Patent ID: 7004530
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A method for mounting a cover assembly to a vehicle bed of a vehicle having an electrical power system, the bed having at least opposing first and second side walls and a floor, the side walls and the floor defining an interior space having an upwardly facing opening, the method comprising: mounting a first pair of elongated track members to the first and second side walls; providing a removable cover unit comprising: (i) a second pair of elongated track members: (ii) a plurality of transverse support members, each of the plurality of support members having first and second end portions, the first end portions being movably mounted on one of the second pair of track members and the second end portions being movably mounted on the other of the second pair of track members; (iii) a flexible cover mounted to the plurality of transverse support members; and (iv) at least one motor operatively connected to the support members; removably mounting the cover unit in an operative position to the vehicle bed such that the second pair of track members are aligned with the first pair of track members so that the support members can be selectively moved along the first and second pairs of track members by the at least one motor to extend and retract the flexible cover for uncovering and covering the vehicle bed; wherein the cover unit includes a conductive element that establishes an electrical connection between the at least one motor and the electrical power system of the vehicle when the cover unit is in the operative position.