Tonneau cover

Abstract

A tonneau cover assembly is provided having a plurality of substantially rigid panels inserted between the fabric and the bows and then locked into place and/or supported by snap-fit elements connecting to the peripheral frame of the tonneau cover. The snap-fit elements can also serve to positively locate the bows with respect to the frame. The panels can be closely dimensioned with respect to the distance across the frame or spaced somewhat to accommodate insertion about frame hinges and/or close fitting fabric, bows and frames. Two sided adhesive tape can be used between the panels and the snap-fit elements and the bows to maintain panel placement in the event that the assembly is to be a permanent aspect of the tonneau cover. Panels can also be perforated for weight reduction and/or cost savings without significant loss of theft security. Panels can be padded for impact absorption without permanent deformation so as to maintain tonneau cover attractiveness despite significant wear and tear during use.

1 . A pick-up truck tonneau cover comprising:
 a peripheral frame mountable to the pick up truck,   a flexible cover mounted to the frame,   at least one bow spanning the interior of the frame under the cover, and   at least one substantially rigid panel mounted between at least one bow and the cover.   
   
   
       2 . The cover according to  claim 1  further including members attachable to the frame for engaging an edge area of the panel below the cover so as to restrain the panel between the member and the cover. 
   
   
       3 . The cover according to  claim 2  wherein the members are formed so as to releasably engage the frame via a snap-fit. 
   
   
       4 . In an enclosure formed from a flexible cover mounted over a peripheral frame with at least one bow spanning the interior of the frame, the improvement comprising a substantially rigid panel mounted between the bow and the cover. 
   
   
       5 . The invention according to  claim 4  further including a snap-fit element mounted to the frame for supporting an edge portion of the panel.