CA2101898A1 - Top stack convertible top with one-piece header and side rail - Google Patents
Top stack convertible top with one-piece header and side railInfo
- Publication number
- CA2101898A1 CA2101898A1 CA002101898A CA2101898A CA2101898A1 CA 2101898 A1 CA2101898 A1 CA 2101898A1 CA 002101898 A CA002101898 A CA 002101898A CA 2101898 A CA2101898 A CA 2101898A CA 2101898 A1 CA2101898 A1 CA 2101898A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- header
- rail
- pivotable
- bow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
- B60J7/12—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts
- B60J7/1226—Soft tops for convertible vehicles
- B60J7/1265—Soft tops for convertible vehicles characterised by kinematic movements, e.g. using parallelogram linkages
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
- Seal Device For Vehicle (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A retractable convertible top for a vehicle which incorporates one-piece header and side rails allowing the top to pivot at the rear rail for compact storage of the top rear of the passenger seats for maximum interior comfort. Rigid rear quarter windows are included to add strength and rigidity to the top. The windows pivot into the side panels of the vehicle body as the top is folded rearward. The single piece side rails of the top requires only a single pivot allowing all the bows supporting the top material to store behind the rear passenger seat. As an additional feature, the rear bow can be lifted to expose the luggage area behind the passenger seat.
A retractable convertible top for a vehicle which incorporates one-piece header and side rails allowing the top to pivot at the rear rail for compact storage of the top rear of the passenger seats for maximum interior comfort. Rigid rear quarter windows are included to add strength and rigidity to the top. The windows pivot into the side panels of the vehicle body as the top is folded rearward. The single piece side rails of the top requires only a single pivot allowing all the bows supporting the top material to store behind the rear passenger seat. As an additional feature, the rear bow can be lifted to expose the luggage area behind the passenger seat.
Description
-` 2101898 .
TOP STAÇK_5~yER~LE TOP WlTH
ONE-PIEC~ ~EADER AND SIDE RAIL
Backo~Qund 0~ The Invç~lon I. Field o~ the Invention This invention relates to a retractable convertible top ~or vehicles and, in particular, to a convertible top incorporating -singla-piece header and side rails with a single pivot ~or compact storage o~ the convertible top rear o~ the vehicle passenger seat to maximize room and com~ort.
~:
II. ~escription o~ the Prior Art Traditionally, vehicle convertible tops incorporate articulating rails associated with the support bows ~or the top and a primary pivot point behind the ~ront seat. As a result, the conversion process requires the elimination of a substantial portion o~ the rear seating area to allow the top ~old along the sides and across the back of the seat. This was a result o~ the numerous sections of linkage and the pivot position of the top. In these prior Xnown convertible tops, the side rails which support the top over the side rails which support the top over the side windows comprised at least two articulating segments. The main bow supporting the top material pivots downwardly to alongside the rear seat and makes up a portion o~ the massive three-bow reinSorcement o~ the top. An additional limitation oS traditional convertible tops is the r~quirement that the windows be in their lowered position during retraction or closing of the top.
Summary O~ The Present Invention The present invention overcomes the disadvantages o~ the prior known convertible tops by providing a bifold top stac~ top incorporating a one-piece header and side rails for compact storage of the top with minimal disturbance or the r~ar seating area.
The main feature o~ the present invention is the single-pivot, single piece side rails which carry the header rail to allow more rearward storage o~ top within the vehicle. UnliXe prior known top constructions which incorporate articulating side rails, the top ' .
:': ." , ' . . , . ' . . , ' .' ' ' '"' : ' . ':
. . ,. . ' ' ' '' ' .. :
,' ' ' ' . ' ' linkage of the present invention facilitates compact storage o~ the top. The convertible top o~ the present invention also includes a rigid rear quarter window which pivots into the side panels o~ the vehicl~ body as the top is ~olded rearwardly. The rigid window provides rigidity to the top in the closed position. A single bow is provided at the rear window to support the top. The side rails pivot at the rear guarter window allowing the entire assembly to store behind the rear passenger seat. In addition to the linkage associated with the side rails and quarter window, ~ourth and ~ifth bows supporting the top are provided. The fifth or rearmost bow can be raised to provide access to a rear luggage area o~ the vehicle. Thus, the present lnvention provides a simple, manually ~olded top with large attached quarter window that lowers with the top ~or improved sealing and ease o~ operation. The compact storage is made possible as a result of the rigid side rails which pivot on the rear rail.
