The invention comprises a retractable cover system comprising: a flexible cover. A plurality of supporting bows support the cover A semi-rigid member having first and second ends is secured to the cover section. The semi-rigid member is capable of flexing laterally outward if the system is retracted. This outward action allows the cover or cover sections to consistently fold in the same way and prevents the cover or cover sections from getting caught in the load or in the cover system componentry. The invention also comprises a segmented tube means secured to the bottom portion of the cover between the bows.
1. A retractable cover system comprising:
a. a flexible cover;
b. a plurality of supporting bows supporting and connected to said cover; and
c. a semi-rigid member having first and second ends, the first and second ends overlapping a portion of the supporting bows, the semi-rigid member secured to the cover section and capable of flexing outward if the system is retracted.
2. The retractable cover system of claim 1 wherein the first and second ends of the semi-rigid member are tapered.
3. The retractable cover system of claim 1 wherein the supporting bows further comprise an outward facing portion, and wherein the first and second ends of the semi-rigid member overlap the outward facing portion of respective supporting bows.
4. The retractable cover system of claim 1 wherein the semi-rigid member further comprises an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, the inward facing surface of the semi-rigid member substantially in contact with the outward facing surface of respective supporting bows.
5. The retractable cover system of claim 1 further comprising a drive means to retract and extend the cover system.
6. The retractable cover system of claim 5 wherein said supporting bows further comprise ends and said drive means comprises wheels attached to the ends of the supporting bows, said wheels engaged in a track.
7. The retractable cover system of claim 1 wherein said semi-rigid member comprises a strip of plastic.
8. The retractable cover system of claim 1 wherein said semi-rigid member comprises a tube made of a polymer.
9. The retractable cover system of claim 1 wherein said cover comprises a plurality of cover sections spaced between and detachably connected to said supporting bows.
10. The retractable cover system of claim 1 wherein said cover is a unitary cover that is secured to the bows.
11. The retractable cover system of claim 1 wherein said cover further comprises a bottom portion and a plurality of segmented tube means secured to the bottom portion of the cover between said supporting bows.
12. The retractable cover system of claim 9 wherein said cover sections each comprise a bottom portion and a tube means secured thereto.
13. The retractable cover system of claim 10 wherein said unitary cover comprises a bottom portion and a tube means secured thereto.