Roll-up Covers Patents (Class 296/98)
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Publication number: 20140159417Abstract: A tonneau system for a pickup bed comprising a bracket system connectable with a sidewall of the pickup bed and a plurality of hingeable sections pivotally coupled to each other to define a continuous surface. Each of the plurality of hingeable sections being connected to adjacent hingeable sections to permit at least some of the plurality of hingeable sections to be rolled together into a generally circular cross-section to selectively reveal the pickup bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: TRUXEDO, INC.Inventors: RYAN RUSHER, Michael R. Spencer
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Patent number: 8733816Abstract: A cover assembly includes a roller member rotatably supported by a bracket assembly on one end of the intake hopper of an agricultural conveyor such that a sheet member rolled onto the roller member can be unrolled to span across the intake opening. The cover assembly also includes a support frame pivotally coupled to the intake hopper between a working position and a stored position. In the working position a portion of the frame is centrally located above the intake opening and protrudes upwardly beyond respective sides of the housing of the intake hopper to support the sheet member to slope downward from a central apex to prevent accumulation of precipitation thereon. In the stored position the support frame is shorter in height relative to the housing than in the working position and the sheet member is rolled onto the roller so as not to interfere with normal operation of the intake hopper.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Meridian Manufacturing Inc.Inventor: Bradley Metro Zazula
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Publication number: 20140138982Abstract: A system for selectively covering and uncovering an opening of a trailer for trucks, comprising at least two tracks mounted to the trailer, at least two roller assemblies, each mounted for rolling movement along one of the tracks between a covered position and an uncovered position, an elongate roller bar extending between and supported by the at least two roller assemblies, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the roller bar to rotate the roller bar about its elongate axis. The roller bar is adapted to receive a cover in a rolled configuration in which the opening of the trailer is not covered by the cover, when the roller assemblies are in the uncovered position. The roller bar is further adapted to receive the cover in an unrolled configuration in which the cover covers the opening, when the roller assemblies are in the covered position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventor: Brian Petelka
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Patent number: 8690223Abstract: An actuation assembly for a cover extendable over an open-topped container body from a stowed position to a deployed position includes two actuator mechanisms on each side of the body, each including at least one torsion spring having a base portion and at least one reaction end and at least one reaction post in contact with a corresponding reaction end of the at least one spring. In a first exterior actuator mechanism, the reaction post is connectable to the bail arm, while in the second interior actuator mechanism the reaction post is mountable to the container body. A common shaft extends between the base portions of the spring(s) of each actuator mechanism to transmit torque from the interior spring(s) to the exterior spring(s), serving as a rotating anchor for the exterior actuator mechanism. Only the exterior actuator mechanism is situated outside the side extent of the container body.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Barley
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Patent number: 8684444Abstract: The present invention provides a compact covering for automobiles. This device is configured to be located on a windshield of vehicles, where it is anchored to the necks of side mirrors by elastic straps. The device has four rolls of cover-sheets and a housing which is constructed of two halves inserted fitly into each other. It is easily placed onto its working position by way of a wheel and suction-cups. Cover-sheets will be pulled out via apertures on the housing and stretched over the vehicle. To help pulling easily, each of the cover-sheets will have a pipe-shaped stopper attached at its outer end. Each of the pipe-shaped stoppers will have hooks which hooks onto the edge of the chassis of the vehicle. The axes of cover-sheets rolls are mounted with the constant springs, so they can rewind after each use. Brushes above the apertures will swipe off dust, tree leaves, etc. from cover-sheets when they are rewound.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Thang Manh Dao
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Patent number: 8678469Abstract: A soft top fabric cover supported by an internal frame work provides a removal end support rail in closest range to a cargo bed tail gate, contains a latch system which allows coupling or uncoupling of the fabric cover from both left and right side longitudinal rails. Further, both left and right longitudinal rails incorporate a full length downward angled slot which accepts an incorporated receiver located on the outer edges of the fabric cover. Upon tensioning, the fabric cover is securely coupled to its internal frame work.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Vehicle Enhancement LabsInventors: Shi Hang, Zheng Hongjuan