Other ob~ects, ~eatures and advantages of the invention will be apparent ~rom the following detailed descriptlon taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Brie~ Description o~ The ~rawinq The present invent~on will be more rully understood by re~erenc~ to the following detailed description o~ a pre~erred embodiment o~ the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like reference character~ re~er to like parts throughout the views and in which:
FIGURE 1 is an elevated perspective o~ a vehicle incorporating the conv~rtible top o~ the present invention;
FIG~RE 2 is an elevated perspective o~ the vehicle showing the top in the lowered stored position exposing the passenger compartment;
FIGURE 3 through 5 are schematic views of the ~orward linkage ~or the top in di~ferent positions of retraction;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the convertible top shown in both the raised and the lowered position.
` ` 21018~8 Detailed Description 0~ A Pre~erred Embodi~ent Of The Present Invention Re~erring Sirst to Figures 1 and 2 thera is shown a vehicle 10 with an interior passenger compartment including front seats 14 and rear seat 16. The passenger compartment 12 is enclosed by a ~ixed windshield 18, side windows 20 and a retractable convertible top 22 embodying the present invention. As is well known, the convertible top 22 is ~oldable to a stored or lowered position (Fig. 2) in the rear portion o~ the vehicle 10. A boot or tonneau 24 is used to cover the ~olded top 22 in the stored position behind the rear passenger seat -16. The top 22 preferably includes a vinyl or similar top material 26 which folds into the rear of the vehicle and a series o~ support bows 28 extending across the top 22. The con~iguration of the underlying rails and linkage of the convertible top 22 o~ the present invention allows it to conveniently fold to thQ rear o~ the passenger compartment 12 as will be more ~ully described herein.
Re~erring now to Figures 3 through 5, the convertible top assembly 22 incorporates a rolding top-stack mechanism 30 which facilitates folding o~ the top 22 rearward o~ the rear passenger seat 16. The top-stack mechanism 30 is a bi-~old linkage as opposed to the tri-~old asse~blies o~ the prior known tops. The bi-~old top-stack mechanism includes a one-piece, integral side rail and header 32 articulatively connected to a pivotable rail 34.
The integral side rail and header 32 includes a pair oS
substantially parallel side rails 36 rigidly connected to the header rail 38 extending therebetween. ~he side rails 36 are rigidly formed and extend over the entire front passenger section o~ the vehicle 10. The ~ide rail~ 36 are pivotably connected to rigid rear quarter windows 40 which are themselves pivotably connected to the body of the vehicle 10 in order to pivot downwardly into the side body panels of the vehicle 10. A
connective linkage 42 operatively connects the pivotable rails 34, the pivotable quarter windows 40 and the integral side rail and header 32. Although the li~kage 42 may take many ~orms to kink the ',: ' ' ' . '. ' , " " . . `
, -``` ` 2101898 operating components o~ the top-stack mechanism 30, a first form is shown in Figs. 3-5 while an alternative ~orm is shown in Fig. 6.
The connective linkage 42 allows the integral side rail and header 32 to move rearward as the pivotable rails 34 and quarter windows 40 pivot downwardly into the ~ide body panels of the vehicle.
Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the convertible top 22 in both the closed an open positions. Cross-bows 28 are used to support and carry the top material 26 o~ the convertible top 22.
The ~irst bow 44 is associated with the header 38 and retain~ the ~ront edge o~ the top material 26. A second bow 46 is pre~erably attached to the one-piece side rails 36 at approximately a mid-point thereo~. A third or intermediate bow 48 may be mounted to the rear end of the side rails i6 or pre~erably to the connective linkage 42 of the top-stack mechanism 30. Thus, the top-stac~
mechanism 30 pre~erably carries the ~ront three cross bows 28 such that as the top 22 is folded open the cover material 26 -will be ~olded completely rearwardly of the passenger compartment 12. A
~ourth or penultimate cross bow 50 is pivotably mounted to the vehicl~ body to ~old the rear portion o~ the top downwardly. A
~i~th or rearmost cross bow 52 retalns the rear edge o~ the top material 26 and is typically maintained in rlush engagement with the vehicle body. The ~i*th bow 52 is locXed against the body by well known locking means. However, to provide selective access to a rear storage or luggage area o~ the vehicle 10, the rearmost bow 52 may be unlocked and pivoted upward while the convertible top 22 is in the closed position. This allows the user the convenience to storing groceries, etc. in the rear compartment from the rear o~
the vehicle 10. In a pre~erred e~bodiment, the boot or tonneau 24 used to store the top 22 is also used to conceal the storage compartment when the top 22 is raised.
Operation o~ the convertible top 22 provides a simple means of exposing the passenger compartment 12 while maximizing passenger comfort, particularly in the rear seating area 16, by folding the top 22 rearwardly o~ the rear seat 16. The rigid quarter window 40 pivots into side panels o~ the vehicle 10. Because of the single .
21018~8 "
piece side rails 36 and header 38 and the pivot bar 34, the side rails 36 do not obstruct the rear seat passengers in ~oth room and visibility as is typical of prior known convertible tops wherein the side rails fold alongside the seat. The single piece side rail 36 which pivots at the quarter glass 4Q eliminates the r~quir~ment o~ massivQ three bow r~in~orcement ~ound on other tops. In addition, the quarter windows 40 provide added rigidity to the convertible top 22. ~he top stack m~chanism 30 creates a singlQ
pivot at the pivotable rail 34 of a single-piece side rail/header 36,38.
The interconnective movement of the top 22 from the closed to an open position is shown schematically in Figs. 3-5 and in both positions in Fig. 6. The header 38 is first unlatched from the windshield 18 of the vehicle 10. The one-piece header 38/side rail 36 can then bs raised away from the windshield 18. In a preferred em~odiment, springs a~sist the raising the header 38. The header/side rail will move up be~ore the quarter windows 40 begin to pivot downwardly. As the header 38 is pivoted rearward, the pivot rail 34 will also move rearward carrying the header/side rail to a position rear of the passenger compartment. As the quarter windows 40 pivot into the side panels of the ~ehicle and the rail 34 pivots rearwardly into the vehicle, the fourth bow 50 will pivot downwardly folding the top material 26 into the vehicle 10 opening the passenger comparLwent 12.
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom as some modifications will be obvious to tho~e skilled in the art wlthout d~parting from th~
scope and spirit of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
~ - , . , ~
'' ' : ..... .
', :-' . . : ' ' ' ,,~' ' ' .
.
TOP STAÇK_5~yER~LE TOP WlTH
ONE-PIEC~ ~EADER AND SIDE RAIL
Backo~Qund 0~ The Invç~lon I. Field o~ the Invention This invention relates to a retractable convertible top ~or vehicles and, in particular, to a convertible top incorporating -singla-piece header and side rails with a single pivot ~or compact storage o~ the convertible top rear o~ the vehicle passenger seat to maximize room and com~ort.
~:
II. ~escription o~ the Prior Art Traditionally, vehicle convertible tops incorporate articulating rails associated with the support bows ~or the top and a primary pivot point behind the ~ront seat. As a result, the conversion process requires the elimination of a substantial portion o~ the rear seating area to allow the top ~old along the sides and across the back of the seat. This was a result o~ the numerous sections of linkage and the pivot position of the top. In these prior Xnown convertible tops, the side rails which support the top over the side rails which support the top over the side windows comprised at least two articulating segments. The main bow supporting the top material pivots downwardly to alongside the rear seat and makes up a portion o~ the massive three-bow reinSorcement o~ the top. An additional limitation oS traditional convertible tops is the r~quirement that the windows be in their lowered position during retraction or closing of the top.
Summary O~ The Present Invention The present invention overcomes the disadvantages o~ the prior known convertible tops by providing a bifold top stac~ top incorporating a one-piece header and side rails for compact storage of the top with minimal disturbance or the r~ar seating area.
The main feature o~ the present invention is the single-pivot, single piece side rails which carry the header rail to allow more rearward storage o~ top within the vehicle. UnliXe prior known top constructions which incorporate articulating side rails, the top ' .
