secure cargo to the shield and/or to the vehicle. [0014] The shield may be moveable between one or more positions. The shield may be manually moveable between the one or more positions and/or automatically movable between the one or more positions. Automatically moveable means the shield may change positions with assistance from one or more links, motors, servo motors, actuators, computers, sensors, remote controls, phone apps, or a combination thereof. Manually moveable means the shield may change positions by the action of the operator physically repositioning or moving the shield.

[0015] The shield may rotate, articulate, fold, unfold, slide, extend, retract, expand, contract or otherwise move between the one or more positions disclosed herein.

[0016] For example, the shield may be moved into a first position. In the first position, the shield may be configured to at least partially protect or cover or overlay a tonneau cover. In the first position of the shield, the tonneau cover may be in an at least partially open position. The shield may allow cargo to rest against or on the shield, and to support the weight of load of the cargo. The shield may be configured to bear the weight of the cargo, so the weight of the weight of the cargo is not transferred to the tonneau cover.

[0017] The shield is configured to be moved into a second position. The shield is configured to be moved into the second position to allow the tonneau cover to be operated. For example, in the second position, the shield does not interfere with movement of the tonneau cover between the open and closed position. In the second position, the shield does not interfere with the cover being rolled or unrolled, stacked, or unstacked, folded or unfolded, or any combination thereof.

[0018] The shield may be constructed from one or more suitable materials that are configured to withstand the weight of a load on the shield. For example, the shield may be made from a metal, aluminum, plastic, reinforced plastic, a composite, fiberglass, wood, a plastic material that is reinforced with glass fibers and bound together with a resin, a foam, a material covered in durable material such as vinyl or canvas, polycarbonate, impact-resistant polycarbonate, or any combination thereof. The shield may be coated or uncoated. For example, the shield may be coated or sprayed with rubber or a bed-liner type material.

[0019] The shield may be connected to a mounting device. The mounting device may be configured for mounting or supporting the shield at the vehicle, the cab or passenger area of the vehicle, the cargo area of the vehicle, the one or more side or front walls of the cargo area, to the tonneau cover, a canister or other housing associated with the tonneau cover, or any combination thereof. The mounting device may enable or allow the shield to move between one or more positions. The mounting deivce may enable or allow the shield to be locked into the one or more positions to restrict or prevent movement of the shield. The mounting deivce may be configured to allow the shield to quickly and easily be removed from the vehicle and/or installed to the vehicle.

[0020] The mounting device may include one or more arms. An arm may be a member configured to support the structure of the shield. An arm may be made of a suitable material, which may be the same as a material of the shield or a different material. An arm may be an elongated linear or curved member. An arm may be a link. An arm may be a support.

[0021] The mounting device or the one or more arms may mount or attach the shield to the cargo area, the one or more walls of the cargo area, to the tonneau cover, to a canister of the tonneau cover, to the cab of the vehicle, to one or more inner walls of the cargo area, to one or more top surfaces of the side walls of the cargo area (i.e., where the one or more stake pockets are located), or any combination thereof via on one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may be one or more screws, bolts, latches, hook and loop fasteners, straps, chains, or a combination thereof.

[0022] One or more motors, actuators, computers, or other devices may be connected to the shield, the one or more arms, the one or more pivots, the mounting device, or a combination thereof to move or assist with moving into or between the one or more positions disclosed herein. One or more springs or torsion springs or other biasing devices may be included to assist with lifting or moving the shield between the two positions.

[0023] The shield and/or the mounting device may be mounted or attached to the vehicle, the cab or passenger area of the vehicle, the cargo area of the vehicle, the one or more side or front walls of the cargo area, to the tonneau cover, a canister or other housing associated with the tonneau cover, or any combination thereof.

[0024] A shield assembly may comprise one or more shields and/or one or more mounting devices. For example, a single shield may extend between the side walls of the cargo area, or the shield may be divided into one or more shield sections that are moveable between the one or more positions and/or configured to protect the tonneau cover.

