Abstract: A ladder rack cover designed for the pick up truck and four post utility ladder rack mounted on the walls or bed of the truck which is fabric based, attached to the ladder rack and bed of the pick up truck creating a weather resistant shell for the protection of goods in the bed or on the ladder rack.

Abstract: A tarpaulin tensioning arrangement includes a lever or leg mounted at one end to a framework extension. A crank having a threaded end is threadably engaged to the lever. The framework is moved to a tightened condition by rotating the crank until the lever or leg is engaged with a catch to hold one end of the lever or leg in a fixed position. Continued rotation of the crank causes the framework extension to move in a tensioning direction.

Abstract: A cover system for an open-topped container, such as a dump truck body, includes a flexible tarpaulin sized to extend across the length of the container. A weighted element is carried by the tarp adjacent to but offset from the front end of the tarp. The weighted element is “gravity-biased” so that it pulls the tarp down and holds it down against the load within the container when the tarp is in its deployed position. In a preferred embodiment, the weighted element includes one or more metal bars that are contained within pockets spanning the width of the tarp.

Abstract: A flexible cover system for a truck box includes a tension control assembly that allows both manual and automatic control of the tension of the flexible cover when covering the truck box.

Abstract: Protective device for a luggage area of the vehicle. A protective device with at least one holder for the seat, at least one flexible flat structure that can be moved into at least one withdrawn functional position and into a compact resting position in the holder is prior art. According to the invention, the holder is held on a mounting system that can be moved so that the holder can be changed into at least two different positions within the vehicle. Use for station wagons.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, a latching member movably attached to the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate and the end plate engagement member are preferably provided with complementarily shaped surfaces which enable the end plate to engage with and swing around or pivot with respect to the support frame into and out of a fixed, stretching position where the flexible cover may be alternatively tensed and relaxed.

Abstract: The Hailo-cover is a truck bed cover system including a pair of side panels and an end panel all having a fastening strip spanning the upper width for removable attachment to the inner rim of a truck flatbed. In addition, the side panels and end panel all have a plurality of fastening straps extending downwardly and with distal fastening means thereon for overlapping attachment to the opposing fastening strap of the other panels. This configuration allows the opposing side panels and tailgate panel to be opened and hung exteriorly of the truck bed to protect the exterior surfaces and prevent scratches. dents and dings. Alternatively, the panels can be draped over a payload and joined via the fastening straps to cover and protect the payload in the truck bed, or they can be secured in a rolled configuration and stowed.

Abstract: In a tarp system used to cover an open container such as a truck, the tarp being connected on one longitudinal edge to a roll bar, an improved mechanism for assisting movement of the roll bar comprises one or more constant force springs, each spring attached at one end to a longitudinal side of the container and at the other end to a reel mounted on the roll bar. When the roll bar is at one side of the container, the tarp is rolled around the roll bar and the constant force springs are extended. As the bar rolls across to the opposite side, the tarp is unrolled to cover the container opening, and the constant force springs wind into a coil around the reel.

Abstract: An automatic tarp tensioning device operable to remove slack from a tarp cover due to stretching and wear includes an extension mechanism attached to a tarp cover and an adjusting element attached to the tarp cover and movable relative to the extension mechanism to apply tension to the tarp cover. A biasing mechanism is disposed between the extension mechanism and the adjusting element to bias the adjusting element away from the extension mechanism to thereby tension the tarp cover. The biasing mechanism includes a plurality of springs under compression between the extension mechanism and the adjusting element and a limiting element to limit the maximum extension of the spring. The limiting element includes a bolt and nut assembly interconnecting the extension mechanism and the adjusting member and is adjustable to control the expansion of the spring. The device operates to automatically tension the tarp cover when the cover is deployed.

Abstract: An improved tarp cover system for covering the open-topped container body of a vehicle is characterized by the provision of generally U-shaped inverted hold-down arm that is pivotally connected with the front wall of the container body and that is spring biased to apply a downward force on the front portion of the cover when the container is in the completely closed condition, thereby to reduce flapping of the cover during transport. The flexible tarp cover is wound on a roll that is rotatably supported adjacent the front wall of the container. In a first embodiment, to cover the container, the free end of the cover is displaced rearwardly of the container by a cover arm that is pivotally connected with the side walls of the container. The cover arm is biased toward its rearmost container covering position by a pair of side mounted spring arrangements that include compression springs that are concealed within the hollow leg portions of the cover arm.

Abstract: A covering system for a container body of a dump truck or roll-off dumpster with a rollable cover uses a pair of pivot arms attached to a leading edge of the cover. A shaft is transversely disposed and rotatably supported by an underside of the container body. Each pivot arm has a lower end fixedly attached to ends of the shaft for rotation with the shaft. A hydraulic or pneumatic rotation actuation mechanism operative to rotate the shaft is mounted to the underside of the container body, where it is not likely to be damaged during loading operations. The pivot arms are also readily kept in synchronization by operation of a single rotation actuation mechanism. A hydraulically or pneumatically actuated cover hold-down tensioning device is also provided, which may be operative in cooperative sequence with the covering system.

Abstract: An improved tarp cover system for covering the open-topped container body of a vehicle, characterized by the provision of generally U-shaped inverted hold-down arm that is pivotally connected with the front wall of the container body and that is spring biased to apply a downward force on the front portion of the cover when the container is in the completely closed condition, thereby to reduce flapping of the cover during transport. The flexible tarp cover is wound on a roll that is rotatably supported adjacent the front wall of the container. In a first embodiment, to cover the container, the free end of the cover is displaced rearwadly of the container by a cover arm that is pivotally connected with the side walls of the container. The cover arm is biased toward its rearmost container covering position by a pair of side mounted spring arrangements that include compression springs that are concealed within the hollow leg portions of the cover arm.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a side tarpaulin on a mounting structure, such as a vehicle superstructure, includes an abutment element attachable to the mounting structure, at least one side tarpaulin tightener separate from the abutment element being attachable to the side tarpaulin and swivelable into the abutment element to a closed position therein so as to apply a desired tension to the side tarpaulin, and a latch mechanism pivotally attached to the side tarpaulin tightener and engageable with the abutment element upon swiveling of the side tarpaulin tightener to the closed position for releasably securing the side tarpaulin tightener to the abutment element at the closed position and for retaining the side tarpaulin tightener at the closed position independent of the tension exerted on the side tarpaulin.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus is disclosed for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, a latching member movably attached to the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate and the end plate engagement member are preferably provided with complimentarily shaped surfaces which enable the end plate to engage with and swing around or pivot with respect to the support frame into and out of a fixed stretching position where the flexible cover may be alternatively tensed and relaxed.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover and an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, preferably one on each side of the support frame. The end plate is preferably attached to an end of the flexible cover and is configured to cooperatively engage and pivot with respect to the end plate engagement member and into and out of a fixed stretching position wherein the flexible cover can be correspondingly be tensed and relaxed. The end plate engagement member preferably has a radial receiving surface and the end plate has a radial engaging surface, which engages the radial receiving surface when the end plate pivots into the fixed stretching position.

Abstract: A tarpaulin includes a sheet having an outer side and an inner side. A reinforcing webbing is applied to the outer surface of the sheet. A retroreflective sheeting is incorporated onto the reinforcing webbing. A plurality of straps is joined to the retroreflective sheeting on the outer side and for attaching to a perimeter of a vehicle.

Abstract: A side curtain for the superstructure of a freight vehicle has its upper edge arranged for longitudinal movement at an upper portion of the superstructure. The bottom edge of the curtain includes a relatively rigid engaging device which extends along substantially the whole length of the curtain, is releasably connectable to a tensioning device. The engaging device has evenly spaced bending notches which, when the engaging device is at least partially freed from the tensioning device, guides the folding of the curtain during movement of its upper edge towards a non-covering position.

