Abstract:
A retractable cover system includes a frame that provides an opening and includes laterally spaced apart guide rails and includes a drive system. A flexible cover has laterally opposing edge portions with intermittent retainers received in the guide rails. The retainers are configured to slide relative to the guide rails between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. Multiple spaced apart bows extend laterally between guide rails. The bows provide a laterally and outwardly extending arc that maintains tension on the flexible cover laterally between the retainers.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/220,412 filed Sep. 18, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/220,416 filed Sep. 18, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/220,420 filed Sep. 18, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/115,710 filed Feb. 13, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/115,720 filed Feb. 13, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/115,772 filed Feb. 13, 2015 and is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to cover system used, for example, as a tonneau cover of a pickup truck bed. The cover system may also be used, for example, as a flexible roof or sunshade for vehicle applications, or for non-vehicle applications as well. 
         [0003]    Tonneau covers are frequently used to enclose a pickup truck bed. Soft tonneau covers provide the advantage over hard covers of being able to be stowed in a relative small space when the cover is not in use. There has been an effort to provide a motorized tonneau cover, but these tonneau covers lack the advantages of soft tonneau covers, namely, their compactness when stowed. For example, typical motorized tonneau covers resemble a roll up garage door, which incorporate numerous rigid slats pivotally linked to one another. These arrangements are heavy and bulky, occupying a significant portion of the truck bed. What is needed is a motorized soft tonneau cover that is compact, weather resistant and sufficiently robust to withstand common load conditions. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one exemplary embodiment, a retractable cover system includes a frame that provides an opening and includes laterally spaced apart guide rails and includes a drive system. A flexible cover has laterally opposing edge portions with intermittent retainers received in the guide rails. The retainers are configured to slide relative to the guide rails between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. Multiple spaced apart bows extend laterally between guide rails. The bows provide a laterally and outwardly extending arc that maintains tension on the flexible cover laterally between the retainers. 
         [0005]    In a further embodiment of the above, each edge portion includes longitudinally spaced perforations with one of the retainers extending therethrough. Each retainer includes first and second retainer portions secured to one another and respectively arranged on first and second sides of the flexible cover. 
         [0006]    In a further embodiment of the above, the retainers are arranged in a zipper-like configuration and are received in a track. 
         [0007]    In a further embodiment of the above, a flap is secured to the cover and provides the edge portions. The flap wraps about an upper side of the guide rail. An end of the cover extends beyond the flap to an upper surface of the guide rail to enclose the retainers and the track. 
         [0008]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, each guide rail includes a structural section and a covering section that is secured to the structural section. A first track is provided between the structural section and the covering section. The retainers are received in the first track. 
         [0009]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the structural section and the covering section respectively include first and second lips that provide a gap through which the flexible cover extends. The first and second retainer portions are configured to slide respectively on the first and second lips with the flexible cover under tension. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the structural section includes first, second and third walls that extend from an upper side of the structural section. The first wall provides the first lip. The second and third walls include openings to fluidly connect the first track with an outer edge of the structural section. 
         [0011]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the third wall and an end of the covering section include removably interlocking features. A threaded fastener secures the covering section to the second wall. 
         [0012]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the multiple bows includes a last bow to which an end of the flexible cover is secured. The multiple bows include remaining bows that are unsecured to the flexible cover. 
         [0013]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, a seal is mounted to the last bow and is configured to seal against a truck bed gate. 
         [0014]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the guide rails include a second track slidably supporting the bows. 
         [0015]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the drive system includes a cassette housing. A drain is provided in the cassette housing. 
         [0016]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the drive system includes a wiper that engages the flexible cover and is configured to remove debris. 
         [0017]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the cassette housing is configured to be arranged in a pocket provided by the truck bed. The drain is arranged at an exterior of the truck bed. 
         [0018]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the drive system includes a main roller about which the flexible cover is wrapped and unwrapped. One end of the flexible cover is secured to the main roller by an omega lock configuration. 
         [0019]    In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a soft tonneau cover includes the steps of extending a cover to a closed position and securing an end of the cover in the closed position. The cover is retracted while in the closed position to make the cover taut. 
         [0020]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the securing step includes locking a last bow to a guide rail. 
         [0021]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the last bow is sealed against a tailgate. 
         [0022]    In a further embodiment of any of the above, the retracting step includes wrapping the cover about a main roller. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The disclosure can be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a pickup truck with an example cover system embodiment with a flexible cover in a partially open position with respect to a truck bed. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a portion of the cover system embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cover system in a stowed position in which the flexible cover is retracted, leaving the truck bed open. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view through a guide rail of the cover system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a cable system used to move the flexible cover and multiple bows between various positions. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is an end view of a cable drum of the cable system shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a schematic elevational view of the cable system and bows, which are tethered to one another. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a bow. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of portions of adjacent bows. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view of ends of adjacent bows in a stowed position within the guide rail and in which the flexible cover is retracted, leaving the truck bed open. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11A  schematically illustrates a portion of a drive system with two motors. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view through one end of an assembly including a main roller and a motor. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the flexible cover secured to the main roller. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  illustrates lighting integrated with the guide rail. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  depicts an electrical outlet integrated with the guide rail. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  schematically illustrates a latching mechanism for the cover system. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  diagrammatically shows a pickup passenger motor vehicle with one embodiment of a cover system. 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  shows the cover system according to  FIG. 17  in a completely pulled-out covering position. 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  shows a greatly enlarged, diagrammatic cross-sectional illustration of a part region of a flat structure of the cover system according to  FIG. 18  in the region of a transverse bow. 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  shows a further embodiment of a flat structure for a cover system according to  FIG. 18  in a cross-sectional illustration with a transverse bow which lies on the outside. 
           [0045]      FIG. 21  diagrammatically shows a sectional illustration of a rear-side closure of the load bed, a pull-out profile of the flat structure being provided with an elastic hollow profile seal. 
           [0046]      FIG. 22  diagrammatically shows a sectional illustration of a winding-up region of a winding shaft of the cover system according to  FIGS. 17 to 21 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 23  diagrammatically shows the winding up of a flat structure, provided with transverse bows, of the cover system according to  FIGS. 17 to 22  in a partially wound-up state. 
           [0048]      FIG. 24  diagrammatically shows a cross section through a guide rail arrangement of the cover system according to  FIGS. 17 and 18  in the region of a side wall of the load bed of the pickup. 
           [0049]      FIG. 25  shows a detail of the cover system according to  FIGS. 17 to 24  in the region of the guide rail arrangement according to  FIG. 24 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 26  shows an exploded illustration of a part region of the cover system according to  FIGS. 17 to 25 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 27  shows an enlarged exploded illustration of an end side of a transverse bow of a flat structure of the cover system according to  FIG. 26 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 28  shows a perspective sectional illustration of a detail of the cover system in the region of a guide rail arrangement which lies opposite the guide rail arrangement according to  FIG. 25 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 29  diagrammatically shows the guide rail arrangement according to  FIG. 28  in a cross-sectional illustration with an illustration of a lateral guide function for the flat structure. 
           [0054]      FIG. 30  shows the illustration according to  FIG. 29  with an additional pictorial illustration of a water discharge function. 
           [0055]      FIG. 31  shows an exploded illustration of the guide rail arrangement according to  FIGS. 28 to 30  with a covering section and a structure section. 
           [0056]      FIG. 32  shows the opposite guide rail arrangement according to  FIGS. 24 and 25  in an exploded illustration, in which a spring clamping element for fixing the covering section on the structure section can be seen. 
           [0057]      FIG. 33  diagrammatically shows a longitudinal sectional illustration through a winding shaft of the cover system according to  FIGS. 17 to 32 , which winding shaft is provided with an electric drive system. 
           [0058]      FIG. 34  shows the drive system for the winding shaft according to  FIG. 33  in an exploded illustration. 
           [0059]      FIG. 35A  is a cross-sectional view of another guide rail arrangement and cover retainer configuration. 
           [0060]      FIG. 35B  is a perspective end view of the guide rail arrangement shown in  FIG. 35A . 
           [0061]      FIG. 35C  is a bottom perspective view of the guide rail arrangement shown in  FIG. 35B  with the cover and retainer partially exposed. 
           [0062]      FIG. 36  is a cross-sectional view of yet another guide rail arrangement. 
           [0063]      FIG. 37A  is a perspective view of a tether arrangement with the cover in a fully extended/closed position. 
           [0064]      FIG. 37B  is a plan view of the tether arrangement and cover shown in  FIG. 37A . 
           [0065]      FIG. 38A  is a cross-sectional view through the cover system shown in  FIG. 37A  taken along line  38 A- 38 A. 
           [0066]      FIG. 38B  is a cross-sectional view through the cover system shown in  FIG. 37A  taken along line  38 B- 38 B. 
           [0067]      FIG. 38C  is a cross-sectional view through the cover system shown in  FIG. 37A  taken along line  38 C- 38 C. 
           [0068]      FIG. 38D  is a cross-sectional view through the cover system shown in  FIG. 37A  taken along line  38 D- 38 D. 
           [0069]      FIG. 39A  schematically illustrates the tether arrangement and bow positions with the cover in the fully extended/closed position. 
           [0070]      FIG. 39B  schematically illustrates the tether arrangement and bow positions with the cover in a partially retracted position. 
           [0071]      FIG. 39C  schematically illustrates the tether arrangement and bow positions with the cover in a more retracted position than shown in  FIG. 39B . 
       
    
    
       [0072]    The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0073]    This disclosure relates to a motorized, flexible cover system for use in a variety of applications. In one example, the cover system may be used as a tonneau cover to selectively provide access to a vehicle truck bed. The cover system may also be used as a flexible roof or sunshade for vehicle applications, or for non-vehicle applications as well. 
         [0074]    A vehicle  10  is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The vehicle  10  includes a truck bed  12  having lateral sides  14  and a front wall  16 . A gate  18  is typically pivotally attached to a rear of the truck bed  12 . A cover system  20  is mounted to the top of the truck bed  12  and is movable between open and closed positions, including in a partially open position, as illustrated. If desired, the cover system  20  can be moved between an infinite number of positions. 
         [0075]    The cover system  20  includes a frame  22  having laterally spaced apart guide rails  24 , which may be provided by aluminum extrusions. A flexible cover  26 , or soft tonneau cover, which may be constructed from typical soft tonneau cover materials, for example vinyl, is supported by and can slide within the guide rails  24  secured to the lateral sides  14  of the truck bed  12 . A drive system  28  slides the flexible cover  26  between the open and closed positions along a path provided by the guide rails  24 . 
         [0076]    Multiple bows  30 ,  32  are longitudinally spaced apart from one another and arranged beneath an underside of the flexible cover  26  to support, for example, aerodynamic loads and the weight of snow. The bow  32  is the last bow, which is farthest from the drive system  28  and nearest gate  18 . A seal  33  is mounted to the bow  32  and engages the gate  18  when the flexible cover  26  is in the closed position. In one example, the bows  30  curve upward toward an underside of the flexible cover  26  in the lateral direction to provide improved support. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the drive system  28  includes a cassette housing  42  that may be constructed from multiple components to facilitate assembly, for example, base and top portions  42   a,    42   b  and trim piece  42   c.  As shown in  FIG. 3 , the cassette housing  42  is mounted to a preformed pocket  128  in the front wall  16  of the truck bed  12 . A drain  130  is provided in the cassette housing  42 , which drains water and debris to the exterior of the truck bed  12 . A wiper or brush  45  clears debris from the upper surface of the flexible cover  26 . 
         [0078]    A main roller  44  is driven by one or more motors  48  to rotationally drive the main roller  44 , about which the flexible cover  26  is wrapped and unwrapped when opened and closed. In one example, a pair of motors (one shown) is housed within the main roller  44  at opposing ends. The number of motors is selected based upon the application and requirements. 
         [0079]    The bows  30 ,  32  are not wrapped about the main roller  44  with the flexible cover  26  when in the stowed position ( FIG. 3 ). Instead, the bows  30  are able to slide both with respect to the guide rails  24  and the flexible cover  26  since the bows  30  are not affixed to either the guide rails  24  or the flexible cover  26 . In the stowed position, the bows  30 ,  32  are retained within the guide rails  24  and stored bunched together within the cassette housing  42 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Thus, the flexible cover  26 , drive system  28  and bows  30 ,  32  can be packaged in a very compact arrangement, occupying a minimal amount of space within the truck bed  12 . Not wrapping the bows  30  about the main roller  44  also enables the use of laterally curved bows. 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , each guide rail  24  includes a structural section  34  and a cover section  36  secured to the structural section  34 . Brackets  37  are secured to the side walls  14  by fasteners  39 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Holes in the brackets  37  receiving the fasteners  39  may be slotted to accommodate adjustment during assembly. 
         [0081]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 4 , a first track  38  is provided between the structural and cover sections  34 ,  36 . Edges of the flexible cover  26  include longitudinally spaced retainers  40  that are received within the first track  38 . The spacing between the retainers  40  permit water and debris to flow off of the flexible cover and out through the guide rails  24  Interlocking features between the structural and cover sections  34 ,  36 , such as tab  120  and hook  122 , can be used along with fasteners  124  to secure the cover section  36  to the structural section  34  and retain the flexible cover edges within the first track  38 . 
         [0082]    The flexible cover  26  wraps about the main roller  44 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , as the flexible cover  26  is moved from the close position to the open position. An idler roller  46  is arranged approximately level with the guide rails  24  to maintain the edges of the flexible cover  26  in alignment with the first track  38  as the flexible cover  26  is extended (closed) and retracted (opened). 
         [0083]    The bows  30 ,  32  are supported by and can slide within the second track  70 , which includes upper and lower tracks  70 ,  72 . One set of bows  30  is supported by ends  64   a  that ride along the upper track  72 , and another set of bows  30  is supported by ends  64   b  that ride along the lower track. The ends  64   a,    64   b  respectively include first and second bases  92 ,  94  that are wider than the width ( 68  in  FIG. 8 ) of the bows to provide stability when sliding within the tracks, as shown in  FIG. 10 . Since upper and lower tracks  72 ,  74  are used, the wide first and second bases  92 ,  94  can be accommodated in overlapping relationship for compact packaging when the bows  30  are stowed with the flexible cover  26  fully retracted, exposing the truck bed  12 . Forward and aft sides of the first and second bases  92 ,  94  include angle faces  96  that assist in clearing debris from the upper and lower tracks  72 ,  74 . 
         [0084]    The guide rails  24  include a third track  98  beneath the first and second tracks  38 ,  70 . One or more cargo attachments  100  may be provided in the third tracks  98  to provide a feature to which straps, ropes or other cargo lashing devices may be attached. An end cap  102  may be provided in an end of the guide rails  24  to retain the components within and provide a finished appearance. Lighting  170  can be integrated with the guide rails  24 ′ to illuminate the truck bed  12 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Electricity provided to the guide rails  24 ′ supplying 12 volts DC and/or 110 or 220 volts AC, for example at an outlet  172  provided at the end cap  102 . 
         [0085]    A cable system  50 , shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , cooperates with the main roller  44  to retract and extend the flexible cover  26 . The cable system  50  also coordinates movement of the bows  30 ,  32  with the flexible cover  26  while permitting the bows  30  to slide independently of the flexible cover  26  using a tether  78  ( FIG. 7 ), as will be explained in more detail below. 
         [0086]    The cable system  50  includes a cable drum  52  arranged at either end of and coaxially with the main roller  44  ( FIG. 2 ). A pulley  54  is arranged at an end of each guide rails  24  opposite the drive system  28 . A cable  56 , for example, a multi-strand steel cable, wraps about each cable drum  52  and pulley  54  set. In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , the cable drum  52  includes helical grooves  90 , which prevents the cable  56  from wrapping about itself during operation which would cause undesired noise and wear. First and second idlers  58 ,  60  may be arranged to route the cables  56  from the cassette housing  42  to the guide rails  24 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , ends of the last bow  32 , which is secured to the end of the flexible cover  26 , are clamped to a portion of each cable  56  (one shown) at connection  76  such that the last bow  32  moves in tandem with the cable  56 . In operation, with the flexible cover  26  in a retracted position, the motor  48  is driven to unwrap the flexible cover  26  from the main roller  44  and open the soft tonneau cover. The motor  48  rotationally drives the cable drum  52  (along with the main roller  44 ) to pull the last bow  32  and the flexible cover  26  via the cable system  50  toward the gate  18  to draw the soft tonneau cover taut. 
