Patent ID: 7506912
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A device for maintaining a tarpaulin in a substantially taut state over a top aperture of a container, the tarpaulin being configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein, in the extended configuration, the tarpaulin substantially covers the top aperture, and in the retracted configuration, the tarpaulin is substantially retracted from the top aperture, said device comprising: a rod for rolling the tarpaulin therearound when configuring the tarpaulin from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration and for unrolling the tarpaulin therefrom when configuring the tarpaulin from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, said rod defining a longitudinal axis; a biasing element mechanically coupled to both the container and said rod for biasing said rod so as to maintain the tarpaulin in a substantially taut state when the tarpaulin is being rolled and unrolled respectively onto and from said rod, said biasing element having a substantially elongated configuration, at least a portion of said biasing element being resiliently longitudinally extendable so as to allow said at least a portion of said biasing element to stretch as the tarpaulin is configured in said retracted configuration and resiliently spring back as the tarpaulin is configured in said extended configuration; and a decoupling assembly for mechanically linking said biasing element to said rod while allowing said rod to roll about the longitudinal axis independently of said biasing element; wherein said biasing element includes a spring component and a wire, said wire extending from said spring component, said wire defining a wire proximal end substantially adjacent said spring component and an opposed wire distal end said wire distal end being attachable to the container at a container attachment location.