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US 9,033,393 B2Granted
Convertible tarp system
OwnerEverest Damsi, Kenneth Weschke +1inventors
InventorsEverest Damsi, Kenneth Weschke, Andrew Knepper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.
Claims16
A convertible tarp system comprising:
- a guide track configured to be secured to a trailer, the guide track including a lower wall and defining a first width, the lower wall defining a second width that is shorter than the first width;
- and
- a plurality of trolley assemblies that is supported on the lower wall for movement along the guide track, the plurality of trolley assemblies including a pair of support rollers, an intermediate roller, and a pair of guide rollers, the plurality of trolley assemblies configured as at least one of an end trolley assembly and an intermediate trolley assembly and wherein the end trolley includes spaced-apart cutouts configured to fix the position of a back bow relative to the guide track.
A convertible tarp system comprising:
- at least one bow supporting a tarp of a trailer, the tarp and bow providing an enclosure for cargo;
- a guide track having a lower wall defining a path of movement of the bow, the guide track including a lower flange that cooperates with the lower wall to form a sealing space configured to accept an end portion of at least one of the tarp and the bow such that the cooperating end portion and sealing space reduces accumulation of debris within the enclosure formed by the tarp, the guide track including a retaining groove that engages a splash guard, the splash guard providing a shield against debris within the enclosure formed by the tarp and a light bar configured to support a lighting structure, the light bar including a retaining slot that engages a second splash guard configured to deflect debris;
- and
- a trolley having a pair of spaced apart support wheels that engage the channel and support the bow for longitudinal movement relative to the trailer, the trolley having at least one guide wheel that supports the bow perpendicular to the path of movement.
1 more element
A covered trailering system comprising:
- a flatbed trailer having a deck space configured to accommodate cargo;
- a tarp structure configured to cover the deck space, the tarp structure supported by a plurality of bows that support a covering, the covering defining an enclosed cargo space having a variable volume;
- a guide track secured to the flatbed trailer, the guide track having a longitudinally extending channel, the channel including an outer wall defining a first width, the guide track including at least one of a retaining groove that engages a splash guard that provides a shield against debris and a light bar configured to support a lighting structure, the light bar including a retaining slot that engages a second splash guard configured to deflect debris;
- and
- a plurality of trolleys, each trolley supporting at least one of the plurality of bows, the trolleys having a plurality of support wheels and at least one guide wheel, the plurality of support wheels engaging the channel for longitudinal movement relative to the trailer, the at least one guide wheel engaging the outer wall for lateral support of the bows relative to the trailer.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.