Auto-locking end cap
US6709039B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S160/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a vehicle roller assembly for an extensible shade or barrier net, and an auto locking end cap assembly for a vehicle roller assembly. The end cap includes a mounting cap positioned at an end of a rotatable shade spindle. The cap body has an end plate and is reciprocable between a retracted position and an extended position. A coupling member having a finger member is positioned at least partially within the end cap assembly and has a cutout region proximate an end. When the cap body is moved toward its retracted position, the cutout region is exposed, and capable of engaging a portion of a securing member in a vehicle interior. A biasing member biases the cap body toward its extended position, engaging two elements of a locking means. The locking means includes a boss and a cavity, a mating of which secures the cap body against lateral displacement and axial rotation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.