Thomas N Swanson

US Patent:

50428365, Aug 27, 1991

Filed:

Jun 22, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/542805

Inventors:

Thomas E. Swanson - Boulder CO

International Classification:

B60R 1952

US Classification:

280770

Abstract:

A covering apparatus is disclosed which is adaptable to cover any one of a plurality of similarly positioned motor vehicle compartment closures, for example engine compartment hoods, where such closures are of unlike size and/or shape such as would be the case on vehicles of different manufacture, model year or the like. The apparatus includes a pliable cover having preselected dimensions so that when the cover is positioned on the outwardly facing surface of the closure to be covered portions of the cover extend independently of one another substantially beyond the edges of the closure. Each of the portions of the cover are configured to engage an elastic cord with the cord being interconnectable adjacent to the inwardly facing surface of the closure so that, when the cord is interconnected, the portions of the cover are urged around the edges of the closure and positioned adjacent to the inwardly facing surface thereof to thus maintain the cover on the closure and in close conformity to the contours of the outwardly facing surface of the closure covered thereby.

US Patent:

50962396, Mar 17, 1992

Filed:

Oct 26, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/605112

Inventors:

Gary R. Rippberger - Denver CO
Thomas E. Swanson - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Kayline Manufacturing, Inc. - Denver CO

International Classification:

E05C 310

US Classification:

292128

Abstract:

This invention relates to a door latch for use with a soft-sided door closure in a door opening of a utility vehicle. The latch includes an elongated cup-shaped housing having a back wall, side walls extending forwardly from the back wall and a laterally extending flange extending outwardly around the periphery of the side walls generally parallel to the back wall. The flange includes means for attaching the housing to the door closure and the back wall has a circular opening adjacent one end thereof. An outside door handle member is sized to fit within the length of the housing and has a lever arm formed integrally with a cylindrical body at one end thereof. A sleeve connected to the cylindrical body is extendable through and pivotal in the circular opening. An inside elongated handle member has a length greater than the length of the housing with a handle arm which extends beyond the housing in a forward direction and an offset flange at the opposite end with a releasable locking means formed therein. The inside handle member is fixedly attached to the cylindrical body of the outside handle member for rotation therewith in the circular opening between a latched position and an unlatched position.

US Patent:

49232401, May 8, 1990

Filed:

Oct 11, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/255438

Inventors:

Thomas E. Swanson - Boulder CO

International Classification:

B60J 710

US Classification:

296100

Abstract:

An apparatus for securely covering a material receiving structure, for example the cargo box of a pickup truck, is disclosed which includes a flexible cover, a cover positioning portion attachable to the structure adjacent to an open side thereof, and an engaging portion attached to the cover and selectively engagable with the cover positioning portion to thereby secure the cover over the open side. The cover positioning portion includes a body attachable to the structure, a wall extending from the body at a position spaced from the structure and a lip extending from the body at a position between the wall and the structure. The engaging portion includes a retainer and a bridging section, the retainer being positionable between the lip and wall of the cover positioning portion so that the bridging section contacts the wall when the cover is made taut over the open end of the structure thus causing the retainer to contact the lip. An elastic cord is connected with the engaging portion adjacent to the retainer thereof to bias the retainer toward the body of the positioning portion to supplement securement of the cover at the open end of the structure, and bows may be provided to bridge the open side to thus prevent sagging of the secured cover into the open side of the structure due to moisture accumulation and the like.

US Patent:

49972294, Mar 5, 1991

Filed:

Sep 21, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/410297

Inventors:

Thomas E. Swanson - Boulder CO

International Classification:

B60R 2700

US Classification:

296136

Abstract:

An apparatus for covering selected portions of a vehicle body is disclosed having a plurality of cover sections with each section being configured to cover different selected portions of the vehicle body, for example portions of the front fenders, bumper area, engine compartment hood, and headlamp housings of an automobile. Some cover sections are provided with resilient securing and conforming cords engageable with the covers, with the cords being adjustable in overall length to provide for the continued ability to secure and conform the covers to the vehicle body over time. The cover sections are quickly and simply securable to the selected portions of the vehicle body utilizing a minimum of direct attachments thereto.