Roll-up Covers Patents (Class 296/98)
  • Publication number: 20140159417
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TRUXEDO, INC.
    Inventors: RYAN RUSHER, Michael R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 8733816
    Abstract: A cover assembly includes a roller member rotatably supported by a bracket assembly on one end of the intake hopper of an agricultural conveyor such that a sheet member rolled onto the roller member can be unrolled to span across the intake opening. The cover assembly also includes a support frame pivotally coupled to the intake hopper between a working position and a stored position. In the working position a portion of the frame is centrally located above the intake opening and protrudes upwardly beyond respective sides of the housing of the intake hopper to support the sheet member to slope downward from a central apex to prevent accumulation of precipitation thereon. In the stored position the support frame is shorter in height relative to the housing than in the working position and the sheet member is rolled onto the roller so as not to interfere with normal operation of the intake hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Meridian Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley Metro Zazula
  • Publication number: 20140138982
    Abstract: A system for selectively covering and uncovering an opening of a trailer for trucks, comprising at least two tracks mounted to the trailer, at least two roller assemblies, each mounted for rolling movement along one of the tracks between a covered position and an uncovered position, an elongate roller bar extending between and supported by the at least two roller assemblies, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the roller bar to rotate the roller bar about its elongate axis. The roller bar is adapted to receive a cover in a rolled configuration in which the opening of the trailer is not covered by the cover, when the roller assemblies are in the uncovered position. The roller bar is further adapted to receive the cover in an unrolled configuration in which the cover covers the opening, when the roller assemblies are in the covered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Petelka
  • Patent number: 8690223
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Barley
  • Patent number: 8684444
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact covering for automobiles. This device is configured to be located on a windshield of vehicles, where it is anchored to the necks of side mirrors by elastic straps. The device has four rolls of cover-sheets and a housing which is constructed of two halves inserted fitly into each other. It is easily placed onto its working position by way of a wheel and suction-cups. Cover-sheets will be pulled out via apertures on the housing and stretched over the vehicle. To help pulling easily, each of the cover-sheets will have a pipe-shaped stopper attached at its outer end. Each of the pipe-shaped stoppers will have hooks which hooks onto the edge of the chassis of the vehicle. The axes of cover-sheets rolls are mounted with the constant springs, so they can rewind after each use. Brushes above the apertures will swipe off dust, tree leaves, etc. from cover-sheets when they are rewound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Thang Manh Dao
  • Patent number: 8678469
    Abstract: A soft top fabric cover supported by an internal frame work provides a removal end support rail in closest range to a cargo bed tail gate, contains a latch system which allows coupling or uncoupling of the fabric cover from both left and right side longitudinal rails. Further, both left and right longitudinal rails incorporate a full length downward angled slot which accepts an incorporated receiver located on the outer edges of the fabric cover. Upon tensioning, the fabric cover is securely coupled to its internal frame work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vehicle Enhancement Labs
    Inventors: Shi Hang, Zheng Hongjuan
  • Patent number: 8672388
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Truxedo, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Rusher, Michael R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 8641123
    Abstract: A system for covering a vehicle platform defining opposed ends. End elements are mountable to the vehicle platform adjacent its ends and a tarpaulin attachment element extends therebetween. A tarpaulin defines a tarpaulin movable end and a tarpaulin fixed portion extending in a parallel and spaced apart relationship relative to each other, the tarpaulin fixed portion being secured to the tarpaulin attachment element. An end rod is mounted to the tarpaulin adjacent the tarpaulin movable end and a support member is mounted to the tarpaulin a location intermediate the tarpaulin fixed portion and movable end. An actuator moves the tarpaulin between tarpaulin retracted and extended configurations. In the tarpaulin retracted configuration, at least part of the tarpaulin is wound around the end rod. In the tarpaulin extended configuration, the tarpaulin is unwound from the end rod and extends along the end elements, the support member abutting against the end elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Real Royer
  • Publication number: 20130341954
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
  • Patent number: 8608224
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake gear motor with a brake mechanism to operate a roll tarp for use with an open top container. A motor-driven rollable cover is attached to and wrappable about a reel to selectively cover contents of the container. The hydraulic gear motor operates with a brake mechanism to lock and hold a position of the motor. A secondary brake mechanism may include a hydraulic piston that selectively engages a holding brake with a hex connector. A hydraulic motor may include a port path for flow of fluid to internal meshing gears and a braking mechanism with a plunger that clamps and holds the meshing gears when hydraulic fluid is not flowing. A transmission having rolling gears can be operated by the hydraulic motor with such brake mechanisms. The motor and brake mechanisms are preferably hydraulically operated with an existing system of a trailer or rail car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy K Searfoss
  • Patent number: 8608223
    Abstract: A cover removal and installation roller assembly for an automobile that is particularly suited to be operated by hand, by an individual, in order to install or remove a cover from the automobile. The roller assembly includes a self-storing hand crank that is removably connectable to a cover spool whereby the cover spool can be rotated in order to wind the cover therearound or play the cover out from the spool. The cover in one embodiment is removably connectable to the cover spool. Methods for using the cover roller and installation roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Cruisin' Solutions