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Patent number: 8672388Abstract: A tonneau system for a pickup bed comprising a bracket system connectable with a sidewall of the pickup bed and a plurality of hingeable sections pivotally coupled to each other to define a continuous surface. Each of the plurality of hingeable sections being connected to adjacent hingeable sections to permit at least some of the plurality of hingeable sections to be rolled together into a generally circular cross-section to selectively reveal the pickup bed.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Truxedo, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Rusher, Michael R. Spencer
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Patent number: 8641123Abstract: A system for covering a vehicle platform defining opposed ends. End elements are mountable to the vehicle platform adjacent its ends and a tarpaulin attachment element extends therebetween. A tarpaulin defines a tarpaulin movable end and a tarpaulin fixed portion extending in a parallel and spaced apart relationship relative to each other, the tarpaulin fixed portion being secured to the tarpaulin attachment element. An end rod is mounted to the tarpaulin adjacent the tarpaulin movable end and a support member is mounted to the tarpaulin a location intermediate the tarpaulin fixed portion and movable end. An actuator moves the tarpaulin between tarpaulin retracted and extended configurations. In the tarpaulin retracted configuration, at least part of the tarpaulin is wound around the end rod. In the tarpaulin extended configuration, the tarpaulin is unwound from the end rod and extends along the end elements, the support member abutting against the end elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventor: Real Royer
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Publication number: 20130341954Abstract: A roll up cover for a box of a pick-up truck includes a plurality of substantially rigid slats connected by hinge joints. A flexible sheet of material is attached to the top surface of the slats. The hinge joints include a stop which allows pivoting of adjacent slats only in a direction moving the top surfaces of the slats towards each other, to allow the cover to be rolled up with flexible sheet facing inwardly, and with bottom surfaces of the slats facing outwardly, and not vice versa. Side rails are attached to the box of the pick-up truck. A roll rod in each side rail pivots into closed position when the cover is unrolled, with the roll rods engaging the end fittings on the slats, to hold the cover down onto the side rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
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Patent number: 8608224Abstract: A hydraulic brake gear motor with a brake mechanism to operate a roll tarp for use with an open top container. A motor-driven rollable cover is attached to and wrappable about a reel to selectively cover contents of the container. The hydraulic gear motor operates with a brake mechanism to lock and hold a position of the motor. A secondary brake mechanism may include a hydraulic piston that selectively engages a holding brake with a hex connector. A hydraulic motor may include a port path for flow of fluid to internal meshing gears and a braking mechanism with a plunger that clamps and holds the meshing gears when hydraulic fluid is not flowing. A transmission having rolling gears can be operated by the hydraulic motor with such brake mechanisms. The motor and brake mechanisms are preferably hydraulically operated with an existing system of a trailer or rail car.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Timothy K Searfoss
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Patent number: 8608223Abstract: A cover removal and installation roller assembly for an automobile that is particularly suited to be operated by hand, by an individual, in order to install or remove a cover from the automobile. The roller assembly includes a self-storing hand crank that is removably connectable to a cover spool whereby the cover spool can be rotated in order to wind the cover therearound or play the cover out from the spool. The cover in one embodiment is removably connectable to the cover spool. Methods for using the cover roller and installation roller assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Cruisin' SolutionsInventors: Don M. Taylor, James N. Filippi
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Publication number: 20130328346Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: AGRI-COVER, INC.Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
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Publication number: 20130328345Abstract: An actuation assembly for a cover extendable over an open-topped container body from a stowed position to a deployed position includes two actuator mechanisms on each side of the body, each including at least one torsion spring having a base portion and at least one reaction end and at least one reaction post in contact with a corresponding reaction end of the at least one spring. In a first exterior actuator mechanism, the reaction post is connectable to the bail arm, while in the second interior actuator mechanism the reaction post is mountable to the container body. A common shaft extends between the base portions of the spring(s) of each actuator mechanism to transmit torque from the interior spring(s) to the exterior spring(s), serving as a rotating anchor for the exterior actuator mechanism. Only the exterior actuator mechanism is situated outside the side extent of the container body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: AERO INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Dennis Barley
