Abstract: A rail car cover system that includes a rail car, a first cover section, a first cover movement mechanism and a cover control system. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover movement mechanism is operably attached to the first cover section. The first cover movement mechanism is capable of moving the first cover section between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The cover control system includes a first control component and a second control component. The first control component is mounted with respect to the rail car. The first control component is in communication with the first cover movement mechanism. The second control component is provided proximate to where it is desired to operate the rail car cover system. The second control component is capable of communicating with the first control component.

Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car and a first cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first corner hinge assembly, a second corner hinge assembly and a first cover material. The first corner hinge assembly is pivotally mounted to the rail car. The second corner hinge assembly is pivotally mounted to the rail car. At least a portion of the second corner hinge assembly is slidable away from the first corner hinge assembly. The first cover material is operably attached to the first corner hinge assembly and the second corner hinge assembly.

Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first corner hinge assembly, a first intermediate hinge assembly and a first cover material. The first corner hinge assembly is attached to the first cover material. The first intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second corner hinge assembly, a second intermediate hinge assembly and a second cover material. The second corner hinge assembly is attached to the second cover material. The second intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first corner hinge assembly, a first intermediate hinge assembly and a first cover material. The first corner hinge assembly is attached to the first cover material. The first intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second corner hinge assembly, a second intermediate hinge assembly and a second cover material. The second corner hinge assembly is attached to the second cover material. The second intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first hinge mechanism and a first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second hinge mechanism and a second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first cover section and the second cover section substantially cover the opening.

Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first hinge mechanism and a first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second hinge mechanism and a second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first cover section and the second cover section substantially cover the opening.

Abstract: A fastening system for a flexible cover system for a truck box includes a first fastening means on the side edges of the flexible cover and a second fastening means that releasably engages with the first fastening means. The second fastening means comprises a fastening surface disposed on an elongated slat, and is slidingly received in channel portions of side rails mounted on the side of the truck box. The first fastening means can be one member of a hook and loop type fastener and the second fastening surface can be the mating member of the hook and loop type fastener. The elongated slat may also be shorter than the channel portions of the side rail to permit the slat to slide within the channel during operation of the cover system.

Abstract: A fastening system for a flexible cover system for a truck box includes a first fastening means on the side edges of the flexible cover and a second fastening means that releasably engages with the first fastening means. The second fastening means comprises a fastening surface disposed on an elongated slat, and is slidingly received in channel portions of side rails mounted on the side of the truck box. The first fastening means can be one member of a hook and loop type fastener and the second fastening surface can be the mating member of the hook and loop type fastener. The elongated slat may also be shorter than the channel portions of the side rail to permit the slat to slide within the channel during operation of the cover system.

Abstract: A fastening system for a flexible cover system for a truck box includes a first fastening material on the side edges of the flexible cover and a second fastening material that releasably engages with the first fastening material. The second fastening material comprises a fastening surface bonded to a substantially rigid elongated slat, and is slidingly received in channel portions of side rails mounted on the side of the truck box. The first fastening material can be one member of a hook and loop type fastener and the second fastening material can be the mating member of the hook and loop type fastener.

Abstract: A fastening system for a flexible cover system for a truck box includes a first fastening material on the side edges of the flexible cover and a second fastening material that releasably engages with the first fastening material. The second fastening material comprises a fastening surface bonded to a substantially rigid elongated slat, and is slidingly received in channel portions of side rails mounted on the sides of the truck box. The first fastening material can be one member of a hook and loop type fastener and the second fastening material can be the mating member of the hook and loop type fastener.

Abstract: A swather belt connector comprising an integral stud having substantially rectangular head with length approximately three times its width and threaded male portion protruding perpendicularly to the head and a substantially rectangular integral nut having length approximately three times its width and a threaded aperature proportioned to receive the protruding male portion, the aperture extending perpendicular to the length of the nut.

Abstract: A canvas tarpaulin having dimensions sufficient to cover the top of an open truck box has one edge affixed to one longitudinal edge of the truck box top. The opposite edge of the tarpaulin is affixed to a tube which extends for the length of the box. The rear of the tube contains an extension attached to a universal joint. A crank handle is also attached to the joint so that the tube can be rolled transversely across the top to roll up the tarpaulin thereon. A downward cantilevered lip is attached to the opposite longitudinal edge of the box top. When the tarp is unrolled, the tube rolls over a free edge of the lip and can be wound in the opposite direction rolling up a small portion of the tarpaulin under the free edge. The crank handle is then moved against the rear of the truck body thus locking the universal joint thereby holding the tarp tightly upon the box top. The crank handle is then secured against the rear of the box.

Abstract: A canvas tarpaulin having dimensions sufficient to cover the top of an open truck box has one edge affixed to one longitudinal edge of the truck box top. The opposite edge of the tarpaulin is affixed to a tube which extends for the length of the box. The rear of the tube contains an extension attached to a universal joint. A crank handle is also attached to the joint so that the tube can be rolled transversely across the top to roll up the tarpaulin thereon. A downward cantilevered lip is attached to the opposite longitudinal edge of the box top. When the tarp is unrolled, the tube rolls over a free edge of the lip and can be wound in the opposite direction rolling up a small portion of the tarpaulin under the free edge. The crank handle is then moved against the rear of the truck body thus locking the universal joint thereby holding the tarp tightly upon the box top. The crank handle is then secured against the rear of the box.