Abstract: Locking systems are provided for a retractable cover system mounted on the bed of a flat bed trailer or similar structure. The cover system includes a bow arrangement for supporting a flexible cover or tarpaulin with a front and a rear bow structure. A front locking mechanism includes a plurality of self-latching latch mechanism mounted within a hollow beam of a bulkhead mounted on the bed. Hasps are mounted to the front bow structure and aligned to activate and engage the latch mechanisms. A rear locking mechanism includes a telescoping mechanism mounted with the rear bow structure. The telescoping mechanism includes a pressure foot that engages a reaction plate mounted to the bed. The pressure foot and reaction plate define complementary features that allow the foot to engage the reaction plate at multiple positions prior to extension of the telescoping mechanism.

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

Abstract: A wind deflector assembly for a roll tarping system mounted on a vehicle includes a pair of side mounting plates, each associated with a corresponding opposite end of the roll tarping system. Each of the mounting plates includes a first edge and at least one flange projecting from a notch formed in the first edge of the mounting plate. An elongated deflector plate includes at least one variable location mounting element defined on an inner surface thereof. Each mounting element is arranged to be aligned with a corresponding flange when the deflector plate is mounted to the side mounting plates. The flange includes a fastener opening, while the mounting element includes a T-slot and channel. At least two fasteners are provided for connecting the deflector plate to each side mounting plate. The fastener can include a bolt sized to slide within the T-slot and channel, and a nut that is threaded onto the bolt when it extends from the mounting element through the opening in the flanges.