Abstract: An improved tarp cover system for covering the open-topped container body of a vehicle, characterized by the provision of generally U-shaped inverted hold-down arm that is pivotally connected with the front wall of the container body and that is spring biased to apply a downward force on the front portion of the cover when the container is in the completely closed condition, thereby to reduce flapping of the cover during transport. The flexible tarp cover is wound on a roll that is rotatably supported adjacent the front wall of the container. In a first embodiment, to cover the container, the free end of the cover is displaced rearwardly of the container by a cover arm that is pivotally connected with the side walls of the container. The cover arm is biased toward its rearmost container covering position by a pair of side mounted spring arrangements that include compression springs that are concealed within the hollow leg portions of the cover arm.

Abstract: The combination of a lockable, soft, flexible tonneau cover for the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle and a lockable tailgate. The preferred embodiment includes grooved front, side, and rear rails into which retainer belts on the perimeter of the tonneau cover are insertable to position the cover over the vehicle bed. The front and side rails are respectively attached to the tops of the front and side walls of the bed. The rear rail is mounted to extend and be suspended across the tailgate opening between the side rails. A catch is provided to selectively lock the rear rail in place and keep the rear rail and attached cover in the locked, down position over the bed. In the preferred embodiment, the catch for the rear rail is only accessible through the tailgate opening and the tailgate is lockable to the side walls of the bed.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a side tarpaulin on a mounting structure, such as a vehicle superstructure, includes an abutment element attachable to the mounting structure, at least one side tarpaulin tightener separate from the abutment element being attachable to the side tarpaulin and swivelable into the abutment element to a closed position therein so as to apply a desired tension to the side tarpaulin, and a latch mechanism pivotally attached to the side tarpaulin tightener and engageable with the abutment element upon swiveling of the side tarpaulin tightener to the closed position for releasably securing the side tarpaulin tightener to the abutment element at the closed position and for retaining the side tarpaulin tightener at the closed position independent of the tension exerted on the side tarpaulin.

Abstract: An assembly is provided including a front rail, a rear rail, a pair of side rails and a plurality of corner pieces. A pair of self-adjusting devices interconnect the two side rails and the rear rail. Each self-adjusting device includes a stop coupled to a side rail, a biasing device disposed between the stop and a corner piece, and an interconnecting plate fixedly coupled to the side rail and slidably coupled to the corner piece for accommodating relative movement therebetween. According to one aspect of the present invention, the interconnecting plate is coupled to the stop. According to another aspect of the present invention, the biasing device is a coil spring. According to still another aspect of the present invention, the interconnecting plate includes a slot for accommodating sliding movement of a fastener passing through the interconnecting plate and coupling the interconnecting plate to the corner piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably attaching a cover to an open-topped vehicle enclosure including a cover attachment member, a plurality of cover attachment clip members and a plurality of rail members attached to the top of a side wall of the enclosure by any suitable means. A cover attachment member affixed to a peripheral element of a cover is engageable with the cover attachment clip members, which are engageable with the rail members. The cover attachment member may be attached to the rail member in various different positions to accommodate variations in the cover dimensions and to allow for variation of the cover tension as installed.

Abstract: A system for removably attaching a tonneau cover over the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle. The system includes front, rear, and side rails. The front and two side rails are respectively secured in fixed positions atop the front and side walls of the bed. The rear rail is then suspended to extend between the two side rails across the mouth of the tailgate opening. The ends of the rear rail are inserted into longitudinally extending channels in the side rails and can be slid relative to the fixed, front and side rails. The system also can include one or more support bows that can be inserted into the channels in the fixed, side rails and slid relative to them to spaced positions intermediate the front and rear rails. With the slidable, rear rail, the cover can be selectively tensioned or loosen to ease putting the cover over the bed and taking it off. The tailgate and rear rail sealingly engage each other when the tailgate is closed to make the system substantially watertight.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a transport container cover using a variable height gantry or other elevator mechanism. In one embodiment, a gantry supports an assembly for storing the cover including a winding mechanism, the gantry height being adjustable so that the cover may be raised above the top of the transport container for unfurling. In a second embodiment, the cover storage assembly is mounted on a dump truck body by a support which may include an elevator mechanism to raise the storage assembly above the container top. In a third embodiment, the storage assembly is mounted on the cab end of the tilt frame of a container truck. The tilt frame in its raised position, elevates the storage assembly above the container top. When the storage assembly is in the raised position the cover is unfurled over the top of the container and the cover is secured over the container by an attachment mechanism on the back end of the container or truck.

