Patent ID: 9010838
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A tarp cover securing device for use in a cover system for a substantially flat support surface on a vehicle including removable panels which extend substantially perpendicularly at sides of the support surface, a plurality of stakes for supporting the removable panels at the sides of the support surface, a tarp cover which extends over the support surface between the removable panels at opposite sides of the support surface, and a plurality of bows which are operatively connected to the stakes and support the tarp cover when the cover is extended over the support surface, the securing device comprising: a plurality of latch members, each of which is configured to be pivotally connected to an upper end portion of one of said stakes or to an end of one of said bows, and which selectively secures an edge of the tarp cover closely adjacent to the bow end; and a plurality of manually-actuatable locking mechanisms, with one of said locking mechanisms associated with each of said latch members, respectively, through which an operator can selectively lock selected ones of the latch members in an operative position securing the edge of the tarp cover closely adjacent to the bow end and selectively unlock the selected latch members for being pivotally moved from the operative position thereof about a substantially horizontal pivot axis without the use of a tool, wherein the latch members are disposed inwardly of the tarp cover; wherein each of said latch members is configured so that one end of the latch member is manipulatable by an operator for pivoting the latch member relative to another component to which it is attached, and another end of the latch member is selectively insertable into and out of at least one receptacle selected from a recess formed in one of the stake members, and a pocket formed on an inner surface of the tarp cover; and wherein the cover system is configured to permit an operator to pivotally open selected ones of said latch members while leaving other latch members in the operative position thereof, such that associated securing members are selectively withdrawn from said receptacle, thereby providing access to only part of said support surface.