Patent ID: 7726720

Claim:
A cover return unit mounted on a trailer comprising, in combination: a cover movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the cover is attached to a reel rotatable about a reel axis, and the cover is wrappable about the reel; a pivot pin assembly adapted to be attached to the trailer; a first half and a second half, wherein the first half is rotatably mounted on the pivot pin assembly; a cord having a first end operatively connected to the first half, and a second end operatively connected to the reel; and a spring attached to the first half and to the pivot pin assembly, wherein the spring is rotatable about a spring axis that is perpendicular to the reel axis; wherein movement of the cord urges the cover from the closed position which in turn urges the spring to rotate about the spring axis, producing a rotational torque that pulls on the cord in a direction urging the cover toward the closed position.