Patent US3578378A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3578378A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Telescopic and pivotal cover assembly for open bed vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-04-11
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Granted: 1971-05-11
•
Expires: 1989-04-11
Abstract
Abstract A telescopic cover assembly for open bed vehicles comprising a plurality of cover segments at least one of which is longitudinally movable. The movable segment carries wheel assemblies engageable with a guide rail along which the segment is movable. The guide rail is constructed to elevate the movable segment during movement towards an extended position. Cutouts are provided in the guide rail in which the wheel assemblies are engageable for maintaining the movable segment in predetermined locations. Improved mounting means for the guide rail, and improved gate closure structure also are included in the cover assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is pivotal upwardly to permit unrestricted access to the vehicle bed.
Inventors
- 👤 Edwin G Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 23:47
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60J; B60J7/00; B60J7/08; B60J7/12; B60J7/14; B60J7/141; B60J7/02; B60J7/04; B60J7/041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
293 words
A telescopic cover assembly for covering the open bed of a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising A. at least two cover segments of different sizes and of generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, B. means at opposite sides of said segments for mounting said segments on the body of said vehicle on opposite sides of said bed and for guiding at least one of said segments for telescopic movement relative to another segment between an extended position and a retracted position, each said mounting and guiding means including 1. elongated mounting plate structure comprising a generally horizontal portion to be secured along one side of said vehicle body and a generally upright portion integral with said horizontal portion and positioned interiorly thereof, 2. guide rail structure extending along said mounting plate structure and supported thereby for at least part of its length, 3. said guide rail structure being secured to and extending along the outer surface of said upright portion of said mounting plate structure so that said movable cover segment is movable along the outer side of said upright portion and the inner side of said upright portion is free of obstructions, C. support structure mounted on said movable cover segment which is engageable with and rideable on each said guide rail structure during movement of such segment, and D. gate closure means hingedly connected with an upper margin of the rear end of said movable cover segment for upward and outward pivotal movement relative to said movable cover segment to permit access to the interior of such segment, 1. said gate closure means comprising a closure plate which is pivotal downwardly to a closed position closing off said end of said movable cover segment in all positions of such movable segment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
293 words
A telescopic cover assembly for covering the open bed of a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising A. at least two cover segments of different sizes and of generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, B. means at opposite sides of said segments for mounting said segments on the body of said vehicle on opposite sides of said bed and for guiding at least one of said segments for telescopic movement relative to another segment between an extended position and a retracted position, each said mounting and guiding means including 1. elongated mounting plate structure comprising a generally horizontal portion to be secured along one side of said vehicle body and a generally upright portion integral with said horizontal portion and positioned interiorly thereof, 2. guide rail structure extending along said mounting plate structure and supported thereby for at least part of its length, 3. said guide rail structure being secured to and extending along the outer surface of said upright portion of said mounting plate structure so that said movable cover segment is movable along the outer side of said upright portion and the inner side of said upright portion is free of obstructions, C. support structure mounted on said movable cover segment which is engageable with and rideable on each said guide rail structure during movement of such segment, and D. gate closure means hingedly connected with an upper margin of the rear end of said movable cover segment for upward and outward pivotal movement relative to said movable cover segment to permit access to the interior of such segment, 1. said gate closure means comprising a closure plate which is pivotal downwardly to a closed position closing off said end of said movable cover segment in all positions of such movable segment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
guide rail structure extending along said mounting plate structure and supported thereby for at least part of its length, and D. support structure mounted on one of said cover segments which is engageable with and rideable on said rail structure during movement of such segment relative to the other of said segments.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
guide rail structure extending along said mounting plate structure and supported thereby for at least part of its length, and D. support structure mounted on one of said cover segments which is engageable with and rideable on said rail structure during movement of such segment relative to the other of said segments.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
said wheel supporting platforms adjacent said cover rear end being mounted thereon at a level above the level at which the other wheel supporting platforms are mounted adjacent said front end of such segment, so that such segment remains generally level when in the extended position and may be moved toward the retracted position without interference from the other segment of said assembly during such movement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
said wheel supporting platforms adjacent said cover rear end being mounted thereon at a level above the level at which the other wheel supporting platforms are mounted adjacent said front end of such segment, so that such segment remains generally level when in the extended position and may be moved toward the retracted position without interference from the other segment of said assembly during such movement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
said inclined rail section elevating said one segment during movement thereof toward said extended position, and C. means carried by said one segment engaging said guide rail structure for transporting said one segment from said retracted position to said extended position, and vice versa.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
said inclined rail section elevating said one segment during movement thereof toward said extended position, and C. means carried by said one segment engaging said guide rail structure for transporting said one segment from said retracted position to said extended position, and vice versa.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
