Abstract: A slat assembly for a roll top cover enables an improved sealing arrangement and reduced frictional forces. The assembly includes: a plurality of successive and interconnected slats, each of the slats comprising opposed and adjoining first and second ends and upper and lower surfaces; and first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of each slat and integral therewith, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement that facilitates relative pivotal movement between the slats; wherein the slat assembly is operable between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A drive system for operation of a roll top cover for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle enables improved and smoother roll top cover movement. The drive system includes: an elongate housing that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the housing including an axially extending aperture for receiving the roll top cover therethrough; first and second receiving plates disposed transversely within the housing at the respective first and second ends thereof, the receiving plates comprising opposed spiral-shaped slots extending therethrough, each of the spiral-shaped slots having an open end proximally and a closed end distally; and a drive shaft assembly disposed within the housing and extending axially between the first and second ends thereof; wherein the drive shaft assembly is adapted for being operably connected to a drive chain and driving movement thereof within the spiral-shaped slots during operation of the roll top cover.

Abstract: A drive chain element for operably connecting a slat of a roll top cover to a drive rail enables more efficient roll top cover operation. The drive chain element includes: an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, an inner side of the elongate body configured for engaging an end portion of the slat; first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of the body, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement between adjacent drive chain elements that facilitates relative pivotal movement therebetween; and first and second pins disposed in a spaced arrangement along an outer side of the body and extending outwardly therefrom; wherein the first and second pins are configured for operably contacting a drive system during operation of the roll top cover.

Abstract: A drive chain element for operably connecting a slat of a roll top cover to a drive rail enables more efficient roll top cover operation. The drive chain element includes: an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, an inner side of the elongate body configured for engaging an end portion of the slat; first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of the body, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement between adjacent drive chain elements that facilitates relative pivotal movement therebetween; and first and second pins disposed in a spaced arrangement along an outer side of the body and extending outwardly therefrom; wherein the first and second pins are configured for operably contacting a drive system during operation of the roll top cover.

Abstract: A drive system for operation of a roll top cover for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle enables improved and smoother roll top cover movement. The drive system includes: an elongate housing that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the housing including an axially extending aperture for receiving the roll top cover therethrough; first and second receiving plates disposed transversely within the housing at the respective first and second ends thereof, the receiving plates comprising opposed spiral-shaped slots extending therethrough, each of the spiral-shaped slots having an open end proximally and a closed end distally; and a drive shaft assembly disposed within the housing and extending axially between the first and second ends thereof; wherein the drive shaft assembly is adapted for being operably connected to a drive chain and driving movement thereof within the spiral-shaped slots during operation of the roll top cover.

Abstract: A slat assembly for a roll top cover enables an improved sealing arrangement and reduced frictional forces. The assembly includes: a plurality of successive and interconnected slats, each of the slats comprising opposed and adjoining first and second ends and upper and lower surfaces; and first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of each slat and integral therewith, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement that facilitates relative pivotal movement between the slats; wherein the slat assembly is operable between extended and retracted positions.