Patent Publication Number: US-2022219887-A1

Title: Sliding cover assembly for a dunnage container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/867,326, filed Jun. 27, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/901,257, filed Sep. 16, 2019, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to dunnage containers, and more specifically to sliding covers for side-loading and/or top-loading dunnage containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some conventional dunnage containers have an open top via which objects are loaded into and unloaded from the container, i.e., a top-loading dunnage container, and other conventional dunnage containers similarly have at least one open side for loading and unloading objects, i.e., a side-loading dunnage container. Some such dunnage containers may include a flexible cover mounted thereto in the form of a curtain or flap having one end attached to the container along one side of the opening and three otherwise free ends. Some such curtains or flaps may be configured to be selectively attached along at least one free end thereof to at least one other side of the container to cover the open top or side. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the features recited in the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. In one aspect, a cover assembly for a dunnage container may comprise an elongated first rail affixed to or integral with the dunnage container and extending along one edge of an opening to the dunnage container, an elongated second rail affixed to or integral with the dunnage container and extending along another edge of the opening opposite the one edge, a first cover panel configured to extend between the first and second rails over at least a portion of the opening and to slide along a first path defined longitudinally along the first and second rails, a second cover panel configured to extend between the first and second rails over at least a portion of the opening and to slide along a second path defined longitudinally along the first and second rails parallel with the first path such that the first and second cover panels can slidingly overlay one another, and a flexible panel affixed to and between opposing sides of the first and second cover panels. The flexible panel is illustratively redirectable in response to sliding of either or both of the first and second cover panels toward the other to trap the flexible panel therebetween as one of the first and second cover panels overlays the other. The flexible panel is further illustratively redirectable in response to sliding of either or both of the first and second cover panels away from the other to extend the flexible panel therebetween. 
     In another aspect, a method provides for a selectively openable covering for an opening of a dunnage container, wherein the dunnage container has an elongated first rail affixed thereto or integral therewith and extending along one edge of the opening and an elongated second rail affixed thereto or integral therewith and extending along another edge of the opening opposite the one edge. The method may comprise positioning a first cover panel between the first and second rails over at least a portion of the opening so as to slide along a first path defined longitudinally along the first and second rails, positioning a second cover panel between the first and second rails over at least a portion of the opening so as to slide along a second path defined longitudinally along the first and second rails parallel with the first path and such that the first and second cover panels can slidingly overlay one another, and affixing a flexible panel to and between opposing sides of the first and second cover panels, wherein the flexible panel is redirectable in response to sliding of either or both of the first and second cover panels toward the other to trap the flexible panel therebetween as one of the first and second cover panels overlays the other, and wherein the flexible panel is further redirectable in response to sliding of either or both of the first and second cover panels away from the other to extend the flexible panel therebetween. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a sliding cover assembly operatively mounted to a closed frame assembly representing an open top or side of a conventional top-loading or side-loading dunnage container. 
         FIG. 2  is a magnified perspective view of a portion of one rail adjacent to one side of the frame assembly of the dunnage container. 
         FIG. 3  is a magnified view similar to  FIG. 2  depicting a bottom frame component of a framed panel of the cover assembly slidingly received within a front channel of the one rail of the dunnage container frame assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a magnified perspective view of one end of a frame component of the framed panel the sliding cover assembly illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a magnified front elevational view of the opposite end of the frame component illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the one rail adjacent to a side of the dunnage container frame assembly opposite to that illustrated in  FIG. 2  depicting a bottom frame component of another framed panel of the cover assembly slidingly received within a rear channel of the one rail. 
         FIG. 7  is a magnified view of a portion of the cover assembly depicting a handle assembly mounted to the frame assembly of the framed panel illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 1  depicting one of the framed panels of the cover assembly slidingly displaced along respective channels of the opposed rails to expose a portion of the opening of the dunnage container frame assembly and, in the process of sliding, partially folding the flexible center panel. 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 8  showing the framed panel of the cover assembly further displaced along respective channels of the opposed rails to expose a greater portion of the opening of the dunnage container frame assembly and, in the process of further sliding, redirecting the flexible center panel to at least partially trap the flexible center panel between the two framed panels. 
         FIG. 10  is a magnified perspective view of the cover assembly with the panels thereof in the position shown in  FIG. 9  illustrating the positions of the two framed panels of the cover assembly relative to the channels of a rail of the dunnage container frame assembly opposite that illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and illustrating the flexible center panel at least partially trapped between the two framed panels. 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view similar to  FIGS. 1, 8 and 9  showing the framed panel of the cover assembly fully displaced along respective channels of the opposed rails to expose an even greater portion of the opening of the dunnage container frame assembly and, in the process of further sliding, further redirecting the flexible center panel to trap the flexible center panel between the two framed panels. 
         FIG. 12  is a rear elevational view illustrating the dunnage container frame assembly with the cover assembly panels in the positions illustrated in FIG. 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a sliding cover assembly operatively mounted to a closed frame assembly representing an open top or side of a conventional top-loading or side-loading dunnage container. 
         FIG. 14  is a magnified view of a portion of the bottom rail of the frame assembly of the dunnage container illustrated in  FIG. 13  showing two spaced-apart side panels each slidable within a respective channel of one rail of the dunnage container and a flexible panel disposed and attached between the two side panels. 
         FIG. 15  is a magnified view of a portion of the rail of the frame assembly of the dunnage container illustrated in  FIG. 13  showing the two spaced-apart side panels each slidable within a respective channel of the a rail of the dunnage container opposite that illustrated in  FIG. 14  and with the flexible panel disposed and attached therebetween. 
         FIG. 16A  is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of a sliding cover assembly operatively mounted to a closed frame assembly representing an open top or side of a conventional top-loading or side-loading dunnage container, showing a cover locking assembly in a locked position or state. 
         FIG. 16B  is a magnified view of the sliding cover assembly of  FIG. 16A  showing the cover locking assembly in an unlocked state with the right-most panel moved toward and partially overlaying the left-most panel. 
         FIG. 16C  is another magnified view of the sliding cover assembly of  FIGS. 16A and 16B  showing the cover locking assembly in an unlocked state with the right-most panel overlaying the left-most panel. 
