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:
Oct. 12, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 14, 1997
Anthony J DiBiagio, Wakarusa, IN (US);
Monaco Coach Corporation, Coburg, OR (US);
Abstract
A stepwell cover mechanism is provided for selectively covering a stepwell cavity in a trailer. The cover mechanism broadly comprises: a cover plate (with an outboard and inboard end) for covering the stepwell cavity; an activator for selectively positioning the cover plate between a retracted position (below floor level and inboard of the stepwell cavity) and an extended position (substantially flush with floor level); and a guide assembly for accurately moving the outboard and inboard ends of the cover plate between the retracted and extended positions. The guide assembly further comprises a first guide assembly for positioning the outboard end of the cover plate between the retracted and extended positions and a second guide assembly for positioning the inboard end of the cover plate between the retracted and extended positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first guide assembly comprises a pair of telescoping slide assemblies which linearly directs the outboard end of the cover plate, and the second guide assembly comprises a cam surface which selectively raises or lowers the inboard end of the cover plate. In order to accommodate the motion path imposed by the cam surface, the first guide assembly is pivotably attached to the cover plate.