U.S. patent application number 09/779727 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-21 for tonneau cover system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CTS Fahrzeug Dachsysteme GmbH. Invention is credited to Neubrand, Frank G., Ninness, Raymond W..
Application Number | 20010004156 09/779727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23308722 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010004156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neubrand, Frank G. ; et
al. |
June 21, 2001 |
Tonneau cover system
Abstract
Apparatus for covering a retractable top for a motor vehicle,
comprises a decklid and a tonneau cover. The decklid is attached to
the vehicle, and is at least partially defining an opening through
which the top may retract. The tonneau cover is slidably secured to
the decklid to open and close the opening.
Inventors: |
Neubrand, Frank G.; (West
Bloomfield, MI) ; Ninness, Raymond W.; (Eastpointe,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kevin J. Heinl
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
1000 Town Center
Twenty-Second Floor
Southfield
MI
48075
US
|
Assignee: |
CTS Fahrzeug Dachsysteme
GmbH
2110 Austin Drive
Rochester Hills
MI
|
Family ID: |
23308722 |
Appl. No.: |
09/779727 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09779727 |
Feb 8, 2001 |
|
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09334763 |
Jun 16, 1999 |
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6217104 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/76 ;
296/107.08; 296/136.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 7/202 20130101;
B62D 65/06 20130101; B60J 7/145 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/76 ;
296/107.08; 296/136 |
International
Class: |
B60J 007/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for covering a retractable top for a motor vehicle,
comprising: a decklid attached to the vehicle, the decklid at least
partially defining an opening through which the top may retract; a
tonneau cover slidably secured to the decklid to open and close the
opening.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tonneau cover is secured to
the decklid by a plurality of tracks that are extendable across a
portion of the opening.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the tonneau cover is pivotally
connected to at least one of the tracks.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tonneau cover is secured to
the decklid by a plurality of tracks which translate relative to
each other and are parallel to the direction of movement of the
tonneau cover.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tonneau cover is secured to
the decklid by a plurality of tracks, at least one of the tracks
being connected to the decklid by a link.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tonneau cover is secured to
the truck lid by a plurality of tracks that are mounted below both
the tonneau cover and the decklid, at least one of the tracks being
pivotally connected to the decklid.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a drive system for
moving the tonneau cover.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the drive system includes a
drive cable.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electric motor
for moving the tonneau cover.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the decklid is pivotally
attached to the vehicle.
11. Apparatus for covering a retractable top for a motor vehicle,
comprising: a decklid pivotally attached to the vehicle, the
decklid at least partially defining an opening through which the
top may retract; a tonneau cover slidably secured to the decklid by
a plurality of tracks which telescope relative to each other to
open and close the opening.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the tonneau cover is
pivotally connected to at least one of the tracks.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein at least one of the tracks is
connected to the decklid by a link.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein at least one of the tracks is
pivotally connected to the decklid.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising an electric motor
operatively connected to the tonneau cover to move the tonneau
cover.
16. Apparatus for covering a retractable top for a motor vehicle,
comprising: a tonneau cover; a plurality of tracks connected to a
decklid, the tonneau cover being slidable with at least one of the
tracks wherein the tonneau may cover the top in a retracted
position.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the tonneau cover is
pivotally connected to at least one of the tracks.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein at least one of the tracks is
connected to the decklid by a link.
19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein at least one of the tracks is
pivotally connected to the decklid.
20. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising an electric motor
operatively connected to the tonneau cover to move the tonneau
cover.
21. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising at least one
bumper stop and at least the receptor that are contacted to align
the tonneau cover with the decklid.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/334,763, filed Jun. 16, 1999, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to retractable hard top vehicle
roofs.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Motor vehicles generally are provided with a rigid roof
structure completely enclosing the top of the passenger
compartment. In some instances a sunroof may be provided at an
additional cost to provide some overhead ventilation, however, the
size of the vehicle sunroofs is normally very limited. Vehicle
roofs with sunroofs do not in any way approach the ventilation,
openness and panoramic view that is available with a convertible
roof.
[0004] Conventional convertibles have a soft top that is folded
into a series of folds that are stretched over three or four
convertible top bows when the top is in its extended, or up,
position. Convertible soft tops are prone to problems including
excessive noise and potential water leakage. Soft tops are also
generally less durable than a hard top and may require replacement
periodically during the life of the vehicle. Some of the
difficulties with the soft top convertibles result from the fact
that they are not particularly well suited to winter weather. Cold
temperatures, ice and snow that are encountered in winter
discourage consumers from selecting convertible style vehicles even
though the consumers may want a convertible for summer driving. In
winter, water leakage through the convertible roof can make driving
unpleasant and cause water damage to the interior of the vehicle. A
soft top can make a vehicle difficult to heat due to heat transfer
through the convertible top unless it is lined and insulated. If a
convertible top is lined and insulated, reduction in noise levels
and better heat retention may be achieved but the top becomes more
bulky and requires more space within the vehicle for stowage.
[0005] Retractable hard tops offer the advantages of a hard top
roof and a convertible in that they provide a durable vehicle roof
that is not prone to excessive noise levels or leakage and provides
excellent durability. Tonneau covers are used to cover a storage
well for a retractable roof. Tonneau covers are provided for
aesthetic purposes and to improve aerodynamics.
