Abstract: A tarpaulin cover system includes a drive unit for moving the tarpaulin selectively into covering and uncovering positions. The drive unit comprises first and second drive sprockets and a rotatable actuator sprocket with all of the sprockets spaced from and out of contact with each other. An idler sprocket is provided between the actuator sprocket and the drive sprockets. All of the sprockets are interconnected by a chain engaged with teeth with the chain extending partially around each sprocket whereby rotation of the actuator sprocket causes the drive sprockets to move in the intended directions. This motion is transmitted to drive pulleys which drive cables to control the position of the tarpaulin.

Abstract: A tarpaulin cover system includes a drive unit for moving the tarpaulin selectively into covering and uncovering positions. The drive unit comprises first and second drive sprockets and a rotatable actuator sprocket with all of the sprockets spaced from and out of contact with each other. An idler sprocket is provided between the actuator sprocket and the drive sprockets. All of the sprockets are interconnected by a chain engaged with teeth with the chain extending partially around each sprocket whereby rotation of the actuator sprocket causes the drive sprockets to move in the intended directions. This motion is transmitted to drive pulleys which drive cables to control the position of the tarpaulin.

Abstract: Various configurations of drive units for tarpaulin cover systems, particularly for use on vehicle bodies, are disclosed. Exemplary drive units include a gear arrangement configured to attach to an upper perimeter section of an open-top structure and at least one motion initiating device coupled to the gear arrangement. The gear arrangement can include a left spur gear attached to a left cable holder/pulley and a right spur gear attached to a right cable holder/pulley. A motion initiating device is configured to impart a force that initiates rotation of the left spur gear and the right spur gear in opposite directions and movement (i.e. retraction and extension) of a tarpaulin coupled to the gear arrangement. The motion initiating device can be either a crank, which is driven manually, or a motor, which is driven electrically. In other configurations, at least two bevel gears or at least one secondary spur gear are coupled to the motion initiating device.

Abstract: Various configurations of drive units for tarpaulin cover systems, particularly for use on vehicle bodies, are disclosed. Exemplary drive units include a gear arrangement configured to attach to an upper perimeter section of an open-top structure and at least one motion initiating device coupled to the gear arrangement. The gear arrangement can include a left spur gear attached to a left cable holder/pulley and a right spur gear attached to a right cable holder/pulley. A motion initiating device is configured to impart a force that initiates rotation of the left spur gear and the right spur gear in opposite directions and movement (i.e. retraction and extension) of a tarpaulin coupled to the gear arrangement. The motion initiating device can be either a crank, which is driven manually, or a motor, which is driven electrically. In other configurations, at least two bevel gears or at least one secondary spur gear are coupled to the motion initiating device.

Abstract: A tarpaulin cover system selectively covers and uncovers the body of a vehicle. The system includes an elongated anchored support member mounted to one side of the vehicle body. A tarpaulin is secured at one of its sides to the anchored support member to be fixedly mounted to that side of the body. The other side of the tarpaulin is secured to an elongated movable support member. A pivot point assembly is mounted to each of the front and the rear of the body. A pivot arm is pivotally mounted to each pivot point assembly. A pivot head assembly connects each pivot arm to the movable support member by an intermediate pivot head assembly. The pivot head assemblies are pivotally mounted to each pivot arm. A traction roller is mounted on each end of the movable support member. The traction could also be achieved by a traction pad on the vehicle body in addition to or instead of the traction roller. The movable support member is not mounted directly to the shaft of the motor of the system.

Abstract: A wear indicating liner for a vehicle bed comprises a top layer and a bottom layer made of materials which are visually distinct from each other. As a result when the bottom layer begins to be visible after wear through the top layer there is a visual indication that there has been a significant amount of wear of the liner.

Abstract: A tarpaulin tensioning arrangement includes a lever or leg mounted at one end to a framework extension. A crank having a threaded end is threadably engaged to the lever. The framework is moved to a tightened condition by rotating the crank until the lever or leg is engaged with a catch to hold one end of the lever or leg in a fixed position. Continued rotation of the crank causes the framework extension to move in a tensioning direction.

Abstract: A tarpaulin tensioning arrangement includes a lever or leg mounted at one end to a framework extension. A crank having a threaded end is threadably engaged to the lever. The framework is moved to a tightened condition by rotating the crank until the lever or leg is engaged with a catch to hold one end of the lever or leg in a fixed position. Continued rotation of the crank causes the framework extension to move in a tensioning direction.

Abstract: A sheltered aircraft supply vehicle includes an entrance station located above the cab of the vehicle. The vehicle body is elevatable. A cover system is mounted to the vehicle body and is extended outwardly above the entrance station when the body is elevated. The cover system includes a roof section disposed over the entrance station and includes downwardly depending wings which contact side walls of the entrance station to create a closed tunnel between the vehicle body and an aircraft.

Abstract: A sheltered aircraft supply vehicle includes an entrance station located above the cab of the vehicle. The vehicle body is elevatable. A cover system is mounted to the vehicle body and is extended outwardly above the entrance station when the body is elevated. The cover system includes a roof section disposed over the entrance station and includes downwardly depending wings which contact side walls of the entrance station to create a closed tunnel between the vehicle body and an aircraft.

Abstract: A tarpaulin cover system includes a transmission assembly associated with a cable pulley system for selectively moving the tarpaulin to a covering and to uncovering position over the top of a vehicle bed. The transmission assembly includes an upper rod secured to the tarpaulin and a lower rod mounted to the cable. A spring interconnects the upper rod and the lower rod to dispose the two rods in general alignment when the tarpaulin is being moved and to permit the upper rod to be moved toward a horizontal non-alignment condition when the tarpaulin is in its completely covering and completely uncovering positions.