Patent ID: 6053556
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A retractable cover apparatus for a pickup truck bed, the apparatus utilizing cover retraction force and cover weight to maintain cover stability during vehicular motion, the apparatus comprising:a roll rotatably supported at each end by a bracket attachable to a front portion of the truck bed with the roll in a transverse relationship with the truck bed;a rectangular shaped cover of a flexible web material comprising a web weight of at least ten ounces per square yard, the cover comprising a front end, a back end, and two sides, the front end fixed to the roll and the back end comprising a back fastener component for securing the back end of the cover to a complementary back fastener component attachable to a rear portion of the truck bed, the cover further comprising a retracted position wherein the cover is wrapped fully on the roll and an extended position wherein the back fastener component is engaged to the complementary back fastener component, the two sides of the cover being generally smooth with an absence of side fasteners;a retraction means attached to the roll for providing a retraction force on the cover, the retraction means providing a retraction force at least 0.4 pounds per inch of cover width when the cover is in the extended position, the cover width being the transverse distance between the side edges of the cover;wherein the retraction force in the extended position and cover weight provides stability of the cover during vehicular motion.