Abstract: A tarpaulin can be connected by clamp devices to a beam assembly for transfer of the beam through a tarpaulin handling machine. The beam assembly has a number of parallel, through beam rods and on each beam rod a number of beam tubes, which are alternatingly rigidly connected to a corresponding beam tube on a neighboring beam rod and are rotatable on the beam rod.

Abstract: A retractable trailer enclosure system for use in covering at least part of the bed of a truck trailer having removable U-shaped bows vertically mounted thereon. The trailer enclosure system includes a flexible cover which may be retracted or extended to cover and uncover the trailer bed and goods positioned thereon. An elongated spindle is provided which is mounted to the trailer by a spindle mount assembly and can be used to wind and unwind the cover. The spindle is movably supported such that the cover extends vertically downwardly to a location below a surface of a trailer bed side when the cover is fully extended. The spindle may be moved along a generally arcuate extending path.

Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle comprising a flat sheet which is movably supported between a compactly rolled-up rest position and a pulled-out deployed position, which flat sheet is supported over its pull-out path in guideways in the sides of the vehicle. A drive system is associated with the flat sheet on each side thereof. The two drive systems are connected to one another through a mechanical synchronization gearing assembly.

Abstract: An arm assembly for a cover of a truck comprises a base, an intermediate segment, and an extension. The base is pivotably connected to the truck proximate a top of a cab of the truck. The intermediate segment is pivotably connected to the base, and the extension is connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the intermediate segment.

Abstract: A mounting system for a motor vehicle which is connected force-transferringly to at least one vehicle-fixed retaining device by means of at least one locking device. The at least one locking device has at least two locks.

Abstract: The invention relates to covering for a utility vehicle superstructure that includes a tarpaulin made of cloth and having two lateral edges, the tarpaulin having elements which are prestressed in an opening direction. The lateral edges of the tarpaulin can each be secured laterally by a pivoting strip, respectively. The covering enables a superstructure opening of a utility vehicle superstructure to be closed when a lateral tarpaulin edge is jammed in the pivoting strip.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a transport container cover using a gantry assembly. The gantry assembly supports a cover assembly for housing a cover to be deployed over a load. The gantry assembly has a three telescoping sections including a base section fixed with respect to a truck, a top section fixed to the cover assembly and a middle section therebetween. The sections are adjustable to a height such that the cover will extend above the transport container and the load therein. A lift mechanism aids the movement of the gantry assembly upward along with the cover assembly. The sections telescope from one another as the lift mechanism rises, thereby allowing the cover to be raised several feet above the truck cab or container.

Abstract: An improved roll-up truck cover assembly is provided for use on trucks having a rectangular open truck body carrying gravel, loose dirt and the like. The roll-up truck cover assembly comprises a rectangular flexible top cover attached at one end to the front wall of the truck body and at the other end to a take-up roll including a biasing member tending to rotate the roll in a take-up operation. A pair of elongated swinging arms are provided one on each opposite side wall of the truck body. The swinging arms may comprise, for example, a first or upper elongated tube or rod rotatably connected at one end to the take-up roll. The first or upper elongated tube or rod is telescopically and retractably mounted at its other end within a second or lower larger diameter tube pivotally mounted to a lower end portion of one of the side walls of the truck body. A roller and an elongated roller guide track are provided for each swinging arm on each opposite side wall of the truck body.

Abstract: A one-piece molded end cap is provided for use with a container tarping system. The end cap is in the form of an aerodynamically shaped shell and includes a trough and ridge configuration at the rear edge to provide a sealing surface for the side edge of the flexible cover of the tarping system. A deflection barrier is formed at the underside of the end cap shell and is configured to deflect material loaded into the container away from the end cap. In a further embodiment, the end cap can include a tensioning mechanism integral with a front edge of the end cap. The tensioning mechanism includes an elongated body having a bore within which a tensioning element is disposed. The tensioning element applies tension to a drive mechanism of the tarping system through a cable.