[0025] A kit may comprise the shield assembly, the shield, a title cover, one or more rails that are configured to support the tunnel cover, a canister or housing that is configured to house the tunnel cover, or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle with a tonneau cover in a closed position.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle with a tonneau cover in an open position.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a cargo area of a vehicle and having a shield assembly according to these teachings.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a cargo area of a vehicle and having a shield assembly according to these teachings.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shield assembly.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shield assembly.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a cargo area of a vehicle and a shield assembly according to these teachings.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a cargo area of a vehicle and a shield assembly according to these teachings.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tonneau cover and shield assembly.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shield assembly attached to a side wall of a cargo area of a vehicle.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a shield assembly attached to a front wall of a cargo area of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 comprises a bed or cargo area 12 and a passenger area or cab 14. The illustrated vehicle 10 is a pickup truck. However, the vehicle may be any other suitable vehicle, such as a utility vehicle, boat, trailer, ATV, UTV, semi-truck, dump truck, camper, station wagon, etc.

[0038] The cargo area 12 may be defined by one or a plurality of walls. The cargo area 12 may include: two opposing and spaced-apart side walls 16a, 16b, a front wall 18 that is located adjacent to the passenger cab 14, a rear wall or tailgate 20 that opposes the front wall 18, and a floor 22 that is surrounded by the aforementioned walls 16, 18, 20. Two or more of the walls may be a single, combined, or integral wall. One or more of these walls may be split into two or more walls. For example, the tailgate, side wall, or front wall may be split into two or more walls to provide versatile access to the cargo area or passenger area of the vehicle.

[0039] The front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 may be a shared or common wall with a back wall of the passenger cab 14. Such vehicles may be a one piece or uni -body construction. In other vehicles, the front wall 18 may be a separate wall, segment, or portion of the vehicle from a rear wall of the passenger cab 14. In some configurations, the front wall 18 may provide access to the passenger cab 14 via a pass through or fold down wall or door.

[0040] A tonneau cover 50 may be placed over or installed at the cargo area 12 of the vehicle. The tonneau cover 50 is configured to be moved between a closed position (for example FIG. 1) and an open position (for example, FIG. 2).

[0041] In the closed position, the tonneau cover 50 is in an extended configuration such that the cover material 52 of the tonneau cover 50 overlays or covers some or all of the cargo area 12 from above thereby closing or concealing the floor 22 and any cargo therein. In the open position, the tonneau cover 50 is retracted such that some or all of the floor 22 and any cargo in the cargo area 12 is open or exposed.

[0042] For clarity, the cover material 52 may include one or more panels, slats, tarps, sections, hinges, spacer bars, or a combination thereof. The cover material 52 may be a flexible tarp or canvas material, a rigid slat or panel, a metal or foam material, or any combination thereof. The cover material 52 may be rolled, folded, stacked, when the tonneau cover is moved into the open position. The cover material 52 may be rolled, folded, or stacked onto itself and/or into a canister that is attached to the cargo area or to the vehicle.

[0043] To move the cover 50 into the open position, the tonneau cover material 52 may be retracted by, for example, rolling, folding, stacking or retracting the cover material 52 (i.e., panels or tarp material of the tonneau cover 50). The tonneau cover material 52 may be retracted into a housing or canister 54 located at or near the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12. In other configurations, the tonneau cover 50 may be retracted by rolling, folding, or moving the cover material 52 into an arrangement that is exposed (e.g., not located within a housing or canister).

[0044] The tonneau cover 50 may include one or more side rails 56a, 56b that is/are supported or attached at the respective side walls 16a, 16b of the cargo area 12. The side rails 56a, 56b may support the tonneau cover material 52 when the tonneau cover 50 is in the open and/or closed configuration. The side rails 56a, 56b may be attached to the side walls 16a, 16b via suitable fasteners or clamps 58.

[0045] FIG. 3 and 4 illustrate a shield assembly 100. The shield assembly 100 may be configured for at least partially covering a tonneau cover 50 or a housing 54 containing a tonneau cover 50. The shield assembly 100 comprises a shield 102 and a mounting device 104 for mounting the shield 102 to the cargo area 12 of the vehicle and/or to the housing or canister 54 of the tonneau cover 50. The mounting device 104 is also configured for moving the shield 102 between a first position 106 (FIG. 3) and a second position 108 (FIG. 4).

