Patent ID: 6321819
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A retractable cover system, comprising:a first rail having a first front portion, a first rear portion, and a first cutout within a lower inner portion of said first front portion;a second rail having a second front portion, a second rear portion, and a second cutout within a lower inner portion of said second front portion;a plurality of panels pivotally attached to one another at a plurality of pivot points, wherein said plurality of panels includes a front panel;a plurality of first rollers attached to opposing ends of said plurality of panels adjacent said plurality of pivot points, wherein said plurality of first rollers are alternated upon said plurality of pivot points and said plurality of first rollers pass over said first cutout and said second cutout;a plurality of second rollers attached to opposing ends of said plurality of panels adjacent said plurality of pivot points, wherein said plurality of second rollers are staggered with respect to said plurality of first rollers and said plurality of second rollers descend through said cutouts; andat least one actuator attached to said front panel of said plurality of panels for applying an upward force upon said front panel thereby maintaining said front panel and an adjacent connected panel in a horizontal state when said plurality of panels are fully extended and substantially parallel to one another upon said rails thereby maintaining said plurality of panels within a substantially horizontal structure.