Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container includes a frame on top of the container. The frame surrounds an aperture for flow of material into the container. The apparatus also includes an arm pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The arm holds a rotatable roller for dispensing and receiving a flexible cover. The flexible cover is wrapped around the roller when the arm is in the open position. The flexible cover is unrolled from the roller to cover the aperture due to motion of the arm from the open position to the closed position. The frame includes a side portion having an inwardly and upwardly tapered outer surface. The roller contacts the outer surface when the arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container includes a frame on top of the container. The frame surrounds an aperture for flow of material into the container. The apparatus also includes an arm pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The arm holds a rotatable roller for dispensing and receiving a flexible cover. The flexible cover is wrapped around the roller when the arm is in the open position. The flexible cover is unrolled from the roller to cover the aperture due to motion of the arm from the open position to the closed position. The frame includes a side portion having an inwardly and upwardly tapered outer surface. The roller contacts the outer surface when the arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g., tarp) is deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. A recessed region houses the base of the arm and associated components. A secondary cover covers the recessed region and is biased toward a cover closed position. An actuating surface associated with the arm pushes the secondary cover to a cover open position. Other features include inwardly angled container sides, a foam sealing member integral with the flexible cover, the secondary cover closing when the flexible cover is both fully opened and fully closed, channels between the recessed region and the container, narrow and/or sloped surfaces, and a retaining hook for capturing a roller connected to the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g., tarp) is deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. A recessed region houses the base of the arm and associated components. A secondary cover covers the recessed region and is biased toward a cover closed position. An actuating surface associated with the arm pushes the secondary cover to a cover open position. Other features include inwardly angled container sides, a foam sealing member integral with the flexible cover, the secondary cover closing when the flexible cover is both fully opened and fully closed, channels between the recessed region and the container, narrow and/or sloped surfaces, and a retaining hook for capturing a roller connected to the arm.