US4583777A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Retractable cover
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-02-09
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Granted: 1986-04-22
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Expires: 2004-02-09
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a retractable cover system and, in particular, to such a cover system for use on truck load bodies. Retractable cover systems are known, the most simple being tent-like structures in which a fabric cover is loosely located over a framework. More complicated systems are also known in which substantially rigid cover shells are provided which are then hinged for movement between the open and closed positions. This invention provides a cover system which combines the simplicity of tent-like structures with the ease of use of the more complicated systems described above. The cover system of the invention comprises, in combination, a flexible sheet material cover and a structural framework defining the volume to be covered, the framework including a fixed frame rigidly supporting a track and a movable frame constituted by at least one transversely extending spreader movably supported on the track, the cover being adapted for location over the frame structure with one end thereof adapted for retention on the fixed frame and at least an opposite end thereof adapted for retention on the movable frame.
Inventors
- 👤 Hermanus L. J. Myburgh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:19
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60J; B60J7/00; B60J7/02; B60J7/06; B60J7/061; B60J7/062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A cover system comprising, in combination, a flexible sheet material cover and a structural framework defining the volume to be covered, the framework including a fixed frame adapted for fixed mounting on the load body of a lorry or truck and having in use a pair of longitudinally spaced upstanding supports for supporting a central elevated longitudinally disposed track; and a movable frame including at least one spreader longitudinally movably supported on and extending transversely on either side of the track, the cover being adapted for location over the frame structure with one end thereof adapted for retention on the fixed frame and at least an opposite end thereof adapted for retention on the movable frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A cover system comprising, in combination, a flexible sheet material cover and a structural framework defining the volume to be covered, the framework including a fixed frame adapted for fixed mounting on the load body of a lorry or truck and having in use a pair of longitudinally spaced upstanding supports for supporting a central elevated longitudinally disposed track; and a movable frame including at least one spreader longitudinally movably supported on and extending transversely on either side of the track, the cover being adapted for location over the frame structure with one end thereof adapted for retention on the fixed frame and at least an opposite end thereof adapted for retention on the movable frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A cover system according to claim 1, in which the track and the spreaders each include complementary interengaging formations adapted to prevent vertical dislocation of the spreaders from the track.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
93 words
A cover system according to claim 1, in which the movable frame includes a plurality of spreaders arranged in series and longitudinally movable supported on and extending transversely on either side of the track, the cover being adapted for location over the frame structure with one end thereof adapted for retention on the fixed frame, an opposite end thereof adapted for retention on the spreader furthest from the retention end of the fixed frame and a plurality of positions intermediate the ends of the cover being adapted for retention on the intermediate spreaders.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A cover system according to claim 3, including a movement mechanism comprising means acting between the fixed frame and the movable frame to urge at least the outermost spreader of the movable frame to and from a position adjacent the outermost end of the track.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A cover system according to claim 3, including a movement mechanism comprising a rope, cable, or the like looped around pulleys at opposite ends of the track, and, attached between the pulleys to the outermost spreader of the movable framework.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A cover system according to claim 4, in which the spreaders are adapted for sliding movement along the track, the spreaders and the track each being provided with complementary slide ways.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cover system according to claim 4, in which the spreaders are suspeneded from the track by means of wheeled trucks, the track including a running surface for the wheels of the trucks.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
A cover system according to claim 7, in which each spreader truck includes a peripheral skirt extending towards the track, the edge of the skirt being clear of the track by a distance smaller than the average fold height of the material of the cover.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
150 words
A cover system according to claim 7, in which the fixed frame includes a beam supported by the upstanding supports and providing, the track and extending longitudinally in the travel direction of the spreaders, the track having a rolling surface for the truck wheels provided by track elements mounted to extend longitudinally along two opposed sides of the beam, the trucks straddling the top of the beam with the wheels thereof engaging the track elements on either side of the beam, the trucks including a peripheral skirt each, the transverse edges of which extend downwardly to a position just clear of the top of the beam and the parallel edges of which extend downwardly below the track elements and terminating in a reflexed portion which is curved inwardly under the sides of the track element to constitute retaining formations adapted to retain the trucks against vertical dislocation from the track.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
A cover system according to claim 3, in which the upstanding supports and the spreaders are of inverted U-shape, and in which the lower ends of the legs of the outermost spreader are secured to the legs of the upstanding support at the outermost end of the track by releasable anti-loose fasteners.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-21 | 1989-10-21 | 1990-04-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-21 | 1993-10-21 | 1994-04-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-21 | 1997-10-21 | 1998-04-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |