Abstract: A retractable truck bed cover having an array of parallel aluminum slats joined together by connective hinges including leading and trailing edge configuration for improving the security of the cover by covering and concealing the seam between adjacent slats while improving the connective hinge's resistance to the effects of aging and/or exposure to temperature fluctuations. The truck bed cover connective hinge slat is designed to be in an array of discrete slats, which are joined to one another by means of joiner members secured at each end to slat end caps. The distal ends of the joiner members are attached to slat end caps at the distal ends of the slats, thereby preventing the joiner members from shrinking in relationship to the slats due to aging and/or exposure to temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: An improved slat hinge for a laminated retractable truck bed cover that permits greater relative movement between adjacent slats for slat rotation up to 45 degrees to significantly reduce roll diameter while preventing stretching or stress on a pliable surface material that forms the laminate on top of the slats. The hinge itself is formed by strategically designed leading and trailing edges of each slat which engage in an adjacent fashion to permit the desired movement while in the full open position eliminating the possibility of slat disengagement while reducing roll diameter in the stored position resulting in a smooth frictionless hinge rotation with a positive stop.