A system and method for providing a folding load bearing hard tonneau cover, wherein each folding section is constructed using friction stir welds for strength, stiffness and visual appeal, wherein edge extrusions may include an integral attachment track which is capable of sustaining high tie down loads, wherein a spring loaded latching system has the strength to react the moments generated by heavy loads on top of the tonneau cover, wherein installation does not require modification to the bed but instead uses a 2 bolt attachment system, and wherein the tonneau cover may carry heavy loads on top that are easy to secure, and wherein a custom carrying frame is easily attachable to the tonneau cover to enable large and heavy loads, even some that are longer than the pick-up bed, to be carried on the tonneau cover while enabling use of the pick-up bed for other cargo.
B60J 7/14 - Non-fixed roofsRoofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldableTensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of plate-like elements
B60R 5/04 - Compartments within vehicle body primarily intended or sufficiently spacious for trunks, suit-cases, or the like arranged at rear of vehicle
B60J 7/12 - Non-fixed roofsRoofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldableTensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts
B60P 3/07 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles for carrying road vehicles
2.
Load bearing tonneau cover with integral track, improved latch to vehicle and custom frame attachment
A system and method for providing a folding load bearing hard tonneau cover, wherein each folding section is constructed using friction stir welds for strength, stiffness and visual appeal, wherein edge extrusions may include an integral attachment track which is capable of sustaining high tie down loads, wherein a spring loaded latching system has the strength to react the moments generated by heavy loads on top of the tonneau cover, wherein installation does not require modification to the bed but instead uses a 2 bolt attachment system, and wherein the tonneau cover may carry heavy loads on top that are easy to secure, and wherein a custom carrying frame is easily attachable to the tonneau cover to enable large and heavy loads, even some that are longer than the pick-up bed, to be carried on the tonneau cover while enabling use of the pick-up bed for other cargo.
B60J 7/14 - Non-fixed roofsRoofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldableTensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of plate-like elements
B60J 7/02 - Non-fixed roofsRoofs with movable panels of sliding type
B60R 5/04 - Compartments within vehicle body primarily intended or sufficiently spacious for trunks, suit-cases, or the like arranged at rear of vehicle
B60J 7/12 - Non-fixed roofsRoofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldableTensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts
3.
THREE-BODY JOINING USING FRICTION STIR PROCESSING TECHNIQUES
A friction stir tool is provided to perform friction stir riveting using a partially consumable pin, wherein the pin includes a cutting edge on a bottom surface thereof, wherein the tool is rotated at a first speed to enable cutting by the pin into a first material that is overlapping a second material, wherein after the pin has cut to a sufficient depth, the rotational speed of the tool is increased to thereby enable plasticization of the consumable pin, the first material, and the second material, wherein the tool is then rapidly decelerated until stopped, enabling diffusion bonding between the pin, the first material and the second material.
B23K 20/12 - Non-electric welding by applying impact or other pressure, with or without the application of heat, e.g. cladding or plating the heat being generated by frictionFriction welding
4.
THREE-BODY JOINING USING FRICTION STIR PROCESSING TECHNIQUES
A friction stir tool is provided to perform friction stir riveting using a partially consumable pin, wherein the pin includes a cutting edge on a bottom surface thereof, wherein the tool is rotated at a first speed to enable cutting by the pin into a first material that is overlapping a second material, wherein after the pin has cut to a sufficient depth, the rotational speed of the tool is increased to thereby enable plasticization of the consumable pin, the first material, and the second material, wherein the tool is then rapidly decelerated until stopped, enabling diffusion bonding between the pin, the first material and the second material.
B23K 20/12 - Non-electric welding by applying impact or other pressure, with or without the application of heat, e.g. cladding or plating the heat being generated by frictionFriction welding
patents