Abstract: A deployment apparatus for a flexible cover sized to cover a side-dump container comprises first and second swing arm assemblies pivotally mounted at a pivot point to opposite sides of the container. A drive assembly connected to the roll tube of the flexible cover is operable to rotate the roll tube so that the flexible cover winds around the roll tube. The drive assembly is slidably supported on one of the swing arms so that the mechanism translates along the length of the swing arm as it winds the flexible cover around the roll tube. A stop is provided on the swing arm between the pivot point and the free end to limit the translation of the drive assembly along swing arm. In another form, the drive assembly is fixed to a swing arm that is slidably received in a pivoting spring mechanism.

Abstract: The invention includes a sealing mechanism device for sealing the front overhang for the cover of a roll type cover device for the truck box of a pick up truck when closing the cover over the truck box. The mechanism device has a cam structure on spiral ridges for caming the cover when closing the cover. The cams on the spiral ridges cooperate with rollers on the front edge of the cover to cam the front edge of the cover sharply up) against an overhang at the front of the truck box mechanism device to close the front edge of the cover flush to the overhang of the mechanism in substantially watertight relation to one another.

Abstract: A covering for the cargo area (3) of a motor vehicle (1), especially for the cargo area (3) of a pick-up truck, having a roll-up element (2) which is opened for loading the cargo area (3) and which can be partially or completely closed when it is desired that the cargo area (3) be covered. The roll-up element (2) has interconnected louvers (4) which are outwardly arched and can be guided at its lateral sides by guide elements (10, 11) with recesses (12) for receiving the roll-up element (2). Additionally, the guide elements (10, 11) can have contact elements (15) for applying outwardly directed pressure to the roll-up element (2), the contact elements having a low friction top surface (16) to facilitate sliding or rolling of the roll-up element over it.

Abstract: A retractable trailer enclosure system for use in covering at least part of the bed of a truck trailer having removable U-shaped bows vertically mounted thereon. The trailer enclosure system includes a flexible cover which may be retracted to permit access to the trailer bed surface, or extended to cover the trailer bed and any goods positioned thereon. An elongated spindle is provided which is mounted to the trailer by means of a spindle mount assembly. The spindle is used to wind the cover, coiling or uncoiling it thereabout in its retraction or extension. The spindle is movably supported in an orientation with its spindle axis generally parallel to the upper surface of the trailer bed by a spindle mount, with the spindle mount used to secure the spindle so that it may be moved along a generally arcuate extending path or corridor. The spindle mount consists of a pair of spaced pivot rods elongated so as to extend from a first end portion to a second distalmost end portion.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: A cover for a foldable convertible top has a highly stretchable outer foil having an inner face, and a foam-plastic core layer bonded over the entire bonding-foil inner face and itself having an inner face. The outer foil can be a one-piece slush-molded foil or it can be highly stretchable and a thin thermoplastic bonding foil can be provided between the outer foil and the core layer.

Abstract: An accessory attachment winding device with rolling and positioning capabilities for installing, removing and storing a tonneau cover or other vehicle covering is disclosed. The accessory system is provided with preferred features of integral-unitary construction or multiple base member construction with extending inter-fitting and sliding parts, so that the device can be adjusted in terms of position and dimension to connect and attach to complimentary coupling or connection portions of a tonneau, vehicle or other covering. In its method and function of operation the device houses and presents complimenting coupling members which can be adjusted in terms of their positional relationship as housed in a respective base member, or in terms of the extensible, sliding and positional features of the cooperating base members utilized in the method and device of the present invention.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a truck having a material carrying container wherein the cover assembly includes a retractable cover having a first end attached to a roller assembly and a second end attached to a cover support element. The cover support element has two ends, each of which is joined at the upper end of a pair of variable length pivot arms which are pivotable about a lower end thereof at a point intermediate two ends of the container and adjacent the bottom of the container, between a first position in which the cover support element is adjacent a first end of the container and a second position in which the cover support element is adjacent a second end of the container.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a transport container cover using a gantry assembly. The gantry assembly supports a cover assembly for housing a cover to be deployed over a load. The gantry assembly has a three telescoping sections including a base section fixed with respect to a truck, a top section fixed to the cover assembly and a middle section therebetween. The sections are adjustable to a height such that the cover will extend above the transport container and the load therein. A lift mechanism aids the movement of the gantry assembly upward along with the cover assembly. The sections telescope from one another as the lift mechanism rises, thereby allowing the cover to be raised several feet above the truck cab or container.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open container of a vehicle includes a pair of arms. Each arm has a first aim member and a second arm member. A first rotatable member is pivotally secured to the first arm member. A second rotatable member is pivotally secured to the first arm member and rigidly secured to the second arm member. A linking member couples the first and second rotatable members to one another. A first actuator is secured to the first arm member, a second actuator is secured to the first rotatable member, and a cover is connected to the second arm members.

Abstract: A tarpaulin rod securing device for use with a vehicle having an open area covered by a tarpaulin, the device comprising a first member having a recess formed therein with an access opening to the recess, and a second movable member which is movable between first and second positions, the second movable member permitting a rod to enter the recess while preventing withdrawal thereof.

Abstract: A one-piece molded end cap is provided for use with a container tarping system. The end cap is in the form of an aerodynamically shaped shell and includes a trough and ridge configuration at the rear edge to provide a sealing surface for the side edge of the flexible cover of the tarping system. A deflection barrier is formed at the underside of the end cap shell and is configured to deflect material loaded into the container away from the end cap. In a further embodiment, the end cap can include a tensioning mechanism integral with a front edge of the end cap. The tensioning mechanism includes an elongated body having a bore within which a tensioning element is disposed. The tensioning element applies tension to a drive mechanism of the tarping system through a cable.

Abstract: An improved spindle and tarpaulin combination to be used in devices to deploy and take up a tarpaulin. The device is comprised of a reinforced spindle and a tarpaulin adapted to be attached to the spindle, such that the tarpaulin may be wound and unwound upon the spindle, with the tarpaulin adapted for use with a spindle having a length substantially less than the width of the tarpaulin.

Abstract: An arm assembly for a cover of a truck includes a base, an intermediate segment, and an extension. The base is pivotably connected to the truck proximate a top of a cab of the truck. The intermediate segment is pivotably connected to the base, and the extension is connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the intermediate segment.

Abstract: A rain shield device includes a housing for attaching onto various vehicles, and a shield extendible out of the housing for shielding the upper portions of the doors of the vehicles and for allowing the drivers and the passengers to easily open or receive the umbrella while boarding or moving out of the vehicles. The shield may be extended out of the housing with two links and two racks and a motor. A shaft is rotatably received in the housing for winding and receiving the shield, and may be rotated relative to the housing by a motor.

Abstract: An automobile cover apparatus and system is described. The automobile cover generally includes a main cover body having a hood end, a trunk end, an upper surface and a lower surface, connectors located on the hood end and the trunk end, trunk cords connected to the connectors on the trunk end, a trunk anchor connected to the trunk cords on ends of the trunk cords opposite the ends connected to the connectors, hood cords connected to the connectors on the hood end and a hood connection device connected to each of the hood cords opposite the ends connected to the connectors. The cover can be combined with a winder for a automobile cover kit.

Abstract: A retractable trailer enclosure system for use in covering at least part of the bed of a trailer includes a flexible cover which may be retracted to reveal or extended to cover the trailer bed and items thereon. An elongated spindle is mounted to the trailer and is movably supported in a horizontal orientation by a spindle mount along a generally arcuate extending path. The spindle mount consists of a pair of spaced pivot rods elongated from a first end to a second distalmost end. The first end is secured to an associated pivot while the second end is movable along the arcuate path. Each pivot rod is provided as a telescoping rod with the distalmost end being movable radially outwardly from the pivot. A tensioner resiliently biases the distalmost end to the retracted position. A drive selectively rotates the spindle to thereby extend or retract the cover.