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Publication number: 20130313855Abstract: A motorized conversion kit for converting manually operated roll tarps includes front and rear arm assemblies and a roll tube extension. The front arm assembly includes a drive assembly that drives an output shaft. The output shaft is removably connectable to the roll tube extension that is connected to a modified roll tube. The connection between the output shaft and the roll tube extension has two distinct modes. The output shaft can be removably connected to the roll tube extension with a clevis pin such that the output shaft and the roll tube extension rotate together or the output shaft can be retained within the roll tube extension by a roll pin residing in a peripheral grove in the output shaft so that the output shaft may rotate independently of the roll tube extension. Methods of installing and using the conversion kit are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: AGRI-COVER, INC.Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
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Patent number: 8584719Abstract: A cover assembly for attachment to the doors of a motor vehicle, to protect their exterior surfaces, includes at least two cover panels that are adjustably affixed to one another to provide a subassembly of variable effective width. Upper and lower portions of the panels are disengageably attached to the door.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Antolin Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20130300147Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for attachment to an open top truck trailer having a truck box, having end caps at each end that partially cover the top opening. Preferred embodiments include at least one magnet on at least one of the end caps; even more preferably, a plurality of magnets along each end of the end caps, which are configured to releasably secure the flexible tarp to the end cap when the flexible tarp is in the secured position. Preferably, the flexible tarp is wound around an elongated roll bar that is secured to at least one arm that connects the elongated roll bar to the truck box and selectively activates movement of the elongated roll bar to move the flexible tarp from an open position to a secured position. Various embodiments include biasing members to bias the arm(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: AGRI-COVER, INC.Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Shawn J. Wock
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Patent number: 8550532Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover carried by a deployment mechanism having a horizontal arm spanning the width of a container, the deployment mechanism movable to an extended position in which the horizontal arm is adjacent one end of the container. The locking mechanism includes at least one locking element associated with one end of the container and at least one latching element having a latching portion configured to engage the at least one locking element. The latching element is pivotably supported on the horizontal arm so that latching element can pivot to and from a locked position in which the latching portion engages the at least one locking element. A tension element is connected between the latching element and the cover to control the pivoting of the latching element under the force of gravity based on the position of the flexible cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Reeder, John Vogel, Donald Prince
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Publication number: 20130257090Abstract: Elongated side rails for attachment to a sidewall of a truck cargo box as a portion of a tonneau cover assembly. Each assembly includes a flexible cover that can be operatively secured to side rails. One side rail includes a securing portion that can be operatively connected to the sidewall; an inclined portion extending from the securing portion, the inclined portion having first and second sides; a connecting member extending downwardly away from the inclined portion from a position located between the first and second sides; and a longitudinal portion extending from the connecting member opposite the inclined portion. To secure the cover to the side rails, hook fastener is preferably attached to loop fastener on the cover. One preferred side rail has a ridge to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. Another preferred side rail has directional hook fastener to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: AGRI-COVER, INC.Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
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Patent number: 8544521Abstract: A mobile tarping system has a framework with a base section and a height adjustable main section connected to a cradle support. A rolled up tarp within the cradle support, can be unrolled and retracted by a spring-loaded roll-out and retraction assembly or a manual crank for covering the open container. The system is separate and independent from the container. Wheels extending from the base section permit the mobile tarping system to be transported between various containers, when a given container is filled with loose debris and must be covered.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventors: Anthony P. Lieze, Jr., Harry A. Lieze
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Publication number: 20130249236Abstract: A roll tarp system is provided which includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position in which the tarp covers the open top to an open position in which the open top is exposed, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion. The arm assembly biases the roll pipe toward the closed position when the roll pipe is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Wastequip, LLCInventors: Fred P. Smith, Nathan H. Morrill, Carlson Smith
