U.S. patent application number 09/860068 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for covering arrangement such as a soft top for a motor vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to PARAT AUTOMOTIVE SCHONENBACH GMBH + CO. KG. Invention is credited to Hartmann, Ludwig, Kastner, Rudolf.
Application Number | 20010035665 09/860068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7832137 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010035665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hartmann, Ludwig ; et
al. |
November 1, 2001 |
Covering arrangement such as a soft top for a motor vehicle
Abstract
A covering arrangement such as a soft top for a motor vehicle
comprises a surface element such as a soft top element connected to
another structural element which is in the form of a second surface
element, or a roof channel or gutter, or a window pane member, or a
frame linkage assembly member. The first-mentioned surface element
and the other structural element are connected together by means of
a strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element.
Inventors: |
Hartmann, Ludwig; (Rieden,
DE) ; Kastner, Rudolf; (Kummersbruck, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE FIRM OF KARL F ROSS
5676 RIVERDALE AVENUE
PO BOX 900
RIVERDALE (BRONX)
NY
10471-0900
US
|
Assignee: |
PARAT AUTOMOTIVE SCHONENBACH GMBH +
CO. KG
|
Family ID: |
7832137 |
Appl. No.: |
09/860068 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09860068 |
May 17, 2001 |
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09716199 |
Nov 17, 2000 |
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6260904 |
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09716199 |
Nov 17, 2000 |
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09552213 |
Apr 19, 2000 |
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6170901 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/107.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/303 20130101;
B29C 66/43421 20130101; B29C 65/56 20130101; B29C 66/112 20130101;
B29C 66/304 20130101; B29C 65/5071 20130101; B29K 2075/00 20130101;
B29C 65/72 20130101; B29C 37/0085 20130101; B29C 65/5028 20130101;
B29C 65/562 20130101; B29C 66/30341 20130101; B29C 66/114 20130101;
B29C 66/30341 20130101; B29C 66/12441 20130101; B60J 10/90
20160201; B60J 1/1815 20130101; B29C 66/4342 20130101; B29C 65/5085
20130101; B29C 66/43441 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101; B29C 66/43
20130101; B29C 65/483 20130101; B29C 65/70 20130101; B29C 37/0082
20130101; B29C 65/00 20130101; B29C 65/00 20130101; B29C 66/1142
20130101; B29K 2075/00 20130101; B60R 13/04 20130101; B29C 66/71
20130101; B29C 66/303 20130101; B29C 66/139 20130101; B60J 7/123
20130101; B29C 66/1122 20130101; B29C 70/845 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/107.01 |
International
Class: |
B60J 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 6, 1997 |
DE |
19724592.7 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A soft top assembly for an automotive vehicle consisting
essentially of: a structural element in a form of a fixing strip
having an edge; a soft top surface element having an edge extending
along but spaced from said edge of said strip by a gap; and a
strip-shaped polyurethane cast resin bead element having a first
bead portion molded onto and embedding said edge of said strip and
lying along one face of said surface element, and a second bead
portion molded onto another face of said surface element along said
edge of said surface element, bonded to said first bead portion and
interconnected therewith with interfitting formations of said bead
portions, said strip-shaped polyurethane cast resin bead element
wholly receiving said edges and bridging said gap.
2. The soft top assembly defined in claim 1 wherein said
polyurethane cast resin bead element is composed of a two-component
polyurethane.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a division of pending application
09/716,199 filed Nov. 17, 2000 which was a division of application
09/552,213 filed Apr. 19, 2000 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,901) which, in
turn, is a division of U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,807.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a covering arrangement,
more especially for example a soft top for a motor vehicle. Such a
top may also be referred to as a drop head or cabriolet top.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One form of a soft top for a motor vehicle comprises a soft
top surface element such as a portion of canvas or like material
which is connected to another structural element of the assembly
which may be for example a second soft top surface element which
hitherto is generally sewn to the first soft top surface element.
As an example in this respect reference may be made to FIG. 2 of
U.S. Patent specification No. 3,028,194.
