Abstract: A tonneau cover comprising: (a) one or more panels pivotally connected to one or more additional panels via hinge portions; and (b) hinges having a plurality of engaging features, the hinges being positioned within the hinge portions so that the plurality of engaging features are secured within channels of the panels to connect the panels, the hinges further including a fin that projects from the hinges and seals a gap between the connected panels.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for a truck or trailer having a container with a rear door. The roll tarp system includes a roll tarp mounted to an axle assembly and a cable coupler assembly coupled to the axle assembly. A flexible cable connects the cable coupler assembly to a rear arm which is pivotally attached to the rear door. The cable coupler assembly includes first and second hinge members and is rotatably coupled to the axle assembly to permit unrolling and rolling up of the tarp and to permit opening of the rear door in a sideways or upward direction. The cable coupler assembly may include one or more apertures to permit access to a manual drive shaft which passes through the cable coupler assembly.

Abstract: A tonneau cover that includes a single panel and at least one living hinge. The single panel comprises a plurality of panel sections defined in the single panel. The panel sections are adapted to move relative to each other about the living hinge. The tonneau cover is adapted to be placed over a top end of a cargo box of a pickup truck.

Abstract: A tarp deployment mechanism for covering a container with a flexible cover sized to cover the container in a deployed configuration is disclosed. The deployment mechanism comprises: a bail member spanning a width of the container and carrying one end of the flexible cover, the bail member movable to an extended position in which the one end of the flexible cover is adjacent one end of the container, the bail member having at least one hollow body portion that defines at least one cavity that extends throughout the hollow body portion of the bail member; and at least one cable arranged within the at least one cavity defined by the at least one hollow body portion of the bail member. The cable prevents complete dislocation of the bail member in the event of its fracture.

Abstract: A watercraft lift with hydraulically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional watercraft cover on a powerboat. A mechanism enables a linear actuator to drive a swing arm up to 180 degrees. The upper end of a two part arm articulates mechanically as the arm moves to reduce vertical elevation while operating. A spring-tensioned elongated roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the elongated roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The mechanism can be attached to the guides of most watercraft lifts.

Abstract: A cover system for an open-topped container body includes a cover assembly supported by a first arm assembly pivotably mounted at one end of the container body and a second arm assembly mounted at the opposite end of the body. The first arm assembly is coupled to one end of the cover assembly and includes a drive motor for rotating the cover assembly between deployed and retracted positions. The second arm assembly includes an arm pivotably mounted to the container body, a chain connected at one end to the free end of the arm, and an engagement element connected at the opposite end of the chain that is coupled to the opposite end of the cover assembly.

Abstract: A biomass stack covering system for applying a tarpaulin sheet on a stack of biomass bales includes a motorized vehicle having at least one steerable and driven axle and an articulated arm affixed to and movable with respect to the motorized vehicle. The articulated arm is operably configured to extend horizontally and vertically and to pivot at a proximal end thereof with respect to the motorized vehicle. A tarpaulin dispensing apparatus is operably connected to a distal end of the articulated arm and is articulable thereabout. The dispensing apparatus is configured to rotationally retain a tarpaulin roll thereon and dispense a tarpaulin sheet from the tarpaulin roll onto the Bale stack by unrolling the tarpaulin sheet from the tarpaulin roll.

Abstract: A system can include a trailer, a tarp roller, a tarp, and an arm for translating the tarp roller across the trailer. An arm can be attached to a mount disposed on a door of the trailer. The arm can include a rigid arm segment to attach to the mount and a flexible cable and a universal connector to connect to an intermediate position on the tarp roller. An arm can include a longitudinally extending rigid arm segment having a first longitudinal axis, another longitudinally extending rigid arm segment having a second longitudinal axis, and a connector coupling the rigid arm segments together. The connector can include attach points where ends of the rigid arm segments attach to the connector. The connector can also have biasing mechanisms at the attach points to urge the rigid arm segments into an orientation. A stop can include a frame with a tab.

Abstract: A roll tarp system is provided which includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position in which the tarp covers the open top to an open position in which the open top is exposed, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion. The arm assembly biases the roll pipe toward the closed position when the roll pipe is in the open position.

Abstract: A retractable truck bed cover having an array of parallel aluminum slats joined together by connective hinges including leading and trailing edge configuration for improving the security of the cover by covering and concealing the seam between adjacent slats while improving the connective hinge's resistance to the effects of aging and/or exposure to temperature fluctuations. The truck bed cover connective hinge slat is designed to be in an array of discrete slats, which are joined to one another by means of joiner members secured at each end to slat end caps. The distal ends of the joiner members are attached to slat end caps at the distal ends of the slats, thereby preventing the joiner members from shrinking in relationship to the slats due to aging and/or exposure to temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for attachment to an open top truck trailer having a truck box, having end caps at each end that partially cover the top opening. Preferred embodiments include at least one magnet on at least one of the end caps; even more preferably, a plurality of magnets along each end of the end caps, which are configured to releasably secure the flexible tarp to the end cap when the flexible tarp is in the secured position. Preferably, the flexible tarp is wound around an elongated roll bar that is secured to at least one arm that connects the elongated roll bar to the truck box and selectively activates movement of the elongated roll bar to move the flexible tarp from an open position to a secured position. Various embodiments include biasing members to bias the arm(s).

Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having an open top. The roll-up tarp apparatus includes a roll bar, a flexible tarp secured to the truck box and the roll bar, a converter unit, a motive source and an arm operatively connected to the converter unit, the motive source and the roll bar. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box. The tarp is secured to the roll bar so that the tarp can roll up on the roll bar to open the truck box and unroll from the roll bar to cover or close the open top. The roll bar is preferably biased in an unroll direction or toward a closed position. In preferred embodiments, at least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm.

Abstract: a canopy for a scooter lift may be used to protect items placed upon a lift at the rear of a car from the environment. The canopy may be retrofitted to an existing lift or may be an integral part of a lift. The canopy is supported by a frame and a series of ribs that fold out and an accordion type fashion. A zipper may be used to hold the canopy and a retracted position. Books may be included to attached the unfurled, open canopy to the platform of a lift.

Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus includes radial arm with a proximal arm and a distal arm. The distal arm is formed from a flexible material such as a double-walled hydraulic hose. The distal arm attaches to a tarp roller having a splined end. The distal arm is selectively removable from the distal arm to permit a hand crank with a female splined socket to be attached to the splined end of the tarp roller to permit hand operation of the tarp deploying system when the electric motor is not functional. A mounting bracket including two feet, a pair of legs and a support span allows easy mounting of the tarp deploying apparatus.

Abstract: A cover system for covering an open top of a container includes a flexible cover, a bail member, a bow member, and a tension element. The cover has a first end connected to the container and is sized to cover the open top when a second end is in an extended position. The bail member has an end pivotally connected to the container and an end connected to the second end of the cover. The bail member pivots to deploy the cover into the extended position. The bow member includes an end pivotally connected to the bail member and an end configured to bear against the cover between the ends of the cover. The tension element is connected between the container and the bow member. The tension element applies a force to the bow member to apply a force against the cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tarping system with dual springs that allow for constant and continuous pressure to be exerted on the tarp and tarp arms. Specifically, it relates to a tarping system comprising a tarp capable of being unrolled to cover said transport container or rolled to uncover said container, a movement means supplying power to said tarping system, at least two springs positioned at the same angle along a shaft, and two arms joined to said tarp at one end and shaft at the other end.

Abstract: A tri folding tonneau cover having multiplicity of cross beams, a soft cover extending over the frame, a set of adjustable front locking system attached onto the two ends of a cross-beam located close to the front side of the frame, and a set of rear latching mechanism. The rear latching mechanism comprising of a set of latches, cables, guiding spools and a cable handle. Each cable can release one latch and all cables are connected to the cable handle through the guiding spools. Therefore, all latched can be released at the same time with pulling onto the cable handle.

Abstract: A rear arm assembly for a tarp cover system comprising a main roller arm, the rear arm assembly comprising a first arm that is secured to the main roller arm of the tarp cover system by a first connecting member, a second arm that is pivotally attached to the first arm, and a third arm that is connected to the second arm by a second connecting member that is curved at a roughly ninety-degree angle. The rear arm assembly is not attached to the tailgate at any point other than at the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A load covering device includes two opposing hinge boxes, each hinge box having a pair of structural plates. Each of the pair of structural plates defines a matched progression of holes, the matched progression of holes having two terminal holes and at least one central hole. The device includes a number of rib members, each having two ends, with one end interposed between and pivotally coupled to corresponding holes of the structural plates of each hinge box. A rib member having ends positioned at one of the terminal holes in each of the hinge boxes is a terminal rib member, and the terminal rib member includes a fixed bend, the fixed bend being in a plane parallel to the structural plates.

Abstract: A cover system for covering an open top of a container includes a flexible cover, a bail member, a bow member, and a tension element. The cover has a first end connected to the container and is sized to cover the open top when a second end is in an extended position. The bail member has an end pivotally connected to the container and an end connected to the second end of the cover. The bail member pivots to deploy the cover into the extended position. The bow member includes an end pivotally connected to the bail member and an end configured to bear against the cover between the ends of the cover. The tension element is connected between the container and the bow member. The tension element applies a force to the bow member to apply a force against the cover.

Abstract: A tri folding tonneau cover having multiplicity of cross beams, a soft cover extending over the frame, a set of adjustable front locking system attached onto the two ends of a cross-beam located close to the front side of the frame, and a set of rear latching mechanism. The rear latching mechanism comprising of a set of latches, cables, guiding spools and a cable handle. Each cable can release one latch and all cables are connected to the cable handle through the guiding spools. Therefore, all latched can be released at the same time with pulling onto the cable handle.

Abstract: An actuation assembly for a cover extendable over an open-topped container body from a stowed position to a deployed position includes two actuator mechanisms on each side of the body, each including at least one torsion spring having a base portion and at least one reaction end and at least one reaction post in contact with a corresponding reaction end of the at least one spring. In a first exterior actuator mechanism, the reaction post is connectable to the bail arm, while in the second interior actuator mechanism the reaction post is mountable to the container body. A common shaft extends between the base portions of the spring(s) of each actuator mechanism to transmit torque from the interior spring(s) to the exterior spring(s), serving as a rotating anchor for the exterior actuator mechanism. Only the exterior actuator mechanism is situated outside the side extent of the container body.

Abstract: An actuation assembly for a cover extendable over an open-topped container body from a stowed position to a deployed position includes two actuator mechanisms on each side of the body, each including at least one torsion spring having a base portion and at least one reaction end and at least one reaction post in contact with a corresponding reaction end of the at least one spring. In a first exterior actuator mechanism, the reaction post is connectable to the bail arm, while in the second interior actuator mechanism the reaction post is mountable to the container body. A common shaft extends between the base portions of the spring(s) of each actuator mechanism to transmit torque from the interior spring(s) to the exterior spring(s), serving as a rotating anchor for the exterior actuator mechanism. Only the exterior actuator mechanism is situated outside the side extent of the container body.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover deployable from a roller assembly for covering a container and a mechanism for extending and retracting the cover from the roller assembly. The locking mechanism includes a locking element, such as a taut cable, mounted to the roller assembly and spanning the width of the cover. The locking element is arranged on the roller assembly with a portion of the length of the cover less than the entire length of the cover wound around the locking element. This portion of the cover corresponds to an extended length of the cover. The locking mechanism prevents further advancement of the cover from the roller assembly once the locking mechanism is uncovered when the cover is unwound.

Abstract: A rear arm assembly for a tarp cover system comprising a main roller arm, the rear arm assembly comprising a first arm that is secured to the main roller arm of the tarp cover system by a first connecting member, a second arm that is pivotally attached to the first arm, and a third arm that is connected to the second arm by a second connecting member that is curved at a roughly ninety-degree angle. The rear arm assembly is not attached to the tailgate at any point other than at the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a pickup bed comprising a bracket system connectable with a sidewall of the pickup bed and a plurality of hingeable sections pivotally coupled to each other to define a continuous surface. Each of the plurality of hingeable sections being connected to adjacent hingeable sections to permit at least some of the plurality of hingeable sections to be rolled together into a generally circular cross-section to selectively reveal the pickup bed.

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper arm with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover carried by a deployment mechanism having a horizontal arm spanning the width of a container, the deployment mechanism movable to an extended position in which the horizontal arm is adjacent one end of the container. The locking mechanism includes at least one locking element associated with one end of the container and at least one latching element having a latching portion configured to engage the at least one locking element. The latching element is pivotably supported on the horizontal arm so that latching element can pivot to and from a locked position in which the latching portion engages the at least one locking element. A tension element is connected between the latching element and the cover to control the pivoting of the latching element under the force of gravity based on the position of the flexible cover.

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.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly (20) for enclosing a cargo compartment of an open-air cart having a cap (30) shaped to mate with a rear section of a roof (200) of a cart for the secure fitting of cap (30) over the rear section of the roof of the cart, brackets (40) attachable to the cart using the cart's existing structure, and a cover (25) one edge of which is to be attached to cap (30) and its side portions to brackets (40), so when cover (25) is attached to cap (30) and brackets (40), assembly (20) is formed and ready for installation on the cart. Installation is achieved when cap (30) is positioned over the rear section of the roof and brackets (40) are attached to the cart using only attachments that exist on the cart, providing for a two-step installation without altering or drilling any holes in the cart.

Abstract: A cover system for covering an open top of an open-topped container with a flexible cover comprises a bail member having a first end pivotally connected to the container and an opposite second end connected to an end of the flexible cover, a tensioning bow member including an end portion pivotally connected to the bail member and an opposite end configured for bearing against the flexible cover, and a mechanism between the bail member and tensioning bow member including first and second members configured to cooperate to lock the tensioning bow member against movement relative to the bail member.

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.

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper arm with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.

Abstract: A vertically attachable golf cart canopy having a folding canopy which allows other accessories, such as coolers and sand bottles, to be mounted underneath. The golf cart canopy has three components: a securing frame (1), canopy support bars (2) and (3) and a canopy (4), (5) and (16). The securing frame (1) is shaped so as to have two vertical legs (21) and a horizontal top bar (23). Frame structure tabs (8) are located at the base of the legs (21) wherein the support bars (2) and (3) are pivotally attached to the securing frame (1). Each leg (21) has a leg extension (24) with at least one securing tab (6) to secure the securing frame (1) to the golf bag support bar (18). The horizontal top bar (23) has a canopy holder (11) which holds the removably attached canopy (4), (5) and (16), a canopy flap (13) and a canopy fastener (15) in order for the user to keep the vertically attachable golf cart canopy in an upright position.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load.

Abstract: A trailer tarp cover system comprising a main arm, a rectangular joint, a gas spring, and a motor located on the distal end of the main arm. In a first embodiment, the rectangular joint is comprised of the bottom portion of the main arm, two axle support members, two first support members, and two second support members. In a second embodiment, the rectangular joint is comprised of the bottom portion of the main arm, two axle support members, one first support member, and one second support member. In an alternate embodiment, torsion springs are used in lieu of the gas spring.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a tarpaulin across a top aperture of a container, the tarpaulin defining a tarpaulin first end section and a substantially opposed tarpaulin second end section, the container defining a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending substantially upwardly from the bottom wall, the peripheral wall delimiting the top aperture substantially opposed to the bottom wall, the container defining substantially opposed container first and second ends, the tarpaulin first end section being secured to the container substantially adjacent to the container first end.

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper aim with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.