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Publication number: 20130241230Abstract: A motorized rolling cover system for covering the top of an open-top vehicle. The system includes a cover, a shaft, a motor assembly, an arm assembly and a motor mount that supports the motor assembly on the arm assembly. The motor mount is pivotally attached to the end of the arm assembly to provide pivotal movement of the mount in a single plane. The plane of pivotal movement is either the same as (i.e., parallel to) the plane defined by the arm and the shaft, or is perpendicular to the arm-shaft plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventors: Steven J. Knight, James Edward Elsen
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Patent number: 8534742Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Paul D. Sigaty
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Patent number: 8534741Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover deployable from a roller assembly for covering a container and a mechanism for extending and retracting the cover from the roller assembly. The locking mechanism includes a locking element, such as a taut cable, mounted to the roller assembly and spanning the width of the cover. The locking element is arranged on the roller assembly with a portion of the length of the cover less than the entire length of the cover wound around the locking element. This portion of the cover corresponds to an extended length of the cover. The locking mechanism prevents further advancement of the cover from the roller assembly once the locking mechanism is uncovered when the cover is unwound.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventor: Ronald L. Eggers
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Patent number: 8523261Abstract: The subject of the invention is a wall cover on the inner side of a bellows of a transfer between two pivotably interconnected vehicles, wherein the side wall cover is held by two holding devices, wherein each holding device is arranged at the body of a vehicle and wherein the holding device receives the side wall cover to be able to be rolled up when the length of the side wall cover shortens during travel around a curve.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Inventors: Reinhard Hübner, Hermann Benkhoff, Marcus Dietrich, Werner Ratz
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Patent number: 8523268Abstract: Provided is an arrangement for stowing away a retractable tonneau cover assembly (50) under a floor of a luggage space (10) requiring a very small space. A recess (36) is formed laterally across a width of a vehicle body in a rear end thereof. When stowing away the assembly, an outer tube (52) of the assembly is received in the recess with a longitudinal slot (54) thereof facing upward. A flexible cover sheet (56) extends out of the longitudinal slot (54), and a rigid free end member (58) attached to a free end of the flexible cover sheet (56) extends along a rear side of the outer tube into a deep section (36B) of the recess (36). Therefore, the recess (36) is required to have a width which is not significantly greater than the height (h) of the outer tube (52).Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirobumi Kikuchi, Mitsufumi Hashimoto
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Publication number: 20130204461Abstract: A one-touch controller for a tarp system with varying phases or modes based on a single touch to operate. The one-touch controller module controls a motor of a tarp, such as a geared brake motor, and a switch or a remote control system with a button to push to operate a vehicle tarp system with one touch of the button. The one-touch controller preferably has solid state circuitry that controls power to and direction of the motor and detects amp variations from the motor to automatically shut off the system. The remote control system preferably operates in various modes based on how long the button of the remote control is touched, such as with short touches of the button being incremental operation, other touches permitting the entire cycle in automatic operation, and touches longer than a set time being “press and hold” operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Scott Kartes
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Patent number: 8496283Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for attachment to an open top truck trailer having a truck box, having end caps at each end that partially cover the top opening. Preferred embodiments include a flexible tarp having at least one magnet, even more preferably a plurality of magnets along each end of the flexible tarp, that are configured to releasably secure the flexible tarp to the end cap when the flexible tarp is in the secured position. Preferably, the flexible tarp is wound around an elongated roll bar that is secured to at least one arm that connects the elongated roll bar to the truck box and selectively activates movement of the elongated roll bar to move the flexible tarp from an open position to a secured position. Various embodiments include biasing members to bias the arm(s).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Shawn J. Wock
