Patent ID: 7921797

Claim:
A retractable bimini top movable between stowed and deployed orientations, the retractable bimini top comprising: a frame including a first bow and a second bow movable relative to the first bow; a cover positioned over at least a portion of each of the first and second bows; a first elastic cord having a first end coupled to the first bow and a second end coupled to the second bow such that the first elastic cord is under tension at least when the retractable bimini top is in the deployed orientation; a third bow; a fourth bow movable relative to the third bow, wherein the third and fourth bows are movable towards the first and second bows during stowing and are movable away from the first and second bows during deployment of the retractable bimini top; a second elastic cord having a first end coupled to the third bow and a second end coupled to the fourth bow such that the second elastic cord is under tension at least when the retractable bimini top is in the deployed orientation; and a third elastic cord having a first end coupled to the second bow and a second end coupled to the fourth bow; wherein the first elastic cord has an allowable percent elongation of at least 200 percent.