Patent ID: 7673926

Claim:
A covering system for use with an open top container, the system comprising: first and second frame members longitudinally spaced from one another and pivotable about a longitudinally extending axis relative to one another; a longitudinally elongated base on each frame member; first and second beams on each frame member; first and second longitudinally spaced pivotal connections about the axis respectively between the first and second beams of each frame member and its base; a rigid third connection between the first and second beams distal the axis; the first and second beams angling toward one another from the first and second pivotal connections toward the rigid third connection; an elongated flexible member connected to and extending longitudinally between the frame members; and a tarpaulin; wherein the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable between a generally horizontal covered position adapted to cover the open top container and an uncovered position adapted to allow access to the open top; and the flexible member is required to transfer sufficient force from the first frame member during pivotal movement thereof to the second frame member in order to pivotally move the second frame member out of the covered position.