Abstract: The combination of a lockable, soft, flexible tonneau cover for the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle and a lockable tailgate. The preferred embodiment includes grooved front, side, and rear rails into which retainer belts on the perimeter of the tonneau cover are insertable to position the cover over the vehicle bed. The front and side rails are respectively attached to the tops of the front and side walls of the bed. The rear rail is mounted to extend and be suspended across the tailgate opening between the side rails. A catch is provided to selectively lock the rear rail in place and keep the rear rail and attached cover in the locked, down position over the bed. In the preferred embodiment, the catch for the rear rail is only accessible through the tailgate opening and the tailgate is lockable. Consequently, to unlock and remove the tonneau cover to expose the bed and its contents, the tailgate must first be unlocked and opened to provide access to the catch for the rear rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective roof (1) for bicycles comprising a frame (2) and a covering (3) impermeable to rainwater and/or UV-radiation. The frame (2) comprises an elastic tube (4) bent into the form of a spoon-shaped loop, the two tube ends (5a, 5b) being held in the region of the back wheel hub (6) and the end of the frame (2) being adjusted to a predetermined inclination and/or height via a tensioning cable (9) fixed in the region of the handlebar (8).

Abstract: A tarpaulin cover having a fabric cover sheet which has an elastic band extending around portions of its perimeter and contained in a hem. A number of spaced cutouts are provided along the hem for exposing the elastic band for tie down hooking and unhooking access. Opposite ends of the elastic cord are secured within the hem around respective rivets that in turn are secured to and passed through the hem with respective terminating ends of the elastic cord secured to itself whereby opposite terminating loop ends of the elastic cord are secured respectively within the hem around these rivets.

Abstract: System for rolling and unrolling canvas around the loading area of transport vehicles. Two appropriate motors exert a force sufficient to move a roll whereon is rolled the canvas, the latter slidingly moving by powered guides until they sealingly cover the area where goods to be transported are placed and likewise automatically gather the canvas when discharging the goods.

Abstract: A side tarpaulin tightener for tensioning a tarpaulin to a mounting structure includes a tension lever-hook module and an adjustment unit. The tension lever-hook module has a tension lever pivotally articulated about a first pivot axis and a hook pivotally articulated about a second pivot axis on the tension lever being spaced apart from and parallel to the first pivot axis. The adjustment unit is pivotally articulated about the first pivot axis on the tension lever and has a base element attached on the tarpaulin and an elongated rod at one end being pivotally coupled to the tension lever at the first pivot axis thereof and at an opposite end being connected to the base element such that a tensioning movement can be transmitted to the tarpaulin as a result of an upward movement of the hook and an opposite downward movement of the adjustment unit relative to the hook in response to an upward closing pivotal movement of the tension lever.

Abstract: A flexible cover system for truck and trailer beds. The cover system includes first and second frameworks. A flexible cover is suspended between the frameworks by developing tension in the cover. Tensioning force is preferably applied to the cover using tension frames connected near the ends of the cover. Such tension can be developed using tensioning winches. A cover suspension member extends between the frameworks and can be detached at one or both ends to allow better access during loading. The cover has ribs connected to the cover at spaced locations. A framework can be collapsed or otherwise repositioned on the bed to improve access for loading and unloading. The invention also includes methods for converting the cover systems between closed and retracted conditions.