TARP DEPLOYMENT AND RETRIEVAL APPARATUS

Abstract

A tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus that is configured to facilitate placement and retrieval of a tarp over an object such as but not limited to a cargo truck. The apparatus includes a base support frame wherein the base support frame is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal and lateral support members. A pair of vertical support members extending upward from the base support frame provide support for the drive rod member. The drive rod member is rotatable in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction having a motor assembly operably coupled thereto. A tarp engagement member is releasably coupled to the drive rod member utilizing a coupler. The tarp engagement member includes a center rod portion having a plurality of rope engagement members formed thereon. The tarp engagement member includes a guide member that is generally U-shaped and operable to maintain lateral position of a tarp on the tarp engagement member.

Claims

1. A tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus configured to facilitate placement and retrieval of a tarp over a cargo load wherein the tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus comprises: a base support frame, said base support frame being comprised of a plurality of lateral and longitudinal support members, said base support frame having a first end and a second end, said base support frame having a first vertical support member proximate said first end, said first vertical support member being perpendicular to said base support frame extending upward therefrom, said base support frame having a second vertical support member, said second vertical support member being proximate said second end of said base support frame, said second vertical support member being perpendicular to said base support frame extending upward therefrom; a motor assembly, said motor assembly including a motor, said motor being operably coupled to a power supply; a drive rod member, said drive rod member being operably coupled to said first vertical support member and said second vertical support member, said drive rod member being operably coupled to said first vertical support member and said second vertical support member, said drive rod member being operably coupled to said motor assembly, said drive rod member being rotatable in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction; a tarp engagement member, said tarp engagement member being releasably secured to said drive rod member, said tarp engagement member having a center rod portion, said tarp engagement member further having a guide member, said tarp engagement member configured to have a tarp operably coupled thereto.

2. The tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said tarp engagement member further includes a plurality of rope engagement members, said rope engagement members being secured to said center rod portion.

3. The tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said plurality of said rope engagement members are square U-shaped, said plurality of rope engagement members having a top portion, said plurality of rope engagement members having a void intermediate said top portion and said center rod portion, said void suitable to have a segment of a rope pulled therethrough.

4. The tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said guide member include opposing lateral sections, said opposing lateral sections being integrally formed with a center section so as to create a U-shaped guide member.

5. The tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus as recited in claim 4, and further including a coupler, said coupler having a receiver portion integrally formed with said drive rod, said coupler configured to facilitate releasably securing of said tarp engagement member to said drive rod.

6. The tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said coupler further includes a shank, said shank being formed on said tarp engagement member, said shank configured to journal into said receiver portion.

7. The tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said coupler further includes a hook member and a pin member, said hook member configured to releasably secure to said pin member ensuing coupling of said shank into said receiver portion.

8. The tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said motor assembly further includes a chain, said chain operably coupled to a gear secured to said drive rod member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of the present invention operably coupled for deployment to a forklift; and

[0026] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the coupling intermediate the drive rod assembly and tarp engagement member; and

[0027] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the rope engagement member; and

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side diagrammatic view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0031] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms a, an and the include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to an element is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word or should be understood as having the definition of a logical or rather than that of a logical exclusive or unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] References to one embodiment, an embodiment, exemplary embodiments, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

[0033] Referring now to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus 100 is operable to be lifted with a conventional forklift 99 in order to be positioned so as to facilitate the placement and removal of a tarp 98 over a cargo truck or other desired object. While the tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus 100 is illustrated herein being utilized with a forklift 99, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus 100 could be placed in an elevated location with respect to a cargo truck and have the cargo truck move in a desired direction during placement or removal of the tarp 98.

[0034] The tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus 100 includes a base support frame 10. The base support frame 10 is manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. The base support frame 10 is comprised of a plurality of lateral support members 11 and longitudinal support members 12 that are operably coupled utilizing suitable techniques such as but not limited to welding. The lateral support members 11 and longitudinal support members 12 are manufactured from tubular steel or similar material and are formed to create a desired size, weight and shape for the base support frame 10. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the base support frame 10 could be manufactured in alternate sizes and shapes. Secured to the base support frame 10 on opposing ends thereof is a first vertical support member 15 and a second vertical support member 17. The first vertical support member 15 and second vertical support member 17 extend upwards from the base support frame 10 and are perpendicular thereto. Secured to ends of the first vertical support member 15 and second vertical support member 17 are drive rod brackets 18,19. Drive rod brackets 18,19 are cylindrical in shape being hollow and provide support while permitting rotation of the drive rod member 20. Drive rod member 20 includes gear 21 operably coupled to chain 22 wherein the chain 22 is operably coupled to motor 23. Motor 23 is operably coupled to power source 24, wherein in a preferred embodiment the power source is a twelve-volt battery. While the motor 23 is an electric motor in a preferred embodiment of the tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus 100, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the motor 23 could be alternate types of motors capable of providing rotational movement of the drive rod member 20. Additionally, while a chain 22 is utilized in a preferred embodiment of the tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus 100 to rotatably move the drive rod member 20, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the tarp deployment and retrieval apparatus 100 could employ alternate techniques such as but not limited to direct drive or belt drive.

[0035] The drive rod member 20 is cylindrical and elongated in form and is configured rotate in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction so as to facilitate placement and retrieval of a tarp 98. The drive rod member 20 is operably coupled to the tarp engagement member 30. The tarp engagement member 30 as discussed herein is configured to be operably coupled to a tarp 98 to facilitate placement and retrieval thereof. The tarp engagement member 30 is coupled to the drive rod member 20 employing coupler 25. The coupler 25 facilitates an ability to quickly connect and disconnect the tarp engagement member 30. The coupler 25 includes receiver 26, shank 27, hook 28 and pin 29 wherein the aforementioned are configured to operably coupled to achieve the operable coupling of the tarp engagement member 30 and drive rod member 20. While a preferred embodiment of the coupler 25 has been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the coupler 25 could be constructed in numerous alternate manners.

[0036] The tarp engagement member 30 includes center rod portion 32. Center rod portion 32 has operably coupled thereto a plurality of rope engagement members 34. The rope engagement members 34 are square u-shaped having a void 35 between top portion 33 and center rod portion 32. Void 35 provides the necessary space to receive exemplary rope 97 wherein rope 97 is secured to the rope engagement member 34 prior to initiation of winding of tarp 98 onto the tarp engagement member 30. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the tarp engagement member 30 could have various quantities of the rope engagement members 34. Furthermore, while a particular form of the rope engagement member 34 has been illustrated herein, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the rope engagement member 34 could be constructed in alternate shapes and sizes in order to achieve the desired objective discussed herein.

[0037] The tarp engagement member 30 includes guide member 40 wherein guide member 40 provides direction of the tarp 98 during placement and retrieval thereof ensuring the tarp 98 does not spool off of the center rod portion 32. The guide member 40 includes opposing lateral sections 41,42 integrally formed with a center section 43 creating a U-shaped guide member 40. The guide member 40 is manufactured in alternate sizes so as to accommodate tarps 98 of different lengths wherein the rolled diameter thereof is different. The opposing lateral sections 41,42 are secured to the center rod portion 32 utilizing suitable techniques. The guide member 40 is manufactured from a durable material such as but not limited to metal.

[0038] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.