Retractable Trailer Enclosure System

Abstract

A retractable trailer enclosure system includes a flexible cover, rotatable winding spindle moveable by way of a spindle guide assembly. The spindle guide assembly includes a drive assembly actuable to rotate the spindle, a shuttle assembly mounting a spindle end and a guide track assembly which guides the shuttle assembly in reciprocal movement along both a vertical cover deployment/retraction path, and laterally along a spindle storage path.

Claims

1. A retractable trailer enclosure system for covering at least part of a vehicle trailer bed, the vehicle bed having longitudinally extending bed side portions and laterally extending ends, at least one trailer bulkhead positioned proximate to an associated trailer end, and a cover support spaced vertically a distance about an upper surface of the bed, the system including, a flexible cover having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to a longitudinal length an associated said bed side portion, and a width selected whereby with the cover in a fully extended orientation supported by the at least one cover support, the cover extends vertically downwardly to cover the upper surface of the bed along the associated bed side portion with a lower side edge portion of the cover extending below a bottom edge portion of the bed, an elongated, axially extending spindle having a length generally corresponding to the longitudinal length of the associated bed side portion, the lower side edge portion of the cover being coupled to the spindle, a spindle guide assembly for supporting the spindle in a substantially horizontal orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal length of the associated bed side portion, the spindle guide assembly including, a drive assembly coupled to the spindle and selectively activatable to journal the spindle in rotational movement about the spindle axis to effect winding or unwinding of at least part of the cover thereabout, a shuttle assembly mounting the drive assembly and spindle in the retraction and extension of the cover over the associated bed side portion as the drive assembly is actuated to rotate the spindle, the shuttle assembly including a movable carriage and a spindle support coupled to the carriage for movement therewith, the spindle support rotatably supporting the spindle between a winding position, wherein said spindle is located laterally outward relative to said associated bed side so as to be moveable to a vertically spaced position above the bed, and a storage position wherein said spindle is moved laterally inwardly locate beneath at least part of the bed, a guide track mounting the shuttle assembly for movement relative to said trailer bed and being coupled an associated said bulkhead, the guide track including, a vertically extending guide rail portion which extends from a lower end spaced towards the upper surface of the bed, to an upper end spaced a vertical distance thereabove, the carriage being moveable vertically along the vertically extending guide rail portion between the upper and lower ends, a lateral displacement assembly spaced towards said lower end, the displacement assembly being engageable by the shuttle assembly as the carriage is moved towards the lower end, wherein engagement between the shuttle assembly and the displacement assembly effects a lateral displacement of the spindle support to move the spindle between the winding position and the storage position, wherein the rotation of the spindle by the activation of the drive assembly to wind and retract the cover over the associated bed side portion moves the shuttle along the guide track from engagement with the displacement assembly and along the vertically extending guide rail portion to move the spindle from the storage position to the winding position and to a raised orientation with the shuttle assembly spaced towards the upper end, and whereby rotation of the spindle by the activation of the drive assembly to unwind and deploy the cover over the associated bed side portion is operable to move the spindle from the raised orientation whereby the shuttle assembly moves downwardly along the vertically extending guide rail portion and into re-engagement with the displacement assembly to reposition the spindle from the winding position to the storage position.

2. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein on re-engagement of the carriage with the displacement assembly, continued rotation of the spindle initially unwinds the cover to a fully unwound state, and thereafter re-winds the cover about the spindle in the storage position with the cover tensioned against the associated bed side portion.

3. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot assembly includes a lateral guide track segment, whereby engagement of the shuttle assembly with the displacement assembly moves the carriage along at least part of the lateral guide track segment to effect lateral displacement of the spindle support.

4. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lateral guide track segment is selected from the group consisting of a generally U-shaped track, a generally V-shaped track and a generally angular L-shaped track.

5. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive assembly is activatable to wind the cover about the spindle to move the shuttle assembly towards the upper end to a height selected to permit access to the trailer bed along the associated bed side portion.

6. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the displacement assembly comprises at least one generally J-shaped slot, rib or rail, and the carriage includes at least one guide bearing or pin engageable with said slot, rib or rail to effect at least a partial rotational movement of the spindle support in moving the spindle from the winding position to the storage position.

7. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shuttle assembly further comprises a pivot bearing, the pivot bearing movably coupling the spindle support to the carriage for radial movement about a pivot axis, the displacement assembly comprising a stop member for limiting downward vertical movement of the carriage, and wherein on engagement of said carriage with said stop member, continued unwinding of said cover moves the spindle support to rotate said spindle about said axis.

8. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 7, wherein the displacement assembly further comprises a biasing member, the biasing member selected to resiliently bias the spindle support to a neutral orientation with the spindle positioned substantially mid-way between the storage position and the winding position.

9. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the associated bed side portion further comprises a generally vertically downwardly extending flange, said flange defining in part a spindle recess extending longitudinally along an underside of the trailer bed, and wherein in said storage position, said spindle locating substantially within said recess.

10. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein vertically extending guide rail portion is selected from the group consisting of T-shaped guide rail, a channeled guide slot and a generally tubular guide bar.

11. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the drive assembly comprises an electric motor, and wherein said vehicle trailer bed is selected from the group consisting of a transport truck bed and a rail car bed.

12. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 11, comprising a plurality of said cover supports, said cover supports being selected from the group consisting of fixed horizontal frame members, removable horizontal frame member, and an edge portion of at least one said bulkhead.

13. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vertically extending guide rail portion comprises a plurality of vertically guide channels, the carriage including a plurality of guide wheels or bearings which are moveably engageable with an associated said vertical guide channel.

14. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the displacement assembly includes a plurality of lateral guide channels having a spacing selected to receive one or more associated ones of the carriage guide wheels or bearings therein, as the shuttle assembly is moved into engagement with the displacement assembly.

15. A retractable enclosure system for covering a side portion of a vehicle trailer bed, the vehicle trailer bed having upper and lower surfaces and including longitudinally extending bed sides and laterally extending ends, a cover support spaced vertically a distance about the upper surface of the bed, and an associated trailer bulkhead positioned proximate to each end, the system including, a flexible cover having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to a longitudinal length an associated bed side, and a width selected whereby with the cover in a fully extended orientation supported by the cover support, the cover extends vertically downwardly to cover the upper surface of the bed along the associated bed side with a lower side edge portion of the cover extending below the lower surface of the bed, an elongated, axially extending spindle having a length generally corresponding to the longitudinal length of the associated bed side, the lower side edge portion of the cover being coupled to the spindle, a spindle guide assembly for supporting the spindle in a substantially horizontal orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal length of the associated bed side, the spindle guide assembly including, a drive assembly being coupled to the spindle and selectively activatable to journal the spindle in rotational movement about the spindle axis to effect winding or unwinding of at least part of the cover thereabout, a shuttle assembly mounting the drive assembly and spindle in the retraction and extension of the cover over the associated bed side with rotation of the spindle by the drive assembly, the shuttle assembly including a carriage and a spindle support coupled to the carriage for movement therewith, the spindle support supporting the spindle in movement between winding position, wherein said spindle is located laterally outward relative to said associated bed side so as to be moveable to a vertically spaced position above the bed, and a storage position wherein said spindle is moved laterally inwardly and beneath the associated bed side, a guide track assembly moveably mounting the shuttle assembly, the guide track coupled to an associated said bulkhead and including, a vertical guide rail extending from a lower end spaced towards the upper surface, to an upper end spaced a vertical distance thereabove, and a generally positioning track spaced towards the lower end, the positioning track being co-operable with the shuttle assembly and wherein engagement between the shuttle assembly and the positioning track effects selective lateral displacement of the spindle between the winding position and the storage position, the spindle being rotatable by the activation of the drive assembly to wind and retract the cover over the associated bed side to move the shuttle assembly from engagement with the positioning track and along the vertical guide rail relocating the spindle from the storage position to the winding position, and wherein winding of the cover about the spindle moves the shuttle assembly to the upper end to permit side access to trailer bed, and rotation of the spindle by the activation of the drive assembly to unwind and deploy the cover over the associated bed side moves the spindle from the raised position whereby the shuttle assembly moves downwardly along the vertical guide rail and into re-engagement with the positioning track to reposition the spindle in the storage position.

16. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the positioning track is selected from the group consisting of a generally U-shaped track, a generally V-shaped track and a generally angular L-shaped track.

17. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the positioning track comprises at least one generally J-shaped slot, rib or rail, and the shuttle assembly includes a carriage comprising at least one guide wheels, bearings, or pins engageable with said channel slot, rib or rail to effect at least a partial rotational movement of the spindle support in moving the spindle from the winding position to the storage position.

18. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the vertically extending guide rail comprises a plurality of vertically guide channels, the carriage including a plurality of said guide wheels or bearings which are moveably engageable with an associated said vertical guide channel.

19. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 18, wherein the associated bed side portion further comprises a generally vertically downwardly extending flange, said flange defining in part a spindle recess extending longitudinally along an underside of the trailer bed, and wherein in said storage position, said spindle locating substantially within said recess.

20. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 15, wherein vertically extending guide rail is selected from the group consisting of T-shaped guide rail, a channeled guide slot and a generally tubular guide bar.

21. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 20, wherein the positioning track includes a track segment selected from the group consisting of a generally U-shaped track, a generally V-shaped track and a generally angular L-shaped track.

22. A vehicle trailer comprising a wheel mounted trailer bed and a retractable trailer enclosure system for selectively covering or uncovering part of the trailer bed, the trailer bed having upper and lower surfaces and including longitudinally extending bed sides and laterally extending bed ends, a trailer bulkhead positioned proximate to each trailer end, the enclosure system comprising, a cover support spaced vertically a distance about an upper surface of the bed, a flexible cover having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to a longitudinal length of the bed sides, and a width selected whereby with the cover in a fully extended orientation supported by the at least one cover support, the cover extends vertically downwardly to cover the upper surface of the bed sides with lower side edge portions of the cover extending beneath the lower surface of the bed along each respective bed side, a pair of elongated axially extending spindles having a length generally corresponding to the longitudinal length of the respective bed side, the lower side edges portion of the cover being coupled to an associated said spindle, a spindle guide assembly for support the spindles in vertical movement substantially over each respective bed side, the spindle guide assembly including, a first drive assembly being coupled to a first said spindle and selectively activatable to journal the spindle in rotational movement about the spindle axis to effect winding or unwinding of at least part of the cover thereabout, a first shuttle assembly including a carriage and a spindle support mounting the first drive assembly and first spindle in the retraction and extension of part of the cover over the respective spindle sides as the first spindle is rotated, a first guide track mounted on an associated said bulkhead, the first shuttle being coupled for movement along the first guide track with the first guide track including, a vertically track portion extending from a lower end spaced proximate to the bed upper surface, to an upper end spaced a vertical distance thereabove, and a displacement assembly being spaced towards the lower end, the displacement assembly engageable by the first shuttle assembly wherein engagement between the carriage and the displacement assembly effects selective lateral displacement of the spindle support to move the first spindle from a winding position, wherein said first spindle is located laterally outward relative to said respective bed side so as to be moveable to a vertically spaced position above the bed, and a storage position wherein said first spindle is moved laterally inwardly past the respective bed side to locate beneath the lower surface, the spindle being rotatable by the activation of the drive assembly to wind and retract the cover over the respective bed side whereby winding draws the carriage along the first guide track from engagement with the displacement assembly and along the vertical track portion to move the first spindle from the storage position and to a raised position with the carriage spaced towards the upper end, and whereby rotation of the spindle by the activation of the drive assembly to unwind and deploy the cover over the associated bed side portion is operable to move the first spindle from the raised position whereby the carriage moves downwardly along the vertically track portion and into re-engagement with the displacement assembly to reposition the spindle from the winding position to the storage position.

23. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 22, wherein the vertically extending guide rail portion comprises a plurality of vertically guide channels, the carriage including a plurality of guide wheels or bearings which are moveably engageable with an associated said vertical guide channel.

24. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 23, wherein the displacement assembly includes a plurality of lateral guide channels having a spacing selected to receive one or more associated ones of the carriage guide wheels or bearings therein, as the shuttle assembly is moved into engagement with the displacement assembly.

25. The retractable trailer enclosure as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lateral guide track segment is selected from the group consisting of a generally U-shaped track, a generally V-shaped track and a generally angular L-shaped track.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Reference may now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a truck trailer having a retractable trailer enclosure system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, with the covering tarp in a partially retracted position;

[0048] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the rear of the truck trailer shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the mounting of the trailer enclosure system thereon;

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged partial perspective view A of the enclosure system shown in FIG. 2 in the initial deployment of the cover;

[0050] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate the enlarged partial view shown in FIG. 3 illustrating the repositioning of the spindle end from a winding position to a storage position;

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates a partial perspective view of the trailer enclosure system illustrated in FIG. 2 in isolation, illustrating the spindle repositioning in storage below the trailer bed;

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial perspective view of the retractable trailer enclosure system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates the retractable trailer enclosure system of FIG. 8 illustrating the repositioning of the spindle from a winding to a storage position;

[0054] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the repositioning of the spindle shown in FIG. 9 from the winding position to the storage position; and

[0055] FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate schematically a retractable trailer enclosure system in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, showing the repositioning of the spindle from a winding to a storage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0056] Reference may now be had to FIG. 1 which illustrates a wheeled flatbed truck trailer 2 which as will be described, incorporates a retractable trailer enclosure system 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The trailer 2 includes a conventional flat rectangular trailer bed 6 which is mounted to a sub-frame to which is secured to the trailer wheel assembly 4. The trailer bed is characterized by planar horizontal upper and lower bed surfaces 8a,8b, and which include parallel longitudinal sides 12a,12b and parallel forward and rearward lateral ends 14a,14b.

[0057] Front and rear bulkheads, 16a,16b are provided at each of the respective forward end 26a and rearward end 26b. Each of the bulkheads 16a,16b consist of a sheet metal panel secured to a 2 by 2 steel frame and extend vertically the lateral width of the trailer bed 6 to a respective uppermost edge. Optionally, a series of cover supporting bows 18 may be provided along the length of the trailer 2 spanning between the sides 12a,12b. The bulkheads 16a,16b and bows 18 are formed with a height selected having regard to the intended types of goods to be transported via the trailer 2 and most typically have a vertical height between about 6 and 8 feet.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows the enclosure system 10 used to cover or uncover the trailer bed 6 in the loading, transport and unloading of goods thereon.

[0059] The enclosure system 10 is shown best in FIG. 1 as including a flexible cover 20, a pair of axially extending spindles 30a,30b and a spindle guide assembly 40a,40b for supporting an associated spindle 30a,30b as it is moved in the retraction and deployment of the cover 20. In the enclosure system 10, the flexible tarpaulin or cover 20 has a longitudinal length and width selected to cover the trailer bed 6 when unfurled. More particularly, the cover 20 has a longitudinal length and lateral width selected whereby when fully unfurled and supported above the upper surface 8a of trailer bed 6 by the bows 18 and upper edges of the bulkheads 16a,16b, the longitudinal edges of the cover 20 extend vertically downwardly covering the trailer bed 6, and with each cover edge portion locating below the trailer bed lower surface 8b.

[0060] In the construction shown, cylindrical spindles 30a,30b are each elongated along a respective spindle axis A.sub.x and have a length corresponding to the adjacent trailer bed side 12a,12b. As will become apparent, the use of separate spindles 30a,30b advantageously allows the enclosure system 10 to permit access to the trailer bed 6 along either of its longitudinal sides 12a,12b. It is to be appreciated that in a less preferred construction, the enclosure system 10 could be provided with a single spindle 30 moveably supported by an associated single spindle guide assembly 40 and operable to permit access to the trailer 2 along one lateral side only.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each of the spindle guide assemblies 40a,40b are provided with the identical construction and are mounted in a mirror arrangement about the longitudinal centre of the truck trailer 2. The spindle 30a is secured to a first longitudinal edge portion of cover 20, with spindle 30b secured to the second opposite longitudinal edge portion. The longitudinal edges of the cover 20 may be secured to the spindles 30a,30b in a number of possible manners. In a simplified construction, the edges of the cover 20 are coupled to the spindles 30a,30b by the use of screws or other mechanical fasteners.

[0062] The spindle guide assemblies 40a,40b and their associated spindles 30a,30b may be independently operated to selectively retract or extend either side of the cover 20 depending upon which side of the trailer 2 is to be loaded or unloaded. For brevity, a spindle guide assembly 40b is described in detail hereafter in raising and lowering the spindle 30b in the retraction and extension of the cover 20 over the side 12b of the trailer bed. It is to be appreciated that the spindle 30a and spindle guide assembly 40a operate in the identical manner in the retraction or extension of the opposing cover edge, with like reference numerals used to identify like components.

[0063] The spindle guide assembly 40b is provided for supporting the spindle 30b in a substantially horizontal orientation generally parallel to the adjacent longitudinal side 12b of the trailer bed 6. The spindle guide assembly 40b supports the spindle 30b in both a winding position (shown in FIG. 4) where the spindle 30b is positioned laterally outward from the trailer bed side 12b such that rotation of the spindle 30b about its axis A.sub.x effects both a coiling and uncoiling of the edge portion of the cover 20 thereabout allowing the cover 20 to be rolled upwardly or lowered therewith; and a stowed or storage position shown in FIG. 6, where the spindle 30b is moved below the bed lower surface 8b and beneath the portion of the trailer bed 6 adjacent to the longitudinal side 12b.

[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates the portion of the spindle guide assembly 40b supporting the rearwardmost end of the spindle 30b at the rear bulkhead 16b. It is to be appreciated that the opposite forward end of the spindle 30b is supported at the front bulkhead 16a in the identical manner. In this regard, the spindle guide assembly 40a includes a drive assembly 42 which is coupled to the spindle 30a, a shuttle assembly 48 and a guide track assembly 50.

[0065] The drive assembly 42 includes at least one electric drive motor 44 which is selectively operable to journal the spindle 30b in rotational movement about its axis A.sub.x, and whereby such rotation effects the winding or unwinding of the cover 20 thereabout.

[0066] The shuttle assembly 48 mounts both the drive assembly 42 and the spindle 30b as the cover 20 is retracted or deployed over the longitudinal side 12b of the trailer bed 6. The guide track assembly 50 includes a pair of shuttle guides 52 which are positioned in a mirror arrangement on each of the front and rear bulkheads 16a,16b. FIG. 2 shows best the shuttle guide 52 mounted on bulkhead 16b as including a vertically elongated guide rail portion 54 and a spindle displacement assembly 56 for laterally repositioning the spindle 30b between the storage and winding positions.

[0067] The shuttle assembly 48 includes a pair of carriages 60 each having a spindle support arm 62 mounted thereto. Each carriage 60/spindle support arm 62 rotatably supports a respective end of the spindle 30b. The carriages 60 are engageable with the guide rail portion 54 and displacement assembly 56 of the associated shuttle guides 52. The carriage 60 is vertically moveable along the guide rail portion 54 together with the spindle 30b wherein the winding position, whereby winding of the cover 20 about the spindle 30a moves both the spindle 30a and the carriage 60 to a vertically raised position, spaced above the bed upper surface 8a to permit loading of the trailer 2 along the side 12b. Unwinding of the spindle 30b in turn, lowers both the carriage 60 and spindle 30b in sliding movement along the guide rail portion 54 and into engagement with the displacement assembly 56. The displacement assembly 56 is provided so that when engaged by the shuttle 60 as the cover 20 is deployed, the displacement assembly 56 repositions the spindle 30b from winding to storage positions.

[0068] FIGS. 3 to 6 provide a close up view of each spindle shuttle guide 52, and carriage 60/support arm 62 pair in a first preferred embodiment. The spindle guide 52 is provided with an elongated vertical guide rail portion 54 which extends vertically from a lower end and adjacent the lower surface 8b of the trailer bed 6 to the top of the trailer bed compartment adjacent the top of the bulkhead 16b. In FIG. 3 the vertical guide rail portion 54 travels along the rear surface of the rear bulkhead 16b and in close proximity to the lateral edge of the rear bulkhead. The guide rail portion 54 is preferably provided as a substantially elongate, flattened aluminum extrusion mounted directly to the rear bulkhead 16b. It is to be appreciated that the guide track assembly 50 includes a corresponding guide rail portion (not shown) mounted to the forward bulkhead 16a in a similar configuration and manner.

[0069] As shown best in FIG. 3 the guide rail portion 54 includes along each longitudinal edge a pair of parallel guide grooves 66a,66b which run vertically along each lateral side of the guide rail portion 54.

[0070] The carriage 60 is slideable along the length of the guide rail portion 54 and is coupled against removal therefrom via two connector bearings 68a,68b. The connector bearings 68a,68b are sized and designed so as to fit within respective grooves 66a,66b that run along each guide rail portion 54 edge. It is to be appreciated that while FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate the carriage 60 as having connector bearings 68a,68b, the invention is not limited to the precise construction which is illustrated. In alternate configurations, the carriage 60 may be provided with one or more connector pins, flanges, wheels and/or combinations thereof and which are sized and positioned for sliding mated engagement with one or more grooves 66a,66b or flange provided along the guide rail portion 54. Preferably, the connector bearings 68a,68b are mounted on the carriage 60 with a horizontal distance therebetween which corresponds to the lateral width of the guide rail portion 54 such that each connector bearing 68a,68b slideably engages with each respective groove 66a,66b whilst limiting rotational movement of the shuttle 60 relative to the guide rail portion 54. The applicant has appreciated that by such an arrangement, the connector bearings 68a,68b advantageously act to limit any undesired rotational movement of the spindle 30b when in the winding position as it moves with the coiling and uncoiling of the cover 20 thereabout.

[0071] Reference may be had to FIGS. 4 to 6 which illustrate the lateral displacement assembly 56 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. As with the guide rail portion 54, the guide track assembly 50 includes separate lateral displacement assemblies 56 positioned along each of the front and rear bulkheads 16a,16b. In FIG. 5, the displacement assembly 56 is shown best as including a guide plate 70. The guide plate is positioned immediately below the guide rail portion 54. The guide plate 70 includes two slotted U or J-shaped grooved slots or guide channel paths 72a,72b. The channel paths 72a,72b are sized and spaced to securely receive therein the connector bearings 68a,68b as the shuttle 60 is moved downwardly from guide rail portion 54 and into engagement with the displacement assembly 56.

[0072] Most preferably each of the channel paths 72a,72b are provided with an inwardly curving J-shaped channel which extend downwardly to a lower most bight 75. The top of each channel paths 72a,72b is aligned with a respective groove 66a,66b at the bottom of the vertical guide rail portion 54 such that the connector bearings 68a,68b seamlessly travel from the guide rail portion 54 and into and along each channel path 66a,66b.

[0073] As shown best in FIGS. 4 to 6, the channel paths 72a,72b extend downwardly and then laterally inwardly and upwardly. The carriage 60 is moveable along the channel paths 72a,72b to reposition the spindle 30b from the winding position shown in FIG. 5, where the spindle 30b is adjacent and laterally outwardly from the vertical place of the longitudinal side 12b of the trailer 2, and the storage position shown in FIG. 6 where the spindle 30b is moved beneath the lower bed surface 8b. Although not essential, the trailer 2 may further be provided with a downwardly extending sealing flange 90 projecting below the lower bed surface 8b along each longitudinal side 12a,12b. The flange 90 and lower bed surface 8b forming an associated storage pocket 100 sized to receive the associated spindle 30a,30b at least partially therein.

[0074] The spindle 30b is rotatably secured to the spindle support arm 62 (as shown in FIG. 4) so as to accommodate the winding and unwinding of the cover 20 onto the spindle 30b. The motor 44 is mounted on the spindle support arm 62 and selectively drives the spindle 30b in rotation about its axis A.sub.x so as to wind and unwind the cover 20 thereon.

[0075] In moving from extended winding to the storage position to deploy and extend the cover 20, the motor 44 is initially activated to rotate the spindle 30b in a first rotational direction so that the cover 20 uncoils. The uncoiling of the cover 20 allows the shuttle 60 to move downwardly with and the connector bearings 68a,68b sliding downwardly along the vertical guide rail portion 54 and into each associated channel path 72a,72b by the force gravity. Most preferably, the cover 20 has a width selected so that at the point the cover 20 is completely uncoiled from the spindle 30a, the connector bearings 68a,68b each locate at the lower most bight 75 of the guide paths 72a,72b in the position shown in FIG. 5. The rotation of the spindle 30b is continued in the same first direction, recoiling the cover 20 around the spindle 30b in the opposite orientation. The re-tensioning of the cover 20 pulls the connector bearings 68a,68b laterally inwardly and upwardly relative to the trailer side 12b along each guide path 72a,72b.

[0076] As the motor 44 winds the cover around the spindle 30b the tension in the cover 20 thus moves the shuttle 60 with the connector bearings 68a,68b along the guide channel paths 72a,72b on the guide plate 70, laterally repositioning the spindle 30 below the flange 90 and upwardly into the pocket 100 (as shown in FIG. 6). The rotation of the spindle 30b acts to retighten the cover 20 against the lower edge of the flange 90, to seal the cover 20 against the trailer side 12b in a labyrinthine-type seal arrangement.

[0077] When the cover 20 is fully retracted, the spindle 30b sits substantially at the height of the trailer bed compartment, allowing access to the trailer bed 6 along its side for loading or unloading or cargo (as shown in FIG. 1). In order to retract the cover 20, the motor 44 rotates the spindle 30b in the opposite second rotational direction. As the cover 20 unfurls, the force of gravity causes the carriage 60 to move downwardly and laterally outwardly as the connector bearings 68a,68b slide down the associated paths 72a,72b in the guide plate 70. When the connector bearings 68a,68b reach the bottom bight 75 of each J in the channel path 72a,72b, the cover 20 is again completely uncoiled from the spindle 30b. The power drive motor 44 continues to turn the spindle 30b in the same second winding direction, causing the cover 20 to coil around the spindle 30b in the opposite orientation. The tension in the cover 20 draws the connector bearings 68a,68b laterally outwardly and upwardly in travel along the grooved paths 72a,72b to the open end of the J and from the bight, moving the spindle 30b laterally outward back to the winding position, with the connector bearings 68a,68b reengaging the guide grooves 66a,66b of the vertical guide rail portion 54. With the claimed construction, when the connector bearings 68a,68b travel along the channel paths 72a,72b of the guide plate 70, the spindle 30b is positioned below the trailer bed 6. As the connector bearings 68a,68b move outwardly from the open ends of the J-shaped paths 72a,72b, the spindle 30b moves under and back up around a flange 90. Once repositioned in the winding position, its continued winding vertically raises the spindle 30b and carriage 60 as the cover 20 is coiled thereabout.

[0078] Although FIG. 1 illustrates the trailer 2 as having flanges 90 which extend along the entire longitudinal length of the trailer sides 12a,12b, the invention is not so limited. FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein like reference numerals may be used to identify like component. In FIG. 8, the flange is provided as a series of flange segments 90,90,90, 90. There is a gap 92 between each adjacent flange segment 90,90,90,90 which allows straps 94 for securing cargo 96 to the trailer bed 6 to more readily pass between the lateral edge of the trailer bed 6 and the cover 20.

[0079] Although FIGS. 2 to 7 illustrate the shuttle guide 52 as including a vertical guide rail portion 54 and guide plate 70 with edge guide grooves 66 and guide paths 72 respectively, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that the guide rail portion 54 and guide plate 70 could be provided with a number of different flange, slot and/or groove arrangements which are configured to slideably engage guiding elements on the shuttle assembly carriages 60.

[0080] FIGS. 8 to 12 which illustrate a flatbed trailer 2 having a trailer enclosure system 10 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components. As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the trailer enclosure system 10 includes a spindle 30 which extends along longitudinal side 12 of the trailer bed 6. The enclosure system 10 is provided with a flexible cover 2. By the selective winding of the cover 20, the spindle 30 is movable between the storage positioned shown in solid lines located beneath the edge of the trailer bed 6, and the winding position shown in phantom, where the coiling of the cover 20 about the spindle 30 raises the spindle 30 to permit access to the trailer bed 6.

[0081] The enclosure system further includes a spindle guide assembly 40 having a drive assembly 42, shuttle assembly 48 and guide track assembly 50. The shuttle assembly 48 includes a carriage 60 to which the spindle support arm 62 is pivotally mounted, and which is guided in movement along an associated shuttle guide 52. FIG. 8 illustrates a single shuttle guide 52, carriage 60 and spindle support arm 62 supporting the forward end of the spindle 30. For clarity, it is to be appreciated that the rearward end of the spindle 30 is moveably supported by a carriage 60/spindle support arm 62 pair and shuttle guide 62 in the identical manner.

[0082] As shown best in FIGS. 9 to 12, in the illustrated embodiment the guide rail portion 54 of the shuttle guide 52 is provided as a vertically extending T-shaped metal rail which projects upwardly from a lower end positioned immediately above the upper surface 8a of the trailer bed 6 to an upper end. The displacement assembly 56 is provided with a stop member 106 which operates in conjunction with a pivot bearing 108 used to hingedly mount the spindle support arm 62 to the carriage 60.

[0083] As shown best in FIGS. 10 and 11, the carriage 60 coupled to the T-shaped guide rail portion 54 by way of a low friction slide bearing 110. The slide bearing 110 may for example comprise a low friction polymer and is selected to securely couple the carriage 60 to the T-shaped guide rail portion 54 so as to be longitudinally slideable therealong between a raised position, where the coiling of the cover 20 about the spindle 30 raises the cover 20 to allow bed access, and a lowered position shown FIG. 11 where the carriage 60 is moved downwardly into engagement against the stop member 106.

[0084] The pivot bearing 108 is selected so that as the carriage 60 is moved against the stop member 106, the weight of the spindle 30 and motor 44 carried on the spindle support arm 62 effects the downward and inward rotation of the spindle 30 beneath the flange 90 in the direction of arrow 200.

[0085] Most preferably, the pivot bearing 108 is provided as a Rosta or other suitable spring bearing. The spring force is selected to resiliently bias the spindle 30 to a neutral position substantially midway between the winding and storage positions, and whereby tension supplied by winding the cover 20 from the fully extended position moves the spindle 30 laterally inwardly or outwardly. The displacement assembly 56 thus operates with the cover winding to move the spindle 30 position shown in FIG. 10 by the application of an upward force by the cover 20. In particular, as the cover 20 is fully unwound, the weight of the spindle 30 and motor 44 being selected to overcome the resilient spring force of the pivot bearing 108, allowing the spindle support arm 62 to rotate about the pivot bearing 108 and move toward the neutral position. Continued cover winding further moves the spindle 30 beneath the lower surface 8b of the trailer bed 6 wherein continued spindle rotation rewinds the cover 20 tensioning it against the flange 90.

[0086] Alternately, the pivot bearing 108 may be selected to resiliently bias the spindle 30 fully beneath the flange 90 towards the storage position. In such a configuration, continued winding of the cover 20 from the fully unwound position remotely in the carriage 60 sliding upwardly along the guide rail portion 54, as the cover 20 is re-wound about the spindle 30.

[0087] Reference may be had to FIGS. 13 to 15 which illustrate the winding motor 44 and shuttle guide 52 of a spindle guide assembly 40 used in an enclosure system 10 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components. The spindle guide assembly 40 includes a guide track assembly 50 and shuttle assembly 48 adapted to support each of the ends of a spindle 30 in a generally horizontal arrangement as the cover 20 is extended in deployment or retracted.

[0088] Again for clarity, a single carriage 60 having a spindle support arm 62 used to rotatably support a first end of the spindle 30 is shown. It is to be appreciated that in a preferred construction, both spindle ends are supported in similar manner as the spindle 30 is journaled in rotation in its retraction and deployment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 14, the vertical guide rail portion 54 is provided as a tubular rod. The tubular rod 50 runs vertically along the back surface of each bulkhead. The tubular rod 50 extends from the near top of the bulkhead to the upper surface 8a of the trailer bed 6. The displacement assembly 56 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13 incorporates a J-shaped rod extension 114 which extends below the lower surface 8b contiguously with the end of the guide rail portions 54 and which is co-operable with a pivot bearing 116 used to hingedly couple the spindle support arm 62 to the carriage 60.

[0089] As shown in phantom in FIG. 13, the carriage 60 is coupled for movement along the guide rail potion 54 and J-shaped extension 114 by way of three connecting roller wheels 120a,120b,120c.

[0090] The connecting wheels 120a,120b,120c that are arranged so as to slideably engage with the rod of the guide rail portion 54 and J-shaped extension 114. The connecting wheels 120a,120b,120c are arranged on the carriage such that a first connecting wheel 120a is oriented to engage with the outside edge of the tubular guide rail portion 54; a second connecting wheel 120b is located below the first connecting wheel 120a; and a third connecting wheel 120c is oriented to engage with the inside edge of the guide rail portion 54 between the wheels 120a,120b. When the wheels 120a,120b,120c are so engaged, the carriage 60 is able to securely slide along the guide rail portion 54 and into engagement with the J-shaped extension 114, whilst being coupled against removal therefrom.

[0091] The spindle 30 is rotatably mounted on the spindle mounting arm 62 allowing the spindle 30 to rotate with the operation of the drive motor 44 so as to wind and unwind the cover 20 thereabout. The drive 44 is mounted on the spindle mounting arm 62 for movement therewith.

[0092] As the power motor 44 rotates the spindle 30 so as to wind the cover 20 around the spindle 30 the tension in the cover 20 causes the carriage 60 to slide upwards along the guide rail portion 54. When the cover 20 is fully retracted, the spindle 30 is positioned at or near the top of the trailer bed compartment, allowing access to the trailer bed 6.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 13, the motor 44 rotates the spindle 30 in the opposite direction in order to re-extend the cover 20. As the cover 20 is unfurled, the force of gravity pulls the spindle mounting arm 62 and carriage 60 downwards along the guide rail portion 54 into engagement with the J-shaped extension 114. When the carriage 60 reaches the J-shaped extension 114, the spindle 30 is guided under and around the flange 90 extending vertically from the trailer bed 6 by the rotational movement of the carriage 60 as it travels along the curving portion of the extension 114. Concurrently, the winding of the cover 20 causes it to be rewound about the spindle 30, drawing the spindle 30 upwardly about the pivot 16. The resulting relative pivotal movement of the support arm 62 about the pivot 116, moves the spindle 30 laterally inwardly and upwardly creating a seal between the cover 20 and the flange 90.

[0094] In particular, as shown best in FIGS. 14 and 15, as the connecting wheels 120a,120b,120c travel along the J-shaped extension 114 the carriage 60 rotates in a clockwise direction. This initial movement results in the spindle 30 initially moving in the direction of arrow 200 below the flange 90 as it is initially fully unwound. Continued winding of the cover 20 about the spindle 30 and the movement of the connecting wheels 120a,120b,120c results in the rewinding of the cover 20 about the spindle 30 and its movement upwardly in the direction of arrow 220 into the storage position shown in FIG. 15. Continued winding of the cover 20 effects the tensioning of the cover against the flange 90.

[0095] While the preferred embodiments illustrate the guide track assembly 50 as having a guide rail portion 54 which extends vertically along the trailer bulkheads 16, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that in an alternate configuration, the guide rail portion 54 could be provided in a curved or inclined orientation, as for example tilted outwardly at an angle of between 5 and 15, to facilitate the upward movement of the spindle 30 as the diameter of the coiled portion of the cover 20 wound thereabout increases.

[0096] Although the preferred embodiment of the invention describes the retractable trailer enclosure system 10 as being used with a flatbed trailer 2, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that the tarp enclosure system may be used with a number of different trailer configurations where the vertical retraction of a flexible tarp, cover, straps, or mesh along one or both sides of the trailer is desired.

[0097] Although the detailed description describes and illustrates the various preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. Many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention, reference may be had to the appended claims.