Abstract: A deployment apparatus for a flexible cover sized to cover a side-dump container comprises first and second swing arm assemblies pivotally mounted at a pivot point to opposite sides of the container. A drive assembly connected to the roll tube of the flexible cover is operable to rotate the roll tube so that the flexible cover winds around the roll tube. The drive assembly is slidably supported on one of the swing arms so that the mechanism translates along the length of the swing arm as it winds the flexible cover around the roll tube. A stop is provided on the swing arm between the pivot point and the free end to limit the translation of the drive assembly along swing arm. In another form, the drive assembly is fixed to a swing arm that is slidably received in a pivoting spring mechanism.

Abstract: An improved roll-up truck cover assembly is provided for use on trucks having a rectangular open truck body carrying gravel, loose dirt and the like. The roll-up truck cover assembly comprises a rectangular flexible top cover attached at one end to the front wall of the truck body and at the other end to a take-up roll including a biasing member tending to rotate the roll in a take-up operation. A pair of elongated swinging arms are provided one on each opposite side wall of the truck body. The swinging arms may comprise, for example, a first or upper elongated tube or rod rotatably connected at one end to the take-up roll. The first or upper elongated tube or rod is telescopically and retractably mounted at its other end within a second or lower larger diameter tube pivotally mounted to a lower end portion of one of the side walls of the truck body. A roller and an elongated roller guide track are provided for each swinging arm on each opposite side wall of the truck body.

Abstract: A combination sunshade and luggage carrier which includes four housings, are arranged in a rectangular configuration. Each of the housings contains a flexible sunshade which is mounted on a roller. The housings are mounted on a linkage mechanism which is mounted in the roof of an automobile. The linkage mechanism can move the housings from a storage position in which the housings are in the confines of the automobile roof to an operating position in which the housings are above the roof In the operating position, the sunshades can be extended to protect the automobile from solar heating. Luggage may be placed in a space defined by the housings and lashed to the housing.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame having a front rail member, a cover spanning the support frame, and a cantilever beam assembly flexibly coupled with the front rail member. An adjustment support bracket extends from at least one of the rail-members and includes a finger member. The finger member is engageable with the cantilever beam assembly to bias the front rail member into a first direction to generally maintain a tension in the cover. The cantilever beam assembly is generally contained within the front rail member.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open container of a vehicle includes a pair of arms. Each arm has a first arm member and a second arm member. A first rotatable member is pivotally secured to the first arm member. A second rotatable member is pivotally secured to the first arm member and rigidly secured to the second arm member. A linking member couples the first and second rotatable members to one another. A first actuator is secured to the first arm member, a second actuator is secured to the first rotatable member, and a cover is connected to the second arm members.

Abstract: An accessory attachment winding device with rolling and positioning capabilities for installing, removing and storing a tonneau cover or other vehicle covering is disclosed. The accessory system is provided with preferred features of integral-unitary construction or multiple base member construction with extending inter-fitting and sliding parts, so that the device can be adjusted in terms of position and dimension to connect and attach to complimentary coupling or connection portions of a tonneau, vehicle or other covering. In its method and function of operation the device houses and presents complimenting coupling members which can be adjusted in terms of their positional relationship as housed in a respective base member, or in terms of the extensible, sliding and positional features of the cooperating base members utilized in the method and device of the present invention.

Abstract: The Pet Canopy of the present invention is designed to provide a convenient and compact shelter for pets kept in the bed of a pickup truck. To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a canopy assembly having a spring-ded roll installed along the top rear width of a pickup truck cab, and a frame assembly mounted in a pickup truck bed. The canopy assembly is stretched across and fastened to the frame assembly, and is easily undone and retracted around the spring-loaded rod for stowing. The Pet Canopy of the present invention may also include side panels to provide additional protection from wind or rain.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for use on sports trucks to cover the truck bed. The tonneau cover assembly allows for removable access to the truck bed without fully removing the cover from the truck. A multiple rail support and mounting frame is secured around the perimeter of the truck bed opening with a fabric cover releaseably secured along an upper portion of the frame's upstanding and fixed edges. An end rail secured to the cover is resiliently positioned between oppositely disposed spring urged assemblies on respective rails to stretch the cover in place and then to be secured by independent locking elements resiliently extending from the end rail.