[0046] In the first position 106 (FIG. 3), the shield 102 is positioned at least partially below or adjacent to the tonneau cover 50 and/or the housing or canister 54. In the first position 106, the shield 102 is not in a movement path of the tonneau cover 50 and at least part of the tonneau cover 50 and/or housing or canister 52 is exposed. In the first position 106, the shield 102 does not interfere with operation of the tonneau cover 50 so that the tonneau cover 50 or the tonneau cover material 52 can be moved or extended from the open position (FIG. 2) into the closed position (FIG. 1) and/or from the closed position (FIG. 1) into the open position (FIG. 2).

[0047] In the second position 108 (FIG. 4), the shield 102 is positioned at least partially over the tonneau cover 50 and/or housing or canister 52. In the second position 108, the shield 102 is in the movement path of the tonneau cover 50 and at least part of the tonneau cover 50 and/or housing or canister 52 is concealed below the shield 102 or not exposed. In the second position 108, the shield 102 may interfere with operation of the tonneau cover 50 and may therefore prevent or inhibit the tonneau cover 50 from being moved or extended from the open position (FIG. 2) into the closed position (FIG. 1 and/or from the closed position (FIG. 1) into the open position (FIG. 2).

[0048] FIG. 5 and 6 illustrate the shield assembly 100. The shield assembly 100 comprises a shield 102 and a mounting device 104. The shield 102 comprises an elongated structure 110 that extends between a first end 112 and an opposing send end 114. With additional reference back to FIGs. 1-4, the two ends 112, 114 of the shield 102 are configured to fit between and adjacent to the two sides 16a, 16b of the cargo area 12. The structure 110 may be cylindrically shaped. The structure 110 may be a partial cylinder and have an arc length. The arc length between the two edges 116, 118 may be on the order of about 180 degrees or more (or less), 90 degrees or more (or less), 270 degrees or more (or less), or less than 360 degrees. In some configurations, rather than a cross section of the shield being circular or arc-shaped, the cross section may instead be rectangular, oval, crescent shaped, or a combination thereof.

[0049] The elongated structure 110 has a front or leading edge 116 and an opposing rear or trailing edge 118. The front edge 116 may include a seal or weatherstripping to prevent damage to the front wall 18, glass, or top surface 24 when the shield assembly 100 is in the second position. The rear edge 118 may include a seal or weatherstripping to prevent damage to the front wall 18 when the shield assembly 100 is in the first position. The seal or weatherstripping on the front or rear edge may be a soft, compressible material.

[0050] Referring back to FIG. 4, when the shield assembly 100 is in the second position 108, the front edge 116 may be adjacent to, in contact with, or rest against the glass or front wall 18 of the cargo area 12. In some configurations, the front edge 116 may be adjacent to, in contact with, or rest against a top surface 24 of the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12. The rear or trailing edge 118 may be spaced apart from the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 or not in contact with the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 when the shield is in the second position 108. [0051] In the second position 108, the front edge 116 of the structure 110 may be located closer to the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 than the rear edge 18. In the second position 108, the front edge 116 of the structure may be located higher or further away from the floor 22 than the rear edge 118.

[0052] Referring back to FIG. 3, when the shield assembly 100 is in the first position 106, the rear edge 118 may be in adjacent to, in contact with, or rest against the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12. The front edge 116 may be spaced apart from the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 or not in contact with the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 when the shield is in the second position 108. In the first position 106, the rear edge 118 of the structure 110 may be located closer to the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 than the rear edge 18. In the first position 106, the rear edge 118 of the structure may be located higher or further away from the floor 22 than the front edge 116.

