Abstract: An improved tarp cover system for covering the open-topped container body of a vehicle, characterized by the provision of generally U-shaped inverted hold-down arm that is pivotally connected with the front wall of the container body and that is spring biased to apply a downward force on the front portion of the cover when the container is in the completely closed condition, thereby to reduce flapping of the cover during transport. The flexible tarp cover is wound on a roll that is rotatably supported adjacent the front wall of the container. In a first embodiment, to cover the container, the free end of the cover is displaced rearwardly of the container by a cover arm that is pivotally connected with the side walls of the container. The cover arm is biased toward its rearmost container covering position by a pair of side mounted spring arrangements that include compression springs that are concealed within the hollow leg portions of the cover arm.

Abstract: An open-topped vehicle body, such as a dump body, includes a tarping system that is deployed over the body by a pivoting bail member. An actuation mechanism applies a torque to the bail member to automatically pivot the member and deploy the tarp cover. The actuation mechanism includes a number of double coil spiral torsion springs anchored on a shaft attached to the dump body. The springs each include a right and a left coil portion concentrically wound about an integral center anchor portion. The shaft includes an elongated slot to receive and support the center anchor portion of each spring within the mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a housing attached to the bail member. The housing contains the double coil springs and supports a pair of reaction posts extending therethrough. The coil portions of each spring include a left and right reaction end configured to contact and provide a torsional force against a corresponding reaction post within the housing.

Abstract: An open-topped vehicle body, such as a dump body, includes a tarping system that is deployed over the body by a pivoting bail member. An actuation mechanism applies a torque to the bail member to automatically pivot the member and deploy the tarp. The actuation mechanism includes a number of double coil spiral torsion springs anchored on a shaft attached to the dump body. The springs each includes a right hand and a left hand coil portion concentrically wound about an integral center anchor portion. The shaft includes an elongated slot to receive and support the center anchor portion of each spring within the mechanism. The coil portions of each spring include a left and right reaction end configured to contact and provide a torsional force against a corresponding reaction post within the housing. In one embodiment the housing is made in two connectable halves with one, half of each reaction post integrally formed into each housing half.

Abstract: A wind-actuated hold-down mechanism is provided for restricting movement of a deployment component of a flexible cover deployment system associated with an open-topped container. In certain embodiments, the mechanism includes a vane member pivotably mounted to either the container or the deployment component. The vane member can include one locking element that engages another locking element mounted on the other of the container or the deployment component. The hold-down locking mechanism in certain embodiments is configured to restrict movement of a bail member for a cover deployment system. Other embodiments are configured to engage the end of a transverse bow. A hold-down mechanism can be biased to a neutral position clear of engagement between the container and the deployment component, using either a mechanical biasing component or a gravity biasing feature.

Abstract: A wind-actuated hold-down mechanism is provided for restricting movement of a deployment component of a flexible cover deployment system associated with an open-topped container. In certain embodiments, the mechanism includes a vane member pivotably mounted to either the container or the deployment component. The vane member can include one locking element that engages another locking element mounted on the other of the container or the deployment component. The hold-down locking mechanism in certain embodiments is configured to restrict movement of a bail member for a cover deployment system. Other embodiments are configured to engage the end of a transverse bow. A hold-down mechanism can be biased to a neutral position clear of engagement between the container and the deployment component, using either a mechanical biasing component or a gravity biasing feature.

Abstract: An air return baffle for refrigeration trailers is characterized by a unitary panel molded from synthetic plastic material and containing integral baffles for improving air movement to the refrigeration unit of the trailer. The panel is adapted for mounting in sealed relation adjacent the front wall of the trailer and at least partially covers the refrigeration unit. The lower portion of the panel contains a plurality of openings for drawing air into the cavity defined behind the panel. Air is directed by the baffles toward the refrigeration unit, and the air movement eliminates hot and cold spots within the trailer. Vents in the panel are operable should the openings become clogged and a strap is provided to removably connect the panel with the trailer wall. Wings on the upper wall of the panel direct air from the cavity to openings in the side portions of the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: An air return baffle for refrigeration trailers is characterized by a unitary panel molded from synthetic plastic material and containing integral baffles for air movement to the refrigeration unit of the trailer. The panel is adapted for mounting in sealed relation adjacent the front wall of the trailer and at least partially covers the refrigeration unit. The lower portion of the panel contains a plurality of openings for drawing air into the cavity defined behind the panel. Air is directed by the baffles toward the refrigeration unit, and the air movement eliminates hot and cold spots within the trailer.

Abstract: A tarp system for a flatbed trailer is disclosed including front end, intermediate and rear end bow members that are all slidably moveable relative to the flat bed to permit the front and/or rear loading thereof, a cam device serving to displace the front and rear end bow members apart, thereby to tension the tarp cover carried by the bow members. A bump rail extends laterally outwardly from each flatbed side wall beyond an associated guide rail upon which are supported a plurality of carriages that carry the tarp supporting bows, thereby to improve the sealing of the lower side edges of the tarp cover and to protect the guide rails and the carriage from objects below.

Abstract: A tarp cover system includes a plurality of bows that extend transversely across an open-topped vehicle-mounted container for supporting a tarp cover, characterized in that the drive system for driving the bows between container-covered and container-uncovered conditions includes at each side of the container an endless cable arrangement including a pair of parallel horizontally-spaced runs that are contained in a common horizontal plane and are arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinally extending support upon which the bows are slidably mounted. Protective flanges extend laterally from the support above the cable runs, thereby to protect the cable runs during loading and unloading of the container. The side edges of the tarp extend horizontally outwardly over the cable runs and downwardly adjacent the external sides of the container, thereby to waterproof and protect the upper side edges of the covered container against the entry of water and dirt.

Abstract: A tarp cover system including a pawl (44) and ratchet (26) mechanism for locking a tarp cover (6) in a rolled-up truck-body-uncovered condition, and a brake operating lever that is initially pivoted in one direction with one hand by the operator to release the pawl from the ratchet to unlock the rolled up cover, and is subsequently pivoted in the same direction by the same hand to brake the unwinding of the cover as it is spring-biased toward the truck-body-covered condition. To re-cover the truck body, a crank shaft (24) is rotated to rotate the roll in the cover-winding direction against the biasing force of the cover spring, the ratchet mechanism preventing uncontrolled unwinding of the cover.

Abstract: Airhose coupling device including end fittings and quick disconnect release switches having protection for preventing damage to surfaces coming in contact therewith.