guide rail structure extending along said mounting plate structure and supported thereby for at least part of its length,
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
guide rail structure extending along said mounting plate structure and supported thereby for at least part of its length,
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
131 words
The cover assembly of claim 1 in which said guide rail structure comprises a. first and second separable rail sections, b. said first section being secured to said mounting plate structure, c. said second section being secured to said other cover segment and being free of direct connection with said mounting plate structure, d. said support structure mounted on said movable segment being rideable on said second section when said movable segment is telescoped into said otheR segment, and e. means pivotally mounting said other cover segment for tilt-up pivotal movement relative to said vehicle bed, f. said other cover segment being pivotal as a unit with said movable segment and said second rail section relative to said vehicle bed when said movable segment is telescoped into said other cover segment.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
a detent supported by said mounting plate structure in which said latching pin is normally received,
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
a detent supported by said mounting plate structure in which said latching pin is normally received,
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
66 words
at least one wheel assembly mounted adjacent the respective front and rear ends of said movable segment, each said wheel assembly comprising a. a housing, b. upper and lower wheels rotatably mounted on said housing for rolling engagement with said guide rail structure, and c. spring structure engaged with at least one Of said wheels for urging the same into engagement with said guide rail structure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
66 words
at least one wheel assembly mounted adjacent the respective front and rear ends of said movable segment, each said wheel assembly comprising a. a housing, b. upper and lower wheels rotatably mounted on said housing for rolling engagement with said guide rail structure, and c. spring structure engaged with at least one Of said wheels for urging the same into engagement with said guide rail structure.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
spring hinge structure for selectively holding said gate closure means in an upwardly pivoted open position when said gate latching structure is released.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
spring hinge structure for selectively holding said gate closure means in an upwardly pivoted open position when said gate latching structure is released.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
a releasable latching handle normally engaged with said latching pin for precluding separation of said pin from said detent, and
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
a releasable latching handle normally engaged with said latching pin for precluding separation of said pin from said detent, and
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The cover assembly of claim 2 in which said pivotal mounting means includes
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
117 words
said guide rail structure being secured to and extending along the outer surface of said upright portion of said mounting plate structure so that said movable cover segment is movable along the outer side of said upright portion and the inner side of said upright portion is free of obstructions, C. support structure mounted on said movable cover segment which is engageable with and rideable on each said guide rail structure during movement of such segment, and D. gate closure means hingedly connected with an upper margin of the rear end of said movable cover segment for upward and outward pivotal movement relative to said movable cover segment to permit access to the interior of such segment,
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
117 words
said guide rail structure being secured to and extending along the outer surface of said upright portion of said mounting plate structure so that said movable cover segment is movable along the outer side of said upright portion and the inner side of said upright portion is free of obstructions, C. support structure mounted on said movable cover segment which is engageable with and rideable on each said guide rail structure during movement of such segment, and D. gate closure means hingedly connected with an upper margin of the rear end of said movable cover segment for upward and outward pivotal movement relative to said movable cover segment to permit access to the interior of such segment,
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
The cover assembly of claim 2 which further includes releasable latching means for positively holding said other cover section in a down position overlying said vehicle bed.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
spring structure normally urging said latching handle into engagement with said latching pin.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
spring structure normally urging said latching handle into engagement with said latching pin.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The cover assembly of claim 4 in which said releasable latching means comprises
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The cover assembly of claim 5 in which a. said latching handle is mounted interiorly of said cover assembly and is accessible from outside said assembly only when said movable cover segment is in the retracted position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
54 words
The cover assembly of claim 1 in which said guide rail structure includes a. an inclined portion which is elevated in a direction extending toward the rear of said vehicle bed for elevating said movable cover segment relative to said vehicle bed as such segment moves from its retracted position toward its extended position.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
92 words
The cover assembly of claim 1 in which said guide rail structure includes a. a first generally horizontal section located within said other cover segment and extending rearwardly from adjacent the front of said vehicle bed, b. a second generally horizontal section located within said movable cover segment when the same is in its extended position and extending forwardly from adjacent the rear of said vehicle bed, and c. an intermediate inclined section interposed between said first and second rail sections, d. said second section being elevated relative to said first section.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
33 words
The cover assembly of claim 8 in which e. said second rail section is gradually inclined upwardly from its point of juncture with said intermediate section toward said rear of said vehicle bed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The cover assembly of claim 1 in which E. said gate closure means pivotally with and mounted on said end of said movable cover segment includes
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The cover assembly of claim 10 in which said gate closure means further includes