[0006] One problem with manual tonneau covers is that they must be
manually attached over the storage well for the retractable top.
Manual tonneau covers take time to install, and as a result many
owners do not install the tonneau cover, which adversely impacts
aesthetics and aerodynamics of a vehicle. Power tonneau systems are
known that are either incorporated as part of the top stack or are
secured to the retractable top storage well. In these types of
systems, the tonneau cover pivots vertically upwardly to provide
clearance for raising and lowering of the convertible top or
retractable hardtop. This approach may require a complex linkage
and careful coordination with the top stack operating mechanism.
Including the tonneau as part of the top stack or as part of the
storage well creates problems relating to storing the tonneau cover
when it is not covering the storage well.
[0007] Another problem with prior art tonneau covers relates to
restraining the tonneau cover when the tonneau cover is in its
storage position, not covering the convertible top storage well. If
the tonneau cover is not locked in place, it may vibrate and cause
unwanted noise.
[0008] Vehicles having a tonneau cover that is retracted under the
decklid and a convergent rear end may not have sufficient space
under the decklid and next to the tonneau to allow a track to be
mounted parallel to the direction of movement of the tonneau
cover.
[0009] These and other problems are addressed by applicant's
invention as summarized below.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is an apparatus for covering a
retractable top for a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a
decklid and a tonneau cover. The decklid is attached to the
vehicle, and at least partially defining an opening through which
the top may retract. The tonneau cover is slidably secured to the
decklid to open and close the opening.
[0011] These and other features and aspects of the invention will
be better understood in view of the attached drawings and in light
of the following detailed description of the best mode for
practicing the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 are rear perspective views of a vehicle having
a tonneau cover according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view showing one embodiment of the tonneau
cover; and
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views showing an alternative
embodiment of the tonneau cover system at different points in a
cycle between a forward position covering the convertible top
storage well and a stowed position wherein the tonneau cover is
disposed below a decklid.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0015] FIGS. 1 through 3 show a vehicle 10 having a decklid 12 and
a tonneau cover 14. The tonneau cover 14 is located behind a rear
seat 16 of the vehicle 10, and is slidably secured to the decklid
12 by a plurality of driver's side tracks 20 and passenger's side
tracks 22. As described below, the tracks 20 and 22 retract to
position the tonneau cover 14 under the decklid 12 when the
convertible top or retractable hardtop 24 is being raised or
lowered through an opening 26 defined in the decklid. The tracks 20
and 22 likewise extend to position the tonneau cover 14 in the
opening 26 and over a storage well 28 in which a top 24 may be
stored.
[0016] The tracks 20 and 22 are connected to the decklid 12. In a
preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the tracks 20 and 22 each
include segments 30, 32 and 34, with the segments 34 each secured
to the decklid by a pair of links 36. The segments 30 and 32 are
slidably nested in the segments 34 in a fashion similar to drawer
slides, and may for this purpose be provided with ball bearings or
the like to facilitate relative translation. A drive system
including an electric motor 38 and a drive cable 40 moves the
tracks 20 and 22 and the tonneau cover 14 when the decklid 12 is
open. It should be appreciated, of course, that other drive systems
such as the those using hydraulic cylinders are equally adaptable
to the present invention.
[0017] The tonneau cover 14 has a first position for covering the
storage well 28 when the decklid is closed, and a second position
suspended in the opening 26 after the decklid is opened. As the
tonneau cover 14 is extended into the opening 26, the links 36
rotate clockwise as shown in FIG. 3. When the decklid 12 is
thereafter closed, bumper stops 42 proximate the leading edge of
the tonneau cover abut receptors 44 mounted proximate the edges of
the trunk of the vehicle. Similar bumper stops 46 mounted proximate
the trailing edge of the tonneau cover abut receptors 48 in the
trunk. When the decklid is fully closed, the tonneau cover is
thereby lifted into position substantially flush with the upper
surface of the decklid. The bumper stops 42 and 46 may be formed as
adjustable elastomeric screws or the like to allow the height to
which the tonneau cover is raised to be varied.
[0018] FIGS. 4A and 4B show an alternative embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, the nested segments 30, 32,
and 34 are secured to the decklid by a rear pivot 50, while the
tonneau cover 14 is attached to the track segments 30 by flipper
link 52. The front end of track 30 is connected by a pivot 54 to
the tonneau cover 14. After the tonneau cover 14 is extended into
the opening 26 and as the decklid 12 is thereafter closed, the
flipper link 52 rotates clockwise as shown as the bumper stops 42
and 46 respectively come into contact with receptors 44 and 48.
When the decklid is fully closed, the tonneau cover is thereby
lifted into position substantially flush with the upper surface of
the decklid. It should be noted that in either embodiment of the
present invention, the receptors may be provided with ramps to
facilitate engagement with the bumper stops.
[0019] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, they are not intended to illustrate and describe all
possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the
specification are words of description rather than limitation, and
it is understood that various changes may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Finally, application
Ser. Nos. 09/535,601 and 09/639,958 are related to the present
invention, and their disclosures are hereby incorporated by
reference.
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