Abstract: A tarp for a vehicle bed is developed for engagement with a reel that is rotated by a motor for rolling and unrolling the tarp across a vehicle bed. When the tarp has been unrolled and fully covers the vehicle bed, the tarp stretches across the vehicle bed and has side edges supported upon the respective upper edges of the bed side walls. The features or structures of the tarp that are kinematic are designed such that they may be permanently attached to the other members in the machine or tarp system, which thereby meets functional needs of the tarp, and provide long term consistent deployment of the tarp covering sections. The material used in this kinematic part of the tarp is chosen such that the life of this component is improved. Additionally, covering sections are provided in this tarp configuration.

Abstract: A tarp for a vehicle bed is developed for engagement with a reel that is rotated by a motor for rolling and unrolling the tarp across a vehicle bed. When the tarp has been unrolled and fully covers the vehicle bed, the tarp stretches across the vehicle bed and has side edges supported upon the respective upper edges of the bed side walls. The features or structures of the tarp that are kinematic are designed such that they may be permanently attached to the other members in the machine or tarp system, which thereby meets functional needs of the tarp, and provide long term consistent deployment of the tarp covering sections. The material used in this kinematic part of the tarp is chosen such that the life of this component is improved. Additionally, covering sections are provided in this tarp configuration.

Abstract: A one-touch controller for a tarp system with varying phases or modes based on a single touch to operate. The one-touch controller module controls a motor of a tarp, such as a geared brake motor, and a switch or a remote control system with a button to push to operate a vehicle tarp system with one touch of the button. The one-touch controller preferably has solid state circuitry that controls power to and direction of the motor and detects amp variations from the motor to automatically shut off the system. The remote control system preferably operates in various modes based on how long the button of the remote control is touched, such as with short touches of the button being incremental operation, other touches permitting the entire cycle in automatic operation, and touches longer than a set time being “press and hold” operation.

Abstract: A one-touch controller for a tarp system with varying phases or modes based on a single touch to operate. The one-touch controller module controls a motor of a tarp, such as a geared brake motor, and a switch or a remote control system with a button to push to operate a vehicle tarp system with one touch of the button. The one-touch controller preferably has solid state circuitry that controls power to and direction of the motor and detects amp variations from the motor to automatically shut off the system. The remote control system preferably operates in various modes based on how long the button of the remote control is touched, such as with short touches of the button being incremental operation, other touches permitting the entire cycle in automatic operation, and touches longer than a set time being “press and hold” operation.

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper arm with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper arm with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper aim with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.