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Publication number: 20130187403Abstract: The present invention provides a roll blind for a vehicle, comprising: a guide frame formed in an inner circumference of an opening formed in a sun roof of the vehicle; a fixing shaft fixed to either of anterior and posterior areas of the vehicle on the guide frame; an opening shaft disposed on the other one of the anterior and posterior areas of the vehicle to which the fixing shaft is fixed, the opening shaft sliding along the guide frame in a forward/backward direction of the vehicle; a blind, of which both ends are fixed to the opening shaft and the fixing shaft and which is disposed to selectively cover the opening according to a sliding operation of the opening shaft; and a pressing unit disposed between the fixing shaft and the opening shaft, sliding along the guide frame, rolling a central portion of the blind upward from an upper side of the blind in right and left directions of the vehicle, simultaneously wrapping two sides of the blind and simultaneously providing tension to the blind that moves frType: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventors: Je-Hyeon Park, Seung-Min Yun, Eun-Bum Kim, Myung-Kwon Jang
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Patent number: 8486846Abstract: A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Roger Gustavsson, Magnus Olsson
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Publication number: 20130175822Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover deployable from a roller assembly for covering a container and a mechanism for extending and retracting the cover from the roller assembly. The locking mechanism includes a locking element, such as a taut cable, mounted to the roller assembly and spanning the width of the cover. The locking element is arranged on the roller assembly with a portion of the length of the cover less than the entire length of the cover wound around the locking element. This portion of the cover corresponds to an extended length of the cover. The locking mechanism prevents further advancement of the cover from the roller assembly once the locking mechanism is uncovered when the cover is unwound.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: AERO INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Ronald L. Eggers
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Patent number: 8464974Abstract: A device, for applying a sheet material over objects, includes a frame member, at least one shaft member and a locking member. The frame member includes a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend upwardly from the base. The at least one shaft member disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that a first end portion and a second end portion extend outwardly away from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. The at least one shaft member is rotated for wrapping the sheet material around the first end portion, and for unwrapping the sheet material from the first end portion over the objects. The locking member is disposed on the second end portion of each of the at least one shaft member for locking and unlocking rotation of the each of the at least one shaft member.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Sonny Schillo
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Patent number: 8465080Abstract: A covering system for vehicles and trailers having a narrow pivot assembly with a moveable arm to help deploy the covering system. The pivot assembly has a gear assembly combined with a spring assembly having the power of multiple springs, which are preferably spiral torsion springs, regarding movement of the arm. The pivot assembly may in turn be mounted in a sliding mechanism for covering various heights of detachable containers.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
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Publication number: 20130147225Abstract: A cargo shade or cover for a vehicle includes a thin flexible member that winds onto an elongated roller. The elongated roller may be mounted on a movable vehicle component such as a liftgate of an SUV. An elongated rod assembly is attached to the thin flexible member, and includes extending and retracting end portions that can be received in cavities or other connectors of the vehicle interior to retain the cover in an extended position. The rod assembly may include center housing and a pulley that can be rotated to generate tension on cables that pull the opposite ends of the rod inwardly whereby the rod assembly can be positioned between vehicle interior components when the cover assembly is in the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Marc David Nedelman
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Patent number: 8444206Abstract: A cover system for covering an open top of an open-topped container with a flexible cover includes a bail member having a first end pivotally connected to the container and an opposite second end connected to an end of the flexible cover, a hold-down bow member including an end portion pivotally connected to the bail member and an opposite end configured for bearing against the flexible cover, and a spring pack between the bail member and tensioning bow member.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventor: Donald Prince
