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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A track and roller system for guiding and supporting a sliding tarpaulin for covering a flat-bed trailer and for supporting at least one light means. The track and roller system comprises a track for supporting for a plurality of rollers and a mounting bar. The rollers are connected to base portions of sliding supports for the tarpaulin. The track has at least one interlocking element. The mounting bar supports the at least one light means below the track. The mounting bar has an outwardly facing supporting portion for supporting the at least one light means and an interlocking portion connected to the supporting portion. The interlocking portion has at least one interlocking element for interlocking with the at least one interlocking element of the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side lifting/closing tarpaulin system for a flatbed trailer, the trailer having an elongated platform having front and rear ends, sides, a pair of bulkheads of similar construction extending upwardly from the platform at its front and rear ends, and a plurality of tarpaulin supporting beams extending laterally across the platform, and longitudinally along the platform. The system comprises a pair of pivoting arms, each arm supported by a corresponding bulkhead. The arms are pivotable, in corresponding fashion, with respect to a side of the platform, between an upper, open orientation and a lower, closed orientation. Each arm is provided with an elongated slot along a longitudinal axis of the arm. Each arm is mounted relative to the bulkhead such that the pivot sits within the slot in a manner that permits longitudinal movement of the arm relative to the pivot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side lifting/closing tarpaulin system for a flatbed trailer, the trailer having an elongated platform having front and rear ends, sides, a pair of bulkheads of similar construction extending upwardly from the platform at its front and rear ends, and a plurality of tarpaulin supporting beams extending laterally across the platform, and longitudinally along the platform. The system comprises a pair of pivoting arms, each arm supported by a corresponding bulkhead. The arms are pivotable, in corresponding fashion, with respect to a side of the platform, between an upper, open orientation and a lower, closed orientation. Each arm is provided with an elongated slot along a longitudinal axis of the arm. Each arm is mounted relative to the bulkhead such that the pivot sits within the slot in a manner that permits longitudinal movement of the arm relative to the pivot.

Abstract: A track and roller system for guiding and supporting a sliding tarpaulin for covering a flat-bed trailer and for supporting at least one light means. The track and roller system comprises a track for supporting for a plurality of rollers and a mounting bar. The rollers are connected to base portions of sliding supports for the tarpaulin. The track has at least one interlocking element. The mounting bar supports the at least one light means below the track. The mounting bar has an outwardly facing supporting portion for supporting the at least one light means and an interlocking portion connected to the supporting portion. The interlocking portion has at least one interlocking element for interlocking with the at least one interlocking element of the track.

Abstract: A tarpaulin system that turns a flatbed trailer into a fully covered trailer and closes to provide an open flatbed trailer. The system is comprised of a plurality of inverted U-shaped support bows extending laterally across the trailer and secured to sections of the tarpaulin. Each support bow has rollers secured thereto for sliding movement along rails on each side of the trailer. A plurality of pairs of inverted U-shaped uplifting bows also extend laterally across the trailer and are pivotally secured to the support bows on opposite sides to spread apart during opening of the system. Intermediate support rods are secured between adjacent pairs of uplifting bows and extend laterally across the trailer between the uplifting bows beneath the tarpaulin sections to restrict the tarpaulin sections from falling between the uplifting bows when the system is closed.

Abstract: There is provided an improved decking assembly including a deck beam and support rail for use in supporting items such as freight in containers, particularly for the purpose of shipping as for example in a highway van trailer. The assembly comprises a pair of elongated tracks, a decking support carriage for each track, and locking means secured to the carriage. The pair of elongated tracks is vertically oriented in opposing relationship to one another. The tracks each have a top surface and a bottom surface, and the top surface has a pair of spaced, inverted, V-shaped grooves with constricted openings, running longitudinally. Each decking support carriage has an outer surface and an inner surface, and spaced, opposing pairs of legs outwardly extending from the inner surface. The pairs of legs form complementary, inverted V-shapes to matingly engage within the grooves on the tracks for secure, guided, sliding movement within the tracks.

Abstract: A tarpaulin support for a tarpaulin system that turns a flat bed trailer into a fully covered van and back again into an open flat bed trailer. The support is comprised of an upper tubular bow of inverted U-shape to extend laterally across a trailer and, each side of the bow having a lateral, downwardly extending tubular arm. A structural member is secured to the tubular bow along its outer periphery and extends below the free ends of the arms of the tubular bow, the structural member provided with structure to secure thereto peripheral portions of tarpaulin sections for covering the trailer. A pair of planar bases are associated with the bow, one on each side and, each base having a roller arrangement secured thereto for sliding movement on a corresponding rail mounted on a corresponding side of the flat bed. Corrugated plate having vertically formed corrugations is secured to each structural member below the corresponding arm and its associated base.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved adjustable and vertically lockable decking system for use in supporting freight in a cargo vessel wherein the vessel has opposing side walls. The system includes at least one pair of elongated strips, each of the pair adapted to be mounted vertically on each of the opposing walls. Each of the strips comprises a plurality of vertically spaced apertures. There is also provided a horizontally oriented support assembly being horizontally adjustable in length so as to span a width of the vessel between the opposing side walls. The assembly is pivotally connected at opposing ends thereof to a latching assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flatbed trailers for hauling cargo on highways, and more particularly to stakes to be releasably secured in pockets along the edges of a flatbed trailer for converting that trailer from one without side walls to one with side walls. The stake comprises an elongated main body of uniform transverse cross-section. The bottom end portion of the main body is formed so as to be releasably received in the pocket. A pair of oppositely disposed panel-receiving channels extend along sides of the main body for releasably receiving sides of wall panels.

Abstract: A side rolling tarpaulin system to cover an open top container comprising a lead bow and a series of intermediate bows crossing the open top of the container and moveable from trapaulin-supporting positions at regular locations along the length of the container top to storage position at the front end of the container. A strap is secured to the front wall of the container and to each of the bows so that intermediate bows are progressively drawn by the lead bow to their respective supporting positions along the length of the container as the lead bow is moved from storage to supporting position. The tarpaulin is not secured to the bows and hence may be side-rolled into position covering the container top.