Abstract: An assembly for covering a load on a truck comprises a tower, a rotatable axle fixedly mounted with respect to the tower, and a base connected to the axle. The base is rotatable to a position above horizontal by a linkage.

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

Abstract: The vehicle cover includes a frame assembly having both vertical and lateral adjustment for supporting a tarp roll laterally thereon. The frame assembly is temporarily installed atop the vehicle, with forward and rearward anchors being installed laterally beneath the respective forward and rearward ends of the vehicle. A tarp or cover is unrolled from the tarp roll atop the frame assembly, and attached to the forward and rearward anchors to form a tent-like configuration having relatively steep forward and rearward slopes and near vertical sides. This configuration greatly improves the shedding of snow, ice, and leaves and other debris that would otherwise collect atop a cover resting directly atop the relatively flat surfaces of the vehicle. The entire frame and cover assembly remain clear of the underlying surface and contact only the vehicle, and are thus not considered permanent structures that might be subject to zoning or other local regulations.

Abstract: A sheeting system for an open-topped goods container (11) of a vehicle (10) has a cover (15) including a generally rectangular main area (32) for covering the open top and a pair of generally triangular side flaps (20) to extend down over the opposed side walls of the container. Elastic cords (26) are arranged to pull each side flap (20) to a folded position where it overlies the main area (32). A pull-cord (40) is used to move each side flap to a deployed position overlying the side of the container and then the apex (23) of the flap is tied down to a fixed point to maintain the flap in that position. To stow the cover, the side flaps (20) are released to return to their folded positions whereafter the cover (15) is wound on to a roller (18) at one end of the container (11).

Abstract: A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover a top aperture of a container the device being usable in combination with an actuator providing a rotational motion, the device comprising: a rod for rolling the tarpaulin therearound and for unrolling the tarpaulin therefrom; a rod rotating component having a substantially elongated configuration, the rod rotating component defining a component longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being linkable to the actuator so as to be rotatable therewith about the rod longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being operatively coupled to the rod in a manner such that rotating the rod rotating component about the component longitudinal axis rotates the rod about the rod longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being pivotable relatively to the actuator and configurable between a component shortest configuration and a component longest configuration.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a tarpaulin in a substantially taut state over a top aperture of a container, the tarpaulin being configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein, in the extended configuration, the tarpaulin substantially covers the top aperture, and in the retracted configuration, the tarpaulin is substantially retracted from the top aperture. The device includes a rod for rolling the tarpaulin therearound when configuring the tarpaulin from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration and for unrolling the tarpaulin therefrom when configuring the tarpaulin from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, the rod defining a longitudinal axis; and a biasing element mechanically coupled to both the container and the rod for biasing the rod in such a manner so as to maintain the tarpaulin in a substantially taut state when the tarpaulin is being rolled and unrolled respectively onto and from the rod.

Abstract: A carrying rack for transporting sporting or work equipment over a pickup truck bed while utilizing relatively lighter weight materials is disclosed. The carrying rack utilizes the space above the pickup truck bed so the pickup truck bed may be enclosed with a tonneau. The carrying rack incorporates tracks which are easily installed and removed without requiring drilling or other modifications to the pickup truck bed. The carrying rack tracks allow for uprights and cross members to be attached when in use. The carrying rack is mounted to the pickup truck bed so the tonneau cover may be rolled up without removing the cross members or uprights. The location of the cross bars and uprights on the carrying rack can be adjusted along the length of the carrying rack tracks, thus allowing for attaching equipment such as bicycle carrier, ski carrier, cargo basket, ladder, or other types of equipment. In some embodiments, the lateral position of the tracks can be varied as well.

