U.S. patent application number 10/245973 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-18 for vehicle retractable hardtop roof.
Invention is credited to Willard, Michael T..
Application Number | 20040051341 10/245973 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31495443 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040051341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Willard, Michael T. |
March 18, 2004 |
VEHICLE RETRACTABLE HARDTOP ROOF
Abstract
A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In one
aspect of the present invention, a convertible roof includes first,
second and third roof sections. At least one of the roof sections
rotates over one hundred and eighty degrees when moving from a
raised position to a stowed position. Another aspect of the present
invention employs a balance link interconnecting the second roof
section and the vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention
provides that a substantial portion of one of the roof sections is
positioned below a top of a vehicle wheel well.
Inventors: |
Willard, Michael T.;
(Harrison Township, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
31495443 |
Appl. No.: |
10/245973 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/107.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 7/145 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/107.17 |
International
Class: |
B60J 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A convertible roof for a vehicle, said convertible roof
comprising: a forward substantially rigid roof section movable from
a raised position to a stowed position; a rearward substantially
rigid roof section movable from a raised position to a stowed
position, wherein said rearward roof section rotates more than 180
degrees when moving between said raised position and said stowed
position.
2. The convertible roof of claim 1 further including at least an
intermediate roof section movably coupled to said forward roof
section.
3. The convertible roof of claim 2 further including a hinge
pivotally interconnecting said forward and said intermediate roof
sections.
4. The convertible roof of claim 3 wherein an inner surface of said
forward roof section faces an inner surface of said intermediate
roof section when said convertible roof is in said stowed
position.
5. The convertible roof of claim 4 wherein an inner surface of said
rearward roof section faces an outer surface of said intermediate
roof section when said convertible roof is in said stowed
position.
6. The convertible roof of claim 1 further including a pair of
links having first ends pivotally coupled to said rearward roof
section and second ends adapted to pivotally mount to the
vehicle.
7. The convertible roof of claim 6 further including a balance link
having a first end pivotally coupled to said intermediate roof
section and a second end adapted to pivotally mount to the
vehicle.
8. The convertible roof of claim 1 where said rearward roof section
includes a three-dimensionally curved window.
9. A convertible roof for a vehicle, said convertible roof
comprising: a first substantially rigid roof section movable from a
raised position to a stowed position; a second substantially rigid
roof section movable from a raised position to a stowed position; a
hinge pivotally interconnecting said first and second roof
sections; at least a third roof section movable from a raised
position to a stowed position; and a link having a first end
pivotally coupled to said second roof section, wherein said second
roof section is positioned between said first roof section and said
third roof section when said convertible roof is in said raised
position, wherein a second end of said link is adapted to be
pivotally coupled to the vehicle.
10. The convertible roof of claim 9 further including second and
third links each having a first end pivotally coupled to said third
roof section and a second end adapted to be pivotally coupled to
the vehicle.
11. The convertible roof of claim 10 further including a control
link interconnecting said first link and one of said second link
and said third links.
12. The convertible roof of claim 11 further including a fourth
link interconnecting said control link and said first roof
section.
13. The convertible roof of claim 10 wherein said first link, said
second link and said third link each include pivot points spaced
apart from one another in a fore-and-aft direction, wherein each of
said pivot points is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the
vehicle.
14. A vehicle comprising: a body having a rear wheel well; and a
convertible roof movable in at least a fore-and-aft direction
between a raised position and a stowed position, wherein said
convertible roof includes at least, first, second and third roof
panels, wherein a substantial portion of at least one of said roof
panels is positioned below a horizontal plane defined by top of
said wheel well when said convertible roof is in said stowed
position.
15. The vehicle of claim 14 wherein said first and second roof
panels are hingedly coupled to one another.
16. The vehicle of claim 15 wherein said first, second and third
panels are substantially horizontally positioned and stacked atop
one another when said convertible roof is in said stowed
position.
17. The vehicle of claim 16 wherein said body defines a passenger
compartment and a roof storage compartment separated from said
passenger compartment, wherein said convertible roof is positioned
within roof storage compartment when in said stowed position.