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Patent number: 8439423Abstract: Elongated side rails for attachment to a sidewall of a truck cargo box as a portion of a tonneau cover assembly. Each assembly includes a flexible cover that can be operatively secured to side rails. One side rail includes a securing portion that can be operatively connected to the sidewall; an inclined portion extending from the securing portion, the inclined portion having first and second sides; a connecting member extending downwardly away from the inclined portion from a position located between the first and second sides; and a longitudinal portion extending from the connecting member opposite the inclined portion. To secure the cover to the side rails, hook fastener is preferably attached to loop fastener on the cover. One preferred side rail has a ridge to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. Another preferred side rail has directional hook fastener to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Steven C. Schmeichel
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Patent number: 8439422Abstract: What is provided is a new and innovative multiple attachment point tarpaulin and method that enables the tarpaulin to be flexibly connected at multiple attachment points, and more securely fastening of the tarpaulin. The present invention achieves the above advantages and benefits by having multiple attachment points at strategic locations.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Stephen G. Ricks, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130106133Abstract: A roll up cover for a box of a pick-up truck includes a plurality of substantially rigid slats connected by hinge joints. A flexible sheet of material is attached to the top surface of the slats. The hinge joints include a stop which allows pivoting of adjacent slats only in a direction moving the top surfaces of the slats towards each other, to allow the cover to be rolled up with flexible sheet facing inwardly, and with bottom surfaces of the slats facing outwardly, and not vice versa. Side rails are attached to the box of the pick-up truck. A roll rod in each side rail pivots into closed position when the cover is unrolled, with the roll rods engaging the end fittings on the slats, to hold the cover down onto the side rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
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Publication number: 20130036936Abstract: A hydraulic brake gear motor with a brake mechanism to operate a roll tarp for use with an open top container. A motor-driven rollable cover is attached to and wrappable about a reel to selectively cover contents of the container. The hydraulic gear motor operates with a brake mechanism to lock and hold a position of the motor. A secondary brake mechanism may include a hydraulic piston that selectively engages a holding brake with a hex connector. A hydraulic motor may include a port path for flow of fluid to internal meshing gears and a braking mechanism with a plunger that clamps and holds the meshing gears when hydraulic fluid is not flowing. A transmission having rolling gears can be operated by the hydraulic motor with such brake mechanisms. The motor and brake mechanisms are preferably hydraulically operated with an existing system of a trailer or rail car.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
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Patent number: 8360502Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper arm with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLCInventors: Scott Kartes, Timothy K Searfoss
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Publication number: 20120267912Abstract: A tarp bar may be an alignment, reinforcement, and furling control member, without adding substantial weight or complexity to a rolling tarp system. The tarp bar is not motorized or otherwise powered, and is preferably attached only to the tarp material, a significant distance from the drive bar and parallel to the length of the tarp and the bed/trailer. The tarp bar is recessed or otherwise-concave along its length to allow cradling of, and hence parallel orientation of, an already-rolled portion of the tarp. The tarp bar is preferably broader than said already-rolled portion and the combination of the already-rolled portion received in the tarp bar is a non-cylindrical unit. Subsequent rolling-up of the tarp tends to occur in a cam-like action that maintains more consistent tension all along the length of the tarp, to form a tighter and more even roll.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: TRINITY TRAILER MFG., INC.Inventors: JAMES C. MILLER, MICHAEL R. HUNTER
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Publication number: 20120261939Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Paul D. Sigaty
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Patent number: 8272676Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus of the type that has radial arms pivotally attached at the front and rear of a trailer. A housing for supporting a tarp roll and a motor is pivotally attached at the free end of a radial arm such that the tarp roll and housing will tuck under a side lip at an upper portion of the side of the trailer. The rear radial arm is formed with a bend between the pivotal attachment point to the rear of the trailer and the free end of the radial arm, such that the free end of the radial arm is closer to the front of the trailer. A roller with enhanced traction characteristics helps to move the apparatus out of a storage position. A spring used to bias the radial arms can be adjusted to adjust the amount of biasing force.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Sioux City Tarp, Inc.Inventor: Donald William Bremer
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Publication number: 20120235440Abstract: A covering system for vehicles and trailers having a narrow pivot assembly with a moveable arm to help deploy the covering system. The pivot assembly has a gear assembly combined with a spring assembly having the power of multiple springs, which are preferably spiral torsion springs, regarding movement of the arm. The pivot assembly may in turn be mounted in a sliding mechanism for covering various heights of detachable containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Timothy Searfoss