[0053] The elongated structure 110 may include an outside surface 120 and an opposing inside surface 122. Referring back to FIG. 4, when the shield assembly 100 is in the second position 108, the outside surface 120 and the inside surface may be located above, over, or in front of the tonneau cover. When the shield assembly 100 is in the first position 106 (FIG. 3), the outside surface 120 and the inside surface may be located below, under, or behind the tonneau cover. The outer surface 120 may include one or more grips 121 or other friction members such as protrusions recesses that may minimize cargo from sliding against or along the surface of the shield 100.

[0054] The mounting device 104 may be configured to mount the shield 102 to the cargo area of the vehicle and/or to the housing or canister of the tonneau cover and/or to the one or more side rails and/or to another structure associated with, part of, or connected to the vehicle and/or tonneau cover.

[0055] With continued reference to FIGS and 6, the mounting device 104 may include a first arm 124 connected to the shield 102; a second arm 126; and a pivot 128 connecting the first arm 124 and the second arm 126. The second arm 126 may be configured for attaching the mounting device 104 to the cargo area of the vehicle and/or to the housing or canister of the tonneau cover and/or to another structure associated with, part of, or connected to the vehicle and/or tonneau cover.

[0056] The first arm 124 may be connected to the shield 102 such that the relative position between the first arm 124 and the shield 102 do not change, even when the shield assembly 100 is moved between the first and second positions. The first arm 124 may be connected to the shield 102 via a suitable fastener, such as welding, one or more bolts, screws, rivets, or a combination thereof.

[0057] The first arm 124 may be connected to the shield 102 at a location that is closer to the rear edge 118 than to the center or front edge 116. However, in some configurations, the first arm 124 may be connected to the shield 102 at a location closer to the front edge 116 or center than the rear edge 118.

[0058] The pivot 128 may be configured to enable the first arm 124 and/or shield 102 to move, rotate, or articulate relative to the second arm 126, the cargo area, the vehicle, the tonneau cover, canister, or a combination thereof.

[0059] The pivot may include one or more bearings, washers, or other members configured to enable the first arm and/or the shield to move rotate, or articulate relative to the second arm, the cargo area, the vehicle, the tonneau cover, canister, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The second arm 126 may be attached to the pivot 128. The shield 102 and the first arm 124 may be configured to move relative to the second arm 126. The second arm 126 may be stationary and free from moving when the first arm 124 and/or the shield 102 are moved relative to the second arm 126. The second arm 126 may be configured for attaching the shield assembly 100 and/or the mounting device 104 the cargo area of the vehicle and/or to the housing or canister of the tonneau cover and/or to another structure associated with, part of, or connected to the vehicle and/or tonneau cover.

[0061] The mounting device 104 may include a base 130. The base 130 may be configured for attaching the shield assembly 100 and/or the mounting device 104 the cargo area of the vehicle and/or to the housing or canister of the tonneau cover and/or to another structure associated with, part of, or connected to the vehicle and/or tonneau cover. The base 130 may be part of the second arm 126 or another component that is attached to the second arm 126. The base 130 may include a flange or foot surface 132 that may be configured for attaching to or resting on the bottom or floor 22 of the cargo area 12 (FIG. 2, 3, 4).

[0062] The assembly 100 may include one or more motors or actuators 136 that are configured to move the shield 102 between the first and second positions. The motor or actuator 136 may be connected to the shield 102, one or more of the arms, the pivot, or any combination thereof for moving or rotating the shield.

[0063] FIG. 7 shows the shield assembly 100 in the first position 106. In the first position 106, the shield 102 is moved into a position at least partially below or adjacent to the tonneau cover 50 or cover material 52, or housing or canister so that the shield 102 is not in the movement path of the tonneau cover 50. In the first position 106, the shield 102 does not interfere with operation of the tonneau cover 50 so that the tonneau cover 50 may be moved or extended from into a closed or at least partially closed position or into an open position. The shield 102 is configured to fit under the tonneau cover 50 if the tonneau cover material 52 is partially or entirely extended, the shield does not interfere with the cover material 52.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows the shield assembly 100 in the second position 108. In the second position 108, the shield 102 is moved into a position at least partially over or above the tonneau cover or cover material, or housing or canister. In the second position 108, the shield 102 may interfere with operation of the tonneau cover 50 so that the tonneau cover 50 may crash or be prohibited from being moved or extended into a closed or at least partially closed position. In the second position 108, the outer surface 120 of the shield structure 100 is over or above the tonneau cover or canister so that a load, such as a dirt bike in this example, to be placed on shield 100. Advantageously, this allows the load to fit within the cargo area 12 of the vehicle, without a weight of the load damaging the tonneau cover or canister.

