Patent ID: 6179463
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B28C

Abstract:
An inlet hopper cover for a cement mixer truck comprising:a fabric body having a peripheral edge, binding means attached to said peripheral edge, said binding means adapted to secure said body to an inlet hopper of a cement mixer truck when said body is in use by being draped over an access opening of the inlet hopper;bowing means included within said body, said bowing means to cause said body to assumed a domed configuration when in use; said bowing means including an elongated bendable rod that when bent from its at-rest position will have a tendency to automatically return to the at-rest position, said bowing means further including a pair of struts with each said strut comprising a thin, elongated member having a diameter, said struts to be mounted within said body in an in-line relationship, said elongated bendable rod being located between said struts, whereby when said body is removed from the cement mixer truck said body can be collapsed by said elongated bendable rod being bent into a U-shape and said struts locatable in juxtaposition; andattachment means connected to said body, said attachment means for securing said body in a fixed position when in use, said attachment means extending from said body, whereby said body is to close the access opening and prevent entry of dirt, snow and rain into the inlet hopper when the cement mixer truck is not in use.