Mechanized or motored retractable enclosure panels and their support brackets
US8297679B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J5/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Mechanized or motor activated retractable enclosure-panels and custom brackets for any style open-air-vehicle having roof structures, including cars and boats, is taught. Installation takes less than 20 minutes with no drilling required, in most cases. The system includes brackets to directly rotably support the panels. The brackets are bolted directly onto roof supports via preexisting roof-support bolt holes, or onto the track bar that comes with some specialty roofs. A mechanized and/or motorized back-panel completely protects passengers and cargo from the elements using vent flaps for complete corner coverage. Rotational mechanized activators include pull-chains, roller pulleys, and spring-mechanized activators that can be motorized. For vehicles not fitted with a roof structure, a support frame for supporting retractable, mechanized and/or motorized panels is designed. Only a single protective panel is required per vehicle side regardless of vehicle size. Only four brackets are required to support three panels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.