Abstract: A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A structural support and hinge member for a trailer tarpaulin latching system includes a mounting face, a support bracket, and a pivot defining a pivot axis.

Abstract: A retractable top covering system has a top covering configured to cover an open top area of a container having sides that define an interior space. The top covering is connected to a retractable top drive mechanism that selectively retracts and deploys the retractable top covering. A track is supported along an upper edge of the container around a portion of the open top area. The track supports at least one trolley for relative movement along the upper edge of the container. A support bow is connected the trolley and supports the retractable top covering. A cable, connected between the retractable top drive mechanism and the trolley, moves the trolley along the track in response to retraction and deployment action of the retractable top drive mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable top covering system has a top covering configured to cover an open top area of a container having sides that define an interior space. The top covering is connected to a retractable top drive mechanism that selectively retracts and deploys the retractable top covering. A track is supported along an upper edge of the container around a portion of the open top area. The track supports at least one trolley for relative movement along the upper edge of the container. A support bow is connected the trolley and supports the retractable top covering. A cable, connected between the retractable top drive mechanism and the trolley, moves the trolley along the track in response to retraction and deployment action of the retractable top drive mechanism.

Abstract: A deployable trailer coving system includes spaced apart guide tracks mounted on opposite sides of a flat bed trailer. Each of the guide tracks support trolley assemblies support bows for movement along the length of the trailer. The bows support a trailer covering or tarp cover to define a cargo area. A tensioning mechanism is connected to at least one of the bows and applies a load to stretch the covering to a predetermined tension. The tensioning mechanism includes a torque-indicating tensioning actuator that produces one of an audible and a tactile sensation is produced when the predetermined level of tension in the covering is reached.

Abstract: A structural support and hinge member for a trailer tarpaulin latching system includes a mounting face, a support bracket, and a pivot defining a pivot axis.

Abstract: A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A modular headboard system is provided. The modular headboard system can be positioned on a vehicle, such as a truck, trailer, rail car, or on a shipping structure such as a shipping pallet. The modular headboard system can also be used in association with a cover system for covering or enclosing cargo during shipping on a vehicle or shipping structure. The modular headboard system comprises a plurality of component members that are assembled to form a headboard. The headboard system comprises a headboard, a pair of wings connected to opposite sides of the headboard and extending at least partially above the headboard, and a headboard extension member disposed at the top of the headboard and connected to the wings. The wings and the headboard extension member can be releasably connected to the headboard for easily assembly and disassembly of the headboard system.

Abstract: A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for securing tarps to a modular bow in a tarp system includes a curved base member that is adapted to be secured to a frame member having adjacent dual channels that extend along an outer surface thereof. A tarp guide is supported on the curved base member. The tarp guide has adjacent dual channels that are separated by a partition. The adjacent dual channels of the tarp guide are adapted to be aligned with the adjacent dual channels of the frame member when the curved base member is secured to the frame member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tensioning and lock device for achieving a sufficient amount of tension throughout a tarp cover. The present invention is particularly well suited for retractable, tarp cover systems used in the trucking industry, but is also useful in other applications and in other fields. The tensioning and lock device comprises a base and an extending mechanism comprising an actuator. The actuator may be of the hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical variation and can be either manually or automatically powered. The present tensioning device is lightweight, compact, easy to install and accomplishes its function in a minimal amount of time.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for a bow. The bracket connects a header and a jamb. The bracket has a pair of end faces disposed generally orthogonal to one another with one end face abutting the header and the other abutting the jamb; and a pair of tongues extending from said end faces for engagement with end sockets formed in the ends of the header and jamb. The bracket is formed in two pieces arranged face to face along a medial plane extending between the end faces and held together by a fastener extending through a radial web that connects the end faces. Each said tongue is provided with at least one aperture therethrough alignable with similar apertures formed through the end sockets of the headers and jambs whereby a fastener can pass through the aligned apertures in a socket having a tongue inserted therein and fastened, to secure the components to one another.

Abstract: A modular headboard system is provided. The modular headboard system can be positioned on a vehicle, such as a truck, trailer, rail car, or on a shipping structure such as a shipping pallet. The modular headboard system can also be used in association with a cover system for covering or enclosing cargo during shipping on a vehicle or shipping structure. The modular headboard system comprises a plurality of component members that are assembled to form a headboard. The headboard system comprises a headboard, a pair of wings connected to opposite sides of the headboard and extending at least partially above the headboard, and a headboard extension member disposed at the top of the headboard and connected to the wings. The wings and the headboard extension member can be releasably connected to the headboard for easily assembly and disassembly of the headboard system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tensioning and lock device for achieving a sufficient amount of tension throughout a tarp cover. The present invention is particularly well suited for retractable, tarp cover systems used in the trucking industry, but is also useful in other applications and in other fields. The tensioning and lock device comprises a base and an extending mechanism comprising an actuator. The actuator may be of the hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical variation and can be either manually or automatically powered. The present tensioning device is lightweight, compact, easy to install and accomplishes its function in a minimal amount of time.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for a bow. The bracket connects a header and a jamb. The bracket has a pair of end faces disposed generally orthogonal to one another with one end face abutting the header and the other abutting the jamb; and a pair of tongues extending from said end faces for engagement with end sockets formed in the ends of the header and jamb. The bracket is formed in two pieces arranged face to face along a medial plane extending between the end faces and held together by a fastener extending through a radial web that connects the end faces. Each said tongue is provided with at least one aperture therethrough alignable with similar apertures formed through the end sockets of the headers and jambs whereby a fastener can pass through the aligned apertures in a socket having a tongue inserted therein and fastened, to secure the components to one another.

Abstract: The invention comprises a modular lifter for a tarpaulin system, comprising: a) a plurality of tubes, each end of each tube being a hollow end, and the tubes operative to be assemblable into a lifter for a tarpaulin system; b) a plurality of hinges, each hinge having a body, opposed tube mounting ends extending longitudinally from the body and dimensioned to fit within the hollow ends of the tubes, and locking mount extending from the body substantially perpendicular to the mounting ends; and c) a locking mechanism, operative to couple two of said hinges together via respective locking mounts.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tensioning assembly for a tarpaulin, comprising: a) a track for mounting a bow for supporting the tarpaulin, the track enabling longitudinal movement of the bow along the track; b) a universal support coupled to bow and operative to support a rod, the rod being oriented substantially parallel to the track; c) a stop element, the stop element moveable from a position over the track to a position removed from said track, and said stop element operative to engage the rod when positioned over the track; and d) a tensioning adjustment mechanism, as part of one of the universal support, the rod and the stop element, the tensioning adjustment mechanism operative to adjust the position of the rod relative to the universal support and thereby maintain the tarpaulin under tension when the rod is engaged to the stop element, wherein said tensioning assembly is operative to maintain the bow substantially parallel to the track while under tension.