Abstract: A cargo carrying vehicle capable of switching its shape among a flat body type, a flap type, a container type and a combination of the flat body flap types to match the type of cargo to be loaded, comprising guide members provided on its platform or a loading platform of a truck, and a foldable and extensible sealing cargo store chamber consisting of two sides and a ceiling integrally formed by connecting plate-shaped reinforcing materials with sheet-shaped exterior materials and adapted to be movable engaged with the guide members. The cargo store chamber can be double-structured by fitting additional flaps inside thereof. This cargo carrying vehicle can provide the cargo store chamber with a sealing feature to completely block winds and rains during transportation by the integrated structure of the two sides and a ceiling of the chamber by the connection of the plate-shaped reinforcing materials with the sheet-shaped exterior materials.

Abstract: A retractable truck canvas is provided for use with a truck having a cab and a bed defined by a bottom with a peripheral side wall coupled to a periphery of the bottom and extending upwardly therefrom for forming an interior space and an upper peripheral edge. Also included is a retractable frame assembly having a plurality of inverted U-shaped members each including a horizontally oriented upper portion and a pair of a vertically oriented side portions. Each vertically oriented side portion has a lower end that is slidably coupled to a side extent of the upper peripheral edge of the bed of the truck. Next provided is a canvas mounted on the inverted U-shaped members of the frame assembly.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable cover for use on gondola railroad cars, preferably provided as a kit for retrofitting existing cars, including elongated runners for attaching to the top of longitudinal walls of the gondola railroad cars, the runners including at east one slidable surface, for supporting and permitting transport over the surface of a plurality of tarp supports, which extend across the lateral opening between the sidewalls of the gondola railroad car. The supports are adapted and configured to slide over the runners while enclosing an edge of the runner so as to engage the runner and retain the vertical position and orientation of the supports during transposition across the surface of the runners.

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.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed topper that is collapsible into a stored position to allow items to be transported on an open topped pickup truck bed and extended to form an enclosure to keep items being transported away from the wind and the other elements.

Abstract: A tarp cover arrangement for a transfer dump system includes a front tarp cover for covering the front truck container, and a rear tarp cover for covering the rear truck container, characterized by the provision of a front cover drive device mounted at the front end of the front container, and a rear cover drive device mounted at the rear end of the rear container. In order to prevent an obstruction at the front end of the front container, the front cover drive device is mounted forwardly of the front wall of the front container, and a tarp storage tray is provided for storing the tarp when in the collapsed open condition. In order to minimize the extent to which the idler pulleys protrude laterally beyond the side walls of the rear container, the idler pulleys of the rear cover drive cable are mounted forwardly of the front wall of the rear truck. The support tube for the rear cover drive device is contained between the side walls of the rear container.

Abstract: A canopy apparatus is provided for a vehicle and includes inner and outer canopy support assemblies which include inner and outer top transverse canopy beams. The canopy support assemblies are pivotally connected to the vehicle. A flexible sheet assembly is supported by the top transverse canopy beams. Outer rider members are in sliding engagement with the outer canopy struts. Inner rider members are in sliding engagement with the inner canopy struts, wherein each of the outer rider members is placed adjacent to one of the inner rider members. A pair of rotatable rider connector assemblies are provided, wherein each rotatable rider connector assembly is connected between an outer rider member and an adjacent inner rider member. With the vehicle canopy apparatus of the invention, when the vehicle is moving forward and the top transverse inner canopy beam bumps into a tree limb, the vehicle canopy apparatus yields to the tree limb and flexes backward.

Abstract: A new and improved pickup truck bed cover includes a plurality of substantially U-shaped frame members integrally supporting a cover member. The frame members each have first and second terminal ends with a roller and spring loaded lock mechanism at each terminal end. The rollers rollably engage a pair of channels each attached to a side wall of a pickup truck allowing the device to be collapsed towards the truck passenger cab or extended therefrom. The spring loaded lock mechanism allows the rollers to be selectively anchored within the channels preventing the frame members from rolling when the cover is in a fully extended position. The cover member has a rear panel with a window, a brake light, and an access zipper thereon. The cover member may then be stored within a sleeve and flap combination attached to the pickup truck passenger cab.

