Patent ID: 6769142
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
A system for extending and retracting a cover, said system comprising:a cover shaped and sized for positioning over an opening of a space to be covered, said cover being moveable between a closed position in which said cover substantially covers the opening and an open position in which said cover is displaced from said closed position, said cover having a front edge, a first side edge and a second side edge spaced from said first side edge, said first side edge having a first edge length and said second side edge having a second edge length; a first plurality of bead members attached to said cover along said first edge length of said first side edge; a second plurality of bead members attached to said cover along said second edge length of said second side edge; a first guide track positioned proximate said space to be covered, said first guide track having a first track length, a first end and a second end, said first guide track being configured to slideably receive and guide said first plurality of bead members along said first track length upon movement of said cover between said open position and said closed position; a second guide track positioned proximate said space to be covered and spaced from said first guide track, said second guide track having a second track length, a first end and a second end, said second guide track being configured to guide said second plurality of bead members along said second track length upon movement of said cover between said open position and said closed position; a first positive drive configured to move bead members of said first plurality of bead members into and out of said first track to urge said cover between said open position and said closed position; a second positive drive configured to move bead members of said first plurality of bead members into and out of said second track to urge said cover between said open position and said closed position; drive means operably connected to said first positive drive and to said second positive drive for operating said first positive drive and said second positive drive; and receiver means positioned relative to said first positive drive and said second positive drive for receiving said cover from and supplying said cover to said first positive drive and said second positive drive as said cover is moved between said open position and said closed position.