Load Cover Patents (Class 296/100.01)
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Patent number: 7823515Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first hinge mechanism and a first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second hinge mechanism and a second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first cover section and the second cover section substantially cover the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Shur CompanyInventors: David J. Schaefer, Nathan P. Dimmer, Steven J. Knight, Jerry R. Dimmer, Michael P. Krajewski, Kevin J. Kleinsasser, Carla K. Ewald
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Patent number: 7819262Abstract: Apparatus for covering a payload of a semitrailer with a tarpaulin cover having an overhead structure including a first travel beam and a second travel beam. A carriage is movable on the first travel beam and second travel beam from a position where the carriage rests over the payload to be covered to a position spaced apart in a side-by-side relation with the payload to be covered. A rotatable drum upon which a cable is wound is mounted to the carriage and the connector is used for connecting a free end of the cable to the tarpaulin. An electric system or hydraulic system is used for selectively locating the rotatable drum in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Carl R. Ewan
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Publication number: 20100219657Abstract: A cover for securing a load in an environment includes a sheet; a strap having a length that is extendable, and that includes a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion; a first coupler attached to the strap's first end portion and operable to releasably attach the strap's first end portion to a structure other than the sheet to anchor the cover; a second coupler attached to the strap's second end portion and operable to releasably attach the strap's second end portion to a structure other than the sheet to anchor the cover; and a fastener operable to fasten the strap's first end portion to the sheet. When the sheet is used to secure and/or cover a load the first coupler is disposed between the fastener and the strap's middle portion. By having the first coupler located between the fastener and the strap's middle portion, one can both secure the load with the strap and secure the cover 10 to the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Daniel Kinley
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Publication number: 20100194137Abstract: A raisable truck bed cover protects the contents of the truck bed from the elements and theft, while allowing access to the contents when materials are placed on the cover. The raisable cover maintains the storage capability of the original truck design while allowing additional material hauling capacity by way of the cover and an optional ladder rack system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: Jerry Kealy
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Patent number: 7735898Abstract: The present invention is a folding truck bed cover system that includes a pair of truck bed covers, a pair of bed rails, a pair of supporting braces, and a folding roof cloth. The truck bed covers can rotate flat to cover the truck bed or to a vertical position via a gas strut that is mounted along the front wall of the truck bed. The folding roof cloth can be draped over the truck bed covers when in a vertical position, and therein said folding roof cloth is secured via the bed rails.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: Levi Bridges
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Patent number: 7726720Abstract: A unit for returning a cover of a trailer comprising a first portion, a cord, and a spring. The spring is connected to the first portion. The cord having first and second ends, the first end of the cord being connectable to the first portion, the second end of the cord being connected to the cover, and the cord being wrappable around the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
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Patent number: 7695047Abstract: A multi-mode load bed cover for an automotive vehicle includes first and second cover sectors which are deployable laterally from within a housing associated with a bodyside of a load bed.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: Kelly Michael Kohlstrand
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Patent number: 7669911Abstract: A tarping system for removably covering the open top of a container resting on a platform of a truck frame, or directly on the truck frame, includes a cover support structure extending upwardly from the pivoted platform, a tarping frame displaceably secured to the cover support structure, a covering medium secured to the tarping frame and dimensioned to protectably cover the container open top, a power system extending between the cover support structure and the tarping frame for raising the tarping frame and thereby the covering medium above the container open top to permit the container to be removed from the truck frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Inventor: J. Daniel Hankey
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Publication number: 20100019528Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of automobile parts, in particular, to a tonneau cover installed on the notchback (pickup) for covering and closing the rear truck bed. The tonneau covers of current vehicles are either too thick or heavy so it influences the flexibility of opening and closing and its requirements to the actuating mechanism are high; its thickness is large; and it occupies more of the already limited room of rear truck bed. This invention provides a truck bed back cover which occupies less rear truck bed room and is strong in strength, flexible in opening and closing and excellent in operating performance. It consists of the cover plate body which matches with the rear truck bed and is made of base materials. The base material is glass fiber reinforced polyurethane. The cover plate body is provided with an integral structure framework. The framework makes the cover plate body form protruding arrises on the surface of the side facing to the truck bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: Jiuda Vehicle Fittings-making (Shanghai) Co., LtdInventors: Yachun Hu, Shaobo Hu
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Patent number: 7642665Abstract: A portable genset with an engine driving a generator mounted to a frame and positioned within an enclosure. The enclosure includes front and rear hoods that are hingedly mounted adjacent opposite ends of the genset. The hoods may be hinged open to permit access to either of the engine or the generator. The genset may also include a tongue with a hitch mounted an outer end permitting the genset to be towed. The tongue may be movable between an extended position and a generally vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Inventors: Chad O. Konop, Daniel J. Petrazak
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Publication number: 20090278376Abstract: A relatively lightweight tarping system for use with trailers or other open top containers includes first and second spaced frame members and an elongated flexible member such as a cable or chain connected to and extending therebetween. A tarpaulin may be mounted thereon so that the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable between a covered position atop the open top container and an uncovered position. A four-bar linkage is preferably used in combination with a rotational drive mechanism to provide various advantages in rotating the tarpaulin assembly between the covered and uncovered positions. A width adjustment mechanism is provided to provide usage with trailers or other open top containers of different widths. An improved seal is provided between the tarpaulin and container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Fred P. Smith, Nathan H. Morrill
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Publication number: 20090243331Abstract: A tonneau cover cargo containment track rail system including a cargo hold down and at least one tonneau cover rail. The cargo hold down has a base portion and a handle portion. The handle portion is operably attached to the base portion for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The tonneau cover rail has a first attachment mechanism attached thereto. The first attachment mechanism is adapted to receive a portion of the cargo hold down to retain the cargo hold down in engagement with the tonneau cover rail while permitting the cargo hold down to move with respect to the tonneau cover rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: Truxedo, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Spencer, Kelly Kneifl, Timothy Nelson
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Patent number: 7552961Abstract: A sheeting system for an open-topped goods container (11) of a vehicle (10) has a cover (15) including a generally rectangular main area (32) for covering the open top and a pair of generally triangular side flaps (20) to extend down over the opposed side walls of the container. Elastic cords (26) are arranged to pull each side flap (20) to a folded position where it overlies the main area (32). A pull-cord (40) is used to move each side flap to a deployed position overlying the side of the container and then the apex (23) of the flap is tied down to a fixed point to maintain the flap in that position. To stow the cover, the side flaps (20) are released to return to their folded positions whereafter the cover (15) is wound on to a roller (18) at one end of the container (11).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Inventor: Danny John Eglinton
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Patent number: 7513561Abstract: A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover a top aperture of a container the device being usable in combination with an actuator providing a rotational motion, the device comprising: a rod for rolling the tarpaulin therearound and for unrolling the tarpaulin therefrom; a rod rotating component having a substantially elongated configuration, the rod rotating component defining a component longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being linkable to the actuator so as to be rotatable therewith about the rod longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being operatively coupled to the rod in a manner such that rotating the rod rotating component about the component longitudinal axis rotates the rod about the rod longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being pivotable relatively to the actuator and configurable between a component shortest configuration and a component longest configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Inventor: RĂ©al Royer
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Patent number: 7484789Abstract: A retractable tarp cover for a truck body is adapted to be moved from a retracted position at the front of the truck body to an extended position at the rear of the truck body through the use of one more hydraulic motors which move the assembly along a pair of tracks which are secured to the upper ends of the side walls of the truck body.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Inventor: Vinc L. Aulick
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Patent number: 7484788Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having panels and hinge assemblies pivotally coupling the panels is provided. The hinge assemblies can define gutters to collect fluid and guide the fluid away from the cargo box. The hinge assemblies can include covers between pivoting components which can be configured to reduce friction during pivoting. The panels and hinge assemblies can include features to receive excess adhesive material during assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Extang CorporationInventors: Dylan Calder, Donald G. Wheatley, Donald Edward Wheatley
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Publication number: 20080224495Abstract: A pickup truck topper is provided that has a retractable rear door that can be stored in a closed position and an open position. In the open position the topper rear door is stored in a horizontal position just under the roof of the topper. In the closed position the topper rear door is fastened on the rear of the pickup topper above the tailgate of the pickup. The topper has two horizontal tracks mounted on the inside of topper near the roof. The topper rear door has two rollers fasten thereon. The rollers glide in the tracks when the door moves between the closed and the open position. The topper rear door can be locked in closed position and the topper door can be locked in the fully open and retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Peter Greenwood
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Publication number: 20080197663Abstract: A vehicle rail clamp mount can include a first mount portion that can be engaged with a vehicle rail at any position along the rail. The first mount portion can be positioned to overlie a vehicle rail in transverse to an axis of the rail, then rotated to a position parallel to the rail such that the first mount portion engages the rail. An interlock portion such as a tab on the first mount portion, or a second mount portion can also engage the rail or the first mount portion to prevent the first mount portion from rotating with respect to the rail. The clamp mount device can have a pin or another positioning member to maintain the position of the clamp along the rail. Various accessory mounts can be positioned on the clamp mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventor: Anthony Smith
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Publication number: 20080143091Abstract: A load-carrying system for vehicles comprises a secondary load support member adapted to be spaced above and extending over at least a portion of the primary load support member. Support means are provided to support the secondary load support member in a first position above the primary load and in a second position where the secondary load support member is moved relative to the primary load to enable access to the primary load or part thereof. The secondary load support member may be hinged to the support means to allow rotation between the first and second positions. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary support member may be moved on tracks between the first position and second position. In one embodiment, the secondary support member may comprise two portions hingedly engaged and rotatable one onto the other. The support means may include telescopic posts and struts, rams or links providing a lifting and/or rotating capacity in movement from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Katherine Fiedler
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Patent number: 7350846Abstract: A tarpaulin system for covering an open top container typically mounted on a truck includes a four-bar linkage wherein one of the bars is extendable and typically a first linear actuator. A tarpaulin is windingly mounted on the linkage and a second actuator is connected to the four-bar linkage in order to provide primary movement of the linkage. The tarpaulin is movable between a stowed position between the cab of a truck and the front of the container to a deployed position adjacent the rear of the container in order to cover the open top of the container. The four-bar linkage allows the tarpaulin to move from the stowed axis Forwardly toward the cab and upwardly above the container by operation of the second actuator without use of the first actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Smith Patents, L.L.C.Inventor: Fred P. Smith
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Patent number: 7325855Abstract: A bow structure for supporting a flexible cover or tarpaulin includes an intermediate bow and an uplift bow arrangement supported on the intermediate bow. The uplift bow arrangement includes a U-shaped bow supported on compression springs. The compression springs bias the bow along the axis of the bow arms, thereby exerting a generally upward force on the inside of the tarp.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventors: Steven A. Henning, James R. Tuerk
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Patent number: 7314244Abstract: A system for positioning a tarpaulin on a flatbed is provided. According to one embodiment, the system comprises a lifting device and a tarpaulin positioning apparatus structured to be attached to the lifting device. The lifting device is structured to lift at least a portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus above the flatbed and to move the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other. The tarpaulin positioning apparatus is further structured to deploy the tarpaulin on the flatbed as the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus is moved over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other by the lifting device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Lowe's Companies, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Franklin Hartman, Sammy Lee Barringer, Larry Edward Hamilton
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Patent number: 7296842Abstract: An apparatus for covering a top of an open container is provided that includes a cover, an arm assembly, and a lock mechanism. The arm assembly can move between a stowed position in which the container top is substantially open to an extended position in which the container top is substantially covered. The lock mechanism can easily and automatically lock the arm assembly in the extended position as part of the container covering operation. The lock mechanism may include a latch and a latch block that cooperate to automatically and mechanically engage and retain a hook mechanism. The lock mechanism may also include an actuator that, when energized, permits the latch to release the hook mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: John Donovan Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Steven Lewis Growcock, Thomas Johan Ahlstrom
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Patent number: 7275780Abstract: A cover system for an open-topped container includes two covers that are individually and separately deployable over the open top of the container body. The covers may be fabricated from different material and may be deployed using different deployment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventors: David Boyd, Steven A. Henning, Jr.
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Patent number: 7246839Abstract: A hard tonneau cover with a carrying rack (10) for enclosing a pick-up truck bed (24) consists of a roadside frame (20) and a curbside frame (22) with each frame hinged to a side wall of the pick-up truck bed. Each frame includes a top panel (26) and the frames pivot upwardly and outwardly in a clam shell manner for opening. The carrying rack is formed within the cover by utilizing cargo rack arms (42 and 44) that pivot forward above the truck cab and removable cross bars (52, 54 and 56), positioned between the opened roadside and curbside frames provide means for transporting elongated objects above the pick-up truck cab and bed. A gas spring strut (64) is attached between the roadside and curbside frame and the truck bed for maintaining the frames in an open vertical position. A second embodiment duplicates the forward carrying rack and is located at the rear for carrying extended length articles.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Donald E. Nyberg
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Patent number: 7246838Abstract: A wall section is disclosed for a trailer. The wall section comprises a male end and a female end. The male end includes a central recess having at least one protrusion on each side of the central recess, the protrusions defining respective lateral recesses. The female end includes a central protrusion having at least one lateral protrusion on each side of the central protrusion, the central protrusion and the lateral protrusions defining respective recesses.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
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Publication number: 20070152466Abstract: A cover for a mobile device (100) includes a main body (10) and a view panel (30). The main body has a view opening (113) formed thereon and a window frame portion (11). The window frame portion has an inner rim (110) defining the view opening. The view panel has an outer rim (31). The view panel is injection molded in the view opening and integrally formed with the main body. The inner rim is engaged with the outer rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO,.LTD., SUTECH TRADING LIMITEDInventors: Qing Yang, Chia-Hua Chen
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Patent number: 7229121Abstract: There is a tonneau or covering device for covering an open storage portion of a vehicle. The tonneau includes a cover, a cord, and/or a plurality of couplers, such as but not limited to hooks. The cord is disposed circumferentially about the cover and coupled thereto through sheathes. There are double-hook couplers including a first hook removably coupleable to a cord and a second hook coupled to the first hook and removably coupleable to the vehicle. The second hook may include a U-shaped member. The first hook may include a tapering hook opening. The first hook may include a flexible hook opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Inventors: Kevin Duane Fox, Dennis Lynn Fox
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Patent number: 7175224Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a cart canopy housing having a canopy storage portion, a roof engaging portion and a side panel portion extending from the roof engaging portion and from the canopy storage portion so as to enable partial concealment of a roof support when the housing is installed on a cart. The invention may also be embodied as a cart roof having a cover portion, a canopy storage portion, and a side panel portion extending from the cover portion and the canopy storage portion so as to enable partial concealment of a roof support when the cover portion is installed on a cart.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventor: William T. Held
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Patent number: 7118157Abstract: A bolt-on covering system kit for a transport container on a vehicle comprising a bolt-on axle bolted to the underside of the vehicle, two straight, adjustable telescopic arms sharing the bolt-on axle, an electric hydraulic pump, and a control unit. This bolt-on covering system allows for easy installation of a covering system with no need for welding or extensive fabrication work to mount such a system. With a bolt-on system, repairs are easy and the system can be easily removed or added to any transport container.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Inventor: Robert Bromberek
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Patent number: 7111908Abstract: A trailer assembly includes a body having a plurality of sidewalls for defining a cavity therebetween. Selected sidewalls are pivotally coupled to the body and selectively adaptable between loading and unloading positions and another sidewall defines a substantially planar bottom surface of the body. The body further includes a hitch section protruding forwardly therefrom. The assembly includes a rigid platform including a plurality of wheels connected thereto. Mechanisms are included for pivoting the body between sloped and horizontal positions and for separating a plurality of loads stored within the cavity respectively. The separating mechanism is removably positional within the cavity and slidably adjustable along a longitudinal length of the body. A manually retractable tarpaulin is laterally registered along a width of the body and adjoins a front end portion of the body for protecting exposed material and equipment during transit.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Inventor: Frank O. Mills
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Patent number: 7086685Abstract: A pickup truck bed cover comprising (a) a flexible sheet dimensioned to overlap the pickup truck bed and having four draped portions extending downwardly along each of two sidewalls, end wall and tailgate enclosing the pickup truck bed, (b) an anchoring means to secure the cover to the pickup truck, and (c) a tension distribution channel to distribute force produced when the anchoring means is pulled tautly.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Inventor: Scott J. Zeugner
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Patent number: 7025401Abstract: A covering assembly for covering an open container of a vehicle is characterized by the provision that the electric circuit controlling the movement of the cover is automatically opened when the cover reaches either the fully covered position or the fully uncovered position. The assembly includes a flexible cover attached at one end of the container body by a cover spool for retraction and extension the cover over the open container body. The cover spool is spring biased tending to uncover the open container. A bail assembly is pivotally mounted with a cover support section connected to the second end of the cover and is spring biased so as to extend the cover over the open container. A motor assembly rotates the spool and is controlled by an electric circuit that is automatically opened when the cover reaches either the fully covered position or the fully uncovered position.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Automated Integrated Systems, Inc.Inventors: Todd James Martinson, William G. Pater
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Patent number: 6981734Abstract: A tarpaulin system for an open cargo hold for a vehicle and a method for repairing the tarpaulin system. The tarpaulin system includes a tarpaulin with a number of ribs or bows releasably connected along its length. A movable cable is provided on the cargo hold and the bows are releasably connected to this cable by brackets. The brackets have mounting flanges and cable followers, the mounting flanges being releasably connected to the bows and the cable followers being releasably connected to the cable. When the cable is drawn toward the rear of the cargo hold, the brackets and the bows and tarpaulin connected thereto are drawn toward the rear end of the cargo hold. When the cable is drawn toward the front of the cargo hold, the brackets and therefore the bows and tarpaulin, are drawn toward the front of the cargo hold.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Mountain Tarp and Awning, Inc.Inventor: William P. Martin
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Patent number: 6932412Abstract: A cover for a flatbed trailer comprises two symmetrical halves of an outer shell forming the cover which are secured to respective longitudinal sides of the deck of the trailer for pivoting into an open position in a sideways lateral direction. The front and rear ends of the deck of the trailer are thus unobstructed for loading with ramps as desired.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Vern Paproski
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Patent number: 6837532Abstract: A dual side tarp (10) is disclosed which allows the operator to shift the fixed tube of the tarp from one side of the trailer (12) to the other very quickly and efficiently to allow one side or the other of the trailer to be numbered to facilitate side dumping, for example. Use of pivoting tarp roll stop allows the shifting to be accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: W. Glen Hicks
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Patent number: 6837006Abstract: A prefabricated home covering designed to protect a prefabricated home as it is being transported. The prefabricated home covering has a generally rectangular sheet of tarpaulin material used to cover an open middle section of a prefabricated home half being transported. There are also two generally trapezoidal sheets of tarpaulin material used to cover the ends of a prefabricated home half being transported, with the generally rectangular sheet of tarpaulin material and the two generally trapezoidal sheets of tarpaulin material being attached from the bottom of a trailer frame transporting the prefabricated home half with a plurality of rubber straps and D-rings with S-hooks. A plurality of strap buckle assemblies attach the generally rectangular sheet of tarpaulin material to the two generally trapezoidal sheets of tarpaulin material and a plurality of grommets attach the prefabricated home covering to the prefabricated home being transported.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: James T. Deskin
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Publication number: 20040262941Abstract: A track cover that is quickly and easily installed on different sizes and shapes of tracks on track vehicles that prevents dirt, gravel, or other debris may be thrown from the track of a track-type work vehicle while being transported onto the roadway. The track cover includes a flexible, elongated body designed to fit over the top and side surfaces and the side opening on a track. Attached to the lower edge of the elongated body is a durable mat that, during use, is placed over the path area of a trailer which the track vehicle is driven. Elastic cords attached at one end to the inside edge of the track, extend over the top, front, and side surfaces of the track and connect to the perimeter edge of the elongated body to hold the elongated body on the track and to keep dislodged dirt, gravel, or other debris from falling into the roadway.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Randy Johnson
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Patent number: 6832803Abstract: A truck tonneau for covering a bed of a truck includes a cover having a portion that is at least translucent. The cover can include at least two distinct layers, a first, polymeric layer and a second, fabric reinforcing layer. The fabric reinforcing layer can have a light diffusing pattern formed therein to enhance a light diffusing property of the cover. A fastener can be coupled to the cover to enable fastening of the cover over the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Global Accessories, Inc.Inventor: Byrne Elliott
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Patent number: 6824189Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for wrapping a tarp around a load. The system generally includes a cart that attaches to a tarp, a rigid pole placed within the tarp connecting the cart to the tarp. Typically, a powered winch includes a strap wrapped around it and the strap is connected to the cart. The winch can be connected to the cart, or to the frame of the trailer. In operation, the powered winch is energized thereby winding the strap around the winch spool, thereby drawing the cart to the trailer load and up one side of the trailer load, across the top and down the other side at which time the tarp is fully placed around the load. Multiple overlapping wheels are connected to the cart. Once the load is covered, the system can be disconnected and stored.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventor: Jerry Crabb
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Patent number: 6811202Abstract: An apparatus for covering objects, particularly payloads being shipped on flat bed trailers. The apparatus has a slidable hoist connected to a track suspended over a payload. The hoist has a retractable line which is connected to a spreader bar that can be connected to a covering that will be lifted and spread over the payload as the hoist is maneuvered by a remote controlled system along the track. The apparatus also has a rod that traverses beneath and near one end of the track. The rod provides support to the trailing portion of the covering as it is pulled over the payload by the hoist.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Inventor: B. C. Hornady
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Patent number: 6749248Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: 6695383Abstract: A cover assembly for a container of a vehicle, wherein the container has a first end and a second end. The cover assembly comprises a retractable cover having a first end attached to a roller assembly and a second end attached to a cover support element, and rolling means adapted to roll the cover upon the roller assembly. The cover support element is supported by at least one pivot arm at an upper end thereof. The pivot arm is pivotable about a lower end thereof at a point intermediate the two ends of the container and adjacent the bottom of the container, between a first position in which the cover support element is adjacent the first end of the container and a second position in which the cover support element is adjacent the second end of the container. The roller assembly is mounted for movement between a lower position.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Robert Arthur Wood
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Publication number: 20040026955Abstract: A golf bag cover attachment for the rear compartment of a golf cart that protects golf bags and equipment from inclement weather, such as rainfall. The golf bag cover attachment includes a plurality of elongate members that are secured together to form a semi-rigid structure that can be selectively moved into and out of an operative condition to cover the equipment platform on which the golf bags are placed. The golf bag cover attachment is strong, lightweight, durable, easy to install, and can be attached to golf carts with little effort.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Eagle Parts and Products, IncorporatedInventors: Frank Dolan, Robert Hoffman
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Patent number: 6688668Abstract: A retainer system for vehicle soft tops and tonneau covers. The system includes a belt attached to the edge of the fabric of the top or tonneau cover and a channel member mounted on the vehicle to selectively receive the belt. The belt is provided with a stop mechanism to positively prevent the belt from peeling out of the retaining channel member farther than desired. In the preferred embodiments, the stop mechanism is a notch or cutout in the belt. With the present retainer system, the notch will effectively stop the peel or withdrawal of the belt from the retaining channel at a predetermined location along the channel. In this manner, the belt and attached top or tonneau cover can be partially removed from engagement along the channel member to make it easier and quicker for the operator to perform a number of desirable tasks.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Stevens, Rick H. Troeger, Nancy L. Brunner, Timothy J. Gile
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Patent number: 6685251Abstract: A retractable cover system for open top end containers, such as tractor trailers, is described. A tarp is wound on a drum and stored in a forward top end of the container. Opposed side seam portions of the tarp are secured to nylon pull cables and extend in guide channels secured adjacent top edges of opposed side walls of the container. The cables are secured together at a predetermined location and wound on a pulley whereby to pull the tarp from the drum in unison across the open top end. The drum is also secured to a pulley which is driven by a drive train assembly which also drives the cable pulley. The drive train assembly has a driven shaft and an idle shaft disposed in parallel and interconnected by a pair of sprockets which are secured on clutches.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Inventor: Maurice Dumas
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Patent number: 6663159Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting system and method of mounting at least one thermally dynamic sheet to at least one structure, which includes an elongated track affixed to the thermally dynamic sheet or the structure, and an elongated flexible mounting bracket affixed to the other of the thermally dynamic sheet or the structure. The elongated flexible mounting bracket has a foot portion adapted to slidably mount in the elongated track to provide sliding movement of the elongated flexible mounting bracket along a first axis of the thermally dynamic sheet or the structure. The system of the invention can accommodate thermal expansion/contraction in the first axis by movement of the foot in the track and in the direction transverse to the first axis by flexing of the flexible mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Wells Cargo, Inc.Inventor: Jim Kinkaide
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Patent number: 6663160Abstract: A cargo bed cover is provided for enclosing the cargo bed of a vehicle. A generally planar outer frame is mounted to the cargo bed, and two generally planar inner frames are connected with hinges to the outer frame for pivoting relative to the outer frame. The inner frames are moveable between a position with the inner frame generally parallel to the outer frame and a position with the inner frame at an angle relative to the outer frame. A generally planar cover panel is connected with a hinge to each inner frame for pivoting relative to the inner frame between a position with the cover panel is generally parallel to the inner frame and a position with the cover panel is at an angle relative to the inner frame. Each cover panel is slidingly connected to the inner frame for sliding relative to the inner frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventors: Randy D. Yarbrough, Charles W. Kemp
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Patent number: 6655725Abstract: A canopy top for covering an open cargo area in a motor vehicle comprises a support frame having a plurality of elongated cylindrical support members forming the support frame and forming at least a portion of an outer periphery of said canopy top, a plurality of connectors connecting the plurality of elongated cylindrical support members together to form said support frame, a plurality of flanges, each individual member of the plurality of elongated cylindrical support members having at least one flange of the plurality of flanges extending along a lengthwise dimension of the member, a plurality of panels positioned on said support frame, each individual panel connected to at least two individual flanges of said plurality of flanges; and at least one access point in said canopy top to therethrough access the cargo area of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Rubens Soldatelli
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Patent number: 6655726Abstract: A retractable tarpaulin that can cover the cargo of truck, either partially or entirely. This system comprises a pair of posts that slide in notches at the periphery of a trailer flat bed, at the desired position according to the size of the cargo to cover. The width is also adjustable and includes an overhang of up to 12″ on either side. The length may be reduced or extended at both front end and aft end if needed. The height of these posts can be adjusted to adapt to the cargo. A series of cables covers the distance from one post to the other to support the tarpaulin and a drum arrangement stretches the cables to provide tightness to support the tarpaulin. As the tarp is retracted a number of rings attached to the tarp are successively engaged in a cantilever hanger to keep the tarp in a small storage when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Rock Bergeron