AU701968B2 - Load cover - Google Patents

Description

1 LOAD COVER Field of the Invention The invention generally relates to load covers. More particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a cover adapted to cover the load of a semi-trailer, coal train carriage or the like, or other object having an upper opening.

Background of the Invention Covers for the upper opening of a semi-trailer body have been proposed. These covers often comprise a plurality of curved ribs which extend transversely across the upper opening, one behind the other, and which support a sheet of material over the upper opening. To uncover the semi-trailer body, these ribs are typically retracted in the longitudinal direction. In order to effect longitudinal movement of the ribs however, a track must be provided at each side of the opening and motor means must be provided to cause the ribs to move along the track. Such designs are typically complex and are expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, in high wind situations, such covers have been 15 known to blow off the semi-trailer body.

Accordingly, there is a need in the field of semi-trailer covers for a cover of simple design, less expense and more reliability. It is an object of the current invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages and/or more generally to provide an improved load cover.

20 Summary of the Invention There is disclosed herein an apparatus for covering a substantially rectangular object, comprising: oo. a flexible cover adapted to cover the object, a first arm pivotally attached to a first region of the object at or nearby a first corner thereof so as to be pivotable about a first axis which lies in a plane at substantially 450 to each of the sides of the object, the first arm being secured to the cover at a first cover [n:\Iibll]02098:GJG:TCW 2 a second arm pivotally attached to a second region of the object, the second arm being secured to the cover at a second cover location, wherein pivotal movement of the first and second arms effects substantial removal of the cover from the object.

Preferably, the second region of the object is a second corner thereof located diagonally opposite the first corner, said second arm being pivotally attached to said object so as to be pivotable about a second axis which lies in a plane at substantially 450 to each of the sides of the object.

Preferably, opposite pivotal movement of the first and second arms effects recovering of the object.

Preferably, at least one edge of the cover is at least partially attached to the object.

The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending cords which are attached to and extend along the cover.

The apparatus may further comprise a retractable cord which extends diagonally across the cover, and which is attached to the plurality of longitudinally extending cords.

The apparatus may further comprise a drum upon which the retractable cord may be oo wound.

Preferably, the pivot axes of the first and second arms reside in horizontal planes which are substantially parallel.

20 Preferably, the height at which the end of the first and/or second arm travels may be varied.

•Preferably, the pivot axes of the first and second arms are inclined.

The apparatus may further comprise at least one ram coupled to the first and/or second arms to effect pivotal movement of the first and second arms.

Preferably, the first and/or second arms include an axle extending along the pivot axis of the arm, and a stay extending between the arm and the axle.

Preferably, the length of the stay is adjustable to vary the height at which the arm pivots above the object.

[n:\Iibll]02098:GJG:TCW 3 Preferably, pivotal movement of the first arm effects pivotal movement of the second arm so as to effect substantial removal of the cover from the object.

Preferably, opposite pivotal movement of the first and second arms effects recovering of the object.

Preferably, the second region is an end of the object opposite the first corner.

Preferably, the second arm comprises an idle arm which includes an L-shaped distal extension.

The apparatus may further comprise a retractable cord which extends diagonally across the cover, and which is attached to the cover at its distal end.

The apparatus may further comprise a drum upon which the retractable cord may be wound.

The apparatus may further comprise a ram coupled to the first arm to effect pivotal movement thereof.

Preferably, the second region of the object is a second corner thereof adjacent said first corner, said second arm being pivotally attached to said object so as to be pivotable about a second axis which lies in a plane at substantially 450 to each of the sides of the oo object.

There is further disclosed herein an apparatus for covering a substantially rectangular object, comprising: 20 a flexible cover adapted to cover the object, t a first arm pivotally attached to a first region of the object at or nearby a first corner thereof so as to be pivotable about a first axis which lies in a plane at substantially 45' to each of the sides of the object, the first arm being secured to the cover at a first cover a location, a retractable cord which extends across the cover and which is secured to the cover at a first distal location, a first cable which has a proximal end coupled to the first arm, which extends around a pulley, and which has a distal end connected to the cord, [n:\libll]02098:GJG:TCW 4 wherein pivoting of the first arm retracts the first cable which in turn retracts the cord to substantially uncover the object.

