Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TITLE
DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM FOR ROLLING TARP SYSTEMS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
Application No.
16/982,958, filed September 21, 2020, which is the National Phase application
of
International Application No. PCT/U519/23005, filed March 19, 2019.
PCT/U519/23005 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/721,194,
filed August 22, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/644,884, filed
March 19,
2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to deployment systems for shipping
protection
systems, and in particular, to a deployment system for a rolling tarp system.
[0003] Flatbed trailers are often used to haul loads that are bulky or heavy.
These
loads often have handling characteristics that rely on access to open sides of
the flatbed
trailer for loading and unloading. The flatbed trailers provide this open
access for
handling freight but lack a structure for conveniently covering the loads from
weather or
for privacy. Thus, tarps are often used to protect freight carried on a
flatbed trailer.
Sometimes the tarps are applied directly over the loads. Other tarp coverings
define an
enclosed cargo space and provide access to the cargo therein. One such type of
accessible tarp covering is a rolling tarp system that relies on bows and
other support
structures secured to guide tracks to create a space over the trailer and
support one or
more tarp sections or sheets.
[0004] The rolling tarp systems are operable between a deployed state in which
the
rolling tarp system is expanded to cover the load on the flatbed trailer and a
compressed
state in which the rolling tarp system is collapsed to expose the load for
access. As
discussed, the rolling tarp systems typically comprise a plurality of bows and
a tarp
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
section covering and interlinking the bows. Deployment of such a rolling tarp
system
requires positioning, by rolling on the guide tracks, the bows into position
along a length
of the flatbed trailer. Once the bows are in position, the tarp section is
tensioned until
tight on the bows. The positioning of the bows and tensioning of the tarp
section are
manual processes. The time required to perform the positioning and tensioning
may
delay shipping times and schedules. Thus, it would be desirable to have a more
efficient
system for deploying the rolling tarp system on the flatbed trailer.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] The invention relates in general to deployment systems for shipping
protection
systems. In particular, this invention relates to an improved deployment
system for a
rolling tarp system. In one aspect, the rolling tarp deployment system
includes a flatbed
trailer having a deck space configured to accommodate cargo, a bulkhead fixed
to the
flatbed trailer, first and second bows movable along the flatbed trailer,
first and second
tensioning assemblies, and a flexible cover. The first tensioning assembly has
a first
member secured to the first bow, a second member secured to the bulkhead, and
a first
actuator configured to engage the first and second members to restrain the
first bow to the
bulkhead. The second tensioning assembly has a third member secured to the
second
bow, a fourth member fixed to the flatbed trailer, and a second actuator
configured to
engage the third and fourth members and move the second bow away from the
bulkhead.
The flexible cover is tensioned by the second bow moving away from the
bulkhead when
the first and second members are engaged and the third and fourth members are
engaged.
Motorized roller assemblies are provided for each of the first and second
bows. The
motorized roller assemblies are configured to move the first and second bows
along the
flatbed trailer.
[0006] In a particular embodiment of this aspect, the first actuator moves the
second
member to engage the first member and the second actuator moves the fourth
member to
engage the third member. In a different embodiment of this aspect, the first
actuator
moves the first member to engage the second member and the second actuator
moves the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
third member to engage the fourth member. Furthermore, this aspect may be
provided
with a rear cover assembly on the second bow.
[0007] The present disclosure also provides a rolling tarp locking system
comprising a
bow including a cam plate defining a cam profile having a proximal end and a
distal end;
and a locking assembly including an arm configured to move between a locked
position
and an unlocked position, the arm having a follower configured to move
relative to the
cam profile of cam plate from the proximal end and to the distal end such that
when the
arm moves from the unlocked position to the locked position the bow is pulled
toward the
locking assembly to a fixed position.
[0008] The present disclose further provides a rolling tarp locking system
comprising
a bow including a plurality of cam plates, each of the cam plates defining a
cam profile
with a proximal end and a distal end; and a locking assembly including a
plurality of
arms configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position,
each of the
arms having a follower configured to move relative to the cam profile of one
of the cam
plates from the proximal end and to the distal end such that when the amis
move from the
unlocked position to the locked position, the bow is pulled toward the locking
assembly
to a fixed position.
[0009] The present disclosure further provides a method of using a rolling
tarp locking
system, the method comprising the steps of moving an arm of a locking assembly
from an
unlocked position to a locked position, whereby the arm moves relative to a
cam profile
of a cam plate disposed on a bow from a proximal end of the cam profile to a
distal end
of the cam profile such that the bow is pulled toward the locking assembly to
a fixed
position.
[0010] Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the
art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when
read in
light of the accompanying drawings.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a rolling tarp
deployment
system in accordance with the invention.
[0012] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a front tensioning assembly of
the
rolling tarp deployment system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged perspective views of a latch assembly of the
front
tensioning assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a motorized roller assembly of the
rolling
tarp deployment system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first portion of a rear tensioning
assembly of
the rolling tarp deployment system of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second portion of the rear tensioning
assembly.
[0017] FIGS. 9A and 9B are elevation views of the second portion of the rear
tensioning assembly in a first position.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the second portion of the rear
tensioning
assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9B in a second position.
[0019] FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of a front tensioning assembly of
a
rolling tarp deployment system in accordance with a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a motorized roller assembly for the
rolling tarp
deployment system in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a rear tensioning assembly of the
rolling tarp
deployment system in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a rolling tarp
deployment system in accordance with the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views of a front tensioning assembly of
the
rolling tarp deployment system of FIG. 15.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
[0024] FIG. 18 is an elevation view of a rear tensioning assembly of the
rolling tarp
deployment system of FIG. 15 in a first position.
[0025] FIG. 19 is an elevation view of the rear tensioning assembly of FIG. 18
in a
second position.
[0026] FIG. 20 is an elevation view of a tensioning receiver assembly of the
rear
tensioning assembly.
[0027] FIG. 21 is an elevation view of a motorized roller assembly of the
rolling tarp
deployment system of FIG. 15.
[0028] FIG. 22 is a first elevation view of a rear cover assembly of the
rolling tarp
deployment system of FIG. 15 in a first position.
[0029] FIG. 23 is a second elevation view of the rear cover assembly of FIG.
22 in a
second position.
[0030] FIG. 24 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 22.
[0031] FIG. 25 is an enlarged portion of the rear cover assembly of FIGS. 22
and 23 in
a free movement position.
[0032] FIG. 26 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 23.
[0033] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a front tensioning assembly of a
rolling tarp
deployment system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 28-30 are perspective views of a rear tensioning assembly of the
rolling
tarp deployment system in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the
invention.
[0035] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a rolling tarp locking system in
accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a locking assembly in accordance with
the
present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an example of a cam plate and the
locking
assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. An arm of the locking
assembly is in
an unlocked position.
[0038] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the cam plate and locking assembly
shown in
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
FIG. 33. The arm of the locking assembly has moved toward a locked position.
[0039] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the cam plate and locking assembly
shown in
FIG. 33. The arm of the locking assembly has moved to a locked position.
[0040] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the locking assembly in accordance
with the
present disclosure, including a manual bypass assembly.
[0041] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the locking assembly in accordance
with the
present disclosure, including a hand crank that is adapted to engage with the
manual
bypass assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a rolling tarp deployment
system,
indicated generally at 100, in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention. The
deployment system 100 deploys a rolling tarp system, indicated generally at
102. The
deployment system 100 is not limited to use with the specific rolling tarp
system 102
illustrated. Instead, the deployment system 100 may be used with rolling tarp
systems
other than the illustrated rolling tarp system 102. As a non-limiting example,
the
deployment system 100 may be used with the rolling tarp system disclosed in
U.S. Patent
No. 9,033,393, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its
entirety. Typically, the deployment system 100 deploys the rolling tarp system
on a
transport system, such as a flatbed trailer, indicated generally at 104.
[0043] The flatbed trailer 104 is conventional in the art, with a bed portion,
indicated
generally at 106, and a towing element 108 (shown by hidden lines). As a non-
limiting
example, the towing element 108 may be a fifth-wheel hitch unit or a trailer
hitch
receiver. The towing element 108 defines a front portion 110 of the flatbed
trailer 104,
which may be indicative of a direction in which the flatbed trailer 104 is
intended to be
towed. Opposing first and second side portions 112 and 114, respectively, and
a rear
portion 116 of the flatbed trailer 104 are conventionally defined relative to
the front
portion 110. The bed portion 106 further defines a support or deck surface 118
that
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
forms support for transporting goods or cargo thereon. Although the deployment
system
100 is illustrated for use with the flatbed trailer 104, any suitable type of
transport system
capable of accommodating the rolling tarp system 102 may be used. As non-
limiting
examples, the deployment system 100 may be used with other transport systems
such as a
railcar, handcart, or other structure. In certain embodiments, the towing
element 108 may
be a cab portion of a vehicle, such as a stake or flatbed truck.
[0044] In one embodiment, the rolling tarp system 102 includes a plurality of
bows
including a front bow 120, at least one intermediate bow, indicated generally
at 122, and
a rear bow 124. The intermediate bows 122 are interlinked or otherwise
connected with
the front and rear bows 120 and 124, respectively, such that the front,
intermediate, and
rear bows 120, 122, and 124, respectively, may move together. The front,
intermediate,
and rear bows 120, 122, and 124, respectively, are collectively deployable
between a
compressed or collapsed state and a deployed or expanded state. As illustrated
in FIG. 1,
the front, intermediate, and rear bows 120, 122, and 124, respectively, are in
the
compressed state on the flatbed trailer 104. In the deployed state, the front,
intermediate,
and rear bows 120, 122, and 124, respectively, are distributed or otherwise
arrayed along
a length of the flatbed trailer 104 between the front and rear portions 110
and 116,
respectively. A tarp section is typically attached over or between the front,
intermediate,
and rear bows 120, 122, and 124, respectively. The tarp section may interlink
the front,
intermediate, and rear bows 120, 122, and 124, respectively. The rolling tarp
system 102
also includes a bulkhead 126 attached to the front bow 120. The bulkhead 126
is
preferably also fixed to the flatbed trailer 104, typically at the front
portion 110 and
generally perpendicular to the support surface 118. The bulkhead 126 may be
provided
or configured differently than as illustrated.
[0045] The deployment system 100 includes a front tensioning assembly,
indicated
generally at 128. The front tensioning assembly 128 includes latch assemblies,
indicated
generally at 130, a driveline 132 supplying torque to the latch assemblies
130, and a
torque generating device 134 supplying the torque to the driveline 132. The
front
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
tensioning assembly 128 will be discussed in detail with reference to FIGS. 2-
5. The
deployment system 100 also includes roller motor assemblies, indicated
generally at 136.
The roller motor assemblies 136 will be discussed in detail with reference to
FIG. 6. The
deployment system 100 further includes a rear tensioning assembly, indicated
generally
at 138. As illustrated, the rear tensioning assembly 138 includes first and
second rear
tensioning assemblies, indicated generally at 140A and 140B, respectively. The
first and
second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B, respectively, will be
discussed in
detail with reference to FIGS. 7-10.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the front tensioning assembly 128 is
shown in
detail. The front tensioning assembly 128 may include more or less than the
four latch
assemblies 130 illustrated. Each of the latch assemblies 130 comprises first
and second
latch portions 142 and 144, respectively. The first latch portions 142 are
mounted to the
bulkhead 126 and the second latch portions 144 are mounted to the front bow
120. The
first and second latch portions 142 and 144, respectively, engage together to
restrain the
front bow 120 from movement in a direction 146 along the length of the flatbed
trailer
104 and away from the bulkhead 126 (from the front portion 110 to the rear
portion 116
shown in FIG. 1). The latch assemblies 130 will be discussed further with
reference to
FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0047] As discussed, the driveline 132 supplies the torque to the latch
assemblies 130
from the torque generating device 134. To supply the torque, the driveline 132
connects
each of the latch assemblies 130 to the torque generating device 134. As
illustrated, the
driveline 132 supplies the torque to the latch assemblies 130 in series. Also,
as
illustrated, the driveline 132 includes a gearbox 148, having a gear set such
as bevel
gears, to transmit torque from one side of the front bow 120 to the other. In
the
illustrated embodiment, the driveline 132 extends between generally vertical
and
generally horizontal orientations (relative to the support surface 118) by way
of the
gearboxes 148. Alternatively, the driveline 132 may supply the torque to the
latch
assemblies 130 via an arrangement other than as illustrated. Alternatively, as
a non-
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
limiting example, the driveline 132 may supply the torque to at least some of
the latch
assemblies 130 via a parallel arrangement or a portion of the driveline 132 to
the latch
assemblies 130 corresponding to the second side portion 114 of the flatbed
trailer 104
may be on an underside of the bed portion 106. Preferably, the driveline 132
includes a
threaded screw or worm portion, which may be part of the first latch portion
142 at each
of the latch assemblies 130 to supply or transfer the torque from the
driveline 132 to the
latch assemblies 130. Alternatively, other suitable gearings or drive means
may be used
for the driveline 132 to transfer the torque to each of the latch assemblies
130.
[0048] As discussed, the latch assemblies 130 are linked by the driveline 132.
This
results in the latch assemblies 130 also being operatively linked. When the
torque from
the torque generating device 134 is supplied by the driveline 132 to the latch
assemblies
130, all of the latch assemblies 130 so supplied are concurrently actuated.
[0049] The torque generating device 134 selectively generates and supplies the
torque
to the driveline 132. The torque generating device 134 preferably generates
the torque in
opposing directions ¨ e.g., clockwise, and counterclockwise. The torque
generating
device 134 is illustrated as a motor, preferably an electric motor.
Alternatively, the
torque generating device 134 may be other than the illustrated motor. As a non-
limiting
example, the torque generating device 134 may be a hand crank, hydraulic
motor,
pneumatic motor, or other motive device. Furthermore, when the torque
generating
device 134 is a motor, such as the electric motor, the hand crank may be
provided as a
backup actuation system.
[0050] As illustrated, a single torque generating device 134 supplies the
torque to all
of the latch assemblies 130. Alternatively, more than one torque generating
device 134
may separately provide torque to subgroupings of the latch assemblies 130,
wherein the
torque is supplied to the subgroupings by separate drivelines 132 or by direct
connection
to the torque generating devices 134. As a non-limiting example, the latch
assemblies
130 corresponding to the first side portion 112 of the flatbed trailer 104 may
have torque
supplied by a first torque generating device 134 and the latch assemblies 130
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
corresponding to the second side portion 114 of the flatbed trailer 104 may
have torque
separately supplied by a second torque generating device 134. Alternatively,
each of the
latch assemblies 130 may have its own torque generating device 134, such as
the electric
motor.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the latch assemblies 130 are shown in
detail.
As illustrated, the first latch portion 142 includes a stop 150, which may be
a striker or
latch pin structure, and the second latch portion 144 includes an engagement
portion 152
(shown by hidden lines as a hook structure) that engages the stop 150. The
latch
assembly 130 is in a latched state when the stop 150 is engaged with the
engagement
portion 152 and in an unlatched state when the engagement portion 152 is
disengaged
from the stop 150. The engagement portion 152 engaging the stop 150 restrains
the front
bow 120 from movement away from the bulkhead 126 in the direction 146. As
illustrated, the stop 150 is a pin or bar and the engagement portion 152 is a
rotating hook.
Alternatively, the stop 150 may be other than the illustrated pin and the
engagement
portion 152 other than the illustrated rotating hook to restrain the front bow
120 from
movement away from the bulkhead 126 in the direction 146.
[0052] The first latch portion 142 includes an actuator gearing 154 (shown by
hidden
lines). Preferably, the actuator gearing 154 includes a reduction gearing,
such a worm
and sector gear set, bevel gear set, or other angled drive element. As a non-
limiting
example, the reduction gearing may be a 60:1 gear reduction. As shown in FIGS.
4 and
5, the actuator gearing 154 diverts a portion of the torque supplied by the
driveline 132 to
move the hook 152 into and out of engagement with the latch pin 152. As will
be
discussed, the actuator gearing 154 uses the torque supplied by the driveline
132 to rotate
the engagement portion 152 along an arc 156 to engage and disengage the stop
150. The
second latch portion 144 has an attachment portion or mounting flange 158 and
a pocket
portion 160. The attachment portion 158 is mounted to the front bow 120. The
pocket
portion 160 guides and receives the engagement portion 152 and the stop 150
spans
across the pocket portion 160. Alternatively, such as when the stop 150 is
other than the
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
illustrated pin, the pocket portion 160 may be other than as illustrated or
omitted.
[0053] As illustrated, the engagement portion 152 has first and second arms
162 and
164, respectively. The first arm 162 is rotationally connected to the actuator
gearing 154
and the second arm 164 engages the stop 150. The first and second arms 162 and
164,
respectively, are connected by a pin connection 166 that allows relative
rotation between
the first and second arms 162 and 164, respectively. An input end 168 of the
first arm
162 rotates with the actuator gearing 154 but is otherwise restrained from
moving. The
second arm 164 is supported by a roller 170. The roller 170 is supported by a
roller
bracket 172 that is mounted to the bulkhead 126. Alternatively, the engagement
portion
152 may be other than as illustrated.
[0054] When the actuator gearing 154 rotates the input end 168 in a first
direction
156A along the arc 156, the first arm 162 also rotates in the first direction
156A, and the
second arm 164 rotates in a second direction 156B along the arc 156. When the
front
bow 120 is positioned sufficiently close to the bulkhead 126 (such as when the
rolling
tarp system 102 is in the collapsed state), rotation of the second arm 164 in
the second
direction 156B engages the engagement portion 152 with the stop 150. When the
actuator gearing 154 rotates the input end 168 in the second direction 156B,
the first arm
162 also rotates in the second direction 156B, the second arm 164 rotates in
the first
direction 156A, and the engagement portion 152 disengages from the stop 150.
As the
second arm 164 rotates, the pin connection 166 is displaced along the arc 156
and the
second arm 164 rolls on the roller 170.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, the roller motor assemblies 136 are shown. As
illustrated, the roller motor assemblies 136 are provided for the front and
rear bows 120
and 124, respectively, although the roller motor assemblies 136 may
alternatively be
provided for any bow of the rolling tarp system 102 or in a configuration
other than as
illustrated. As a non-limiting example, the roller motor assemblies 136 may be
provided
for a combination of the front, intermediary, and rear bows 120, 122, and 124,
respectively.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
[0056] Each of the roller motor assemblies 136 has a motor 174 and a roller
176.
Preferably, the motor 174 is an electric motor. When the motor 174 is an
electric motor,
each of the roller motor assemblies 136 further includes a battery or other
power source
(such as an electrical harness connection from a common power supply source)
for the
motor 174.
[0057] The motor 174 selectively rotates the roller 176 in opposing directions
¨ e.g.,
clockwise, and counterclockwise. The roller 176 bears on a top surface 178 of
a guide
track assembly 180 of the rolling tarp system 102. Each of the first and
second side
portions 112 and 114, respectively, of the flatbed trailer 104 has one of the
guide track
assemblies 180 extending between the front and rear portions 110 and 116,
respectively.
The guide track assembly 180 also supports roller assemblies 182 of the
rolling tarp
system 102. The roller assemblies 182 are supported on an inner surface 184 of
the guide
track assemblies 180. Each of the front, intermediate, and rear bows 120, 122,
and 124,
respectively, has a pair of the roller assemblies 182, one of which
corresponds to each of
the first and second side portions 112 and 114, respectively.
[0058] As the rolling tarp system 102 deploys along the flatbed trailer 104,
the roller
assemblies 182 of the front, intermediate, and rear bows 120, 122, and 124,
respectively,
roll on the inner surface 184 of the guide track assemblies 180. The roller
motor
assemblies 136 propel the roller assemblies 182 of the front and rear bows 120
and 124,
respectively, along the inner surface 184 by the motors 174 driving the
rollers 176 along
the top surface 178. It should be understood that the roller assemblies 182
and rollers
176 may engage any suitable portion of the guide track assemblies 180, other
than as
specifically described above, to move the bows along the trailer 104. The
intermediate
bows 122 are propelled by the interlinking of the intermediate bows 122 with
the front
and rear bows 120 and 124, respectively ¨ i.e., the roller motor assemblies
136 on front
and rear bows 120 and 124, respectively, push and/or pull the intermediate
bows 122 via
the interlinking (such as by the tarp sheet, cables, bendable or jointed link
elements, or
other interlinking structures).
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
[0059] As a non-limiting example, when the rolling tarp system 102 is deployed
or
otherwise expanded from the position illustrated in FIG. 6, the roller motor
assemblies
136 propel the rear bow 124 in the direction 146. The rear bow 124 is
propelled in the
direction 146 by the motor 174 driving the roller 176 on the top surface 178.
The rear
bow 124 then pulls, one by one as slack in the tarp section is taken up, the
intermediate
bows 122 in the direction 146. The roller motor assemblies 136 propel the rear
bow 124
to a position proximate to the rear tensioning assembly 138 for tensioning of
the tarp
section. Tensioning of the tarp section will be discussed with reference to
FIGS. 9A-10.
As a further non-limiting example, when the rolling tarp system 102 is
returned or
otherwise collapsed to the position illustrated in FIG. 6, the roller motor
assemblies 136
propel the rear bow 124 opposite to the direction 146. Again, the rear bow 124
is
propelled opposite to the direction 146 by the motor 174 driving the roller
176 on the top
surface 178. The rear bow 124 then pushes, one by one as slack is restored,
the
intermediate bows 122 opposite to the direction 146.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a tensioning receiver,
indicated
generally at 186, for the first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and
140B,
respectively. The tensioning receiver 186 comprises an attachment portion or
mounting
flange 188 and a pocket portion 190. The attachment portion 188 mounts the
tensioning
receiver 186 to the rear bow 124. FIG. 7 illustrates the tensioning receiver
186 mounted
to the rear bow 124 at a first location corresponding to the first side
portion 112 of the
flatbed trailer 104. A second tensioning receiver 186 is also mounted to the
rear bow 124
at a second location corresponding to the second side portion 114 of the
flatbed trailer
104. The two tensioning receivers 186 are positioned on opposite sides of the
rear bow to
engage with first or second rear tensioning assembly 140A and 140B of Fig. 8,
as will be
described below. As illustrated, the pocket portion 190 has a U-shaped cross
section
extending in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the pocket portion 190 may
have a cross
section other than as illustrated. A pocket leg 192 of the pocket portion 190
provides
lateral stability to the latched bow system, such as the rear bow, when the
tensioning
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
assemblies 140A and 140B are engaged. The pocket portion 190 further includes
a first
contact surface 194. As illustrated, the first contact surface 194 is a flat
or otherwise
planar surface mounted within the pocket portion 190, though any other
suitable shape
may be provided, and may further be removable from the tensioning receiver
186. In one
embodiment, the first contact surface may be an elastomeric bumper or a
hardened wear
plate. Alternatively, the first contact surface 194 may be a non-removable
surface of the
tensioning receiver 186. As will be discussed further, the first contact
surface 194 is
contacted by the first or second rear tensioning assembly 140A or 140B,
respectively.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 8-9B, the first and second rear tensioning
assemblies
140A and 140B, respectively, are illustrated in detail. Discussion of one of
the first or
second rear tensioning assemblies 140A or 140B, respectively, applies to the
other of the
first or second rear tensioning assemblies 140A or 140B, respectively, unless
otherwise
noted. Each of the first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B,
respectively, has a linear actuator, indicated generally at 196, a top link
198, and a rear
link 200. The top link 198 has a second contact surface 202 configured to
engage with
the first contact surface 194 of the pocket portion 190. As illustrated, the
second contact
surface 202 is an arcuate surface, though other shapes may be used. In
addition, the
second contact surface 202 may have tapering sides that can engage or provide
a wedging
or lateral stabilizing effect with mating surfaces of the pocket leg 192 and
the mounting
flange or attachment portion 188 A first pivot connection 204 connects the
linear actuator
196 and the top link 198 while allowing rotational movement between the linear
actuator
196 and the top link 198. Similarly, a second pivot connection 206 connects
the top link
198 and the rear link 200 while allowing rotational movement between the top
link 198
and the rear link 200.
[0062] A pivot assembly 208 connects the linear actuator 196 to the flatbed
trailer
104. The pivot assembly 208 is rotationally fixed to the bed portion 106 of
the flatbed
trailer 104 and a pivot connection 210 connects the linear actuator 196 and
the pivot
assembly 208 while allowing rotation of the linear actuator 196 relative to
the pivot
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
assembly 208. A mounting assembly 212 rigidly connects the rear link 200 to
the flatbed
trailer 104. The mounting assembly 212 is rotationally fixed to the rear link
and relative
to the bed portion 106. The rear link 200 is restrained by the mounting
assembly 212
from movement, such as linear movement along the trailer and fixed in at least
the plane
defined by the support surface 118 of the bed portion 106.
[0063] The linear actuator 196 includes first and second linear actuator
portions 214
and 216, respectively. As a non-limiting example, the linear actuator 196 may
be a ball
screw. The first linear actuator portion 214 is selectively actuated ¨ e.g.,
rotated ¨ by an
actuator 218, such as a motor and gearbox assembly, to extend or retract
relative to the
second linear actuator portion 216 along a linear actuator axis 220, such as
in a
telescoping manner. Preferably, the actuator 218 is an electric motor.
Alternatively, the
actuator 218 may be a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. As will be discussed,
as the first
linear actuator portion 214 extends or retracts relative to the second linear
actuator
portion 216, the top link 198 rotates along an arc 222. When the first linear
actuator
portion 214 extends from the second linear actuator portion 216, the top link
198 moves
along the arc 222 towards the rear portion 116 of the flatbed trailer 104.
When the first
linear actuator portion 214 retracts into the second linear actuator portion
216, the top
link 198 moves along the arc 222 away from the rear portion 116 (and towards
the front
portion 110 of the flatbed trailer 104).
[0064] As illustrated, the first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140A
and 140B,
respectively, extend upwardly from the bed portion 106. The first and second
rear
tensioning assemblies 140B and 140B, respectively, are at an angle 224 from
the support
surface 118, wherein the illustrated angle 224 is less than 90 . Preferably,
the illustrated
angle 224 is 88 . The first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140B and
140B may
extend at an acute or obtuse angle or at a right angle from the trailer bed
106, if desired.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 10, operation of the first and second
rear
tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B, respectively, will be discussed. FIG. 9A
illustrates the first rear tensioning assembly 140A in a first position, which
is a non-
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
tensioning, or release position. FIG. 10 illustrates the first tensioning
assemblies 140A in
a second position, which is a tensioning, locked or applied position. When the
rolling
tarp system 102 is in the compressed position, or other than fully in the
deployed
position, the first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B,
respectively, are
preferably in the first position. When the rolling tarp system 102 is fully in
the deployed
position, the first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B,
respectively, are
in the second position. The first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140A
and 140B,
respectively, selectively move between the first and second positions by the
linear
actuator 196 displacing the top link 198 along the arc 222.
[0066] In the second position illustrated in FIG. 10, the linear actuator 196
has
displaced the top link 198 along the arc 222 such that the second contact
surface 202 is in
contact with and bears upon the first contact surface 194 of the tensioning
receiver 186.
Because the first contact surface 194 is a flat surface and the second contact
surface 201
is an arcuate surface, the contact between the first and second contact
surfaces 194 and
202, respectively, is a tangential contact point 226. The tangential point of
contact
permits contact between the two components at a discrete point which may be at
a
variable position along the first and second contact surfaces 194 and 202.
This variable
location of the contact point absorbs tolerances associated with the rolling
tarp and trailer
structures. Alternatively, the tangential contact point 226 may be provided by
the first
contact surface 194 being arcuate and the second contact surface 202 being
flat or
otherwise planar. It should be understood that other geometries capable of
generating a
variable contact point between two contacting surfaces may be used for the
first and
second contacting surfaces 194 and 202 and remain within the scope of the
invention.
The first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B, respectively,
develop a
tensioning force in the direction 146 to displace, push, press, or otherwise
move the rear
bow 124 in the direction 146. The tangential contact point 226 between the
first and
second contact surfaces 194 and 202, respectively, limits the tensioning force
developed
by the first and second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B,
respectively, to the
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
direction 146 in the plane defined by the support surface 118 ¨ i.e., the
tensioning force is
generally parallel to the support surface 118. This avoids or reduces
subjecting the bow
support structure to off-axis or non-tensioning loads which cause wear.
[0067] To deploy the rolling tarp system 102 on the flatbed trailer 104, the
front
tensioning assembly 128 is operated to latch the front bow 120 to the bulkhead
126.
Then, the rear bow 124 is propelled to the rear portion 116 of the flatbed
trailer 104 by
the roller motor assemblies 136, which in turn moves the intermediate bows 122
along
the length of the trailer. When the rear bow 124 is at the rear portion 116,
the first and
second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B, respectively, are actuated to
displace
the rear bow 124 further in the direction 146 while the front tensioning
assembly 128
restrains the front bow 120 from movement in the direction 146. This tensions
the tarp
section or tarp sheet of the rolling tarp system 102 and places the rolling
tarp system 102
in the deployed state.
[0068] To compress or otherwise retract the rolling tarp system 102, the first
and
second rear tensioning assemblies 140A and 140B, respectively, are operated to
be
released or otherwise not displace and tension the rear bow 124 in the
direction 146, the
roller motor assemblies 136 propel the rear bow 124 from the rear portion 116
to the front
portion 110, and the front tensioning assembly 128 is operated to unlatch the
front bow
120 from the bulkhead 126. As discussed, the rear bow 124 is moved by the
roller motor
assemblies 136. Alternatively, the rear bow 124 may be moved by other than the
roller
motor assemblies 136, such as during a loss of power or a malfunction, where
the rear
bow 124 may be manually moved on the flatbed trailer 104.
[0069] As described, the deployment system 100 is arranged on the flatbed
trailer 104
such that the front tensioning assembly 128 is at the front portion 110 of the
flatbed
trailer 104 and the rear tensioning assembly 138 is at the rear portion 116 of
the flatbed
trailer 104. Alternatively, the front tensioning assembly 128 may be at the
rear portion
116 and the rear tensioning assembly 138 may be at the front portion 110.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, there is illustrated a second embodiment
of a
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
rolling tarp deployment system, indicated generally at 300, in accordance with
the
invention. The roller tarp deployment system 300 is for a roller tarp system
and is a
variation of the deployment system 100 previously discussed with reference to
FIGS. 1-
10. As such, like reference numerals, incremented by 200, designate
corresponding parts
in the drawings and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0071] Referring specifically to FIG. 11, a torque generating device 334 of a
front
tensioning assembly 328 includes an electric motor 478 which may also include
a
gearbox. A driveline 332 is supported by support brackets 480, which may be
pillow
block bearings or bushings if desired. One or more guard portions 482 restrain
any load
or cargo from contacting the front tensioning assembly 328. Referring
specifically to
FIG. 12, a latch assembly 484, which may be a worm and sector gearbox drive,
has an
arm 486. In a latched state of the latch assembly 484, shown in FIG. 12, the
arm 486
engages a hook end similar to the hook 152 into and out of engagement with a
corresponding latch pin or striker, similar to the latch pin 152.
[0072] Referring specifically to FIG. 13, there is a roller motor assembly,
indicated
generally at 336, of the deployment system 300. The roller motor assembly 336
has a
spring assembly, indicated generally at 488. The spring assembly 488 maintains
contact
between the roller motor assembly 336 and a top surface 378 of a track
assembly. The
spring assembly 488 provides damping for the roller motor assembly 336 and may
also
provide contact pressure sufficient for a motor 374 to drive a roller 376
against the track
surface. The roller motor assembly 336 is mounted to a bow of the rolling tarp
system ¨
e.g., a front bow or a rear bow ¨ by a connection 490. Preferably, the
connection 490
allows rotational movement of the roller motor assembly 336 about the
connection 490.
[0073] Referring specifically to FIG. 14, there is a rear tensioning assembly,
indicated
generally at 492, of the deployment system 300. The rear tensioning assembly
492 has a
tensioning contact portion 494. The rear tensioning assembly 492 rotates the
tensioning
contact portion 494 about a pivot connection 496 to contact and displace a
tensioning
receiver on the rear bow to tension the roller tarp system.
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a rolling tarp
deployment system,
indicated generally at 500, in accordance with a third embodiment of the
invention. The
deployment system 500 deploys a rolling tarp system, indicated generally at
502. The
deployment system 500 is not limited to use with the specific rolling tarp
system 502
illustrated. Instead, the deployment system 500 may be used with rolling tarp
systems
other than the illustrated rolling tarp system 502. Typically, the deployment
system 500
deploys the rolling tarp system on a transport system, such as a flatbed
trailer, indicated
generally at 504.
[0075] The flatbed trailer 504 is conventional in the art, with a bed portion,
indicated
generally at 506, and a towing element 508 (shown by hidden lines) attached to
the
trailer. The towing element may be configured in any suitable manner but may
be a
kingpin associated with a fifth-wheel towing system, a gooseneck towing
system, a hitch
type trailer towing system, and the like. In some embodiments, the towing
element
attached to the trailer may be positioned on an underside or a leading edge of
the bed
portion 506. The towing element 508 generally defines a front portion 510 of
the flatbed
trailer 504, which may be indicative of a direction in which the flatbed
trailer 504 is
intended to be towed. Opposing first and second side portions 512 and 514,
respectively,
and a rear portion 516 of the flatbed trailer 504 are conventionally defined
relative to the
front portion 510. The bed portion 506 further defines a support or deck
surface 518 that
forms support for transporting goods thereon. Although the deployment system
500 is
illustrated for use with the flatbed trailer 504, any suitable type of
transport system
capable of accommodating the rolling tarp system 502 may be used. As non-
limiting
examples, the deployment system 500 may be used with other transport systems
such as a
railcar, handcart, or other structure. In certain embodiments, the towing
element 508 may
be adjacent to or connected with a cab portion of a vehicle, such as a stake
truck.
[0076] In one embodiment, the rolling tarp system 502 includes a plurality of
bows
including a front bow 520, at least one intermediate bow similar to
intermediate bows
122 described above, and a rear bow 524. The intermediate bows are interlinked
or
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
otherwise connected with and between the front and rear bows 520 and 524,
respectively,
such that the front bow 520, intermediate bows, and rear bow 524 may move
together. In
one embodiment, the interlinking component may be a tarp sheet. Alternatively,
cables,
folding linkages, or other structures may interconnect the bow, alone or in
conjunction
with the tarp sheet. The front bow 520, intermediate bows, and rear bow 524
are
collectively deployable between a compressed or collapsed state and a deployed
or
expanded state. In the compressed state, the front bow 520, intermediate bows,
and rear
bow 524 are positioned tightly together and the flatbed trailer 504 is
substantially
uncovered. In the deployed state, the front bow 520, intermediate bows, and
rear bow
524 are distributed or otherwise arrayed along a length of the flatbed trailer
504 between
the front and rear portions 510 and 516, respectively. As illustrated in FIG.
15, the front
and rear bows 520 and 524, respectively, are in a partially deployed state on
the flatbed
trailer 504 that is between the compressed and deployed states and in which
the flatbed
trailer is partially uncovered.
[0077] A tarp section is typically attached over or between the front bow 520,
intermediate bows, and rear bow 524. The tarp section may interlink the front
bow 520,
intermediate bows, and rear bow 524. The rolling tarp system 502 also includes
a
bulkhead 526 attached to the front bow 520. The bulkhead 526 is preferably
also fixed in
position in a plane defined by the support surface 518. The bulkhead 526 may
be
provided differently than as illustrated.
[0078] The deployment system 500 includes first and second front tensioning
assemblies, indicated generally at 528A and 528B, respectively. Discussion of
one of the
first and second front tensioning assemblies 528A and 528B, respectively, also
applies to
the other of the first and second front tensioning assemblies 528A and 528B,
respectively, unless otherwise noted. The first and second front tensioning
assemblies
528A and 528B, respectively, will be discussed in detail with reference to
FIGS. 16 and
17.
[0079] The deployment system 500 further includes first and second rear
tensioning
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
assemblies, indicated generally at 530A and 530B, respectively. Discussion of
one of the
first and second rear tensioning assemblies 530A and 530B, respectively, also
applies to
the other of the first and second rear tensioning assemblies 530A and 530B,
respectively,
unless otherwise noted. The first and second rear tensioning assemblies 530A
and 530B,
respectively, will be discussed in detail with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.
[0080] The deployment system 500 also includes electric roller motor
assemblies,
indicated generally at 532. As a non-limiting example, the electric roller
motor
assemblies 532 may be used to deploy or compress the rolling tarp system 502.
As
illustrated, the roller motor assemblies are provided for the front and rear
bows 520 and
524, respectively. The roller motor assemblies will be discussed in detail
with reference
to FIG. 21.
[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, there is illustrated the first and
second front
tensioning assemblies 528A and 528B, respectively, in detail. The first front
tensioning
assembly 528A includes a pivotally mounted, electric, front tensioning
actuator motor
534, pivotally mounted hooks 536A-536D, and an actuator linkage 538 mounted to
the
front bow 520. Preferably, the actuator motor 534, hooks 536, and actuator
linkage 538
are mounted to opposing vertical portions of the front bow 520. The front bow
520
further has at least one of the roller motor assemblies 532 as illustrated for
movement of
the front bow 520 along the flatbed trailer 504. The front bow 520 is also
provided with
a front electronic controller 540 for automated operation of the first and
second front
tensioning assemblies 528A and 528B, respectively, during deployment and
compression
of the deployment system 500 ¨ e.g., operating the actuator motor 534 to
actuate the
hooks 536 ¨ as well as operation of the roller motor assemblies 532 to move
the front
bow 520. The front electronic controller 540 also preferably coordinates
operating of
electronic stops, alarms, and/or warning lights for the deployment system 500.
[0082] The first front tensioning assembly 528A further includes hook receiver
assemblies 542 and a receiver linkage 544. A shaft 546 connects the hook
receiver
assemblies 542A-542D corresponding to the hooks 536A-536D of the first and
second
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
front tensioning assemblies 528A and 528B, respectively. The first front
tensioning
assembly 528A further includes a manual drive assembly, indicated generally at
548,
mounted to the bulkhead 526 that is for manually actuating the hook receiver
assemblies
542. As illustrated, the manual drive assembly 548 includes a hand crank
receiver 550, a
bevel gear hub 552, and a drive shaft 554. As illustrated, the hand crank
receiver 550
allows the manual drive assembly 548 to be operated from the ground outside
the flatbed
trailer 504.
[0083] Gaskets, baffles, or other cushioning and/or sealing structures 556 may
be
provided between the front bow 520 and the bulkhead 526. The gaskets 556 may
be
provided on both of the front bow 520 and the bulkhead 526 or on only one of
the front
bow 520 or the bulkhead 526. The sealing structures, particularly where two
opposing
seals 556 are provided on the front bow 520 and bulkhead 526, can provide a
safety
function should an operator place an arm or leg between the seals during the
closing
operation by preventing the hooks from engaging the receivers. Should a
smaller
appendage, such as a finger or hand, be inserted between the gaskets, the
thickness of
the gaskets provides sufficient cushioning to accommodate the appendage and
prevent
injury.
[0084] During automated operation of the first and second front tensioning
assemblies
528A and 528B, respectively, the roller motor assemblies 532 are first used to
position
the front bow 520 adjacent the bulkhead 526 such that the hooks 536A-536D may
be
actuated to engage the hook receiver assemblies 542A-542D. Then, the actuator
motor
534 is actuated to rotate each of the hooks 536A-D to engage with the
corresponding
hook receiver assemblies 542A-D. Second and third hooks 536B and 536C,
respectively,
are directly actuated by the actuator motors 534 and first and fourth lower
hooks 536A
and 536D, respectively, are indirectly actuated by the actuator motor 534 via
the actuator
linkage 538, though any actuation arrangement may be used. The hooks 536A-D
are
actuated to rotate in a first direction 557 about a first pivot 558. The hook
receiver
assemblies 542A-D are mounted on the bulkhead 526 such that the hook receiver
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
assemblies 542A-D rotate in a second direction 560 about a second pivot 562
when the
hooks 536A-D contact and engage with the hook receiver assemblies 542A-D.
Rotation
of the hook receiver assemblies 542A-D in the second direction 560 takes up
slack
between the hooks 536A-D and the hook receiver assemblies 542A-D.
[0085] The first and second front tensioning assemblies 528A and 528B,
respectively,
may be manually actuated to release the first and second front tensioning
assemblies
528A and 528B, respectively. The drive shaft 554 is rotated via a hand crank
in the hand
crank receiver 550. Rotation of the drive shaft 554 linearly translates a
rotationally
restrained nut 564 along the drive shaft 554. The linear movement of the nut
564 along
the drive shaft 554 results in a manual drive linkage 566 rotating a first
hook receiver
assembly 542A in the second direction 560 about the second pivot 562. The
other hook
receiver assemblies 542B-D are also rotated in the second direction 560 via
the receiver
linkage 544 and shaft 546. This raises the hook receiver assemblies 542A-D
such that the
hook receiver assemblies 542A-D disengage from the hooks 536A-D. Furthermore,
rotation of either of second or third hook receiver assemblies 542B or 542C,
respectively,
in the second direction 560 also rotates the shaft 546 in the second direction
560, which
results in the other of the second or third hook receiver assemblies 542B or
542C,
respectively, also rotating in the second direction 560. A fourth receiver
assembly 542D
is connected to the third hook receiver assembly 542C by a receiver linkage
544.
[0086] As illustrated, four hooks 536 and four corresponding hook receiver
assemblies
542 are provided for the deployment system 500. Alternatively, more, or fewer
than four
hooks 536 and/or hook receiver assemblies 542 may be provided for the
deployment
system 500.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, there is illustrated the second rear
tensioning assembly 530B. The second rear tensioning assembly 530B includes a
pivotally mounted, electric, rear tensioning actuator motor 568 that linearly
extends or
retracts a rod 570 to which a tension link 572 is pivotally connected. While
the tension
link 572 is illustrated with an arcuate shape, such is not required. A tension
link support
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
574 is pivotally connected to the tension link 572 and a tension link
reinforcement 576 is
rigidly connected to the tension link 572. The tension link support 574 is
pivotally
mounted to the rear bow 524 and hinged to move in consort with the tension
link
reinforcement 576, such as a four bar linkage arrangement. As a non-limiting
example,
the tension link 572 and the tension link reinforcement 576 may be formed as a
single,
unitary, or otherwise monolithic member. The tension link support 574 is
pivotally
connected to the tension link reinforcement 576 by a load cell link 578. The
actuator
motor 568, rod 570, tension link 572, tension link support, tension link
reinforcement
576, and load cell link 578 are supported by the rear bow 524.
[0088] A first distance between the tension link supports 574 for the first
and second
rear tensioning assemblies 530A and 530B, respectively, is less than a second
distance
between the tension link reinforcements 576 for the first and second rear
tensioning
assemblies 530A and 530B, respectively, wherein the first and second distances
are
parallel to each other and both transverse to the intended direction of towing
for the
flatbed trailer 504. As a result, the tension link support 574 has a greater
dimension ¨
i.e., thickness ¨ in a direction transverse to the intended direction of
towing than the
tension link reinforcement 576 such that the tension link support 574 and the
tension link
reinforcement 576 form a pocket, indicated generally at 580. The pocket 580
will be
discussed further with reference to FIG. 19.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 20, the first rear tensioning assembly 530A
further
includes a first rear tensioning receiver assembly, indicated generally at
582A. The first
tensioning receiver assembly 582A is mounted to the bed portion 506.
Discussion of one
of the first or second tensioning receiver assemblies 582A or 582B,
respectively, also
applies to the other of the first or second tensioning receiver assemblies
582A or 582B,
respectively, unless otherwise noted.
[0090] The first tensioning receiver assembly 582A includes a contact plate
584
rigidly fixed to a first structural member 586. A second structural member 588
is
pivotally connected to the first structural member 586. The first structural
member 586 is
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
pivotally fixed to a first base member 590 and the second structural member
588 is
pivotally connected to a second base member 592. The first base member 590 is
fixed to
the bed portion 506. The second base member 592 is fixed to the bed portion
506 and an
adjustable hinge 592A has a sliding connection to the second base member 592.
A
position of the adjustable hinge 592A relative to the second base member 592
is adjusted
by a threaded rod 594. As illustrated, the threaded rod 594 is manually
adjustable by a
hand crank (not shown). Alternatively, the threaded rod 594 may be adjustable
by a
motor. The adjustable hinge 592A may be adjusted in a third direction 596
relative to the
second base member 592, and thus the bed portion 506, such that the contact
plate 584
rotates in a fourth direction 598 and a vertical elevation 600 of the contact
plate 584 is
adjusted. Preferably, the vertical elevation 600 of the contact plate 584 is
coordinated
with a similar vertical elevation of the pocket 580.
[0091] In one embodiment, a third distance between the contact plates 584 of
the first
and second tensioning receiver assemblies 582A and 582B, respectively, is
greater than a
fourth distance between the first base members 590 of the first and second
tensioning
receiver assemblies 582A and 582B, respectively. The third and fourth
distances are
parallel and transverse to the intended direction of towing for the flatbed
trailer 504. As a
result, the first and second tensioning receiver assemblies 582A and 582B,
respectively,
are mounted to the bed portion 506 such that the contact plates 584 are
positioned over
the first and second sides 512 and 514 of the bed portion 506. In another
embodiment,
the distance between contact plates 584 of the spaced apart first and second
tensioning
receiver assemblies 582A and 582B is within the envelope of the tarp and rear
bow
assembly and positioned generally in a plane defined by the pivot points of
the linkages.
The contact plates 584 engage pockets 580 of the associated tensioning
receiver
assemblies 582A and 582B.
[0092] During automated operation of the second rear tensioning assembly 530B,
the
roller motor assemblies 532 are first used to position the rear bow 524 at the
rear portion
516 of the bed portion 506. With the rear bow 524 in position relative to the
first and
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
second tensioning receiver assemblies 582A and 582B, respectively, the rolling
tarp
system 502 is tensioned. The actuator motor 568 is operated to rotate the
tension link
support 574 and the tension link reinforcement 576 in a fifth direction 602.
The tension
link support 574 rotates about a third pivot 604 and the tension link
reinforcement 576
rotates about a fourth pivot 606.
[0093] The actuator motor 568 rotates the tension link support 574 and the
tension
link reinforcement 576 from a first position (shown in FIG. 18) and towards a
second
position (shown in FIG. 19 with the pivotally mounted actuator motor 568 also
rotated)
such that the contact plate 584 enters the pocket 580 and contacts the tension
link support
574. Preferably, the contact plate 584 contacts the tension link support 574
as shown in
FIG. 19. As a result, and with the front bow 520 restrained by the first and
second front
tensioning assemblies 528A and 528B, respectively, the rear bow 524 is moved
in a sixth
direction 608 that is away from the front bow 520. Typically, the sixth
direction 608 is
parallel to the intended direction of towing for the flatbed trailer 504.
[0094] Movement of the rear bow 524 in the sixth direction 608 introduces a
tensioning force in the rolling tarp system 502. Movement of the tension link
support
574 and the tension link reinforcement 576 towards the front portion 510
increases the
tensioning force. Movement of the tension link support 574 and the tension
link
reinforcement 576 away from the front portion 510 decreases the tensioning
force.
[0095] Preferably, the load cell link 578 is used to measure the tensioning
force so that
a desired tensioning force may be realized. Preferably, the load cell link 578
is used so
that the first and second rear tensioning assemblies 530A and 530B,
respectively, may
achieve a preset tensioning load. Furthermore, the load cell link 578 may be
used to
maintain and/or adjust the tensioning force to the preset tensioning load
while the
deployment system 500 is deployed ¨ e.g., the tensioning force may be
maintained or
adjusted while the flatbed trailer 504 is being transported.
[0096] Referring now to FIG. 21, there is illustrated one of the roller motor
assemblies
532 for the deployment system 500. As non-limiting examples, the roller motor
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
assembly 532 illustrated in FIG. 21 may be mounted to and propel the front or
rear bows
520 or 524, respectively, or both bows.
[0097] The roller motor assembly 532 includes an electric drive motor 612
driving a
drive wheel 614. The drive wheel 614 propels the roller motor assembly 532 on
a track
616 (shown in FIG. 25). Preferably, the drive wheel 614 is an anti-slip wheel,
though
such is not required. Alternatively, the drive wheel 614 may be a toothed
wheel that
engages a corresponding and mating toothed track (not shown) attached to the
bed
portion 506. Lower rollers, indicated generally at 618, are within track
passages below
an upper surface of the track 616 to provide stability for the roller motor
assembly 532.
A manual release 620 selectively operates a clamping mechanism to engage or
disengage
the drive wheel 614 from the track 616. The manual release 620 engages the
drive wheel
614 by pressing the drive wheel 614 against the track 616 and provides
consistent traction
between the drive wheel 614 and the track 616. The drive wheel 614 may be
disengaged
from the track 616, by using the manual release 620, to allow the front bow
520,
intermediate bows, or rear bow 524 to be moved manually along the bed portion
506.
The roller motor assembly 532 also includes a limit switch 621 for determining
and
controlling a position of the roller motor assembly 532 on the flatbed trailer
504.
[0098] The deployment system 500 may also include a rear cover assembly,
indicated
generally at 622. The rear cover assembly 622 is illustrated in a deployed
position in
FIG. 22 and in a retracted position in FIG. 23. Preferably, the rear cover
assembly 622 is
attached to the rear bow 524. In FIGS. 22 and 23, the first and second rear
tensioning
assemblies 530A and 530B, respectively, are omitted for clarity.
[0099] The rear cover assembly 622 is mounted to an extension cover 624 that
is in
turn mounted to the rear bow 524. Preferably, the extension cover 624 is
provided on the
rear bow 524 as illustrated. Alternatively, the extension cover 624 may be
provided other
than as illustrated. As a non-limiting example, the extension cover 624 may be
provided
only for a top side 626 of the rear bow 524.
[00100] The rear cover assembly 622 includes first and second electric motors
628 and
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
630, respectively, which are connected by a rod 632, and a cover 634.
Alternatively,
more, or fewer than the first and second electric motors 628 and 630,
respectively, may
be provided. As illustrated, the cover 634 is a soft, non-rigid cover. When
the cover 634
is the soft, non-rigid cover illustrated, the first and second electric motors
628 and 630,
respectively, are operated to roll the cover 634 on to the rod 632 from the
deployed
position in FIG. 22 to the retracted position in FIG. 23. Alternatively, the
cover 634 may
be a rigid or partially rigid cover. As a non-limiting example, the cover 634
may be a
plurality of rigid horizontal slats, connected by flexible fabric pleats, and
raised and
compressed in an accordion manner.
