Abstract: A tarp covering system for an open top container of a vehicle includes a pair arms assemblies stowed beneath the base of the container during travel and extendable and pivotal in a semi circular path for covering and uncovering the container.

Abstract: A variable rate covering system for open top vehicle containers includes a hydraulic actuating system for pivoting arms carrying a roll up cover wherein the fluid flow rates to the hydraulic cylinders are reduced during the initial and final phases of the stroke to reduce acceleration and impact forces on the arms, cover and components, and normal fluid flow rates are provided during central phase movement without significantly affecting overall cycle time. The hydraulic cylinders are provided with metering orifices that reduce fluid flow rates to and from the cylinder pressure chambers for predetermined portions of the stroke length, thereby cushioning the pivoting mechanism at the terminal positions.

Abstract: An automatic cover system for open top containers includes a pair of tubular base frames fixedly connected to the truck frame having a main arm pivotally connected thereto. The main arm includes an extension extending into the base frame. A lower hydraulic actuator is disposed in the interior of the base unit and pivotally connected to the extension. The main arm is pivotal between a forward stop position and a rearward stop position. During movement between the stop positions, a relatively constant lever arm is established minimizing load fluctuations at the pivot connection. The upper end of the main arm is pivotally connected to the lower end of an extension arm. The extension arm includes an extension projecting below the main arm. An upper hydraulic actuator is mounted below the main arm and connected to the extension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking wrench and tarpaulin replacement method for a truck with a tarpaulin assembly having a spring-biased tarpaulin roller rotatably mounted on a roller shaft and a tarpaulin attached to the roller. The locking wrench comprises a handle portion, a roller-shaft-engaging portion, and an outwardly-projecting stem for engaging a hole provided in the side of the roller when the roller-shaft-engaging portion engages the roller shaft. When the wrench is secured to the roller and the handle portion is released, the bias of the roller causes the roller and the wrench to rotate back until the handle portion comes to rest against part of the tarpaulin assembly or part of the truck, thereby preventing further rotation of the roller and allowing an operator to replace the tarpaulin.

Abstract: An improved truck container cover apparatus for covering the open top of a container positioned on a truck for transportation which includes a pair of hydraulically actuated arms which are positioned with the container therebetween. The arms carrying a covering means including a container cover and are provided with a pivotal linkage as well as a pivotal base so that the container cover can be extended or retracted over containers of various sizes.

Abstract: An improved truck container cover apparatus for covering the open top of a container positioned on a truck for transportation which includes a pair of hydraulically actuated arms which are positioned with the container therebetween. The arms carrying a covering means including a container cover and are provided with a pivotal linkage as well as a pivotal base so that the container cover can be extended or retracted over containers of various sizes.