Patent US4763944A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4763944A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tailgate barriers
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1987-04-13
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Granted: 1988-08-16
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Expires: 2007-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A tailgate barrier for a light truck comprising a flat membrane of flexible, inelastic material. Apertures are formed through the membrane to pass air therethrough. Stiffeners are incorporated in the membrane at its side edges to maintain the side edge straight, and to distribute the tensioning forces which hold the barrier in place.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven A. Fry
- 👤 Rodney L. Stafford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:11
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D33/00; B62D33/02; B62D33/023; B62D33/027; B62D33/0273; B60; B60P; B60P7/00; B60P7/06; B60P7/135; B60P7/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A tailgate barrier to be suspended between the rear ends of sidewalls of an open bed of a truck comprising a flexible, substantially inelastic sheet having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, said sheet having a plurality of apertures therethrough between its edges; stiffener means incorporated into each side edge reinforcing said respective side edges to prevent their sagging, and to apply tension force to said flexible sheet along most of the length of the respective side edge; and a pair of tensioning means attached to the barrier adjacent to its top and bottom and attachable to said sidewall to exert tension forces normal to said side edges whereby to draw the barrier tightly across the face of said open end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A tailgate barrier to be suspended between the rear ends of sidewalls of an open bed of a truck comprising a flexible, substantially inelastic sheet having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, said sheet having a plurality of apertures therethrough between its edges; stiffener means incorporated into each side edge reinforcing said respective side edges to prevent their sagging, and to apply tension force to said flexible sheet along most of the length of the respective side edge; and a pair of tensioning means attached to the barrier adjacent to its top and bottom and attachable to said sidewall to exert tension forces normal to said side edges whereby to draw the barrier tightly across the face of said open end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 1 in which said stiffener means comprises a rigid rod enclosed within a fold at the respective side edge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 2 in which said rod is a tubing flattened at both ends to accommodate said tensioning means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 1 in which said stiffener means is a rigid elongated member attached to said membrane adjacent to a respective side edge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 4 in which said elongated member is cemented to said member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 4 in which said elongated member is fastened to said membrane by fasteners.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 1 in which the material of the sheet comprises crossed strands incorporated in an organic plastic matrix.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 1 in which said apertures are generally rectangular, with straight vertical and horizontal edges, and round corners.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 8 in which said stiffener means comprises a rigid rod enclosed within a fold at the respective side edge.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 8 in which said apertures are provided in parallel horizontal sets.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 1 in which the sheet includes a plurality of parallel bands of material without apertures in said bands, said bands extending between a pair of parallel said edges.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 11 in which said parallel bands are horizontal, extending between said side edges.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 12 in which said apertures are provided in parallel horizontal sets between horizontal bands.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 13 in which the aperatures of an upper set occupy a larger total area than the apertures in a lower set.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 11 in which said parallel bands are vertical, extending between said top and bottom edges.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 15 in which some of said parallel bands are horizontal, extending between said side edges.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 15 in which said apertures are provided in parallel vertical sets.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 17 in which said apertures are also provided in parallel horizontal sets.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 17 in which at least one upper aperture has a larger area than at least one lower aperture in a respective set.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 11 in which the material of the sheet includes strands incorporated in an organic plastic matrix in said bands, extending in the direction of said bands.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 20 in which said strands extend both vertically and horizontally, between respective parallel edges.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
A tailgate barrier according to claim 20 in which said apertures are provided in parallel horizontal sets.
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) | 1991-08-16 | 1992-02-15 | 1992-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-08-16 | 1996-02-15 | 1996-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-08-16 | 2000-02-15 | 2000-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |