Ben K Rice

US Patent:

57381607, Apr 14, 1998

Filed:

Nov 18, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/746862

Inventors:

Ben K. Rice - Houston TX

Assignee:

BRW Unlimited Services, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E06B 906

US Classification:

160 8406

Abstract:

A safety cover (36) for an opening (16) formed by an automotive service pit (14). The cover (36) is formed of a plurality of longitudinal columns (46) of a webbing material, and a plurality of transverse rows (48, 50) of webbing material stitched to each other to form a flexible safety cover. Looped ends (60) of alternate rows (48) of the webbing material are mounted by end support members (54) for sliding movement along a pair of side guide rails (38) between covered and uncovered positions of the opening (16). One end of the movable cover (36) has a fixed bar (70) on which looped columns (46) of the webbing material are secured. The other opposite end of the cover (36) have looped columns (46) around a movable end bar or rod (80) which may be releasably locked by a locking mechanism (90). One embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 10-14 discloses a safety cover (36C) supported on cables (41C) for sliding movement between open and closed portions.