CA2027827A1 - Roll-up tarp apparatus - Google Patents
Roll-up tarp apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2027827A1 CA2027827A1 CA 2027827 CA2027827A CA2027827A1 CA 2027827 A1 CA2027827 A1 CA 2027827A1 CA 2027827 CA2027827 CA 2027827 CA 2027827 A CA2027827 A CA 2027827A CA 2027827 A1 CA2027827 A1 CA 2027827A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tarp
- roll
- roll tube
- truck box
- spool
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A roll-up tarp apparatus including a tarp attached at a first side edge proximate a top edge of a first side of a truck box, roll tube attached to an opposite second side edge of the tarp, tapered spools mounted at opposite ends of the roll tube, elongated cables receivable on spools, and anchor means for anchoring ends of the cables along a second side of the truck box opposite the first side. A motor is interconnected to the roll tube for rolling and unrolling the tarp.
A roll-up tarp apparatus including a tarp attached at a first side edge proximate a top edge of a first side of a truck box, roll tube attached to an opposite second side edge of the tarp, tapered spools mounted at opposite ends of the roll tube, elongated cables receivable on spools, and anchor means for anchoring ends of the cables along a second side of the truck box opposite the first side. A motor is interconnected to the roll tube for rolling and unrolling the tarp.
Description
A ROLL-UP TARP APPARATVS
Backqround of the Invention The present invention relates to a roll-up tarp apparatus for open containers or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a roll-up tarp apparatus for an open truck box or trailer.
Roll-up tarp apparatus for truck and trailer bodies having an open top are widely utilized in the trucking and agricultural communities. For example, see U. S.
Patent Nos. 2,976,082, 4,234,224, 4,505,512, Re. 31,746, etc.
US patent no. 2,976,082 to Dahlman utilizes a spindle attached to one edge of a tarp with the other edge of the tarp being attached to the truck box. The spindle ~ -has a pair of spools attached at its ends and further includes a hand crank at one end. A flexible cable is : ~-stitched transversely of the tarp proximate its rear and front edges. The flexible cables are attached to the ~`
spindle at one end and to vertically extending springs on the other side of the truck box. The cables are used to maintain contact between the top edges of the truck box and the front and rear ends of the tarp. The spools are also attached to the ends of a second set of cables, :
which cables in turn are connected at their free ends to ~ -opposite ends of a horizontally extending coil spring ,~
mounted on the side of the truck box and resiliently securing the cables together. These cables are wound onto the spools as the tarp is unwound from the spindle ~
by turning the crank handle. The vertically and - -horizontally extending springs cooperate to exert a -tension on the tarp during rolling and unrolling of the tarp. When in the covered position, the spindle is suitably locked in place. In addition to other problems Dahlman requires multiple sets of springs. These springs require adjustment throughout their useful life. ~ ~
Corrosion and interference from dirt and other debris -,; "~:, :~'-can affect their performance. Additionally, the spindle must be locked in the covered position. Also, there is wear do to relative sliding of various parts caused by action of the springs.
US patent no. 4,234,224 to Rosenvold utilizes a rod attached to one edge of a tarp with the other edge being attached to the truck box. The rod has a pair of spools attached to its ends. A pair of ropes are attached to the spools at one end and are attached at their other end to a pair of springs mounted on the interior of the truck box. The springs act to place the ropes and thu~
the rod under tension. A handle is attached to one end of the rod for manually rotating the rod. As the tarp 15 is unrolled, the springs urge the tarp toward the -covered position, thereby placing tension on the tarp and acting to keep the tarp straight. In addition to numerous other problems, as with Dahlman, the springs ref~uire ad~ustment throughout their useful life. -Moreover, they have a tendency to corrode which affects their performance. Dirt and other debris can interfere with their operation. Also, there is wear do to relative sliding of various parts caused by action of the springs. In addition, the front and rear edges of the tarp do not tightly engage the top of the truck box so as to prevent buffeting by the wind. Rosenvold discloses various edge covers which might be used to prevent the wind from traveling between the tarp and the truck box top surface.
US patent no. Re. 31,746 discloses use of a roll bar attached to one edge of a tarp with the other end of the -tarp being attached proximate a top edge of the truck -box. To retain the tarp in the covered state, a crank handle is used to reverse roll the roll bar up under a latch plate such that the tarp is wedged thereunder.
The crank handle must then be secured at the back end of --the truck box to prevent the roll bar from unrolling.
In addition, to other numerous problems, the latching process causes wear on the tarp. The user must be sure to secure the free end of the crank handle when the tarp S is in the covered po~ition, since release of the crank handle will cause the tarp to be released from its covered position. The crank handle must be retained on the roll bar and stored at the back end of the truck box which can interfere with operations at the back of the 10 truck box. If the load settles, the tarp may have a ~
tendency to become unlatched. -US patent no. 4,505,512 discloses use of a roll bar attached to one edge of a tarp by straps with the other -~
15 end of the tarp being attached proximate a top edge of ~- ~
the truck box. A crank handle is used to roll and -~-unroll the tarp. To retain the tarp in the covered : -state, the crank handle is used to reverse roll the roll ;~ -bar into contact with hooks positioned along the side of -the truck box and place the tarp under tension, and the crank handle is then secured at the back end of the -truck box to prevent the roll bar from unrolling.
Although, this design solves some of the above noted and ~
other problems associated with Re. 31,746, the crank - -~-handle must still be secured in order to retain the tension in the tarp and insure against inadvertent uncovering of the truck box.
The present invention provides numerous improvements over these and other roll-up tarp apparatus.
SummarY of the Invention --The present in~ention additionally relates to a roll-up -~
tarp apparatus for an open container including a tarp made of a flexible material. The roll-up tarp apparatus includes means for fixedly securing a first side edge of the tarp to a first longitudinal side of the truck box.
An elongated roll tube is attached to a second side edge of the tarp. Crank means is interconnected to the elongated roll tube for rolling the elongated roll tube transversely of the open truck box, so as to cover the truck box with the tarp or uncover the truck box with the tarp. The elongated roll tube includes spool means for winding and unwinding an elongated cable thereon.
The cable is interconnected at one end to the spool means and proximate a second end to anchor means on a second longitudinal side of the truck box, the spool means being configured to wind cable onto the spool means at the same rate that the tarp is unwound from the roll tube. The anchor means placing the cable under tension.
One advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that it is easy to use. No latching or locking steps are necessary to retain the tarp in the covered position. Upon being rolled into the covered state, the roll-up tarp retains itself in the covered state without any additional latching or locking steps.
Yet another advantage of one embodiment of the present -invention is the use of an electric motor which allows automatic operation of the roll-up tarp apparatus without the user having to manually roll, unroll, or secure the roll tube in the closed or open positions.
In one embodiment, the present invention can be operated from the cab of a vehicle without the user having to 30 exit the cab. ~ ~
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Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the tarp remains uniformly tight during use regardless of whether it is in a fully opened or partially opened state.
An advantage of yet another embodiment of the present invention, reduces wear.
Still another advantage of one embodiment is that the present invention does not require the use of any springs which can corrode or whose performance can be affected by continued use and which may require adjustment during use.
Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention provides a very tight seal between end edges of the tarp and top edges of the truck box so as to resist buffeting by the wind.
A further advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is that no additional guides are required for guiding the rolling and unrolling motion of the roll tube/tarp arrangement. -~
An advantage of one embodiment of the present invention `
is that it provides a wire reinforced hose as the ;~
connector apparatus.
An advantage of yet another embodiment of the present invention is that it provides an oblong spool and roll -~
tube combination which takes up less width along the side of the truck when in the covered position.
':' .: ' Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a roll tube have channels for receiving internal -pro~ections of the spool.
'', '` ~"' ' .' These an various other advantages and features of novelty which characterized the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims and next here to ' '':
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and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings which form a further part herein and to th~
accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs In the drawings in which like reference numerals and letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, Figure 1 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of a roll-up tarp apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the roll-up tarp apparatus being illustrated mounted on the top of a truck box and being disposed in a covered state;
Figure 2 is a partial, enlarged side elevational view of the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1 in the covered state, illustrating an electric motor being mounted on the end of a roll tube for rolling the roll- -up tarp apparatus back and forth between a covered and an uncovered state;
Figure 3 is a partial, enlarged side elevational view of the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1 in ~ ~ ;
the covered state, illustrating in more detail a longitudinal edge of the r~ll-up tarp apparatus which is interconnected to the roll tube.
Figure 4 is an enlarged, front end view of the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1, illustrating a mounting structure for pivotally mounting the electric motor on the front end of the truck box, phantom lines illustrating movement of the mounting structure upon rolling of the roll-up tarp apparatus into the uncovered state;
Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 4, illustrating an alternate telescoping embodiment of the mounting structure, Figure 6 is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1 in an uncovered state, a longitudinal edge of the roll-up tarp apparatus opposite the roll-tube being attached to a top edge of the truck box;
Figure 7 is a diagrammatic, partially exploded end view of the roll-up tarp apparatus in the uncovered state as shown in figure 6, Figure 8 is a an enlarged, side elevational view illustrating an embodiment of an anchor apparatus which anchors the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1 and allows for adjustment of cable tension;
Figure 9A is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an anchor apparatus;
Figure 9B is a bottom view of the embodiment shown .~ ~.
in figure 9A;
Figure 10 is an enlarged side elevational view of :~
the tapered, spool positioned on the ends of the roll tube of the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1; ;:- -Figure 11 is a perspective view of an manually . :
operated alternate embodiment of a roll-up tarp 25 apparatus in accordance with the principles of the : . .
present invention illustrated on the top of a truck box; -~ :
Figure 12 is a partial perspective view of the roll- : :
up tarp apparatus shown in figure 11 with a crank :; .::: .:
apparatus removably attached to a roll tube of the roll~
30 up tarp apparatus; ~-Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view illustrating two different embodiments of connection apparatus which might be used to interconnect the crank apparatus to the spool; : :
Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of an alternate embodiment of a roll-up tarp apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention which :
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includes two tarps and a third spool, the crank apparatus being shown stored along a driver's side of the truck box when the roll-up tarp apparatus is in a covered state;
Figure 15 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figure 14 with the crank apparatus being stored along a passenger's side of the truck box when the roll-up tarp apparatus of figure 11 is in an uncovered state;
Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figure 15 with the crank apparatus being stored at the back end of the truck box when the roll-up tarp apparatus is in a covered state;
Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view similar to figure 16 with the crank apparatus being stored at the front end of the truck box when the roll-up tarp apparatus is . in a covered state; ~ -.
Figure 18 is an alternate embodiment of a flexible connector apparatus;
Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a roll tube;
Figure 20 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of a spool;
Figure 21 is a side elevational view of the spool shown in figure 20; and Figure 22 is a cross sectional view of the roll tube of figure 19 inserted onto the spool of figure 20.
Detailed DescriPtion of the Preferred Embodiment With reference now to the drawings, there is 30 illustrated in Figures 1 through 10, an embodiment of a ~-roll-up tarp apparatus in accordance with the principles -of the present invention, the roll-up tarp apparatus being generally designated by the reference number 20.
It will be appreciated, that while the roll-up tarp apparatus 20 is shown utilized with an open truck box or semitrailer, the present invention has application to other large containers having an open top requiring an :
easily and readily removable cover. The roll-up tarp apparatus 20 includes a flexible cover or tarp 22 which is stretched over and supported by a framework 24 suitably attached to the top of a truck box 26. The tarp 22 is fixedly secured along a first longitudinal side edge proximate a top edge 28 of a longitudinal side of the truck box 26 which is on the passenger side of the vehicle in the embodiment shown. An opposite, second longitudinal edge of the tarp 22 is attached to a ~ -hollow roll tube 30. In the embodiment shown, there is a tapered spool 34 fixedly mounted to each end of the roll tube 30. Each of the tapered spools 34 is interconnected by a cable 38 to an anchor 40 suitably mounted on a side 42 of the truck box 26 which is on the driver's side of the vehicle. The anchors 40 are adjustable to place the cables 38 under a desired -;~
tension. Since the tarp 22 is attached to the roll tube 30, the tarp 22 is similarly placed under tension. The spools 34 are tapered so that the cables 38 are rolled onto and unrolled from the spools 34 at the same rate that the tarp 22 is unrolled from and rolled onto the roll tube 30. Accordingly, once the cables 38 and tarp 22 are placed under tension by adjusting the anchors 40, that tension is maintained throughout the rolling and unrolling proces~ such that roll-up tarp apparatus is maintained under the same tension during operation.
An electric motor 44 is shown mechanically connected to the spool 34 at a front end 45 of the truck box 26, a pivoting support structure 46 pivotally supporting the electric motor 44. The pivoting support structure 46 is pivotally attached to the front end 45 at 47 and is fixedly attached to the motor 44 so as to prevent the motor housing from rotating when the motor 44 is switched on and yet allow the motor 44 to travel with the roll tube 30 as it moves across the opening of the truck box 26. In the embodiment shown, the motor 44 is a twelve (12) volt motor and is suitably electrically ,.':, ' :,~
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connected by electrical wires 48 to the vehicle's electrical wiring system/battery so as to derive electrical power for its operation. An electrical switch (not shown) is preferably mounted in a cab 27 of the vehicle and/or on the side of the truck box 26 itself, for switching the motor 44 on or off.
A preferred embodiment of the switch might include an off position, a forward roll position and a reverse roll position for rolling the roll tube 30 in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction and thus cover or uncover the truck box 26 with the roll-up tarp apparatus 20.
The switch might be biased to the off position such that upon releasing the switch, the switch returns to the off 15 position and switches off the motor 44. The switch -might also include circuit breaker circuitry such that when the roll tube 30 reaches the fully covered position or fully opened position, the motor 44 is switched off automatically.
The embodiment shown in figures 1 through 10 will now be discussed in more detail. The framework 24 supporting the tarp 22 over the truck box opening includes end caps 50 at the front and back ends of the truck box 26 and spaced apart curved bows 52 intermediate of the end caps 50 and extending between the top side edges of the truck -box 26. It will be appreciated that the framework 24 might take on any number of configurations. As illustrated in Figure 2, the end caps 50 preferably include a ridge 51 which assists in forming a tight seal between the surface of the end caps 50 and the tarp 22.
Referring now to figures 2 and 3, the longitudinal edge of the tarp 22 interconnected to the hollow roll tube 30 is sihown in more detail. As illustrated in figure 3, the tarp 22 is attached along its second longitudinal edge to the roll tube 30 by inserting the roll tube 30 into a hem 60 along the edge of the tarp 22. A second, smaller hem 62 is located on a wall of the hem 60 for receipt of an elongated flat member 64 which is inserted into the hem 62. The tarp 22 is secured to the roll tube 30 by riveting or otherwise suitably securing the elongated member 64 by fasteners 66 to the roll tube 30 thereby preventing the roll tube 30 from rotating within the hem 60. It will be appreciated that the tarp 22 might be attached to the roll tube in numerous ways and be in keeping with the principles of the present invention. For example, as opposed to being directly attached to the tarp 22, the roll tube 30 might be removed from the tarp 22 and be interconnected to the tarp by straps.
. . ~ ,. -The roll tube 30 has a relatively large diameter whichmay vary depending on the length of the truck. The diameter is relatively large so as to reduce the number ~ ;
of turns required to unroll or roll-up the tarp. For example, a typical outside diameter of the hollow roll --tube 30 might be from three and one-half inches (3 1/2) to four (4) inches such that only nine to ten turns of ~
the roll tube 30 are required to completely cover or ; :
25 uncover the truck box 26. A typical wall thickness ;~
might be one-sixteenth (1/16) inch. The roll tube 30 is designed to have a relatively heavy weight, e.g., a twenty (20) foot length of roll tube 30 with an outside diameter of three and one-half (3 1/2 inches) might -30 weigh roughly fifty (50) pounds. The roll tube 30 might , be made of any number of materials; e.g., zinc plated steel. -' ''.'. . ;'~
As illustrated in figures 2 and 3, a drive shaft 43 of the motor 44 is suitably, fixedly attached to an end of the spool 34 such that upon rotation of the drive shaft ; -43 by the motor 44, the roll tube 30 is made to rotate.
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The pivoting support structure 46 is suitably, fixedly attached to the motor housing such that the entire motor doe~ not rotate upon rotation of the drive shaft 43.
Thi~ might be accomplished by any number of well known methods. In the embodiment shown, the pivoting support structure 46 is suitably attached to a flat surface of a cradle structure 49 of the motor housing having a curved surface for receiving the curved surface of the motor 44. The cradle structure 49 or equivalent housing structure is suitably secured to the motor 44 and is typically included with the motor 44 as a part of the motor~s housing by the motor's manufacturer. The drive shaft 43 is preferably removably connected to the spool 34 such that the motor 44 can be mechanically disconnected from the roll tube 30 if desired. This might be accomplished by any number of well known methods; e.g., by telescopingly connecting the drive shaft 43 to a projection (not shown) extending out from the end of the spool, with a lock pin 41 or the like 20 interconnecting the drive shaft 43 to the projection. -This will enable ready replacement of the motor 44 or mechanical operation of the roll-up tarp apparatus 20, should the motor be removed, by use of a suitable crank handle configured to attach to the pro~ection of the spool 34 or by attaching a crank handle to an adaptor on the spool 34 at the back end of the truck box 26. The --~
force required to rotate the roll tube 30 will vary depending on where the roll tube 30 is located during the rolling/unrolling process, the force required is ~;
less than most conventional roll-up tarp designs. In the present invention, the greatest force is required when the roll tube 30 is positioned in the covered state along the side of the truck box 26 since the weight of the roll tube 30 must be overcome to roll the roll tube 30 up the side wall of the truck box 26.
Various sizes and configurations of electric motors will work with the present invention. For example, a one horsepower motor with a 100 to 1 ratio or a 2 horsepower motor with a 50 to 1 ratio might be used. The gear reduction provides the motor with an added internal resistance to rotation of its drive shaft when the motor is switched off. Accordingly, when switched off, the motor and pivoting support structure 46 will prevent rotation of the roll tube 30 regardless of where the roll tube 30 is when the motor is switched off.
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Illustrated in figures 4 and 5 are two embodiments of the pivoting support structure 46. Both embodiments are illustrated as being pivotally mounted at location 47 at ~
15 the front end 45 of the truck box 26. The embodiment ~ -shown in Figure 4 includes two elongated members 54a,b ~ -~
pivotally interconnected to one another at location 53 so as to allow the pivoting support structure 46 to .
follow the movement of the roll tube 30 across the top ;
of the truck box 26. Various positions of the pivoting support structure 46 are illustrated in phantom line. ~`
If the motor 44 should fail, the members 54a,b can be -disconnected at location 53 and the member 54b used as a crank handle to manually rotate the motor 44 so as to roll and unroll the tarp 22. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, includes two telescoping members 56a,b. In ~ -~
both embodiments, the electrical wires 48 are connected ;
to the pivoting support structure 46 by a plurality of epaced apart wiring harnesses 58 and might be interconnected to short lead wires from the electrical motor 44 by an adaptor allowing easy connection and disconnection. It will be appreciated that numerous other embodiments of the pivoting support structure might be utilized in keeping with the principles of the invention. For example, a pliable, resilient fiber glass rod might be pivotally mounted at location 47.
The fiber glass rod would have a length greater than the distance between the location 47 and the top of the truck box 26. The fiberglass could be interconnected to the motor in a bowed condition. Because of its length, the fiberglass would remain bowed to varying degrees during its travel with the motor across the truck box.
As illustrated in figure 6, the tarp 22 is fixedly secured along a longitudinal edge thereof to the top edge 28 of the truck box 26 on the passenger side of the vehicle. In the embodiment shown, an elongated member 57 is positioned in a hem portion 58 along the edge of the tarp 22. Suitable fasteners 59 are used to attach -the elongated member 57 proximate a top edge of the truck box 26 so that the longitudinal edge of the tarp ~ -22 is correspondingly secured proximate the top edge of the truck box 26. As illustrated in figure 7, the cables 38 have a length such that the roll tube 30 is prevented from rolling over the top edge of the truck box 26 when in the fully uncovered position. However, if desired, the length of the cables 38 can be such as to allow the roll tube 30 to roll over the top edge of the truck box 26. It will be appreciated that other suitable apparatus for securing the tarp 22 along its first longitudinal edge to the top edge 28 of the truck box 26 might be utilized in keeping with the principles of the present invention.
Illustrated in figure 8 is an embodiment of the anchors 40 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The anchors 40 are mounted on the side 42 of the truck box so as to be roughly in alignment with an end groove of the narrow diameter end of the spools 34 where the cable 38 comes off the spool 34. The anchors 40 shown include an L-shaped plate 70 suitably attached to the side 42 of the truck box 26 by suitable fasteners 72 projecting through rectangular openings which allow for some horizontal adjustment of the anchor. A
threaded eye bolt 74 is freely, slidably received in an aperture of a horizontally extending portion 76 of the plate 70. The cable 38, which might have a diameter of one quarter (1/4) inch, is received in an eyelet 78 of the eye bolt 74 and is suitably clamped by a clamp 80 so as to secure the cable 38 to the anchor 40. The eyebolt includes cooperating locking nuts 82 for locking the eyebolt 74 in place. However, the top locking nut 82 can be loosened to enable vertical adjustment of the eyebolt 74 by threadably adjusting the bottom locking nut 82 relative to the eyebolt. Once the eyebolt 74 is suitably positioned, the top locking nut 82 is threadedly tightened. Accordingly, the eyebolt 74 can - -be vertically adjusted to adjust the tension of the -15 cables 38 which are relatively inelastic. ~ -The adjustable nature of the anchors 40 allows for adjustment of the cable tension, and thus tarp tension, as desired at the time of installation. The anchors 40 are preferably mounted high up on the side of the truck box 26 so that they can not be readily reached from the ground so as to make them less susceptible to tampering.
Moreover, it is anticipated, that once the tension of the cables 38 is ad~usted at installation, there will be very little need for further adjustment of the anchors 40 if at all. Since the anchors 40 anchor the end of the cables 38 and the other end of the cables are -~
attached to the roll tube 30, the cables 38 do not slide relative to the end caps 50, thereby significantly reducing wear of the cables 38.
. "~ ,~ .., Illustrated in figures 9A,B, is an alternate embodimen$ :
of the anchors 40 which includes a bracket 92 having rectangular openings 99 for receipt of a threaded faster -(not shown) to enable the bracket 92 to be fastened to the side of the truck box 26. The rectangular openings 99 allowing some horizontal adjustment of the bracket . .
92. Mountad on the bracket 92 is a ratchet arr~ngement includlng a ratchet whe~l 93 and a pawl 94. The ratchet wheel 9~ incl~ s a hex nut end 95 which can be - -operated by a wrench. The cable 33 is at~ached -to a cylinder 96 of the ratchet wheel '33 by being threaded through two apertures ~7jg~. It will be-appreciated that numeLous other embodiments of anchor~. might be used in keeping with th~3 principles of the invention.
ln Referring now to figure 10, an embGdj.meTIt of the spools 34 which are suitably, fixedly attached at: opposite ends of ~he roll tuLle 30 is illustrated. The spools 34 might be attached to the roll tube 30 in any number of different ways. In the preerred embodiment the spools 34 are nlade from machined aluminum or aluminum casting to minimi~e their weight. The spools 34 might also be made of injection molded plastic so as to keep their weight to a minimum. In the embodiment ~hown, the spools are l~lade as a one piece item. The spools 34 are tapered and inslude a spiralling groove 88 having a number oP turns and configured for receipt of the cable 38. The taper of the spools 34 is predetermined such that the rolling/unrolling of the cable 38 onto the spool6 34 occurs at thé same rate as the 25 rollin~!unrolling of the tarp 22 onto the hollow roll -tube 30. Accordingly, once the cables 38 have been attached to the anchors 40 and adjustably tightened, the cables 38 and the tarp 22 will remain in uniform tension as ~he tarp 22 is rol'ed onto and unrolled from-the roll tube 30. Thus wheth~r in a fulLy unco~ered position, a fhlly covered po~ition, or a partially covered position, the cables 38 and the tarp 22 will remain under the same tension.
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When viewed from the front o the -trucX box 26 as shown in figure 1, the tarp 22 is wound onto the roll tube 30 whe~ uncovering the truck box 26 by rolling the roll tube 30 in a counter clockwise direction, and the tarp 22 is unwound from the roll tube 30 when covering the truck box 26 by rolling the roll tube 30 in a clockwise :
direction. When positioned along the side 42 of the truck box 26, the cables 38 extend up from the anchors 40 between the side 42 of the truck box 26 and the spools 34 and then onto the spools 34. The number of turns of the spiral groove 8~ on spools 34 is preferably equal to the number of turns required to completely -unroll or roll the tarp 22 across the truck box 26.
Specific dimensions of one embodiment of the spool will now be provided by way of example; however, it will be appreciated that this information is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the invention to the dimensions provided. The specific dimensions will vary depending on any number of ~ ~
parameters such as tarp thickness, size of roll tube, ~-width of truck box, etc. The spool 34 includes a rim portion 90 which is slightly larger, 3.74 inches in this embodiment, than the outside diameter of the roll tube 30, and a cylindrical portion 91 having an outside diameter, 3.42 inches in this embodiment, which is sized to fit inside the roll tube 30 so as to facilitate 25 insertion of the cylinder portion 91 into the roll tube -30. The rim portion 90 acts as a stop to limit the distance the spool 34 is inserted in the roll tube 30.
The roll tube 30 can then be riveted or otherwise secured to the cylinder portion 91. The rim portion 90 30 also functions to prevent the cables 38 from -inadvertently slipping over the spool 34 and onto the ~ -roll tube 30. At the distal, wide diameter end of the spool 34, the outside diameter is 4.580 inches. The spool 34 shown has a thicker wall structure than the roll tube 30, the spool having an inside diameter of 2.5 inches. The taper of the spool shown is roughly six to seven degrees. The longitudinal length of the spool 34 ;
is 3.475 inches. The grooves have a width of one quarter inch so as to receive quarter inch diameter cable and a depth of .20 inches. Groove edges are radiussed to reduce wear on the cables 38. By way of example, in a roll-up tarp apparatus 20 using eighteen ounce vinyl coated nylon or polyester tarp, the cable/tarp winding per turn of the roll tube 30 is as follows starting at the narrow end of the spool:
Turn Cable/Tarp Nound l 10.99 inches 2 11.24 inches 3 11.49 inches 4 11.74 inches 11.99 inches 6 12.~4 inches 7 12.49 inches 8 12.74 inches ..
9 12.99 inches ~ :
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In the embodiment illustrated in figure lO, the cable 38 ~ :
is interconnected to the spool 34 by inserting an end o~
the cable 38 through an aperture 86 in a groove 88a proximate a distal end of the spool 34. By adjusting the location of the aperture, the roll-up tarp apparatus ~
20 can be adjusted for use for differing thicknesses of :
tarp. As illustrated in figures 6 and 7, a suitable :.
clamp 89 is clamped onto the end of the cable 38 on the :~
inside of the spool 34 so as to prevent the cable 38 from slipping back out of the aperture 86, thereby .
retaining the end of the cable 38 on the inside of the spool 34. It will be appreciated that the cable 38 :~
might be interconnected in any number of ways to the spool 34 and yet be in keeping with the principles of the invention. As illustrate in figure 10, the vinyl -~
coated cable 38 preferably has a diameter larger than the depth of the grooves 88 such that when rolling over :~
the end caps 50 the spools 34 rest on the vinyl coated -~
cables 38 such that the vinyl coated surface of the cables 38 engages the surface of the end caps 50 and the '. .:; ' ":~ . ' 19 ' ,, spools 34 do not engage the surface of the end caps 50. ~ -In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the outer most groove 88a is less deep than the other grooves and is less than the diameter of the cables 38. The other grooves 88 are deeper to assure that the cable will properly wind and unwind from the grooves 88. For example, if using one quarter inch cable, the outermost cable receiving groove 88a might be roughly .180 inches deep, while the other grooves might be .200 inches or ~ ~-more in depth. It will be appreciated that the front and back spools will be mirror images of one another.
Illustrated in figures 11 through 17 are manually operated embodiments of a roll-up tarp apparatus lO0.
(Features in figures 11 through 17 corresponding to like features in figures 1-10 have the same reference ~-numerals.) In the manually operated embodiments, as ~ -opposed to use of an electric motor 44l the roll tube 30 is made to roll by use of a manually operated crank apparatus 102. In the embodiment shown, the crank apparatus 102 includes a crank handle 101 and an elongated crank handle extension 103 suitably secured to the crank handle 101, which enables the operator to manually roll the tarp 22 while standing on the ground.
Preferably the crank handle 101 is removably connected to the crank handle extension 103 to enable removal -therefrom. The crank handle extension 103 might be telescoping so as to enable adjustment of the length of the crank apparatus 102. This is particularly useful on ;
truck boxes 26 which have adjustable side extenders for raising and lowering the height of the sides of the vehicle. ;
' Further, in th0 embodiment shown, the crank apparatus 102 is preferably removably connected to the roll tube 30 such that the crank apparatus 102 can be removed at any time if so desired, including when the tarp 22 is in .
the covered state as is illustrated in figure 11. ~s further illustrated, in the embodiments shown, the crank apparatus 102 is connected to the spool 34 proximate the back end of the truck box 26 so as to allow operation at 5 the back end of the truck box 26; however, the crank apparatus 102 might also be connected to the spool 34 at the front end of the truck box 26, if so desired.
As illustrated, the crank apparatus 102 is 10 interconnected to the spool 34 at the back end of the truck box 26 by a connector apparatus 104. More particularly, illustrated in more detail in figure 12 are two embodiments of such a connector apparatus 104.
A first embodiment, which is shown in figures 11 and 13 15 through 15 as well, includes a flexible connector, in A particular, a coil spring 106 attached at a first end to the crank handle extension 103 and at an opposite end to -the spool 34. In the embodiment shown, an end of the crank handle extension 103 is slid into the coil spring 106 and is welded to the coil spring 106. Other types of flexible connectors might be used such as a flexible woven cable or a flexible hose. The flexible connector allows operation and storage of the crank apparatus 102 at various angles relative to the end of the roll tube 30. In particular, the coil spring 106 allows a much greater range of operating angles than a conventional u~
~oint; for example, the crank apparatus 102 with the coil spring 106 can be operated at an angle up to 90 degrees relative to the roll tube 30. This allows -~
operation of the crank apparatus 102 in locations where there is very little room or clearance to operate; e.g., -~
at the front end of the vehicle. Moreover, if the crank ;
apparatus 102 is attached to the back end of the vehicle, the coil spring 106 allows the user to stand at 35 the side of the vehicle well clear of the back end. ~`
The coil spring 106 may have various configurations and sizes and yet be in keeping with the principles of the present invention. For example, a "pull typen coil spring six to eight inches in length and with an outside diameter of two inches and an inside diameter of one and one-half inches might be used. A ~pull type~ spring is -one wherein the coils are close together as opposed to a ~push type~' coil spring wherein the coils are farther apart.
A second embodiment of the connector apparatus 104, includes a conventional u-joint 108 having two, interacting parts 110 and 112. The u-joint 108 might be interconnected in any number way to the crank handle extension 103; e. g., welding the part 112 to an extension adaptor 105 which in turn is received in the crank handle extension 103 and suitably secured thereto;
e.g., a bolt or pin might be inserted through the extension adaptor 105 and the crank handle extension 103 so as to removably retain the two parts together.
Should the crank handle extension 103 be damaged, it can preferably be released from the extension adaptor 105 by removal of the bolt or other fastener which might be used, so as to enable replacement of the crank extension 103.
Both the coil spring 106 and the u-joint 108 in the embodiments shown in figure 12 are removably interconnected to the spool 34 at the end of the roll tube 30. In the embodiments shown, this is accomplished by suitably, fixedly attaching a projection 114,116 to the coil spring 106 and u-joint 108, respectively. This might be accomplished in the case of the coil spring 106 by inserting the projection 114 into the coil spring 106 and welding the parts together, and in the case of the u-joint 108, by welding the projection 116 onto the end of the component part 110. The projections 114,116 are sized and configured to receive ia rectangular projection 35 fixedly attached to the spool 34. The projections -114,116 include an aperture 120,122 respectively, sized and configured to align with an aperture 36 in the projection 35 of the spool 34 such that upon insertion of one of the projections 114,116 onto the projection 35 and alignment of the apertures, a lock pin 126 can be ~-inserted through the apertures to removably attach the connector apparatus 104 and its corresponding crank apparatus 102 to the spool 34 of the roll tube 30. A
safety pin 128 is preferably used to retain the lock pin 126 in place. It will be appreciated that the connector -apparatus 104 might take on any number of configurations and be interconnected in any number of ways to the spool 34 and the crank apparatus 102 and still be in keeping with the principles of the present invention.
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As illustrated in figures 14 through 17 the crank apparatus 102 can be stored in any number of positions.
As illustrated in figures 14, 16 and 17, the crank apparatus 102 might be stored along the driver~s side 42 of the vehicle or at the back or front end when in a covered state. In figures 14 through 17, a free end of --~
the crank apparatus 102 is placed in a bracket 107 on the truck box 26. Preferably the crank apparatus 102 is stored at a slight angle relative to the vertical to assure that the crank handle 101 does not hang below the bottom of the truck box 26 so that it is not damaged by debris, etc. while driving the vehicle. Preferably the crank apparatus 102 is stored along the side of the vehicle so as to not interfere with the back end of the vehicle. Of course, the crank handle 102 might also be ~
removed from the roll tube 30 and stored elsewhere. If ~- -the back end of the roll tube 30 is not readily `
accessible, the crank apparatus 102, particularly if the coil spring 106 is being used, might be interconnected ;~
to the spool 34 at the front end of the vehicle and stored at the front end of the trailer as illustrated in figure 16. When in the uncovered state, the crank handle 102 might be stored on the passenger's side of the vehicle as shown in Figure 15.
As illustrated in figure 14, multiple roll tubes 30a,b might be interconnected by a tapered spool 34a so as to provide additional anchors 40, if desired, when using the roll-up tarp apparatus 20,100 on semi-trailers or the like having an extended truck box length. As illustrated in figure 14, an end cap like structure 50a would provide a support surface for the spool 34a to roll on and provide support for inner ends of two separate tarps 22a,b attached to the roll tubes 30a,b.
The structure 50a will preferably include two spaced apart, parallel ridges (not shown) extending transversely of the truck box 26, similar to the ridge 51 on the end caps 50, so as to facilitate provision of a tight seal between the structure 50a and the inner ~ ;
ends of the tarps 22a,b. It will be appreciated that the spool 34a will have a taper similar to the spools 34 ~-so as to facilitate maintaining a uniform tension in the tarps 22a,b as they are rolled and unrolled. The spool 34a might be suitably mounted on the ends to the roll tubes 30a,b in any number of ways such as by welding or the like.
The roll-up tarp apparatus 20 is mounted on a truck box 26 by fixedly securing one longitudinal edge of the tarp :
22 proximate the top edge 28 of the truck box 26 on the passenger~s side of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the tarp might be fixedly secured to either side top edge or end top edge. For example, on a gravel truck, the tarp 22 might be fixedly secured to the front end top edge. The opposite longitudinal edge of the tarp 22 has the roll tube 30 inserted into the hem 60.
The spools 34 are preferably fixedly secured to the ends of the roll tube 30 before insertion into the hem.
Cables 38 are then attached to the spools 34. The tarp 22 is unrolled into the covered position and the length of the cables 38 is adjusted so as to terminate properly with the anchors 40 which were preferably previously mounted to the drivers side of the vehicle. The pivotal support structure 46 is suitably mounted to the front end side of the vehicle or any other side depending on the orientation and location of the roll tube 30. The 10 motor 44 is mounted on the pivotal support structure 46~ ~ -and onto the spool 34 proximate the front end of the truck box 26. The motor 44 is electrically wired to the~ ;
vehicle~s wiring system or battery. Of course before attaching the tarp 22 to the truck box, the support framework 24 is typically installed.
In use, the user will simply switch on the electric motor to clockwise or counterclockwise roll the roll tube 30 as desired. No latching, locking, etc. is necessary. The roll-up tarp will remain in the covered position or in any other position where the roll tube is stopped including fully opened and partially opened `~
positions. In addition, in the automatic version of the invention illustrated in figures 1-10, there are no crank handles to worry about. With the automatic version of the invention, the operator while in the cab and driving the vehicle can open and close the roll-up tarp apparatus. In the manual version, the operator ~imply rolls and unrolls the tarp 22 with the crank 30 apparatus 102 and stores the crank handle wherever -~
desired. The operator can remove the crank handle 102 and store it in an out of the way place. With the present invention, wherever the roll tube 30 is stopped, ~ `~
the tarp 22 will be under tension. Moreover, the tension is the same regardless of where the roll tube 30 stops.
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i Illustrated in Figure 18 is an alternate embodiment of connector apparatus 104' which included a wire reinforced hose 150 which provides for a flexible connector. The hose 150 shown has two wire reinforced hose layers 151 so as to be two ply. It will be appreciated that there might might be varying numbers of layers of wire reinforced hose. A coil spring 152 is disposed inside the hose 150 to prevent the hose 150 from collapsing. The hose 150 shown has little or no resilient memory. Disposed at the ends of the hose 150 are fittings 154 and 156 having threaded portions 155 and 157 respectively. Threadedly attached to the fitting 154 is a hollow cylindrical extension 158 configured to slide onto the end of the crank extension 15 103. The extension 158 includes an aperture 160 for receiving a bolt or the like so that the connector apparatus 104' can be attached to the crank extension 103. Fitting 156 is attached to an extension 162 including a plate portion 164 which in turn is attached 20 fasteners 168 to a plate portion 166 on the end of the ~
spool 34'. -Illustrated in Figure 19 is an alternate embodiment of a roll tube 30'. The roll tube 30' shown has an oblong configuration. The embodiment shown has a dimension of roughly two (2) inches by four and two tenths inches -~
(4.2). The roll tube 30' is used in conjunction with an -~
oblong spool 34' having a similar oblong configuration as shown in figures 20 and 21. The embodiment shown has a dimension of roughly three and two tenths inches (3.2) by five and two tenths (5.2) inches. Figure 22 illustrates the spool 34' inserted onto the end of the roll tube 30'. The roll tube 30' includes four channels 170 which receive internal projections 172 of the spool 34' and serve to prevent relative movement between the roll tube 30' and the spool 34'. Once inserted onto the end of the roll tube 30', the spool 34' is then suitably ;.~,? ~
.
fastened to the roll tube 30~ by fasteners and/or ~ ~ -welding. One of the channels 170 also serves to ~- -received a hem portion 174 of the flexible cover 22 so ~
as to fasten the cover 22 to the roll tube 30. The ---flexible cover 22 is wrapped around the roll tube 30 and fastened at location 176. In this embodiment the roll tube 30l might be aluminum and the cover 22 a polyester material. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment an interior surface 178 of the spool 34' is slightly tapered in a fashion similar to the exterior.
However, as shown, the projections 172 maintain a uniform inside dimension.
The above embodiment provides several advantages. The ~
oblong roll tube 30' and spool 134' ~'walk~ over a heap - -load in the truck during the covering process. When the ~
truck is covered, the roll tube 30' hangs on the side of ~ ;
the truck with its narrow dimension facing sideways and away from the truck. This reduces the overall width of ~-the truck and its accessories and improves its looks.
In addition, the spool 34~ is more easily assembled onto the end of the roll tube 30'.
It is to be understood, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
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Backqround of the Invention The present invention relates to a roll-up tarp apparatus for open containers or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a roll-up tarp apparatus for an open truck box or trailer.
Roll-up tarp apparatus for truck and trailer bodies having an open top are widely utilized in the trucking and agricultural communities. For example, see U. S.
Patent Nos. 2,976,082, 4,234,224, 4,505,512, Re. 31,746, etc.
US patent no. 2,976,082 to Dahlman utilizes a spindle attached to one edge of a tarp with the other edge of the tarp being attached to the truck box. The spindle ~ -has a pair of spools attached at its ends and further includes a hand crank at one end. A flexible cable is : ~-stitched transversely of the tarp proximate its rear and front edges. The flexible cables are attached to the ~`
spindle at one end and to vertically extending springs on the other side of the truck box. The cables are used to maintain contact between the top edges of the truck box and the front and rear ends of the tarp. The spools are also attached to the ends of a second set of cables, :
which cables in turn are connected at their free ends to ~ -opposite ends of a horizontally extending coil spring ,~
mounted on the side of the truck box and resiliently securing the cables together. These cables are wound onto the spools as the tarp is unwound from the spindle ~
by turning the crank handle. The vertically and - -horizontally extending springs cooperate to exert a -tension on the tarp during rolling and unrolling of the tarp. When in the covered position, the spindle is suitably locked in place. In addition to other problems Dahlman requires multiple sets of springs. These springs require adjustment throughout their useful life. ~ ~
Corrosion and interference from dirt and other debris -,; "~:, :~'-can affect their performance. Additionally, the spindle must be locked in the covered position. Also, there is wear do to relative sliding of various parts caused by action of the springs.
US patent no. 4,234,224 to Rosenvold utilizes a rod attached to one edge of a tarp with the other edge being attached to the truck box. The rod has a pair of spools attached to its ends. A pair of ropes are attached to the spools at one end and are attached at their other end to a pair of springs mounted on the interior of the truck box. The springs act to place the ropes and thu~
the rod under tension. A handle is attached to one end of the rod for manually rotating the rod. As the tarp 15 is unrolled, the springs urge the tarp toward the -covered position, thereby placing tension on the tarp and acting to keep the tarp straight. In addition to numerous other problems, as with Dahlman, the springs ref~uire ad~ustment throughout their useful life. -Moreover, they have a tendency to corrode which affects their performance. Dirt and other debris can interfere with their operation. Also, there is wear do to relative sliding of various parts caused by action of the springs. In addition, the front and rear edges of the tarp do not tightly engage the top of the truck box so as to prevent buffeting by the wind. Rosenvold discloses various edge covers which might be used to prevent the wind from traveling between the tarp and the truck box top surface.
US patent no. Re. 31,746 discloses use of a roll bar attached to one edge of a tarp with the other end of the -tarp being attached proximate a top edge of the truck -box. To retain the tarp in the covered state, a crank handle is used to reverse roll the roll bar up under a latch plate such that the tarp is wedged thereunder.
The crank handle must then be secured at the back end of --the truck box to prevent the roll bar from unrolling.
In addition, to other numerous problems, the latching process causes wear on the tarp. The user must be sure to secure the free end of the crank handle when the tarp S is in the covered po~ition, since release of the crank handle will cause the tarp to be released from its covered position. The crank handle must be retained on the roll bar and stored at the back end of the truck box which can interfere with operations at the back of the 10 truck box. If the load settles, the tarp may have a ~
tendency to become unlatched. -US patent no. 4,505,512 discloses use of a roll bar attached to one edge of a tarp by straps with the other -~
15 end of the tarp being attached proximate a top edge of ~- ~
the truck box. A crank handle is used to roll and -~-unroll the tarp. To retain the tarp in the covered : -state, the crank handle is used to reverse roll the roll ;~ -bar into contact with hooks positioned along the side of -the truck box and place the tarp under tension, and the crank handle is then secured at the back end of the -truck box to prevent the roll bar from unrolling.
Although, this design solves some of the above noted and ~
other problems associated with Re. 31,746, the crank - -~-handle must still be secured in order to retain the tension in the tarp and insure against inadvertent uncovering of the truck box.
The present invention provides numerous improvements over these and other roll-up tarp apparatus.
SummarY of the Invention --The present in~ention additionally relates to a roll-up -~
tarp apparatus for an open container including a tarp made of a flexible material. The roll-up tarp apparatus includes means for fixedly securing a first side edge of the tarp to a first longitudinal side of the truck box.
An elongated roll tube is attached to a second side edge of the tarp. Crank means is interconnected to the elongated roll tube for rolling the elongated roll tube transversely of the open truck box, so as to cover the truck box with the tarp or uncover the truck box with the tarp. The elongated roll tube includes spool means for winding and unwinding an elongated cable thereon.
The cable is interconnected at one end to the spool means and proximate a second end to anchor means on a second longitudinal side of the truck box, the spool means being configured to wind cable onto the spool means at the same rate that the tarp is unwound from the roll tube. The anchor means placing the cable under tension.
One advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that it is easy to use. No latching or locking steps are necessary to retain the tarp in the covered position. Upon being rolled into the covered state, the roll-up tarp retains itself in the covered state without any additional latching or locking steps.
Yet another advantage of one embodiment of the present -invention is the use of an electric motor which allows automatic operation of the roll-up tarp apparatus without the user having to manually roll, unroll, or secure the roll tube in the closed or open positions.
In one embodiment, the present invention can be operated from the cab of a vehicle without the user having to 30 exit the cab. ~ ~
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Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the tarp remains uniformly tight during use regardless of whether it is in a fully opened or partially opened state.
An advantage of yet another embodiment of the present invention, reduces wear.
Still another advantage of one embodiment is that the present invention does not require the use of any springs which can corrode or whose performance can be affected by continued use and which may require adjustment during use.
Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention provides a very tight seal between end edges of the tarp and top edges of the truck box so as to resist buffeting by the wind.
A further advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is that no additional guides are required for guiding the rolling and unrolling motion of the roll tube/tarp arrangement. -~
An advantage of one embodiment of the present invention `
is that it provides a wire reinforced hose as the ;~
connector apparatus.
An advantage of yet another embodiment of the present invention is that it provides an oblong spool and roll -~
tube combination which takes up less width along the side of the truck when in the covered position.
':' .: ' Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a roll tube have channels for receiving internal -pro~ections of the spool.
'', '` ~"' ' .' These an various other advantages and features of novelty which characterized the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims and next here to ' '':
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and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings which form a further part herein and to th~
accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs In the drawings in which like reference numerals and letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, Figure 1 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of a roll-up tarp apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the roll-up tarp apparatus being illustrated mounted on the top of a truck box and being disposed in a covered state;
Figure 2 is a partial, enlarged side elevational view of the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1 in the covered state, illustrating an electric motor being mounted on the end of a roll tube for rolling the roll- -up tarp apparatus back and forth between a covered and an uncovered state;
Figure 3 is a partial, enlarged side elevational view of the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1 in ~ ~ ;
the covered state, illustrating in more detail a longitudinal edge of the r~ll-up tarp apparatus which is interconnected to the roll tube.
Figure 4 is an enlarged, front end view of the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1, illustrating a mounting structure for pivotally mounting the electric motor on the front end of the truck box, phantom lines illustrating movement of the mounting structure upon rolling of the roll-up tarp apparatus into the uncovered state;
Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 4, illustrating an alternate telescoping embodiment of the mounting structure, Figure 6 is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1 in an uncovered state, a longitudinal edge of the roll-up tarp apparatus opposite the roll-tube being attached to a top edge of the truck box;
Figure 7 is a diagrammatic, partially exploded end view of the roll-up tarp apparatus in the uncovered state as shown in figure 6, Figure 8 is a an enlarged, side elevational view illustrating an embodiment of an anchor apparatus which anchors the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1 and allows for adjustment of cable tension;
Figure 9A is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an anchor apparatus;
Figure 9B is a bottom view of the embodiment shown .~ ~.
in figure 9A;
Figure 10 is an enlarged side elevational view of :~
the tapered, spool positioned on the ends of the roll tube of the roll-up tarp apparatus shown in figure 1; ;:- -Figure 11 is a perspective view of an manually . :
operated alternate embodiment of a roll-up tarp 25 apparatus in accordance with the principles of the : . .
present invention illustrated on the top of a truck box; -~ :
Figure 12 is a partial perspective view of the roll- : :
up tarp apparatus shown in figure 11 with a crank :; .::: .:
apparatus removably attached to a roll tube of the roll~
30 up tarp apparatus; ~-Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view illustrating two different embodiments of connection apparatus which might be used to interconnect the crank apparatus to the spool; : :
Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of an alternate embodiment of a roll-up tarp apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention which :
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includes two tarps and a third spool, the crank apparatus being shown stored along a driver's side of the truck box when the roll-up tarp apparatus is in a covered state;
Figure 15 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figure 14 with the crank apparatus being stored along a passenger's side of the truck box when the roll-up tarp apparatus of figure 11 is in an uncovered state;
Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figure 15 with the crank apparatus being stored at the back end of the truck box when the roll-up tarp apparatus is in a covered state;
Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view similar to figure 16 with the crank apparatus being stored at the front end of the truck box when the roll-up tarp apparatus is . in a covered state; ~ -.
Figure 18 is an alternate embodiment of a flexible connector apparatus;
Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a roll tube;
Figure 20 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of a spool;
Figure 21 is a side elevational view of the spool shown in figure 20; and Figure 22 is a cross sectional view of the roll tube of figure 19 inserted onto the spool of figure 20.
Detailed DescriPtion of the Preferred Embodiment With reference now to the drawings, there is 30 illustrated in Figures 1 through 10, an embodiment of a ~-roll-up tarp apparatus in accordance with the principles -of the present invention, the roll-up tarp apparatus being generally designated by the reference number 20.
It will be appreciated, that while the roll-up tarp apparatus 20 is shown utilized with an open truck box or semitrailer, the present invention has application to other large containers having an open top requiring an :
easily and readily removable cover. The roll-up tarp apparatus 20 includes a flexible cover or tarp 22 which is stretched over and supported by a framework 24 suitably attached to the top of a truck box 26. The tarp 22 is fixedly secured along a first longitudinal side edge proximate a top edge 28 of a longitudinal side of the truck box 26 which is on the passenger side of the vehicle in the embodiment shown. An opposite, second longitudinal edge of the tarp 22 is attached to a ~ -hollow roll tube 30. In the embodiment shown, there is a tapered spool 34 fixedly mounted to each end of the roll tube 30. Each of the tapered spools 34 is interconnected by a cable 38 to an anchor 40 suitably mounted on a side 42 of the truck box 26 which is on the driver's side of the vehicle. The anchors 40 are adjustable to place the cables 38 under a desired -;~
tension. Since the tarp 22 is attached to the roll tube 30, the tarp 22 is similarly placed under tension. The spools 34 are tapered so that the cables 38 are rolled onto and unrolled from the spools 34 at the same rate that the tarp 22 is unrolled from and rolled onto the roll tube 30. Accordingly, once the cables 38 and tarp 22 are placed under tension by adjusting the anchors 40, that tension is maintained throughout the rolling and unrolling proces~ such that roll-up tarp apparatus is maintained under the same tension during operation.
An electric motor 44 is shown mechanically connected to the spool 34 at a front end 45 of the truck box 26, a pivoting support structure 46 pivotally supporting the electric motor 44. The pivoting support structure 46 is pivotally attached to the front end 45 at 47 and is fixedly attached to the motor 44 so as to prevent the motor housing from rotating when the motor 44 is switched on and yet allow the motor 44 to travel with the roll tube 30 as it moves across the opening of the truck box 26. In the embodiment shown, the motor 44 is a twelve (12) volt motor and is suitably electrically ,.':, ' :,~
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connected by electrical wires 48 to the vehicle's electrical wiring system/battery so as to derive electrical power for its operation. An electrical switch (not shown) is preferably mounted in a cab 27 of the vehicle and/or on the side of the truck box 26 itself, for switching the motor 44 on or off.
A preferred embodiment of the switch might include an off position, a forward roll position and a reverse roll position for rolling the roll tube 30 in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction and thus cover or uncover the truck box 26 with the roll-up tarp apparatus 20.
The switch might be biased to the off position such that upon releasing the switch, the switch returns to the off 15 position and switches off the motor 44. The switch -might also include circuit breaker circuitry such that when the roll tube 30 reaches the fully covered position or fully opened position, the motor 44 is switched off automatically.
The embodiment shown in figures 1 through 10 will now be discussed in more detail. The framework 24 supporting the tarp 22 over the truck box opening includes end caps 50 at the front and back ends of the truck box 26 and spaced apart curved bows 52 intermediate of the end caps 50 and extending between the top side edges of the truck -box 26. It will be appreciated that the framework 24 might take on any number of configurations. As illustrated in Figure 2, the end caps 50 preferably include a ridge 51 which assists in forming a tight seal between the surface of the end caps 50 and the tarp 22.
Referring now to figures 2 and 3, the longitudinal edge of the tarp 22 interconnected to the hollow roll tube 30 is sihown in more detail. As illustrated in figure 3, the tarp 22 is attached along its second longitudinal edge to the roll tube 30 by inserting the roll tube 30 into a hem 60 along the edge of the tarp 22. A second, smaller hem 62 is located on a wall of the hem 60 for receipt of an elongated flat member 64 which is inserted into the hem 62. The tarp 22 is secured to the roll tube 30 by riveting or otherwise suitably securing the elongated member 64 by fasteners 66 to the roll tube 30 thereby preventing the roll tube 30 from rotating within the hem 60. It will be appreciated that the tarp 22 might be attached to the roll tube in numerous ways and be in keeping with the principles of the present invention. For example, as opposed to being directly attached to the tarp 22, the roll tube 30 might be removed from the tarp 22 and be interconnected to the tarp by straps.
. . ~ ,. -The roll tube 30 has a relatively large diameter whichmay vary depending on the length of the truck. The diameter is relatively large so as to reduce the number ~ ;
of turns required to unroll or roll-up the tarp. For example, a typical outside diameter of the hollow roll --tube 30 might be from three and one-half inches (3 1/2) to four (4) inches such that only nine to ten turns of ~
the roll tube 30 are required to completely cover or ; :
25 uncover the truck box 26. A typical wall thickness ;~
might be one-sixteenth (1/16) inch. The roll tube 30 is designed to have a relatively heavy weight, e.g., a twenty (20) foot length of roll tube 30 with an outside diameter of three and one-half (3 1/2 inches) might -30 weigh roughly fifty (50) pounds. The roll tube 30 might , be made of any number of materials; e.g., zinc plated steel. -' ''.'. . ;'~
As illustrated in figures 2 and 3, a drive shaft 43 of the motor 44 is suitably, fixedly attached to an end of the spool 34 such that upon rotation of the drive shaft ; -43 by the motor 44, the roll tube 30 is made to rotate.
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The pivoting support structure 46 is suitably, fixedly attached to the motor housing such that the entire motor doe~ not rotate upon rotation of the drive shaft 43.
Thi~ might be accomplished by any number of well known methods. In the embodiment shown, the pivoting support structure 46 is suitably attached to a flat surface of a cradle structure 49 of the motor housing having a curved surface for receiving the curved surface of the motor 44. The cradle structure 49 or equivalent housing structure is suitably secured to the motor 44 and is typically included with the motor 44 as a part of the motor~s housing by the motor's manufacturer. The drive shaft 43 is preferably removably connected to the spool 34 such that the motor 44 can be mechanically disconnected from the roll tube 30 if desired. This might be accomplished by any number of well known methods; e.g., by telescopingly connecting the drive shaft 43 to a projection (not shown) extending out from the end of the spool, with a lock pin 41 or the like 20 interconnecting the drive shaft 43 to the projection. -This will enable ready replacement of the motor 44 or mechanical operation of the roll-up tarp apparatus 20, should the motor be removed, by use of a suitable crank handle configured to attach to the pro~ection of the spool 34 or by attaching a crank handle to an adaptor on the spool 34 at the back end of the truck box 26. The --~
force required to rotate the roll tube 30 will vary depending on where the roll tube 30 is located during the rolling/unrolling process, the force required is ~;
less than most conventional roll-up tarp designs. In the present invention, the greatest force is required when the roll tube 30 is positioned in the covered state along the side of the truck box 26 since the weight of the roll tube 30 must be overcome to roll the roll tube 30 up the side wall of the truck box 26.
Various sizes and configurations of electric motors will work with the present invention. For example, a one horsepower motor with a 100 to 1 ratio or a 2 horsepower motor with a 50 to 1 ratio might be used. The gear reduction provides the motor with an added internal resistance to rotation of its drive shaft when the motor is switched off. Accordingly, when switched off, the motor and pivoting support structure 46 will prevent rotation of the roll tube 30 regardless of where the roll tube 30 is when the motor is switched off.
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Illustrated in figures 4 and 5 are two embodiments of the pivoting support structure 46. Both embodiments are illustrated as being pivotally mounted at location 47 at ~
15 the front end 45 of the truck box 26. The embodiment ~ -shown in Figure 4 includes two elongated members 54a,b ~ -~
pivotally interconnected to one another at location 53 so as to allow the pivoting support structure 46 to .
follow the movement of the roll tube 30 across the top ;
of the truck box 26. Various positions of the pivoting support structure 46 are illustrated in phantom line. ~`
If the motor 44 should fail, the members 54a,b can be -disconnected at location 53 and the member 54b used as a crank handle to manually rotate the motor 44 so as to roll and unroll the tarp 22. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, includes two telescoping members 56a,b. In ~ -~
both embodiments, the electrical wires 48 are connected ;
to the pivoting support structure 46 by a plurality of epaced apart wiring harnesses 58 and might be interconnected to short lead wires from the electrical motor 44 by an adaptor allowing easy connection and disconnection. It will be appreciated that numerous other embodiments of the pivoting support structure might be utilized in keeping with the principles of the invention. For example, a pliable, resilient fiber glass rod might be pivotally mounted at location 47.
The fiber glass rod would have a length greater than the distance between the location 47 and the top of the truck box 26. The fiberglass could be interconnected to the motor in a bowed condition. Because of its length, the fiberglass would remain bowed to varying degrees during its travel with the motor across the truck box.
As illustrated in figure 6, the tarp 22 is fixedly secured along a longitudinal edge thereof to the top edge 28 of the truck box 26 on the passenger side of the vehicle. In the embodiment shown, an elongated member 57 is positioned in a hem portion 58 along the edge of the tarp 22. Suitable fasteners 59 are used to attach -the elongated member 57 proximate a top edge of the truck box 26 so that the longitudinal edge of the tarp ~ -22 is correspondingly secured proximate the top edge of the truck box 26. As illustrated in figure 7, the cables 38 have a length such that the roll tube 30 is prevented from rolling over the top edge of the truck box 26 when in the fully uncovered position. However, if desired, the length of the cables 38 can be such as to allow the roll tube 30 to roll over the top edge of the truck box 26. It will be appreciated that other suitable apparatus for securing the tarp 22 along its first longitudinal edge to the top edge 28 of the truck box 26 might be utilized in keeping with the principles of the present invention.
Illustrated in figure 8 is an embodiment of the anchors 40 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The anchors 40 are mounted on the side 42 of the truck box so as to be roughly in alignment with an end groove of the narrow diameter end of the spools 34 where the cable 38 comes off the spool 34. The anchors 40 shown include an L-shaped plate 70 suitably attached to the side 42 of the truck box 26 by suitable fasteners 72 projecting through rectangular openings which allow for some horizontal adjustment of the anchor. A
threaded eye bolt 74 is freely, slidably received in an aperture of a horizontally extending portion 76 of the plate 70. The cable 38, which might have a diameter of one quarter (1/4) inch, is received in an eyelet 78 of the eye bolt 74 and is suitably clamped by a clamp 80 so as to secure the cable 38 to the anchor 40. The eyebolt includes cooperating locking nuts 82 for locking the eyebolt 74 in place. However, the top locking nut 82 can be loosened to enable vertical adjustment of the eyebolt 74 by threadably adjusting the bottom locking nut 82 relative to the eyebolt. Once the eyebolt 74 is suitably positioned, the top locking nut 82 is threadedly tightened. Accordingly, the eyebolt 74 can - -be vertically adjusted to adjust the tension of the -15 cables 38 which are relatively inelastic. ~ -The adjustable nature of the anchors 40 allows for adjustment of the cable tension, and thus tarp tension, as desired at the time of installation. The anchors 40 are preferably mounted high up on the side of the truck box 26 so that they can not be readily reached from the ground so as to make them less susceptible to tampering.
Moreover, it is anticipated, that once the tension of the cables 38 is ad~usted at installation, there will be very little need for further adjustment of the anchors 40 if at all. Since the anchors 40 anchor the end of the cables 38 and the other end of the cables are -~
attached to the roll tube 30, the cables 38 do not slide relative to the end caps 50, thereby significantly reducing wear of the cables 38.
. "~ ,~ .., Illustrated in figures 9A,B, is an alternate embodimen$ :
of the anchors 40 which includes a bracket 92 having rectangular openings 99 for receipt of a threaded faster -(not shown) to enable the bracket 92 to be fastened to the side of the truck box 26. The rectangular openings 99 allowing some horizontal adjustment of the bracket . .
92. Mountad on the bracket 92 is a ratchet arr~ngement includlng a ratchet whe~l 93 and a pawl 94. The ratchet wheel 9~ incl~ s a hex nut end 95 which can be - -operated by a wrench. The cable 33 is at~ached -to a cylinder 96 of the ratchet wheel '33 by being threaded through two apertures ~7jg~. It will be-appreciated that numeLous other embodiments of anchor~. might be used in keeping with th~3 principles of the invention.
ln Referring now to figure 10, an embGdj.meTIt of the spools 34 which are suitably, fixedly attached at: opposite ends of ~he roll tuLle 30 is illustrated. The spools 34 might be attached to the roll tube 30 in any number of different ways. In the preerred embodiment the spools 34 are nlade from machined aluminum or aluminum casting to minimi~e their weight. The spools 34 might also be made of injection molded plastic so as to keep their weight to a minimum. In the embodiment ~hown, the spools are l~lade as a one piece item. The spools 34 are tapered and inslude a spiralling groove 88 having a number oP turns and configured for receipt of the cable 38. The taper of the spools 34 is predetermined such that the rolling/unrolling of the cable 38 onto the spool6 34 occurs at thé same rate as the 25 rollin~!unrolling of the tarp 22 onto the hollow roll -tube 30. Accordingly, once the cables 38 have been attached to the anchors 40 and adjustably tightened, the cables 38 and the tarp 22 will remain in uniform tension as ~he tarp 22 is rol'ed onto and unrolled from-the roll tube 30. Thus wheth~r in a fulLy unco~ered position, a fhlly covered po~ition, or a partially covered position, the cables 38 and the tarp 22 will remain under the same tension.
. . .
When viewed from the front o the -trucX box 26 as shown in figure 1, the tarp 22 is wound onto the roll tube 30 whe~ uncovering the truck box 26 by rolling the roll tube 30 in a counter clockwise direction, and the tarp 22 is unwound from the roll tube 30 when covering the truck box 26 by rolling the roll tube 30 in a clockwise :
direction. When positioned along the side 42 of the truck box 26, the cables 38 extend up from the anchors 40 between the side 42 of the truck box 26 and the spools 34 and then onto the spools 34. The number of turns of the spiral groove 8~ on spools 34 is preferably equal to the number of turns required to completely -unroll or roll the tarp 22 across the truck box 26.
Specific dimensions of one embodiment of the spool will now be provided by way of example; however, it will be appreciated that this information is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the invention to the dimensions provided. The specific dimensions will vary depending on any number of ~ ~
parameters such as tarp thickness, size of roll tube, ~-width of truck box, etc. The spool 34 includes a rim portion 90 which is slightly larger, 3.74 inches in this embodiment, than the outside diameter of the roll tube 30, and a cylindrical portion 91 having an outside diameter, 3.42 inches in this embodiment, which is sized to fit inside the roll tube 30 so as to facilitate 25 insertion of the cylinder portion 91 into the roll tube -30. The rim portion 90 acts as a stop to limit the distance the spool 34 is inserted in the roll tube 30.
The roll tube 30 can then be riveted or otherwise secured to the cylinder portion 91. The rim portion 90 30 also functions to prevent the cables 38 from -inadvertently slipping over the spool 34 and onto the ~ -roll tube 30. At the distal, wide diameter end of the spool 34, the outside diameter is 4.580 inches. The spool 34 shown has a thicker wall structure than the roll tube 30, the spool having an inside diameter of 2.5 inches. The taper of the spool shown is roughly six to seven degrees. The longitudinal length of the spool 34 ;
is 3.475 inches. The grooves have a width of one quarter inch so as to receive quarter inch diameter cable and a depth of .20 inches. Groove edges are radiussed to reduce wear on the cables 38. By way of example, in a roll-up tarp apparatus 20 using eighteen ounce vinyl coated nylon or polyester tarp, the cable/tarp winding per turn of the roll tube 30 is as follows starting at the narrow end of the spool:
Turn Cable/Tarp Nound l 10.99 inches 2 11.24 inches 3 11.49 inches 4 11.74 inches 11.99 inches 6 12.~4 inches 7 12.49 inches 8 12.74 inches ..
9 12.99 inches ~ :
.
In the embodiment illustrated in figure lO, the cable 38 ~ :
is interconnected to the spool 34 by inserting an end o~
the cable 38 through an aperture 86 in a groove 88a proximate a distal end of the spool 34. By adjusting the location of the aperture, the roll-up tarp apparatus ~
20 can be adjusted for use for differing thicknesses of :
tarp. As illustrated in figures 6 and 7, a suitable :.
clamp 89 is clamped onto the end of the cable 38 on the :~
inside of the spool 34 so as to prevent the cable 38 from slipping back out of the aperture 86, thereby .
retaining the end of the cable 38 on the inside of the spool 34. It will be appreciated that the cable 38 :~
might be interconnected in any number of ways to the spool 34 and yet be in keeping with the principles of the invention. As illustrate in figure 10, the vinyl -~
coated cable 38 preferably has a diameter larger than the depth of the grooves 88 such that when rolling over :~
the end caps 50 the spools 34 rest on the vinyl coated -~
cables 38 such that the vinyl coated surface of the cables 38 engages the surface of the end caps 50 and the '. .:; ' ":~ . ' 19 ' ,, spools 34 do not engage the surface of the end caps 50. ~ -In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the outer most groove 88a is less deep than the other grooves and is less than the diameter of the cables 38. The other grooves 88 are deeper to assure that the cable will properly wind and unwind from the grooves 88. For example, if using one quarter inch cable, the outermost cable receiving groove 88a might be roughly .180 inches deep, while the other grooves might be .200 inches or ~ ~-more in depth. It will be appreciated that the front and back spools will be mirror images of one another.
Illustrated in figures 11 through 17 are manually operated embodiments of a roll-up tarp apparatus lO0.
(Features in figures 11 through 17 corresponding to like features in figures 1-10 have the same reference ~-numerals.) In the manually operated embodiments, as ~ -opposed to use of an electric motor 44l the roll tube 30 is made to roll by use of a manually operated crank apparatus 102. In the embodiment shown, the crank apparatus 102 includes a crank handle 101 and an elongated crank handle extension 103 suitably secured to the crank handle 101, which enables the operator to manually roll the tarp 22 while standing on the ground.
Preferably the crank handle 101 is removably connected to the crank handle extension 103 to enable removal -therefrom. The crank handle extension 103 might be telescoping so as to enable adjustment of the length of the crank apparatus 102. This is particularly useful on ;
truck boxes 26 which have adjustable side extenders for raising and lowering the height of the sides of the vehicle. ;
' Further, in th0 embodiment shown, the crank apparatus 102 is preferably removably connected to the roll tube 30 such that the crank apparatus 102 can be removed at any time if so desired, including when the tarp 22 is in .
the covered state as is illustrated in figure 11. ~s further illustrated, in the embodiments shown, the crank apparatus 102 is connected to the spool 34 proximate the back end of the truck box 26 so as to allow operation at 5 the back end of the truck box 26; however, the crank apparatus 102 might also be connected to the spool 34 at the front end of the truck box 26, if so desired.
As illustrated, the crank apparatus 102 is 10 interconnected to the spool 34 at the back end of the truck box 26 by a connector apparatus 104. More particularly, illustrated in more detail in figure 12 are two embodiments of such a connector apparatus 104.
A first embodiment, which is shown in figures 11 and 13 15 through 15 as well, includes a flexible connector, in A particular, a coil spring 106 attached at a first end to the crank handle extension 103 and at an opposite end to -the spool 34. In the embodiment shown, an end of the crank handle extension 103 is slid into the coil spring 106 and is welded to the coil spring 106. Other types of flexible connectors might be used such as a flexible woven cable or a flexible hose. The flexible connector allows operation and storage of the crank apparatus 102 at various angles relative to the end of the roll tube 30. In particular, the coil spring 106 allows a much greater range of operating angles than a conventional u~
~oint; for example, the crank apparatus 102 with the coil spring 106 can be operated at an angle up to 90 degrees relative to the roll tube 30. This allows -~
operation of the crank apparatus 102 in locations where there is very little room or clearance to operate; e.g., -~
at the front end of the vehicle. Moreover, if the crank ;
apparatus 102 is attached to the back end of the vehicle, the coil spring 106 allows the user to stand at 35 the side of the vehicle well clear of the back end. ~`
The coil spring 106 may have various configurations and sizes and yet be in keeping with the principles of the present invention. For example, a "pull typen coil spring six to eight inches in length and with an outside diameter of two inches and an inside diameter of one and one-half inches might be used. A ~pull type~ spring is -one wherein the coils are close together as opposed to a ~push type~' coil spring wherein the coils are farther apart.
A second embodiment of the connector apparatus 104, includes a conventional u-joint 108 having two, interacting parts 110 and 112. The u-joint 108 might be interconnected in any number way to the crank handle extension 103; e. g., welding the part 112 to an extension adaptor 105 which in turn is received in the crank handle extension 103 and suitably secured thereto;
e.g., a bolt or pin might be inserted through the extension adaptor 105 and the crank handle extension 103 so as to removably retain the two parts together.
Should the crank handle extension 103 be damaged, it can preferably be released from the extension adaptor 105 by removal of the bolt or other fastener which might be used, so as to enable replacement of the crank extension 103.
Both the coil spring 106 and the u-joint 108 in the embodiments shown in figure 12 are removably interconnected to the spool 34 at the end of the roll tube 30. In the embodiments shown, this is accomplished by suitably, fixedly attaching a projection 114,116 to the coil spring 106 and u-joint 108, respectively. This might be accomplished in the case of the coil spring 106 by inserting the projection 114 into the coil spring 106 and welding the parts together, and in the case of the u-joint 108, by welding the projection 116 onto the end of the component part 110. The projections 114,116 are sized and configured to receive ia rectangular projection 35 fixedly attached to the spool 34. The projections -114,116 include an aperture 120,122 respectively, sized and configured to align with an aperture 36 in the projection 35 of the spool 34 such that upon insertion of one of the projections 114,116 onto the projection 35 and alignment of the apertures, a lock pin 126 can be ~-inserted through the apertures to removably attach the connector apparatus 104 and its corresponding crank apparatus 102 to the spool 34 of the roll tube 30. A
safety pin 128 is preferably used to retain the lock pin 126 in place. It will be appreciated that the connector -apparatus 104 might take on any number of configurations and be interconnected in any number of ways to the spool 34 and the crank apparatus 102 and still be in keeping with the principles of the present invention.
:, ~ .:
As illustrated in figures 14 through 17 the crank apparatus 102 can be stored in any number of positions.
As illustrated in figures 14, 16 and 17, the crank apparatus 102 might be stored along the driver~s side 42 of the vehicle or at the back or front end when in a covered state. In figures 14 through 17, a free end of --~
the crank apparatus 102 is placed in a bracket 107 on the truck box 26. Preferably the crank apparatus 102 is stored at a slight angle relative to the vertical to assure that the crank handle 101 does not hang below the bottom of the truck box 26 so that it is not damaged by debris, etc. while driving the vehicle. Preferably the crank apparatus 102 is stored along the side of the vehicle so as to not interfere with the back end of the vehicle. Of course, the crank handle 102 might also be ~
removed from the roll tube 30 and stored elsewhere. If ~- -the back end of the roll tube 30 is not readily `
accessible, the crank apparatus 102, particularly if the coil spring 106 is being used, might be interconnected ;~
to the spool 34 at the front end of the vehicle and stored at the front end of the trailer as illustrated in figure 16. When in the uncovered state, the crank handle 102 might be stored on the passenger's side of the vehicle as shown in Figure 15.
As illustrated in figure 14, multiple roll tubes 30a,b might be interconnected by a tapered spool 34a so as to provide additional anchors 40, if desired, when using the roll-up tarp apparatus 20,100 on semi-trailers or the like having an extended truck box length. As illustrated in figure 14, an end cap like structure 50a would provide a support surface for the spool 34a to roll on and provide support for inner ends of two separate tarps 22a,b attached to the roll tubes 30a,b.
The structure 50a will preferably include two spaced apart, parallel ridges (not shown) extending transversely of the truck box 26, similar to the ridge 51 on the end caps 50, so as to facilitate provision of a tight seal between the structure 50a and the inner ~ ;
ends of the tarps 22a,b. It will be appreciated that the spool 34a will have a taper similar to the spools 34 ~-so as to facilitate maintaining a uniform tension in the tarps 22a,b as they are rolled and unrolled. The spool 34a might be suitably mounted on the ends to the roll tubes 30a,b in any number of ways such as by welding or the like.
The roll-up tarp apparatus 20 is mounted on a truck box 26 by fixedly securing one longitudinal edge of the tarp :
22 proximate the top edge 28 of the truck box 26 on the passenger~s side of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the tarp might be fixedly secured to either side top edge or end top edge. For example, on a gravel truck, the tarp 22 might be fixedly secured to the front end top edge. The opposite longitudinal edge of the tarp 22 has the roll tube 30 inserted into the hem 60.
