Automatic vehicle load cover

Details Automatic vehicle load cover Automatic vehicle load cover

1994-05-31

1996-03-12

Mitchell, David M.

Land vehicles: bodies and tops

Tops

Load cover

160 8401, 29614613, B60J 506

Patent

active

054980577

ABSTRACT:
An automatic trailer load covering system includes a pair of end assemblies removably secured to opposite ends of the trailer load bed, and a main strut extending between the midpoints of the upper sides of the end assemblies. Each end assembly includes an arch-like channel that supports an end wall, the channels of the end assemblies being oriented in paired, opposed, confronting relationship. At least one pair of tarp covers is provided, each rectangular tarp cover including longitudinally opposed side edges received in one pair of the end channels. Each tarp cover extends from the main strut to the trailer bed, covering one side and one-half width of the top of the trailer load bed. A drive sprocket is supported on the main strut at the upper extent of the channel and an idler sprocket at the lower end of the channel, with a continuous loop of chain extending through the channel. Reinforcing stays extend longitudinally between front and rear edges of the tarp, the ends of the stay secured to a pair of slipper blocks that are slidably received within respective channels to frictionally engage the chain. The ends of the lowermost stay are joined to a pair of connector blocks that are secured in the chain loop. Each drive sprocket is joined to a drive shaft extending parallel to the main strut, and a motor is coupled to the drive shafts. To raise a tarp cover, the two chains at opposite ends of the tarp are driven simultaneously by the same motor to raise the connector blocks toward the main strut. As the horizontal stays reach the upper limit of travel at the main strut, the chain slips through the respective connector blocks to raise the remainder of the tarp cover. The chain drive positively drives the tarp cover to close.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4652042 (1987-03-01), Bader
patent: 4860813 (1989-08-01), Ballyns et al.
patent: 4938273 (1990-07-01), Dubbelman et al.
patent: 5056847 (1991-10-01), Stillwell et al.
patent: 5080423 (1992-01-01), Merlot et al.
patent: 5152575 (1992-10-01), DeMonte et al.
patent: 5238283 (1993-08-01), Teigen

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Automatic vehicle load cover does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Automatic vehicle load cover, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Automatic vehicle load cover will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2096231