摘要 |
An electrically insulated truck cover manipulator assembly which includes two arms, a drive mechanism, and a tie-rod. The tie-rod is attached both to a flexible cover which moves longitudinally along the length of a truck body or trailer and to the two arms. In one embodiment, the arms each include an upper support member and a lower support member joined by an electrically insulating connector. Both the upper and lower support members may be filled with dielectric foam. The drive mechanism moves the arms about a pivot causing the tie-rod joining the upper ends of the upper support members to pull the flexible cover over the length of the truck trailer or body and its contents. In the event either of the upper support members or the tie-rod makes contact with overhead power lines during operation, the insulating connectors prevent electricity from flowing from the upper support members to the lower support members and thus to the truck frame. In addition, the multipiece construction of each arm allows either the upper support member or the tie-rod to be easily replaced if damaged.
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