Abstract: A convertible wheel is described that is interchangeably used with at least two different car plate designs and tracks. In particular, there is provided a wheel for use with a bearing and a car plate in a tarpaulin system. The wheel comprises a cylindrical body with a groove, first face, an opposed second face, and a central cavity positioned therebetween for receiving the bearing therein. The first face has a first opening with a first diameter, and the second face has a second opening with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. Either the first face or the second face can be positioned facing the car plate.

Abstract: Provided herein is an auto locking mechanism for use with a flat bed and a sliding tarpaulin system. The auto locking mechanism comprises a stationary guide having a longitudinal axis, where the stationary guide is securable to the flat bed between the flat bed and the sliding tarpaulin system, and a mobile component slidably coupled to the stationary guide along the longitudinal axis. The auto locking mechanism also includes an actuator that is operatively coupled to the mobile component. The actuator is adapted to impart motion to the mobile component relative to the stationary guide. The auto locking mechanism further includes an engagement arm secured to the mobile component for engagement with the sliding tarpaulin system. Movement imparted on the mobile component by the actuator slides the mobile component and the engagement arm relative to the stationary guide, thereby moving the sliding tarpaulin system relative to the flat bed.

Abstract: A joint system for use with a plurality of bows in an uplift of a tarpaulin system having a joint and a base insert with, a body component with a first base end and a second base end, a third coupling member extending from the first base end, the third coupling member adapted to releasably engage with a free end of one of the plurality of bows, a fourth coupling member fixed to the second base end, the fourth coupling member adapted to be securable to a component of the uplift, and a third support extending from the first base end proximate the third coupling member for engaging with the bow releasably secured with the third coupling member.

Abstract: An uplift bow assembly and a sliding tarpaulin system are described. The uplift bow assembly includes first and second car plates and a frame having a center portion. The frame includes first and second downwardly extending frame arms connected respectively to the first and second car plates. The assembly also includes a plurality of uplift bows, each having a center portion and first and second downwardly extending bow arm pivotably connected to the first and second car plates respectively. Each of the first and second car plates is configured to support the selective pivoted connection of at least five uplift bows. The sliding tarpaulin system includes first and second tracks and a plurality of uplift bow assemblies that extend laterally across the trailer. The first and second car plates slideably engage the respective first and second tracks.

Abstract: An uplift bow assembly and a sliding tarpaulin system are described. The uplift bow assembly includes first and second car plates and a frame having a center portion. The frame includes first and second downwardly extending frame arms connected respectively to the first and second car plates. The assembly also includes a plurality of uplift bows, each having a center portion and first and second downwardly extending bow arm pivotably connected to the first and second car plates respectively. Each of the first and second car plates is configured to support the selective pivoted connection of at least five uplift bows. The sliding tarpaulin system includes first and second tracks and a plurality of uplift bow assemblies that extend laterally across the trailer. The first and second car plates slideably engage the respective first and second tracks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sliding curtain wall system for selectively closing an opening in a side of a covered trailer in which a plurality of elongate support members are slidably mounted to the side of the trailer to support several pieces of tarpaulin therebetween. Such a system allows the curtain wall to be easily opened and closed by sliding the support members along the length of the opening in the side of the covered trailer. Such a system also eliminates the need for straps and buckles to provide tension to the tarpaulin that forms the curtain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sliding curtain wall system for selectively closing an opening in a side of a covered trailer in which a plurality of elongate support members are slidably mounted to the side of the trailer to support several pieces of tarpaulin therebetween. Such a system allows the curtain wall to be easily opened and closed by sliding the support members along the length of the opening in the side of the covered trailer. Such a system also eliminates the need for straps and buckles to provide tension to the tarpaulin that forms the curtain.

Abstract: An improved tensioning and locking apparatus for tensioning and locking a sliding tarpaulin that selectively covers and uncovers a trailer, such as a flat bed trailer or an enclosed trailer with an opening in a side thereof. Rotational motion about an axis perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the length of the trailer can be used to operate the apparatus to either increase or decrease tension in the tarpaulin covering the trailer. Such rotational motion can be provided from outside the covered trailer, which is advantageous for operators of said trailers.