Tarp roll-up with pivoting radial arms

摘要

A tarp deploying apparatus includes radial arm with a proximal arm and a distal arm. A flexible inelastic limit element is provided between the proximal and distal arms to prevent them from crossing over center to an angle that would cause the apparatus to bind.

主权项

1. A tarp deploying apparatus comprising:
a radial arm, the radial arm including a proximal member having a first end and a second end and a distal member having a first end and a second end, and wherein the proximal and distal members are pivotally connected to each other by a pivotal connection proximate to the second end of the proximal member and proximate to the first end of the distal member; the first end of the proximal member being pivotally connected to a wall of a trailer; the second end of the distal member supporting a motor that is operably connected to rotate a tarp roller; and a flexible, inelastic limit element attached to each of the proximal and distal members, the limit element permitting free pivoting of the distal member relative to the proximal member, except that the limit element being short enough to prevent the members from extending to a fully aligned position; and wherein the proximal member includes a first joint member secured to a proximal arm member; the distal member includes a second joint member secured to a distal arm member; the first joint member includes a first pair of spaced apart ears supporting a first bar; the second joint member includes a second pair of space apart ears supporting a second bar; the limit element is attached at a first end to the first bar and at a second end to the second bar; and a pivot member is provided between the first and second joint members, which forms the pivotal connection between the second end of the proximal member and the first end of the distal member.