Tarping system for open top containers

A covering system comprising:

• first and second frame members longitudinally spaced from one another;
• an elongated flexible member connected to and extending longitudinally between the frame members;
• a tarpaulin extending along at least a portion of the flexible member;
• wherein the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable between a generally horizontal covered position adapted to cover an open top container and an uncovered position adapted to allow access to the open top;
• wherein each of the first and second frame members has first and second opposed ends;
• each of the first and second frame members is pivotally mounted adjacent its first end;
• in which a projection is connected to and extends downwardly from each frame member adjacent its second end;
• and wherein the flexible member is connected to each projection at a location lower than the frame members in the covered position.

In combination, a covering system and an open top container comprising first and second longitudinally spaced end walls each having a top and bottom, and first and second axially spaced longitudinally extending sidewalls each having a top and bottom and extending between and connected to the first and second end walls whereby the end walls and sidewalls define therewithin an interior chamber with an entrance opening defined by the respective tops of the four walls, the covering system comprising:

• first and second frame members longitudinally spaced from one another;
• each of the frame members pivotable relative to one another about a longitudinally extending axis which is adjacent and above the top of the first sidewall;
• an elongated flexible member connected to and extending longitudinally between the frame members;
• and
• a tarpaulin extending along at least a portion of the flexible member;
• wherein the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable about the axis between a generally horizontal covered position covering the open top container and an uncovered position allowing access to the open top;
• and the flexible member is required to transfer sufficient force from the first frame member during pivotal movement thereof to the second frame member in order to pivotally move the second frame member out of the covered position.