[00101] Preferably, first and second vertical members 636A and 636B,
respectively, of
the extension cover 624 are C-shaped channels that guide movement of the cover
634 up
and down between the deployed and retracted positions. Furthermore, the cover
634 is
provided with a bar 638 (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 22) at an end opposite
the rod
632. The bar 638 provides weighting of the cover 634. Preferably, rollers 640
are
provided on opposite ends of the bar 638 to roll in the C-shaped channels of
the first and
second vertical members 636A and 636B, respectively. A stabilizer member 642
is
provided for the rollers 640.
[00102] FIG. 24 illustrates the bar 638 in a locked down position. Preferably,
the bar
638 is in the locked down position when the rear cover assembly 622 is in the
deployed
position. FIG. 25 illustrates the bar 638 in a free movement position. The bar
638 is in
the free movement position when the rear cover assembly 622 is moved between
the
deployed and retracted positions. FIG. 26 illustrates the bar 638 ready to be
placed in a
locked up position. To place the bar 638 into the locked up position, the bar
638 is
moved in a forward direction 644 and into a recess 646. The cover 634 is
omitted from
FIGS. 24-26 for clarity.
[00103] The deployment system 500 may be actuated by an operator, such as a
driver
or tractor/trailer operator with the electronic or manual systems described
above.
Alternatively, the deployment system 500 may be coupled to a controller of an
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
autonomous vehicle, such as an autonomous tractor-trailer system, to be
deployed by the
vehicle rather than a human operator. In such a system, the vehicle controller
may
respond to an input, such as an indication of arrival at the desired
destination, and contact
the recipient and autonomously activating the deployment system to permit
loading or
unloading of goods.
[00104] Referring now to FIGS. 27-30, there is illustrated a fourth embodiment
of a
rolling tarp deployment system, indicated generally at 700, in accordance with
the
invention. The roller tarp deployment system 700 is for a roller tarp system
and is a
variation of the deployment system 500 previously discussed with reference to
FIGS. 15-
26. As such, like reference numerals, incremented by 200, designate
corresponding parts
in the drawings and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[00105] Referring now to FIG. 27, there is illustrated a front tensioning
assembly 728.
The front tensioning assembly 728 includes an actuator motor 734 positioned
above
hooks 736. The actuator motor 734 rotates the hooks 736 in a first direction
757.
[00106] Referring now to FIGS. 28-30, there is illustrated a portion of a rear
tensioning
assembly 730 that includes a tension link 772, a tension link support 774, a
tension link
reinforcement 776, and a load cell link 778. The tension link support 774
defines a
pocket 780. Within the pocket 780 is a bearing member 848. The pocket 780
receives a
corresponding contact plate. The contact plate contacts the bearing member
848.
[00107] FIGS. 31-37 illustrate an embodiment of a rolling tarp locking system
900.
The rolling tarp locking system 900 can be used in combination with any
embodiments of
the rolling tarp systems described herein. For example, the rolling tarp
locking system
900 can be used with one of the rolling tarp systems having a flatbed trailer
with a rear
portion and a front portion discussed hereinabove. The rolling tarp locking
system 900 is
configured to secure two support structures together into a fixed position,
such as
securing a bow to a bulkhead into a fixed position. However, it should be
appreciated
that the rolling tarp locking system 900 can be used to secure other support
structures or
components together, if desired.
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
[00108] As illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, the rolling tarp locking system 900
includes
a bow 902 and a locking assembly 904 disposed on a bulkhead 906. The bow 902
and
the bulkhead 906 can be identical or similar to the bows and bulkheads
discussed with
respect to the rolling tarp systems, except as described below. The bow 902
and the
bulkhead 906 may be disposed on a flatbed trailer. As illustrated in FIGS. 31
and 32, the
bow 902 is disposed adjacent to the bulkhead 906. In certain embodiments, the
locking
assembly 904 is disposed on a different structure to facilitate the bow 902
locking with
different structures, for example, a subsequent bow, an enclosure, or other
suitable
structure. The bow 902 is moveable along the flatbed trailer and may include
an identical
or similar roller motor assembly as discussed hereinabove to permit the bow
902 to move
along the flatbed trailer. Other methods and means for moving the bow 902
along the
flatbed trailer are also contemplated, within the scope of this disclosure.
[00109] The bow 902 includes a cam plate 908a that interacts with the locking
assembly 904 to secure the bow 902 to the bulkhead 906. However, the bow 902
can
include any number of cam plates, if desired. In the illustrated example,
shown in FIGS.
31 and 33-35, the bow 902 includes additional cam plates, 908b-908d. Each of
the cam
plates 908a-908d define a cam profile 910 that engages portions of the locking
assembly
904. The cam profile 910 includes a proximal end 912 and a distal end 914. As
illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 33-35, the cam profile 910 can be the same across
each of the
cam plates 908a-908d. However, the cam profile 910 of at least one of the cam
plates
908a-908d may be different, if desired.
[00110] With reference to FIGS. 31-36, the locking assembly 904 includes an
arm
916a. However, the locking assembly 904 can include any number of arms. In the
illustrated example, shown in FIGS. 31 and 33-35, the bow 902 includes
additional arms,
916b-916d. Each of the arms 916a-916d has a follower 918 extending therefrom.
Each
of the arms 916a-916d is configured to move between a locked position and an
unlocked
position. Each of the arms 916a-916b correspond to one of the cam plates 908a-
908d. In
particular, as shown in FIGS. 33-35, the follower 918 of the arm 916a is
configured to
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
move contact and move along the cam profile 910 of the cam plate 908a to move
to the
locked position.
[00111] As illustrated in FIG. 33, the proximal end 912 of the cam profile
910 is
spaced apart from the locking assembly 904 by a proximal distance D. The
distal end
914 of the cam profile 910 is spaced apart from the locking assembly 904 by a
distal
distance Da. The distal distance Da is greater than the proximal distance D.
With
reference to FIGS. 33-35, the cam profile 910 defines an arm engagement
profile 920 and
an arm locking profile 922. The arm engagement profile 920 is defined between
the
proximal end 912 of the cam profile 910 and the arm locking profile 922. The
arm
engagement profile 920 defines a first draw profile 924 and a second draw
profile 926.
The first draw profile 924 is defined adjacent to the proximal end 912 of the
cam profile
910. The first draw profile 924 leads into the second draw profile 926. The
second draw
profile 926 is defined between the first draw profile 924 and the arm locking
profile 922.
The second draw profile 926 leads into the arm locking profile 922. The arm
locking
profile 922 is defined between the distal end 914 of the cam profile 910 and
the arm
engagement profile 920. The arm locking profile 922 includes a detent 928. The
detent
928 can have mechanical or magnetic means that resists or arrests a movement
of the
locking assembly 904. Such a device can range from a simple metal pin to a
machine.
As illustrated in FIGS. 33-35, the detent 928 can include a notch 930 formed
at a follower
stop 932 extending from the arm locking profile 922. However, it should be
appreciated
that other mechanisms may be employed to substitute the notch 930 and the
follower stop
932 configuration. Non-limiting examples include rachet and pawl designs,
magnetic
detents, spring-loaded ball detents, shallow notches milled into the arm
locking profile
922, etc.
[00112] As illustrated in FIG. 31, the cam plate 908a is vertically aligned
with the
second cam plate 908b. The second cam plate 908b is horizontally aligned with
the third
cam plate 908c. The third cam plate 908c is vertically aligned with the fourth
cam plate
908d. The fourth cam plate 908d is horizontally aligned with the cam plate
908a. A
31
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
skilled artisan can employ different placement configurations for the cam
plate 908a-
908d, as desired.
[00113] With reference to FIGS. 31-36, Each of the each of the arms 916a-916d
defines
a first aim end 934 and a second arm end 936. As illustrated in FIGS. 33-35,
the second
arm end 936 can be pivotally connected to the locking assembly 904 at a
vertical arm axis
937. This permits the arms 916a-916d to move between the locked position and
the
unlocked position. Other connection technologies and methods can also be
employed,
within the scope of this disclosure. When each of the arms 916a-916d moves to
the
locked position, each of the arms 916a-916d move toward being substantially
perpendicular to the vertical arm axis 937. When the arms 916a-916d move to
the
unlocked position, each of the aims 916a-916d move toward being substantially
coplanar
with the vertical arm axis 937. The arms 916a-916d can move between the locked
position and the unlocked position using a variety of methods and
technologies. For
example, as illustrated in FIGS. 32-36, the locking assembly 904 has a linear
actuator
938. The linear actuator 938 has an extension tube 940 connected to the arm
916a and
disposed along an actuator axis 942. In the illustrated embodiment, the
extension tube
940 is connected to the arm 916a at a position between the first arm end 934
and the
second arm end 936. The linear actuator 938 coverts the rotational motions of
an actuator
motor into linear motions, such as extending and retracting the extension tube
940 along
the actuator axis 942. The extension tube 940 moves the arm 916a to the locked
position
by extending along the actuator axis 942. The extension tube 940 moves the arm
928 to
the unlocked position by retracting along the actuator axis 942. This
automates moving
the arm 916a between the unlocked and locked position. However, it should be
appreciated that one skilled in the art can employ different methods and
technologies for
moving the arm 928 between the locked position and the unlocked position, as
desired.