         FIG. 17A  is a cross-sectional view of the top rail of the sliding cover assembly of  FIGS. 16A-16C  as viewed along section lines X 1 -X 1  of  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 17B  is a cross-sectional view of the panel locking assembly of the sliding cover assembly of  FIGS. 16A-16C  as viewed along section lines X 2 -X 2  of  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 18A  is a magnified view similar to  FIG. 16C  illustrating an embodiment of an articulating handle operatively coupled to the cover locking assembly. 
         FIG. 18B  is a magnified view similar to  FIG. 18A  showing operation of the articulating handle to unlock the cover locking assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. 
     This disclosure relates to apparatuses and techniques for selectively covering and exposing a dunnage container access opening. In particular, a sliding cover assembly for a dunnage container access opening illustratively includes a flexible panel disposed and coupled between two sliding panels each slidable relative to the dunnage container frame. The flexible panel is redirectable in response to sliding of either or both of the sliding panels toward one another to trap the flexible panel between the two sliding panels as one slides over, or under, the other to expose the dunnage container access opening. The flexible panel is also redirectable in response to sliding of either or both of the sliding panels away from one another to extend the flexible panel between the sliding panels to cover the dunnage container access opening. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6  in particular, an embodiment is shown of a dunnage container closure arrangement  10  including a sliding cover assembly  14  operatively mounted to a closed, dunnage container frame assembly  12 . In the context of this disclosure, the phrase “closed dunnage container frame assembly” refers to a dunnage container frame assembly having a unitary frame or connected frame components which, in either case, defines an outer, closed periphery of, or attached to, a dunnage container and which defines a dunnage container access opening therethrough. The access opening may illustratively be defined through the top of the container so as to define a top-loading dunnage container, or may be defined through one or more of the sides of the container so as to define a side-loading dunnage container. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the dunnage container frame assembly  12  includes elongated, opposing rails  12 A,  12 B respectively, each secured at opposite ends thereof to spaced apart, elongated and opposed frame members  12 C,  12 D. In one embodiment, the frame assembly  12  is integral with the dunnage container such that the frame assembly  12  and the dunnage container are of unitary construction. In such embodiments, the frame assembly  12  thus represents an open framework of an open top or open side dunnage container. In some alternate embodiments, the frame members  12 C,  12 D represent sides of an open top or open side dunnage container, and in such embodiments the rails  12 A,  12 B are operatively mounted, in a conventional manner, to respective opposed frame members of the dunnage container to define the open framework of the open top or open side dunnage container. In still other alternate embodiments, the frame assembly  12  is separate from the dunnage container, and in such embodiments the rails  12 A,  12 B and the frame members  12 C,  12 D are all operatively mounted, in a conventional manner, to respective frame members of the dunnage container to define the open framework of the open top or open side dunnage container. 
     In any case, the frame assembly  12  defines an opening  50  therethrough (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) which serves as the access opening to the dunnage container. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame assembly  12  is rectangular in shape and defines a rectangularly-shaped opening  50  therethrough. In alternate embodiments, the frame assembly  12  may define any closed shape and/or may define the opening  50  therethrough having any closed shape. 
     Referring specifically now to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment is shown of the rail  12 A. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail  12 A is provided in the form of two side-by-side tracks  16 A,  16 B coupled together at least partially along their lengths, wherein the track  16 A defines an outer track, i.e., furthest away from the interior of the dunnage container, and the track  16 B defines an inner track, i.e., closest to the interior of the dunnage container. The outer track  16 A includes two spaced-apart, upstanding, planar sidewalls  18 A,  18 B joined at one end by a planar bottom wall  18 C to form a planar channel  18 D between the sidewalls  18 A,  18 B, and the inner track  16 B likewise includes two spaced-apart, upstanding, planar sidewalls  20 A,  20 B joined at one end by a planar bottom wall  20 C to form a planar channel  20 D between the sidewalls  20 A,  20 B. The inner sidewall  18 B of the outer track  16 A is illustratively parallel and in contact with the inner sidewall  20 B of the inner track  16 B. In some alternate embodiments, the sidewalls  18 B,  20 B may be spaced apart from one another. In other alternate embodiments, the sidewalls  18 B,  20 B may be merged into a single sidewall, and in some such embodiments the outer and inner tracks  16 A,  16 B may be provided in the form of a single, unitary bottom rail  12 A defining side-by-side channels  18 D,  20 D each extending at least partially along the length of the rail  12 A. 
     Referring specifically now to  FIG. 10 , an embodiment is shown of the rail  12 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail  12 B is provided in the form of two side-by-side tracks  16 C,  16 D coupled together at least partially along their lengths, wherein the track  16 C defines an outer track, i.e., furthest away from the interior of the dunnage container, and the track  16 D defines an inner track, i.e., closest to the interior of the dunnage container. The outer track  16 C includes two spaced-apart, upstanding, planar sidewalls  18 E,  18 F joined at one end by a planar wall  18 G to form a planar channel  18 H between the sidewalls  18 E,  18 F, and the inner track  16 D likewise includes two spaced-apart, upstanding, planar sidewalls  20 E,  20 F joined at one end by a planar wall  20 G to form a planar channel  20 H between the sidewalls  20 E,  20 F. The inner sidewall  18 F of the outer track  16 C is illustratively parallel and in contact with the inner sidewall  20 F of the inner track  16 D. In some alternate embodiments, the sidewalls  18 F,  20 F may be spaced apart from one another. In other alternate embodiments, the sidewalls  18 F,  20 F may be merged into a single sidewall, and in some such embodiments the outer and inner tracks  16 C,  16 D may be provided in the form of a single, unitary rail  12 B defining side-by-side channels  18 H,  20 H each extending at least partially along the length of the rail  12 B. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the cover assembly  14  illustratively includes a flexible or semi-flexible sheet  24  coupled to and between two spaced-apart cover frame assemblies  26 ,  28  to form two spaced apart framed panels  24 A,  24 C with a flexible, redirectable panel  24 B disposed and attached therebetween. The cover frame assembly  26  is illustratively a closed frame assembly, i.e., closed about its periphery, and is configured to slidably engage the outer tracks  16 A,  16 C of the opposed rails  12 A,  12 B respectively such that the frame assembly  26 , and thus the framed panel  24 A, is slidable, i.e., slidably movable, along the elongated channels  18 D,  18 H of the respective outer tracks  16 A,  16 C of the respective opposed rails  12 A,  12 B. A first portion of the sheet  24  at one end thereof is coupled to the cover frame assembly  26  to form the framed panel  24 A. The cover frame assembly  28  is likewise illustratively a closed frame assembly, i.e., closed about its periphery, and is configured to slidably engage the inner tracks  16 B,  16 D of the opposed rails  12 A,  12 B respectively such that the frame assembly  28  is slidable, i.e., slidably movable, along the elongated channels  20 D,  20 H of the respective inner tracks  16 B,  16 D of the respective opposed rails  12 A,  12 B. A second portion of the sheet  24  at an opposite end thereof is coupled to the cover frame assembly  28  to form the framed panel  24 C, and opposing sides of a third portion of the sheet  24  between the first and second portions is coupled to respective, opposing sides of the frame assemblies  26 ,  28  to form the flexible, redirectable panel  24 B disposed and coupled between the framed panels  24 A,  24 C. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible or semi-flexible sheet  24  is implemented in the form of a single, translucent sheet. In some alternate embodiments, the sheet  24  may be formed of other flexible or semi-flexible materials which may be transparent, translucent, opaque or light-blocking. In other alternate embodiments, the sheet  24  may be formed of a combination of such materials, either over the entire body of the sheet  24  or in different sections of the body of the sheet  24 . Examples of materials from which the sheet  24  may be formed illustratively include, but are not limited to, plastic, reinforced plastic, canvas, or the like. In any case, the material(s) from which the sheet  24  is formed will be flexible or semi-flexible at least in the region of the panel  24 B such that the panel  24 B will be redirected by sliding movement of one or both of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C so as to be trapped between the framed panels  24 A,  24 C as a portion or portions of the opening  50  is/are selectively exposed and so as to extend between the framed panels  24 A,  24 C as the opening  50  is closed, i.e., covered by the cover assembly  14 . 
