Abstract: A folding tonneau cover apparatus including a cover assembly and a support frame assembly. The cover assembly having a plurality of rigid panels interconnected in series by a series of flexible hinges preferably made from a laminated woven fabric material. The rigid panels are preferably stiffened by elongated support members secured to the undersides of the respective panels and the top surfaces of portions of the rigid panels are preferably downwardly concave. The cover assembly is secured to the support frame assembly to cover a cargo box of a pickup truck by a plurality of locking members when the support frame assembly is secured to sidewalls of the cargo box. Methods of making a tonneau cover apparatus and methods of folding and unfolding the cover assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual acting gas strut system for a vehicle such as a sports utility vehicle that allows for easier and safer opening and closing of the soft top roof as well as the rear cargo access area. The gas strut attaches to the soft top frame using a ball stud or pin and clevis, at each end, the ball stud or pin and clevis, which is either attached directly to the soft top frame, or is attached to a bracket which attaches to the soft top frame. Alternatively, the gas strut only attaches to the soft top frame at one end and is attached to the vehicle at the other. Each end is attached using a ball stud or pin and clevis, which is either attached directly to the soft top frame or vehicle, or is attached to a bracket which, is attached to the soft top frame or vehicle.

Abstract: A system for covering a load on trailer with a tarp includes a post assembly coupled to a first lateral side of the trailer, a supporting assembly supported in a stake pocket on the first lateral side of the trailer and holding the post assembly vertically upright, and a roller assembly supported at an upper end of the post assembly such that the roller assembly extends horizontally and is aligned with the first lateral side of the trailer. The roller assembly supports a tarp such that the tarp can be pulled up along the first lateral side of the trailer, over the roller assembly, over a load on the trailer, and down toward an opposite second lateral side of the trailer.

Abstract: A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a plurality of panels; (b) one or more hinges between each panel of the plurality of panels so that the plurality of panels are rotatably connected together, wherein some or all of the one or more hinges include: (i) a plurality of expansion links that are movably interconnected together, some of the plurality of expansion links including: (1) one or more expansion projections; (2) one or more pockets that receive all or a portion of the one or more expansion projections from an adjacent one of the plurality of expansion links; and (3) one or more expansion stops that restricts movement of the one or more expansion projections from the adjacent one of plurality of the expansion links that extend within the one or more pockets; wherein the one or more hinges rotate so that the one or more hinges form of angle of about 90 degrees or more and about 225 degrees or less.

Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to truck cover systems and methods thereof. Embodiments of the invention provide a system for securing a flexible tonneau cover for a truck bed. The cover, when deployed, seals a truck bed to protect the bed and its contents from outside elements. The cover systems described herein may be modular and/or adjustable to fit trucks of any size without modifications to the truck. The fasteners used to secure the cover to the truck bed rails are designed to withstand the forces of attaching and removing the cover over time. The cover system may be quickly and easily installed without the need for drilling. Once installed, the cover systems described herein are rugged and stable.

Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.

Abstract: A cover system includes a cover, two bail arms, and a fluid circuit. Each bail arm is mounted on a gliding assembly. Each gliding assembly includes a gliding body slidably supported on a vehicle frame, and a cylinder connected to the gliding body and defining first and second ends. The fluid circuit is configured to supply fluid to the first end of the first cylinder and the second end of the second cylinder. A fluid line connects the second end of the first cylinder to the first end of the second cylinder and is configured to direct the fluid between the cylinders such that a flow of the fluid to the first cylinder causes movement of the cylinders, gliding bodies, and bail arms in a first direction, and a flow to the second cylinder causes movement of the cylinders, gliding bodies, and bail arms in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: A frame can include front and back generally vertically and laterally extending frame members. The frame members can each have a generally trapezoidal configuration comprising a crossbeam portion extending generally laterally between two generally upwardly and laterally inwardly extending side leg portions. A rigid, non-collapsible shell can extend over the frame that is adapted to be supported on the truck body. The rigid, non-collapsible shell can include opposite side walls and a roof extending between the side walls. A plurality of posts can be attached to the frame through the roof, with each of the posts extending externally above the roof of the rigid, non-collapsible shell. A first rack can be attached to and can extend between at least two of the posts externally of the rigid, non-collapsible shell overlying the roof.

