Flexible cover and system for enclosing automobile hatch

摘要

A flexible cover system adapted for enclosing the rear hatch opening of an automobile having an immovable roof structure over the passenger compartment and a hatch frame rearward of the roof structure defining the hatch opening. The hatch opening provides communication between the passenger compartment and the environment outside the automobile. The flexible cover system comprises a flexible water-impermeable sheet dimensioned for covering the hatch. The sheet has a peripheral edge margin. Securements along at least portions of the peripheral edge margin of the sheet are adapted for securing the sheet tautly over the hatch opening and adjacent the hatch frame. The securements are releasable only upon access to a designated portion of the peripheral edge margin. A lock mechanism restricts access to said designated portion of the peripheral edge margin such that removal of the sheet from over the hatch is prevented when the mechanism is in a locked position and permitted when the mechanism is in an unlocked position. The securements and lock mechanism cooperate to prevent unauthorized removal of the sheet from over the hatch opening and unauthorized entry into the passenger compartment through the hatch opening in the absence of damage to the cover system or automobile.