    Inventors: Don M. Taylor, James N. Filippi
  • Publication number: 20130328346
    Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: AGRI-COVER, INC.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Publication number: 20130328345
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: AERO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Dennis Barley
  • Publication number: 20130313855
    Abstract: A motorized conversion kit for converting manually operated roll tarps includes front and rear arm assemblies and a roll tube extension. The front arm assembly includes a drive assembly that drives an output shaft. The output shaft is removably connectable to the roll tube extension that is connected to a modified roll tube. The connection between the output shaft and the roll tube extension has two distinct modes. The output shaft can be removably connected to the roll tube extension with a clevis pin such that the output shaft and the roll tube extension rotate together or the output shaft can be retained within the roll tube extension by a roll pin residing in a peripheral grove in the output shaft so that the output shaft may rotate independently of the roll tube extension. Methods of installing and using the conversion kit are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: AGRI-COVER, INC.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 8584719
    Abstract: A cover assembly for attachment to the doors of a motor vehicle, to protect their exterior surfaces, includes at least two cover panels that are adjustably affixed to one another to provide a subassembly of variable effective width. Upper and lower portions of the panels are disengageably attached to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Antolin Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20130300147
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: AGRI-COVER, INC.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Shawn J. Wock
  • Patent number: 8550532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Reeder, John Vogel, Donald Prince
  • Publication number: 20130257090
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: AGRI-COVER, INC.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 8544521
    Abstract: A mobile tarping system has a framework with a base section and a height adjustable main section connected to a cradle support. A rolled up tarp within the cradle support, can be unrolled and retracted by a spring-loaded roll-out and retraction assembly or a manual crank for covering the open container. The system is separate and independent from the container. Wheels extending from the base section permit the mobile tarping system to be transported between various containers, when a given container is filled with loose debris and must be covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony P. Lieze, Jr., Harry A. Lieze
  • Publication number: 20130249236
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Wastequip, LLC
    Inventors: Fred P. Smith, Nathan H. Morrill, Carlson Smith
  • Publication number: 20130241230
    Abstract: A motorized rolling cover system for covering the top of an open-top vehicle. The system includes a cover, a shaft, a motor assembly, an arm assembly and a motor mount that supports the motor assembly on the arm assembly. The motor mount is pivotally attached to the end of the arm assembly to provide pivotal movement of the mount in a single plane. The plane of pivotal movement is either the same as (i.e., parallel to) the plane defined by the arm and the shaft, or is perpendicular to the arm-shaft plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Steven J. Knight, James Edward Elsen
  • Patent number: 8534742
    Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Paul D. Sigaty
  • Patent number: 8534741
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Eggers
  • Patent number: 8523261
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a wall cover on the inner side of a bellows of a transfer between two pivotably interconnected vehicles, wherein the side wall cover is held by two holding devices, wherein each holding device is arranged at the body of a vehicle and wherein the holding device receives the side wall cover to be able to be rolled up when the length of the side wall cover shortens during travel around a curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Reinhard Hübner, Hermann Benkhoff, Marcus Dietrich, Werner Ratz
  • Patent number: 8523268
    Abstract: Provided is an arrangement for stowing away a retractable tonneau cover assembly (50) under a floor of a luggage space (10) requiring a very small space. A recess (36) is formed laterally across a width of a vehicle body in a rear end thereof. When stowing away the assembly, an outer tube (52) of the assembly is received in the recess with a longitudinal slot (54) thereof facing upward. A flexible cover sheet (56) extends out of the longitudinal slot (54), and a rigid free end member (58) attached to a free end of the flexible cover sheet (56) extends along a rear side of the outer tube into a deep section (36B) of the recess (36). Therefore, the recess (36) is required to have a width which is not significantly greater than the height (h) of the outer tube (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirobumi Kikuchi, Mitsufumi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20130204461
    Abstract: A one-touch controller for a tarp system with varying phases or modes based on a single touch to operate. The one-touch controller module controls a motor of a tarp, such as a geared brake motor, and a switch or a remote control system with a button to push to operate a vehicle tarp system with one touch of the button. The one-touch controller preferably has solid state circuitry that controls power to and direction of the motor and detects amp variations from the motor to automatically shut off the system. The remote control system preferably operates in various modes based on how long the button of the remote control is touched, such as with short touches of the button being incremental operation, other touches permitting the entire cycle in automatic operation, and touches longer than a set time being “press and hold” operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Roll-Rite, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Kartes
  • Patent number: 8496283
    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 a flexible tarp having at least one magnet, even more preferably a plurality of magnets along each end of the flexible tarp, that 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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Shawn J. Wock
  • Publication number: 20130187403
    Abstract: The present invention provides a roll blind for a vehicle, comprising: a guide frame formed in an inner circumference of an opening formed in a sun roof of the vehicle; a fixing shaft fixed to either of anterior and posterior areas of the vehicle on the guide frame; an opening shaft disposed on the other one of the anterior and posterior areas of the vehicle to which the fixing shaft is fixed, the opening shaft sliding along the guide frame in a forward/backward direction of the vehicle; a blind, of which both ends are fixed to the opening shaft and the fixing shaft and which is disposed to selectively cover the opening according to a sliding operation of the opening shaft; and a pressing unit disposed between the fixing shaft and the opening shaft, sliding along the guide frame, rolling a central portion of the blind upward from an upper side of the blind in right and left directions of the vehicle, simultaneously wrapping two sides of the blind and simultaneously providing tension to the blind that moves fr
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Je-Hyeon Park, Seung-Min Yun, Eun-Bum Kim, Myung-Kwon Jang
  • Patent number: 8486846
    Abstract: A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Roger Gustavsson, Magnus Olsson
  • Publication number: 20130175822
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: AERO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Eggers
  • Patent number: 8464974
    Abstract: A device, for applying a sheet material over objects, includes a frame member, at least one shaft member and a locking member. The frame member includes a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend upwardly from the base. The at least one shaft member disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that a first end portion and a second end portion extend outwardly away from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. The at least one shaft member is rotated for wrapping the sheet material around the first end portion, and for unwrapping the sheet material from the first end portion over the objects. The locking member is disposed on the second end portion of each of the at least one shaft member for locking and unlocking rotation of the each of the at least one shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Sonny Schillo
  • Patent number: 8465080
    Abstract: A covering system for vehicles and trailers having a narrow pivot assembly with a moveable arm to help deploy the covering system. The pivot assembly has a gear assembly combined with a spring assembly having the power of multiple springs, which are preferably spiral torsion springs, regarding movement of the arm. The pivot assembly may in turn be mounted in a sliding mechanism for covering various heights of detachable containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
  • Publication number: 20130147225
    Abstract: A cargo shade or cover for a vehicle includes a thin flexible member that winds onto an elongated roller. The elongated roller may be mounted on a movable vehicle component such as a liftgate of an SUV. An elongated rod assembly is attached to the thin flexible member, and includes extending and retracting end portions that can be received in cavities or other connectors of the vehicle interior to retain the cover in an extended position. The rod assembly may include center housing and a pulley that can be rotated to generate tension on cables that pull the opposite ends of the rod inwardly whereby the rod assembly can be positioned between vehicle interior components when the cover assembly is in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Marc David Nedelman
  • Patent number: 8444206
    Abstract: A cover system for covering an open top of an open-topped container with a flexible cover includes 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 hold-down 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 spring pack between the bail member and tensioning bow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Prince
  • Patent number: 8439423
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Steven C. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 8439422
    Abstract: What is provided is a new and innovative multiple attachment point tarpaulin and method that enables the tarpaulin to be flexibly connected at multiple attachment points, and more securely fastening of the tarpaulin. The present invention achieves the above advantages and benefits by having multiple attachment points at strategic locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen G. Ricks, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130106133
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
  • Publication number: 20130036936
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake gear motor with a brake mechanism to operate a roll tarp for use with an open top container. A motor-driven rollable cover is attached to and wrappable about a reel to selectively cover contents of the container. The hydraulic gear motor operates with a brake mechanism to lock and hold a position of the motor. A secondary brake mechanism may include a hydraulic piston that selectively engages a holding brake with a hex connector. A hydraulic motor may include a port path for flow of fluid to internal meshing gears and a braking mechanism with a plunger that clamps and holds the meshing gears when hydraulic fluid is not flowing. A transmission having rolling gears can be operated by the hydraulic motor with such brake mechanisms. The motor and brake mechanisms are preferably hydraulically operated with an existing system of a trailer or rail car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Roll-Rite, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
  • Patent number: 8360502
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Kartes, Timothy K Searfoss
  • Publication number: 20120267912
    Abstract: A tarp bar may be an alignment, reinforcement, and furling control member, without adding substantial weight or complexity to a rolling tarp system. The tarp bar is not motorized or otherwise powered, and is preferably attached only to the tarp material, a significant distance from the drive bar and 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 and the combination of the already-rolled portion received in the tarp bar is a non-cylindrical unit. Subsequent rolling-up of the tarp tends to occur in a cam-like action that maintains more consistent tension all along the length of the tarp, to form a tighter and more even roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: TRINITY TRAILER MFG., INC.