Preferably, opposite pivotal movement of the first arm serves to substantially recover the object.

The apparatus may further comprise a second cable which has a proximal end connected to the distal end of the first cable, which extends across the cover and is connected to the cover at a second distal location, wherein retraction of the first cable effects retraction of the second cable.

The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of eyelets which are successively secured to the cover and through which the cord extends, wherein retraction of the cord causes successive eyelets to abut one another thereby forcing successive eyelets inward.

The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of cable guides for guiding the first cable, second cable and cord.

Preferably, the first cable, second cable and cord comprise a contiguous cable.

The apparatus may further comprise a second arm which is pivotally attached to the object at a second region, which is secured to the cover at a second cover location, and e •o which pivots concurrently with the first arm to facilitate removal of the cover.

There is still further disclosed herein an apparatus for covering a substantially rectangular object, comprising: 20 a flexible cover adapted to cover the object, o• a first arm pivotally attached to a first region of the object at or nearby a first corner thereof so as to be pivotable about a first axis which lies in a plane at substantially 450 to each of the sides of the object, the first arm being secured to the cover at a first cover S. o Slocation, a swing arm pivotally attached to the first arm, a retractable cord which extends across the cover and which is secured to the cover at a first distal location, [n:\libII]02098:GJG:TCW a first cable which has a proximal end connected to the first arm, which extends through a first pulley, and which has a distal end connected to the cord and to a second cable that is connected to the swing arm, a third cable which is connected to a distal end of the swing arm, which extends through a second pulley attached to near a distal end of the first arm, and which is secured to the cover at a second distal location, wherein pivoting of the first arm retracts the first cable which in turn retracts the cord and the second cable, wherein the retraction of the second cable in turn effects pivotal movement of the swing arm which effects retraction of the third cable, wherein the cover is thereby substantially removed.

Preferably, opposite pivotal movement of the first arm serves to substantially recover the object.

The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of cable guides for guiding the first cable, second cable, third cable and cord.

Preferably, the first cable, second cable and cord comprise a contiguous cable.

The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of eyelets which are successively 4444 secured to the cover and through which the retractable cord extends, wherein retraction of the cord causes successive eyelets to abut one another thereby forcing them inward.

Preferably, the swing is pivotally attached to about the midpoint of the first arm, 20 and has a length equal to about half the length of the first arm.

The apparatus may further comprise a second arm which is pivotally attached to a second region of the object, which is secured to the cover at a second cover location, and which pivots concurrently with the first arm to facilitate removal of the cover.

•Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a trailer body having a pair of pivot arms attached thereto, the arms being orientated in the "cover-on" configuration, [n:\Iib1l]02098:GJG:TCW Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a trailer body having a pair of pivot arms attached thereto, the arms being orientated in the "cover-off" configuration, Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a trailer body having a cover located thereon, Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the trailer having the arms in the configuration of Fig. 2, Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the trailer having the arms in the configuration of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a schematic elevational view of one of the arms, Fig. 7 is a schematic elevational view of an adjustable arm, Fig. 8 is a schematic side elevational view of the adjustable arm of Fig. 7, S .Fig. 9 is a schematic elevational depiction of an alternative means of affixing arms 11 and 12 to the trailer, Fig. 10 is a schematic elevational view of a further alternative means by which arms 11 and 12 may be pivotally mounted to the trailer body, Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a trailer body having an alternative arrangement of cover lifting arms thereon, Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of another trailer body having an alternative arrangement of cover lifting arms thereon, 20 Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view of a trailer with an arm in the "cover-on" position, SFig. 14 is a schematic plan view of a trailer with an arm in the "cover-off" position, Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view of a trailer with an arm in the "cover-on" position, and Fig. 16 is a schematic plan view of a trailer with an arm in the "cover-off" position.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments Though this specification and accompanying figures refer to a rectangular trailer body throughout, the current invention may be used with various other objects of various shapes having an upper opening desired to be covered. Referring now to Fig. 1, there is schematically depicted a trailer body 10 including a pair of arms 11 and 12. It is [N:\LIBLL]178:laam preferred that arms 11, 12 are pivotally attached at opposing regions of trailer body such as opposing corners. In this configuration, arm 11 may reside along a side of trailer body 10, while arm 12 may reside along an end thereof. Each arm 11 and 12 is preferably adapted to pivot about respective axes A which may extend in a horizontal plane and which may be generally parallel to one another. The remote tips of arms 11, 12 may thus traverse an arc B as shown by the arrows.

Fig. 2 shows the arms 11 and 12 after they have pivoted from the positions depicted in Fig. 1 through arc B. That is, arm 11 no longer resides along one side of the trailer body 10, but resides at one end thereof. Likewise, arm 12 now resides along one side So rather than alongside the trailer body's other end.

*o,*Fig. 3 shows the trailer body 10 having a cover 13 thereon. While cover 13 resides S. over the trailer body 10, the arms 11 and 12 may be located beneath or above the cover o• •13 and may be positioned as shown in Fig. 1. That is, the distal end of arm 11 resides approximately at location E and the distal end of arm 12 is located at the approximate position indicated as C.

~The cover 13 may be fabricated from a plastic, mesh, canvas or any other material or combination of materials suitable for covering the trailer body 10. To this end, it is preferred that the cover 13 comprise a material that may withstand adverse weather conditions such as rain and high winds. At one end 24 of the trailer body 10, the cover 20 13 is preferably affixed to the trailer body by fasteners 17. To help avoid sagging and ease the orderly removal of cover 13, it is also preferred that cords 15 longitudinally extend from each fastener 17 and along the cover 13. These cords 15 may pass between the surfaces of the cover 13 and a lamination thereon, or may be stitched within long pockets which extend along the cover 13. Other suitable means may also be used to attach cords 15 to cover 13. The distal ends of cords 15 are preferably attached to arm 12 at evenly spaced locations therealong.

To further aid orderly cover removal, it is also preferred that a retractable cord 16 extend diagonally from position F to position E. Cord 16 may be affixed to each longitudinal cord 15 at the positions indicated as 14. Alternatively, at each intersection [N:\LBLL]00178:am position 14, the cords 15 may be provided with a ring through which the retractable cord 16 may pass. Retractable cord 16 may be wound upon a drum 18 that may be affixed by brackets to the trailer body 10. Though Fig. 3 shows drum 18 positioned external to trailer body 10, drum 18 may alternatively be positioned within body 10 or at some other suitable location. Drum 18 may be spring-loaded so that it has a natural bias to retract cord 16.

Referring now to Figs. 4 through 6, arms 11, 12 are shown in more detail. As shown in Fig. 6, each arm 11 and 12 may be secured to an axle 21 at the arm's proximal end. To provide rigidity to the arms 11 and 12, stay 22 preferably extends between the lo arm and the axle 21. The axle 21 is adapted to pivot with respect to a frame part which may comprise a portion of the trailer body 10 or a part welded or otherwise affixed thereto. It is preferred that bearings 23 pivotally connect the axle 21 to frame part As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, to effect pivotal movement of the arms 11 and 12, pneumatic or hydraulic rams 19 may be used, wherein one end of ram 19 may be attached to the trailer body 10, and the other end of ram 19 may be attached to the stay 22 of the arms 11, 12. The rams 19 may also be positioned at locations other than that shown in Figs. 4 and As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the angle a between the respective arm 11, 12 and its axle 21 may be approximately 450. However, it is preferred that this angle be adjustable during pivoting so that the arms 11, 12 may pivot more highly above the trailer body clear varying types of bulk material in a fully laden trailer. This is preferred because some materials have a larger natural angle of repose than other materials and thus pile up more steeply above the upper edge of the trailer body To provide angle adjustment or to otherwise provide suitable clearance during pivoting, arms 11, 12 may include a means of increasing the angle c beyond 450 One alternative to accomplish this is shown in Figs. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, an arcuate plate 26, rod or tube may be attached to the frame part 20 as shown, and the standard stay 22 may be replaced with a telescopic stay which includes parts 22a and 22b. The arm 11 or 12 may be attached to the axle 21 at pivot point 24 thereby allowing arm 11 or 12 to [N:\LIBLL]00178:lam 9 pivot in a plane perpendicular to that provided by the bearings 23. The arm 11, 12 may contact plate 26 at point 27. In operation, as the arm 11 or 12 transverses the arc of plate 26, the stay 22a, b may be extended so that the angle a is increased as necessary, e.g., when the arm approaches the centre of its range of travel where the bulk material is likely to be piled at its highest.

As an alternative to the arrangement depicted in Figs. 7 and 8, reference is made to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 shows the axle 21 coupled to bearings 23 which, via rods 23a and 23b, are positioned at different distances relative to body frame part 20. The bearing mounted on rod 23a, is thus positioned further away from the frame plate 20 than the left lo hand bearing 23 mounted on rod 23b. Thus the axle 21 extends at an angle which is acute relative to the frame part 20. In this configuration, the arms 11 and 12 may pivot about an inclined axis therefore increasing the maximum height that the arms 11 and 12 achieve at the mid-point of pivotal motion of each arm.

Reference numeral 30 in Fig. 9 indicates a point on stay 22 at which a hydraulic or pneumatic ram 19 may be attached. As mentioned above, ram 19 may be used to effect pivoting of the arm. A further advantage of the embodiment of Fig. 9 is that the ram 19 preferably does not bind upon initial activation since the connection point 30, when the arm 11 is in the down-position, is slightly off alignment with axle 21.

S* Depicted in Fig. 10 is another arrangement by which arms 11 and 12 may be 20 pivotally mounted to the frame part 20 of trailer body 10. This arrangement is somewhat similar to that of Fig. 9 except that the bearing 23 at the left hand side is raised, rather than the bearing at the right hand side as in Fig. 9. An advantage of this arrangement is that the mounting position of one end of ram 19 is slightly off axis with the axle 21 when the arms 11, 12 are in the folded-down position which also preferably avoids binding when the arm 11 or 12 is initially pivoted.

In use, the covered trailer body 10 as depicted in Fig. 3 may be uncovered by activation of rams 19. As a result, the arms 11 and 12 pivot from the orientation depicted in Fig. 1 to that depicted in Fig. 2. Referring again to Fig. 3, the point E of the cover 13 is preferably fixed to the remote end of arm 11. Thus, after arm 11 pivots, points E [N:\LIBLL]00178:am resides at position F. During pivoting, a spring biased drum 18 may be used to retract cord 16 thus ensuring that each cord 15 attached to cover 13 is drawn towards the drum 18 as arms 11, 12 pivot. Once open, the cover 13 preferably resides substantially at the end 24 and along the longitudinal edge as indicated by G in Fig. 3.

An alternative embodiment is depicted in Fig. 11. Here, the trailer body preferably includes a first arm 12 pivotally mounted at one corner to pivot about axis A in similar fashion as the arm 12 depicted in Fig. 1. To this end, a hydraulic or pneumatic ram (not shown) may be used to effect pivoting. The second arm 11 may be pivotally attached to pivot about axis A' which may be located approximately midway across the 1o upper edge of end 24 of the trailer body 10. Arm 11 is an idling arm which may include an L-shaped extension 11' at its distal end.

A retractable cable 16 preferably extends from a reel 18 and diagonally across the upper opening of the trailer body 10. Cable 16 may be connected approximately at the midpoint of a cable 28 which may extend between the distal ends of arms 11' and 12.

The cover 13 of Fig. 11 may be similar to that depicted in Fig. 3, but alternatively it may .oo.

exclude longitudinal cords In this embodiment, upon activation of arm 12, the cover 13 is lifted as reel 18 *°*retracts cord 16. The combination of the action of arm 12 and retraction by reel 18 causes idler arm 11 to swing along the arc indicated by arrow B such that the cover 13 20 clears any load within the trailer body 10. Thus, this embodiment provides the advantage that rams need not necessarily be used to effect pivoting of both arms 11 and 12.

Yet a further embodiment is depicted in Fig. 12. In this embodiment, arms 11 and 12 may be substantially identical to those depicted in Fig. 1. However, arm 11 may be pivotally attached to the trailer body 10 at a corner on the same side, not diagonally opposed to the mounting point of arm 12. Axes A about which arms 11 and 12 pivot may be substantially normal to one another and at approximately 45' to each side of the trailer body when viewed in plan. A retractable cord 16 may be wound upon reel 18 which may be located near the corner at which arm 11 is fixed to trailer body 10. Similarly, retractable cord 29 may be associated with another reel (not shown) at the corner of the [N:\LIBLL]00178:1am 11 trailer body to which the arm 12 is pivotally attached. Both arms 11 and 12 may be activated by hydraulic or pneumatic rams as depicted in Fig. 4.

Upon activation of both arms 11 and 12, the cords 16 and 29 are retracted and the cover 13 is lifted over the body 10 and its load. The retractable cords 16 and 29 are both preferably connected to a third cord 28 which may again extend between the distal ends of arms 11 and 12. The cord 28 is preferably in tension when the arms 11 and 12 are in the positions shown in Fig. 12. Thus when the arms 11, 12 pivot and their remote ends near each other, cord 28 will retract and the edge of the cover along cord 28 will remain somewhat taught. This provides that the removal and folding up of the cover 13 occurs in 1o a more orderly fashion. Arms 11 and 12 eventually pivot to a location at the upper edge of longitudinal wall 31 of the trailer body such that they reside in a substantially collinear position.

°Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14, an alternate apparatus for removing the cover 13 from the upper opening of the trailer body 10 is now described. Generally, Fig. 13 shows the cover 13 extending over the trailer body 10 while Fig. 14 shows the cover 13 in a retracted position.

As shown, arm 11 may be configured similarly as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the other embodiments of arms 11, 12 discussed with reference to Figs. 7-10 may be used. It is preferred that the longitudinal end of the cover 13 be attached to the arm 11 via fasteners 17. It is also preferred that cords 15 extend along the length of the cover as described above, and that a cable or cord 16 extend diagonally outward from the pivot point of arm 11 and across the cover 13.

In this embodiment, a cable 40 is preferably connected to arm 11 at point 42.

This connection may be effected by extending cable 40 through a hole drilled into arm 11, by tying cable 40 around arm 11 or by some other suitable means. Cable 40 may also be attached to arm 11 at locations other than that shown by point 42, further out along arm 11.

Cable 40 preferably extends from point 42 and around pullies 44 and 46. Pullies 44 and 46 may be attached to the trailer body 10. Beyond pully 46, cable 40 may be [N:\LIBLL]0(X)178:lam 12 attached to cord 16 as well as another cable or cord 40a. Alternatively, cable 40 may simply split into two segments 16 and 40a. Cable or cord 16 then preferably extends diagonally across cover 13 to point 48 where it may be attached to the far edge of cover 13. As discussed in more detail below, it is preferred that cord 16 extend through a series of eyelets 49 that are themselves attached at successive locations on cover 13.

Cable or cord 40a extends around pully 50 and on to point 52 where it may be attached on the far edge of cover 13. Pully 50 may be attached to the trailer body In operation, the pivoting of arm 11 may be effected by ram 19 (not shown in Fig.

13) or other suitable means. As arm 11 pivots, cable 40 is taken up with it, thereby retracting cables or cords 16 and 40a around their associated pullies. As a result, points 48 and 52 on the far edge of cover 13 are retracted thereby substantially removing cover 13 from the upper opening of trailer body Eyelets 49 are now described in more detail. Eyelets 49 may or may not be fixedly secured to cover 13. Thus when cable or cord 16 is retracted, connection point 48 contacts the eyelet 49 which is furthest away from pully 46 and forces it inward. This eyelet will then butt up against the cord 17 furthest from pully 46 thereby forcing it inward. As retraction of cord 16 continues, the next eyelet 49 and cord 17 are then :a.i butted up against, such that successive eyelets 49 and cords 17 are thus forced inward so that cover 13 is retracted in an orderly fashion. For example, the portion of cover 13 20 nearest pully 46 does not merely sag down but is eventually folded up against the near S wall of trailer body Eyelets 49 may be of varying lengths as the goal is to use a length that results in successive eyelets 49 abutting up to each other to provide an inward force and orderly retraction of the cover 13. To this end, the number of eyelets used may vary as may their locations along cover 13.

So that enough cable 40 is taken up when arm 11 pivots, and so that sufficient retraction of cables 16 and 40a occurs to achieve cover removal, cable 40 may be located further out along arm 11. This increases the length of cable 40 taken up by the pivoting of arm 11. Alternatively, or in addition, a set of additional pullies (not shown) may used [N:\LIBLL]00178:lam 13 to transform a given length of cable 40 taken up into an increased length of retraction of cable 16 and 40a. To this end, a pully arrangement having a 3:1 ratio or the like may be used.

Though Figs. 13 and 14 show only arm 11, this embodiment may also be used in connection with a second arm pivoting at the other end of trailer body 10. To this end, the second arm may be activated by its own ram as shown in figures 4, 5 and 12, or may comprise an idle arm as shown in figure 11.

Referring now to Figs. 15 and 16, an alternate apparatus and method are described.

Fig. 15 shows cover 13 extending across trailer body 10 while Fig. 16 shows cover 13 in a retracted position.

In this embodiment, arm 11 may again be configured as in any of the embodiments described earlier. However, arm 11 preferably also includes swing arm 60 which may be a.° o- °pivotally attached to arm 11 at point 62. In this embodiment, it is again preferred that 000.

cords 15 extend along cover 13 and are attached to arm 11, that cord 16 extends diagonally outward from the pivot point of arm 11 along with a plurality of eyelets 49 attached to cord 16 and cover 13, and that cable 40 be attached to arm 11 at point 42.

In this embodiment, cable 40 again extends around pullies 44 and 46, at which point .it is attached to cord 16 and cable 40b. Alternatively, cable 40 may simply split into cables or cords 16 and 40b. As in the foregoing embodiment, cord 16 preferably extends to point 48 on the far side of cover 13. Cable 40b extends to swing arm 60 and is connected thereto at point 64.

Attached to the distal end 65 of swing arm 60 is cable 66. Cable 66 may extend around pully 68 which may be attached to the distal end of arm 11, and around pully 46, and along the longitudinal side of trailer body 10 to point 70. At this point, Cable 66 may engage pully arrangement 72. A cable may then extend from pully arrangement 72, around pully 50 and attach to the far side of cover 13 at point 52.

In operation, arm 11 pivots and thereby takes up cable 40 which in turn retracts cables or cords 16 and 40b. As described earlier, cord 16 then retracts a portion of cover 13 via its attachment at point 48 and the abutting action of eyelets 49. As cable [N:\LIBLL]00178:lam 14 retracts, swing arm 60 pivots towards the pivot point of arm 11 thereby retracting cable 66. As cable 66 retracts, cable is taken up in pully arrangement 72 and point 52 is drawn to the near side of trailer body When cover 13 is retracted as shown in Fig. 16, it can be seen that swing arm has fully pivoted so that its distal end 65 is folded up and in proximity to arm 11. To this end, it is preferred that the length of swing arm 66 be approximately half the length of arm 11, or less, so that it does not interfere with the pivoting of arm 11.

Cable guides (not shown) may be positioned at various positions to facilitate the smoothe retraction of cables in any of the foregoing embodiments. For example, cable o guides may be fitted along arm 11 so that cable 66 generally maintains a straight line for smoothe operation. Furthermore, the various pullies are preferably adapted to allow the smoothe retraction of cables therethrough even though the axial direction of cable travel may change as arm 11 pivots. To this end, it is preferred that the axis of rotation of various pullies may adjust to the direction of cable travel.

Certain pullies may also preferably accommodate multiple cables. For example, in Figs. 15 and 16, pully 46 preferably accommodates cables 16, 40b and 66. Alternatively, multiple pullies may be used which may each accommodate one or more cables.

As with the preceding embodiment, a second arm such as arm 12 of the earlier embodiments, may be used in connection with arm 11. To this end, the second arm may 20 be driven by its own ram 19 or may constitute an idle arm.

Thus, various embodiments of a novel apparatus for covering and uncovering a semi-trailer have been described by the foregoing. However, it is to be understood that modifications and alterations obvious to those skilled in the art are not to be considered as beyond the scope of the present invention. For example, the drum 18 might be unnecessary where for example the diagonal cord 16 were elastic. Furthermore, rather than the provision of pneumatic rams 19, hydraulic or pneumatic motors may be attached to the pivoting arm directly at their respective pivot axes. Also, instead of pullies, other means such as pegs or brackets may be used as points around which the various cables [N:\LIBLL]00178:Iamn and/or cords pass. Also, arms 11 and 12 may engage each other via a gearing arrangement such that the pivoting of one will induce the pivoting of the other.

a* S te** ft [N:\LIBLL]00178:lar 16 The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1. An apparatus for covering a substantially rectangular object, comprising: a flexible cover adapted to cover the object, a first arm pivotally attached to a first region of the object at or nearby a first corner thereof so as to be pivotable about a first axis which lies in a plane at substantially 450 to each of the sides of the object, the first arm being secured to the cover at a first cover location, a second arm pivotally attached to a second region of the object, the second arm being secured to the cover at a second cover location, wherein pivotal movement of the first and second arms effects substantial removal of the cover from the object.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second region of the object is a second corner thereof located diagonally opposite the first corner, said second arm being pivotally attached to said object so as to be pivotable about a second axis which lies in a 15 plane at substantially 45' to each of the sides of the object.

3. The apparatus of either of claims 1 and 2 wherein opposite pivotal movement of the first and second arms effects recovering of the object.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one edge of the cover is at least partially attached to the object.

20 5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of a.

longitudinally extending cords which are attached to and extend along the cover.

The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a retractable cord which extends S diagonally across the cover, and which is attached to the plurality of longitudinally extending cords.

a a 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a drum upon which the retractable cord may be wound.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pivot axes of the first and second arms reside in horizontal planes which are substantially parallel.

[n:\IibII)02098:GJG:TCW

Claims (29)

1. 9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the height at which the end of the first and/or second arm travels may be varied. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pivot axes of the first and second arms are inclined.
2. 11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one ram coupled to the first and/or second arms to effect pivotal movement of the first and second arms.
3. 12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the first and/or second arms include an axle extending along the pivot axis of the arm, and a stay extending o between the arm and the axle.
4. 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the length of the stay is adjustable to vary the height at which the arm pivots above the object.
5. 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein pivotal movement of the first arm effects pivotal movement of the second arm so as to effect substantial removal of the cover from s15 the object.
6. 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein opposite pivotal movement of the first and go second arms effects recovering of the object.
7. 16. The apparatus of either of claims 14 and 15 wherein the second region is an end of the object opposite the first corner.
8. 17. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the second arm comprises an idle arm which includes an L-shaped distal extension. •18. The apparatus of claim any one of claims 14 to 17 further comprising a oo ooI S retractable cord which extends diagonally across the cover, and which is attached to the a.oO.* cover at its distal end.
9. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a drum upon which the retractable cord may be wound. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a ram coupled to the first arm to effect pivotal movement thereof. [n:\Iibll]02098:GJG:TCW 18
10. 21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second region of the object is a second corner thereof adjacent said first corner, said second arm being pivotally attached to said object so as to be pivotable about a second axis which lies in a plane at substantially 450 to each of the sides of the object.
11. 22. An apparatus for covering a substantially rectangular object, comprising: a flexible cover adapted to cover the object, a first arm pivotally attached to a first region of the object at or nearby a first corner thereof so as to be pivotable about a first axis which lies in a plane at substantially 45' to each of the sides of the object, the first arm being secured to the cover at a first cover o location, a retractable cord which extends across the cover and which is secured to the cover at a first distal location, a first cable which has a proximal end coupled to the first arm, which extends around a pulley, and which has a distal end connected to the cord, S 15 wherein pivoting of the first arm retracts the first cable which in turn retracts the 0 0 0 cord to substantially uncover the object.
12. 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein opposite pivotal movement of the first arm serves to substantially recover the object.
13. 24. The apparatus of either of claims 22 and 23, further comprising a second cable 20 which has a proximal end connected to the distal end of the first cable, which extends across the cover and is connected to the cover at a second distal location, wherein retraction of the first cable effects retraction of the second cable. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising a plurality of eyelets which are successively secured to the cover and through which the cord extends, wherein retraction of the cord causes successive eyelets to abut one another thereby forcing successive eyelets inward.
14. 26. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of cable guides for guiding the first cable, second cable and cord. [n:\libll]02098: GJG:TCW 19
15. 27. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the first cable, second cable and cord comprise a contiguous cable.
16. 28. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a second arm which is pivotally attached to the object at a second region, which is secured to the cover at a second cover location, and which pivots concurrently with the first arm to facilitate removal of the cover.
17. 29. An apparatus for covering a substantially rectangular object, comprising: a flexible cover adapted to cover the object, a first arm pivotally attached to a first region of the object at or nearby a first corner o thereof so as to be pivotable about a first axis which lies in a plane at substantially 450 to each of the sides of the object, the first arm being secured to the cover at a first cover location, a swing arm pivotally attached to the first arm, a retractable cord which extends across the cover and which is secured to the cover at a first distal location, a first cable which has a proximal end connected to the first arm, which extends through a first pulley, and which has a distal end connected to the cord and to a second cable that is connected to the swing arm, :i a third cable which is connected to a distal end of the swing arm, which extends 20 through a second pulley attached to near a distal end of the first arm, and which is secured to the cover at a second distal location, wherein pivoting of the first arm retracts the first cable which in turn retracts the °cord and the second cable, wherein the retraction of the second cable in turn effects S* pivotal movement of the swing arm which effects retraction of the third cable, wherein the cover is thereby substantially removed. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein opposite pivotal movement of the first arm serves to substantially recover the object.
18. 31. The apparatus of either of claims 29 and 30, further comprising a plurality of cable guides for guiding the first cable, second cable, third cable and cord. [n:\1ib1102098:GJG:TCW
19. 32. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 31 wherein the first cable, second cable and cord comprise a contiguous cable.
20. 33. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 32, further comprising a plurality of eyelets which are successively secured to the cover and through which the retractable cord extends, wherein retraction of the cord causes successive eyelets to abut one another thereby forcing them inward.
21. 34. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 33 wherein the swing arm is pivotally attached to about the midpoint of the first arm, and has a length equal to about half the length of the first arm.
22. 35. The apparatus of claim 29 further comprising a second arm which is pivotally attached to a second region of the object, which is secured to the cover at a second cover location, and which pivots concurrently with the first arm to facilitate removal of the cover. *r a a a S
23. 36. An apparatus for covering an object substantially as 15 to figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
24. 37. An apparatus for covering an object substantially as to figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
25. 38. An apparatus for covering an object substantially as to figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and
26. 39. An apparatus for covering an object substantially as to figure 11. described with reference described with reference described with reference described with reference
27. 40. An apparatus for covering an object substantially as described to figure 12.
28. 41. An apparatus for covering an object substantially as described to figures 13 and 14. with reference with reference [n:\libll]02098:GJG:TCW 21
29. 42. An apparatus for covering an object substantially as described with reference to figures 15 and 16. DATED this Twelfth Day of November 1998 Graham Arnold Chalker Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON 0 0 [n:\Iibll]02098:GJG:TCW ABSTRACT LOAD COVER A cover (13) for removably covering a semi-trailer or other object (10) having an upper opening. One or more arms (11, 12) attached to the object (10) and to the cover (13) may pivot thereby removing the cover (13) from the object The axis about which pivoting occurs may be varied. One or more of the arms (11, 12) may include a swing arm a retractable cord (16) and various cables (40, 66) which pass around various pullies (44, 46, S* 68, 50) to effect removal of the cover (13). e* a a [N:\LIBHH]00444:Iam