The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 17, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 26, 1997
Bradford Paul Swanson, Utica, SD (US);
Robert Ray Brewer, Utica, SD (US);
Shur Company, Yankton, SD (US);
Abstract
A connector is provided between a bow end and a cable system that moves the bow across the opening of a container or truck box. One end of the connector is adapted to mate with the end of the bow. The other end of the connector has a bore through which the cable passes. A first open slot in the connector communicates with the bore and is oriented transversely of the bore. A second open slot extending through a first side of the connector communicates with both the bore and the first open slot and opens in a first direction relative to the connector. A third open slot extending through a side of the connector opposite the first side communicates with both the bore and the first open slot and opens in a second direction relative to the first direction. The connector may be conveniently attached to the cable by passing the cable through the first slot into transverse alignment with the bore to the point where it is parallel to the transverse slots. Subsequent lateral rotation of the connector allows the cable to simultaneously pass through the second and third slots and to become longitudinally aligned within the bore. Because the subsequent mating of the bow end with the opposite end of the connector restricts lateral rotation in the opposite direction, movement of the connector in a direction other than along the cable is prevented. This construction permits the connector and associated bow to be readily removed and re-attached to the cable without disassembly of the cable system.