US4621862A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Closing means for trucks
Assignee: Coca-Cola Co
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Filing: 1984-10-22
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Granted: 1986-11-11
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Expires: 2004-10-22
Abstract
Abstract To close the opening (15) of the load compartment (14) of a truck, one end of a tarpaulin (20) is fixed above the opening (15), while its other end comprises a hooking means (24) that can be firmly hooked in the lower end of the opening (15). The tarpaulin (20) is provided with holes (25) through which the traction elements (18) are threaded. The latter are wound on tension rollers (17) contracting the tarpaulin (20) to form a parcel. To close the opening (15), the hooking means (24) is hooked to catch the lower end of the opening (15). By inflating a cushion (23) over which the tarpaulin (20) is guided, it will be stretched accordingly.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas Kramer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:59
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60J; B60J5/00; B60J5/04; B60J5/06; B60J5/062; B60J5/065; B60J5/067
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
Closing means for a truck having a load compartment with at least two vertical members a horizontal ceiling member and a horizontal floor member defining an opening comprising: a tarpaulin secured along a substantial portion of its upper end to the horizontal ceiling member; means disposed along substantially the entire length of the lower end of said tarpaulin for securing the lower end of said tarpaulin to the horizontal floor member; means coupled to the tarpaulin for upwardly folding the tarpaulin; and an inflatable cushion disposed between the ceiling member and the tarpaulin; and means for inflating the cushion when the tarpaulin is secured to the horizontal floor member, whereby the tarpaulin is placed under tension in the vertical direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
Closing means for a truck having a load compartment with at least two vertical members a horizontal ceiling member and a horizontal floor member defining an opening comprising: a tarpaulin secured along a substantial portion of its upper end to the horizontal ceiling member; means disposed along substantially the entire length of the lower end of said tarpaulin for securing the lower end of said tarpaulin to the horizontal floor member; means coupled to the tarpaulin for upwardly folding the tarpaulin; and an inflatable cushion disposed between the ceiling member and the tarpaulin; and means for inflating the cushion when the tarpaulin is secured to the horizontal floor member, whereby the tarpaulin is placed under tension in the vertical direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
The closing means of claim 1 wherein said means for folding comprises: a horizontally disposed shaft attached to the load compartment; at least two rollers disposed on said shaft; means for imparting a predetermined torque to said shaft; and traction elements attached to said rollers and threaded through holes in said tarpaulin, the lower ends of the traction elements being firmly connected to the lower end of the tarpaulin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The closing means of claim 1 wherein said means for securing comprises: a hooking means disposed along substantially the entire lower end of the tarpaulin; and means attached to the horizontal floor member for engaging said hooking means whereby the tarpaulin can be secured along substantially its entire length to the horizontal floor member and uniformly tensioned in a vertical direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The closing means of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed horizontally and attached to said tarpaulin.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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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) | 1989-11-10 | 1990-05-12 | 1990-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-11-10 | 1994-05-12 | 1994-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-11-10 | 1998-05-12 | 1998-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |