Self-storing, retractable automobile cover

Abstract

A self-storing, retractable automobile cover apparatus includes a pair of end plates joined in spaced apart disposition by a plurality of rigid tubes. A tubular reel is rotatably secured between the end plates. A pair of cylindrical housings are each secured to one of the end plates, enclosing a constant force spiral spring connected between the respective end plate and the tubular reel. A fabric car cover is adapted to be wound about the tubular reel, with the free end extending between two of the rigid tubes acting as fixed roller guides. Tension applied to the free end of the cover unwinds the cover from the tubular reel while also winding the two spiral springs. The apparatus is removably secured to one bumper of the auto, and the free end of the deployed cover is releasably hooked to the other bumper. When the hooks are released, the spring tension causes the tubular reel to rotate and wind the cover thereabout, the cover passing through the fixed guides to control the takeup of the cover onto the tubular reel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.