Patents by Inventor Vincent J. Merlot, Jr.

Vincent J. Merlot, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Cover system
    Patent number: 7325856
    Abstract: The invention comprises a retractable cover system comprising: a flexible cover. A plurality of supporting bows support the cover A semi-rigid member having first and second ends is secured to the cover section. The semi-rigid member is capable of flexing laterally outward if the system is retracted. This outward action allows the cover or cover sections to consistently fold in the same way and prevents the cover or cover sections from getting caught in the load or in the cover system componentry. The invention also comprises a segmented tube means secured to the bottom portion of the cover between the bows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent J Merlot, Jr., Richard Mergenthaler
  • Cover system
    Patent number: 7210726
    Abstract: The invention comprises a retractable cover system comprising: a flexible cover. A plurality of supporting bows support the cover. A semi-rigid member having first and second ends is secured to the cover section. The semi-rigid member is capable of flexing laterally outward if the system is retracted. This outward action allows the cover or cover sections to consistently fold in the same way and prevents the cover or cover sections from getting caught in the load or in the cover system componentry. The invention also comprises a segmented tube secured to the bottom portion of the cover between the bows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Merlot Tarp & Sidekit Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Merlot, Jr., Richard Mergenthaler
  • Segmented cover system
    Patent number: 5026109
    Abstract: The present invention provides a segmented cover system utilizing a series of cover sections, which can be of any size and shape, and a series of curved or straight supporting bows to form a cover assembly which allows for the easy replacement of a cover section or a bow without disassembling the entire cover system. The present cover assembly preferably utilizes a series of standard cover sections which are detachably secured to the two adjacent supporting bows. Preferably, the supporting bows are curved and consist of a bow center section and two easily removable bow end sections. The unique design, construction and interaction of the cover sections, the bow center sections and the bow ends enable damaged cover sections and bows to easily be removed and replaced without disassembling or removing the cover system from its location. A drive assembly can be used to extend and retract the segmented cover system of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Sundance, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent J. Merlot, Jr.