The spools 34 are preferably fixedly secured to the ends of the roll tube 30 before insertion into the hem.
Cables 38 are then attached to the spools 34. The tarp 22 is unrolled into the covered position and the length of the cables 38 is adjusted so as to terminate properly with the anchors 40 which were preferably previously mounted to the drivers side of the vehicle. The pivotal support structure 46 is suitably mounted to the front end side of the vehicle or any other side depending on the orientation and location of the roll tube 30. The 10 motor 44 is mounted on the pivotal support structure 46~ ~ -and onto the spool 34 proximate the front end of the truck box 26. The motor 44 is electrically wired to the~ ;
vehicle~s wiring system or battery. Of course before attaching the tarp 22 to the truck box, the support framework 24 is typically installed.
In use, the user will simply switch on the electric motor to clockwise or counterclockwise roll the roll tube 30 as desired. No latching, locking, etc. is necessary. The roll-up tarp will remain in the covered position or in any other position where the roll tube is stopped including fully opened and partially opened `~
positions. In addition, in the automatic version of the invention illustrated in figures 1-10, there are no crank handles to worry about. With the automatic version of the invention, the operator while in the cab and driving the vehicle can open and close the roll-up tarp apparatus. In the manual version, the operator ~imply rolls and unrolls the tarp 22 with the crank 30 apparatus 102 and stores the crank handle wherever -~
desired. The operator can remove the crank handle 102 and store it in an out of the way place. With the present invention, wherever the roll tube 30 is stopped, ~ `~
the tarp 22 will be under tension. Moreover, the tension is the same regardless of where the roll tube 30 stops.
r~ - ~
i Illustrated in Figure 18 is an alternate embodiment of connector apparatus 104' which included a wire reinforced hose 150 which provides for a flexible connector. The hose 150 shown has two wire reinforced hose layers 151 so as to be two ply. It will be appreciated that there might might be varying numbers of layers of wire reinforced hose. A coil spring 152 is disposed inside the hose 150 to prevent the hose 150 from collapsing. The hose 150 shown has little or no resilient memory. Disposed at the ends of the hose 150 are fittings 154 and 156 having threaded portions 155 and 157 respectively. Threadedly attached to the fitting 154 is a hollow cylindrical extension 158 configured to slide onto the end of the crank extension 15 103. The extension 158 includes an aperture 160 for receiving a bolt or the like so that the connector apparatus 104' can be attached to the crank extension 103. Fitting 156 is attached to an extension 162 including a plate portion 164 which in turn is attached 20 fasteners 168 to a plate portion 166 on the end of the ~
spool 34'. -Illustrated in Figure 19 is an alternate embodiment of a roll tube 30'. The roll tube 30' shown has an oblong configuration. The embodiment shown has a dimension of roughly two (2) inches by four and two tenths inches -~
(4.2). The roll tube 30' is used in conjunction with an -~
oblong spool 34' having a similar oblong configuration as shown in figures 20 and 21. The embodiment shown has a dimension of roughly three and two tenths inches (3.2) by five and two tenths (5.2) inches. Figure 22 illustrates the spool 34' inserted onto the end of the roll tube 30'. The roll tube 30' includes four channels 170 which receive internal projections 172 of the spool 34' and serve to prevent relative movement between the roll tube 30' and the spool 34'. Once inserted onto the end of the roll tube 30', the spool 34' is then suitably ;.~,? ~
.
fastened to the roll tube 30~ by fasteners and/or ~ ~ -welding. One of the channels 170 also serves to ~- -received a hem portion 174 of the flexible cover 22 so ~
as to fasten the cover 22 to the roll tube 30. The ---flexible cover 22 is wrapped around the roll tube 30 and fastened at location 176. In this embodiment the roll tube 30l might be aluminum and the cover 22 a polyester material. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment an interior surface 178 of the spool 34' is slightly tapered in a fashion similar to the exterior.
However, as shown, the projections 172 maintain a uniform inside dimension.
The above embodiment provides several advantages. The ~
oblong roll tube 30' and spool 134' ~'walk~ over a heap - -load in the truck during the covering process. When the ~
truck is covered, the roll tube 30' hangs on the side of ~ ;
the truck with its narrow dimension facing sideways and away from the truck. This reduces the overall width of ~-the truck and its accessories and improves its looks.
In addition, the spool 34~ is more easily assembled onto the end of the roll tube 30'.
It is to be understood, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
. : ',' ' ~ ' .
,'~;'.~ " '. ' .
Claims (12)
1. A roll-up tarp apparatus for use on a vehicle's open truck box, comprising:
a tarp made of flexible material;
means for fixedly securing a first side edge of the tarp proximate a top edge of a first side of the open truck box;
an elongated, roll tube attached to an opposite second side edge of the tarp;
two tapered spools mounted proximate opposite ends of the roll tube;
elongated cables being attached to the spools proximate one end;
anchor means mounted on a second side of the truck box opposite the first side for anchoring ends of the cables opposite the ends attached to the spool and for placing the cables under tension, whereby the tarp is correspondingly placed under tension; and roll means for rolling and unrolling the roll tube, the spools being tapered to wind the elongated cables at substantially the same rate as the roll tube unrolls the tarp and to unwind the elongated cables at substantially the came rate as the roll tube rolls the tarp, whereby the tarp maintains a substantially uniform tension while rolling or unrolling the roll tube.
a tarp made of flexible material;
means for fixedly securing a first side edge of the tarp proximate a top edge of a first side of the open truck box;
an elongated, roll tube attached to an opposite second side edge of the tarp;
two tapered spools mounted proximate opposite ends of the roll tube;
elongated cables being attached to the spools proximate one end;
anchor means mounted on a second side of the truck box opposite the first side for anchoring ends of the cables opposite the ends attached to the spool and for placing the cables under tension, whereby the tarp is correspondingly placed under tension; and roll means for rolling and unrolling the roll tube, the spools being tapered to wind the elongated cables at substantially the same rate as the roll tube unrolls the tarp and to unwind the elongated cables at substantially the came rate as the roll tube rolls the tarp, whereby the tarp maintains a substantially uniform tension while rolling or unrolling the roll tube.
2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the roll means includes an electric motor having a drive shaft mechanically interconnected to the roll tube.
3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 2, further including a pivotal mounting structure pivotally mounting the electric motor on the truck box so as to enable movement of the electric motor with the roll tube across the open truck box.
4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein the pivotal mounting structure is pivotally mounted at front end of the truck box.
5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the electric motor is electrically interconnected to a twelve volt direct current (DC) power supply of the vehicle.
6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the roll means includes a manually operated crank apparatus mechanically interconnected to the roll tube.
7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the crank apparatus is interconnected to one of the spools by a flexible connection.
8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein the crank apparatus is interconnected to the spool by a coil spring.
9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the crank apparatus in interconnected to the front end of the truck box.
10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the crank apparatus is non-destructively interconnected to the roll tube so as to allow replacement of the crank apparatus.
11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the roll tube and the tapered spool have an oblong configuration.
12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the roll tube has inwardly projecting channels configured to receive internal projections of the tapered spool.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US42277989A | 1989-10-17 | 1989-10-17 | |
| US422,779 | 1989-10-17 | ||
| US59507890A | 1990-10-15 | 1990-10-15 | |
| US595,078 | 1990-10-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2027827A1 true CA2027827A1 (en) | 1991-04-18 |
Family
ID=27025756
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2027827 Abandoned CA2027827A1 (en) | 1989-10-17 | 1990-10-17 | Roll-up tarp apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2027827A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5292169A (en) * | 1993-03-04 | 1994-03-08 | Brian Woody V O | Truck container cover |
| US5466030A (en) * | 1993-11-09 | 1995-11-14 | Tuff Boy Holding, Inc. | Side loading vehicle: apparatus and method |
| ES2402318R1 (en) * | 2011-03-29 | 2013-06-20 | Clemos Roberto Frances | AUTOMATIC COVERAGE MECHANISM WITH OPEN LOAD NETWORK IN TRUCKS. |
| USD750465S1 (en) | 2013-06-20 | 2016-03-01 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Hinge |
| US9290990B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2016-03-22 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Screen assembly for a window or door opening |
| USD757300S1 (en) | 2013-06-20 | 2016-05-24 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Stile |
| USD833248S1 (en) | 2013-12-20 | 2018-11-13 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Door handle |
| USD839712S1 (en) | 2017-07-20 | 2019-02-05 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Concealed hinge |
| USD839713S1 (en) | 2017-07-20 | 2019-02-05 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Offset concealed hinge |
| US10294718B2 (en) | 2005-12-12 | 2019-05-21 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Pull across roll up screen assembly |
| USD865223S1 (en) | 2017-11-03 | 2019-10-29 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Screen mounting tube |
| WO2020018350A1 (en) * | 2018-07-20 | 2020-01-23 | Royer Ent., Llc | Method and apparatus for a tarpaulin fastening system |
-
1990
- 1990-10-17 CA CA 2027827 patent/CA2027827A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USRE36135E (en) * | 1993-03-04 | 1999-03-09 | O'brian; Woody V. | Truck container cover |
| US5292169A (en) * | 1993-03-04 | 1994-03-08 | Brian Woody V O | Truck container cover |
| US5466030A (en) * | 1993-11-09 | 1995-11-14 | Tuff Boy Holding, Inc. | Side loading vehicle: apparatus and method |
| US10294718B2 (en) | 2005-12-12 | 2019-05-21 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Pull across roll up screen assembly |
| US9739088B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2017-08-22 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Screen assembly for a window or door opening |
| US9290990B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2016-03-22 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Screen assembly for a window or door opening |
| ES2402318R1 (en) * | 2011-03-29 | 2013-06-20 | Clemos Roberto Frances | AUTOMATIC COVERAGE MECHANISM WITH OPEN LOAD NETWORK IN TRUCKS. |
| USD757300S1 (en) | 2013-06-20 | 2016-05-24 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Stile |
| USD750465S1 (en) | 2013-06-20 | 2016-03-01 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Hinge |
| USD833248S1 (en) | 2013-12-20 | 2018-11-13 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Door handle |
| USD839712S1 (en) | 2017-07-20 | 2019-02-05 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Concealed hinge |
| USD839713S1 (en) | 2017-07-20 | 2019-02-05 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Offset concealed hinge |
| USD865223S1 (en) | 2017-11-03 | 2019-10-29 | Centor Design Pty Ltd | Screen mounting tube |
| WO2020018350A1 (en) * | 2018-07-20 | 2020-01-23 | Royer Ent., Llc | Method and apparatus for a tarpaulin fastening system |
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