Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Tops – Load cover
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-23
2001-05-08
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Tops
Load cover
C296S100090, C296S100070
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227602
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to truck covers and more particularly to a light weight rigid cargo cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Of the two types of pick-up truck covers which are available, namely, soft and rigid covers, soft covers are relatively light in weight and low in cost. Soft covers are easily damaged, have low durability and provide minimum theft protection. Rigid cargo covers are durable and provide theft protection but are heavy and high in cost.
There is an urgent need to reduce the weight of pick-up truck accessories because of concerns regarding decreases in America's fuel consumption caused by increased sales of pick-up trucks. Cargo cover weight also reduces pick-up truck performance and increases the efforts in raising, lowering, installing and removing a cover.
In view of the foregoing, a rigid lightweight pick-up truck cargo cover would satisfy an urgent need and provide other important benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal object of the invention is to reduce the weight of rigid cargo covers. Another object is to reduce the cost of rigid cargo covers. Another object is to provide a rigid cargo cover having the appearance of an integral part of a vehicle. Another object is to provide a rigid cargo cover having features heretofore unavailable.
The invention broadly comprises a pair of lightweight lockable panels, each comprised of a thin metal outer sheet joined to a thin inner metal sheet. The panels are interconnected by a linear hinge which extends along the full width of the panels and are attached to a pick-up truck with a pair of caliper hinges. The caliper hinges are attached to a truck's cargo box with clamps whereby the cover can be readily aligned with the cargo box when it is installed.
One feature of the invention is that the cover can be installed with several readily available hand tools. Another feature is that the cover's outward appearance can match the appearance of a pick-up truck. Another feature is that the cover can be used with a variety of pick-up trucks.
In a first aspect of the invention, the front and rear panels are locked to a pick-up truck cargo box with a pair of mechanically operated key locks. In a second aspect, the front and rear panels are locked to the cargo box with a pair of solenoid operated locks. In a third aspect of the invention, the front and rear panels are locked to the cargo box with a single lock.
In employing the teaching of the present invention, a plurality of alternate constructions can be adopted to achieve the desired results and capabilities. In this disclosure, only several embodiments are discussed. However, these embodiments are intended as examples and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.
Further features and benefits will be apparent by reference to the drawings and ensuing detailed description of a preferred embodiment which discloses the best mode contemplated in carrying out the invention. The exclusive rights which are claimed are set forth in the numbered claims following the detailed description of the preferred embodiment.
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Pape Joseph D.
Patel Kiran B.
Rhodes Alex
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