:': ." , ' . . , . ' . . , ' .' ' ' '"' : ' . ':
. . ,. . ' ' ' '' ' .. :
,' ' ' ' . ' ' linkage of the present invention facilitates compact storage o~ the top. The convertible top o~ the present invention also includes a rigid rear quarter window which pivots into the side panels o~ the vehicl~ body as the top is ~olded rearwardly. The rigid window provides rigidity to the top in the closed position. A single bow is provided at the rear window to support the top. The side rails pivot at the rear guarter window allowing the entire assembly to store behind the rear passenger seat. In addition to the linkage associated with the side rails and quarter window, ~ourth and ~ifth bows supporting the top are provided. The fifth or rearmost bow can be raised to provide access to a rear luggage area o~ the vehicle. Thus, the present lnvention provides a simple, manually ~olded top with large attached quarter window that lowers with the top ~or improved sealing and ease o~ operation. The compact storage is made possible as a result of the rigid side rails which pivot on the rear rail.
Other ob~ects, ~eatures and advantages of the invention will be apparent ~rom the following detailed descriptlon taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Brie~ Description o~ The ~rawinq The present invent~on will be more rully understood by re~erenc~ to the following detailed description o~ a pre~erred embodiment o~ the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like reference character~ re~er to like parts throughout the views and in which:
FIGURE 1 is an elevated perspective o~ a vehicle incorporating the conv~rtible top o~ the present invention;
FIG~RE 2 is an elevated perspective o~ the vehicle showing the top in the lowered stored position exposing the passenger compartment;
FIGURE 3 through 5 are schematic views of the ~orward linkage ~or the top in di~ferent positions of retraction;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the convertible top shown in both the raised and the lowered position.
` ` 21018~8 Detailed Description 0~ A Pre~erred Embodi~ent Of The Present Invention Re~erring Sirst to Figures 1 and 2 thera is shown a vehicle 10 with an interior passenger compartment including front seats 14 and rear seat 16. The passenger compartment 12 is enclosed by a ~ixed windshield 18, side windows 20 and a retractable convertible top 22 embodying the present invention. As is well known, the convertible top 22 is ~oldable to a stored or lowered position (Fig. 2) in the rear portion o~ the vehicle 10. A boot or tonneau 24 is used to cover the ~olded top 22 in the stored position behind the rear passenger seat -16. The top 22 preferably includes a vinyl or similar top material 26 which folds into the rear of the vehicle and a series o~ support bows 28 extending across the top 22. The con~iguration of the underlying rails and linkage of the convertible top 22 o~ the present invention allows it to conveniently fold to thQ rear o~ the passenger compartment 12 as will be more ~ully described herein.
Re~erring now to Figures 3 through 5, the convertible top assembly 22 incorporates a rolding top-stack mechanism 30 which facilitates folding o~ the top 22 rearward o~ the rear passenger seat 16. The top-stack mechanism 30 is a bi-~old linkage as opposed to the tri-~old asse~blies o~ the prior known tops. The bi-~old top-stack mechanism includes a one-piece, integral side rail and header 32 articulatively connected to a pivotable rail 34.
The integral side rail and header 32 includes a pair oS
substantially parallel side rails 36 rigidly connected to the header rail 38 extending therebetween. ~he side rails 36 are rigidly formed and extend over the entire front passenger section o~ the vehicle 10. The ~ide rail~ 36 are pivotably connected to rigid rear quarter windows 40 which are themselves pivotably connected to the body of the vehicle 10 in order to pivot downwardly into the side body panels of the vehicle 10. A
connective linkage 42 operatively connects the pivotable rails 34, the pivotable quarter windows 40 and the integral side rail and header 32. Although the li~kage 42 may take many ~orms to kink the ',: ' ' ' . '. ' , " " . . `
, -``` ` 2101898 operating components o~ the top-stack mechanism 30, a first form is shown in Figs. 3-5 while an alternative ~orm is shown in Fig. 6.
The connective linkage 42 allows the integral side rail and header 32 to move rearward as the pivotable rails 34 and quarter windows 40 pivot downwardly into the ~ide body panels of the vehicle.
Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the convertible top 22 in both the closed an open positions. Cross-bows 28 are used to support and carry the top material 26 o~ the convertible top 22.
The ~irst bow 44 is associated with the header 38 and retain~ the ~ront edge o~ the top material 26. A second bow 46 is pre~erably attached to the one-piece side rails 36 at approximately a mid-point thereo~. A third or intermediate bow 48 may be mounted to the rear end of the side rails i6 or pre~erably to the connective linkage 42 of the top-stack mechanism 30. Thus, the top-stac~
mechanism 30 pre~erably carries the ~ront three cross bows 28 such that as the top 22 is folded open the cover material 26 -will be ~olded completely rearwardly of the passenger compartment 12. A
~ourth or penultimate cross bow 50 is pivotably mounted to the vehicl~ body to ~old the rear portion o~ the top downwardly. A
~i~th or rearmost cross bow 52 retalns the rear edge o~ the top material 26 and is typically maintained in rlush engagement with the vehicle body. The ~i*th bow 52 is locXed against the body by well known locking means. However, to provide selective access to a rear storage or luggage area o~ the vehicle 10, the rearmost bow 52 may be unlocked and pivoted upward while the convertible top 22 is in the closed position. This allows the user the convenience to storing groceries, etc. in the rear compartment from the rear o~
the vehicle 10. In a pre~erred e~bodiment, the boot or tonneau 24 used to store the top 22 is also used to conceal the storage compartment when the top 22 is raised.
Operation o~ the convertible top 22 provides a simple means of exposing the passenger compartment 12 while maximizing passenger comfort, particularly in the rear seating area 16, by folding the top 22 rearwardly o~ the rear seat 16. The rigid quarter window 40 pivots into side panels o~ the vehicle 10. Because of the single .
21018~8 "
piece side rails 36 and header 38 and the pivot bar 34, the side rails 36 do not obstruct the rear seat passengers in ~oth room and visibility as is typical of prior known convertible tops wherein the side rails fold alongside the seat. The single piece side rail 36 which pivots at the quarter glass 4Q eliminates the r~quir~ment o~ massivQ three bow r~in~orcement ~ound on other tops. In addition, the quarter windows 40 provide added rigidity to the convertible top 22. ~he top stack m~chanism 30 creates a singlQ
pivot at the pivotable rail 34 of a single-piece side rail/header 36,38.
The interconnective movement of the top 22 from the closed to an open position is shown schematically in Figs. 3-5 and in both positions in Fig. 6. The header 38 is first unlatched from the windshield 18 of the vehicle 10. The one-piece header 38/side rail 36 can then bs raised away from the windshield 18. In a preferred em~odiment, springs a~sist the raising the header 38. The header/side rail will move up be~ore the quarter windows 40 begin to pivot downwardly. As the header 38 is pivoted rearward, the pivot rail 34 will also move rearward carrying the header/side rail to a position rear of the passenger compartment. As the quarter windows 40 pivot into the side panels of the ~ehicle and the rail 34 pivots rearwardly into the vehicle, the fourth bow 50 will pivot downwardly folding the top material 26 into the vehicle 10 opening the passenger comparLwent 12.
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom as some modifications will be obvious to tho~e skilled in the art wlthout d~parting from th~
scope and spirit of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
~ - , . , ~
'' ' : ..... .
', :-' . . : ' ' ' ,,~' ' ' .
.
Claims (13)
1. In a convertible top assembly for a vehicle having a passenger compartment, the assembly including a foldable cover material supported by a plurality of cross bows, a rearmost bow in engagement with the vehicle body to enclose a rear portion of the vehicle and a penultimate bow pivotable rearward upon folding open the convertible top assembly, the improvement comprising:
a folding top stack mechanism carrying at least one cross bow for supporting-the cover material and including a one-piece, integral side rail and header articulatively connected to a pivotable rail movable rearwardly carrying said integral side rail and header to a stored position rearward of the passenger compartment.
a folding top stack mechanism carrying at least one cross bow for supporting-the cover material and including a one-piece, integral side rail and header articulatively connected to a pivotable rail movable rearwardly carrying said integral side rail and header to a stored position rearward of the passenger compartment.
2. The improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said folding top stack mechanism further comprises rigid quarter windows attached to said pivotable rail, said quarter windows pivotably attached to the vehicle for storage within a side panel of the vehicle upon folding open the convertible top assembly.
3. The improvement as defined in claim 2 wherein said pivotable rail is connected to said quarter windows and said integral side rail and header by connector bars pivotably extending between said side rails, said quarter windows and said pivotable rails.
4. The improvement as defined in claim 3 wherein said connector bars carry an intermediate cross bow supporting the cover material.
5. The improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said rearmost cross bow is pivotable upwardly to provide selective access to the rear portion of the vehicle.
6. In a convertible top assembly for a vehicle having a passenger compartment, the assembly including a foldable cover material supported by a plurality of cross bows, a rearmost bow in locking engagement with the vehicle body to enclose a rear portion of the vehicle and a penultimate bow pivotable rearward upon folding open the convertible top assembly, the improvement comprising:
a folding top stack mechanism carrying at least one cross bow for supporting the cover material and including a one-piece integral side rail and header articulatively connected to a pivotable rail-attached to the vehicle and rigid side quarter windows pivotably attached to the vehicle and connected to said pivotable rail, said rail pivotable rearwardly moving said quarter windows into side panels of the vehicle and carrying said integral side rail and header to a stored position rearward of the passenger compartment.
a folding top stack mechanism carrying at least one cross bow for supporting the cover material and including a one-piece integral side rail and header articulatively connected to a pivotable rail-attached to the vehicle and rigid side quarter windows pivotably attached to the vehicle and connected to said pivotable rail, said rail pivotable rearwardly moving said quarter windows into side panels of the vehicle and carrying said integral side rail and header to a stored position rearward of the passenger compartment.
7 . The improvement as defined in claim 6 wherein said pivotable rail, said quarter windows and said integral side rail and header are articulatively interconnected by connector bars.
8. The improvement as defined in claim 7 wherein said connector bars carry an intermediate cross bow supporting the cover material.
9. The improvement as defined in claim 6 wherein said rearmost cross bow is selectively unlockable from the vehicle to pivot said rearmost bow upwardly to provide selective access to the rear portion of the vehicle.
10. The improvement as defined in claim 6 wherein said on-piece integral side rail and header comprises a pair of parallel side rails and a header rail fixedly attached to forward ends of said side rails, said cover material secured to said header rail, said header rail selectively connectable to a header portion of the vehicle.
11. A convertible top assembly with a foldable cover material for a vehicle having a passenger compartment including a rear passenger seat and a rear storage area, said convertible top assembly electively foldable into a stored position behind the rear passenger comfort, said convertible top assembly comprising:
a rearmost cross bow supporting the cover material and connected to the vehicle, said rearmost cross bow selectively pivotable upwardly to expose the rear storage area;
a penultimate cross bow pivotably connected to the vehicle and supporting the cover material said penultimate cross bow pivotable rearward upon folding the convertible top assembly;
support rails pivotably attached to the vehicle, said pivotable support rails articulatively connected to a one-piece, integral side rail and header assembly, said side rail and header assembly including a pair of substantially parallel side rails and a header rail fixedly attached to forward ends of said side rails whereby upon folding said convertible top assembly to the stored position said support rails carry said integral side rail and header assembly rearward of the rear passenger seat to maximize passenger comfort.
a rearmost cross bow supporting the cover material and connected to the vehicle, said rearmost cross bow selectively pivotable upwardly to expose the rear storage area;
a penultimate cross bow pivotably connected to the vehicle and supporting the cover material said penultimate cross bow pivotable rearward upon folding the convertible top assembly;
support rails pivotably attached to the vehicle, said pivotable support rails articulatively connected to a one-piece, integral side rail and header assembly, said side rail and header assembly including a pair of substantially parallel side rails and a header rail fixedly attached to forward ends of said side rails whereby upon folding said convertible top assembly to the stored position said support rails carry said integral side rail and header assembly rearward of the rear passenger seat to maximize passenger comfort.
12. The convertible top assembly as defined in claim 11 and further comprising rigid rear quarter windows pivotably connected to the vehicle and to said support rails such that said quarter windows pivot downwardly into side panels of the vehicle upon folding said convertible top assembly to the stored position.
13. The convertible top assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein said quarter windows, said support rails and said one-piece, integral side rail and header assembly are articulatively interconnected by connector bars, said connector bars carrying an intermediate cross bow supporting the cover material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US93239492A | 1992-08-19 | 1992-08-19 | |
| US07/932,394 | 1992-08-19 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2101898A1 true CA2101898A1 (en) | 1994-02-20 |
Family
ID=25462240
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002101898A Abandoned CA2101898A1 (en) | 1992-08-19 | 1993-08-04 | Top stack convertible top with one-piece header and side rail |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH06316219A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2101898A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4327729C2 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2695355B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2271088A (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE9315758U1 (en) * | 1993-10-15 | 1993-12-23 | Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, 49084 Osnabrück | Convertible top |
| DE29715485U1 (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1998-05-07 | Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, 49084 Osnabrück | Cabriolet vehicle |
| DE19810022C1 (en) | 1998-03-09 | 1999-06-17 | Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh | Hood for open top motor vehicle |
| DE19911541B4 (en) * | 1998-11-14 | 2004-05-19 | Cts Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding hood for a motor vehicle |
| US20020036413A1 (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2002-03-28 | Neubrand Frank G. | Retractable top trunk lid assembly |
| DE19929324C1 (en) * | 1999-06-26 | 2000-06-29 | Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh | Opening roof system for vehicles has two or more adjoining roof elements with folding outer skin of water-repellent material spanned over same |
| DE19930774C1 (en) | 1999-07-03 | 2000-11-09 | Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh | Opening roof for convertible or cabriolet vehicle has rearmost frame element of roof support frame displaced in direction of passenger space in translatory horizontal movement plane when roof is opened |
| DE19934892C1 (en) * | 1999-07-24 | 2000-10-05 | Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding automobile roof has a sealing frame which swings separately on the vehicle with structured gaps between the axes of the sealing frame and the main carrier hoop for stowage in a small space and a long sealing life |
| FR2797816B1 (en) * | 1999-08-24 | 2002-03-08 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | REMOVABLE COVERING MODULE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE INTERIOR AND MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A MODULE |
| FR2797813B1 (en) * | 1999-08-24 | 2002-03-08 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | REMOVABLE COVERING MODULE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE INTERIOR AND A MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A MODULE |
| WO2001014157A1 (en) * | 1999-08-24 | 2001-03-01 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | Removable covering module for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle equipped with a module of this type |
| DE10015061B4 (en) * | 1999-11-26 | 2004-07-22 | Cts Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Convertible top for a vehicle |
| DE19956875C1 (en) * | 1999-11-26 | 2001-04-05 | Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh | Adjustable automobile roof has a recess opening at the vehicle body to take a projection from the leading roof hoop in the closed position to be locked in place by the end side of the second roof hoop |
| DE10048043A1 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2002-04-25 | Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh | Convertible vehicle roof |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4828317A (en) * | 1987-02-10 | 1989-05-09 | Muscat Peter P | Convertible top frame with quarter windows |
| DE3724532C1 (en) * | 1987-07-24 | 1988-11-10 | Daimler Benz Ag | Hood frame of a folding roof for vehicles |
| US4784428A (en) * | 1987-07-27 | 1988-11-15 | General Motors Corporation | Apparatus and method of a convertible top with hard glass with bottom sealing |
| DE3727338C1 (en) * | 1987-08-17 | 1989-01-12 | Daimler Benz Ag | Bracing of a surface section of a flexible roof skin of a vehicle |
| US4927202A (en) * | 1988-09-12 | 1990-05-22 | C & C Incorporated | Convertible top vinyl push-out |
| DE3903680C1 (en) * | 1989-02-08 | 1990-04-12 | Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft, 7000 Stuttgart, De | |
| US5118158A (en) * | 1991-03-04 | 1992-06-02 | Asc Incorporated | Convertible top linkage assembly with laterally moving rear quarter windows |
-
1993
- 1993-07-30 GB GB9315831A patent/GB2271088A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-08-04 CA CA002101898A patent/CA2101898A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-08-18 FR FR9310089A patent/FR2695355B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-08-18 DE DE19934327729 patent/DE4327729C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-08-18 JP JP5204090A patent/JPH06316219A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE4327729A1 (en) | 1994-03-17 |
| DE4327729C2 (en) | 1998-02-19 |
| GB9315831D0 (en) | 1993-09-15 |
| JPH06316219A (en) | 1994-11-15 |
| FR2695355A1 (en) | 1994-03-11 |
| GB2271088A (en) | 1994-04-06 |
| FR2695355B1 (en) | 1994-11-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |