Abstract: An apparatus behind a passenger cab of a pickup truck may provide access to an interior of a pickup truck box, when retracted, and a cover, when extended. The apparatus, when extended, may produce an aerodynamic shape that significantly reduces drag on the pickup truck. The apparatus, at least when retracted, may allow rear visibility. Extension and retraction of the apparatus may be motorized and may further be done remotely and/or automatically. The apparatus may include a plurality of moveable panels linked together, and/or the panels may slope. Adjacent panels may be linked together by one or more hinges. A pickup truck may include such an apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body including a roof and a pillar. The vehicle includes a track supported by the roof and elongated along a cross-vehicle axis. The vehicle includes a headliner slideable along the track from a stowed position to a deployed position. The headliner in the stowed position extends along the roof and in the deployed position extends along the pillar.

Abstract: A tarpaulin superstructure is provided for use with a movable substructure, such as a truck, a trailer, a semitrailer, a railway wagon, a dump truck, or a container. The tarpaulin superstructure includes a top frame to which a tarpaulin made of weather-resistant material can be attached, where the top frame has multiple struts which can be moved along one or more guides, and where the end of the top frame has an end runner which can be raised to open the superstructure and lowered to close the superstructure. A tarpaulin superstructure is also provided where the end runner is not lifted by the airstream, as an air deflection part is arranged at an end of the end runner so that the airstream is converted into a force in the closing direction of the end runner.

Abstract: A retractable trailer cover adapted for mounting to an existing boat trailer and a method for retrofitting the trailer cover to the boat trailer. The trailer cover includes multiple ribs extending from one side to the other, a flexible cover material, two elongated tracks, and multiple wheels received within the tracks. The ribs are affixed to the wheels so as to be slidably mounted to the tracks. Mounting brackets can be spaced along each of the trailer cover sides, and the tracks can be affixed to the mounting brackets. To mount the trailer cover to the boat trailer, the mounting brackets can be attached to a frame of the boat trailer. The trailer cover can selectively be expanded and retracted to cover and uncover an associated boat and boat trailer and may be used with new or used trailers.

Abstract: The application discloses a fixing and mounting structure for a vehicle cover which includes a vehicle cover and two mounting rods. The two mounting rods are parallel to each other. The vehicle cover is laid on the two parallel mounting rods. The fixing and mounting structure further includes a front railing, a fixed bolt, a first slider, a second slider and a locking nut. The front railing is fixed on the vehicle cover. The first slider is slidably arranged on the front railing. The fixed bolt is arranged on the first slider. The locking nut is matched with the fixed bolt. A sliding hole is defined in the second slider, and the fixed bolt passes through the sliding hole in the second slider. The locking nut abuts against the second slider, and the second slider cooperates with the front railing to clamp the mounting rods.

Abstract: A movable, tarp enclosure system includes a movable carriage having a main body and plural primary support wheels connected to the main body, at least one of the wheels being disposed at a first vertical level and at least one of the wheels being disposed at a being vertical level. The system also includes a support rail having a first and second support walls, the upper surfaces of which are respectively engaged by the carriage wheel(s) disposed at the first vertical level and at the second vertical level for movably supporting the movable carriage on the support rail.

Abstract: A lock bar can be laterally slidable between an unlocked position in which the lock bar is laterally recessed relative to the side rail and a locked position in which the lock bar is laterally extended relative to the side rail. The lock bar can be engageable with, and movable by, the tailgate to slide the lock bar from the unlocked position to the locked position as the tailgate moves from an open tailgate position to a closed tailgate position. Movement of the lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position can simultaneously interengage and disengage, respectively, with each of the locking surfaces of the plurality of rectangular elements, which interengagement limits upward movement of the rectangular elements.

Abstract: A lock bar can be laterally slidable between an unlocked position in which the lock bar is laterally recessed relative to the side rail and a locked position in which the lock bar is laterally extended relative to the side rail. A side rail supported actuator can include a longitudinally extending actuator arm engageable with the lock bar to slide the lock bar between the unlocked position and the locked position and engageable with, and movable by, the tonneau cover as the tonneau cover moves from the open cover position to the closed cover position. Movement of the lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position can simultaneously interengage and disengage, respectively, with each of the locking surfaces of the plurality of rectangular elements, which interengagement limits upward movement of the rectangular elements.

Abstract: An uplift bow assembly and a sliding tarpaulin system are described. The uplift bow assembly includes first and second car plates and a frame having a center portion. The frame includes first and second downwardly extending frame arms connected respectively to the first and second car plates. The assembly also includes a plurality of uplift bows, each having a center portion and first and second downwardly extending bow arm pivotably connected to the first and second car plates respectively. Each of the first and second car plates is configured to support the selective pivoted connection of at least five uplift bows. The sliding tarpaulin system includes first and second tracks and a plurality of uplift bow assemblies that extend laterally across the trailer. The first and second car plates slideably engage the respective first and second tracks.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a locking structure and a pickup truck compartment cover including the locking structure. The locking structure includes two fixing side frames and a locking frame. A locking slot is disposed on an inner side wall of the fixing side frame. Locking cartridge assemblies corresponding to the fixing side frames are respectively disposed at both ends of the locking frame, and the locking frame is further provided with a sliding cartridge assembly. The locking cartridge assembly comprises a locking cartridge, a locking member, and at least one locking spring. The sliding cartridge assembly comprises a control cartridge, a sliding handle, and an inhaul cable member, When the locking frame is mounted at the end portions of the two fixing side frames, the sliding handle is configured to drive the inhaul cable member to make a lock tongue break away from a locking slot.

Abstract: A support rail for a movable, flatbed trailer-mounted tarp enclosure system having a tarp cover, a plurality of substantially U-shaped bows connected to and supporting the tarp cover, and rolling carriages connected to lower ends of said bows and which roll along the support rail, the support rail including a first elongate rail section which is fixed to the trailer and extends substantially parallel to a cargo support surface of the trailer, a second elongate rail section which is movably connected to the trailer, and a support mechanism which connects the second elongate rail section to the trailer such that the second elongate rail section may be moved between a first position extending continuously to the first elongate rail section along a common axis and a second position parallel to but at a different level from the first elongate rail section.

Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for a movable, tarp enclosure system including first, second, and third arms, and first and second support brackets which are all connected together in a substantially triangular, adjustable configuration in which the first arm is rotatable relative to support brackets and when the first arm is rotated, the first bracket moves linearly along the first arm toward and away from the second bracket. The second arm has one end thereof pivotally connected to the first bracket such that the first end of the second arm moves together with the first bracket, the third arm has an engagement member provided on one end thereof which is configured to operatively engage a vertically intermediate portion of an end one of the bows, and the third arm has a length adjusting mechanism for adjusting a length thereof.

Abstract: A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus includes breakaway connector between a radial arm assembly and a tarp roller. The breakaway connector is designed to fracture, or otherwise come apart, to prevent damaging stress from being applied to the tarp roller by the radial arm assembly. Therefore, if a rear flap of a rear-dump trailer on which the radial arm assembly is mounted is dislodged from the tub of the trailer, the breakaway connect will permit separation of the radial arm assembly from the tarp roller without damaging the radial arm assembly or the tarp roller.

Abstract: A safety rail for a flatbed trailer including a track that is engaged adjacent an edge of the flatbed trailer and a plurality of post holder assemblies engaged with the track. The post holder assemblies are selectively movable along the track between an operational position and a storage position. When the safety rail is in the operational position, the post holder assemblies are spaced a distance apart from each other and, when in the storage position, the post holder assemblies are in tongue-and-groove interlocking engagement with each other. A post is engaged with each of the post holder assemblies and a cable is threaded through an aperture in each of the posts. The post holder assemblies include one or more wheels which engage the track and roll therealong as the safety rail is moved between the operational and storage positions.

Abstract: A retractable top covering system has a top covering configured to cover an open top area of a container having sides that define an interior space. The top covering is connected to a retractable top drive mechanism that selectively retracts and deploys the retractable top covering. A track is supported along an upper edge of the container around a portion of the open top area. The track supports at least one trolley for relative movement along the upper edge of the container. A support bow is connected the trolley and supports the retractable top covering. A cable, connected between the retractable top drive mechanism and the trolley, moves the trolley along the track in response to retraction and deployment action of the retractable top drive mechanism.

Abstract: A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A retractable pickup truck box cover system includes a pivot joint with improved strength, durability, and manufacturability between panels of a panel assembly of the cover system. A sealing system between the panels and along ends of the panel assembly provides improved weather resistance to the cover system. A lateral support system provides resistance to binding loads when opening and closing the panel assembly. The lateral support system may also aid installation of the cover system. A ramp adjustment system allows fine tuning of the ramps that guide folding and unfolding of the panel assembly. An improved locking system and the pivot joints allow more compact storage of the panel assembly. The improved locking system includes lock rods that engage rails of the cover system. Connecting structures connect adjacent panel pairs when the cover system is deployed and do not connect the adjacent panels when the cover system is stowed.

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.

Abstract: In the coupling of bi-directional, non-freewheeling-type DC motors to the pulling spool of a canopy deployment strap and to a take-up roller, ratchet gears assure automatic alignment and synchronization of the deployment and retraction mechanisms. The reverse direction rotation of the unwinding motor can be uninhibited through the slipping of its ratchet gear when the winding motor is slow to take up the pulling strap or the tarp being wound thereon. The slipping provides sufficient slack to accommodate changes of spool and roller diameters as more material is successively wound thereon. A friction brake acting against a flange of the spool keeps it from spinning freely when not engaged by the motor.

Abstract: In the coupling of bi-directional, non-freewheeling-type DC motors to the pulling spool of a canopy deployment strap and to a take-up roller, ratchet gears assure automatic alignment and synchronization of the deployment and retraction mechanisms. The reverse direction rotation of the unwinding motor can be uninhibited through the slipping of its ratchet gear when the winding motor is slow to take up the pulling strap or the tarp being wound thereon. The slipping provides sufficient slack to accommodate changes of spool and roller diameters as more material is successively wound thereon. A friction brake acting against a flange of the spool keeps it from spinning freely when not engaged by the motor.

Abstract: A retractable tarp cover for a truck, trailer body or other equipment is adapted to be moved from a retracted position at the front of the truck, trailer body or other equipment to an extended position at the rear of the truck, trailer body or other equipment by means of a rodless cylinder at each side thereof. The tarp is also movable from its extended position to a retracted position.

Abstract: A roll up cover for a box of a pick-up truck includes a plurality of substantially rigid slats connected by hinge joints. A flexible sheet of material is attached to the top surface of the slats. The hinge joints include a stop which allows pivoting of adjacent slats only in a direction moving the top surfaces of the slats towards each other, to allow the cover to be rolled up with flexible sheet facing inwardly, and with bottom surfaces of the slats facing outwardly, and not vice versa. Side rails are attached to the box of the pick-up truck. A roll rod in each side rail pivots into closed position when the cover is unrolled, with the roll rods engaging the end fittings on the slats, to hold the cover down onto the side rails.

Abstract: A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A retractable tarp system having automated closing mechanisms used in conjunction with the front and rear of a truck or vehicle-pulled trailer. The automated system of closing the tarping system may include air cylinders, hydraulics or electric motor with closing mechanisms for the dual closing system. The rear system may include linear actuators on each side adapted to pull a cable with a distal hook that may selectively engage the tarp structure. For redundancy, the front system may be air-operated while the rear system is electric. The truck driver operates a switch or button to open and close the closing mechanisms of the retractable tarp system, and may connect and disconnect a hook on a rear closing mechanism that pulls the tarp tightly closed.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for securing tarps to a modular bow in a tarp system includes a curved base member that is adapted to be secured to a frame member having adjacent dual channels that extend along an outer surface thereof. A tarp guide is supported on the curved base member. The tarp guide has adjacent dual channels that are separated by a partition. The adjacent dual channels of the tarp guide are adapted to be aligned with the adjacent dual channels of the frame member when the curved base member is secured to the frame member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller carriage for a sliding bow roof for a truck or truck trailer. The roof encompasses guidance and runner rails, extending on the cargo surface of the truck along the longitudinal sides of the cargo surface. Roller carriages, which comprise rollers and on which retaining bows, embodied in gantry fashion and having a roof tarpaulin mounted thereon, are displaceably guided. At least one roller carriage is equipped with a securing device for preventing inadvertent shifting of the roller carriage along the rails. The securing device encompasses a wedge element associated with a roller, which element is shiftable between a release position and a secured position. In its release position it has no contact with the roller. In its secured position a portion of the wedge element is between the roller and the corresponding guidance and runner rail.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly includes a flexible cover, a rigid cross member connected with the cover, and a tensioning and/or latching mechanism connected with the cross member. The flexible cover includes a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed adjacent a cab of a vehicle to which the tonneau covers assembly is configured to attach. The second end is disposed adjacent a tailgate of the vehicle. The rigid cross member connects with the cover such that the cross member moves with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end. The tensioning and/or latching mechanism connects with the cross member such that the tensioning and/or latching mechanism moves along with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The Retractable Rack & Canopy System may comprise a soft top version or a hard top version (or combination thereof). A retractable and extendable fabric covered canopy (soft top version) may be used in conjunction with a truck box for protecting transported cargo on a pick-up truck or with a flat bed trailer. Furthermore, the hard top version of the invention may comprise a plurality of nestable telescopic sections which may be retracted to a user-preferred position providing ready access to the cargo bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering frame for a tarpaulin structure, comprising a number of bows, which can be displaced along lateral longitudinal beams (4) and which each have a slide (6) at the ends thereof. Folding means (9) for force-folding a tarpaulin are provided in the vicinity of the slides (6). The invention also relates to a slide (6). A reliable and cost-effective assembly is achieved by virtue of the fact that the folding means (9) can be inserted into a guide (62a) of the slide (6) along the axis of the guide (62a). In addition, a profile of a longitudinal beam (4) for use in a covering frame is provided in order to guide a slide (6).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tensioning and lock device for achieving a sufficient amount of tension throughout a tarp cover. The present invention is particularly well suited for retractable, tarp cover systems used in the trucking industry, but is also useful in other applications and in other fields. The tensioning and lock device comprises a base and an extending mechanism comprising an actuator. The actuator may be of the hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical variation and can be either manually or automatically powered. The present tensioning device is lightweight, compact, easy to install and accomplishes its function in a minimal amount of time.

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.

Abstract: A modular headboard system is provided. The modular headboard system can be positioned on a vehicle, such as a truck, trailer, rail car, or on a shipping structure such as a shipping pallet. The modular headboard system can also be used in association with a cover system for covering or enclosing cargo during shipping on a vehicle or shipping structure. The modular headboard system comprises a plurality of component members that are assembled to form a headboard. The headboard system comprises a headboard, a pair of wings connected to opposite sides of the headboard and extending at least partially above the headboard, and a headboard extension member disposed at the top of the headboard and connected to the wings. The wings and the headboard extension member can be releasably connected to the headboard for easily assembly and disassembly of the headboard system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tensioning and lock device for achieving a sufficient amount of tension throughout a tarp cover. The present invention is particularly well suited for retractable, tarp cover systems used in the trucking industry, but is also useful in other applications and in other fields. The tensioning and lock device comprises a base and an extending mechanism comprising an actuator. The actuator may be of the hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical variation and can be either manually or automatically powered. The present tensioning device is lightweight, compact, easy to install and accomplishes its function in a minimal amount of time.

Abstract: A retractable tarp system having an automated air-operated closing mechanism used in conjunction with a headboard of a truck or vehicle-pulled trailer. The automated system of opening and closing the tarping system uses air cylinders to operate a guide for the front opening/closing mechanism, which can run off a trailer's air supply system. A hook extending from the tarp structure cooperates with the guide to secure the tarp structure to the headboard. The truck driver needs only to operate a switch to open and close the front closing mechanism of the retractable tarp system.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A retractable tarpaulin cover system includes a tarp cover, plural spaced substantially U-shaped bows supporting and connected to the tarp cover, movable carriages operably connected to lower ends of each bow, and a tensioning mechanism which moves an end one of said bows toward an endmost position thereof to tension the tarp cover in an expanded position of the cover. The tensioning mechanism includes an elongate brace arm having an upper end which operatively engages an upper or intermediate portion of a vertically extending leg of the end bow, a transmission device which operatively supports a lower end of the brace arm and rotates the arm in a longitudinal direction of the cover system to thereby also move the end bow in the longitudinal direction of the cover system, and a coupling which detachably connects the lower end of the brace arm to the transmission device.

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 riding into 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 lesser 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 allow 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.

Abstract: A retractable tarping system including an end support surface, a shaft, a tarp, a spool, an end plate assembly, and a cable. The tarp and the spool are operably attached to the shaft. The end plate assembly is attached to the shaft for movement with respect to the first end support surface. The cable is attached to the end support surface and extends at least one time around the first spool.

Abstract: A foldable canopy cover (13) can be automatically extended over the open top (11) of a container (12). The canopy is supported by a series of arcuate booms (14) transversally spanning the top of the container. Each boom is secured at opposite ends to a pair of train members riding on rails (16,17) running along the lateral upper edges of the container. At the end of the covering movement, as the leading edge (27) of the canopy approaches the end (32) of the container, it is brought down flush with the container rim by contact between a cam ramp (37) associated with the container and a roller pin (35) on a lever (30) supporting the leading edge of the canopy, in order to tightly close the open top.

Abstract: The invention consists of an automatic lock and tension of a tarpaulin system in a safe manner and does not require the intervention of the operator when the system is being engaged, disengaged, opened or closed. This invented automatic mechanism tensions the tarpaulin system exerting always a parallel force with the direction of opening and closing of the tarpaulin system eliminating the internal stresses exerted to the tarpaulin system components. Any misalignment produced due to tolerances is removed from the guide wheels or an edge established under the track of the sliding tarpaulin system.

Abstract: The invention provides a canopy (10) for an open load carrying vehicle (20), such as a pickup truck. The canopy (10) includes an expandable frame comprising a plurality of frame members (52) which are mountable on a load bed (24) of the vehicle (10) such that the frame members (52) are slidably displaceable relative to the load bed (24) to vary the size of the frame. The frame is operable between a retracted condition on the one hand, and, on the other hand, an expanded condition in which the frame extends from a front of the load bed (24) to its rear. A canvas covering (50) is positioned over the frame members (52), and the canopy (10) includes a powered drive means which is drivingly connected to the frame for powered displacement of the frame between its contracted condition and its expanded condition.

Abstract: Device for opening and closing control of tarpaulins for covering the bodies of industrial, agricultural and/or similar vehicles, in which the operating device 11 comprises drive pulleys 28 and diverter pulleys 26 which run along the cable 17. The operating device 11 is fixed on the first strut 21a and via its movement, controlled by the gear motor 13, closes or opens the tarpaulin on the body.

Abstract: A cargo cover assembly for covering a cargo area of a vehicle including: a housing; a panel portion secured to the housing, wherein the panel portion is configured to roll and unroll within the housing, a flexible rod associated with the panel portion and moveable with respect to the housing, and wherein when the cargo cover assembly is in an unretracted position, the panel portion is unrolled from the housing and the flexible rod flexes outwardly to substantially match a posterior portion of the cargo area so that the cargo cover assembly substantially conceals the cargo area.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover a top aperture of a container. The top aperture defines an aperture peripheral edge, the aperture peripheral edge including two substantially opposed substantially longitudinal segments. The tarpaulin is configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. In the extended configuration, the tarpaulin substantially covers the top aperture. In the retracted configuration, the tarpaulin is substantially retracted from the top aperture. The device includes an elongated guiding component defining a guiding component longitudinal axis. The guiding component is securable to the container so as to extend at least partially along at least one of the longitudinal segments. A tarpaulin mounting component is usable for attaching the tarpaulin thereto. A link, mechanically coupled to the guiding component, is longitudinally movable therealong between a link proximal position and a link distal position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covcring frame for a tarpaulin structure, comprising a number of bows, which can be displaced along lateral longitudinal beams (4) and which each have a slide (6) at the ends thereof. lolding means (9) for force-folding a tarpaulin are provided in the vicinity of the slides (6). The invention also relates to a slide (6). A reliable and cost-effective assembly is achieved by virtue of the fact that the folding means (9) can be inserted into a guide (62a) of the slide (6) along the axis of the guide (62a). In addition, a profile of a longitudinal beam (4) for use in a covering frame is provided in order to guide a slide (6).

Abstract: A retractable tarpaulin cover system includes a tarp cover, plural spaced substantially U-shaped bows supporting and connected to the tarp cover, movable carriages operably connected to lower ends of each bow, a tensioning mechanism which moves an end one of said bows toward an endmost position thereof to tension the tarp cover in an expanded position of the cover, and a tension distributing mechanism which distributes the tension of the tarp cover between the end bow and another of said bows adjacent to said end bow. The tension distributing mechanism includes a collapsible brace interconnected between vertically extending legs of the end and adjacent bows, and does not project laterally of the vertically extending legs of the end and adjacent bows.

Abstract: A cargo screen includes a main body, mounted in a luggage compartment of a vehicle, and housing a barrier net and a cover screen. A screen moving device includes guide parts mounted to the sides of the luggage compartment; a fixing rail part attached along a length direction of the guide parts and provided with gear teeth; an operation lever part, movably mounted on the fixing rail part to move in a length direction of the fixing rail part by user manipulation; and a moving rail part, coupled to the operation lever part and housing an end of the main body. The moving rail part is moved along the length direction of the fixing rail part by the operation lever part, and is provided with gear teeth.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover a top aperture of a container. The top aperture defines an aperture peripheral edge, the aperture peripheral edge including two substantially opposed substantially longitudinal segments. The tarpaulin is configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. In the extended configuration, the tarpaulin substantially covers the top aperture. In the retracted configuration, the tarpaulin is substantially retracted from the top aperture. The device includes an elongated guiding component defining a guiding component longitudinal axis. The guiding component is securable to the container so as to extend at least partially along at least one of the longitudinal segments. A tarpaulin mounting component is usable for attaching the tarpaulin thereto. A link, mechanically coupled to the guiding component, is longitudinally movable therealong between a link proximal position and a link distal position.