         [0088]    A tether  78  is provided on each side of the bows  30  to secure the bows to one another. One end of the tether  78  is secured to the last bow  32  nearest the gate  18 , and the other end of the tether  78  is secured to the bow  30  nearest the drive system  28 . The remaining bows  30  are secured to the tether  78  at evenly spaced intervals such that the bows  30  are evenly spaced within the truck bed opening when the soft tonneau cover is in the closed position and fully extended, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In operation, with the flexible cover  26  in the extended position, the motor  48  is driven to wrap the flexible cover  26  about the main roller  44  and open the soft tonneau cover. At the same time, the last bow  32  is pulled toward the cassette housing  42  by the cables  56 . Since the bows  30  are not secured to the flexible cover  26 , the last bow  32  will eventually catch up with the adjacent bow, and so on, and the bows will bunch together in the stowed position ( FIG. 3 ) once the soft tonneau cover is fully retracted. When the flexible cover  26  is again extended, the last bow  32  will pull the other bows  30  to their desired spacing via the tether  78  ( FIG. 7 ). 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the bows  30 , which may be extruded aluminum, are provided by hollow bars  62  to which opposing ends  64  are connected. The bars  62  have a height  66  that is greater than the width, for example, by about two times. Such a dimensional ratio provides sufficient rigidity in the load direction (downward) while providing a narrow profile so the bows  30  can be tightly packaged when stowed ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0090]    As described above, when the soft tonneau cover is not fully extended, the bows  32  will begin to bunch. As a result, the tether  78  will begin to go slack between the bows  30  and would otherwise hang into the cargo area of the truck bed. To prevent the tether  78  from hanging and possibly becoming entangled, a tensioning member  80  pulls the tether  78  out of the way. The tensioning member  80  may be constructed from a spring element or an elastomeric material. 
         [0091]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 8 , the bars  62  include notches in one example that expose a cavity  82 . Access covers  84 , which include holes  86 , are arranged over the notches to enclose the cavities  82 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , the tether  78  passes through the holes  86 . A tensioning member  80  is arranged in each cavity  82  and is interconnected to the opposing tethers  78  ( FIG. 7 ) by connectors  88 . Any slack in tether  78  is pulled into the cavity  82  by the tensioning member  80  ( FIG. 9 ) such that when the bows  30  are retracted and come closer to one another the tethers  78  will be prevented from hanging into the cargo box and becoming tangled in cargo. 
         [0092]    Returning to  FIG. 4 , the edges of the flexible cover  26  include perforations  104 . The retainers  40  extend through the perforations and include first and second portions  106 ,  108  arranged on opposing sides of the flexible cover  26 . First and second lips  110 ,  112  are respectively provided by the structural and cover sections  34 ,  36 . When the flexible cover  26  is laterally tensioned during use, the retainer  40  will ride against the first and second lips  110 ,  112 . The structural section  34  includes first, second and third walls  114 ,  116 ,  118  that extend upwardly therefrom. The first wall  114  provides the first lip  110 . The second and third walls  116 ,  118  include an opening  126  (shown by dashed lines) that fluidly connect the first track  38  with an outer edge of the structural section  34  to permit water to drain off of the flexible cover  26 . The third wall  118  provides the tab  120 . 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 , the cassette housing  42  includes an end  132  at opposing lateral sides. Although only one motor  48  is shown in  FIG. 11B , two motors  48  can be used as shown in  FIG. 11A . Each end  132  includes an arcuate guide  134  that guides the edges of the flexible cover  26  between the main roller  44  and the first track  38 . An inside face of the end  132  includes a bearing  136  that supports an inner diameter of the cable drum  52 . The motor  48  includes a fixed end  138  secured to the end  132  by fasteners. A drive end  140  of the motor  48  is coupled to a motor housing  142 , by a coupling  144 . The motor housing  142  includes support rings  146  at an outer diameter that supports the main roller  44 . The flexible cover  26  is secured to the main roller  44  by an “omega lock” configuration in which the flexible cover  26  is retained in a slot  158  by a cord  160 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0094]    The motor housing  142  includes an enlarged neck  148  that receives a sleeve  154 . A resilient member such as a torsion spring  152  is arranged radially between the sleeve  154  and the motor housing  142 . One end of the torsion spring  152  is received in an aperture  150  of the motor housing  142 , and another end of the torsion spring  152  is received in an aperture  156  of the cable drum  52 . 
         [0095]    The torsion spring  152  permits some relative rotation between the main roller  44  and the cable drum  52  as the flexible cover  26  is wrapped and unwrapped about the main roller  44 . This is desirable since the cables  56  do not stretch during operation and the flexible cover  26  does. The outer diameter of the sleeve  154  and the inner diameter of the motor housing  142  provide the limits for relative angular movement between the main roller  44  and the cable drum  52  by acting as stops. 
         [0096]    The motor  48  communicates with a controller  162  that receives commands from an input  164 , such as a two-way switch, to open and close the soft tonneau cover. The controller  162  can provide a variety of functionality, for example, the controller may be configured to detect an obstruction to the flexible cover  26  within the truck bed  12 . The controller  162  commands the motor  48  to open the flexible cover  26  in response to detecting the obstruction. In another example, the controller  162  may be programmed to open/close the flexible cover  26  to a predetermined position. 
         [0097]    It may become necessary or desirable to operate the electric tonneau cover without use of the motor  48 . Thus, the motor  48  may include a clutch  166  actuatable by an override device  168  to release the main roller  44  from the motor  48 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 16  schematically illustrates a latching mechanism  178  that is used to lock the flexible cover  26  when fully closed/extended. Each guide rail  34  (only one shown) includes a latch  182  that selectively cooperates with a stop  180  associated with the bow  32 , for example. The soft tonneau cover will latch/lock when the flexible cover  26  is fully extended/closed. The motor  48  then rotates the main roller  44  slightly as if the cover  26  is being retracted. However, since the last bow  32  is maintained in its position near the tailgate, the cover  26  is pulled taut. In this manner, the cover  26  is tensioned and prepared for vehicle travel to better withstand aerodynamic loads. When a user wishes to open the cover  26 , a command from the controller  162  is sent to an actuator  184  that first releases the latch  182 , and then the flexible cover  26  can retract/open. 
         [0099]    Another motorized, flexible cover system is illustrated in  FIGS. 17-34 . A vehicle  201  has a passenger cell with front and rear seats in a front region. Toward a rear of the pickup passenger motor vehicle, the passenger cell is adjoined by a pickup truck bed or load bed  202  which is delimited on all sides by upwardly protruding walls  203  to  205 . The load bed  202  has a substantially horizontal floor. A front wall  205  which is extended in the vehicle transverse direction, is guided upward at a right angle with respect to the floor and is arranged immediately behind the passenger cell protrudes on the front side from the floor. Opposite longitudinal sides of the load bed  202  are formed by two side walls  204  which are extended in the vehicle longitudinal direction and likewise protrude upward from the floor. The side walls  204  open on the rear side into a rear wall  203  which is extended in the vehicle transverse direction and forms a rear-side termination of the load bed  202  which is open at the top. The rear wall  203  is provided in a manner which is not shown with a tailgate which can be folded rearward and downward, in order to make rear-side access to the load bed  202  possible. 
         [0100]    In order for it to be possible to close the load bed  202  in an upper edge region of the walls  203  to  205 , a cover system  206  is provided which will be described in greater detail in the following text using  FIGS. 18 to 34 . The cover system  206  has a tarpaulin-like, flexible flat structure, or flexible cover  207 , which is held on a winding shaft  216  such that it can be wound up and unwound. The winding shaft  216  is mounted rotatably in a cassette housing  208  which serves as support structure, the cassette housing  208  being mounted in the region of the front wall  205  in the mounted state in the region of the load bed  202  of the vehicle  201 . To this end, the front wall  205  has a cutout which is indicated in  FIG. 17  and into which the cassette housing  208  is inserted in a flush manner. In the mounted operating state of the cover system  206 , the winding shaft  216  and therefore also the cassette housing  208  extend in the vehicle transverse direction over a width of the load bed  202 . 
         [0101]    Two guide rail arrangements  209  which are connected to the front end regions of the cassette housing protrude parallel to one another from opposite front end regions of the cassette housing  208  in the pull-out direction of the flexible cover  207 . In the mounted operating state of the cover system  206 , the guide rail arrangements  209  protrude rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the cassette housing  208  as far as toward the rear wall  203 , the guide rail arrangements  209  flanking the flexible cover  207  on its longitudinal sides which lie opposite one another. 
         [0102]    As can be seen using  FIG. 24 , each guide rail arrangement  209  is connected fixedly via at least one fastening fitting  223  and corresponding fastening screws  224  to the corresponding side wall  204  of the load bed  202 . Here, first of all the respectively corresponding fastening fitting  223  is fastened to the side wall  204  by way of corresponding fastening screws  224 , before subsequently the guide rail arrangement  209  is placed onto the at least one fastening fitting and is connected to the latter via floor-side fastening screws  224 . The cassette housing  208  and the guide rail arrangements  209  form the stationary sections of the cover system  206 , which stationary sections are connected fixedly via corresponding mechanical fasteners, such as, in particular, the fastening fittings  223 , to the walls  204 ,  205  of the load bed  202  of the vehicle  201 . 
         [0103]    The flexible flexible cover  207  which is formed by a single-layer or multiple-layer textile or film web is reinforced over its length by way of a plurality of transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  which are positioned at uniform spacings from one another. The transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  have a convexly curved, arcuate cross-sectional profile, as can be seen clearly using  FIGS. 19 to 23 . The transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  are of dimensionally stable design and extend over an entire width of the flexible cover  207  in the vehicle transverse direction, in relation to the mounted operating state of the cover system  206 . The transverse bows are oriented relative to the flexible cover  207  in such a way that the convex curvature of the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  protrudes upward in the horizontally pulled-out covering position of the flexible cover  207  ( FIG. 18 ), whereas the correspondingly concave curvature protrudes toward the load floor of the load bed  202 . All the transverse bows  210  are connected in a positively locking manner via weather strip connections  212 ,  213  to the flexible cover  207 . To this end, corresponding connecting sections  207 ′ which extend in each case over a width of the flexible cover  207  have in each case one weather strip  213  which is pulled into in each case one weather strip groove  212  which is extended in the longitudinal direction of the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a,  and therefore in the vehicle transverse direction in the mounted state. The connecting sections  207 ′ of the flexible cover  207  are connected fixedly to the flexible cover  207  in the region of seams  340 ,  340 ′, in particular by way of welding, sewing or in another way. 
         [0104]    As can be seen using  FIGS. 19 to 23 , two different variants are provided, in order to reinforce the flexible cover  207  by way of the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  transversely with respect to the pull-out direction. In the embodiment according to  FIGS. 19 and 22 , the transverse bows  210   a  are arranged in the region of an underside of the flexible cover  207 , that is to say on a side of the flexible cover  207  which faces the floor of the load bed  202 . To this end, the connecting sections  207 ′ are connected fixedly in the region of seams  340  to the flexible cover  207 . The connecting sections  207 ′ are guided on the outside around the convex curvature of the transverse bow  210   a  and are fixed in a positively locking manner in two lateral weather strip grooves  212  with the aid of corresponding weather strip cords  213 . 
         [0105]    In the embodiment according to  FIGS. 20, 21 and 33 , the connecting sections  207 ′ are fastened via seams  340 ′ in the region of an upper side of the flexible cover  207  and, including a common weather strip cord  213 , protrude upward from the upper side of the flexible cover  207 . In this variant, the corresponding transverse bow  210  is positioned visibly on the upper side of the flexible cover  207  and is connected in a positively locking manner via a middle, centrally arranged weather strip groove  212  to the connecting sections  207 ′ and the weather strip cord  213  of the weather strip connection. 
         [0106]    Each transverse bow  210 ,  210   a  is manufactured as a dimensionally stable hollow profile made from metal or from plastic, preferably in an extrusion process or an injection molding process. 
         [0107]    All the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  are designed identically to one another. A transverse bow  210  ( FIGS. 18 and 21 ) which is arranged on the end side in the pull-out direction on a front end region of the flexible cover  207  is additionally provided on a longitudinal side which lies away from the flexible cover  207  with a hollow profile seal  211  which extends over an entire length of the transverse bow  210 . The hollow profile seal  211  is formed in one piece from an elastomer body and can be deformed elastically. The hollow profile seal  211  has a water discharge lug  215  which, in the pulled-out covering position of the flexible cover  207  ( FIGS. 18 and 21 ), protrudes rearward beyond an upper edge of the rear wall  203 . In the covering position, in which the load bed  202  is closed completely, the hollow profile seal  211  bears sealingly against the rear wall  203  in an elastically deformed manner in the region of a corresponding boundary edge of said rear wall  203 , the water discharge lug  215  which is extended over the entire length of the hollow profile seal  211  being positioned above the upper edge of the rear wall  203  according to  FIG. 21  and partially protruding obliquely rearward beyond the upper side of the upper edge of the rear wall  203 . Accordingly, the hollow profile seal  211  forms a water-tight termination of the flexible cover  207  with the rear wall  203  in the closed covering position of the flexible cover  207 . 
         [0108]    Each transverse bow  210 ,  210   a  is provided on its opposite end sides with in each case one sliding body  233  which can be plugged in a non-positive manner via plug-in profiles  234  in the form of plug-in journals into complementary, end-side plug-in profiles of the transverse bow  210 ,  210   a  in the form of plug-in sockets  214 . The sliding body  233  forms an end-side termination of the end side of the respective transverse bow  210 ,  210   a.  All the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  are provided in each case with corresponding sliding bodies  233  on their end sides which lie opposite one another, as can be seen using  FIG. 27 . On an outer side which faces away from the transverse bow  210 ,  210   a,  each sliding body  233  has a horizontally extended guide blade (not denoted in greater detail) which is mounted in a guide groove  229  (which will be described in greater detail in the following text) of the respective guide rail arrangement  209  such that it can be moved slidingly along the guide rail arrangement  209 . The guide blade is provided on the edge side with an upwardly protruding retaining cam  235  which ensures positively locking retention of the respective sliding body  233  in the vehicle transverse direction within the guide groove  229  of the guide rail arrangement  209 . 
         [0109]    Apart from one exception, the sliding bodies  233  of all the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  are designed identically to one another. This is because the end-side transverse bow  210  which forms an end-side termination of the flexible cover  207  is provided with a modified sliding body  233   a.  The sliding body  233   a  ( FIG. 26 ) is provided with an additional driver lug M which protrudes downward in a hook-like manner and interacts in a positively locking manner with a corresponding web G of a drive body  232  in a manner which will be described in greater detail in the following text. On its end sides which lie opposite one another, the end-side transverse bow  210  has in each case one sliding body  233   a  of this type which is provided with a corresponding driver lug M. 
         [0110]    In each case one drive body  232  is mounted longitudinally displaceably in each of the two guide rail arrangements  209 , which drive body  232  is provided in each case with a corresponding web G which enters into a plug-in connection with the corresponding driver lug M in the pull-out direction of the flexible cover  207 . To this end, the hook-shaped driver lug M of each sliding body  233   a  is open to the rear toward the cassette housing  208 , with the result that the corresponding web G can dip into the open side of the driver lug M, in order for it to be possible to drive the driver lug M and therefore the sliding body  233   a  in the pull-out direction in a positively locking manner. The plug-in connection which is produced as a result between the corresponding web G and the driver lug M has a force flow of such a magnitude that the plug-in connection between the sliding body  233   a  and the drive body  232  is not released even in the case of a movement in the opposite direction of the drive body  232  in the winding-up direction of the flexible cover  207 . 
         [0111]    The two drive bodies  232  are mounted in each case in a drive channel  227  of the respective guide rail arrangement  209  such that they can be moved slidingly along the respective guide rail arrangement  209 . As can be gathered from  FIG. 24 , the drive channel  227  is open toward the center of the load bed  202 , that is to say toward the flexible cover  207 , which otherwise also applies to the guide groove  229 . The drive channel  227  is adjoined laterally to the outside in the guide rail arrangement  209  by a receiving region  230  which serves to receive a drive transmission element which is configured as a cable pull  219 ,  236 ,  218 ,  220  ( FIGS. 22 and 26 ) in the embodiment according to  FIGS. 17 to 34 . Both guide rail arrangements  209  are identical, but are designed so as to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to one another. In each case one cable pull is integrated into both receiving regions  230  of the guide rail arrangements  209  which lie opposite one another. Each cable pull is formed by a wire cable  219  which is deflected over a rear-side deflection roller  236  ( FIG. 26 ) and a cassette housing-side deflection roller  220  and is held on a cable drum  218  which is coaxial with respect to the winding shaft  216 . In this way, one end of the wire cable  219  is held on the cassette housing-side cable drum  218 , whereas an opposite cable end of the wire cable  219  is connected fixedly to the respective drive body  232 . 
         [0112]    The respective deflection roller  236  is mounted in a stationary manner in the respective guide rail arrangement  209  such that it can be rotated. The receiving region  230 , the drive channel  227  and the guide groove  229  extend continuously with a constant cross section over the entire length of the guide rail arrangement  209 . 
         [0113]    As can be gathered from  FIGS. 25, 29 and 30 , the flexible cover  207  is additionally provided on its longitudinal sides which lie opposite one another with a multiplicity of lateral guide elements  217  which are designed as bead parts and are connected fixedly to the longitudinal edges of the flexible cover  207 . Here, the lateral guide elements  217  of in each case one longitudinal side of the flexible cover  207  are positioned in a row behind one another in the pull-out direction. The lateral guide elements  217  protrude through the thickness of the flexible cover  207  and protrude both to the upper side and to the underside of the respective longitudinal edge of the flexible cover  207 . The thickness (as viewed in the vehicle vertical direction) of the lateral guide elements  217  is accordingly substantially greater than a thickness of the flexible cover  207 . The lateral guide elements  217  are guided in a positively locking manner in the vehicle transverse direction in the region of each longitudinal side of the flexible cover  207  in in each case one lateral guide channel  228  of the respective guide rail arrangement  209 . Here, the longitudinal edges of the flexible cover  207  protrude in each case transversely with respect to the pull-out direction through a corresponding longitudinal slot into the respective lateral guide channel  228  of the guide rail arrangement  209 . Accordingly, the flexible cover  207  is guided over its entire length with its lateral longitudinal edges which lie opposite one another in the guide rail arrangements  209  which lie opposite one another. 
         [0114]    Each guide rail arrangement  209  is formed by a two-piece hollow profile made from lightweight metal alloy, preferably an aluminum extruded profile, or from a suitable plastic material. The hollow profile comprises a lower structure section  225  and an upper covering section  226  which are detached from one another or can be connected to one another along an approximately horizontal dividing plane. Both the structure section  225  and the covering section  226  are configured in each case as single-piece hollow profile bodies. The structure section  225  comprises the drive channel  227  and the receiving region  230  and a lower half of the lateral guiding channel  228 . The covering section  226  comprises the guide channel  229  for the sliding bodies  233 ,  233   a  of the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a.  The covering section  226  is connected to one another via hook-in webs which are complementary with respect to one another and are not denoted in greater detail in the region of that outer side of the guide rail arrangement  209  which faces the side walls  4  and via central, vertically upward or downward protruding supporting webs which are likewise not denoted in greater detail. In the region of the vertical supporting webs, the joining together of the covering section  226  and the structure section  225  is assisted via a plurality of spring clamping elements  231  which serve as a connection in the form of relief spring clamps which are bent in an S-shape. Here, the supporting webs which are assigned to the structure section  225  have cutouts  239 , into which the spring clamping elements  231  can be inserted. The supporting webs of the covering section  226  are plugged in a simple manner from the top into the mounted spring clamping elements  231 . Accordingly, the respective covering section  226  can be connected to the associated structure section  225  without tools and can be dismantled again without tools in the same way. In the region of said dividing plane between the respective covering section  226  and the structure section  225 , water discharge paths are provided distributed over the entire length of the hollow profile bodies, which water discharge paths, according to the diagrammatic illustration according to  FIG. 30 , can discharge water W, which strikes the flexible cover  207  from above, laterally to the outside through the hollow profile bodies via the respective side wall  204  to the vehicle outer side. The water discharge paths are produced by way of water guide bevels  237  in the region of an upper side of the structure section  225  and by way of complementary water discharge openings  238  in the supporting web of the associated covering section  226 . The water discharge bevels  237  are combined with cutouts (not denoted in greater detail) of the upwardly protruding supporting web of the structure section  225 . The water discharge bevels  237  are lowered slightly obliquely downward from the middle of the upper side of the structure section  225  toward the outer side. 
         [0115]    As can be seen using  FIGS. 31 and 32 , an outer-side side edge of the structure section  225  is also interrupted by corresponding openings in the region of the water discharge bevels  237 , with the result that unimpeded discharging of water through said openings laterally to the outside is made possible. 
         [0116]    As can be seen using  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the flexible cover  207  is wound onto the winding shaft  216  and is unwound from the latter. Here, in the winding-up region in the region of the cassette housing  208 , the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  are oriented with respect to the winding shaft  16  in such a way that the convex curvature of the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  protrudes radially to the outside relative to a rotational axis of the winding shaft  216 . Compact winding up of the flexible cover  207  together with the transverse bows  210  is ensured as a result. In addition, the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  are spaced apart from one another, as viewed in the pull-out direction of the flexible cover  207 , in such a way that, during winding up of the flexible cover  207 , the transverse bows  210  ( FIG. 23 ) in the different winding layers are positioned in each case in a staggered manner with respect to one another. Thus, in each case one transverse bow  210  of the respectively outer winding layer is positioned between two transverse bows  210  which are spaced apart from one another of a winding layer which lies radially further to the inside. This likewise ensures compact winding of the flexible cover  207  onto the winding shaft  216 . 
         [0117]    In order to ensure that the transverse bows  210 ,  210   a  are wound onto the winding shaft  216  in a correct, space-saving orientation, deflection element  221 ,  221 ′,  222 ′ are provided which, according to  FIG. 22 , cause S-bend guidance of the flexible cover  207  after exiting from the guide rail arrangement  209  and before being wound onto the winding shaft  216 . The deflection element  221 ,  221 ′,  222 ′ are positioned in a stationary manner in the cassette housing  8 . In addition, the deflection element  222 ′ comprises a cleaning strip  222  which cleans an upper side of the flexible cover  207 . To this end, the cleaning strip  222  has brushes or other mechanical cleaning elements in the region of its surface which interact mechanically with that surface of the flexible cover  207  which slides past in the region of the deflection element  222 ′ and achieve a mechanical cleaning function as a result. 
         [0118]    Each wire cable  219  is held such that it can be wound up and unwound in each case on a cable drum  218  which is positioned coaxially with respect to the winding shaft  216  on opposite ends of the winding shaft  216 . 
         [0119]      FIGS. 33 and 34  show merely one cable drum  218  on a front end region of the winding shaft  216 . The cable drum which lies opposite is arranged in the same way and is in an operative connection with the winding shaft like the cable drum  218  which is shown using  FIGS. 217 and 218 . The cable drum  218  is mounted rotatably on an end  241  of the cassette housing  208 . To this end, the end  241  has a rotary bearing ring (not denoted in greater detail), onto which the cable drum  218  is plugged. In addition, a stator part of a tubular motor  240  is fastened to the end  241 , which tubular motor  240  protrudes coaxially into the winding shaft  216  which is designed as a rotationally symmetrical hollow profile. The stator part of the tubular motor  240  is connected fixedly on the end side to the end  241  of the cassette housing  208  via fasteners  242 . In addition, the tubular motor  240  has a rotor part which is mounted in the stator part such that it can be rotated coaxially with respect to the rotational axis of the winding shaft and has a torque transmission section  243  which protrudes axially to the outside beyond the stator part and is connected in a rotationally locking manner to a motor housing  245 . The rotationally locking connection of the torque transmission section  243  of the rotor part of the tubular motor  240  to the motor housing  245  takes place via a polygonal hollow profile section  244  of the motor housing  245 , which hollow profile section  244  is adapted to the torque transmission section  243 . The motor housing  245  is of two-shell construction, in order for it to be possible to achieve simple mounting and dismantling relative to the stator part and to the torque transmission section  243  of the tubular motor  240 . Accordingly, the motor housing  245  is mounted rotatably relative to the stator part of the tubular motor  240 . On its outer shell, the motor housing  245  is provided with integrally formed bearing rings which support the winding shaft  216  radially on the inside. In addition, the motor housing  245  has a cylindrical plug-in section which further assists a non-positive connection of an inner shell of the winding shaft  216  to the motor housing  245 . Accordingly, the winding shaft  216  is connected in a rotationally locking manner to the motor housing  245 . 
         [0120]    A supporting tube  246  is pushed onto the tubular motor  240  on a front end region of the tubular motor  240 , which front end region faces the end  241 , on which supporting tube  246  a differential coil spring  247  in the form of a helical spring is arranged coaxially. The differential coil spring  247  is connected with one spring end to the motor housing  245  in a rotationally locking manner. The motor housing  245  surrounds the differential coil spring  245  coaxially on the outer side, whereas inner-side support takes place by way of the supporting tube  246 . An opposite spring end of the differential coil spring  247  is connected to the cable drum  248  in a rotationally locking manner. 
         [0121]    The cable drum  218  (not shown) which lies opposite on the end side is in an operative connection in the same way via a differential coil spring with the winding shaft  216 , with the result that different rotational speeds between the cable drums  218  and the winding shaft  216  and, at the same time, stressing or relieving of the respective differential coil spring  247  can be achieved. Accordingly, the differential coil springs  247  make it possible to compensate for different circumferential speeds between the respective outer-side winding layers of the flexible cover  207  depending firstly on the winding or unwinding state and secondly on the rotational movement of the cable drums. The motor housing  245  and the winding shaft  216  are connected to one another merely in a non-positive manner in the circumferential direction, with the result that slipping between the winding shaft  216  and the motor housing  245  is also made possible as soon as excessively high loads occur on the winding shaft  216 . The tubular motor  240  is an electric motor and is supplied with electrical power via current and control lines which are not denoted in greater detail, and is controlled in a suitable way via an electric or electronic control unit. The tubular motor  240  can be rotated in both rotational directions, with the result that the winding shaft  216  can be loaded by the tubular motor  240  both in the winding direction and in the unwinding direction. 
         [0122]      FIGS. 35A-35C  illustrate another example cover system  320 . The cover system  320  includes guide rails  324  (one shown) that supports a cover  326 . The cover  326  includes a flap  339  secured near an end  326   a  by stitching  341  or other suitable attachment element. The retainers  340  are secured to an edge of the flap  339 , which is curled inward, for example, about 180°, and received in the track  338 . The retainers  340  are configured similar to a zipper in which numerous discrete elements are spaced apart from one another to permit the flap  339  to flex during operation. The end  326   a  extends outward and beyond the flap  339  where it rides along an upper surface of the guide rail  324  to enclose the track  338  and prevent debris from entering clogging the interface between the retainer  340  and the track  338 . 
         [0123]    Another track  372  is arranged on an under or lower side of the guide rail  324  along which ends  364  of the bows  330  travel during operation. The interface between the ends  364  and tracks  372  are protected from debris at this interior location. 
         [0124]    Another cover system  420  is illustrated in  FIG. 36 . In this arrangement, the ends  464  (one shown) that carry the bows  430  ride along a track  472  on an upper side of the guide rail  424 . The cover  426  extends about the outer surface of the end  464  and is received in another track  474  in the guide rail  424 . In this manner, the end  464  and end of the cover  426  wraps about the guide rail  426  to keep debris from the tracks  472 ,  474 . 
         [0125]    Another tether arrangement for the cover system  320  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 37A-39C . The cover  326  is shown in an extended/closed position in  FIGS. 37A and 37B  with the bows  330 ,  332  and tethers  378   a - 378   d  illustrated in phantom. As shown in  FIG. 37A , one or more motors  348  may be positioned beneath the cassette housing  342  rather than contained within the cassette housing. Retainer guides  343  reposition the retainers  340  ( FIGS. 35A-35C ) between the curled configuration in the guide rails  324  to a flat orientation suitable for wrapping about the main roller. 
         [0126]    Different length tethers  378   a - 378   d  (collectively, “ 378 ”) are secured to the last bow  332  by second ends  379  and to the underside of the cover  326  by first ends  377  at a location forward of each of the bows  330 , for example, by stitching or glue. In one example, the tethers  378  are constructed from a nylon fabric. As the cover  326  is extended to the closed position, the tethers  378  drag the bows  330 ,  332  to the desired spacing (shown in  FIGS. 38A, 38B and 39A ), ultimately abutting a forward face of the bows  330 . As the cover  326  is moved to the open position, shown in  FIGS. 39B and 39C , the cover  326  pulls the bows forward along the guide rails  324  toward the stowed position. 
         [0127]    It should also be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will benefit herefrom. Although particular step sequences are shown, described, and claimed, it should be understood that steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined unless otherwise indicated and will still benefit from the present invention. 
         [0128]    Although the different examples have specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this invention are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. 
         [0129]    Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the claims. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.