     While the flexible or semi-flexible sheet  24  is illustrated in the attached figures as being formed of a single sheet, it will be understood that in alternate embodiments the sheet  24  may be formed of multiple different sheets each attached to a respective one or both of the cover frame assemblies  26 ,  28 . In one such alternate embodiment, for example, the sheet  24  may be provided in the form of three separate sheets; one attached only to the frame assembly  26 , one attached only to the frame assembly  28  and the remaining sheet attached to and between each frame assembly  26 ,  28 . In this embodiment, either or both of the sheets attached to the frame assemblies  26 ,  28  may be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid. In other embodiments, the sheet or portion of a sheet attached to the frame assembly  26 , attached to the frame assembly  28  and/or attached to and between the frame assemblies  26 ,  28  may itself be made up of multiple layered and/or interconnected sheet members. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , the cover frame assembly  26  illustratively includes opposing frame members  34 A,  34 B respectively, and two additional opposing frame members  34 C,  34 D interconnected at their ends with corresponding ends of the opposed frame members  34 A,  34 B to form a closed frame assembly  26 , i.e., closed about its periphery, which defines an opening therethrough between the frame members  34 A- 34 D. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame member  34 A includes opposed corner members  36 A,  36 B and an elongated support member  38 A, e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, coupled at opposite ends thereof to the corner members  36 A,  36 B, and the frame member  34 B likewise includes opposed corner members  36 C,  36 D and an elongated support member  38 B, e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, coupled at opposite ends thereof to the corner members  36 C,  36 D. The frame member  34 C includes another elongated support member  38 C, e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, coupled at opposite ends to the corner members  36 A,  36 C, and the frame member  34 D includes yet another elongated support member  38 D, e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, coupled at opposite ends to the corner members  36 B,  36 D. 
     The corner members  36 A,  36 B are illustratively sized and configured to be received within the channel  18 D of the rail  12 A between the sidewalls  18 A,  18 B of the track  16 A. The corner members  36 A,  36 B are configured to slide longitudinally along the channel  18 D such that the corner members  36 A,  36 B are guided by the sidewalls  18 A,  18 B of the track  16 A as the frame member  34 A moves along the channel  18 D. The corner members  36 C,  36 D are likewise sized and configured to be received within the channel  18 H of the rail  12 B between the sidewalls  18 E,  18 F of the track  16 C (see also  FIG. 10 ). The corner members  36 C,  36 D are configured to slide longitudinally along the channel  18 H such that the corner members  36 C,  36 D are guided by the sidewalls  18 E,  18 F of the track  16 C as the frame member  34 B moves along the channel  18 H. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the corner member  36 C is illustratively cube-shaped and includes a planar top surface  36 C 1  which slides along or adjacent to the planar wall  18 G of the track  16 C, a bottom surface  36 C 2  opposite the top surface  36 C 1  and opposite planar side walls  36 C 3 ,  36 C 4  each of which faces a respective sidewall  18 E,  18 F of the track  16 C. Opposite end walls  36 C 5 ,  36 C 6  define the remaining faces of the corner member  36 C. A bore  36 C 7  extends into the bottom surface  36 C 2  of the corner member  36 C and is sized to receive one end of the elongated support member  38 C therein. Another bore  36 C 8  extends into the end wall  36 C 6  and is sized to receive one end of the elongated support member  38 B therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the corner member  36 A is the mirror image of the corner member  36 C and is coupled to the elongated support members  38 C and  38 A as just described with respect to the corner member  36 C. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the corner member  36 D is also illustratively cube-shaped and includes a planar top surface  36 D 1  which slides along or adjacent to the planar wall  18 G of the track  16 C, a bottom surface  36 D 2  opposite the top surface  36 D 1  and opposite planar sidewalls  36 D 3 ,  36 D 4  each of which faces a respective sidewall  18 E,  18 F of the track  16 C. Opposite end walls  36 D 5 ,  36 D 6  define the remaining faces of the corner member  36 D. A bore  36 D 7  extends into the bottom surface  36 D 2  of the corner member  36 D and is sized to receive one end of the elongated support member  38 D therein. Another bore  36 C 8  extends into the end wall  36 D 6  and is sized to receive the opposite end of the elongated support member  38 B therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the corner member  36 B is the mirror image of the corner member  36 D and is coupled to the elongated support members  38 D and  38 A as just described with respect to the corner member  36 D. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 1, 6 and 10 , the cover frame assembly  28  is illustratively identical to the cover frame assembly  26  just described. For example, the frame assembly  28  illustratively includes opposed frame members  44 A,  44 B respectively, and two additional opposed members  44 C,  44 D interconnected at each end with respective ends of the opposed frame members  44 A,  44 B to form a closed frame assembly  28 , i.e., closed about its periphery, which defines an opening therethrough between the frame members  44 A- 44 D. The frame member  44 A includes opposed corner members  46 A,  46 B and an elongated support member  48 A, e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, coupled at opposite ends thereof to the corner members  46 A,  46 B, and the frame member  44 B likewise includes opposed corner members  46 C,  46 D and an elongated support member  48 B, e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, coupled at opposite ends thereof to the corner members  46 C,  46 D. One frame member  44 C includes another elongated support member  48 C, e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, coupled at opposite ends to the corner members  46 A,  46 C, and the other frame member  44 D includes yet another elongated support member  48 D, e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, coupled at opposite ends to the corner members  46 B,  46 D. 
     The corner members  46 A- 46 D are illustratively sized and configured to be received within the channel  20 D of the rail  12 A between the sidewalls  20 A,  20 B of the track  16 B. The corner members  46 A,  46 B are configured to slide longitudinally along the channel  20 D such that the corner members  46 A,  46 B are guided by the sidewalls  20 A,  20 B of the track  16 B as the frame member  44 A moves along the channel  20 D. The corner members  46 C,  46 D are likewise sized and configured to be received within the channel  20 H of the rail  12 B between the sidewalls  20 E,  20 F of the track  16 D (see also  FIG. 10 ). The corner members  46 C,  46 D are configured to slide longitudinally along the channel  20 H such that the corner members  46 C,  46 D are guided by the sidewalls  20 E,  20 F of the track  16 D as the frame member  44 B moves along the channel  20 H. The corner members  46 A- 46 D are illustratively shaped and coupled to respective ones of the elongated support members  48 A- 48 D as described above with respect to the corner members  36 A- 36 D and respective elongated support members  38 A,  38 D. 
     As illustrated by example in  FIGS. 8, 9 and 11  in which orientation of the frame assembly  12  depicted therein represents an open side or open top to a dunnage container, the frame assembly  26  is mounted to the frame assembly  12  such that the framed panel  24 C slides behind or beneath the framed panel assembly  24 A as the framed panel assembly  24 C slides toward a stationary framed panel assembly  24 A (or as the framed panel assemblies  24 A,  24 C move toward each other). Conversely, as the framed panel assembly  24 A slides toward a stationary framed panel assembly  24 C, the framed panel  24 A will slide in front of or over the framed panel assembly  24 C (or as the framed panel assemblies  24 A,  24 C move toward each other). In either case, the flexible panel  24 B is redirected by such movement of the framed panel assembly  24 A and/or the framed panel assembly  24 C to become progressively trapped between the two framed panel assemblies  24 A,  24 C as a greater area (or areas) of the opening  50  of the dunnage container is/are exposed, and to progressively extend between the two framed panel assemblies  24 A,  24 C as the opening  50  of the dunnage container is closed or covered by the sliding cover assembly  14 . As illustrated by example in  FIG. 1 , the widths of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C and of the flexible panel  24 B are substantially equal to one another, although in other embodiments the width of the flexible panel  24 B may be greater or less than those of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C, and is still other embodiments the framed panels  24 A,  24 C may be of different widths and the width of the flexible panel  24 B may be approximately the same as one of the frame panels  24 A,  24 C or different from the widths of each of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C. In any case, the widths of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C and the width of the flexible panel  24 B are illustratively selected such that, with the flexible panel  24 B fully extended between the framed panels  24 A,  24 C, the framed panels  24 A,  24 C and the flexible panel  24 B together cover the opening  50  of the dunnage container as illustrated by example in  FIG. 1 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated support members  38 A- 38 D and  48 A- 48 D are each provided in the form of a semi-flexible plastic rod or shaft. The semi-flexible nature of at least some of the elongated support members  38 A- 38 D and  48 A- 48 D can be advantageous in some embodiments in that this will resist breakage and/or allow for rapid removal and installation of the frame assemblies  26 ,  28 , e.g., for replacement of the sheet  24  and/or replacement of one or more frame components and/or for cleaning of the channels  18 D,  20 D and  18 H,  20 H respectively. In some embodiments one or more of these advantages may be realized by providing only the elongated support members  38 C,  38 D and  48 C,  48 D in the form of semi-flexible members while the elongated support members  38 A,  38 B and  48 A,  48 B may be rigid, or vice versa. In still other alternate embodiments, some or all of the elongated support members  38 A- 38 D,  48 A- 48 D may be rigid. 
     It will be understood that the channeled rails  12 A,  12 B are provided only by way of example, and that this disclosure contemplates alternate embodiments which include channel-less rails  12 A,  12 B. In some such embodiments, the corner members  36 A- 36 D,  46 A- 46 D may be designed to slidingly engage the rails  12 A,  12 B without implementing elongated, cover frame-engaging channels. In other embodiments, the elongated support members  38 A,  38 B and  48 A,  48 B may additionally or alternatively designed to slidingly engage the rails  12 A,  12 B without implementing elongated, cover frame-engaging channels. In some such embodiments, the corner members  36 A- 36 D and/or  46 A- 46 D may be omitted, and the ends of the elongated support members  38 A- 38 D and  48 A- 48 D may be configured to be operatively coupled to one another, e.g., detachably or otherwise. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3-7 , the flexible sheet  24  is illustratively provided in the form of a single sheet, as briefly described above, although in alternate embodiments the sheet  24  may be provided in the form of multiple sheets or strips attached to one another and/or to the cover frame assemblies  26 ,  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, one end  30 A of the sheet is folded back and attached to the sheet  24  to form an elongated loop  32 A through which the elongated support member  38 C passes, and the opposite end  30 B of the sheet is likewise folded back and attached to the sheet  24  to form another elongated loop  32 B through which the elongated support member  48 C passes. Opposing surfaces  30 C,  30 D of the sheet  24  on either side of the elongated support member  38 D are affixed to one another at least partially along the length of the sheet  24  to form another elongated loop  32 C through which the elongated support member  38 D passes, and opposing surfaces  30 E,  30 F of the sheet  24  on either side of the elongated support member  48 D are likewise affixed to one another at least partially along the length of the sheet  24  to form yet another elongated loop  32 D through which the elongated support member  48 D passes. In the illustrated embodiment, a planar end  30 G of the sheet  24  extends along the rail  12 A adjacent to, but not connected to, the frame members  34 A,  44 A, and a planar end  30 H of the sheet  24  extends along the rail  12 B adjacent to, but not connected to, the frame members  34 B,  44 B. In alternate embodiments, the end  30 G of the sheet  24  may be coupled to either or both of the frame members  34 A,  44 A and/or the end  30 H of the sheet  24  may be coupled to either or both of the frame members  34 B,  44 B. 
     The sheet  24 , whether provided in the form of a single, unitary sheet affixed in places at least to the elongated frame members  38 C,  38 D,  48 C,  48 D of the respective cover frame assemblies  26 ,  28 , or provided in the form of multiple separate sheets affixed to one another or each separately affixed to and between respective ones of the elongated frame members  38 C,  38 D,  48 C,  48 D, forms two spaced apart framed panels  24 A,  24 C separated by, and attached to respective opposite ends of, a flexible, center panel  24 B, The heights of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C and of the flexible panel  24 B each illustratively span, or nearly span, the length of the opening  50  of the dunnage container frame assembly  12  defined between the opposed surfaces of the rails  12 A,  12 B. The two outer panel frames  24 A,  24 C form slidable, framed panels each slidable along and relative to the rails  12 A,  12 B, and the middle or center panel of the sheet  24  forms a flexible panel  24 B having opposite sides attached to, or integral with, opposing sides of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C. When the cover assembly  14  is fully deployed over the opening  50  of the dunnage container, as illustrated by example in  FIG. 1 , an outer side of the framed panel  24 A is positioned at or adjacent to the frame member  12 C of the dunnage container frame assembly  12 , an outer side of the framed panel  24 C is positioned at or adjacent to the frame member  12 D of the dunnage container frame assembly  12 , and the framed panels  24 A,  24 C and the flexible panel  24 B extend side-by-side laterally across the width of the opening  50  of the dunnage container frame assembly  12  defined between opposed surfaces of the side frame members  12 C,  12 D. In the fully deployed position illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the framed panels  24 A,  24 C and the flexible panel  24 B are at least approximately planar and coplanar with one another, and the combination of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C and the flexible panel  24 B is likewise at least approximately planar. 
     In some embodiments, the cover assembly  14  may include one or more handles or other engagement structures to facilitate sliding movement of one or both of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C along the opposed rails  12 A,  12 B, i.e., to facilitate selective exposing or covering of portions of the dunnage container opening  50 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , an example embodiment of one such handle  40  is shown affixed to the framed panel  24 C approximately mid-way between the opposite ends thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  40  includes a slotted handle grip  42 A affixed to the elongated frame member  48 C, another slotted handle grip  42 B affixed to the elongated frame member  48 C and an elongated support member  43 , e.g., in the form of a tube, rod or shaft, extending laterally between and affixed to each of the handle grips  42 A,  42 B. In alternate embodiments, the handle  40  may be affixed to the framed panel  24 A, and is still other embodiments a handle  40  may be affixed to each of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C. In any such embodiment(s), multiple handles  40  may be affixed to either or both of the framed panels  24 A,  24 C, e.g., spaced apart along the length of the respective framed panel(s)  24 A,  24 C. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 8-12 , operation of one side of the dunnage container cover assembly  14  is illustrated. With the cover assembly  14  in its fully deployed position as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cover panel  14 B is illustratively moved toward the cover panel  14 A to expose a portion  50 A of the dunnage container opening  50  as illustrated by example in  FIG. 8 . In so doing, the cover panel  14 A remains stationary but the flexible or semi-flexible center panel  24 B at least partially folds as a result of the sliding lateral movement of the cover panel  14 B relative to the opposed rails  12 A,  12 B. As lateral movement of the cover panel  14 B toward the cover panel  14 A continues the cover panel  14 B advances sufficiently toward the cover panel  14 A such that the cover panel  14 B begins to pass behind the cover panel  14 A while exposing a greater portion  50 B of the dunnage container opening  50  as illustrated by example in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . As a result of such lateral movement of the cover panel  14 B, the flexible or semi-flexible center panel  24 B is redirected by the cover panel  14 B toward the opposite side of the cover panel  14 A to which the flexible panel  24 B attached so as to become at least partially trapped between the cover panels  14 A,  14 B. As leftward lateral movement of the cover panel  14 B continues, the cover panel  14 B moves behind the cover panel  14 A such that the cover panels  14 A,  14 B overlay one another so as to expose an even greater portion  50 C of the dunnage container opening  50  as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Such movement of the cover panel  14 B relative to the cover panel  14 A advances the elongated frame member  48 D of the cover panel  14 B toward the frame member  12 C and away from the elongated frame member  38 D of the cover panel  14 A, thereby fully trapping the flexible or semi-flexible center panel  24 B between the overlain cover panels  14 A,  14 B. 
     It will be understood that with the cover assembly  14  in its fully deployed position as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cover panel  14 A may instead be advanced toward and in front of the cover panel  14 B similarly as just described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 8-12  such that the cover panel  14 A passes in front of the cover panel  14 B. Alternatively, with each cover panels  14 A,  14 B moved laterally away from its respective frame member  12 C,  12 D, either or both of the cover panels  14 A,  14 B may be moved laterally along the opposed rails  12 A,  12 B to expose any desired portions of the dunnage cover opening  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-15 , another embodiment is shown of a dunnage container closure arrangement  100  including a sliding cover assembly  104  operatively mounted to a closed, dunnage container frame assembly  102 . The dunnage container frame assembly illustratively includes four frame members  102 A- 102 D interconnected with one another to form a top or side opening in an otherwise closed dunnage container as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 . An elongated rail structure or assembly  106 A is attached to one surface of the frame member  102 A, and an opposed elongated rail structure  106 B is attached to a surface of the rail member  102 B such that the rails structures  106 A,  106 B face one another. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the rail structure  106 A includes side-by-side, elongated rails  108 A,  108 B attached to the inner surface of the frame member  102 A such that the rails  108 A,  108 B extend longitudinally along the frame member  102 A and laterally across the opening of the dunnage container. In alternate embodiments, the rails  108 A,  108 B may form the frame member of the dunnage container, i.e., such that the frame member  102 A may be omitted. In any case, the rail  108 A defines an elongated channel  110 A between spaced-apart, upwardly extending walls of the rail  108 A, and the channel  110 A illustratively runs the length of the rail  108 A. The rail  108 B likewise defines an elongated channel  110 B between spaced-apart, upwardly extending walls of the rail  108 B, and the channel  110 B illustratively runs the length of the rail  108 B. 
     The rail structure  106 B likewise includes side-by-side, elongated rails  112 A,  112 B attached to the inwardly-facing surface of the frame member  102 A such that the rails  112 A,  112 B extend longitudinally along the frame member  102 B and laterally across the opening of the dunnage container. In alternate embodiments, the rails  112 A,  1128  may form the frame member of the dunnage container, i.e., such that the frame member  102 B may be omitted. In any case, the rail  112 A defines an elongated channel  114 A between spaced-apart, downwardly extending walls of the rail  112 A, and the channel  114 A illustratively runs the length of the rail  112 A. The rail  1088  likewise defines an elongated channel  1148  between spaced-apart, downwardly extending walls of the rail  1128 , and the channel  1148  illustratively runs the length of the rail  1128 . The channel  110 A is directly opposite the channel  114 A, and the channel  1108  is directly opposite the channel  114 B. 
     The sliding cover assembly  104  is similar in many respects to the sliding cover assembly  14  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-13  in that the cover assembly  104  includes two spaced-apart cover panels  120 A,  1208  slidably received within respective channels of the opposed rail structures  106 A,  1068  respectively, and a flexible panel  120 C coupled to and between the cover panels  120 A,  1208 . The cover panel  120 A has an inwardly-facing side  122 A, an outwardly-facing side  122 B opposite the inwardly-facing side  122 A, one end  122 C and an opposite end  122 D opposite the end  122 C, and the cover panel  1208  likewise has an inwardly-facing side  124 A, an outwardly-facing side  124 B opposite the inwardly-facing side  124 A, one end  124 C and an opposite end  124 D opposite the end  124 C. One side  126 A of the flexible panel  120 C is attached to the inwardly-facing side  122 A of the cover panel  120 A, and an opposite side  1268  of the flexible panel  120 C is attached to the inwardly-facing side  124 A of the cover panel  1208 . 
     The end  122 C of the cover panel  120 A is received within, and is slidable along, the channel  1108  of the rail  1088 , and the end  124 C of the cover panel  1208  is received within, and is slidable along, the channel  110 A of the rail  108 A. The end  122 D of the cover panel  120 A is received within, and is slidable along, the channel  114 B of the rail  1128 , and the end  124 D of the cover panel  1208  is received within, and is slidable along, the channel  114 A of the rail  112 A. The cover panel  1208  thus slides in front of the cover panel  120 A as the cover panel  1208  is moved along the channels  110 A,  114 A toward and over the cover panel  120 A, and the cover panel  120 A slides behind the cover panel  1208  as the cover panel  120 A is moved along the channels  1108 ,  1148  toward and behind the cover panel  1208 . In any case, movement of the cover panel  120 A and/or the cover panel  1208  to expose portion(s) of the opening of the dunnage container redirects the flexible panel  120 C and traps the flexible panel  120 C between the cover panels  120 A,  120 B as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cover panels  120 A,  1208  are provided in the form of rigid or semi-rigid panels each with sufficient strength and rigidity to be self-supporting. As such, frame assemblies, such as the frame assemblies  26 ,  28  described above, are not needed and may therefore be omitted. In some embodiments, the cover panels  120 A,  1208  may illustratively be provided in the form of conventional, two-foil plastic panels with ribbed or other support structures attached and extending between opposed faces of two planar foils. Such panels may illustratively be formed of, for example, polypropylene, although other materials may alternatively be used. Such panels are sometimes referred to in the industry as plastic corrugated panels. In alternate embodiments, either or both cover panels  120 A,  1208  may be provided in the form of other conventional rigid or semi-rigid panels each with sufficient strength and rigidity to be self-supporting but otherwise without limitation. The flexible panel  120 A may be as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 . 
     In some embodiments, either or both of the cover panels  120 A,  1208  may include handles for facilitating sliding movement thereof. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , for example, each of the cover panels  120 A,  1208  includes a respective handle  128 A,  1288  mounted thereto adjacent to, yet spaced apart from, the respective outwardly-facing side  122 B,  124 B thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, suitable openings are formed through the cover panels  120 A,  1208 , and the handles  128 A,  1288  are configured to be received within the openings and secured to the respective cover panel  120 A,  1208 . 
     In some embodiments, either or both of the cover panels  120 A,  1208  may be provided with panel locking, latching or securing structures for releasably securing the panel  120 A,  1208  to a respective one of the frame members  102 C,  102 D of the dunnage container and/or for releasably locking the panels  120 A,  1208  relative to one another in their spaced apart positions in which the panels  120 A- 120 C completely or nearly cover the opening of the dunnage container. In the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 13 , for example, a hook-and-loop fabric  130 A is attached to and about the outwardly-facing side  1228  of the cover panel  120 A, and a similar hook-and-loop fabric  132 A is attached to and about the outwardly-facing side  124 B of the cover panel  120 B. A complementarily configured hook-and-loop fabric  130 B is attached to and about the frame member  102 C of the dunnage container, and the complementary hook-and-loop fabrics  130 A,  130 B are configured to engage one another on contact to releasably secure the outwardly-facing side  122 B of the cover panel  120 A to the frame member  102 C. Likewise, a complementarily configured hook-and-loop fabric  132 B is attached to and about the frame member  102 D of the dunnage container, and the complementary hook-and-loop fabrics  132 A,  132 B are configured to engage one another on contact to releasably secure the outwardly-facing side  124 B of the cover panel  120 B to the frame member  102 D, all as illustrated by example in  FIG. 13 . Those skilled in the art will recognize other conventional locking, latching or securing structures for releasably securing the panel  120 A to the frame member  102 C of the dunnage container and/or for releasably securing the panel  120 B to the frame member  102 D of the dunnage container, and it will be understood that any such other conventional locking, latching or securing structures are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     In alternate embodiments, one or more structures may be provided to releasably lock the panels  120 A,  120 B relative to one another in their spaced apart positions (as illustrated in  FIG. 13 ) in which the panels  120 A- 120 C completely or nearly cover the opening of the dunnage container. Such one or more structures may likewise be provided to lock the framed panels  24 A,  24 C of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-12  relative to one another in their spaced apart positions in which the panels  24 A- 24 C completely or nearly cover the opening of the dunnage container. As one example of such structures, which should not be considered to be limiting in any way, two elongated rods, telescoping or otherwise, may each be coupled at one end thereof, e.g., pivotably, to inwardly-facing sides of each of the panels  120 A,  120 B (and/or  24 A,  24 C), and may be pivotably or otherwise releasably joined to one another at opposite ends thereof. Such rods may be pivoted or otherwise moved to a locked or locking position between the two panels  120 A,  120 B and across the panel  120 C (or between the two panels  24 A,  24 C and across the panel  24 B) which forces the panels  120 A,  120 B (or  24 A,  24 C) away from one another and/or otherwise prevents relative movement of the panels  120 A,  120 B (or  24 A,  24 C) toward one another. Such rods may also be pivoted or moved to a release position which draws the panels  120 A,  120 B (or  24 A,  24 C) toward one another and/or otherwise allows relative movement of the panels  120 A,  120 B (or  24 A,  24 C) toward one another. Those skilled in the art will recognize other structures for achieving the functionality just described, and it will be understood than any such other structures are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the flexible panel  120 C has one end  128 C and another end  128 D opposite the end  128 C, wherein both ends  128 C,  128 D are illustratively spaced apart from the ends  122 C,  124 C and  122 D,  124 D respectively of the cover panels  120 A,  120 B respectively. In alternate embodiments, the length of the flexible panel  120 C may be the same as that of the cover panels  120 A,  120 B such that the end  128 C of the flexible panel  120 C is collinear with the ends  122 C,  124 C of the cover panels  120 A,  120 B and the end  128 D of the flexible panel  120 C is collinear with the ends  122 D,  124 D of the cover panels  120 A,  120 B. In still other embodiments, only one or the other of the ends  128 C,  128 D may be collinear with respective ends of the cover panels  120 A,  120 B. In any case, in some embodiments at least one brush-style strip or other conventional sealing device or structure may be mounted within one or more of the channels  110 A,  110 B,  114 A,  114 B at least partially along its/their length(s) to guide movement of either or both of the cover panels  120 A,  120 B along the respective channels and/or to prevent or impede ingress of debris into one or more of the channels  110 A,  110 B,  114 A,  114 B. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16A-17B , another embodiment is shown of a dunnage container closure arrangement including a sliding cover assembly  200  operatively mounted to a closed, dunnage container frame assembly. The dunnage container frame assembly illustratively includes the four frame members as illustrated in the embodiments  10 ,  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15  and described above. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 16A-16C , the assembly  200  illustratively includes two rigid or semi-rigid panels  202 ,  204  separated, and coupled together, by a flexible or semi-flexible panel  206  as described above. The assembly  200  illustratively includes two additional features, either or both of which may be alternatively or additionally implemented in either or both of the embodiments described above. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the opposed sides of the panels  202 ,  206  are secured together by an elongated, rigid or semi-rigid strip  208 , and the opposed sides of the panels  206 ,  204  are likewise secured together by another elongated, rigid or semi-rigid rib  210 . In this embodiment, an elongated top rail structure or assembly  212  is attached to an inwardly-facing surface of the top frame member of the dunnage container, and an opposed elongated rail structure  1068  is attached to an inwardly-facing surface of the bottom frame member  1028  such that the rails structures  212 ,  214  face one another. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the top rail structure  212  includes side-by-side, elongated rails attached to the inner surface of the frame member  102 A such that the rails of the top rail structure  212  extend across the opening of the dunnage container, and the bottom rail structure  214  likewise includes side-by-side, elongated rails attached to the inner surface of the frame member such that the rails of the bottom rail structure  214  extend across the opening of the dunnage container opposite the top rail structure  212 . In alternate embodiments, the rail structures  212 ,  214  may form the frame member of the dunnage container. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the side-by-side rails of the top rail structure  212  are configured so as to define C-shaped channels  212 A,  212 B. A sliding member  215  is illustratively attached to, or is integral with, the top of the rib  210 , and is sized to be slidingly received within one of the channels  212 A,  2128  such that the rib  210  is suspended by, but slidable along, the channel  212 A,  2128 , as illustrated by example in  FIG. 17A . A similar or identical sliding member is illustratively attached to, or is integral with, the top of the rib  208 , and is likewise sized to be slidingly received within the other one of the channels  212 A,  2128  such that the rib  208  is likewise suspended by, but slidable along, the channel  212 A,  2128 . In this manner, the sliding cover assembly  200  is suspended from the top rail structure  212  with the panels  202 ,  204 ,  206  slidable along the top rail structure  212 . In some alternate embodiments, the rib(s)  208 ,  210  may be omitted, and the sliding member(s)  215  may be mounted directly to the top edge(s) of the panel(s)  202 ,  204 . In other alternate embodiments, the sliding member  215  may define a slot therein sized to at least partially receive therein the two feet of the “C” shaped bottom portion of the channels  212 A,  2128 , e.g., such that an upper portion of the sliding member  215  resides within the channels  212 A,  212 B, as illustrated in  FIG. 17A , and a lower portion of the sliding member  215  extends below the channels  212 A,  2128  with the feet of the “C” shaped bottom portions of the channel  212 A,  2128  riding within the slot defined between the upper and lower portions. In any case, the sliding member  215  may extend the width of the cover panel  202 ,  204  in some embodiments, and in other embodiments multiple sliding members  215  may be used for each panel  202 ,  204 . 
     In any case, the bottom rail structure  214  is illustratively configured as described above with respect to the embodiment  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-12 , e.g., side-by-side U-shaped channels, and the bottom ends of the ribs  208 ,  210  illustratively extend into, but are not secured to or within the channels of the bottom rail structure  214 . As such, the bottom ends of the ribs  208 ,  210 , and thus the bottom edges of the panels  202 ,  204 , slide along respective ones of the channels of the bottom rail structure  214  as the panels  202 ,  204  slide relative to the top rail structure  212 . In embodiments which do not include the ribs  208 ,  210 , the bottom edges of the panels  202  may extend into, and slide along, the side-by-side channels of the bottom rail structure  214 . In some alternate embodiments, the bottom rail structure  214  may be configured similarly or identically to the top rail structure  212  just described, and in such embodiments sliding members  215  may be mounted to the bottom ends of the ribs  208 ,  210  (or directly to the bottom edges of the panels  208 ,  210 ). 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 16A-17B , the sliding panel assembly  200  further illustratively includes a cover locking assembly  220  operatively mounted to the assembly  200 . The cover locking assembly  220  is illustratively operable to selectively lock the panels  202 ,  204  relative to one another in their spaced apart positions (as illustrated in  FIG. 16A ) in which the combination of the panels  202 ,  204 ,  206  completely or nearly cover the opening of the dunnage container, and to selectively unlock the panels  202 ,  204  to allow the panels  202 ,  204  to move relative one another to expose at least a portion of the opening of the dunnage container. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover locking assembly  220  is provided to in the form of a number of rigid rods or ribs pivotally mounted to the panels  202 ,  204  and pivotally mounted to one another in a manner configured to allow locking and unlocking of the panels  202 ,  204  to one another. For example, an elongated rod or rib  222  is pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the panel  202  at or adjacent to the free side of the panel  202  via a conventional pivoting member  224 A, e.g., a screw, bolt, rivet or the like. Spaced apart from an opposite end of the rod or rib  222 , one end of another elongated rod or rib  226  is pivotally mounted thereto via another conventional pivoting member  224 B. The opposite end of the rod or rib  226  is pivotally mounted to one end of a comparatively shorter rod or rib  228  via yet another pivoting member  224 C, and the rod or rib  228  is illustratively affixed to the rib  210  of the panel assembly  200  in a conventional manner, e.g., via one or more conventional fixation members, via adhesive or other bonding materials or the like. The end of the rod or rib  222  near the free side of the panel  202  is thus pivotable relative to the panel  202 , the end of the rid or rib  226  is pivotable relative to a portion of the rod or rib  222  spaced apart from the opposite end thereof, and the opposite end of the rod or rib  226  is pivotable relative to the rod or rib  228 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the rods or ribs  222 ,  226  are provided in the form of elongated U-shaped channels with the channel opening of the rod or rib  222  larger than the exterior profile of the rod or rib  226  such that the rod or rib  226  is receivable within the U-shaped channel of the rod or rib  222  in the locked position of the cover locking assembly  220  as illustrated by example in  FIGS. 16A and 17B . The free end of the rod or rib  226  is illustratively pivoted, about the pivoting member  224 B, upwardly and away from the rod or rib  226  to unlock the cover locking assembly  220  so that the panels  202 ,  204  may be moved relative to one another. As shown by example in  FIG. 16B , with the cover locking assembly  220  unlocked as just described, the panel  202  is moved toward the panel  22  which causes (i) the free end of the rod or rib  226  to pivot, about the pivoting member  224 B, upwardly and away from the rod or rib  226 , (ii) the rod or rib  226  to pivot about the pivoting member  224 C relative to the rod or rib  228  and to further pivot about the pivoting member  224 B relative to the rod or rib  226 , and (iii) the rod or rib  222  pivotally mounted to the panel  222  to pivot about the pivoting member  224 A relative to the panel  202 . As the panel  204  is further moved relative to the panel  202  so as to overlay the panel  202 , the rods or ribs  222 ,  226  continue to pivot as just described, and the rod or rib  226  is received along its length within the channel of the rod or rib  222 . The cover locking assembly  220  may be returned to its locked position by reversing the process just described with respect to  FIGS. 16A-16C . 
     It will be appreciated that the cover locking assembly  220  may alternatively be mounted such that the pivoting end of the rod or rib  222  is mounted to the panel  204  at or near the free side thereof. It will be further appreciated that the cover locking assembly  220  may alternatively be implemented in embodiments in which the panels  202 ,  204  are flexible panels as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-14  and/or in embodiments in which the panels  202 ,  204  are rigid or semi-rigid but in which the ribs or strips  208 ,  210  are omitted. 
     In some embodiments, the cover locking assembly  220  may be modified to include an unlocking mechanism for selectively unlocking the assembly  220 . Referring to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , an alternate embodiment of the cover locking assembly  220 ′ is shown which includes an elongated articulating handle  240 , e.g., in the form of a rigid or semi-rigid strip, pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the end of the rod or rib  222  via the pivoting member  224 . In some embodiments, a loop  242  or other convenient structure may be affixed to the opposite end of the handle  240  to facilitate movement of the handle  240  relative to the cover locking assembly  220 . In this embodiment, the cover locking assembly  220  is illustratively unlocked by moving the free end of the handle  240  toward the rod or rib  226 , as illustrated by example in  FIG. 18B . As the handle  240  pivots about the pivoting member  224 A relative to the rod or rib  222 , the opposite end of the rod or rib  222  is forced away from the rod or rib  226  so as to unlock the cover locking assembly  220  as further illustrated by example in  FIG. 18B . 
     While this disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of this disclosure are desired to be protected. For example, it will be understood that whereas the various embodiments of the sliding cover assembly have been shown and described as covering a front (or side or rear or top) opening of a dunnage container with the panels of the sliding cover assembly being movable from side-to-side relative to the dunnage container, the sliding cover assembly may alternatively be mounted and/or positioned relative to the dunnage container such that the panels of the sliding cover assembly are movable from top-to-bottom, and vice versa, relative to the dunnage container, e.g., the sliding cover assembly depicted in  FIGS. 1, 13 and/or 16A  may be rotated 90 degrees such that the panels slide up and down rather than side-to-side. As another example, whereas some of the various embodiments of the sliding cover assembly have been shown and described as including various handle structures, it will be understood that any handle structure, whether protruding from the front surface one or more of the panels, integral with one or more of the panels and/or including one or more openings defined through one or more of the panels, may be included in any of the sliding cover assembly embodiments. In some such embodiments, handle structures may be defined only at the outer edges of the outer panels, although in other embodiments handle structures may be defined at opposite edges of one or both of the outer panels, and/or one or more handle structures may be defined in-board of either side edge of either or both the outer panels.