Abstract: A truck cover system that includes a rail that couples to a truck. The rail includes a rail body with a cover slot that couples to a cover and a wall that extends away from the rail body with alignment indicia. A latch system couples to the rail. The latch system includes a latch housing that includes a tongue aperture. A tongue moves axially within the tongue aperture. A tongue fastener couples to the tongue to secure the tongue to the latch housing. A spring surrounds a portion of the tongue fastener and axially biases the tongue into engagement with the rail. A latch positioner couples to the rail and to the latch housing to enable rotation of the latch housing while the alignment indicia facilitates alignment of the latch positioner on the rail.

Abstract: A tarp distributing apparatus includes a tarp guide device held in an immobile condition adjacent to and extending upright to above a rear location on a truck load bed so as to establish the height to which a tarp can be moved to above and over the rear of a cargo on the truck load bed, a tarp draught device mounted in a mobile condition adjacent to and extending upright to above the truck load bed forwardly of the tarp guide device so as to undergo movement relative thereto and along the truck load bed for engaging and pulling the tarp relative to the tarp guide device forwardly over the cargo, and an actuation mechanism configured to manipulate and move the tarp draught device relative to the tarp guide device and the cargo so as to accomplish distributing the tarp over at least a portion of the cargo.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for a tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer or vehicle. The bracket may have a bore therethrough for receiving an end of a tube assembly of the tarpaulin support device. The bracket may further have a hole in one side through which a bolt or pin may extend to prevent the tube assembly from rotating. The tube assembly may be a rod, may be one or more concentric tubes, or may be a combination of one or more tubes and a rod. The bracket assembly may comprise a plurality of brackets for holding a series of tube assemblies in arched positions.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system is provided for a cargo box of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover system includes a framework system being positionable over the cargo box of the pickup truck. The system further includes a tonneau cover positioning system having a first positioner mount that is coupled or joined to the framework system. The first positioner mount has at least one downwardly-extending leg member extending from a main body portion to define a cross-sectional profile engageable with the cargo box of the pickup truck to inhibiting movement of the framework system relative to the cargo box of the pickup truck in vehicle fore and/or aft directions. In some embodiments, movement of the framework system can be inhibited in the vehicle fore and/or aft directions and also the cross vehicle direction. A bed rail extender clip is also provided.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo area of a vehicle. The system may comprise a flexible cover mounted to a main support frame. The main support frame may include a plurality of rails joined by corner piece members in an rectangular shape. The flexible cover may include a J-clip for matingly engaging a cantilevered male portion extending from the rails of the support frame.

Abstract: A hard folding cover system for securely covering the bed of a pickup truck that can be opened or closed without the need to manually lift and fold individual panels sequentially in order to access the bed of the truck. The cover includes a plurality of hard folding panels that pivotably interconnected by alternatingly attached up-acting hinges and down-acting hinges whereby the panels are configured to sequentially fold and retract lengthwise while riding along side tracks. The cover is configured to operate between a flat position and at least one retracted position; in the retracted position, at least one of the folding panels is in a substantially vertical position. As the cover is retracted, the panels sequentially fold vertically toward one another. The retracted position, the panels do not block a rear window or brake light of the vehicle on which the cover is installed.

Abstract: A compartment cover system for covering a compartment of a pickup truck, comprising a covering layer for covering the compartment of the pickup truck with a front frame edge connected at the front end of the covering layer and a back frame edge connected at the back end of the covering layer, and the compartment cover system further comprising a driver-side frame edge and a passenger-side frame edge provided respectively at the top on both sides of the compartment of the pickup truck, wherein both ends of the front frame edge are fixed respectively at the head of the driver-side frame edge and the head of the passenger-side frame edge, characterized in that: a driver-side buckle provided at the tail of the driver-side frame edge comprises a driver-side slot with an opening facing inward, and a passenger-side buckle provided at the tail of the passenger-side frame edge comprises a passenger-side slot with an opening facing inward; a driver-side lock casing provided on the driver-side end of the back frame edge