[00114] As illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37, the locking assembly 904 can also
include a
manual bypass assembly 944. The manual bypass assembly 944 is configured to
bypass
the linear actuator 938, when desired. This can be particularly beneficial if
there was a
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
power loss associated with the linear actuator 938. The manual bypass assembly
944
includes a leadscrew. The lead screw converts rotational motions from a hand
crank 946
into linear motions, such as moving the extension tube 940 along the vertical
arm axis
937. Desirably, this permits the arm 916a to move between the unlocked
position and the
locked position manually when desired. In certain embodiments, the leadscrew
includes
acme threads. The acme threads have a trapezoidal thread profile, which can
facilitate
greater load-bearing capabilities.
[00115] As illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, the arm 916a is vertically aligned
with the
second arm 916b. The second arm 916b is horizontally aligned with the third
arm 916c.
The third arm 916c is vertically aligned with the fourth arm 916d. The fourth
arm 916d
is horizontally aligned with the arm 916a. This configuration can facilitate
equally
distributing the tension onto the bow 902 in the locked position. A skilled
artisan can
employ different placement configurations, as desired. In addition, each of
the arms
916a-916d can be configured to apply different levels of tension on the bow
902, if
desired.
[00116] As illustrated in FIG. 32, the arms 916a-916d can be interconnected by
a
mechanical linkage 948. The mechanical linkage 948 permits each of the
additional arms
916b-916d to be synchronized to the movements of the arm 916a. For example,
when the
arm 916a moves to the unlocked position, the mechanical linkage 948 causes the
arms
916b-916d to move to the unlocked position. Likewise, when the arm 916a moves
to the
locked position, the mechanical linkage 948 causes the arms 916b-916d to move
to the
locked position. Advantageously, this can enable the arms 916a-916d to equally
distribute the pulling force to the bow 902. As illustrated in FIG. 32, this
can be
accomplished by connecting the arm 916a to the second arm 916b by a first
linkage
member 950. The first linkage member 950 causes the second arm 916b to move
according to the arm 916a. The second arm 916b is connected to the third arm
916c by a
second linkage member 952. The second linkage member 952 causes the third arm
916c
to move according to the arm 916a. The third arm 916c is connected to the
fourth arm
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
916d by a third linkage member 954. The third linkage member 954 causes the
fourth
arm 916d to move according to the arm 916a. Other mechanical linkage 948
configurations can be employed as well. In addition, the arms 916a-916d can be
configured to move independently from each other, if desired.
[00117] Each of the arms 916a-916d defines an arm engagement side 956 that
faces
and corresponds to one of the cam plates 908a-908b when moving from the
unlocked
position to the locked position. As illustrated in FIGS. 33-35, the follower
918 can
extend from the arm engagement side 956. The follower 918 is configured to
move
relative to the cam profile 910 from the proximal end 912 and to the distal
end 914 and
vice versa. Specifically, the follower 918 contacts and travels along the cam
profile 910
when moving between the unlocked position and the locked position. A non-
limiting
example of the follower 918 includes a roller follower. Roller followers have
a smooth
rotating outer ring, which can facilitate reducing friction as the roller
follower contacts
and travels along the cam profile 910. However, other types of roller
followers and
bearings are also contemplated to be used for the follower 918.
[00118] As illustrated in FIG. 33, in the unlocked position, each of the arms
916a-916d
is approaching being coplanar with the vertical arm axis 937 and the follower
918 of each
of the arms 916a-916d is not contacting the cam profile 910. This allows the
bow 902 to
be moveable along the flatbed trailer. Before the arms 916a-916d are moved to
the
locked position, the bow 902 is at or moved to the proximal distance D. This
allows the
follower 918 of each of the arms 916a-916d to contact the first draw profile
924 of each
of the cam plates 908a-908d. In certain embodiments, the proximal distance Dp
can be
between four to six inches. Although this range for the proximal distance Dp
has been
shown to be useful, other ranges can be employed for the proximal distance Dp
by one
skilled in the art. For example, the proximal distance Dp can be greater or
less based on a
length of the arm 928.
[00119] As illustrated in FIG. 34, when moving to the locked position, the
arms 916a-
916d move towards being substantially perpendicular to the vertical arm axis
937. As the
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
arms 916a-916d move, the follower 918 of each of the arms 916a-916d contacts
and
travels along the first draw profile 924, the second draw profile 926, and to
the arm
locking profile 922 of each of the cam plates 908a-908d. The first draw
profile 924 and
the second draw profile 926 direct the follower 918 toward the distal end 914
of the cam
profile 910 from the locking assembly 904. Since the locking assembly 904
remains
relatively stationery and resists being moved toward the distal end 914 of the
cam profile
910, the follower 918 causes the bow 902 to be pulled to the fixed position.
Advantageously, this permits the bow 902 to be pulled and locked into the
fixed position
and militate against the bow 902 from moving along the flatbed trailer.
[00120] The first draw profile 924 can linearly extend from the proximal end
912 of the
cam profile 910 and the second draw profile 926 can linearly extend from the
first draw
profile 924. In other examples, the first draw profile 924 curvilinearly
extends from the
proximal end 912 of the cam profile 910 and the second draw profile 926
curvilinearly
extends from the first draw profile 924. In certain embodiments, the first
draw profile
924 can be more curved than the second draw profile 926. This facilitates the
follower
918 pulling the bow 902 to the fixed position at a faster rate than the second
draw profile
926. As illustrated in FIG. 33, the first draw profile 924 can have an angle a
defined
relative to a horizontal cam axis 958. The angle a can be between 0 to 90 .
In certain
embodiments, the angle a is acute.
[00121] As illustrated in FIG. 35, in the locked position, the follower 918
engages with
the detent 928, which facilitates maintaining the follower 918 in the arm
locking profile
922. This can include the follower 918 being received by the notch 930 formed
in the
follower stop 932, as illustrated in FIG. 35. When moving to the unlocked
position from
the locked position, the arms 916a-916d move towards being substantially
coplanar with
the vertical arm axis 937. As the arms 916a-916d move, the follower 918
travels from
the arm locking profile 922 towards the proximal end 912 along the arm
engagement
profile 920, until the follower 918 slides off the cam plate 906, thereby
releasing the
pulling force on the bow 902. Desirably, this permits the bow 902 to be
unlocked and
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
moveable along the flatbed trailer.
[00122] A method of using a rolling tarp locking system 900 includes a step of
moving
the arm 916a of the locking assembly 904 from the unlocked position to the
locked
position. The arm 916a moves relative to the cam profile 910 from the proximal
end 912
of the cam profile 910 to the distal end 914 of the cam profile 910a. When the
arm 916a
moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, the bow 902 is pulled
toward
the locking assembly 904 to the fixed position. In certain embodiments, if the
bow 902 is
not at the proximal distance Dp, the method can include a step of moving the
bow 902 to
the proximal distance Dp from the locking assembly 904 prior to moving the arm
928
from the unlocked position to the locked position. In addition, in instances
where the
rolling tarp locking system 900 also includes the arms 916b-916d and the cam
plates
908b-908d, the method includes moving each of the arms 916a-916d from the
unlocked
position to the locked position, which causes each of the arms 916a-916d to
engage with
one of the cam plates 908b-908d to pull the bow 902 toward the locking
assembly 904 to
the fixed position.
[00123] Advantageously, the rolling tarp locking system 900 and method permits
a
support structure or component, such as the bow 902, to be automatically
unlocked and
locked into a fixed position. In addition, the manual bypass assembly 944
permits a user
to manually lock and unlock the bow 902, if desired.
[00124] Words used herein to describe the relative orientation of components,
such as
upper, lower, left, right, vertical, horizontal, inner, outer, front, rear,
and the like are
intended to assist the reader in interpreting the drawings and structures
relative to how
they are illustrated and conventionally observed. Such descriptions are not
limited to an
absolute coordinate system, unless specifically defined herein, and are merely
descriptive
aids to describe and define the embodiments disclosed herein.
[00125] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been
explained and
illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that
this
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and
illustrated
36
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
without departing from its spirit or scope. It is further understood that any
particular
element of one embodiment may be applied in combination with other embodiments
and
remain within the scope of the invention.
37
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-30