[0004] In order to seal off the sewn seams, such a soft top is
usually sealed off at the inside surface thereof in the region of
the sewing, for example by means of a suitable sealing material
which can be applied by spreading or painting thereon. Sewing the
soft top elements together and sealing them off along the common
connecting seam represents a not inconsiderable amount of work and
thus a significant cost factor.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a soft top
for a motor vehicle, which can be produced in a comparatively
simple manner.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a soft
top for a motor vehicle, such as to afford enhanced versatility in
terms of design configuration.
[0007] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a soft top for a motor vehicle which is of a simple but nonetheless
functionally reliable and acceptable nature involving a simple
production procedure by virtue of its design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the principles of the present invention
the foregoing and other objects are achieved by a soft top for a
motor vehicle, including a first soft top surface element and a
structural element connected thereto. The structural element
comprises a second soft top surface element and the first and
second soft top surface elements are connected together by a
polyurethane casting resin bead element of strip configuration.
[0009] The abbreviation PUR will be generally used hereinafter to
denote polyurethane.
[0010] In another aspect of the present invention the foregoing and
other objects are attained by a soft top for a motor vehicle,
including a first soft top surface element and a PUR-casting resin
bead element connected to the first soft top surface element, the
bead element comprising a roof channel or gutter as an integral
component thereof.
[0011] In still another aspect of the invention the foregoing and
other objects are achieved by a soft top for a motor vehicle,
including a first soft top surface element and a first structural
element comprising a soft top window or rear window, and a
PUR-casting resin bead element of strip configuration connecting
the window and the soft top surface element together.
[0012] In still a further aspect of the invention the foregoing and
other objects are achieved by a soft top for a motor vehicle,
including a first soft top surface element and a first structural
element comprising a soft top frame linkage member, with a
PUR-casting resin bead element enclosing said linkage member and
connected to said soft top surface element.
[0013] As will be apparent from the description hereinafter of
preferred embodiments of the soft top arrangement in accordance
with the present invention, to produce such a soft top according to
the invention it is only necessary for the first soft top surface
element and the other structural element co-operating therewith to
be appropriately fitted into a tool of a suitable configuration,
for the tool to be sealingly closed, and for the PUR-casting resin
to be introduced into a mold cavity defined by the tool in the
closed condition. After reaction of the PUR-casting resin the
casting mold defined by the tool can be opened and the
corresponding soft top or soft top portion can be removed
therefrom. This procedure therefore affords the advantage that
there is no need of a sewing operation to connect the components
together and a coating operation for sealing off the sewn seam or
seams. A further advantage of the soft top designed in accordance
with the invention is that the result of the described operation,
that is to say the casting procedure, is very clean and neat and
can be accurately reproduced at any time. Furthermore there is no
need of especially qualified operators in order to produce the soft
top in accordance with the invention. Of course, the bead is then
simultaneously applied to both the soft-top and the structural
elements.
[0014] In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention the
first and second soft top surface elements are disposed in mutually
aligned relationship with each other for connection thereof.
Likewise it is possible in an alternative preferred feature for the
second soft top surface element to project away from the first soft
top surface element at a given angle which can be for example about
90.degree.. It will be noted however that this angle may also be of
any other suitable value, depending on the respective circumstances
involved.
[0015] The PUR-casting resin bead element in strip form affords a
firm strong connection between the respectively associated
components. The strength of the connection between the associated
soft top elements is advantageously further improved in accordance
with a preferred feature of the invention if, in a soft top
according to the invention, the mutually facing edges of the soft
top surface elements are spaced from each other and are provided
with anchoring holes, with the PUR-casting resin bead element
covering over the edges of the soft top surface elements to a
position over the anchoring holes. In that case the PUR-casting
resin passes through the anchoring holes whereby the mechanical
strength of the connection between the cooperating soft top
elements is correspondingly improved.
