Automotive bay pit cover with panels having tapered ends for vertical stacking
US6088963A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2999/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A retractable cover for an opening of an automotive bay pit wherein the retractable cover is formed by movable and stackable panels. The panels are normally positioned adjacent one another. Each panel includes supporting and spanning edges. Positioned on the supporting edges are slide rails. The slide rails are slidable in two horizontal directions in tracks of the automotive bay pit. The ends of the slide rails are inclined, and abutting ends of the slide rails of adjacent panels are parallel to one another. Because the abutting ends are parallel, an operator's application of a strictly horizontal force to a panel causes the panel to wedge under or slide over an adjacent panel. Therefore, the operator is not required to apply any vertical lifting force to a panel to create an opening in the cover. The operator may move any panel in the cover and move it in either horizontal direction to create the opening in the cover.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.