Abstract: A one-piece molded end cap is provided for use with a container tarping system. The end cap is in the form of an aerodynamically shaped shell and includes a trough and ridge configuration at the rear edge to provide a sealing surface for the side edge of the flexible cover of the tarping system. A deflection barrier is formed at the underside of the end cap shell and is configured to deflect material loaded into the container away from the end cap. In a further embodiment, the end cap can include a tensioning mechanism integral with a front edge of the end cap. The tensioning mechanism includes an elongated body having a bore within which a tensioning element is disposed. The tensioning element applies tension to a drive mechanism of the tarping system through a cable.

Abstract: A hold-down system for a cover of an open-topped container, such as a dump truck body, includes a hold-down member operatively coupled to a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism is disposed within the container, and preferably below the hold-down member. The hold-down member is adapted to exert tension against the cover via the biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism may include biased reels having respective biasing cordage such as cables.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open container of a vehicle includes a pair of arms. Each arm has a first arm member and a second arm member. A first rotatable member is pivotally secured to the first arm member. A second rotatable member is pivotally secured to the first arm member and rigidly secured to the second arm member. A linking member couples the first and second rotatable members to one another. A first actuator is secured to the first arm member, a second actuator is secured to the first rotatable member, and a cover is connected to the second arm members.

Abstract: A covering for the cargo area (3) of a motor vehicle (1), especially for the cargo area (3) of a pick-up truck, having a roll-up element (2) which is opened for loading the cargo area (3) and which can be partially or completely closed when it is desired that the cargo area (3) be covered. The roll-up element (2) has interconnected louvers (4) which are outwardly arched and can be guided at its lateral sides by guide elements (10, 11) with recesses (12) for receiving the roll-up element (2). Additionally, the guide elements (10, 11) can have contact elements (15) for applying outwardly directed pressure to the roll-up element (2), the contact elements having a low friction top surface (16) to facilitate sliding or rolling of the roll-up element over it.

Abstract: A variable rate covering system for open top vehicle containers includes a hydraulic actuating system for pivoting arms carrying a roll up cover wherein the fluid flow rates to the hydraulic cylinders are reduced during the initial and final phases of the stroke to reduce acceleration and impact forces on the arms, cover and components, and normal fluid flow rates are provided during central phase movement without significantly affecting overall cycle time. The hydraulic cylinders are provided with metering orifices that reduce fluid flow rates to and from the cylinder pressure chambers for predetermined portions of the stroke length, thereby cushioning the pivoting mechanism at the terminal positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container cover. In particular it relates to a cover for a truck having a material carrying container, such as a roll-on/roll-off truck, skip lorry, or tipper truck. There is described a cover assembly for the container of a vehicle; the container having first and second ends and the cover assembly comprising a variable height tower assembly having a retractable cover with a first end attached to the tower assembly and a second end attached to a cover support element, the tower assembly being movable in height by way of the combined lifting forces of at least one pneumatic cylinder and at least one gas spring, between a first position adjacent the top edge of the container at the first end thereof, and a second position that is more greatly spaced above the top of the container.

Abstract: A container covering system for open truck containers provides enhanced control and maneuverability of a tarp for covering containers of different sizes. A tarp can be extended and retracted under rotary movements of elements of the system to adapt for different lengths of containers. A tarp device includes the tarp, which can move between a stowed position and an extended position to cover the top of an open container. A pair of forward arms are pivotable with respect to a first pivot axis defined on the device. A pair of rear arms are pivotable respect to second pivot axis that is defined on the rear ends of the forward arms. A cross member extends between the end of the rear arms which are opposed to the second pivot axis. The cross member retains the leading end of the tarp and is movable with the rear arms. The rear arms are biased to rotate towards the rear end of the container. A biasing member is configured to rotate the rear arms around the second pivot axis.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a container of a vehicle, wherein the container has a first end and a second end. The cover assembly comprises a retractable cover having a first end attached to a roller assembly and a second end attached to a cover support element, and rolling means adapted to roll the cover upon the roller assembly. The cover support element is supported by at least one pivot arm at an upper end thereof. The pivot arm is pivotable about a lower end thereof at a point intermediate the two ends of the container and adjacent the bottom of the container, between a first position in which the cover support element is adjacent the first end of the container and a second position in which the cover support element is adjacent the second end of the container. The roller assembly is mounted for movement between a lower position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a truck cover. In particular, it relates to a cover for a truck having a material carrying container, such as a tipper truck or roll-on/roll-off truck. There is described a cover assembly for the container of a vehicle; the container having first and second ends and the cover assembly comprising a retractable cover having a first end attached to a roller assembly and a second end attached to a cover support element; said cover support element having two ends, each of which is joined at the upper end of a pair of pivot arms, said pivot arms being pivotable about a lower end thereof at a point intermediate the two ends of the container and adjacent the bottom of the container, between a first position in which the cover support element is adjacent the first end of the container and a second position in which the cover support element is adjacent the second end of the container; and wherein the union between the pivot arms and cover support element is a flexible joint.

Abstract: A retractable cover system for open top end containers, such as tractor trailers, is described. A tarp is wound on a drum and stored in a forward top end of the container. Opposed side seam portions of the tarp are secured to nylon pull cables and extend in guide channels secured adjacent top edges of opposed side walls of the container. The cables are secured together at a predetermined location and wound on a pulley whereby to pull the tarp from the drum in unison across the open top end. The drum is also secured to a pulley which is driven by a drive train assembly which also drives the cable pulley. The drive train assembly has a driven shaft and an idle shaft disposed in parallel and interconnected by a pair of sprockets which are secured on clutches.

Abstract: A retractable cover for protecting small vehicles from the weather elements which substantially covers the top and side surfaces of the vehicle. The cover is affixed to a winding mechanism and is encased in a housing when in a fully retracted position. The housing is attached to the exterior of the vehicle with brackets. In the extended position, the cover overlays the top and sides of the vehicle and is secured in place with retention members to the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: The vehicle cover of the invention consists of three pivotally interconnected cassettes with rolls of a flexible protective cover material stored in each of the cassettes and unwoundable therefrom through a slit in the side of the cassette, similar to a photo film that can be pulled out from a film cassette. In a folded state the cassettes are arranged side by side parallel to each other. Each cassette consists of two parallel sections with the flexible material in each section wound in mutually opposite directions so that the protective flexible materials of each section can be pulled out in mutually opposite directions. The first and third cassettes are pivotally connected to the second, i.e., the intermediate cassette so that they can be turned by 90° with respect to the intermediate cassette. The ends of the flexible materials may be provided with hooks or other means for securing the materials to the vehicle body in a retracted position.

Abstract: A tarpaulin rod securing device for use with a vehicle having an open area covered by a tarpaulin, the device comprising a first member having a recess formed therein with an access opening to the recess, and a second movable member which is movable between first and second positions, the second movable member permitting a rod to enter the recess while preventing withdrawal thereof

Abstract: An enclosure for a vehicle bed is provided. The enclosure comprises a retractable cover that includes a control assembly that allows for simple and convenient operation of the cover so that the cover can be positioned in a number of intermediate positions in a vehicle bed. One embodiment of the present invention includes a handle that is offset from a centerline of the retractable cover. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a light that is mounted within the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit comprises first and second cylinders, and a piston disposed in each of the cylinders. A pump communicates with one side of one of the pistons, and a pressure relief valve has a position wherein the pump communicates with another side of the one piston and with the other piston.