Patent attributes
Locking systems are provided for a retractable cover system mounted on the bed of a flat bed trailer or similar structure. The cover system includes a bow arrangement for supporting a flexible cover or tarpaulin with a front and a rear bow structure. A front locking mechanism includes a plurality of self-latching latch mechanism mounted within a hollow beam of a bulkhead mounted on the bed. Hasps are mounted to the front bow structure and aligned to activate and engage the latch mechanisms. A rear locking mechanism includes a telescoping mechanism mounted with the rear bow structure. The telescoping mechanism includes a pressure foot that engages a reaction plate mounted to the bed. The pressure foot and reaction plate define complementary features that allow the foot to engage the reaction plate at multiple positions prior to extension of the telescoping mechanism.