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Patent number: 8267461Abstract: A cover system for covering an open top of an open-topped container with a flexible cover comprises a bail member having a first end pivotally connected to the container and an opposite second end connected to an end of the flexible cover, a tensioning bow member including an end portion pivotally connected to the bail member and an opposite end configured for bearing against the flexible cover, and a mechanism between the bail member and tensioning bow member including first and second members configured to cooperate to lock the tensioning bow member against movement relative to the bail member.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventors: Donald Prince, Ronald A. Wehnert, John Vogel, Ronald L. Eggers, Ryan Reeder
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Publication number: 20120187712Abstract: This invention relates to a tarping system with dual springs that allow for constant and continuous pressure to be exerted on the tarp and tarp arms. Specifically, it relates to a tarping system comprising a tarp capable of being unrolled to cover said transport container or rolled to uncover said container, a movement means supplying power to said tarping system, at least two springs positioned at the same angle along a shaft, and two arms joined to said tarp at one end and shaft at the other end.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventor: Robert Bromberek
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Patent number: 8226150Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Agri-Cover, IncInventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Paul D. Sigaty
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Publication number: 20120181813Abstract: There is provided a tonneau cover apparatus including: a winding shaft that winds up a tonneau cover; an elongated shaped case that accommodates the winding shaft; support members provided at one end portion and another end portion of the case, and supporting the winding shaft; a retention member provided at the one end portion and/or the other end portion of the case and including an outer wall portion that covers the support member; and blocking portions provided at the support member and the retention member at the at least one end portion, the blocking portions being disposed at the inner side relative to the outer wall portion, and blocking movement of the retention member outward in the axial direction of the winding shaft from the engaging position by abutting against one another at the engaging position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazunori Saito, Takahiro Yajima
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Publication number: 20120181812Abstract: A hydraulic brake gear motor with a brake mechanism to operate a roll tarp for use with an open top container of a trailer or rail car. A motor-driven rollable cover is attached to and wrappable about a reel to selectively cover contents of the container. The hydraulic driven gear motor operates with a brake mechanism to lock and hold a position of the motor. A secondary brake mechanism may include a hydraulic piston that selectively engages a holding brake with a hex connector. An efficient transmission having rolling gears can be operated by the hydraulic motor with the brake mechanism. The motor and brake mechanism are preferably hydraulically operated with an existing system of the trailer or rail car.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Timothy Searfoss
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Publication number: 20120181761Abstract: A wheelbarrow includes a straw trapper for enclosing straw and debris in a bin of the wheelbarrow for shipment and storage. The straw trapper includes a dispenser of a panel of fabric or flexible plastic to cover the open top of the wheelbarrow bin. The dispenser is mounted on a first side wall of the wheelbarrow bin and includes an engagement member assembly mounted on a second, opposite side wall of the wheelbarrow which engages a free end of the panel. Fixed and adjustable handles mounted on both rear and front walls of the wheelbarrow bin to allow two users working together to unload straw from the bin over a side wall of the bin into a debris collection receptacle, such as a dumpster or compost container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: John Skijus, Thomas Berinato
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Patent number: 8220859Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover carried by a deployment mechanism having a horizontal arm spanning the width of a container, the deployment mechanism movable to an extended position in which the horizontal arm is adjacent one end of the container. The locking mechanism includes at least one locking element associated with one end of the container and at least one latching element having a latching portion configured to engage the at least one locking element. The latching element is pivotably supported on the horizontal arm so that that latching element can pivot to and from a locked position in which the latching portion engages the at least one locking element. A tension element is connected between the latching element and the cover to control the pivoting of the latching element under the force of gravity based on the position of the flexible cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Reeder, John Vogel, Donald Prince