Abstract: A connector is provided between a bow end and a cable system that moves the bow across the opening of a container or truck box. One end of the connector is adapted to mate with the end of the bow. The other end of the connector has a bore through which the cable passes. A first open slot in the connector communicates with the bore and is oriented transversely of the bore. A second open slot extending through a first side of the connector communicates with both the bore and the first open slot and opens in a first direction relative to the connector. A third open slot extending through a side of the connector opposite the first side communicates with both the bore and the first open slot and opens in a second direction relative to the first direction. The connector may be conveniently attached to the cable by passing the cable through the first slot into transverse alignment with the bore to the point where it is parallel to the transverse slots.

Abstract: A retractable enclosure system for covering a bed of a truck, trailer or the like is provided, which includes a number of generally U-shaped bows for supporting a flexible cover, and elongate rails provided along each side of the bed. The rails each have a flat uppermost surface along which the bows move to extend or collapse the flexible cover. The bows span the bed having two vertical legs connected at an upper end by a central bight, and a guide assembly provided at the lower end of each leg. The guide assembly includes one or more supporting wheels which rotatably engage the upper surface of the rails and a guide wheel which rotatably engages the side of the bed and/or a portion of the rail to limit lateral movement of the supporting wheels.

Abstract: A retractable canopy and supporting structure for mounting onto the load bed of a vehicle wherein the supporting structure may be selectively slid along longitudinally extending guide rails on opposite sides of the load bed and wherein the primary supporting structure is sufficiently stable so as to resist one side of the primary support structure member from sliding along its corresponding guide rail without there being corresponding sliding movement of the opposite end of the primary structure member on the opposite guide rail when the primary structure member is urged longitudinally along the guide rails from only one side of the load bed, and wherein when the canopy is deployed over the load bed and the primary structure latched to the rearmost end of the load bed, the canopy is maintained taut over the supporting structure by resilient springs mounting the forward end of the canopy to the forward end of the load bed or to the vehicle cab.

Abstract: A protective canopy for a shopping cart transformable from a folded storage state to a dome-like canopy of frame structure with waterproof material secured thereto, the protective canopy having a snap fit handle to engage the handle of a shopping cart and a removably securable tab to secure front end of the canopy to the front end of the shopping cart.

Abstract: Disclosed is a utility truck bed cover which consists of a rigid frame section which supports a flexible tarpaulin section. The frame section comprises a plurality of bow-shaped members arranged in spaced parallel arrangement which pivot longitudinally to allow stretching of the tarpaulin. The frame members are segmented to allow detachment for storage and shipment. The frame members may also be mounted in the side wall apertures of the truck by means of a unique clamping arrangement. The frame members may also be mounted on wheels on a longitudinal track to facilitate collapsing the cover.

Abstract: A collapsible cover system and kit therefore are removably mounted to a plurality of spaced stake sockets secured within longitudinally extending areas on opposite sides of a swimming pool or hot tub. Stakes, disposed in the stake sockets, are slidingly connected to two lengths of spaced guide tracks that extend along the sides of the pool or hot tub. Inverted bow-shaped members having free ends are removably secured to carrier means that slidingly connect the bow-shaped members to the guide.In additional embodiments the spaced guide tracks are deposed either in a trough that may be covered when the particular rail sections are not in use, or hingedly deposed adjacent a trough into which rail particular rail sections may be stored when they are not in use.

Abstract: A tarp system for a flatbed trailer is disclosed including front end, intermediate and rear end bow members that are all slidably moveable relative to the flat bed to permit the front and/or rear loading thereof, a cam device serving to displace the front and rear end bow members apart, thereby to tension the tarp cover carried by the bow members. A bump rail extends laterally outwardly from each flatbed side wall beyond an associated guide rail upon which are supported a plurality of carriages that carry the tarp supporting bows, thereby to improve the sealing of the lower side edges of the tarp cover and to protect the guide rails and the carriage from objects below.

Abstract: A two-position collapsible canopy assembly (10) is designed to be attached to the side rails (15) of a pickup truck (11). The assembly basically consists of a fore hard shell (12) that attaches to the rear of the truck cab, an aft hard shell (14), and a flexible canopy (16) therebetween that is supported by a plurality of ribs (22). The aft hard shell (14) and the ribs (22) are slidably disposed upon a pair of tracks (64) that are supported on the truck's side rails (15). The assembly (10) may be placed in a fully extended position or in a retracted position. When in the retracted position a security mid-gate (70) and mid-gate liner (72) may be attached below the aft hard shell (14) that provides a secure enclosed area into which items may be stowed. The mid-gate liner (72) affixed to the top of the corrugated truck bed deck (21) within the enclosed area allows the stowed items to remain dry in the event of inclement weather.