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck cargo bed incorporates hinge assemblies to allow individual panels to open, close or fold over on top of each other. To provide individual compartments within a cargo bed, the main hinge assembly of a foldable tonneau cover system provides for a secondary hinge assembly for the addition of a pivoting lock in place isolation wall.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover system includes a framework system being positionable over the cargo box of the pickup truck. The system further includes a tonneau cover positioning system having a first positioner mount that is coupled or joined to the framework system. The first positioner mount has at least one downwardly-extending leg member extending from a main body portion to define a cross-sectional profile engageable with the cargo box of the pickup truck to inhibiting movement of the framework system relative to the cargo box of the pickup truck in vehicle fore and/or aft directions. In some embodiments, movement of the framework system can be inhibited in the vehicle fore and/or aft directions and also the cross vehicle direction. A bed rail extender clip is also provided.

Abstract: A utility vehicle canopy comprises a frame having a plurality of hollow elongate frame members coupled together with a plurality of corner members received within the frame members. A plurality of panels, one or more of which may be hinged, are affixed to the frame and include side panels, a roof panel and a floor for mounting the canopy to a chassis of the vehicle. The canopy can be provided as a kit for flat-pack transportation and self-assembly.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a pickup bed comprising a side rail connectable with a sidewall of the pickup bed, a header system having a header member, and a retainer system operably coupled between the side rail and the header system. The retainer system can include a header retaining member and a header lock selectively coupled between the header member and the header retaining member. The header lock engages the header retaining member in both a header engaging position coupled to the side rail and a header disengaging position decoupled from the side rail to retain the header retaining member in the header engaging position and the header disengaging position.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a pickup truck bed includes a plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the hinge assemblies are secured along the side rail of the tonneau cover assembly and have a contoured profile to allow for rotation within the tonneau cover assembly to accommodate a non-square truck bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a raisable canopy system for a truck having a rear box with a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall. A pair of actuator mounts are mounted to the first wall and the second wall, respectively. A canopy mount is connected to the pair of actuator mounts, is disposed adjacent to one end of the box and extends upwards from the box. A canopy substantially extends over top of the box and pivotally connects to the canopy mount. A pair of actuators are pivotally connected to and extend outwards from the pair of actuator mounts, respectively. The pair of actuators each pivotally connect to the canopy. The pair of actuators are configured to selectively move the canopy from a closed position in which the canopy covers and abuts the box to an open position in which the canopy is angularly spaced-apart from the box.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a pickup bed comprising a bracket system connectable with a sidewall of the pickup bed, a header system, and a spring retainer system operably coupled between the bracket system and the header system. The spring retainer system can be biased into a locked position wherein the header system is coupled with the bracket system. The spring retainer system can be positionable into an unlocked position wherein the header system is decoupled from the bracket system.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck bed includes an adjustable corner bracket assembly. The corner bracket assembly includes a pivotally connected lower bracket member, upper bracket member, and cap member. The upper and lower bracket members are movable between an acute rail configuration and an obtuse rail configuration.

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.

Abstract: Pickup truck bed tonneau covers and varieties thereof are manufactured using universal components. An outer frame is made from rails cut from universal rail stock. Universal, adjustable corner brackets can be fixed into a desired position to accommodate all different angles at the corners of the tonneau cover. Intermediate cross car rails are cut from universal rail stock and all are coupled to the outer frame via universal intermediate rail brackets. Opposing pairs of universal hinge brackets are used for all hinges of the tonneau cover. Thus, the tooling required to make a variety of tonneau covers is greatly reduced. An elongated step is adjacent to, and protrudes downwardly beyond, a seal coupling channel with a compressible seal extends along the outer frame. The downwardly protruding elongated step member acts as a continuous elongated stop, limiting compression of the seal member.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck bed includes an adjustable corner bracket assembly. The corner bracket assembly includes a pivotally connected lower bracket member, upper bracket member, and cap member. The upper and lower bracket members are movable between an acute rail configuration and an obtuse rail configuration.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a pickup truck bed includes a plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the hinge assemblies are secured along the side rail of the tonneau cover assembly and have a contoured profile to allow for rotation within the tonneau cover assembly to accommodate a non-square truck bed.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus is provided. In one aspect, a tonneau cover apparatus includes a handle or lever, a mount, a locator, a finger, a detent and a complementary peg. In another aspect, a handle and mount are configured such that the handle is substantially horizontal when in a closed position. A further aspect employs at least one locator to align a tonneau cover to a truck bed. Another aspect includes a finger which is coupled to a handle to clamp a tonneau cover apparatus to a truck bed when the handle is in a closed position, thus securing the tonneau cover to the truck bed.

Abstract: A tonneau cover frame for a pickup truck bed includes a cross-car rail bracket with a predetermined gap for receiving a cross-car bow in a plurality of configurations. The cross-car bow is movable laterally within the cross-car rail bracket to allow for a single cross-car bow in a variety of locations within the tonneau cover frame.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for selectively enclosing a space within a cargo box. The cover has an elongate channel laterally extending between a proximate end located proximate a side edge of the cover and a distal end at which the channel terminates. The cover includes a clamp mechanism slidably engaged with the channel, and the clamp mechanism includes a handle, a block member slidably received in the channel, an elongate rod member coupled to the handle, and a latch or hook member connected to the rod member. The latch member is moveable between a clamped position for operatively engaging a portion of the cargo box and a released position for spacing the latch member from and placing the latch member out of operative engagement with the cargo box. The handle and rod member are positioned in the channel in the clamp mechanism stowed position.

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: A tonneau system for a pickup bed comprising a bracket system connectable with a sidewall of the pickup bed, a header system, and a spring retainer system operably coupled between the bracket system and the header system. The spring retainer system can be biased into a locked position wherein the header system is coupled with the bracket system. The spring retainer system can be positionable into an unlocked position wherein the header system is decoupled from the bracket system.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a truck having a bed and a pair of upstanding sidewalls generally includes a panel and a mechanism for enabling movement of the panel between the first position abutting the bed and a second position generally level with tops of the upstanding sidewalls.

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 present invention is a cable tonneau system having at least one frame assembly selectively mounted to a vehicle, and at least one bow portion having a plurality of links pivotally connected to the frame assembly. Also included is a cover operatively connected to the frame assembly and the bow portion for concealing a storage area of the vehicle. The frame assembly and the plurality of links are operable to be pivoted between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cover is positioned to expose the storage area of the vehicle when the frame assembly and the plurality of links are in the stowed position. The cover conceals the storage area of the vehicle when the frame assembly and the plurality of links are in the deployed position.

Abstract: A moveable roof for a transportable tank for fish includes a roof platform attached to spaced roof joists secured at opposing ends to parallel headers laterally spaced and traversing a length of the roof platform. At least two pair of support arms is included, with each pair mounted on opposite sides of the tank. Further, each support arm has an upper support arm portion and a lower support arm portion. The upper and lower support arm portions are attached at a support arm pivot point. The lower support arm portion is pivotally attached to the corresponding sidewall of the tank and the upper support arm portion is pivotally attached to the header above said corresponding sidewall. Still further, a crank is positioned between the support arms of each pair of support arms.

Abstract: A system for securing a truck bed cover includes a pair of vertical side rails clamped to the bed railing of a pickup truck. A first one of a pair of horizontal side rails is attached along the front side of the truck bed and the second one of the pair of horizontal side rails is attachable via a latching mechanism along the rear. The cover is attached along respective front and rear edges to each of the horizontal side rails, and is attachable along respective side edges to the vertical side rails, preferably, using a hook-and-loop fastener. Tensioning devices are employed to keep the cover taut and even on both sides.

Abstract: The invention provides a new-style tonneau cover, wherein comprises a cover plate body matching the rear truck bed. The cover plate body is a three-layer structure, comprising an outer layer, an intermediate layer and an inner layer from the exterior to the interior. The outer layer is made of polyurethane foam mixed with glass fiber; the intermediate layer is made of polyurethane foam and the inner layer is made of resin; the density of polyurethane foam in the intermediate layer is lower than that in the outer layer; polyurethane foam is light in weight and high in specific strength. In this invention, the cover plate body is made of three different layers so that the cover is light in weight and high in strength, taking up less room of the rear truck bed, better for free opening and closing operation.

Abstract: Elongated side rails for attachment to a sidewall of a truck cargo box as a portion of a tonneau cover assembly. Each assembly includes a flexible cover that can be operatively secured to side rails. One side rail includes a securing portion that can be operatively connected to the sidewall; an inclined portion extending from the securing portion, the inclined portion having first and second sides; a connecting member extending downwardly away from the inclined portion from a position located between the first and second sides; and a longitudinal portion extending from the connecting member opposite the inclined portion. To secure the cover to the side rails, hook fastener is preferably attached to loop fastener on the cover. One preferred side rail has a ridge to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. Another preferred side rail has directional hook fastener to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a raisable canopy system for a truck having a rear box with a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall. A pair of actuator mounts are mounted to the first wall and the second wall, respectively. A canopy mount is connected to the pair of actuator mounts, is disposed adjacent to one end of the box and extends upwards from the box. A canopy substantially extends over top of the box and pivotally connects to the canopy mount. A pair of actuators are pivotally connected to and extend outwards from the pair of actuator mounts, respectively. The pair of actuators each pivotally connect to the canopy. The pair of actuators are configured to selectively move the canopy from a closed position in which the canopy covers and abuts the box to an open position in which the canopy is angularly spaced-apart from the box.

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: An improved tarpaulin bow for use primarily on a vehicle trailer in which the bow is selectively movable in a downward direction. The bow is preferably arched and attached to the sidewalls of a typical open-bed trailer. The arched shape enables the trailer to assume a greater load capacity and a multiplicity of the bows support a tarpaulin which protects the contents of the trailer. The bow comprises two sections connected by spring elements. Downward pressure on either section extends the spring elements allowing the bow to move downward without breaking. Once the downward pressure is removed, the spring elements compress and return the bow to its original position and shape.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly for covering a space. The assembly includes a frame having rails. A material is disposed over the frame for covering the space. A plurality of fastening devices are disposed through to the material for securing the material to each of the rails. An anchor is secured to the second rail. A plunger extends from either the anchor or the first rail and defines an operational axis. The plunger slidably engages the other of either the first rail or the anchor for guiding the first rail between a first position relaxing the material and a second position tightening the material. The fastening device includes a cap, fingers and a retaining member engaging the fingers for capturing the material between the cap and the retaining member.

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 invention consists of a system for connecting tarps to a vehicle, comprising: a) bows for supporting tarps, the bows comprised of: i) one or more tarp connectors, each of the tarp connectors having a pair of channels for accepting a support pole and ii) one or more corner connectors adapted to receive an end of one of the tarp connectors; b) a plurality of tarps, each tarp secured to the tarp connectors by wrapping the tarp around the support pole and inserting the support pole into the channel of the tarp connector, wherein the bows are combined with the tarps to create an enclosed cargo area for the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed for a tonneau cover for a vehicle wherein the clamp assembly includes a plurality of spacers disposed therein to facilitate installation thereof on a variety of vehicle types and styles.

Abstract: The present invention is a cable tonneau system having at least one frame assembly selectively mounted to a vehicle, and at least one bow portion having a plurality of links pivotally connected to the frame assembly. Also included is a cover operatively connected to the frame assembly and the bow portion for concealing a storage area of the vehicle. The frame assembly and the plurality of links are operable to be pivoted between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cover is positioned to expose the storage area of the vehicle when the frame assembly and the plurality of links are in the stowed position. The cover conceals the storage area of the vehicle when the frame assembly and the plurality of links are in the deployed position.

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 the end and adjacent bows.

Abstract: A platform truck or trailer is equipped with a folding top including at least one piece of canvas supported on a collapsible framework. The collapsible framework includes two longitudinal tubes, a transverse tube extending between the longitudinal tubes, a motor connected to the transverse tube, and telescopic units. Each of the telescopic units includes an external tube connected to a related one of the longitudinal tubes, an internal tube inserted in the external tube, a threaded bolt located in the external and internal tubes and operatively connected to the motor, and a threaded sheath located in the internal tube and engaged with the threaded bolt.