Patent ID: 6139085
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A tarp cover arrangement for use in connection with a transfer dump truck system including a dump truck having an open-topped front load container, and at least one trailer having an open-topped rear load container the forward end of which is adapted to be introduced into the open rear end of the front container, comprising:(a) front tarp cover means (60) operable between forwardly collapsed open and rearwardly expanded closed conditions for uncovering and for covering the front container, respectively;(b) rear tarp cover means (62) operable between rearwardly collapsed open and forwardly expanded closed conditions for uncovering and for covering the rear container, respectively;(c) first cover drive means arranged at the front end of the front container for operating said front tarp cover means alternately between said collapsed and expanded conditions, respectively, said front cover drive means including:(1) a pair of first endless drive cables (72) extending longitudinally adjacent the top edges of the side walls of the front container, respectively;(2) a pair of first drive pulleys (74) connected by a drive shaft (76) for supporting the forward ends of said first endless drive cables, respectively;(3) first drive support means (110) for supporting said drive pulleys forwardly of the front end wall of the front container; and(4) a pair of first idler pulleys (78) for supporting the rear ends of said first endless drive cables adjacent the rear end of the front container, respectively;(d) storage tray means (116) adapted for connection with, and extending forwardly of, the front container front wall for storing at least a substantial part of said front tarp cover, when in the collapsed condition, forwardly of the front container front wall; and(e) second cover drive means (96) arranged adjacent the rear end of the rear container for operating said rear tarp cover means from said expanded closed condition rearwardly toward a collapsed open condition adjacent the rear end of the rear container.