Abstract: A truck trailer cover 40 includes a multi-layered article 10 that is dimensioned and adapted to be fitted over and secured to a truck trailer 42. The multi-layered article, 10 includes a fabric 12 having a polymeric sheet 14, 16 secured to each side of the fabric 12. Each polymeric sheet 14, 16 secured to the fabric 12 has two non-chlorinated polymeric layers. The first non-chlorinated polymeric layer A, A' is disposed on the inner side of each sheet and contains an ethylene copolymer that has a Shore A hardness less than 85. The second non-chlorinated polymeric layer B, B' is disposed on the outer side of each sheet and contains a polymer having a Shore A hardness greater than 85. The multi-layered article 10 demonstrates good flex-crack resistance to make it suitable for use in a roll-up sign 30 or a truck trailer cover 40.

Abstract: A collapsible cap assembly for a pickup truck or the like includes a pair of track members mounted to the side walls of the pickup truck box, and a series of frame members mounted to the track members. A front frame assembly is stationarily mounted to the track members, and a rear frame assembly and a pair of intermediate frame members are movably mounted to the track members for movement between an extended operative position and a collapsed storage position. A handle is pivotably mounted to the rear frame assembly for assisting in movement of the rear frame assembly and the intermediate frame members between their operative and collapsed positions. A window and door assembly is mounted to the rear frame assembly.

Abstract: A tarp cover system includes a plurality of bows that extend transversely across an open-topped vehicle-mounted container for supporting a tarp cover, characterized in that the drive system for driving the bows between container-covered and container-uncovered conditions includes at each side of the container an endless cable arrangement including a pair of parallel horizontally-spaced runs that are contained in a common horizontal plane and are arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinally extending support upon which the bows are slidably mounted. Protective flanges extend laterally from the support above the cable runs, thereby to protect the cable runs during loading and unloading of the container. The side edges of the tarp extend horizontally outwardly over the cable runs and downwardly adjacent the external sides of the container, thereby to waterproof and protect the upper side edges of the covered container against the entry of water and dirt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a revolving & horizontally sliding truck canopy and more particularly relate to a revolving platform which locates in a longitude chute-gap and can be controlled by an one-way controller with connecting to chute-gap. Once controlled by one-way controller, it can be revolved upward and slide horizontally to the top of the hood of a truck.

Abstract: A liftable cover assembly for the bed of a truck having sidewalls and a tail gate. The cover assembly comprises a rigid cover panel sized to encompass the entire truck bed, plural support legs for the cover panel, a height establishing mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The support legs comprise a pair of generally U-shaped members pivotally mounted on the sidewalls and pivotally connected to the cover panel to enable the cover panel to be lifted from a lower or closed position, wherein it is horizontally disposed over the bed on the sidewalls and the tailgate, to a raised or open position, wherein it is disposed and held horizontally a predetermined distance above the sidewalls. The height establishing mechanism is adjustable to establish various predetermined distances that the cover may be disposed over the truck bed in the open position. The locking mechanism includes an actuatable handle and plural associated latches for locking the cover panel in the closed position.

Abstract: A tent to be quickly and easily attached to or removed from the rear of a motor vehicle (e.g. a pick-up truck) having a substantially flat and open bed. The tent includes a frame comprising a pair of pole assemblies that extend diagonally and cross one another above the bed of the truck. The tent also includes front, back and side panels and belts which extend laterally through channels in the front and back panels and down the sides of the truck to be removably connected to the undercarriage thereof. A pair of cup-like receptacles are slidably attached to each of the belts. The cups are adjustably positioned along the belts to receive respective ends of the pole assemblies which form the tent frame. Accordingly, the weight of the frame and the tent carried thereon is supported by the cups and the belts retained by the front and back tent panels so that the tent may be suspended above the bed without requiring any permanent connections to or modifications of the truck.

Abstract: A collapsible cover system and kit therefor are removably mounted to a plurality of spaced stake sockets secured between longitudinally extending rub rails and opposite sides of a flatbed vehicle. Stakes, disposed in the stake sockets, are slidingly connected to two lengths of spaced guide tracks that project above and extend along the sides of the flatbed vehicle. Inverted bow-shaped members having free ends are removably secured to carrier means that slidingly connect the bow-shaped members to the guide.

Abstract: A covering device, such as is used in particular for covering passenger car loading spaces, consists of a web of a blind and hoops guided on both sides of the web in a guide running in the longitudinal direction. In order to reduce the construction space required when the covering device is open, the web of the blind is rolled up on a take-up rod, from which it can be drawn off counter to the effect of springs. Using a mechanical coupling, the hoops bearing the web of the blind are drawn successively from the waiting or open position, together with the web of the blind. The web of the blind is firmly connected only to the first hoop when viewed from the pulling-out side of the web, and rests loosely upon the other hoops.

Abstract: An improved construction for intermediate bows used in movable tarpaulin systems for open-top truck bodies wherein the ends of the bows are provided with elongated sleeves of a uniform transverse cross-section comprising spaced parallel upper and lower sides joined by semi-circular ends to provide a somewhat elongated oval appearance in cross-section.

Abstract: This cargo bay cover is a convenient, water-resistant, soft cover for a cargo bay. The cover is designed with five easily removable support arms (38) covered with a lightweight, water-resistant material (20). The support arms are steadied by rigid support brackets (32,34) which fit tightly around the upper side-wall ridge (82) of the cargo bay. Tension caused by the design of the support arms (38) pressing against the support brackets (32,34), and the stabilizer members (36), steady the cover during use. When the cover is not needed it can be removed, rolled up (FIG. 7), and stored in a handy storage bag (80).

Abstract: A manual tarp enclosing system is disclosed for enclosing flat bed trailers which has an elongate track on each side and a plurality of U-shaped bows bridging the bed with one of the legs of the bow received in the track on each side of the bed for movement longitudinally in the track means. A cable positioning system for moving and positioning the bow is provided which comprises a closed loop of cable which extends along one side, across the width and down the other side of the bed as parallel double strands. A first bow is secured to one of the cable strands running parallel each of the tracks whereby on manually pulling on the loop of the cable, the first bow is moved towards the front or rear of the bed. A cover is secured to the first bow and at successive intervals to successive of the bows. On drawing the first bow, the cover extends or collapses in an accordion-like manner.

Abstract: A flexible truck cover is attached to supporting members which downwardly overlap the upper side edges of the truck container to cover the entire width of the container. The cover is extended and retracted along the length of the container by cable means on which the support members are mounted and which interconnect drive pulleys and pull-down pulleys mounted at opposing ends of the trailer. The pull-down pulleys draw the flexible cover downwardly over the rear edge of the container to cover the entire length of the container.

Abstract: A roll out tarp cover assembly is situated across the front end of a truck box and contains a roller upon which the tarpaulin or cover engages. It is operated by a retractable hand crank at one end. Transverse stiffeners are secured to the cover with the ends engaging side rails secured to the upper edges of the truck box sides and the cover may be detachably secured by the free end thereof to the upper edge of the tailgate by snap fasteners, magnets or the like. The side rails have drainage holes and a rain shedding outer shroud fasteners are slideably engageable within a track formed on the under side of the side rails in order to secure the rails to the upper edges of the truck box.

Abstract: A manual tarp enclosing system is disclosed for enclosing flat bed trailers which has an elongate track on each side and a plurality of U-shaped bows bridging the bed with one of the legs of the bow received in the track on each side of the bed for movement longitudinally in the track means. A cable positioning system for moving and positioning the bow is provided which comprises a closed loop of cable which extends along one side, across the width and down the other side of the bed as parallel double strands. A first bow is secured to one of the cable strands running parallel each of the tracks whereby on manually pulling on the loop of the cable, the first bow is moved towards the front or rear of the bed. A cover is secured to the first bow and at successive intervals to successive of the bows. On drawing the first bow, the cover extends or collapses in an accordian-like manner.

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.

Abstract: An improved tarpaulin cover system for truck bodies wherein intermediate portions of the tarpaulin between its ends are slidably secured for longitudinal movement with respect to the truck body on a pair of semi-rigid, non-movable linear fixed support members, the semi-rigid support members being separate and distinct from the movable drive cable by which the lead bow and tarpaulin are moved. The system is adaptable to both truck box and flat deck trailer type bodies. The system according to the present invention makes the tarpaulin system more wind resistant than conventional movable tarpaulin cover systems and provides more safety by maintaining the tarpaulin in position even if the drive cable breaks.

Abstract: A vehicle bed cover assembly is provided, comprising a primary frame member having an exterior side and an interior side, fixedly connectable between the sidewalls of a vehicle bed, the frame member extending to a desired height above the sidewalls; a roller assembly for anchoring and storing a top cover, mounted on the primary frame member; a flexible top cover having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the roller assembly; a first rail for partially supporting the bed cover assembly, fixedly connected to one sidewall; a second rail for partially supporting the bed assembly, fixedly connected to one sidewall opposite the first rail; at least one movable frame member, removably connectable to the first and second rails in a fixed position between the sidewalls of the vehicle bed and extending to a desired height above the sidewalls; a hook assembly for attaching the flexible top cover to the movable frame member, fixedly connected to the second end of the top cover and connectable t

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable truck canopy frame and in particular to one utilizing: two rails, fixed at the sides of a truck bed; several sliding elements connected with the rails; several main frames having each end connected with one sliding element; and several linking rods crossly connected with every two main frames along the two sides of the bed. By pushing or pulling the main frames along the rails, the truck canopy may be either retracted or extended as desired.

Abstract: A cover assembly installable on the open bed of trucks adapted to be mechanically drawn over or withdrawn from the top of the truck bed by means of a pulley operated looped cable attached to a movable tarpaulin. Lateral, front and rear enclosure members are connected with said tarpaulin so that in the drawn position, the interior of the truck bed is completely covered.

Abstract: A cover assembly installable on the open bed of trucks adapted to be mechanically drawn over or withdrawn from the top of the truck bed by means of a pulley operated looped cable attached to a movable tarpaulin. Lateral, front and rear enclosure members are connected with said tarpaulin so that in the drawn position, the interior of the truck bed is completely covered.

Abstract: A contractible truck cover is set forth slidably secured within spaced parallel rails secured interiorly of a truck bed. The truck cover is contractible in an accordion style fashion to compress against the forwardmost wall of the truck bed. Spaced first and second links secure "U" shaped rails wherein third and fourth links are secured between the rails at the apex of each downwardly oriented "U" shaped rail to provide rigidity to a skeleton framework securing thereto a flexible canopy. The canopy and framework is removably attached to the spaced rails and a floor panel is securable to lowermost edges of the canopy by a zipper connection including a second door panel replaceable for a first door panel to provide a tent structure when the cover is removed from the truck bed.

Abstract: A truck bed cover for the cargo area of trucks utilizes a flexible cover supported by a plurality of generally U-shaped rigid supports. The flexible cover is secured by cooperating snap fasteners spaced around the truck bed and the U-shaped supports may be formed with collapsible telescoping leg portions to allow the height of the cover to be adapted for covering various different cargos. The supports are retractable to a collapsed position when not in use. The cover may also be utilized to form a tent in the truck bed for the protection of individuals from the environment. The cover may be removed and utilized for various picnic and camping uses.

Abstract: A tarp cover system for flat bed vehicles includes inverted U-shaped bow members that extend transversely of the vehicle, the lower ends of the leg portions of the bow members being connected with carrier devices by means of which the bow members are displaced longitudinally of the vehicle. The bow members carry a tarp cover member that covers and uncovers the vehicle bed when the bow members are displaced longitudinally between expanded and contracted conditions relative to the vehicle. Bump rails are provided that protrude at each side of the flat bed beyond the guide tracks in which the bow carrier devices are displaced, thereby to protect the guide tracks and carriers against damage, and also to permit connection of the load to the flat bed regardless of whether the cover is in the expanded load-covering condition, or the contracted load-exposing condition.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy for vehicles having cargo beds and for pickup trucks, in particular. The canopy includes a pair of channel members suitable for mounting on the top side walls of a pickup box; slide members mounted within each channel member; a plurality of arch-shaped rigid stays, extending across the box and mounted adjacent and parallel with one another from the front toward the rear of the box, each stay affixed to respective slide members for reciprocal movement therewith; a flexible canopy cover engaging the stays; and latches for holding the stays in a spaced apart, extended mode so that the cover extends over the box. Elastic bands engaging the cover in parallel relationship between adjacent rigid stays draw the rigid stays together when the latch is released so as to collapse the cover for storage adjacent the back of the pickup cab.

