Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. The system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The system further includes a follower that supports the slats. The system further includes a spring-biased pulley system that is configured to cooperate with the follower and biases the slats toward the tracks.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. The system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The system further includes a follower that supports the slats. The system further includes a spring-biased pulley system that is configured to cooperate with the follower and biases the slats toward the tracks.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track on either side of an opening. The retractable cover system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The slats include laterally extending profiles that are complementary to one another and are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The complementary profiles are configured to decouple from one another in the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor that drives a first gear. The first gear is coupled to a second gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The motor is disconnected to the slats with the first and second gears in the decoupled position for manual operation.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track on either side of an opening. The retractable cover system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The slats include laterally extending profiles that are complementary to one another and are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The complementary profiles are configured to decouple from one another in the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor that drives a first gear. The first gear is coupled to a second gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. One of the first and second gears is axially movable relative to the other of the first and second gears between coupled and decoupled positions. The motor is coupled to the slats with the first and second gears in the coupled position for automated operation. The motor is disconnected to the slats with the first and second gears in the decoupled position for manual operation.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a frame that includes laterally spaced apart guide rails. A flexible cover is slidably supported with respect to the guide rails. The cover has laterally opposing end portions each with an end that is arranged over and overlaps a respective one of the guide rails to provide an outer seal. In one embodiment, a flap is secured to the cover near each of the ends. Each flap is configured to retain its respective end portion to its respective guide rail. The cover is secured in a desired position by clamping a portion of the cover, for example, the flap.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a pre-assembled drive system including a main roller about which a flexible cover is wrapped. Bows support the flexible cover in an extended position. The bows include a last bow. A drive motor is operatively coupled to the main roller and is configured to move the flexible cover between the extended position and a retracted position. A pre-assembled guide rail includes a cable system that has a driven gear operatively coupled to a drum. A cable is wrapped about the drum and at least one idler. The last bow is unsecured to the cable of the pre-assembled guide rail. A joint is configured to interconnect the pre-assembled guide rail to the pre-assembled drive system in an assembled condition to provide an assembled retractable cover system. The joint permits the drive gear and the driven gear to engage one another in the assembled condition. The last bow is secured to the cable in the assembled condition.