[0065] The shield 102 may include one or more clamps or securing devices 134 for securing the load to the shield or shield assembly 100. For example, the securing devices 134, illustrated schematically, may be one or more clamps, eye hooks, hooks, straps, rachet straps, tie downs, or a combination thereof.

[0066] FIGs. 9 and 10 illustrates a shield assembly 100 that is substantially similar to the ones illustrated in the previously figures; however, in these example the second arm of the mounting device may be eliminated and/or omitted. In such a configuration, the pivot 128 and/or the first arm 124 may be used for attaching the shield assembly 100, the shield 102, and/or the mounting device 104 the cargo area of the vehicle and/or to the housing or canister of the tonneau cover and/or to the one or more side rails 56a, 56b, and/or another structure associated with, part of, or connected to the vehicle and/or tonneau cover. In FIG. 10, the first arm 124 and pivot 128 are attached to the side wall 16b. The shield assembly 100 may or may not include a similar attachment to the side wall 16a, the front wall, the floor, the canister, etc.

[<w§l FIG. 11 illustrates the shield assembly 100 attached to the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12. The mounting device 104 may include the first arm 124, the second arm 126, and the pivot 128. The shield assembly 100 may move between the first and second positions described herein.

[0068] When the shield assembly 100 is in the second position, the front edge 116 may be adjacent to, in contact with, or rest against the glass or front wall of the cargo area. In some configurations, the front edge 116 may be adjacent to, in contact with, or rest against a top surface 24 of the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12. The rear or trailing edge 118 may be spaced apart from the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 or not in contact with the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 when the shield is in the second position 108. In the second position 108, the front edge 116 of the structure 110 may be located closer to the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 than the rear edge 18. In the second position 108, the front edge 116 of the structure may be located higher or further away from the floor 22 than the rear edge 118.

[0069] When the shield assembly 100 is in the first position, the rear edge 118 may be adjacent to, in contact with, or rest against the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12. The front edge 116 may be spaced apart from the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 or not in contact with the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 when the shield is in the second position 108. In the first position 106, the rear edge 118 of the structure 110 may be located closer to the front wall 18 of the cargo area 12 than the rear edge 18. In the first position 106, the rear edge 118 of the structure may be located higher or further away from the floor 22 than the front edge 116.

[0070] The shield assembly 100 may be moveable between the first and second positions (or a position therebetween) manually and/or automatically. Manually means that a user may move or pivot the shield up or down between the two positions.

[0071] Automatically means that a motor, actuator, or other mechanical or electromechanical device may cause the shield between the two positions. Automatically means that the shield assembly may be controlled via one or more computers, software, memories, programs, buttons, smart phone apps, or a combination thereof.

[0072] In some configurations, the shield assembly may be caused to automatically move by a computer or other device. For example, if the tonneau cover or vehicle includes an automatically movable tonneau cover, then upon actuation of the tonneau cover a computer or other system may check for a position of the shield assembly 100 before the tonneau cover is caused to move. For example, if the shield assembly is in the second position 108 (i.e., FIG. 8), and a user presses a keypad or other device for automatically deploying the tonneau cover, then the system may check for a position of the shield assembly and cause the shield to move from the second position to the first position (FIG. 7) to prevent the tunnel cover from crashing into the shield 102. For example, if the shield assembly is in the first position 106 (i.e., FIG. 7), and a user presses a keypad or other device for automatically retracing the tonneau cover, then the system may cause the shield assembly 100 to move into the second position after the tonneau cover is fully retracted or opened.

[0073] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

[0074] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to this description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0075] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

[0076] The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps. For example, disclosure of “a motor” does not limit the teachings to a single motor. Instead, for example, disclosure of “a motor” may include “one or more motors.”