Abstract: A cover assembly for vehicle bed cover includes a plurality of rigid, telescoping cover members longitudinally movable and guide tracks mounted along the side of the vehicle bed with respective cover members extending over the front and rear ends of the vehicle bed for selectively exposing either the front portion or the rear portion of the bed or, both such portions. There are at least two support slide assemblies carried by each cover member with one of the slide assemblies engaging each guide track to provide sliding support to the longitudinal movement of the cover member. Each slide assembly is laterally adjustably mounted to the cover so that the slide assembly may be laterally adjusted for receipt by a respective guide track.

Abstract: A cover assembly installable on the open bed of trucks adapted to be mechanically drawn over or withdrawn from the top of the truck bed by means of a pulley operated looped cable attached to a movable tarpaulin. Lateral, front and rear enclosure members are connected with said tarpaulin so that in the drawn position, the interior of the truck bed is completely covered.

Abstract: A convertible top for pick-up trucks is disclosed having front and rear shells with a collapsible canopy therebetween and the rear shell being movable on side rails from a retracted to an extended position of the top. In the closed position, the rear shell is telescoped into the front shell and the canopy, including plural bows and a flexible sheet, are stowed inside the capsule formed by the shells. The rear shell is supported on the rails by a pair of carriages and the bows are individually carried at opposite ends by a pair of bow carriers. A latch is mounted on a swivel on each carriage and coacts with a front latch keeper on the rail in the retracted position and a different latch keeper on the rail in the extended position. A storage cabinet is disposed beneath the front shell and supported on the truck bed and is accessible through the cab window and a front window in the front shell and also through a rear window in the rear shell.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy for the cargo bay of pick-up trucks, including transversely extending ribs which are longitudinally slidable along tracks on the sides of the cargo bay. Rack and pinion assemblies attached to the legs of the rearward rib, and integrally tied to a rack attached to each track, maintain transverse perpendicular alignment of the legs of that rib. Shafts projecting from the pinions and mounted to the legs of the rear rib are connected by an overhead axle with universal shafts at each end such that longitudinal movement of one leg of the rear rib will rotate its pinion, which is transmitted via the overhead axle to the opposite pinion and will thereby simultaneously move the other leg.

Abstract: A flexible cap for a truck bed comprises a plurality of supports intermediately positioned along the truck bed, with a flexible material being stretched over the supports to form the cap. Braces between the supports may be folded into a collapsed position so as to permit the supports to be slid along guide tracks positioned along opposite sides of the truck bed. The supports may be slid into an abutting relationship so as to result in the cap being totally collapsed into a compact package in a forward part of the truck bed. If desired, the cap may be only partially collapsed so as to leave a portion of the truck bed exposed while a further portion of the bed is still sheltered.

Abstract: A tarp cover system for flat bed vehicles includes inverted U-shaped bow members that extend transversely of the vehicle, the lower ends of the leg portions of the bow members being connected with carrier devices by means of which the bow members are displaced longitudinally of the vehicle. The bow members carry a tarp cover member that covers and uncovers the vehicle bed when the bow members are displaced longitudinally between expanded and contracted conditions relative to the vehicle. The tarp member includes side portions that extend downwardly adjacent the outer surfaces of the leg portions of the bow members, and bottom flap portions that extend beneath the carrier devices and the longitudinal guide tracks within which the carrier devices travel.

Abstract: Cooperating male and female track assemblies associated with otherwise conventional pickup truck body open beds and covers or canopies so that a cover or canopy may be easily alid onto and off of the truck body bed. The male and female tracks have a variety of cross-section configurations and one or the other or both of the tracks have an elongate channel formed in an exposed surface through which conventional headed fasteners are inserted with the fasteners heads received entirely within the channel or channels so that any interference fit between the tracks is prevented and the hitherto requirement for countersunk fasteners is eliminated.

Abstract: A collapsible soft top for use on pick-up truck cargo compartments is disclosed. The invention consists of a frame and a fabric top. The frame comprises a number of girders and rafters which may be folded up when an open cargo compartment is desired. The frame is covered by a weather resistant, collapsible fabric which provides window means as well as door means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable cover system and, in particular, to such a cover system for use on truck load bodies. Retractable cover systems are known, the most simple being tent-like structures in which a fabric cover is loosely located over a framework. More complicated systems are also known in which substantially rigid cover shells are provided which are then hinged for movement between the open and closed positions. This invention provides a cover system which combines the simplicity of tent-like structures with the ease of use of the more complicated systems described above.