Method and apparatus for truck tarp loading

The present invention is an apparatus and method for covering truck beds, rail cars, or other large objects with a tarp or related covering in which the tarp is held to the truck tarp loader by a fastening roller member comprised of: a vertical support member with first and second ends; a first horizontal member fixedly secured to the first end, forming an L shape; a second horizontal member fixedly secured to the second end, also forming an L shape; an axle, a pair of wheels, and a handle pivotally attached to the first horizontal member; a pair of tensioners between the vertical support member and the axle; and a fastening mechanism on the second horizontal member for attaching the fastening roller member to the truck tarp loader apparatus. The tensioners, axle, pair of wheels, and handle form a cover grasping mechanism that holds the tarp or covering secure enough to support the weight of the tarp or covering, but allows an operator to slide the tarp or covering out from under the fastening roller member without having to disengage the cover grasping mechanism.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for covering large containers and more particulary to the process of covering loaded trucks and rail cars with tarps or related coverings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, for the ease of the reader, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the views depicted in the drawings.

FIG. 1shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a fundamental unit of truck covering apparatus10. The unit can also be used to cover other large objects such as rail cars. In the embodiment shown, four vertical support members11are attached to rectangular top frame12to form the framework for truck covering apparatus10. Other numbers of vertical support members11or other shapes of top frame12can be used, adapted to the shape of the cover and the object to be covered. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of support could be used to support top frame12. For example, in one alternate embodiment, the support is a suspension, and frame12is suspended from one or more roof supports without the use of vertical supports. In another alternate embodiment, the support is an overhead crane which lifts truck covering apparatus10and suspends it above the object to be covered.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the framework has th addition of support beams13at each corner to provide greater strength and stability. Secured to two corners of top frame12, on opposite ends of a long side of the rectangular top frame12, are two gear motors22. Each gear motor22rotates keyed shaft21that is fixedly secured on both ends to spool20. Gear motors22, shaft21, and spools20comprise one embodiment of a lifting device. Coupling device23is located in the middle of the short side of rectangular top frame12and stabilizes keyed shaft21. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that gear motors22can be placed almost anywhere on or near top frame12such that they remain in functional contact with keyed shaft21. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the lifting device could also be one or more chain falls, an overhead crane, a rope and pulley system, or one or more winches.

Also in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, fixedly secured to spools20are lifting connectors25that extend downward from spools20and are attached to arms19through the use of lifting U-hooks26. Each spool20is attached to lifting connector25by a lifting connector attachment member (not shown). In one embodiment, lifting connectors25are straps, but can, alternatively, be chains, ropes, cable, link belt, or any other flexible material capable of lifting the weight involved. Arm19are lifted when spools20are rotated and lifting connectors25wrap around spools20, keeping arms19is substantially parallel to top frame12. Each of spools20operates at the same speed so as to allow smooth and simultaneous lifting of arms19. In this embodiment, there are four spools20mounted to the four corners of top frame12, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other numbers and locations may be used, and may be required for alternative shaped frames. Alternative lifting mechanisms include, but are not limited to, chain falls, an overhead crane, ropes and pulleys, and winches. The means by which the tarp or other covering is secured to arms19discussed infra.

FIG. 2shows an alternate embodiment of truck covering apparatus10in which a safety mechanism, i.e. laser detection system60, has been is added to truck covering apparatus10to prevent damage or injury that can be caused by person66or object entering the intended travel path of arms19. If laser path61is interrupted by an object or person60, power to truck covering apparatus10is severed, halting the ascent or descent of arms19. Once the object or person60has been removed, the device is reset and the tarp loading procedure is continued. In another embodiment, proximity switches are added at the top and/or bottom of vertical support members11to control the upper and lower allowable height traveled by arms19.

FIG. 3shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of truck covering apparatus10, with covering14secured to arms19by fastening roller members15and raised above the height of loaded truck27to be covered. As described inFIG. 1, the rotation of spools20wraps lifting connectors25around spools20and allows for the smooth and simultaneous lifting of arms19above loaded truck27. Covering14is secured in place by a plurality of fastening roller members15. The number of fastening roller members15varies according to the size and material of covering14. Covering14can be plastic, cloth, canvas, or any other fabric commonly known in the art for covering truck loads. If covering14is long and/or made of a heavy material, a greater number of fastening roller members15may be required than if covering14is short or made of a light material.

As shown inFIG. 1,FIG. 3shows truck covering apparatus10in operation without the use of web straps, quick release hangers (described in detail infra), and U-hooks. However, in an alternate embodiment, truck covering apparatus10employs both fastening roller members15and a combination of quick release hangers, U-hooks, and web straps to secure covering14to arms19. Web straps are typically made of nylon, but can be made of any flexible and strong material commonly known in the art.

FIG. 4shows a top perspective view of one fastening roller member15securing covering14to arm19. In one embodiment, fastening roller member15is made of steel tubing. Alternately, it can be made of any other strong metal such as aluminum. Fastening roller member15is generally comprised of: vertical support member36, having a first and second end, first horizontal member38fixedly secured to the first end of vertical support member36, forming a first L-shape, second horizontal member43fixedly secured to the second end of vertical support member36, forming a second L-shape and having a fastening mechanism (not shown, concealed by covering14) for attaching fastening roller member15to truck covering apparatus10, handle30with a rectilin ar wall pivotally attached to first horizontal member38, an axle (not shown, concealed by wheels31) going through the rectilinear wall, a pair of wheels31attached to the axle and ending with cap33to secure wheels31to the axle, and a pair of tensioners35connecting the axle to first horizontal member38. Tensioners35are attached to vertical support member36by a screw, bolt, rivets, fastening posts, pins, or any other means on one end and attached to the axle on the other end. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, tensioners35are a pair of springs. Alternately, tensioners35can be electric solenoids, hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders, or any other device commonly known in the art, allowing a more positive control and a lighter grasp of covering14.

Tensioners35, wheels31, axle (not visible), and handle30form one embodiment of a cover grasping mechanism. As shown inFIG. 5, because of tensioners35, wheels31exert a downward force on covering14, pinching it between wheels31and arm19and securing covering14in place. Handle30is shown in the closed position, which is in a lower position than first horizontal member38, and is substantially in parallel with first horizontal member38and second horizontal member43.

FIG. 5Ashows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of fastening roller member15used in conjunction with one embodiment of quick release hanger80, affixed to arm.FIG. 5Bshows a top perspective of just quick release hanger80.FIGS. 5A and 5Bwill be used simultaneously to describe quick release hanger80.

Quick release hanger80is particulary useful when the tarp to be placed on a vehicle is shorter than the width of the truck tarp loading apparatus, making the use of quick release hanger80and support straps (not shown) necessary, or can be used in addition to fastening roller member15for additional support of the tarp to be loaded. Quick release hanger80is comprised of base member89, side members81(shown only in FIG.5A), angled plate83, cross plate84, and two side plates82. Angled plate83and cross plate84form opening87therebetween. Side plates82, which pivot about pivot85, functionally engage side members81, which functionally engages arm19, one side plate82being on one side of vertical support member36and the second side plate82being on the other side such that quick release hanger80straddles fastening roller member15.

The first end of the strap (not shown) is secured to the first arm (not shown), and the second end of the strap is loaded through opening87, under angled plate83and above cross plate84. The strap must pass beyond the lowermost point of angled plate83. Angled plate83helps guide the strap into the proper location, but also holds the strap in place when the strap is engaged. As the weight of the strap pushes down on cross plate84, quick release hanger80pivots around pivot85. As side plates82and angled plate83rotate, the lowermost point of angled plate83moves downward, pinching the strap between angled plates83and base member89. The greater the weight of the strap, with or without the tarp loaded thereon, the greater the downward force of cross plate84and the greater the pinching force of angled plate83on the tarp. Also, when arms19of the tarp loading apparatus are low red, and as th straps and tarp engage the cargo on the vehicle to be covered, the straps exert an upward force on angled plat83. Side plates82and angled plat83pivot upward, automatically releasing the straps.

FIG. 6shows a top perspective view of a plurality of one embodiment of fastening roller members15mounted to arm19of truck covering apparatus10.FIG. 6also shows one lifting connector25attached to U-hook26which permits arm19to be raised and lowered. In this view, most of the same features shown and described inFIG. 5can also be seen. It can be better appreciated inFIG. 6that when handle30is in the dosed position, it is substantially parallel to first horizontal member38and second horizontal member43. It can also be dearly seen that cover grasping mechanism (tensioners35, wheels31, axle (not shown), and handle30) is positioned below first horizontal member38.

The lack of a covering inFIG. 6allows for a view of fastening mechanism34. Fastening mechanism34wraps around a portion of arm19and is secured to second horizontal member43(second point of attachment to arm19concealed by arm19). Fastening mechanism34can fixedly secure fastening roller member15to arm19or be such that, when loosened, the device can be slid along arm19to adjust for different sizes, shapes, and weights of the tarp or covering. Fastening mechanism34also allows for fastening roller members15to be added to or removed from truck covering apparatus10. Fastening mechanism34is made of any sound and strong structural material. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism34is a U-bolt with the two ends secured to second horizontal member43and wrapping around arm19, but it can be appreciated that other means of attachment known in the art can be used.

FIG. 7shows a perspective top view of one embodiment of fastening roller member15, including first horizontal member38, handle30, and tensioners35. First horizontal member38has slot39at the end away from the vertical support member (not shown). Handle30has small rectilinear wall40extending perpendicularly from handle30. In this embodiment, handle30is elongated with a slight curve at tip49. In another embodiment, handle30and rectilinear wall40are one contiguous piece. Axle37passes through rectilinear wall40with wheels31and cap33attached to it. Tensioners35are attached to axle37on one end and to the vertical support member on the other end.FIG. 7shows fastening roller member15in the closed position. Tensioners35pull axle37and wheels31downward towards the arm (not shown), holding the covering (not shown) between wheels31and the arm. The pressure exerted by wheels31against arm is sufficient to hold the cover in place, but still allows removal of the cover with a pull or tug by an operator.

When moved to the open position, handle30, axle37, wheels31, and rectilinear wall40pivot around pivot bolt47. Tensioners35stretch to allow rotation around pivot bolt47and then pull axle37and wheels31toward vertical support member, holding wheels31in a lifted position to leave space to manipulate the covering between wheels31and the arm.

FIG. 8shows a top perspective view of a plurality of fastening roller members15mounted to arm19of truck covering apparatus10with handle30in the open position. When in the open position, wheels31are lifted and retracted. It can be appreciated that cover grasping mechanism (tensioners35, wheels31, axle (not visible), and handle30) is above first horizontal member38. The amount of space left to manipulate the covering between arm19and wheels31can also be appreciated, as can fastening mechanism34. It can further be appreciated that when fastening roller member15is in the open position, handle30is extending in an opposite direction from the axle, though still generally parallel to first horizontal member38and second horizontal member43.

Although the invention is described by reference to a specific preferred embodiment, it is obvious to one skilled in the art that variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.