Abstract: A roll tarp system with a rear assembly including a pivoting arm and cable to help deploy the roll tarp system. The pivoting arm and flexible cable can articulate to allow a rear door to open. The roll tarp system includes a conventional roll tarp on a roller attached to one side of a container of a truck or trailer and an actuator to operate the tarp. A pivoting arm can be attached to the outside of a rear opening door on the container. A flexible cable has one end attached to the distal end of the pivoting arm and another end attached to the tarp axle of the roller of the roll tarp. Preferably, the flexible cable consists of the only structure between a cable attachment at the pivoting arm and an attachment at the axle of the roller.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for attaching a cover to a golf cart by brackets and the brackets themselves. The tension supplied by the brackets may be the only mechanism by which the cover mounts to the golf cart. Brackets are preferably configured for attachment to the roof of the golf cart. The apparatus may include brackets for mounting the cover to the roof, a stationary main frame member, a movable frame member, and a cover. Brackets receive the stationary frame member. The movable frame member is operatively secured to the stationary main frame member, and configured to pivotably rotate over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart. The cover is configured for attachment to the movable frame member so that when the movable frame member rotates over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart, the cover covers a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart.

Abstract: The invention comprises a modular lifter for a tarpaulin system, comprising: a) a plurality of tubes, each end of each tube being a hollow end, and the tubes operative to be assemblable into a lifter for a tarpaulin system; b) a plurality of hinges, each hinge having a body, opposed tube mounting ends extending longitudinally from the body and dimensioned to fit within the hollow ends of the tubes, and locking mount extending from the body substantially perpendicular to the mounting ends; and c) a locking mechanism, operative to couple two of said hinges together via respective locking mounts.

Abstract: A golf cart cover includes a top surface, and left, right, and rear flaps extending downward from the top surface to enclose the golf cart. One or more of the flap may be individually rolled-up and stored in a storage boot on the cart when not in use. Each boot may include an upper and lower flap, which can be mechanically fastened, such as by a zipper, to fully enclose and protect the stored flaps from wind, sun, rain, debris, and the like.

Abstract: A rearwardly extending canopy cover for a golf cart is disclosed. The golf cart includes side walls that are generally located behind the seat back of the golf cart. The canopy cover includes a canopy comprising a bottom edge, a top edge, sides, and a frame structure adapted to support the canopy. The canopy is attached to the frame structure and the frame structure is foldable between an extended position and a retracted position. The canopy cover also includes a plate-mounted boss that is adapted to pivotally attach the frame structure to the side walls. The plate-mounted boss is fixedly secured to at least one of the side walls.

Abstract: A four-sided convertible golf cart cover for covering a rear compartment of a golf cart, including a convertible framework operatively connected above the rear compartment of the golf cart defining a top portion, a front portion, a rear portion, a left side portion and a right side portion, a sectional member operatively connected to the convertible framework, the sectional member including at least one top panel, at least one generally vertical front panel, at least one rear panel, at least one left panel and at least one right side panel, the framework including at least one pivotable member movable from a deployed position to a non-deployed position to respectively move said sectional member from a deployed position covering the rear compartment to a non-deployed position exposing the rear compartment, with the front panel remaining generally vertical throughout the movement of the framework from the deployed position to the non-deployed position.

Abstract: A pivotal base is adapted for detachably connecting a canopy frame to a stroller. The pivotal base comprises a connector, a first pivotal connector and a second pivotal connector. Wherein the connector of the pivotal base has a plug for connecting with the stroller, and a snap wall formed with a toothed inner surface; the first pivotal connector has a first connecting portion for connecting with a canopy brace, and a toothed portion pivotally inserted and snapped by the toothed inner surface in a plurality of fixed angle positions; and the second pivotal connector has a second connecting portion for connecting with another canopy brace, and a toothed portion pivotally inserted and snapped by the toothed inner surface in a plurality of fixed angle positions.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle carried open top container wherein a cover is connected at one end to a vertically adjustable tower and an opposite end to a cross member connected to a pair of pivot arms that are mounted at their lower ends to be pivoted by at least one hydraulic actuator that is mounted to the vehicle intermediate opposite ends of the container and adjacent the bottom thereof. An effective length of each pivot arm may be adjusted and locked in adjusted position.

Abstract: A rearwardly extending canopy cover for protecting golf bags and golf clubs from rainfall in the rear of golf carts. The canopy cover being adapted to pivotally attach to the golf cart side walls located behind the seat back of the cart. The canopy may be folded to a retracted position allowing access to the golf clubs and extended, providing protection for the golf bag and clubs from rainfall.

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.

Abstract: 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.

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.