Actuation mechanism for a tarping system

摘要

An actuation assembly for a cover extendable over an open-topped container body from a stowed position to a deployed position includes two actuator mechanisms on each side of the body, each including at least one torsion spring having a base portion and at least one reaction end and at least one reaction post in contact with a corresponding reaction end of the at least one spring. In a first exterior actuator mechanism, the reaction post is connectable to the bail arm, while in the second interior actuator mechanism the reaction post is mountable to the container body. A common shaft extends between the base portions of the spring(s) of each actuator mechanism to transmit torque from the interior spring(s) to the exterior spring(s), serving as a rotating anchor for the exterior actuator mechanism. In one embodiment, only the exterior actuator mechanism is situated outside the side extent of the container body.

主权项

1. An actuation assembly for a cover system on an open-topped container body, the cover system including a cover extendable from a stowed position to a deployed position covering the container body and a bail member attached to the cover and pivotably mounted to the container body to move the cover between its two positions, the assembly comprising:
a first torsion spring having a base portion and a reaction end; a second torsion spring having a base portion and a reaction end; an elongated shaft extending between the first and second torsion springs; a first housing connectable to the bail member and defining a bore for rotatably receiving said shaft therethrough, said first housing configured to receive the first torsion spring therein, wherein the reaction end of the first torsion spring is mounted to the first housing, either the reaction end or the base portion of the second torsion spring is mounted to the container body, and the elongated shaft is engaged between the base portion of the first torsion spring and the base portion or reaction end of the second torsion spring that is not mounted to the container body, and further wherein each spring is wound about said shaft when the cover is in one of the deployed and stowed positions, and is unwound relative to said shaft when the cover is in the other of the deployed and stowed positions.