Flexible And Accumulating (e.g., Gathering Type) Patents (Class 296/100.11)
  • Patent number: 11691486
    Abstract: An openable superstructure for a substructure (14), i.e., a self-propelled truck, a truck, a semi-trailer, a trailer, a container, a dump truck, a railway wagon, a building or the like, comprising a foldable top frame (16), a cover (12) for connection to the top frame (16), in particular a tarpaulin, and a drive (70) for folding in and/or out the top frame (16). The drive (70) causes at least one at least tension-resistant tension element (71) to perform a movement and which can be coupled to a distal carriage (32?) of the top frame (16), moving the distal carriage (32?) back and/or forth based on the drive's actuation direction. The drive (70) comprises a driven first rotating body (73) and a second rotating body (74), arranged adjacent to one another, forming a drive device (75) The tension-resistant tension element (71) is wound several times around the drive device (75).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: EUROPEAN TRAILER SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Roger Remmel, Marcus Leukers
  • Patent number: 10117009
    Abstract: A portable loudspeaker includes an enclosure that defines an acoustic cavity. An electro-acoustic transducer is disposed within the acoustic cavity. A strap is provided which has a first end that is fixedly coupled to the enclosure and a second end that is releasably coupled to the enclosure. The second end of the strap is configured to be coupled to the enclosure (e.g., to secure an object therebetween). The second end of the strap is also configured be coupled to another portion of the strap to form a closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Fustino, Jeremy Heaston
  • Patent number: 10086746
    Abstract: A truck bed divider assembly includes a body, a first roller, a first cover wound on the first roller, a second roller and a second cover wound on the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pattrick Loew, Daniel Robert Taylor
  • Patent number: 9016758
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for a vehicle includes a housing, a first cover having a cover tab, wherein the first cover selectively extends from an interior of the housing to engage a rear seat, a second cover selectively extendable from the interior of the housing opposite the first cover and a seatback of the rear seat having a seat tab that engages the cover tab when the seatback is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Lee, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8864212
    Abstract: Various configurations of drive units for tarpaulin cover systems, particularly for use on vehicle bodies, are disclosed. Exemplary drive units include a gear arrangement configured to attach to an upper perimeter section of an open-top structure and at least one motion initiating device coupled to the gear arrangement. The gear arrangement can include a left spur gear attached to a left cable holder/pulley and a right spur gear attached to a right cable holder/pulley. A motion initiating device is configured to impart a force that initiates rotation of the left spur gear and the right spur gear in opposite directions and movement (i.e. retraction and extension) of a tarpaulin coupled to the gear arrangement. The motion initiating device can be either a crank, which is driven manually, or a motor, which is driven electrically. In other configurations, at least two bevel gears or at least one secondary spur gear are coupled to the motion initiating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cramaro Tarpaulin Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Cramaro
  • Publication number: 20140210228
    Abstract: Various configurations of drive units for tarpaulin cover systems, particularly for use on vehicle bodies, are disclosed. Exemplary drive units include a gear arrangement configured to attach to an upper perimeter section of an open-top structure and at least one motion initiating device coupled to the gear arrangement. The gear arrangement can include a left spur gear attached to a left cable holder/pulley and a right spur gear attached to a right cable holder/pulley. A motion initiating device is configured to impart a force that initiates rotation of the left spur gear and the right spur gear in opposite directions and movement (i.e. retraction and extension) of a tarpaulin coupled to the gear arrangement. The motion initiating device can be either a crank, which is driven manually, or a motor, which is driven electrically. In other configurations, at least two bevel gears or at least one secondary spur gear are coupled to the motion initiating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CRAMARO TARPAULIN SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Michael Cramaro
  • Patent number: 8641123
    Abstract: A system for covering a vehicle platform defining opposed ends. End elements are mountable to the vehicle platform adjacent its ends and a tarpaulin attachment element extends therebetween. A tarpaulin defines a tarpaulin movable end and a tarpaulin fixed portion extending in a parallel and spaced apart relationship relative to each other, the tarpaulin fixed portion being secured to the tarpaulin attachment element. An end rod is mounted to the tarpaulin adjacent the tarpaulin movable end and a support member is mounted to the tarpaulin a location intermediate the tarpaulin fixed portion and movable end. An actuator moves the tarpaulin between tarpaulin retracted and extended configurations. In the tarpaulin retracted configuration, at least part of the tarpaulin is wound around the end rod. In the tarpaulin extended configuration, the tarpaulin is unwound from the end rod and extends along the end elements, the support member abutting against the end elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Real Royer
  • Publication number: 20140021736
    Abstract: In an installation controlling the operation of one or more motors driving a mechanism for deploying or retracting a protective canopy over the cargo compartment of a truck or wagon, a method and device for protecting the motor windings against excessive power use by measuring the level of drawn current with a digital ammeter. If the current exceeds a threshold level of operation, a timer is started. As soon as a given absolute safe period of operation is surpassed, a breaker switch is tripped interrupting the motor power supply. A plural number of trip points can be programmed into the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Rory H. Chenowth
  • Publication number: 20130328347
    Abstract: A soft top fabric cover supported by an internal frame work provides a removal end support rail in closest range to a cargo bed tail gate, contains a latch system which allows coupling or uncoupling of the fabric cover from both left and right side longitudinal rails. Further, both left and right longitudinal rails incorporate a full length downward angled slot which accepts an incorporated receiver located on the outer edges of the fabric cover. Upon tensioning, the fabric cover is securely coupled to its internal frame work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Shi Hang, Zheng Hongjuan
  • Publication number: 20130302105
    Abstract: A combination trailer is provided that includes a rear self-discharge trailer having a bottom surface, a front portion, a back portion, and two opposing side panels. The side panels of the combination trailer have a height that is less than the height of the front portion. An enclosure system is also included in the combination trailer and selectively covers an open top of the rear self-discharge trailer. One or more one locking pin assemblies are also included in the combination trailer and are attached to at least one of the side panels of the rear self-discharge trailer such that the locking pin assemblies can be used to secure the enclosure system in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: FIRST CLASS SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Randy D. Stroup, Benjamin J. Pritchett
  • Patent number: 8308218
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for use in conjunction with a storage bed having an upwardly directed opening. The tonneau cover system includes a frame portion and a cover portion. The frame portion includes a first mounting track, a second mounting track, a first frame member, a second frame member a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism. The first frame member has a first end and a second end. The second frame member has a first end and a second end. The first hinge mechanism operably attaches the first ends of the first frame member and the second frame member to the first mounting track. The second hinge mechanism operably attaches the second ends of the first frame member and the second frame member to the second mounting track. The cover portion extends over the frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Truxedo Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Kneifl, Michael R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 8240740
    Abstract: A canopy deployment and retraction mechanism particularly suited to cover the cargo compartment of an elongated vehicle such as a railroad car. Each of a series of tarpaulin-supporting, parallel bows has sliders at each end sliding in a pair of funnel-shaped channels having their flat bases vertically secured to the upper inside lateral wall sections of the compartment. The spacing between the bases of the channels is less than the total length of a bow and its sliders and provides a degree of play in order to accommodate slight variations in the width of said compartment, and allows for self-centering of the cover. The shape of the channels allows for the placement of the cover retraction mechanisms such as cables and sliders within the outer periphery of the container, reducing bulk. The downward slope of the channel lower side further improves the evacuation of debris under the wiping action of the traveling sliders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Lynn Chenowth, Rory H. Chenowth
  • Patent number: 8162377
    Abstract: A tarp bar may be an alignment member, a reinforcement member, and a furling control member, without adding substantial weight or complexity to a rolling tarp system. The tarp bar is fixed to the tarp a significant distance from the drive bar and is not motorized or otherwise powered, and is preferably attached only to the tarp material, parallel to the length of the tarp and the bed/trailer. The tarp bar is recessed or otherwise-concave along its length to allow cradling of, and hence parallel orientation of, an already-rolled portion of the tarp. The tarp bar is preferably broader than said already-rolled portion, so that two opposing edges of the tarp bar extend out beyond the diameter of the already-rolled portion so that the combination of the already-rolled portion received in the tarp bar is a non-cylindrical unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Trinity Trailer Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Miller, Michael R. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8123274