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
47 words
The cover assembly of claim 10 in which said gate closure means is pivotal to its closed position extends between said opposed plate structures of said mounting and guiding means at opposite sides of said vehicle bed when said movable cover segment is in its retracted position.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
74 words
The cover assembly of claim 10 in which said latching structure includes at least one laterally movable latching rod mounted on said gate closure means, said latching rod being interengageable with a mounting plate structure when said gate closure means is pivoted to its closed position and said movable cover segment is in either of its retracted or extended positions so that such gate closure means may be positively held in such closed position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
48 words
The cover assembly of claim 1 which further includes E. mounting plate structure secured to the opposite side margins of said movable cover segment at said rear end thereof which close off such movable segment between said gate closure means and the walls which defined said movable segment,
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
65 words
The cover assembly of claim 14 which further includes F. a generally L-shaped backup plate secured to the rear end of each of the respective mounting plate structures and extending generally upright relative thereto externally of said movable cover segment to close off said cut out portions in said mounting plate structure of said movable cover segment when such segment is in its extended position,
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cover assembly of claim 1 in which said support structure mounted on said movable cover segment comprises
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
57 words
The cover assembly of claim 16 in which each said wheel assembly comprises a. a housing, b. upper and lower wheels rotatably mounted on said housing for rolling engagement with said guide rail structure, and c. spring structure engaged with at least one of said wheels for urging the same into engagement with said guide rail structure.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
65 words
The cover assembly of claim 17 which further includes d. cutouts formed at predetermined locations in a lower surface of said guide rail structure and in which e. the lower wheel of each wheel assembly is urged upwardly by said spring structure into engagement with said lower guide rail surface for engagement in a cutout when such wheel and cutout are aligned with each other.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
51 words
The cover assembly of claim 17 in which each of said guide rail structures includes an elongated guide rail which is narrow and generally oblong in cross section having convex upper and lower surfaces along which the wheels of an associated wheel assembly ride during movement of said movable cover segment.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
67 words
The cover assembly of claim 16 in which said guide rail structure includes a. cutouts formed in a surface thereof along which one of said wheel assemblies is movable, b. said cutouts being formed at predetermined locations along said guide rail structure for engagement with said one wheel assembly to retain said movable cover segment in a predetermined position in accordance with the location of said cutouts
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
165 words
A combined telescopic and tilt up cover assembly for covering the open bed of a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising A. at least two cover segments one of which is telescopically movable longitudinally into the other, B. separable means mounting said cover segments on said vehicle above said bed for such longitudinal movement relative to each other, C. other means mounting said cover segments on said vehicle above said bed for tilt up pivotal movement as a unit with part of said separable mounting means away from said vehicle bed to provide substantially unrestricted access to said bed when said one cover segment is telescopically positioned within said other cover segment, and D. releasable latching means integral with said cover assembly operatively interposed between one of said cover segments and said vehicle bed for releasably maintaining said cover segments in a down position overlying said bed, a portion of said releasable latching means being pivoted with said cover segments duriNg tilt up movement thereof.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
165 words
A combined telescopic and tilt up cover assembly for covering the open bed of a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising A. at least two cover segments one of which is telescopically movable longitudinally into the other, B. separable means mounting said cover segments on said vehicle above said bed for such longitudinal movement relative to each other, C. other means mounting said cover segments on said vehicle above said bed for tilt up pivotal movement as a unit with part of said separable mounting means away from said vehicle bed to provide substantially unrestricted access to said bed when said one cover segment is telescopically positioned within said other cover segment, and D. releasable latching means integral with said cover assembly operatively interposed between one of said cover segments and said vehicle bed for releasably maintaining said cover segments in a down position overlying said bed, a portion of said releasable latching means being pivoted with said cover segments duriNg tilt up movement thereof.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The cover assembly of claim 21 in which said seperable means for mounting said cover segments for said relative longitudinal movement includes
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
80 words
The cover assembly of claim 22 in which said guide rail structure comprises a. first and second separable rail sections, b. said first section being secured to said mounting plate structure, c. said second section being secured to said other cover segment and being free of direct connection with said mounting plate structure, d. said support structure mounted on said one segment being rideable on said second rail section when said one segment is moved relative to said other segment.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
49 words
The cover assembly of claim 22 in which said guide rail structure includes a. an inclined portion which is elevated in a direction extending toward the rear of said vehicle bed for elevating said one cover segment as the same moves from a retracted position toward an extended position.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
92 words
The cover assembly of claim 22 in which said guide rail structure includes a. a first generally horizontal section located within said other cover segment and extending rearwardly from adjacent the front of said vehicle bed, b. a second generally horizontal section located within said one cover segment when the same is in an extended position and extending forwardly from adjacent the rear of said vehicle bed, and c. an intermediate inclined section interposed between said first and second rail sections, d. said second section being elevated relative to said first section.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