Abstract: A vehicle and/or equipment storm shield is provided as having a spool of membrane material, which may be relatively quickly un-spooled to provide a sheet of membrane material operative to substantially enclose the vehicle and/or equipment for protecting the vehicle and/or equipment from wind, rain and/or flying debris associated with storming conditions. In a similar manner, the vehicle and/or equipment storm shield may also be adapted to protect computers, generators, communications equipment and the like, from damage due to storming weather conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side lifting/closing tarpaulin system for a flatbed trailer, the trailer having an elongated platform having front and rear ends, sides, a pair of bulkheads of similar construction extending upwardly from the platform at its front and rear ends, and a plurality of tarpaulin supporting beams extending laterally across the platform, and longitudinally along the platform. The system comprises a pair of pivoting arms, each arm supported by a corresponding bulkhead. The arms are pivotable, in corresponding fashion, with respect to a side of the platform, between an upper, open orientation and a lower, closed orientation. Each arm is provided with an elongated slot along a longitudinal axis of the arm. Each arm is mounted relative to the bulkhead such that the pivot sits within the slot in a manner that permits longitudinal movement of the arm relative to the pivot.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover a top aperture of a container the device being usable in combination with an actuator providing a rotational motion, the device comprising: a rod for rolling the tarpaulin therearound and for unrolling the tarpaulin therefrom; a rod rotating component having a substantially elongated configuration, the rod rotating component defining a component longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being linkable to the actuator so as to be rotatable therewith about the rod longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being operatively coupled to the rod in a manner such that rotating the rod rotating component about the component longitudinal axis rotates the rod about the rod longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being pivotable relatively to the actuator and configurable between a component shortest configuration and a component longest configuration.

Abstract: A loading space for a motor vehicle, with a protective device which comprises a flexible sheetlike structure for holding back a load and has a dimensionally stable housing unit which is held releasably in mounts on the loading space side, is known. According to the invention, means are provided for transferring the housing unit into a securing position, which is connected with a form fit to mounts on the loading space side, as a function of a tensile or flexural loading acting on the sheetlike structure. Use for passenger vehicles.

Abstract: A sheeting system for an open-topped goods container (11) of a vehicle (10) has a cover (15) including a generally rectangular main area (32) for covering the open top and a pair of generally triangular side flaps (20) to extend down over the opposed side walls of the container. Elastic cords (26) are arranged to pull each side flap (20) to a folded position where it overlies the main area (32). A pull-cord (40) is used to move each side flap to a deployed position overlying the side of the container and then the apex (23) of the flap is tied down to a fixed point to maintain the flap in that position. To stow the cover, the side flaps (20) are released to return to their folded positions whereafter the cover (15) is wound on to a roller (18) at one end of the container (11).

Abstract: A window shade device according to the present invention serving for a significant decrease in the rising of temperature within a vehicle caused by the greenhouse effect includes a multiple-ply sheet that is the main component of the window shade device and has the required qualities of mechanical strength, low weight, good reflection of solar y radiation, and self-rolling capability. These qualities are granted to the shading sheet by its structure and y manufacturing process. The shading sheet is composed as a multiple-ply sheet, with the plies composed of materials granting most of the required qualities and tension differences, including the self-rolling capability for rolling around one single axis. The multiple-ply sheet is stored in a container that can have low aerodynamic resistance, assembled in a suitable location on a vehicle or stationary structure.

Abstract: A truck topper having a pair of sidewalls in parallel spaced relation and adapted to be mounted to the bed of a truck at one end and having grooves at an opposite end. The grooves receive a retractable roof such that when attached to a retraction assembly the roof will retract to open the top of the truck topper.

Abstract: A roll -out cover system for a container having an open top is provided that includes a cover (26), a pair of pivot arms, a gearbox (46), a motor (48), a drive mechanism, and a controller. The cover has a leading end and a trailing end. The pivot arms are positioned on respective sidewalls of the container. Each pivot arm has a free end connected to a leading end of the cover, and a pivot end. The pivot arms are pivotable between a first position wherein the cover is retracted from the open top, and a second position wherein the cover is extended substantially over the open top. The gearbox has an input shaft and an output shaft connected to the pivot arms. The controller selectively controls the motor and coupled gearbox to operate the drive mechanism and connected pivot arms between the first position wherein the cover is retracted, and the second position wherein the cover is extended substantially over the open top.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover for trucks that is easily folded for storage or shipping. The tonneau cover has a collapsible peripheral frame, with supporting bows spanning the width of the frame. The bows include separable parts for storage or shipping and can be assembled and expanded to spread the frame.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a tarpaulin in a substantially taut state over a top aperture of a container, the tarpaulin being configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein, in the extended configuration, the tarpaulin substantially covers the top aperture, and in the retracted configuration, the tarpaulin is substantially retracted from the top aperture. The device includes a rod for rolling the tarpaulin therearound when configuring the tarpaulin from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration and for unrolling the tarpaulin therefrom when configuring the tarpaulin from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, the rod defining a longitudinal axis; and a biasing element mechanically coupled to both the container and the rod for biasing the rod in such a manner so as to maintain the tarpaulin in a substantially taut state when the tarpaulin is being rolled and unrolled respectively onto and from the rod.

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 tarpaulin system for covering an open top container typically mounted on a truck includes a four-bar linkage wherein one of the bars is extendable and typically a first linear actuator. A tarpaulin is windingly mounted on the linkage and a second actuator is connected to the four-bar linkage in order to provide primary movement of the linkage. The tarpaulin is movable between a stowed position between the cab of a truck and the front of the container to a deployed position adjacent the rear of the container in order to cover the open top of the container. The four-bar linkage allows the tarpaulin to move from the stowed axis Forwardly toward the cab and upwardly above the container by operation of the second actuator without use of the first actuator.

Abstract: A tonneau cover 101 which covers a luggage compartment is composed of a sheet member 102 and a plate member 103 which is foldable. The sheet member 102 is rolled up in a housing 107 so as to stow it, and the plate member 103 is placed on the housing 107 by folding. Thus, storage space for the tonneau cover 101 can be reduced. A lock mechanism by which the plate member 103 is maintained in an extended condition is used so that the end of the plate member does not hang down into the luggage compartment.

Abstract: A rear-window roller blind assembly for motor vehicles in which the roller blind is movable out of a pull-out slit to an extended position through movement of a pull-out element on a free edge thereof. The pull-out element includes a center piece and relatively movable end pieces shaped so that when the pull-out element is in a retracted position the pull-out slit is covered over its entire length by the pull-out element.

Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle luggage area has a flexible flat article, which is movably mounted between a compact, deposited protection position and at least one extracted protection position. There are at least two parallel, spaced functional shafts to which the flat article is connected. The position of the flat article is detected and a controller, as a function of the detected position, controls the functional shafts in such a way that the flat article in a first, roughly horizontally extracted protection position has a first, light-proof surface structural portion and in a second, vertically extracted protection position a second, light-transmitting surface structural portion.

Abstract: A system for positioning a tarpaulin on a flatbed is provided. According to one embodiment, the system comprises a lifting device and a tarpaulin positioning apparatus structured to be attached to the lifting device. The lifting device is structured to lift at least a portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus above the flatbed and to move the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other. The tarpaulin positioning apparatus is further structured to deploy the tarpaulin on the flatbed as the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus is moved over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other by the lifting device.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable collapsible car cover assembly which includes: (a) a collapsible hollow housing with exit sheet exit apertures, which housing has a compact collapsed configuration and an extended deployed configuration; (b) a base which includes a suction cup for fastening the assembly to the roof of a car; (c) which housing contains sheets of protective material wound around rollers when the car cover assembly is collapsed and stored, and wherein the sheets are unwound to cover the trunk, passenger compartment, and hood when the assembly is fully deployed; (d) several elements for attaching the distal end of the sheets of protective material to a car; and (e) at least two security lines for attaching the housing to the car as a theft deterrent.

Abstract: A vehicle and/or equipment storm shield is provided as having a spool of membrane material, which may be relatively quickly un-spooled to provide a sheet of membrane material operative to substantially enclose the vehicle and/or equipment for protecting the vehicle and/or equipment from wind, rain and/or flying debris associated with storming conditions. In a similar manner, the vehicle and/or equipment storm shield may also be adapted to protect computers, generators, communications equipment and the like, from damage due to storming weather conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container covering apparatus that permits one-handed unrolling and rolling of a cover over a container. Generally, the apparatus includes a roller and a rollable cover connected to the roller. Preferably, the cover is normally biased towards the unrolled position. The apparatus further includes a crank assembly having a crankshaft, a releasable locking mechanism, and a brake. The locking mechanism is engaged when the crankshaft is rotated in a first direction. When the crankshaft is rotated in the opposing second direction, the locking mechanism is disengaged, and the operator may engage the brake. In another embodiment, a covering apparatus including a crankshaft operatively coupled to a roller mechanism is disclosed. The crankshaft handle includes an arm portion and a gripping portion. The gripping portion is moveable between a first and second position.

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: A cargo space cover (26) for the cargo space (18) of a motor vehicle (10), which space can be closed using a rear hatch or tailgate (12). The cargo space cover (12) has a blind-like covering element (28) which can be rolled up at least partially onto a take-up shaft (32). In order to improve the accessibility of the cargo space, the covering element (28), in the operating position, is linked at its front end to a vehicle mount and at its back end to the rear hatch (12) so that the covering element (28) is swung and unrolled from the take-up shaft (32) when the rear hatch (12) is being opened. In a preferred form, the take-up shaft is incorporated into the rear hatch or tailgate.

Abstract: A cargo system includes a plurality of rigidly connected compartments adapted to mount on the roof of a vehicle. The plurality of compartments includes a first compartment suitable for mounting a retractable awning and a second compartment suitable for storing cargo. The first and second compartments each include a flooring and a sidewall wherein the first compartment is rigidly connected to the second compartment by at least one of the flooring and the sidewall. One of the plurality of compartments includes a liquid container, at least a portion of the container being suspended in the compartment. The liquid container includes a tube suitable for passing liquid that emerges from the cargo system. In addition, a light assembly is operatively associated with the cargo system. The light assembly includes an electrical conductor suitable for providing power to the light assembly, the conductor emerging from the cargo system.

Abstract: A retractable rain cover is attachable to a golf cart has a rigid frame extending aft from the rear roofline of a golf cart and over a golf bag carried at the rear of the cart. A flexible canopy is movable along the frame from a stowed position to a deployed position. In the stowed position the canopy is contained either rolled up in a housing along the rear roofline or is in a lay flat condition disposed within the footprint of the golf cart roof. In the deployed position the canopy extends along the frame and overlies the golf bag at the rear of the cart. Also, the canopy has a closable opening positioned to align with the upper end of the golf bag when the canopy is in a deployed position thereby permitting direct access through the deployed canopy to any golf club in the bag.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for use upon vehicles and trailers with rear doors or gates. The roll tarp system includes a tarp attached to a side of a container, a roller attached to the tarp opposite of the container, a rear inner arm pivotally attached to the container, a first bias member attached to the rear inner arm, a rear outer arm attached to the first bias member, a second bias member attached to the rear outer arm and rotatably connected to a rear end of the roller and a front support structure rotatably connected to a front end of the roller.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for efficiently covering a heaped load. The roll tarp system includes a tarp attached to a side of a container, a roller attached to the tarp opposite of the container, a rear bracket attached to a rear end of the container, a rear inner arm pivotally attached to the rear bracket, a rear outer arm pivotally attached to the rear inner arm, a front bracket attached to a front end of the container, a front inner arm pivotally attached to the front bracket, a front outer arm pivotally attached to the front inner arm, and an actuator attached to the front inner arm and the roller for rotating the roller. A rear spring and a front spring are attached to the brackets respectively for applying a closing bias force upon the inner arms respectively. A front bias member is attached between the front inner arm and the front outer arm.

Abstract: A bale transport system for protecting bales from the weather during transportation upon a trailer. The bale transport system includes a trailer, a frame attached to the trailer, a cover positioned upon the frame, a first spool and a second spool connected to opposing portions of the cover, a pair of rear supports and a pair of front supports connected to the spools, and a pair of cranks connected to the spools for rotating the spools. The frame may be vertically adjustable in a telescoping manner to comply with various height restrictions.

Abstract: A system for positioning a tarpaulin on a flatbed is provided. According to one embodiment, the system comprises a lifting device and a tarpaulin positioning apparatus structured to be attached to the lifting device. The lifting device is structured to lift at least a portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus above the flatbed and to move the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other. The tarpaulin positioning apparatus is further structured to deploy the tarpaulin on the flatbed as the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus is moved over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other by the lifting device.

Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle luggage area has a flexible flat article, which is movably mounted between a compact, deposited protection position and at least one extracted protection position. There are at least two parallel, spaced functional shafts to which the flat article is connected. The position of the flat article is detected and a controller, as a function of the detected position, controls the functional shafts in such a way that the flat article in a first, roughly horizontally extracted protection position has a first, light-proof surface structural portion and in a second, vertically extracted protection position a second, light-transmitting surface structural portion.

Abstract: A tarp covering system for an open top container of a vehicle includes a pair arms assemblies stowed beneath the base of the container during travel and extendable and pivotal in a semi circular path for covering and uncovering the container.

Abstract: A shading assembly includes two shading supporters, two attaching devices for spacedly and detachably mounting the two shading supporters on the vehicle body respectively, and a shading arrangement including a tubular housing having a receiving cavity detachably attached to one of the shading supporter, and a shading fabric disposed in the receiving cavity. The shading fabric has an inner edge securely received in the tubular housing and outer edge adapted to retractably stretch to detachably attach to another shading supporter to form a shading area for substantially shielding at least a portion of the vehicle body under the shading area.

Abstract: A movement support system for an openable roof of a vehicle, in particular a boat, for mounting at the site of an opening formed in the roof of the vehicle for movably supporting at least one closure element for selectively covering the opening. The system includes a pair of elongate support modules configured as rectilinear bars, for mounting on the roof of the vehicle on opposite sides of the opening. Each support element has a track element extending substantially parallel to the support element with one or more carriage elements, connectable to the closure element, mounted thereon for longitudinal sliding. The system also includes a transmission for imparting movement controlled by a motor to at least one of the carriage elements.

Abstract: A deployment apparatus for a flexible cover sized to cover a side-dump container comprises first and second swing arm assemblies pivotally mounted at a pivot point to opposite sides of the container. A drive assembly connected to the roll tube of the flexible cover is operable to rotate the roll tube so that the flexible cover winds around the roll tube. The drive assembly is slidably supported on one of the swing arms so that the mechanism translates along the length of the swing arm as it winds the flexible cover around the roll tube. A stop is provided on the swing arm between the pivot point and the free end to limit the translation of the drive assembly along swing arm. In another form, the drive assembly is fixed to a swing arm that is slidably received in a pivoting spring mechanism.

Abstract: A covering assembly for covering an open container of a vehicle is characterized by the provision that the electric circuit controlling the movement of the cover is automatically opened when the cover reaches either the fully covered position or the fully uncovered position. The assembly includes a flexible cover attached at one end of the container body by a cover spool for retraction and extension the cover over the open container body. The cover spool is spring biased tending to uncover the open container. A bail assembly is pivotally mounted with a cover support section connected to the second end of the cover and is spring biased so as to extend the cover over the open container. A motor assembly rotates the spool and is controlled by an electric circuit that is automatically opened when the cover reaches either the fully covered position or the fully uncovered position.

Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle cargo area includes at least one winding shaft mounted between two casing side parts coaxially movably associated with one another in the longitudinal direction of a winding axis of the winding shaft and fixable in vehicle-secured holders. At least one casing side part of the device is positively locked in a releasable manner in the longitudinal direction of the winding axis in the corresponding vehicle-secured holder by a mechanical locking device.

Abstract: A tarping system that automatically covers and prevents trash from spilling from a trash opening in the rear vertical panel of a CRC. The tarping system automatically draws a tarp from the lower edges of the trash opening up over the opening, effectively closing the opening completely. The lower edges of the tarp are secured around the lower side edges and bottom edge of the trash opening of the CRC and the upper edges are secured to a tarping bar. The tarping bar is spring-biased to automatically swing upward when the CRC is moved away from a trash compactor site, in the process collecting any trash that spills from the trash opening and preventing trash from slipping from the CRC at the bottom of the tarp.

Abstract: An apparatus mounts a covering system of a truck. The apparatus can have a stud, a lock ring, a retaining plate, and means for releasably attaching the apparatus to the truck. The stud can have a base and a shaft having an anchor for receiving a reaction end of an at least one spring. The lock ring can have a pocket having a complementary shape to the base of the shaft for adjustably rotating the stud through a three-hundred sixty degree (360°) range. The retaining plate can have an aperture for receiving the shaft. The means for releasably attaching the apparatus can include at least one fastener.

Abstract: A protective cover for a vehicle comprising a sheet or a web of a flexible material that possesses a property of buckling or curving in the upward direction from the vehicle with the formation of a canopy-type shield for protecting the vehicle from direct sun rays, birds' droppings, etc. The sheet has a length exceeding the length of the upper surface periphery of the vehicle so that the upwardly curved canopy is formed either by applying two oppositely directed forces to the opposite ends of the sheet or by prestressing the sheet. The sheet can be made from plastic or a fabric that incorporates springing metal strips that tend to curve upward when they are in a free state. The sheet can be conveniently stored in wound state in a cylindrical cassette. Storage of the flexible material in a wound state enhances the property of bucking or curving when the sheet is withdrawn from the cassette.

Abstract: A resilient torque absorber is placed between a roll bar and a U-joint of roll bar mechanism such as that used in roll-tarp covers for truck trailers. The absorber allows more precise adjustment of tightness and helps prevent accidents caused by over-tightening of tarps or by tarps loosening during load settling.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open container of a vehicle includes a pair of arm assemblies. Each arm assembly has a first arm, a second arm, and a linking assembly coupling the first and second rotatable members to one another. A first actuator is attached to the first arm, and a cover is connected to the second arm. The first arm is driven by the first actuator, which causes the linking assembly to passively drive the second arm and to thereby to substantially vertically raise the cover. The apparatus may include a second actuator for rotating the second arm relative to the first arm for moving the cover across an open top of the open container. A method is also provided for covering an open top container supported by a vehicle.

Abstract: A protection device is provided with at least one flat article, which can be alternatively transferred into a roughly vertical protection position or a roughly horizontal position. Means for varying the transmittance of the flat article are provided and are coupled to control means which, as a function of a displacement of the flat article between the protection positions, control the transmittance varying means.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle cover apparatus for covering a vehicle comprises an elongated, hollow housing, and axle disposed therein for rotation about a central axis, and an elongated cover having a proximal end coupled with the axle and also having a distal end. The housing includes wall structure having an elongated aperture defined through the wall structure. The cover is fed through the aperture for selective movement between a retracted position where the cover is wrapped around the axle, and an extended position where a substantial portion of the cover extends from the housing. The cover includes an outer layer of aligned cover strips, a middle, elastic layer and an inner layer of aligned padding strips. The elastic layer biases the cover toward a rest width substantially the same length as the aperture to facilitate extension and retraction of the cover, and permits selective expansion of the cover in order to more fully cover the vehicle.

Abstract: An open-topped vehicle body, such as a dump body, includes a tarping system that is deployed over the body by a pivoting bail member. An actuation mechanism applies a torque to the bail member to automatically pivot the member and deploy the tarp cover. The actuation mechanism includes a number of double coil spiral torsion springs anchored on a shaft attached to the dump body. The springs each include a right and a left coil portion concentrically wound about an integral center anchor portion. The shaft includes an elongated slot to receive and support the center anchor portion of each spring within the mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a housing attached to the bail member. The housing contains the double coil springs and supports a pair of reaction posts extending therethrough. The coil portions of each spring include a left and right reaction end configured to contact and provide a torsional force against a corresponding reaction post within the housing.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle cover for protecting the outer surface of a vehicle. The retractable vehicle cover has a housing, which contains a front and a rear reel assembly. Each reel assembly has a spring-loaded reel and a protective sheet wound around the reel. The sheets are extended as needed for covering and protecting both the front end and the rear end of the vehicle. The housing has a plurality of rubber suction cups for selective attachment of the housing to the roof of the vehicle. The housing has two shaft mounting brackets, for holding and supporting two telescopically adjustable shafts. The shafts are selectively extendable horizontally, between the sides of the vehicle, one toward the front and the other towards the rear of the vehicle, to support the front and rear protective sheets at an elevated position above the upper surface of the vehicle.