[0016] In a preferred feature of the soft top according to the
invention the PUR-casting resin bead element covers the edges of
the two soft top elements on both sides thereof. In that case the
PUR-casting resin bead element may be of an at least approximately
symmetrical cross-sectional profile in relation to the soft top
elements. It is however also possible for the bead element to be
formed on one side with a hinge groove or channel, thereby defining
a substantially kidney-shaped cross-sectional configuration
constituting a hinge portion. Such a construction is used in
particular where it is desirable for the interconnected soft top
elements to be folded together simply and accurately as
desired.
[0017] In a soft top for a motor vehicle with first and second
adjacent soft top elements, it may be desirable if the edges of the
first and second soft top elements are connected together by means
of a strip-shaped connecting element covered by the PUR-casting
resin bead element. In that case the strip-shaped connecting
element can be covered on one side by the bead element so that the
connecting element is visible from the other side, but it is also
possible for the bead element to cover the strip-shaped connecting
element on both sides thereof so that the latter is invisible.
[0018] In accordance with another preferred feature of the
invention the strip-shaped connecting element referred to above can
be formed by a woven or braided strip. Such a connecting element
may be for example a glass fiber cloth portion, a metal braid
portion or the like. It will be appreciated that the strip-shaped
connecting element can also be in the form of a net or mesh
portion. When the soft top according to the invention includes
strip-shaped connecting elements of that kind, which can be for
example glued to the two soft top surface elements, it is possible
to avoid shrinkage in the region of the connection between the two
soft top surface elements. When the reaction of the PUR-casting
resin occurs, there is a shrinkage effect which can be of the order
of magnitude of about 1%. By virtue of the provision of the
above-mentioned strip-shaped connecting element in the form of a
woven or braided strip, it is possible to eliminate such a
shrinkage effect and thus to provide for stabilization of the
PUR-casting resin bead element. In that way it is possible for
example to avoid undesirable fold formation in the connecting
region of the two soft top surface elements. The same advantageous
results can also be achieved for example by the strip-shaped
connecting element being formed by a clamp strip or a lattice strip
from which press studs project at least on one side thereof.
Another advantageous feature of the invention provides that the
strip-shaped connecting element is formed by first and second
interlocked or interlaced wire loop or wire corrugation
elements.
[0019] It is also possible in accordance with another preferred
feature of the invention for the edges of the soft top surface
elements to be provided alternately with anchoring holes and with
anchoring portions which are engageable therein.
[0020] In regard to the configuration of the soft top in accordance
with the present invention as outlined hereinbefore in which the
bead element comprises a roof channel as an integral component
thereof, to which the first soft top surface element is connected,
such a design configuration affords the advantage that the roof
channel can be produced directly, which is desirable in terms of
aspects relating to manufacture and the costs arising
therefrom.
[0021] In regard to the soft top construction according to the
invention as outlined above in which the first structural element
comprises a window connected to the soft top surface element by
means of the PUR-casting resin bead element, it will be noted that
it is possible to use in that case as desired any PUR-casting resin
system enjoying a given level of hardness or softness. For example
the PUR-casting resin system may have a shore hardness A of the
order of magnitude of 60. As desired the PUR-casting resin system
may be suitably colored and may have a light fastness of between
stages 6 and 7 in accordance with the German Standard DIN 75
002.
[0022] The soft top or rear window of the soft top arrangement
according to the invention can be glued into the PUR-casting resin
bead element or can be cast directly therewith.
[0023] In accordance with another feature of the invention the
PUR-casting resin bead element can be produced by means of a
single-phase casting process. It is however also possible for the
PUR-casting resin bead element to be produced in a two-phase
casting process or a multi-phase process, that is to say for
example in a molding tool with interchangeable mold portions or
cover portions. That advantageously permits the implementation of a
large number of different design configurations for the soft top.
Furthermore it is possible for the PUR-casting resin bead element
to be in the form of a surface reinforcement or a surface
stiffening means for a respective soft top surface element. That
also can be produced for example by a per se known single-phase
casting process or in a known two-phase or multi-phase casting
process. Different casting resins may be employed in such
processes.
[0024] Further objects, features and advantages of a covering
arrangement more specifically in the form of a soft top for a motor
vehicle according to the present invention will be apparent from
the following description of preferred embodiments thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0025] The above and other objects, features, and advantages will
become more readily apparent from the following description,
reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial section of part of a
first embodiment of a soft top according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a similar view to FIG. 1 of a second embodiment of
a soft top according to the invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a similar view to FIG. 1 of a third embodiment of
the soft top according to the invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a similar view to FIG. 1 of a fourth embodiment of
the soft top according to the invention;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view in section of part of a fifth
embodiment of a soft top according to the invention;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view in section of part of a sixth
embodiment of a soft top according to the invention;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view in section of part of a seventh
embodiment of a soft top according to the invention;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a similar view to FIG. 7 of an eighth embodiment
of a soft top according to the invention;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a similar view to FIG. 7 of a further alternative
form of a soft top according to the invention;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a similar view to FIG. 7 of a tenth embodiment of
a soft top according to the invention;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a similar view to FIG. 7 of an eleventh
embodiment of a soft top according to the invention;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view in section of part of a
twelfth embodiment of a soft top according to the invention;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded view of a thirteenth
embodiment of a soft top according to the invention;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view in section of a part of the
construction shown in FIG. 13 in the assembled condition, and
[0040] FIG. 15 is a perspective exploded view of yet another
embodiment of a part of a soft top according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] It will be noted that the Figures of the accompanying
drawing are diagrammatic views of parts of embodiments of a soft
top in accordance with the invention.
[0042] Referring therefore firstly to FIG. 1, shown therein in
section is part of a first embodiment of an arrangement according
to the invention in the form of a soft top as indicated at 10 for a
motor vehicle, in particular for a private motor vehicle,
comprising a first soft top, surface element 12 and another
structural element as indicated at 14 which is also formed by a
second soft top surface element. As the second soft top surface
element is the same or similar to the first soft top surface
element 12, the second soft top surface element is also indicated
by reference numeral 12 in the drawing. The first and second soft
top surface elements 12 are disposed in mutually aligned
relationship. The mutually facing edges as indicated at 16 thereof
are at a small spacing from each other and are each provided with
anchoring holes as diagrammatically indicated at 18. It will be
appreciated that the edges 16 of the soft top surface elements 12
may also be disposed in mutually overlapping relationship.
[0043] The two soft top surface elements 12 are mechanically firmly
and sealingly connected together by means of a PUR-casting resin
bead element as indicated generally at 20, of an elongate
strip-shaped configuration. The bead element 20 covers over the
edges 16 of the soft top surface elements 12 to a position over the
anchoring holes 18, and it is of such a configuration that it
affords an at least approximately symmetrical cross-sectional
profile in relation to the mutually aligned soft top surface
elements 12.
[0044] Reference will now be made to FIG. 2 showing an embodiment,
which is generally similar to that shown in FIG. 1, for which
reason the same parts and components are indicated in FIG. 2 by the
same references as those used in FIG. 1. It will be seen from FIG.
2 that the embodiment illustrated therein has a PUR-casting resin
bead element 20 which is formed on one side with a hinge groove or
channel 22, thus imparting a substantially kidney-shaped
cross-sectional configuration to the bead element 20 which thus
constitutes a form of hinge portion to permit pivotal movement of
the soft top surface elements 12 relative to each other about the
hinge groove or channel 22.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, shown therein is a part of a soft top
10 with a first soft top surface element 12 and another structural
element 14 which is also formed by a second soft top surface
element 12, wherein the two soft top surface elements 12 are
aligned with each other and are connected together by means of a
connecting element 24 of strip-shaped configuration. The strip
connecting element 24 can be formed for example by a textile woven
cloth or braid as indicated at 26 which is secured for example by
sewing or gluing to the edges 16 of the two adjacent soft top
surface elements 12. The connecting element 24 is disposed at the
inside of the soft top 10. Provided on the outside of the soft top
10 is the PUR-casting resin bead element 20 which covers over the
edges 16 of the soft top surface elements 12. In the FIG. 3
embodiment of the soft top 10 the edges 16 are also provided with
spaced-apart anchoring holes 18 which are covered over by the
PUR-casting resin bead element 20.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the soft top 10 in which a
soft top surface element 12 is combined with another structural
element 14 formed by a frame assembly linkage member 28 of the soft
top 10. The member 28 is mechanically firmly and sealingly
connected to the soft top surface element 12 by means of a
PUR-casting resin bead element 20. For that purpose the edge 16 of
the soft top surface element 12 is for example again provided with
spaced-apart anchoring holes diagrammatically indicated at 18. The
bead element 20 covers the edge 16 of the soft top surface element
12 to such an extent that the anchoring holes 18 are covered by the
bead element 20. It will be clear from FIG. 4 that the member 28 is
enclosed by the bead element 20 which for example is cast
therearound.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, shown therein is an embodiment of
the soft top 10 wherein a soft top surface element 12 is combined
with another structural element 14 formed by a soft top or rear
window of which a part is diagrammatically indicated at 30. The
soft top or rear window 30 is mechanically firmly and sealingly
connected to the soft top surface element 12 by means of a
PUR-casting resin bead element 20. The bead element 20 mechanically
firmly and sealingly embraces the edges 16 of the soft top surface
element 12 and the edge 32, which is adjacent thereto, of the
window 30, at both sides thereof, that is to say both on the inside
and the outside thereof.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 6 showing an embodiment of the
soft top 10 in which a soft top surface element 12 is directly
combined with a roof channel or gutter of which a part is
diagrammatically indicated at 34. In that arrangement the roof
channel 34 is an integral component of an elongate strip-shaped
PUR-casting resin bead element 20 which is mechanically firmly and
sealingly fixed to the edge 16 of the soft top surface element 12.
In this case therefore the roof channel 34 forms the other
structural element 14, which has already been referred to on a
number of occasions hereinbefore as constituting part of the soft
top arrangement according to the invention.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 7, shown therein is part of an
embodiment of a soft top 10 according to the invention with a soft
top surface element 12 from which a second soft top surface element
12 projects away at an angle for example of 90.degree.. The second
soft top surface element 12 thus constitutes the other structural
element 14 which has already been referred to hereinbefore. The two
soft top surface elements 12 are mechanically firmly and sealingly
connected by means of an elongate strip-shaped PUR-casting resin
bead element 20 which is formed with two concave fillet portions as
indicated at 36.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a soft top 10 according to the
invention with first and second soft top surface elements 12,
similarly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. FIG. 8 also shows that a
strip-shaped connecting element 24 is mounted to or fixed to the
mutually adjacent edges 16 of the soft top surface elements 12
which are disposed at a slight spacing from each other. The
connecting element 24 is formed for example by a woven or braided
strip as indicated at 38. The strip 38 is covered over by a
strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element 20 by means of which
the first and second soft top surface elements 12 are firmly and
sealingly connected together. The strip 38 is covered over by a
strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element 20 by means of which
the first and second soft top surface elements 12 are firmly and
sealingly connected together. The strip 38 provides for eliminating
the contraction effect caused by shrinkage of the PUR-casting resin
bead element 20, of the order of magnitude of about 1%, so that
fold formation caused by shrinkage of the bead element 20, along
the edges of the soft top surface elements 12, can be reliably
prevented in that simple fashion. The bead element 20 can cover
over the edges 16 of the first and second soft top surface elements
12 at one side or preferably both sides thereof, in a suitable
fashion.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 9, shown therein is part of an embodiment
of the soft top 10 according to the invention, which differs from
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 in particular insofar as the
strip-shaped connecting element 24 between the two soft top surface
elements 12 is formed by a clipping or clamping strip as
diagrammatically indicated at 40, which for example comprises a
suitable plastic material. The clipping strip 40 can be of such a
configuration that in this case also shrinkage and thus folding
along the edges 16 of the soft top surface elements 12 is at least
very substantially prevented. An elongate strip-shaped PUR-casting
resin bead element 20 also covers over the edges 16 of the soft top
surface elements 12 and the strip-shaped connecting element 24
which couples the edges 16 together, in the configuration of the
virtually endless clipping strip 40.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a soft top 10
according to the invention in which first and second soft top
surface elements 12 are formed along their mutually facing edges 16
alternately with anchoring holes 42 and anchoring portions 44 which
can be respectively fitted therein. The anchoring portions 44 can
form integral components of the soft top surface elements 12. In
this embodiment also the soft top surface elements 12 are
mechanically firmly and sealingly joined together by means of an
elongate strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element 20.
[0053] Looking at FIG. 11, the embodiment illustrated therein of a
soft top 10 according to the invention combines a soft top surface
element 12 with another structural element 14, being therefore
firmly and sealingly connected thereto. The element 14 is formed
for example by a fixing strip 46 of plastic material. The element
14 can, for example, also have press studs, snap catches, a
hook-and-loop strip or the like. It is mechanically firmly and
sealingly connected to the soft top surface element 12 by a
two-component casting process in which two suitable casting mold
halves or portions are successively used in order in a first
molding step to produce a first component 48 and immediately
thereafter in the same molding tool a second component 50 which are
mechanically firmly and sealingly connected to each other and to
the soft top surface element 12 and the other element 14 and which
together form the PUR-casting resin bead element 20.
[0054] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of part of an embodiment of a
soft top 10 according to the invention comprising first and second
mutually aligned soft top surface elements 12 which are
mechanically firmly and sealingly connected together by means of a
PUR-casting resin bead element 20. The soft top surface element 12
which is shown on the right-hand side in FIG. 12 is provided with a
PUR-casting resin surface reinforcement 52 while the element 12 of
which part is shown on the left-hand side in FIG. 12 is provided
with a PUR-casting resin surface stiffening means 54.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, illustrated therein is a
further embodiment of a soft top 10 according to the invention
comprising first and second mutually aligned soft top surface
elements 12 which are provided with anchoring holes 18 along their
respective mutually facing edges 16. Provided for mechanically
connecting the adjacent soft top surface elements 12 is a
strip-shaped connecting element 24 formed by a lattice strip 56
from which press studs 58 project at both sides thereof. As can be
clearly seen from FIG. 14, the press studs 58 on the upper side of
the lattice strip 56 are passed through the anchoring holes 18 at
the edges 16 of the two soft top surface elements 12, whereupon the
two soft top surface elements 12 are mechanically firmly and
sealingly connected to a PUR-casting resin bead element 20, thereby
covering over the edges 16. The press studs 58 which project from
the lattice strip 56 at the underside thereof serve in particular
for firmly anchoring the lattice strip 56 to the PUR-casting resin
bead element 20. A certain hinge effect can also be achieved in the
case of this structure by virtue of the substantially kidney-shaped
cross-sectional configuration of the PUR-casting resin bead element
20.
[0056] FIG. 15 diagrammatically illustrates a soft top 10
comprising first and second soft top surface elements 12, wherein a
strip-shaped connecting element 24 for connecting the elements 12
together is formed by two wire loop elements or wire corrugation
elements which are diagrammatically indicated at 60. The wire loop
or wire corrugation elements 60 of the two elements 12 are
interlocked or interlaced with each other, thereby to interconnect
the adjacent elements 12 in mutually aligned relationship.
[0057] It will be readily apparent from the above-described
alternative configurations of a structure and arrangement according
to the invention that a complete vehicle soft top can be produced
in accordance with the invention without involving sewing and
without a sealing operation following sewing, in a simple,
inexpensive, accurate and reproducible manner.
[0058] It will further be noted at this point that the invention is
not limited merely to a soft top for a motor vehicle, but it can
also be used in the same and a similar manner in relation to
weather-protection and covering arrangements generally such as
tents, heavy goods vehicle or truck covers and the like.
[0059] It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments
and configurations according to the invention have been described
solely by way of example and illustration thereof and that it is
possible to implement a large number of alternative configurations
using simple and relatively inexpensive means so that various
modifications can be made in the illustrated embodiments without
thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *