Patent ID: 6779828
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A retractable trailer enclosure system for covering at least part of the bed of a truck trailer characterized by longitudinally elongated parallel sides and laterally extending ends, the enclosure system comprising,a flexible cover having a size selected to overlie said part of the trailer bed, a spindle elongated along an axis and having a length generally corresponding to the length of a first one of said trailer sides, a spindle mount for movably supporting the spindle in a substantially horizontal orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of said first side, the spindle mount including a pair of pivot rods, a first one of said pivot rods being pivotally secured at an associated pivot proximate a first one of said lateral end of said bed, the second other one of said pivot rods being pivotally secured at an associated pivot proximate to the second other one of said lateral ends, each of the first and second pivots rods extending from said associated pivot laterally to a distalmost end and further comprising a spindle coupling at said distalmost ends thereof, said spindle coupling rotatably supporting said spindle, each of said pivot rods comprises a telescoping rod having an extendible member which is movable between a retracted position spaced towards said associated pivot and an extended position moved outwardly therefrom, the spindle coupling being coupled to the extendible member, a drive for selectively journaling the spindle in rotational movement about its axis, the cover being secured along an edge portion to the spindle whereby the rotation of the spindle by said drive winds or unwinds the cover about the spindle to retract or extend the cover over said part of the bed.