    Abstract: A protective cover for trailerable items includes a support frame having a plurality of ribs having opposed first and second leg members and a lateral batten member spanning the first and second leg members and defining an open area thereunder, and a flexible cover supported on the support frame, wherein each of the first leg members are rotatable about a first axis and each of the second leg members are rotatable about a second axis. The plurality of ribs are selectively movable between a first position in which they are spaced apart and the flexible cover encompasses an entirety of a trailerable item, and a second position in which the plurality of ribs are adjacent one another and extend substantially vertically to allow for loading and unloading of the trailerable item from a trailer while the protective cover is attached to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Roger H. Edwards, Drew R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7819262
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Carl R. Ewan
  • Publication number: 20100109373
    Abstract: Control device for both opening and closing the sheets or tarpaulins used to cover the open top bodies in the industrial, agricultural and/or similar vehicles wherein driving pulleys (6a-6b) are set in motion by means of bevel gears (7a, 7b and 7c), wherein the gear (7a) with the first driving pulley (6a) and the gear (7c) with a second driving pulley (6b) are mounted coaxially one in front of the other on the opposite sides of the central bevel gear (7b) which is manually driven by means of the crank (81) and its driving shaft (8), and in that the lengths of the cable rings (3c and 3f) driven by the driving pulleys which extend between additional pulleys (5d-5?d and 5s-5?s) are disposed parallel one another so that the upper lateral lengths (3a) of the cable rings move in the same directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicants: TRAKOVER S.R.L., TECNOENGINEERING
    Inventor: Cesarino Pivetta
  • Patent number: 7484789
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Vinc L. Aulick
  • Patent number: 7425030
    Abstract: A tarpaulin for a quick and safe covering of a load on a truck or trailer bed is provided having a post positioned at each corner of the bed including a pulley mounted on top of each post at the front of the bed. A pair of cables are each anchored at one end to an extensible cable holder, trained over the pulley and removably attached to the post on the back of the bed. The system and method includes a U-shaped tarpaulin using a plurality of eyes or pulleys for slidably connecting to the cables for covering the load positioned on the bed. The tarpaulin may be removed from all or part of the load. The system and method also includes independent extensible cable holders for lengthening and shortening each cable to lower and raise the tarpaulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Roberts and Dybdahl, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Warner
  • Patent number: 7416247
    Abstract: A closure system for a vehicle includes a closure member movable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The closure member includes a flexible panel and a plurality of support members supporting the flexible panel. A first support member is attached to and is movable with the closure member between the open position and the closed position. The first support member includes a recess receiving the flexible panel and the plurality of support members therein when the closure member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Dunneback, James P. Mantua, Nicholas Vardis
  • Publication number: 20080129074
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Jerry Franklin Hartman, Sammy Lee Barringer, Larry Edward Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7374225
    Abstract: A tarpaulin system that turns a flatbed trailer into a fully covered trailer and closes to provide an open flatbed trailer. The system is comprised of a plurality of inverted U-shaped support bows extending laterally across the trailer and secured to sections of the tarpaulin. Each support bow has rollers secured thereto for sliding movement along rails on each side of the trailer. A plurality of pairs of inverted U-shaped uplifting bows also extend laterally across the trailer and are pivotally secured to the support bows on opposite sides to spread apart during opening of the system. Intermediate support rods are secured between adjacent pairs of uplifting bows and extend laterally across the trailer between the uplifting bows beneath the tarpaulin sections to restrict the tarpaulin sections from falling between the uplifting bows when the system is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Brian W. Petelka
  • Patent number: 7367606
    Abstract: Disclosed is a covering system that includes plural supports and a cable. The cable may be advanced or retracted. The cable is connected, preferably by a fixed support, to a portion of the cover, whereby the cover may be advanced or retracted by moving the cable. At least some, preferably all, of the supports other than the terminal support are disposed in collars, the collars for the non-connected supports being threaded onto the cable. The collars and supports may be decoupled to permit removal of a support without the need to un-thread the collar and without the need to disturb other supports. The collars include plural separable cable sleeve portions that may be decoupled from one another to permit removal of the collar from the cable without un-threading the cable from other supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: John Donovan Enterprises-Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney Scott Ellis
  • Patent number: 7325856
    Abstract: The invention comprises a retractable cover system comprising: a flexible cover. A plurality of supporting bows support the cover A semi-rigid member having first and second ends is secured to the cover section. The semi-rigid member is capable of flexing laterally outward if the system is retracted. This outward action allows the cover or cover sections to consistently fold in the same way and prevents the cover or cover sections from getting caught in the load or in the cover system componentry. The invention also comprises a segmented tube means secured to the bottom portion of the cover between the bows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent J Merlot, Jr., Richard Mergenthaler
  • Patent number: 7325855
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Henning, James R. Tuerk
  • Patent number: 7322634
    Abstract: A canopy system for a cart, such as a golf cart has a canopy supported by a support member, and a housing having an opening through which at least a portion of the canopy may extend when the canopy is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: William T. Held
  • Patent number: 7234753
    Abstract: The invention may be embodied in as a canopy system for a vehicle, such as a golf cart. The invention may include nested support members and/or a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: William T. Held, R. Kent Roberts
  • Patent number: 7229120
    Abstract: A method for shipping a retractable cover system include pre-assembling the cover system to include the flexible cover and enough components to support the cover on guide rails mounted to a trailer or other transport vehicle. At least two pre-assembled cover systems are compressed along their length and then loaded sequentially onto the guide rails of the same trailer. In certain embodiments, four compressed partially pre-assembled cover systems are loaded onto a single trailer. The trailer is then transported to one or more customer sites where one or more of the compressed cover systems are unloaded. The cover systems may be only partially pre-assembled, with the remaining components placed on the trailer within the compressed cover system when it is loaded on the trailer. The cover systems may be maintained in their compressed state by a tension element or tensioned apron wrapped around the compressed cover system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Tuerk, Jerry Ace, Marvin Hunt, Joseph Cooper
  • Patent number: 7210726
    Abstract: The invention comprises a retractable cover system comprising: a flexible cover. A plurality of supporting bows support the cover. A semi-rigid member having first and second ends is secured to the cover section. The semi-rigid member is capable of flexing laterally outward if the system is retracted. This outward action allows the cover or cover sections to consistently fold in the same way and prevents the cover or cover sections from getting caught in the load or in the cover system componentry. The invention also comprises a segmented tube secured to the bottom portion of the cover between the bows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Merlot Tarp & Sidekit Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Merlot, Jr., Richard Mergenthaler
  • Patent number: 7140665
    Abstract: A cargo blanket suspension system for a container comprises: a generally flat, horizontal framework of connected bars positioned within a cargo compartment of the cargo container. A cable system is connected to the framework to suspend the framework from or adjacent to the ceiling of the cargo compartment, to support a cargo blanket carried on the framework, and to permit raising and lowering of the framework and cargo blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Q-Sales & Leasing LLC
    Inventors: Peter W. Mirabella, Matthew M. Moran
  • Patent number: 6981734
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Mountain Tarp and Awning, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Martin
  • Patent number: 6926337
    Abstract: A retractable trailer enclosure system for use in covering at least part of the bed of a truck trailer having removable U-shaped bows vertically mounted thereon. The trailer enclosure system includes a flexible cover which may be retracted or extended to cover and uncover the trailer bed and goods positioned thereon. An elongated spindle is provided which is mounted to the trailer by a spindle mount assembly and can be used to wind and unwind the cover. The spindle is movably supported such that the cover extends vertically downwardly to a location below a surface of a trailer bed side when the cover is fully extended. The spindle may be moved along a generally arcuate extending path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Philip Poyntz
  • Patent number: 6886879
    Abstract: A one-piece molded end cap is provided for use with a container tarping system. The end cap is in the form of an aerodynamically shaped shell and includes a trough and ridge configuration at the rear edge to provide a sealing surface for the side edge of the flexible cover of the tarping system. A deflection barrier is formed at the underside of the end cap shell and is configured to deflect material loaded into the container away from the end cap. In a further embodiment, the end cap can include a tensioning mechanism integral with a front edge of the end cap. The tensioning mechanism includes an elongated body having a bore within which a tensioning element is disposed. The tensioning element applies tension to a drive mechanism of the tarping system through a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nolan, James R. Tuerk
  • Patent number: 6818279
    Abstract: A cover for a foldable convertible top has a highly stretchable outer foil having an inner face, and a foam-plastic core layer bonded over the entire bonding-foil inner face and itself having an inner face. The outer foil can be a one-piece slush-molded foil or it can be highly stretchable and a thin thermoplastic bonding foil can be provided between the outer foil and the core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Parat Automotive Schonenbach GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Schönenbach, Martin Windpassinger, Manfred Kasparak
  • Patent number: 6786676
    Abstract: An improved spindle and tarpaulin combination to be used in devices to deploy and take up a tarpaulin. The device is comprised of a reinforced spindle and a tarpaulin adapted to be attached to the spindle, such that the tarpaulin may be wound and unwound upon the spindle, with the tarpaulin adapted for use with a spindle having a length substantially less than the width of the tarpaulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Pitcher
  • Patent number: 6783168
    Abstract: An arm assembly for a cover of a truck includes a base, an intermediate segment, and an extension. The base is pivotably connected to the truck proximate a top of a cab of the truck. The intermediate segment is pivotably connected to the base, and the extension is connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the intermediate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
  • Patent number: 6779828
    Abstract: A retractable trailer enclosure system for use in covering at least part of the bed of a trailer includes a flexible cover which may be retracted to reveal or extended to cover the trailer bed and items thereon. An elongated spindle is mounted to the trailer and is movably supported in a horizontal orientation by a spindle mount along a generally arcuate extending path. The spindle mount consists of a pair of spaced pivot rods elongated from a first end to a second distalmost end. The first end is secured to an associated pivot while the second end is movable along the arcuate path. Each pivot rod is provided as a telescoping rod with the distalmost end being movable radially outwardly from the pivot. A tensioner resiliently biases the distalmost end to the retracted position. A drive selectively rotates the spindle to thereby extend or retract the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Philip Poyntz
  • Patent number: 6773052
    Abstract: An improved canopy assembly for attaching a rearwardly extending protective canopy to a motorized golf cart of the type having a top covering the passager seating area and an uncovered bag storage area reward of the seating area that includes a golf bag support bracket that prevents the golf bags from tipping over. The canopy assembly includes a base member that attaches directly to the golf bag support bracket, a frame that pivotally attaches to the base member and a sheet of flexible water-resistant material suspended over the frame. The canopy assembly may be extended where in the protective canopy substantially covers the cart's golf bag storage area protecting the bags from rainfall. The canopy assembly may be folded wherein the protective canopy is moved out of the way allowing golf clubs to be removed from the golf bags without hitting the canopy assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Tyrer
  • Patent number: 6715817
    Abstract: A one-piece molded end cap is provided for use with a container tarping system. The end cap is in the form of an aerodynamically shaped shell and includes a trough and ridge configuration at the rear edge to provide a sealing surface for the side edge of the flexible cover of the tarping system. A deflection barrier is formed at the underside of the end cap shell and is configured to deflect material loaded into the container away from the end cap. In a further embodiment, the end cap can include a tensioning mechanism integral with a front edge of the end cap. The tensioning mechanism includes an elongated body having a bore within which a tensioning element is disposed. The tensioning element applies tension to a drive mechanism of the tarping system through a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nolan, James R. Tuerk
  • Patent number: 6663161
    Abstract: An improved canopy assembly for attaching a rearwardly extending protective canopy to a motorized golf cart of the type having a top covering the passenger seating area and an uncovered bag storage area reward of the seating area that includes a golf bag support bracket that prevents the golf bags from tipping over. The canopy assembly includes a base member that attaches directly to the golf bag support bracket, a frame that pivotally attaches to the base member and a sheet of flexible water-resistant material suspended over the frame. The canopy assembly may be extended where the protective canopy substantially covers the cart's golf bag storage area protecting the bags from rainfall. The canopy assembly may be folded wherein the protective canopy is moved out of the way allowing golf clubs to be removed from the golf bags without hitting the canopy assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Tyrer
  • Patent number: 6655726
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Rock Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6595573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bow configuration for sliding convertible tops of vehicle constructions or containers with rigid or flexible bulkheads and sidewalls and to longitudinal belts being formed of profile rails and limiting the height of the configuration. A tarpaulin which goes over the top area of the configuration is supported by bows (1) which are arranged in predetermined, regular distances from each other and which span over the width of the loading area and which are supported at the longitudinal belts of the configuration. Said bows are supported at both ends horizontally as well as vertically by means of a roller trolley (5) or a corresponding roller arrangement which encompass the longitudinal belts at least partially. Said bows are guided in the longitudinal direction along complementary configured guide rails of the upper longitudinal belts of the construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Edscha LKW-Schiebeverdecke GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Drasch, Roger Remmel
  • Patent number: 6582007
    Abstract: An endless cable tarp extension/retraction system spooled around front and rear pulleys includes drive components that are self-contained and encapsulated within an elongated housing that can be removably mounted to the container body using multiple clamp assemblies or mounting bolts disposed within a T-slot in the housing. A front idler pulley is provided that is sized and oriented relative to the drive pulley to maintain the upper and lower runs of the cable to travel essentially parallel along the length of the container. A self-tensioning rear idler pulley is provided that utilizes a spring to exert an adjustable force against the rear idler pulley. In another aspect of the invention, an anti-sail bracket extends downward from the bow ends of the tarp system and includes an inwardly projecting pin that is restrained from upward movement by a rail mounted to the side of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Gothier, James R. Tuerk, Steven A. Henning, Robert E. Templin, Oliver L. Allen, II
  • Patent number: 6568740
    Abstract: A fastening system for a flexible cover system for a truck box includes a first fastening material on the side edges of the flexible cover and a second fastening material that releasably engages with the first fastening material. The second fastening material comprises a fastening surface bonded to a substantially rigid elongated slat, and is slidingly received in channel portions of side rails mounted on the sides of the truck box. The first fastening material can be one member of a hook and loop type fastener and the second fastening material can be the mating member of the hook and loop type fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Shur Company
    Inventor: Jerry R. Dimmer
  • Patent number: 6561564
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tarpaulin structure for the bodies of motor vehicles and containers, comprising a tarpaulin frame that covers the entire length of the loading compartment, is provided with upper longitudinal fascias and is supported against the body of the motor vehicle by protruding supporting elements. At least one tarpaulin that covers the roof area of the top is supported by bows (8) that are supported on both ends by rollers (6), whereby the bows can slide in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, on the longitudinal fascias (4) of the tarpaulin frame. The neighboring bows (8) are joined to each other in the region of both longitudinal sides of the tarpaulin by a bearing element (9) for the tarpaulin, whereby a reduced distance between both adjacent bows (8) results in the tarpaulin being folded between the adjacent bows in an upwards direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Edscha LKW-Schiebeverdecke GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Fliege, Josef Drasch, Roger Remmel
  • Publication number: 20030067185
    Abstract: An endless cable tarp extension/retraction system spooled around front and rear pulleys includes drive components that are self-contained and encapsulated within an elongated housing that can be removably mounted to the container body using multiple clamp assemblies or mounting bolts disposed within a T-slot in the housing. A front idler pulley is provided that is sized and oriented relative to the drive pulley to maintain the upper and lower runs of the cable to travel essentially parallel along the length of the container. A self-tensioning rear idler pulley is provided that utilizes a spring to exert an adjustable force against the rear idler pulley. In another aspect of the invention, an anti-sail bracket extends downward from the bow ends of the tarp system and includes an inwardly projecting pin that is restrained from upward movement by a rail mounted to the side of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Gothier, James R. Tuerk, Steven A. Henning, Robert E. Templin, Oliver L. Allen
  • Publication number: 20030047959
    Abstract: A retractable tarpaulin that can cover the cargo of a trailer (20), either partially or entirely. This system comprises a pair of posts (30) that slide in notches (24) at the periphery of a trailer bed (22), at the desired position according to the size of the cargo to cover. The width is also adjustable and includes an overhang (88) 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 the posts can be adjusted to adapt to the cargo. A series of top cables (54) support the top tarpaulin (57) and a drum arrangement (55) stretches the cables to provide tightness to support the top tarpaulin when in use. As the top tarp is retracted a number of rings (86) attached to the tarp are successively engaged in a small vertical tube (53) and each section of the top tarp is sequentially piled into a small storage housing (52). The side tarp (75) is folded like a curtain into a horizontal support (83).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Rock Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6499790
    Abstract: A system and method for covering or uncovering a trailer comprising supports adapted to be operatively connected to the ends of a trailer to position a roller, with a cover attached thereto, from one side of the trailer to the other side to thereby cover the trailer and any cargo loaded thereon. The system and method may be performed by a single person anywhere along the transportation route, and the apparatus may be located at a terminal and moved from trailer to trailer. The system and method may also be used to selectively position straps over the top of cargo loaded on a trailer for securing cargo onto the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: J. Ben Johnston
  • Publication number: 20020167192
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting golf bags on a golf cart and for supporting a rearwardly extending canopy assembly having a canopy and a canopy frame structure. The golf cart having a body, a frame supporting the body, a seating compartment and a golf bag compartment located rearwardly of the seating compartment. The bracket assembly including at least one support member, a mounting mechanism to mount the support member to the cart's frame and a means for securing the upper portion of golf bags resting in the golf bag storage compartment. In addition, the bracket assembly includes means for pivotally connecting the canopy frame structure to the support member to enable the canopy to be extended to cover the golf bags or folded out of the way to provide access to the golf bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Tyrer, Richard Kenneth Harris
  • Patent number: 6471281
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting golf bags on a golf cart and for supporting a rearwardly extending canopy assembly having a canopy and a canopy frame structure. The golf cart having a body, a frame supporting the body, a seating compartment and a golf bag compartment located rearwardly of the seating compartment. The bracket assembly including at least one support member, a mounting mechanism to mount the support member to the cart's frame and a strap for securing the upper portion of golf bags resting in the golf bag storage compartment. In addition, the bracket assembly includes a pivotal joint for pivotally connecting the canopy frame structure to the support member to enable the canopy to be extended to cover the golf bags or folded out of the way to provide access to the golf bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Tyrer, Richard Kenneth Harris
  • Publication number: 20020135198
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle cargo-space cover has two rails flanking the space, fixed in the motor vehicle, and defining a pair of slots. A housing releasably mounted in the vehicle and extending transversely of the rails between rear ends if the slots holds a rotatable shaft around which is wound a flexible cover sheet having a front edge provided with a stiffening bar having outer ends carrying respective slides displaceable along the respective slots and into the housing. Respective stiff tapes connected to the slides extend rearward therefrom into the housing to a drive in the housing that pays the tapes out and thereby pushes the slides forward out of the housing into the slots to deploy the sheet over the space and pulls the stiff tapes back into the housing and thereby pulls the slides back and into the housing to retract the sheet from above the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KG
    Inventor: Peter De Ceuster