[0077] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.

[0078] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0079] The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. [0080] Any of the elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to a single embodiment. Instead, any of the elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections disclosed herein may be substituted, combined, and/or modified with any of the elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections disclosed herein to form one or more embodiments that may not be specifically illustrated or described herein.

[0081] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, testing specifications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0082] Listing Of Reference Numerals

[0083] 10 vehicle

[0084] 12 bed or cargo area

[0085] 14 passenger area or cab

[0086] 16 side walls of cargo area 12

[0087] 18 front wall of cargo area 12

[0088] 20 tailgate

[0089] 22 floor of cargo area 12

[0090] 24 top surface of front wall 18

[0091] 50 tonneau cover

[0092] 52 cover material

[0093] 54 canister or housing

[0094] 56 side rails

[0095] 58 clamps

[0096] 100 shield assembly

[0097] 102 shield

[0098] 104 mounting device

[0099] 106 first position - under

[00100] 108 second position - above

[00101] 110 elongated structure

[00102] 112 first end of 110

[00103] 114 second end of 110 [00104] 116 front or leading edge of structure 110

[00105] 117 weatherstrip

[00106] 118 rear or trailing edge of structure 110

[00107] 120 outside surface of structure 110

[00108] 121 grips or friction members on the outside surface 120

[00109] 122 inside surface of structure 110

[00110] 124 first arm

[00111] 126 second arm

[00112] 128 pivot

[00113] 130 base

[00114] 132 flange or foot

[00115] 134 securing device

[00116] 136 motor or actuator

Claims

1) A shield assembly for at least partially covering a tonneau cover or a housing containing the tonneau cover, the shield assembly comprising: a shield; a mounting device for mounting the shield to the cargo area of the vehicle and/or to the housing of the tonneau cover, and for moving the shield between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the shield is positioned at least partially below or adjacent to the tonneau cover and/or the housing; and in the second position, the shield is positioned at least partially over or above the tonneau cover and/or the housing.

2) The shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shield comprises a cylindrical structure having an arc length of less than about 360 degrees.

3) The shield assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shield comprises a first side and an opposing second side, wherein in vehicle position, the first side is provided adjacent to a first side wall of a cargo area of the vehicle and the second side is provided adjacent to an opposing second wall of the cargo area of the vehicle.

4) The shield assembly according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the shield comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, and in the first position, the rear edge of the shield is located higher or further away from a floor of the cargo area of the vehicle than the front edge.

5) The shield assembly according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the shield comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, and in the first position, the rear edge of the shield is located closer to a front wall of the cargo area of the vehicle than the rear edge.

6) The shield assembly according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the shield comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, and in the second position, the front edge of the shield is located closer to a front wall of the cargo area than the rear edge. 7) The shield assembly according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the shield comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, and in the second position, the front edge of the shield is located higher or further away from a floor of the cargo area of the vehicle than the rear edge.

8) The shield assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shield is configured to rotate or pivot about one or more pivots between the first position and the second position.

9) The shield assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shield comprises a leading edge having a weatherstripping or other compressible material.

10) The shield assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mounting deivce is configured to attach the shield to the side walls of the cargo area of the vehicle.

11) The shield assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mounting deivce is configured to attach the shield to the front wall of the cargo area of the vehicle.

12) The shield assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mounting assembly comprises: i. a first arm connected to the shield; ii. a second arm; iii. a pivot connecting the first arm and the second arm; wherein the second arm is connected to the floor of the cargo area of the vehicle and/or to a side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, and/or to a front wall of the cargo area of the vehicle.

13) The shield assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mounting assembly comprises: i. a first arm connected to the shield; ii. a pivot connecting the first arm; wherein the pivot is connected to a side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, and/or to the housing.

14) The shield assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shield assembly comprises a motor or actuator for moving or rotating the shield.

15) A kit comprising the shield assembly and the tonneau cover according to any of the previous claims.

16) A method of actuating the shield assembly according to any of the previous claims.