TARPAULIN RETRACTION AND EXTENSION DEVICE

A device for handling a tarpaulin to cover a container aperture, the tarpaulin being secured to the container at the tarpaulin first end and movable between tarpaulin retracted and extended configurations, the device comprising: - a rod movable between rod positions wherein the rod is adjacent to the aperture ends, the tarpaulin being mountable to the rod at the tarpaulin second end to allow rolling and unrolling of the tarpaulin when the rod is rotated; - an actuator assembly including an actuator mechanically coupled to a driving shaft, for rotating the driving shaft; and - a transmission assembly coupled between the actuator assembly and the rod for transmitting rotations of the driving shaft to the rod; - wherein the transmission assembly is so that a distance between the driving shaft and the rod remains substantially constant as the rod moves; and wherein rotating the rod to roll and unroll the tarpaulin therearound moves the rod towards the retracted and extended configuration.