    Inventors: JAMES C. MILLER, MICHAEL R. HUNTER
  • Publication number: 20120261939
    Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Paul D. Sigaty
  • Patent number: 8272676
    Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus of the type that has radial arms pivotally attached at the front and rear of a trailer. A housing for supporting a tarp roll and a motor is pivotally attached at the free end of a radial arm such that the tarp roll and housing will tuck under a side lip at an upper portion of the side of the trailer. The rear radial arm is formed with a bend between the pivotal attachment point to the rear of the trailer and the free end of the radial arm, such that the free end of the radial arm is closer to the front of the trailer. A roller with enhanced traction characteristics helps to move the apparatus out of a storage position. A spring used to bias the radial arms can be adjusted to adjust the amount of biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sioux City Tarp, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald William Bremer
  • Publication number: 20120235440
    Abstract: A covering system for vehicles and trailers having a narrow pivot assembly with a moveable arm to help deploy the covering system. The pivot assembly has a gear assembly combined with a spring assembly having the power of multiple springs, which are preferably spiral torsion springs, regarding movement of the arm. The pivot assembly may in turn be mounted in a sliding mechanism for covering various heights of detachable containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Roll-Rite, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Searfoss
  • Patent number: 8267461
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Prince, Ronald A. Wehnert, John Vogel, Ronald L. Eggers, Ryan Reeder
  • Publication number: 20120187712
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Bromberek
  • Patent number: 8226150
    Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Paul D. Sigaty
  • Publication number: 20120181813
    Abstract: There is provided a tonneau cover apparatus including: a winding shaft that winds up a tonneau cover; an elongated shaped case that accommodates the winding shaft; support members provided at one end portion and another end portion of the case, and supporting the winding shaft; a retention member provided at the one end portion and/or the other end portion of the case and including an outer wall portion that covers the support member; and blocking portions provided at the support member and the retention member at the at least one end portion, the blocking portions being disposed at the inner side relative to the outer wall portion, and blocking movement of the retention member outward in the axial direction of the winding shaft from the engaging position by abutting against one another at the engaging position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunori Saito, Takahiro Yajima
  • Publication number: 20120181812
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake gear motor with a brake mechanism to operate a roll tarp for use with an open top container of a trailer or rail car. A motor-driven rollable cover is attached to and wrappable about a reel to selectively cover contents of the container. The hydraulic driven gear motor operates with a brake mechanism to lock and hold a position of the motor. A secondary brake mechanism may include a hydraulic piston that selectively engages a holding brake with a hex connector. An efficient transmission having rolling gears can be operated by the hydraulic motor with the brake mechanism. The motor and brake mechanism are preferably hydraulically operated with an existing system of the trailer or rail car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Roll-Rite, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Searfoss
  • Publication number: 20120181761
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow includes a straw trapper for enclosing straw and debris in a bin of the wheelbarrow for shipment and storage. The straw trapper includes a dispenser of a panel of fabric or flexible plastic to cover the open top of the wheelbarrow bin. The dispenser is mounted on a first side wall of the wheelbarrow bin and includes an engagement member assembly mounted on a second, opposite side wall of the wheelbarrow which engages a free end of the panel. Fixed and adjustable handles mounted on both rear and front walls of the wheelbarrow bin to allow two users working together to unload straw from the bin over a side wall of the bin into a debris collection receptacle, such as a dumpster or compost container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: John Skijus, Thomas Berinato
  • Patent number: 8220859
    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 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Reeder, John Vogel, Donald Prince