A lift assist lock-down assembly for a soft top assembly, the lock-down assembly operably coupled to first and second bows selectively rotatable between an open/sunroof position and an open/downward position. A handle member is rotatable between unlocked and locked positions. A cam and a cam lockout selectively prevent the bows from rotating. When locked in a first position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally rearward/downward, thereby preventing the soft top assembly from moving into the open/downward position. When locked in a second position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally forward/upward, thereby generally preventing the soft top from bouncing or from moving into the open/sunroof position.

An apparatus and method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, providing a vehicle with a hard top option where a hard top can be attached to the vehicle, a soft top option where a soft top can be attached to the vehicle, and a dual top option where either the hard top or the soft top can be attached to the vehicle. A hard top applique is provided for the hard top and a soft top applique is provided for the soft top, and a common set of fasteners is used to attach the hard top applique and the soft top applique to a pillar as needed to attach the hard top or soft top to the vehicle.

Systems for a truck box cover and more particularly to a truck box cover system configured to transform to suit multiple load types and still protect the load from outside elements. The truck box cover system has a plurality of electrically controlled telescoping columns and sides made of compliant material for raising and lowering the cover and maintaining a closed configuration.

Systems for a truck box cover and more particularly to a truck box cover system configured to transform to suit multiple load types and still protect the load from outside elements. The truck box cover system has a plurality of electrically controlled telescoping columns and sides made of compliant material for raising and lowering the cover and maintaining a closed configuration.

A tensioning mechanism for a movable, tarp enclosure system including first, second, and third arms, and first and second support brackets which are all connected together in a substantially triangular, adjustable configuration in which the first arm is rotatable relative to support brackets and when the first arm is rotated, the first bracket moves linearly along the first arm toward and away from the second bracket. The second arm has one end thereof pivotally connected to the first bracket such that the first end of the second arm moves together with the first bracket, the third arm has an engagement member provided on one end thereof which is configured to operatively engage a vertically intermediate portion of an end one of the bows, and the third arm has a length adjusting mechanism for adjusting a length thereof.

A tensioning mechanism for a movable, tarp enclosure system including first, second, and third arms, and first and second support brackets which are all connected together in a substantially triangular, adjustable configuration in which the first arm is rotatable relative to support brackets and when the first arm is rotated, the first bracket moves linearly along the first arm toward and away from the second bracket. The second arm has one end thereof pivotally connected to the first bracket such that the first end of the second arm moves together with the first bracket, the third arm has an engagement member provided on one end thereof which is configured to operatively engage a vertically intermediate portion of an end one of the bows, and the third arm has a length adjusting mechanism for adjusting a length thereof.

A truck cover system is proposed according to some embodiments of the present invention. The truck cover system includes: a rail coupled to a wall of a truck, wherein the rail comprises a channel on a top portion of the rail and a latching slot at a side of the rail; a latching insert inserted in the latching slot, wherein the latching insert comprises a first through hole and a positioning hole; a latching positioner comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the latching positioner comprises a second through hole aligned with the first through hole and a positioning pin aligned with the positioning hole, wherein the latching positioner further comprise a stop plate pivotably coupled to the second side of the latching positioner; and a latching housing releasably latched to the latching positioner.

A top compartment lid assembly of a convertible vehicle includes a lid element, a linkage assembly configured to displace the lid element between an open position and a closed position and comprising a lid link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the lid, each lid link assembly being mounted in a pivoting manner on a main bearing attached to a vehicle body, and a locking assembly on either side of the longitudinal center plane of the lid, each locking assembly being configured to be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position by a locking link assembly. An electric motor is mounted on each of the bilaterally disposed main bearings, each electric motor driving both the respective lid link assembly and the respective locking link assembly via a drive pinion.

A top compartment lid assembly of a convertible vehicle includes a lid element, a linkage assembly configured to displace the lid element between an open position and a closed position and comprising a lid link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the lid, each lid link assembly being mounted in a pivoting manner on a main bearing attached to a vehicle body, and a locking assembly on either side of the longitudinal center plane of the lid, each locking assembly being configured to be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position by a locking link assembly. An electric motor is mounted on each of the bilaterally disposed main bearings, each electric motor driving both the respective lid link assembly and the respective locking link assembly via a drive pinion.

A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.