The cover assembly of claim 25 in which e. said second rail section is gradually inclined upwardly from its point of juncture with said intermediate section toward said rear of said vehicle bed.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The cover assembly of claim 22 which includes E. gate closure means pivotally connected with and mounted on said one cover segment, including
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
79 words
The cover assembly of claim 21 in which said portion of said releasable latching means is mounted on said other cover segment and comprises a latching pin, said latching means also including a releasable latching handle which is interengageable with said latching pin, said latching pin and handle being located within said other cover segment so that said handle is accessible from outside said cover assembly only when said one cover segment is telescoped into said other cover segment.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
49 words
A telescopic cover assembly for covering the open bed of a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising A. at least two cover segments one of which is telescopically movable longitudinally into the other segment, B. means mounting said one cover segment for such movement relative to the other comprising
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
49 words
A telescopic cover assembly for covering the open bed of a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising A. at least two cover segments one of which is telescopically movable longitudinally into the other segment, B. means mounting said one cover segment for such movement relative to the other comprising
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
66 words
The cover assembly of claim 29 in which each said guide rail structure includes a. cutouts formed in a surface thereof over which one of said wheels is rollable, b. said cutouts being formed at predetermined locations along said guide rail structure for receiving said one wheel therein to retain said movable cover segment in a predetermined position in accordance with the location of said cutouts.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
63 words
The cover assembly of claim 30 in which c. said cutouts are formed in a lower surface of said guide rail structure, and in which d. the lower wheel of each wheel assembly is urged upwardly by said spring structure into engagement with said lower guide rail surface for engagement in a cutout when such wheel and cutout are aligned with each other.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
68 words
The cover assembly of claim 29 in which said guide rail structure comprises a. first and second separable rail sections one of which is operatively secured to said vehicle body and the other of which is mounted on said other cover segment, and C. means pivotally mounting said other cover segment for tilt-up movement as a unit with said one cover segment and said other rail section therewith.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
85 words
A telescoping cover assembly for covering the open bed of a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising A. at least two nestable rigid cover segments of different sizes and of generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, B. means at opposite sides of said segments for mounting said segments on the body of said vehicle on opposite sides of said vehicle bed and for guiding at least one of said segments for telescoping movement relative to another segment between an extended position and a retracted position, including
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
85 words
A telescoping cover assembly for covering the open bed of a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising A. at least two nestable rigid cover segments of different sizes and of generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, B. means at opposite sides of said segments for mounting said segments on the body of said vehicle on opposite sides of said vehicle bed and for guiding at least one of said segments for telescoping movement relative to another segment between an extended position and a retracted position, including
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
53 words
The cover assembly of claim 33 in which said guide rail structure includes a. a substantially horizontal section positioned inside said other segment, b. a substantially horizontal section positioned outside said other segment, c. said inclined section connecting said inside and outside rail sections and spacing said outside section above said inside section.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
The cover assembly of claim 34 in which said outside rail section is slightly downwardly inclined toward said inside rail section.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
107 words
In a vehicle cover assembly having a plurality of telescoping cover segments at least one of which is mounted for movement on an elongated guide rail by oppositely disposed wheel means carried by said movable cover segment and engaged with said guide rail, A. the improvement wherein the guide rail includes an inclined portion which elevates said movable cover segment when said movable segment is moved thereover from a telescoped retracted position toward an extended position, B. one of said wheel means being fixed relative to said movable segment and the other wheel means being biased toward said fixed wheel means into engagement with said guide rail.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
107 words
In a vehicle cover assembly having a plurality of telescoping cover segments at least one of which is mounted for movement on an elongated guide rail by oppositely disposed wheel means carried by said movable cover segment and engaged with said guide rail, A. the improvement wherein the guide rail includes an inclined portion which elevates said movable cover segment when said movable segment is moved thereover from a telescoped retracted position toward an extended position, B. one of said wheel means being fixed relative to said movable segment and the other wheel means being biased toward said fixed wheel means into engagement with said guide rail.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
13 words
The cover assembly of claim 36 in which said guide rail further includes
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
30 words
The cover assembly of claim 37 in which said biased wheel means is biased upwardly, and in which said cutout is formed in a lower surface of the guide rail.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cover assembly of claim 36 in which said wheel means include
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
31 words
The cover assembly of claim 36 in which said guide rail is narrow and generally oblong in cross section having convex upper and lower surfaces along which said wheel means ride.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-10 | 1974-11-09 | 1975-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-10 | 1978-11-09 | 1979-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-10 | 1982-11-09 | 1983-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |