Abstract: A portable, non-anchored support structure for positioning a retractable banner assembly and selectively deploying the assembly on a walking surface, comprises a base member and a stanchion supported by the base member in an upright position, wherein the stanchion orients the banner assembly in an upright position substantially normal to the walking surface.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a flexible material attached to the roller tube, a motor drive unit, and mounting brackets configured to rotatably support respective ends of the roller tube. The roller tube may be operable between an operating position and an extended position. The extended position may include one or more ends of the roller tube being accessible while still attached to the mounting brackets. At least one of the mounting brackets may include a stationary portion, a sliding portion, and/or a translating portion. The translating portion and/or the sliding portion may be configured to translate the roller tube between the operating position and the extended position. The translating portion may define an attachment member and include an attachment aperture. The end of the roller tube may be accessible via the attachment aperture when the roller tube is in the extended position.

Abstract: A motorized shade assembly is provided having a discontinuous web extending between two rollers, one of which is motorized and the other is tensioned or biased toward rotation away from the other roller. The roller motor can be mounted inside of one of the rollers, and the tensioning device, such as a torsion spring, can be mounted inside of the other roller. The web includes a shade portion and a strap portion, with a rigid draw bar at the junction of those portions. Rotation of the rollers causes the strap portion to wrap over one of the rollers as the shade portion unwraps from the other roller. The shade assembly can be positioned between an inclined or curved vehicle window and an interior shroud for the window, such as found with a cab-over window of a Class B motorhome. The draw bar and fasteners connecting the strap to the draw bar facilitate movement of the shade when in contact with the shroud.

Abstract: An apparatus supports two blind rollers from a headrail in one of at least eight configurations. Each blind roller has a first end coupled to a first blind control mechanism and a second end coupled to a second blind control mechanism. The apparatus includes a bracket having a top flange for coupling the bracket to an end of the headrail. An inner face of the bracket has an upper engagement projection configured to secure at least one of: the first blind control mechanism for the upper blind roller in one of two mechanism orientations, and the second blind control mechanism for the upper blind roller. The inner face also has at least two lower engagement recesses, each configured to receive a lower engagement connector, the projection configured to secure at least one of the first blind control mechanism and the second blind control mechanism for the lower blind roller.

Abstract: A closure member control system for roll down smoke and/or gas barrier system includes a closure member which, when closed, maintains a spool with the barrier wound thereon within a housing. On deployment, the closure member opens and is prevented from closing by one or more cords connected to the spool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting door assembly (1A), in particular a clean room door assembly, comprising a lifting door (2) which has a door leaf (3), an end plate (4), and a door leaf accommodating device (5). The lifting door assembly (1A) also contains a door lintel sealing device (20A) which is provided in the area of a door lintel in such a way that the door lintel sealing device produces a sealing effect between the lifting door (2) and the door lintel. At least one part (10B) of the door lintel sealing device (20A) is pivotably retained by means of a hinge and, when the lifting door (2) is opened, can be pivoted from a door leaf plane by an actuating device in the area of the end plate (4) in such a way that the end plate (4) is arranged substantially completely outside the area of a door opening (O) in the opened state of the lifting door (2).

Abstract: A roll-up tarp assembly including front and rear arm assemblies and an extended modified roll tube. The front arm assembly includes a drive assembly that drives an output shaft. The output shaft is removably connectable to the roll tube. The connection between the output shaft and the roll tube has two distinct modes. The output shaft can be removably connected to the roll tube with a clevis pin such that the output shaft and the roll tube rotate together or the output shaft can be retained within the roll tube by a roll pin residing in a peripheral grove in the output shaft so that the output shaft may rotate independently of the roll tube. Methods of installing and using the roll-up tarp assembly are also disclosed as well as methods and kits for converting a manually operated assembly to a motorized assembly.

Abstract: Various roll-up contamination covers for shielding sensors and other sensitive equipment from particulate contamination are provided. Such covers may be provided by using a sheet of flexible material that has an elastically stable state of a spiral torsion spring, e.g., a clock spring shape. The spiral torsion spring may be anchored to a frame along one end that is substantially parallel to the center axis of the spiral torsion spring, and may be unrolled into a substantially unrolled state so as to cover an aperture in the frame. A movable release mechanism may be engaged with the unrolled end of the spiral torsion spring to prevent the spiral torsion spring from returning to the elastically stable state. When the release mechanism is moved to release the unrolled end of the spiral torsion spring, the spiral torsion spring may roll back into the elastically stable state and uncover the aperture.

Abstract: A shared space divider provides privacy on surfaces. The shared space divider comprises a hub that is placed on a portion of a surface, and at least one partitioning structure coupled to a portion of the hub. The at least one partitioning structure comprises a separator configured to partition the surface into two or more sections. The separator has a ribbon structure, an accordion structure, or a fan structure. The at least one partitioning structure is configured to extend from and retract into or, alternatively, fold out from and fold into the hub. In some embodiments, the shared space divider comprises at least one container for holding items commonly found on the surface. In other embodiments, the shared space divider comprises a clip for attaching to documents. Yet, in other embodiments, images such as advertisements are displayed on at least one of the separator and the hub.

Abstract: A closure assembly to be installed in an opening for a building, said closure assembly comprising a frame for supporting a moveable closure member therewithin, said frame including top, bottom and side members, one of the members including a hollow pocket within the interior of said member and for receiving a spring biased roller assembly upon which a flexible material is accumulated, said flexible material being selected from a blind, a bug screen, a solar screen, or the like, the flexible material being movable between a fully retracted first position whereat the material is contained within the pocket to a fully extended second position whereat the material covers some or all of the opening of the building.

Abstract: An individually operative roll blind type panorama roof may include a planetary gear set including a sun gear to which a driving force of a motor may be applied, at least a planetary gear engaged with the sun gear, a ring gear engaged with the at least a planetary gear, and a carrier gear to which the at least a planetary gear may be rotatably mounted, a first roll blind interlocked with the ring gear through a first cable and configured to be driven by the ring gear, a second roll blind interlocked with the carrier gear through a second cable and configured to be driven by the carrier gear, and a gear stopping device selectively engaged with gear teeth of the ring gear or the carrier gear so as to stop the ring gear or the carrier gear.

Abstract: A multi-section screen system includes a first of the flexible sheets of screen material that has zipper teeth along at least one side edge and a neighboring second flexible sheet of screen material that has mating zipper teeth along an abutting side edge. Mechanisms retract and deploy each of the flexible sheets in unison. A fastener is fixedly disposed between each two of the mechanisms. The fasteners automatically join the zipper teeth with the mating zipper teeth as the mechanisms deploy the flexible sheets and the fasteners automatically disengaging the zipper teeth from the mating zipper teeth as the mechanisms retract the flexible sheets.

Abstract: A weight moving in a height direction interlocking with development and reception of a slide guide frame is provided, and the weight brakes reception of the slide guide frame owing to an increase in potential energy and promotes development of the slide guide frame owing to a decrease in potential energy, whereby an operating force is decreased, a feeling of operating a slide bar is made light, and the slide bar is decreased in sliding speed at the time of closing to achieve an improvement in safety.

Abstract: An example of a horizontal side-moving door with a side-winding or horizontally translating curtain includes an upper seal comprising an upper edge of the curtain sliding within a groove of a seal guide. To protect the door in the event of an impact, at least a portion of the curtain's upper edge can restorably pull out from within the groove. To avoid damage in certain situations, the seal guide might resiliently deflect as well. After an impact, the curtain's upper edge is automatically fed back into the groove by simply opening and closing the door. During normal operation, the curtain's upper edge advantageously deflects in response to air pressure against either side of the door. In some examples, the seal guide is of a uniform cross-section, which makes the seal guide easy to manufacture by way of a conventional plastic extrusion process.

Abstract: A modular structure (1) for temporary exhibitions which comprises at least one shaft component (2), at least one sheet (3) with at least one fixed end (3a), which is fastened to the shaft component (2) and at least one free end (3b) opposite the fixed end (3a), and a releasable fastening mechanism (11) capable of fixing the free end (3a) to the shaft component (2) and in which the shaft component (2), comprises a rolling device suitable for rolling the sheet (3).

Abstract: A sun shade apparatus of the present invention having a cable provided so as to be capable of being forced out or drawn in, a connector connecting the cable and a curtain to each other, a guide rail provided on a window portion, and a slide member attached to the curtain and slidable on the guide rail. The curtain is stretched with the operation for forcing out or drawing in the cable. The guide rail has a bracket for fixing the guide rail on a vehicle door panel. One end of the bracket is engaged with a flange portion of the door panel, while the other end is fixed on the door panel by a fixing member.

Abstract: The primary roller of an awning assembly has an internal cavity, an opening between the internal cavity and the exterior of the primary roller and a first arresting element. A first awning material is adapted to be unwound from the primary roller when the primary roller rotates in a first direction and wound onto the primary roller when the primary roller rotates in a second direction. A secondary roller is mounted for rotation within the internal cavity of the primary roller. One end of a second awning material attached to the secondary roller extends through the opening in the primary roller. A second arresting element is attached to the one end of the second awning material and is adapted to engage the first arresting element of the primary roller, whereby rotation of the secondary roller in the second direction causes the primary roller to rotate in the second direction together with the secondary roller.

Abstract: A multi-level window shutter has a shutter frame movably supporting at least one first level external shutter panel via an external panel opening mechanism mounted on the shutter frame. The external panel movably supports at least one second level internal shutter panel via an internal panel opening mechanism mounted on the external panel and connected to the shutter frame and to the internal panel for simultaneous displacement of the internal panel upon displacement of the external panel relative to the shutter frame. The panels move between a closed position in which they are in a side-by-side configuration relative to one another in spaced apart parallel planes and an open position in which they are in an over-one-another configuration relative to each other in the spaced apart parallel planes.

Abstract: There is provided a screen device having a pair of slide guide frames and a slide bar expanding and storing the slide guide frames so that screens can be set up and stored by the movement of the slide bar, wherein a roller pipe having a coil spring mechanism for providing a resilient force integrated therein is arranged between the slide guide frames, pivotally supporting bodies are disposed at both ends of the roller pipe so as to be capable of sliding but not to be capable of rotating with respect to the slide guide frames, one end of two screens are fixed to the roller pipe, and the roller pipe rotates and slides in association with expansion of the slide guide frames or storage thereof into the slide bar in association with the movement of the slide bar to which the other end of one of the screens is fixed, whereby setting up of the screen by withdrawal of the same from the roller pipe and storage of the screen into the roller pipe by winding of the same on the roller pipe are enabled.

Abstract: A slide-lateral arm box awning system for motor homes and recreational vehicles having an extendable coach slider includes a encasement, a slider awning and a lateral arm awning. First and second roll bars are disposed within the encasement and attached respectively to the slider awning and the lateral arm awning within the encasement. Independent of operation of the roll bars enables independent operation of the slider awning and the lateral bar awning.

Abstract: Shade structures include awning fabrics carried by awning rolls from which they may be extended to provide shade to areas, and into which they may be retracted when shade is not needed. Closed systems are disclosed in which one or more awning fabrics can be extended through a single drive system. In particular embodiments, the shade structures cover large surface areas and include solar cells for the generation of photovoltaic power.

Abstract: A magnet holder constructed of a resilient material as a plural-sided box has an open side. A bar magnet within the magnet holder extends outwardly from the open side. A second side of the box has an arcuate convex shape extending outwardly. A hollow door frame strut provides a first interior surface abutting a third side of the box. The magnet abuts a second interior surface of the strut with the second side of the box abutting a third interior surface such that the arcuate shape is flattened, springfully wedging the box between the first and second interior surfaces of the strut and securing the magnet holder in place within the strut.

Abstract: A combo slide-window awning system for motor homes and recreational vehicles having an extendable coach slider includes an encasement, a slider awning and a window awning. First and second roll bars are disposed within the encasement and attached respectively to the slider awning and the window awning within the encasement. Independent of operation of the roll bars enables independent operation of the slider awning and the window awning.

Abstract: A roller blind system comprising a first roller blind, a second roller blind and a coiling body that accommodates the first and second roller blinds. The edges of the first and second roller blinds are offset with respect to each other in an axial direction relative to the rotational axis of the coiling body.

Abstract: A retractable self rolling blind, awning or cover apparatus (11), is disclosed in which there are two or more sheets of fabric or other suitable material (17) affixed and wound conjointly about a keyway tube (12) which is supported between suitable brackets (14) mounted on a tension bar (15). The keyway tube is mounted so that it is parallel with the tension bar and the tube is fitted with a conventional spring mechanism for use with blinds, awnings and the like. The spring mechanism is pretensioned so as to cause the sheets of fabric to be rewound about the keyway tube when one or more of the sheets of fabric is released from its extended or unwound position. The keyway tube and tension bar are allowed to travel during unwinding and winding up of the fabric, preferably assisted by providing either the ends of the tube itself, or the ends of the frame in which such tube is mounted, with wheels or pulleys (16) depending on the particular use to which the apparatus is to be put.

Abstract: A roll-up curtain assembly includes plural, vertically spaced, horizontal roll-up rods extending across an opening. Each roll-up rod is coupled to a respective flexible curtain section and an electric motor. Actuation of the electric motor in a first direction of rotation causes rotation of the roll-up rod in a first direction for rolling the flexible curtain section onto the rod and moving the curtain assembly to the retracted, or open, position. Actuation of the electric motor in a second, opposed direction of rotation lowers the roll-up rod resulting in an unwinding of the curtain section from the rod allowing the curtain assembly to assume the extended, or closed, position. Plural vertically spaced curtain sections each having a respective motor/roll-up rod combination are coupled together and move upward or downward in unison.

Abstract: A cover affords access to a selected part of a storage space. The arrangement provides at least one opening which can be configured and positioned at any location on the cover. The opening provides access to a limited area of the storage space.

Abstract: A retractable self rolling blind, awning or cover apparatus (11), is disclosed in which there are two or more sheets of fabric or other suitable material (17) affixed and wound conjointly about a keyway tube (12) which is supported between suitable brackets (14) mounted on a tension bar (15). The keyway tube is mounted so that it is parallel with the tension bar and the tube is fitted with a conventional spring mechanism for use with blinds, awnings and the like. The spring mechanism is pretensioned so as to cause the sheets of fabric to be rewound about the keyway tube when one or more of the sheets of fabric is released from its extended or unwound position. The keyway tube and tension bar are allowed to travel during unwinding and winding up of the fabric, preferably assisted by providing either the ends of the tube itself, or the ends of the frame in which such tube is mounted, with wheels or pulleys (16) depending on the particular use to which the apparatus is to be put.

Abstract: A roller blind system comprising a first roller blind, a second roller blind and a coiling body that accommodates the two roller blinds. The edges of the roller blinds are offset with respect to each other in an axial direction relative to the rotational axis of the coiling body.

Abstract: An improved rolling pivot for suspended support of articulated panels such as shutters or room dividers in an overhead channel. The pivot features angled engagement of overlapped wheels of the rolling pivot in the overhead channel to thereby allow the supported articulated panels to be closed and opened by directing force to side edges of the suspended panels instead of having to pull the lead panel in the array. The pivot also allows for minimizing the width of the overhead channel and easy insertion and removal of individual pivot assemblies with the overhead channel by a simple rotation of the carriage of the pivot assembly to remove the wheels from operational engagement with tracks formed in the carriage and allow the wheels and pivot assembly to slide through a gap in the channel between the tracks.

Abstract: A cover for storage space affording access to a selected part thereof, comprising means for generating at least one opening which can be configured and positioned at any location on the cover (1), which opening (2) affords access to a limited area of the storage space.

Abstract: A shading device includes a shell member mounted on a roof of an automobile in a direction transverse to a front-to-rear direction of the automobile and having a receiving space, a winding shaft pivotally mounted in the receiving space of the shell member, a shading member wound around the winding shaft and received within the shell member, a pair of spaced apart base members adapted to be mounted on the automobile and spaced from the shell member in the front-to-rear direction, at least one pair of supporting legs mountable on the base members respectively, and an operating bar connected to one end portion of the shading member and operable to unwind the shading member. The operating bar is mountable detachably on the supporting legs to stretch out the shading member.

Abstract: A device for covering and protecting machinery has at least one covering and protective surface and a plurality of modular elements positioned side by side. Each modular element has a central body, on opposite sides of which there extend first and second lateral protrusions, respectively. The ends of the first and second protrusions of two adjacent modular elements overlap in such a way as to form a T shape, and are connected to each other by a cylindrical hinge positioned between them. Each central body, together with at least the first or the second lateral protrusion forms a corresponding portion of the covering and protecting surface, and the surface portions formed by the modular elements are placed side by side in contact with each other so as to make a substantially uninterrupted covering and protecting surface.

Abstract: A display device includes a frame, a first screen, a second screen, a third screen and a fourth screen. The first and second screens each have a distal end that is movable generally in a first direction between a first limit position and a second limit position. The third and fourth screens each have a first distal end that is movable generally in a second direction between a first limit position and a second limit position. The second direction is at an angle with respect to the first direction. Tension is applied in the first direction to each of the first distal end of each of the first screen and the second screen in a direction away from the respective second proximal end. A first guide channel is fixedly connected to an upper portion of the frame. A second guide channel is fixedly connected to a lower portion the frame. A first and second set of support carriers, each having at least one roller, are rotatably received in the first and second guide channels, respectively.

Abstract: A display device includes a frame, a first screen, a second screen, a third screen and a fourth screen. The first and second screens each have a distal end that is movable generally in a first direction between a first limit position and a second limit position. The third and fourth screens each have a first distal end that is movable generally in a second direction between a first limit position and a second limit position. The second direction is at an angle with respect to the first direction. Tension is applied in the first direction to each of the first distal end of each of the first screen and the second screen in a direction away from the respective second proximal end. A first guide channel is fixedly connected to an upper portion of the frame. A second guide channel is fixedly connected to a lower portion the frame. A first and second set of support carriers, each having at least one roller, are rotatably received in the first and second guide channels, respectively.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system (10) includes a housing (11) accommodating a plurality of carriers (12). These are assignable y a transport device (13) to at least one access opening (14) provided in the housing (11). Provided at the access opening (14) is a closing device (17) comprising at least two closing elements (18a, 18b) arranged opposite each other which can be shifted horizontally and signalled dedicated to thus form an access window (16) in the access opening (14) by an uncomplicated structural design.

Abstract: An advertising display unit has a blind wound between a pair of spaced rollers rotatably mounted for bringing a selected portion of the blind into a display window area. A mechanism for longitudinally moving the blind is provided which is easily accessed and actuated manually. Each roller comprises an assembly having a larger diameter portion onto which the blind is wound and a smaller diameter portion that rotates with it. A cord drive is secured to and wound a number of turns round the smaller diameter portion of one roller. The cord drive follows a path a section of which extends externally of a housing in which the rollers are mounted. The cord drive passes to the other roller where it is wound a number of turns about and secured to the small diameter portion of the other roller. The cord is wound about the small diameter portion so as to wind off one and onto the other with the rollers rotating in the same direction. The blind serves to transmit drive from the wind-up roller to the wind-off roller.

Abstract: A flexible partition suspended from a ceiling of a gymnasium or the like, includes a drive cylinder which extends the length of and intermediate of the curtain forming the partition. A cylinder is provided with an internal drive motor, and a reaction device is provided externally of the curtain such that the motor device when activated will drive the cylinder to wind-up the upper and lower portions of the curtain. In one embodiment, the upper portion is a single curtain panel and is attached to the periphery of the cylinder at an axial line. The lower portion includes two spaced curtain panels which are connected to the periphery of the cylinder at diametrically opposite lines thereon. In another embodiment both the upper portion and lower portion of the curtain include two curtain panels, so as to form a full-size double curtain. In such an arrangement, the flexible partition has a spaced-apart double panel configuration at least at its lower portion, to provide a better acoustic insulation.

Abstract: A slatted apron for covering movable tool machine parts includes a multiplicity of links connected in an articulated manner which present a major surface presenting a cover surface portion and subsequent lateral surfaces. In this slatted apron, or the links are arranged, in an extended position wherein they are aligned along a straight line, in such a way that portions of their lateral surfaces are closely adjacent. Hereby matter such as, for example, chips may be prevented form getting into a zone between links to become jammed or wedged and, e.g. cause damage to the slatted apron.

Abstract: The Golf Cart Club Cover mounted on the rear of a golf cart protects a golfers bag and clubs from the rain. Rotating it open for protection creates energy to automatically rewind and store it adjacent to the rear roof edge.

Abstract: A header is received within an interior of a vehicle and secured against the roof portion thereof to extend transversely with respect to the front to back directions of the vehicle. The header supports a roller which in turn supports a flexible transparent or clear curtain which may be drawn downwardly to provide a portion of the vehicle air barrier to divide one portion of a vehicle interior from the other. A pair of side curtains are provided along each edge of the center curtain and are extendable outwardly to provide a further barrier to air circulation or air flow past the barrier. In one embodiment, the side curtains are formed of a flexible material and are hingedly secured to the vertical edges of the center curtain. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of side rollers are pivotally secured to the header and support respective side curtains which may be extended downwardly and drawn outwardly to complete the air barrier.

Abstract: In the described awning of variable size comprising a canvas (1, 2) which can be wound up on a shaft (3) provided with a drive, the canvas (1, 2) is fastened to the shaft (3), which has only one single drive, at a parting or folding line, and for winding up or unrolling the canvas parts (1, 2) provided by the parting or folding line, at least one tensioning rope (6, 6') is provided which engages at the canvas (1, 2) and which can be coiled up on the shaft (3) on at least one coiling pulley (5, 5') seated on the shaft.

Abstract: A door opening screening system that is suitable for screening large garage door openings and that includes two retractable screen assemblies that are deployed across the garage door opening and that are secured together to form a screen across the garage door opening. The door opening screening system also includes at least one screen assembly trackway section that is attachable above a doorway opening and that includes a resilient U-shaped trackway guide member that forms a screen guide channel sized to receive and hold a top edge of a screen assembly.

Abstract: A retractable cover for a vehicle cargo area includes a roller containing a bungee cord, operative as a retraction mechanism. The covers are fabricated of an opaque cloth or vinyl material, or a transparent or screen material. The covers may be deployed longitudinally across the cargo area, or vertically towards the top of the vehicle. A housing may enclose multiple rollers and provide openings to deploy the covers. The retractable cover is simple and inexpensive, and provides multiple capabilities for varying users' needs.

Abstract: The improved automatically retractable sun shade assembly includes a bracket having an elongated preferably detachable spine and a pair of connector holders at opposite ends of the spine and spaced forwardly thereof. The holders preferably have female slots therein in which are releasably received male connectors which include longitudinally aligned elongated extensions spaced from the spine, but parallel thereto. The facing ends of the extensions releasably hold opposite ends of an elongated closed loop rubber band which is twisted around its longitudinal axis. The rubber band is disposed in the central space of a hollow open ended tube parallel to but spaced from the spine. The open opposite ends of the tube slideably receive the extensions. The tube can rotate around the extensions. The tube has an opening in its sidewall through which a pin passes and is connected to the exterior of the tube.

Abstract: A retractable closure includes a flexible sheet that is comprised, at least in part, of torsion spring material that causes the flexible sheet to form a roll when retracted. The flexible sheet preferably is of sufficient length and width, when extended, typically to close, cover, curtain or partition a selected area. In preferred practice, the torsion spring material comprises a plurality of torsion spring members carried in separate pockets of the flexible sheet at intervals spaced across the width of the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is unrolled and extended lengthwise by pressurizing and expanding a plurality of elongate fluid-pressure-expansible members that are connected to the flexible sheet, with the expansible members extending along a selected portion of the length of the sheet at intervals spaced across the width of the sheet--preferably with each expansible member carried in a separate pocket of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A flexible partition suspended from a ceiling of a gymnasium or the like. The flexible partition includes a drive cylinder which extends the length of and intermediate the curtain forming the partition. The cylinder is provided with a drive motor internally of the cylinder, and a reaction device is provided externally of the curtain such that the motor device when activated will drive the cylinder to wind up the upper and lower portions of the curtain. The upper and lower portions of the curtain are attached at diametrically opposed locations on the cylinder, and hook and loop type fastening strips are provided on the edges of the curtain and the side walls so as to seal the curtain against noise or dust.

Abstract: A rolling gate of the invention has two gate parts movable toward or away from each other from opposite sides of a gate opening; carriage tracks mounted above the gate opening; a running carriage connected to each gate part and movably mounted on carriage tracks above the gate opening to carry each gate part as the gate parts are moved toward or away from each other; a guide member provided on each gate part extending along a front edge of each gate part; an L-shaped force transmitting element for each gate part, a first end of which is pivotally connected to and slidable along the guide member of that gate part and a second end of which is pivotally connected to a stationary member, advantageously the frame of the gate, and a linear drive for each gate part, which can be a hydraulic or pneumatic drive, including an extendible driven member connected to one of the force transmitting elements to pivot the force transmitting element and thus move the movable gate parts to or from each other to open and close th

Abstract: A railroad car is provided with a retractable cover for transporting material such as speciality lumber requiring dry conditions or kraft pulp requiring dry ventilated conditions. The retractable covering provides complete protection for the load from all weather conditions and provides access to the load from both sides of the car with overhead clearance for forklift unloading/loading and, in the case of kraft pulp, it allows the product to ventilate and thus avoid interior condensation on the product. A furling system is located lengthwise of the car at the top thereof for storing the cover in an opened position and for paying out the cover when the car is being closed. Guide tracks at both ends of the car are used to lead the edges of the cover to its open and closed positions and the cover is opened and closed by a winch mechanism.

Abstract: A bi-parting shutter system having two slidably displaceable shutters connected by a flexible belt arranged in a track and looped around two freely rotatable pulley wheels. The belt defines a first belt run connected to a first shutter by a first attachment, and a second belt run similarly connected to a second shutter by a second attachment. The second attachment includes a bracket having a generally hollow square cross section and located in the track. The first belt run freely passes through the second attachment, with movement of one shutter being transmitted to the other shutter.