US5080423A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Segmented cover system
Assignee: Sundance Inc
•
Filing: 1991-06-24
•
Granted: 1992-01-14
•
Expires: 2011-06-24
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a segmented cover system utilizing a series of cover sections, which can be of any size and shape, and a series of curved or straight supporting bows to form a cover assembly which allows for the easy replacement of a cover section or a bow without disassembling the entire cover system. The present cover assembly preferably utilizes a series of standard cover sections which are detachably secured to the two adjacent supporting bows. Preferably, the supporting bows are curved and consist of a bow center section and two easily removable bow end sections. The unique design, construction and interaction of the cover sections, the bow center sections and the bow ends enable damaged cover sections and bows to easily be removed and replaced without disassembling or removing the cover system from its location. A drive assembly can be used to extend and retract the segmented cover system of the present invention.
Inventors
- 👤 Vincent J. Merlot
- 👤 James R. Nanci
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:26
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60J; B60J7/00; B60J7/02; B60J7/06; B60J7/061; B60J7/062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A retractable segmented cover system used with a frame comprising a plurality of flexible cover sections with a plurality of substantially parallel supporting bows spaced therebetween and a drive assembly, wherein each cover section is detachably connected between a pair of the substantially parallel supporting bows, the bows being slideably supported on the frame and at least one bow being fixedly connected to the drive assembly such that the cover system can be extended or retracted by the drive assembly and wherein a cover section can be removed from the cover system independent of the other cover sections.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A retractable segmented cover system used with a frame comprising a plurality of flexible cover sections with a plurality of substantially parallel supporting bows spaced therebetween and a drive assembly, wherein each cover section is detachably connected between a pair of the substantially parallel supporting bows, the bows being slideably supported on the frame and at least one bow being fixedly connected to the drive assembly such that the cover system can be extended or retracted by the drive assembly and wherein a cover section can be removed from the cover system independent of the other cover sections.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 1 wherein the supporting bows are curved.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
85 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 1 wherein the drive assembly comprises at least on endless cable and two pairs of pulleys, one pair located on each of two opposite sides of the cover system such that one pulley is mounted adjacent each corner of the frame and the pulleys at a front end of the frame are connected together by a rod; each endless cable being fixedly connected to at least one supporting bow and slideably passing through the other supporting bows.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 1 wherein at least one of the supporting bows comprises a bow center section, having a groove along each side substantially parallel to one another, and two bow ends each being detachably connected to an end of the bow center section by a fastening means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 4 wherein the bow ends are detachable from the corresponding bow center sections of the substantially parallel supporting bows thereby enabling the cover section therebetween to be detached from the bow center sections.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 5 wherein the bow ends are comprised of a top part and a bottom part which are matingly connected to the bow center section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 6 wherein the top and bottom parts have a groove therein, running perpendicular to the grooves in the bow center section, such that when the top and bottom parts are connected to the bow center section the grooves therein are aligned and form an opening in the bow end through which a cable of the drive assembly can pass.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 7 wherein at least two edges of the cover sections are thicker than the center thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 8 wherein the thicker edges can be inserted into the grooves of the supporting bows.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 4 wherein the grooves in the bow center section are generally circular.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 7 wherein an open channel connects the opening in the bow end with an exterior surface of the bow end.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 11 further comprising a cable guide fixedly set in the grooves of the bow end to prevent wear from the cable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The segmented cover system as described in claim 1 further comprising a wear guard attached to the bow near the bow end to reduce friction between the bow and the frame.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
55 words
A segmented cover system comprising a plurality of flexible cover sections with a plurality of substantially parallel supporting bows spaced therebetween wherein each cover section is detachably connected between a pair of the substantially parallel supporting bows such that the cover section can be removed from the cover system independent of the other cover sections.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
A segmented cover system comprising a plurality of flexible cover sections with a plurality of substantially parallel supporting bows spaced therebetween wherein each cover section is detachably connected between a pair of the substantially parallel supporting bows such that the cover section can be removed from the cover system independent of the other cover sections.
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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) | 1995-01-13 | 1995-07-15 | 1996-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-01-13 | 1999-07-15 | 2000-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-01-13 | 2003-07-15 | 2004-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |