Abstract: A drag reducing device includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, so the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side wall when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is sized for a minimal prominence when stowed.

Abstract: A drag reducing device includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, so the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side wall when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is sized for a minimal prominence when stowed.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck or trailer vehicle so that the apparatus can be pivoted clear of the rear doors of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly that allows the apparatus to open substantially flat against the side of the vehicle so as not to impede the full movement of the doors. The apparatus includes an arrangement of connected panels that are initially folded flat against the back of the vehicle but automatically open to a drag reducing configuration at a sufficient vehicle speed. The connected panels are further configured so that the force of gravity automatically returns the panels to their initial folded configuration when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold. The apparatus incorporates a modular construction that allows replacement of individual panel sections. The mounting frame is constructed to augment the drag reduction characteristics of the apparatus.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck or trailer vehicle so that the apparatus can be pivoted clear of the rear doors of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly that allows the apparatus to open substantially flat against the side of the vehicle so as not to impede the full movement of the doors. The apparatus includes an arrangement of connected panels that are initially folded flat against the back of the vehicle but automatically open to a drag reducing configuration at a sufficient vehicle speed. The connected panels are further configured so that the force of gravity automatically returns the panels to their initial folded configuration when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold. The apparatus incorporates a modular construction that allows replacement of individual panel sections. The mounting frame is constructed to augment the drag reduction characteristics of the apparatus.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck or trailer vehicle so that the apparatus can be pivoted clear of the rear doors of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly that allows the apparatus to open substantially flat against the side of the vehicle so as not to impede the full movement of the doors. The apparatus includes an arrangement of connected panels that are initially folded flat against the back of the vehicle but automatically open to a drag reducing configuration at a sufficient vehicle speed. The connected panels are further configured so that the force of gravity automatically returns the panels to their initial folded configuration when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold. The apparatus incorporates a modular construction that allows replacement of individual panel sections. The mounting frame is constructed to augment the drag reduction characteristics of the apparatus.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck or trailer vehicle so that the apparatus can be pivoted clear of the rear doors of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly that allows the apparatus to open substantially flat against the side of the vehicle so as not to impede the full movement of the doors. The apparatus includes an arrangement of connected panels that are initially folded flat against the back of the vehicle but automatically open to a drag reducing configuration at a sufficient vehicle speed. The connected panels are further configured so that the force of gravity automatically returns the panels to their initial folded configuration when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold. The apparatus incorporates a modular construction that allows replacement of individual panel sections. The mounting frame is constructed to augment the drag reduction characteristics of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bow structure for supporting a flexible cover or tarpaulin includes an intermediate bow and an uplift bow arrangement supported on the intermediate bow. The uplift bow arrangement includes a U-shaped bow supported on compression springs. The compression springs bias the bow along the axis of the bow arms, thereby exerting a generally upward force on the inside of the tarp.

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 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: In one embodiment, a bulkhead extension for a DOT rated bulkhead installed on a flatbed vehicle includes a pair of wings attached one to each side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extension also includes a top bar coinciding with the top panel of the bulkhead and connected between the pair of wings to provide a unitary bulkhead extension. The bulkhead extension widens the bulkhead to accommodate an extendable/retractable flexible cover system mounted on the bed of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the extension apparatus is mounted inboard of the vertical legs of the front bow-shaped beam of the cover system. In this embodiment, the extension apparatus can include a pair of wings or swing flaps that are pivotably mounted to the vertical legs so that the wings can be pivoted between an outboard position and an inboard operative position.

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 endless cable tarp extension/retraction system spooled around front and rear pulleys includes drive components that are self-contained and encapsulated within an elongated housing that can be removably mounted to the container body using multiple clamp assemblies or mounting bolts disposed within a T-slot in the housing. A front idler pulley is provided that is sized and oriented relative to the drive pulley to maintain the upper and lower runs of the cable to travel essentially parallel along the length of the container. A self-tensioning rear idler pulley is provided that utilizes a spring to exert an adjustable force against the rear idler pulley. In another aspect of the invention, an anti-sail bracket extends downward from the bow ends of the tarp system and includes an inwardly projecting pin that is restrained from upward movement by a rail mounted to the side of the container.

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 endless cable tarp extension/retraction system spooled around front and rear pulleys includes drive components that are self-contained and encapsulated within an elongated housing that can be removably mounted to the container body using multiple clamp assemblies or mounting bolts disposed within a T-slot in the housing. A front idler pulley is provided that is sized and oriented relative to the drive pulley to maintain the upper and lower runs of the cable to travel essentially parallel along the length of the container. A self-tensioning rear idler pulley is provided that utilizes a spring to exert an adjustable force against the rear idler pulley. In another aspect of the invention, an anti-sail bracket extends downward from the bow ends of the tarp system and includes an inwardly projecting pin that is restrained from upward movement by a rail mounted to the side of the container.

Abstract: An endless cable tarp extension/retraction system spooled around front and rear pulleys includes drive components that are self-contained and encapsulated within an elongated housing that can be removably mounted to the container body using multiple clamp assemblies or mounting bolts disposed within a T-slot in the housing. A front idler pulley is provided that is sized and oriented relative to the drive pulley to maintain the upper and lower runs of the cable to travel essentially parallel along the length of the container. A self-tensioning rear idler pulley is provided that utilizes a spring to exert an adjustable force against the rear idler pulley. In another aspect of the invention, an anti-sail bracket extends downward from the bow ends of the tarp system and includes an inwardly projecting pin that is restrained from upward movement by a rail mounted to the side of the container.

Abstract: A tarp cover system for flat bed vehicles includes inverted U-shaped bow members that extend transversely of the vehicle, the lower ends of the leg portions of the bow members being connected with carrier devices by means of which the bow members are displaced longitudinally of the vehicle. The bow members carry a tarp cover member that covers and uncovers the vehicle bed when the bow members are displaced longitudinally between expanded and contracted conditions relative to the vehicle. Bump rails are provided that protrude at each side of the flat bed beyond the guide tracks in which the bow carrier devices are displaced, thereby to protect the guide tracks and carriers against damage, and also to permit connection of the load to the flat bed regardless of whether the cover is in the expanded load-covering condition, or the contracted load-exposing condition.

Abstract: A tarp cover system for flat bed vehicles includes inverted U-shaped bow members that extend transversely of the vehicle, the lower ends of the leg portions of the bow members being connected with carrier devices by means of which the bow members are displaced longitudinally of the vehicle. The bow members carry a tarp cover member that covers and uncovers the vehicle bed when the bow members are displaced longitudinally between expanded and contracted conditions relative to the vehicle. The tarp member includes side portions that extend downwardly adjacent the outer surfaces of the leg portions of the bow members, and bottom flap portions that extend beneath the carrier devices and the longitudinal guide tracks within which the carrier devices travel.