Patent ID: 7841642

Claim:
A retractable tarping system comprising: a first end support surface having a first support end and a second support end; a second end support surface having a third support end and a fourth support end; a shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end; a tarp operably attached to the shaft; a first spool attached to the shaft proximate the first shaft end; a first end plate assembly attached to the first shaft end, wherein the first end plate assembly is mounted for movement with respect to the first end support surface; a first cable attached to the first end support surface to extend substantially between the first support end and the second support end, wherein the first cable extends at least one time around the first spool; a second spool attached to the shaft proximate the second shaft end; a second end plate assembly attached to the second shaft end, wherein the second end plate assembly is mounted for movement with respect to the second end support surface; and a second cable attached to the second end support surface to extend at least partially between the third support end and the fourth support end, wherein the second cable extends at least one time around the second spool; a motor for causing the shaft to rotate with respect to the first end plate assembly; and at least one roller mounted to the first plate assembly for rotation about an axis that is offset from a rotational axis of the shaft.