SLIDING TARPAULIN TENSIONING AND LOCKING SYSTEM

摘要

An improved tensioning and locking apparatus for tensioning and locking a sliding tarpaulin that selectively covers and uncovers a trailer, such as a flat bed trailer or an enclosed trailer with an opening in a side thereof. Rotational motion about an axis perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the length of the trailer can be used to operate the apparatus to either increase or decrease tension in the tarpaulin covering the trailer. Such rotational motion can be provided from outside the covered trailer, which is advantageous for operators of said trailers.

主权项

1. A sliding tarpaulin tensioning and locking apparatus, comprising:
an elongate rod housing for mounting on a sliding tarpaulin system, the rod housing comprising an elongate slot formed therein and a transverse slot formed therein at one end of the elongate slot, the elongate slot and the transverse slot in communication with each other and with a rod space formed within the rod housing; a threaded rod provided in the rod space; a threaded tensioning nut circumscribing the rod within the rod space, the tensioning nut having an arm extending therefrom through one of the elongate slot and the transverse slot to an exterior of the rod housing; and rotational motion transmission means having an input for receiving rotational motion about an axis perpendicular to the rod, and an output in rotational engagement with the rod; wherein rotation of the input about an axis perpendicular to the rod causes the rod to rotate about its elongate axis; and wherein rotation of the rod about its elongate axis causes the tensioning nut to rotate about said axis, causing the tensioning nut arm to move along one of the elongate slot and the transverse slot.