Patent ID: 7513561
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover 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 being usable in combination with an actuator providing a rotational motion, said actuator being spaced apart from said 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 rod longitudinal axis; a rod rotating component having a substantially elongated configuration, said rod rotating component defining a component longitudinal axis, said rod rotating component being linkable to said actuator so as to be rotatable therewith about said component longitudinal axis, said rod rotating component being operatively coupled to said rod in a manner such that rotating said rod rotating component about said component longitudinal axis rotates said rod about said rod longitudinal axis; wherein said rod rotating component is pivotable relatively to said actuator so as to be movable between a component open position and a component closed position, wherein in said component open position, said tarpaulin is in said tarpaulin open configuration and in said component closed position, said tarpaulin is in said tarpaulin closed configuration; and whereby upon said actuator providing said rotational motion, said rod rotating component is rotated about said component longitudinal axis, which in turn rotates said rod about said rod longitudinal axis and pivots said rod rotating component between said component open and closed positions, variations in a length of said rod rotating component allowing said rod to remain linked to said actuator while remaining substantially adjacent to said top aperture as said rod is moved across said top aperture.