18. The vehicle of claim 17 including a tonneau cover selectively
enclosing said roof storage compartment.
19. A convertible roof for a vehicle, said convertible roof
comprising: forward, intermediate and rearward substantially rigid
roof sections movable from a raised position to a stowed position
wherein each of said roof sections are positioned substantially
horizontally when in said stowed position and wherein a leading
edge of said intermediate roof section is positioned rearward of a
leading edge of said rearward roof section when said convertible
roof is in said stowed position.
20. The convertible roof of claim 19 wherein an inner surface of
said forward roof section faces an inner surface of said
intermediate roof section once a convertible roof is in said stowed
position.
21. The convertible roof of claim 20 wherein said forward roof
section pivots relative to said intermediate roof section in a
clamshell manner.
22. The convertible roof of claim 21 wherein said rearward roof
section pivots more than 180 degrees when traveling between said
raised position and said stowed position.
23. The convertible roof of claim 19 further including a first
linkage assembly and a second linkage assembly, wherein said first
linkage assembly pivotally interconnects said forward roof section
and said intermediate roof section, wherein said second linkage
assembly is adapted to pivotally interconnect said rearward roof
section and the vehicle.
24. The convertible roof of claim 23, further including a control
link interconnecting said first linkage assembly and said second
linkage assembly.
25. A method of operating a convertible roof comprising: moving
forward and rearward substantially rigid roof sections from a
raised position to a stowed position; and rotating said rearward
roof section more than one hundred and eighty degrees when moving
between said raised and said stowed positions.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising moving at least one
intermediate roof section between said raised and stowed
positions.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising positioning an inner
surface of said forward roof section to face an inner surface of
said intermediate roof section when in said stowed position.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to convertible roof
structures for automotive vehicles and, more particularly, to a
multi-part hard top convertible roof.
[0002] Retractable roofs for convertible automotive vehicles
presently exist. Examples of traditional hard-top convertible roofs
are disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,828
entitled "Actuation Mechanism for a Two Piece Retractable Hard-Top
Roof for an Automobile" which issued to Rapin et al. on Feb. 19,
2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,793 entitled "Two Piece Retractable
Hard-Top Roof for an Automobile" which issued to Rapin et al. on
Nov. 20, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,970 entitled "Roof Assembly for
a Convertible Vehicle" which issued to Rothe et al. on Nov. 9,
1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,375 entitled "Retractable Hard-Top for an
Automotive Vehicle" which issued to Alexander et al. on Jul. 28,
1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,483 entitled "Convertible Motor Vehicle
Roof" which issued to Danzl et al. on Jun. 23, 1998; U.S. Pat. No.
5,743,587 entitled "Apparatus for Use in an Automotive Vehicle
having a Convertible Roof System" which issued to Alexander et al.
on Apr. 28, 1998; and EPO Patent Publication No. 1 092 580 A1 which
was published on Apr. 18, 2001. The U.S. patents are incorporated
by reference herein.
[0003] In another example, one retractable hard top roof employs a
plurality of rigid roof panels which slide rearwardly over one
another during retraction. Typically, these retracting roof panels
are mechanically stowed in the trunk of the automotive vehicle.
Unfortunately, this system does not fully retract flush within the
vehicle body and occupies a relatively large storage space within
the trunk.
[0004] Recently, various retractable roof systems have been
developed with a rigid roof member which swings into a passenger
compartment of the vehicle. These systems stow the retracted roof
panels in a substantially vertical orientation behind either the
front or rear seats. While these systems maintain storage space
within the trunk, the retracted roof panels are often stored in an
unsightly manner. Additionally, the vertical orientation of the
retracted roof panels requires a relatively deep storage
compartment. This orientation often precludes use of a retractable
roof in vehicles having a usable cargo area such as sport utility
vehicles and pick-up trucks. Therefore, it would be desirable to
have a retractable hard top roof requiring a minimal packaging
envelope to maximize storage space within the trunk or cargo area.
To achieve this goal, multiple panels are stored in a substantially
horizontal manner to minimize the depth of the required storage
area.
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a hard top roof
system includes at least three separate and generally rigid
sections interconnected to one another to selectively cover the
passenger compartment of a vehicle. In another aspect of the
present invention, as the roof system is retracted, a rearward roof
section articulates more than one hundred and eighty degrees when
moving from a raised position to a stowed position. In a further
aspect of the present invention, when the roof system is fully
retracted, a substantial portion of one of the roof sections is
positioned below the top of the vehicle wheel well.
[0006] The present invention is advantageous over traditional
designs in that the roof panels are stacked in a horizontal manner
which minimizes the packaging space required in both the
fore-and-aft direction and the vertical direction. Furthermore, the
present invention is advantageous because the roof sections may be
retracted and stowed within the vehicle's trunk so as to maintain
the space within the vehicle passenger compartment. The convertible
roof of the present invention may also be stowed in a roof storage
compartment separated from the passenger compartment and a
miscellaneous storage area or trunk.
[0007] The present invention also provides a self-covering feature
in that when the convertible roof is in the stowed position, the
uppermost stacked panel is oriented to display the outer finished
surface of the panel. Additionally, the present invention is
advantageous because the retracting mechanism is compact and
lightweight. Additional advantages and features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description and
appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a convertible roof
of the present invention in a raised position;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial side elevational view of the convertible
roof of the present invention in the raised position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged side elevational view of a
portion of the convertible roof of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a partial side elevational view depicting the
convertible roof of the present invention in an intermediate
position;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged side elevational view of the
convertible roof of the present invention in the intermediate
position of FIG. 4; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view depicting the
convertible roof of the present invention in a stowed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] The present invention is described for illustration purposes
embodied in a hydro-mechanically actuated three-piece convertible
roof for an automotive vehicle. It will be appreciated, however,
that the principles of the present invention are readily adaptable
to a number of other devices which can retract or deploy a
multi-section roof top in a vehicle including a soft top, or
flexible fabric covered roof where the actuator or retraction
mechanisms are coupled to side rails, or any combined hard and soft
top roof.
[0016] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary automotive vehicle
10 includes a convertible roof 12 constructed in accordance with
the teachings of the present invention. Vehicle 10 is constructed
with a body 14 having a passenger compartment 16 and a
miscellaneous storage area or cargo bed 18. Passenger compartment
16 includes a windshield 20 and a header 22. Header 22 spans
transversely across the top of windshield 20. A roof storage
compartment or area 24 is located between passenger compartment 16
and miscellaneous storage area 18. A tonneau cover 26 is pivotally
coupled to body 14 to selectively enclose roof storage compartment
24.
[0017] Convertible roof 12 includes a first roof section 30, a
second roof section 32, a third roof section 34 and a retraction
mechanism 36. Convertible roof 12 is movable from a raised position
depicted in FIGS. 1-3 through intermediate positions such as the
position depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 to a stowed position depicted in
FIG. 6. Each of the first, second and third roof sections are
substantially rigid members interconnected to one another by
retraction mechanism 36.
[0018] First roof section 30 is preferably a substantially rigid
panel having an outer surface 40, an inner surface 42, a leading
edge 44 and a trailing edge 46. First roof section 30 includes a
conventional latching mechanism (not shown) which is disengageably
attachable with header 22 when convertible roof 12 is in the raised
position. Leading edge 44 sealingly engages header 22 when the
latching mechanism secures first roof section 30 to windshield
20.
[0019] Second roof section 32 includes an outer surface 48, an
inner surface 50, a leading edge 52 and a trailing edge 54. Leading
edge 52 sealingly engages trailing edge 46 of first roof section 30
when convertible roof 12 is in the raised position.
[0020] Third roof section 34 includes an outer surface 56, an inner
surface 58, a leading edge 60 and a trailing edge 62. Leading edge
60 is sealingly engaged with trailing edge 54 of second roof
section 32 when convertible roof 12 is in the raised position.
Trailing edge 62 includes lip seals (not shown) which sealingly
engage tonneau cover 26 when third roof section 34 is in the raised
position. Third roof section 34 also includes a transparent window
63. Preferably, window 63 is a three-dimensionally curved glass
member matching the contour of the rear portion of third roof
section 34. Alternatively, window 63 may be a flexible translucent
panel constructed from PVC or other suitable material.
[0021] Retraction mechanism 36 is mounted in a cavity 64 of roof
storage compartment 24. Retraction mechanism 36 includes a pair of
actuation assemblies 66 mounted near each outboard edge of vehicle
10. Because each of actuation assemblies 66 are substantially
identical mirror images of one another, only the passenger side
actuation assembly will be depicted and described in greater
detail.
[0022] Actuation assembly 66 includes a linkage assembly 68 coupled
to an actuator 70. Actuator 70 is presently depicted as a hydraulic
cylinder coupled to linkage assembly 68. It should be appreciated
that actuator 70 may alternately be constructed as an electric
motor, a pneumatic cylinder, or any suitable power source for
driving linkage assembly 68. Actuator 70 is coupled to vehicle 10
and positioned within cavity 64 of roof storage compartment 24.
[0023] Linkage assembly 68 includes a first subassembly 72
interconnecting third roof section 34 and body 14. Linkage assembly
68 also includes a second subassembly 74 interconnecting first roof
section 30 and second roof section 32 with body 14. A control link
76 interconnects first subassembly 72 with second subassembly 74.
It should be appreciated that if control link 76 were removed,
third roof section 34 would articulate independently from first
roof section 30 and second roof section 32. Accordingly, control
link 76 allows the use of a single actuator 70 to drive each roof
section in a coordinated manner relative to one another between the
raised and stowed positions.
[0024] An alternate embodiment exists by removing control link 76
and coupling actuator 70 to first subassembly 72 and a second
actuator (not shown) to second subassembly 74. A control mechanism
(not shown) is capable of sensing the position of first subassembly
72 and second subassembly 74 to assure that convertible roof 12 may
be moved between the raised position and the stowed position
without causing binding or interference between the roof sections
or any other vehicle components.
[0025] With reference to the embodiment including control link 76
as shown in the Figures, first subassembly 72 includes a first link
78, a second link 80 and a third link 82. First link 78 is fixed to
third roof section 34. Second link 80 and third link 82 each have
one end pivotally coupled to a bracket 84 mounted on body 14.
Second link 80 and third link 82 each include an opposite end
pivotally coupled to first link 78. One end of control link 76 is
pivotally coupled to a mid-portion of second link 80.
[0026] Second subassembly 74 includes a hinge assembly 86 including
a first clasp 88 coupled to first roof section 30 and a second
clasp 90 mounted to second roof section 32. First clasp 88 is
pivotally coupled to second clasp 90 by hinge pin 92.
[0027] Second subassembly 74 also includes a first link 94, a
second link 96, a third link 98 and a fourth link 100. One end of
first link 94 is pivotally coupled to first clasp 88. The opposite
end of first link 94 is pivotally coupled to one end of third link
98. The opposite end of third link 98 is pivotally coupled to one
end of link 100. The opposite end of link 100 is mounted to second
roof section 32. One end of link 96 is pivotally coupled to a
bracket 102 which is fixed to second roof section 32. The opposite
end of link 96 is pivotally coupled to bracket 84.
[0028] As mentioned earlier, one end of control link 76 is coupled
to a mid-portion of third link 82 of first subassembly 72. A
mid-portion of control link 76 is pivotally coupled to a
mid-portion of second link 96. The opposite end of control link 76
is pivotally coupled to the ends of first link 94 and third link
98.
[0029] Tonneau cover 26 is pivotally coupled to body 14 at a hinge
106. Tonneau cover 26 is preferably operated by a separate control
system (not shown) capable of moving tonneau cover 26 from a closed
position depicted in FIG. 6 to an open position (not shown). The
control system functions to coordinate the movement of tonneau
cover 26 with convertible roof 12 such that roof storage
compartment 24 is accessible when moving convertible roof 12
between the raised and stowed positions. Alternately, tonneau cover
26 may be manually operated to selectively latch to body 14. As
such, roof storage compartment 24 is selectively enclosed or
accessible. The manually operated tonneau cover 26 includes a
biasing mechanism (not shown) for urging tonneau cover 26 toward
the opened position.
[0030] An alternate vehicle embodiment does not include a tonneau
cover 26. As most clearly shown in FIG. 6, first roof section 30 is
oriented in a stowed position such that outer surface 40 is
exposed. Accordingly, convertible roof 12 is a self-covering
assembly that does not require a tonneau cover to be aesthetically
pleasing when the top is in the stowed position. FIG. 6 depicts the
uppermost portion of first roof section 30 as protruding above an
upper surface of body 14. However, it should be appreciated that
the edges of first roof section 30 taper downwardly toward the
edges of the vehicle. As such, outer surface 40 of first roof
section 30 may be positioned substantially tangent to the upper
surface of body 14 when convertible roof 12 is in the stowed
position.
[0031] In operation, convertible roof 12 is moved from the raised
position depicted in FIGS. 1-3, through intermediate positions such
as the one depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, to the stowed position
depicted in FIG. 6 by first unlatching first roof section 30 from
header 22. An operator engages a switch (not shown) located in
passenger compartment 16. The switch is connected electrically to
actuator 70 to control the operation of retraction mechanism 36.
When convertible roof 12 is used in conjunction with a manually
operated tonneau cover, a simple switch may be implemented without
the need for sophisticated electronic controls, proximity switches
and/or sensors. However, the convertible roof of the present
invention may be operated in conjunction with a power operated
tonneau cover as previously discussed. In this case, the switch is
connected electrically to an electronic control unit (not shown),
such as a microprocessor, that controls the operation of retraction
mechanism 36. The electronic control unit sends a signal to operate
actuator 70 and an actuator coupled to tonneau cover 26. Devices
such as limit switches, sensors and potentiometers are coupled to
body 14, tonneau cover 26 and convertible roof 12 to inform the
electronic control unit of the position of tonneau cover 26 and
roof 12 to assure that convertible roof 12 does not interfere with
tonneau cover 26 during movement between the stowed or raised
positions.
[0032] Actuator 70 is pivotally coupled to and powered to drive
third link 82 of first subassembly 72 to move convertible roof 12
between the raised and stowed positions. As first subassembly 72
articulates, force is transferred through control link 76 to second
subassembly 74. The force produced is sufficient to cause first
roof section 30 and second roof section 32 to move. As depicted in
FIG. 4, first roof section 30 pivots relative to second roof
section 32 in a typical clam shell manner such that inner surface
42 of first roof section 30 approaches inner surface 50 of second
roof section 32. Second subassembly 74 also begins to rearwardly
translate and rotate second roof section 32 toward the stowed
position. Third roof section 34 begins to enter roof storage
compartment 24. One skilled in the art will appreciate that
actuator 70 may be coupled to linkage assembly 68 at a number of
different locations without department from the scope of the
present invention.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 6, convertible roof 12 is shown in
the stowed position. In the stowed position, first roof section 30
and second roof section 32 are each positioned in a substantially
horizontal manner within roof storage compartment 24. Third roof
section 34 is recessed within roof storage compartment 24 such that
a substantial portion of third roof section 34 is positioned below
the top of a wheel well 108. Third roof section 34 rotates over 180
degrees when traveling between the raised position and the stowed
position. Outer surface 40 of first roof section 30 is positioned
beneath tonneau cover 26. Outer surface 48 of second roof section
32 is positioned to face inner surface 58 of third roof section 34.
Leading edge 44 of first roof section 30 is positioned rearward of
trailing edge 54 of second roof section 32. To achieve a minimal
packaging envelope, first roof section 30 is folded toward second
roof section 32. First and second roof sections are nested into
close proximity to third roof section 34.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, convertible roof 12 is packaged
within roof storage area 24 separate from miscellaneous storage
area 18. A deck lid (not shown) is coupled to body 14 to allow
access to miscellaneous storage area 18 without accessing roof
storage area 24. Therefore, convertible roof 12 does not obstruct
access to miscellaneous storage area 18 while positioned in either
the raised or stowed position.
[0035] While it is apparent that the embodiments of the invention
disclosed are well calculated to provide the advantages and
features above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is
susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing
from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subsequent claims. For
example, the convertible roof may include extra roof sections or
additional members to the retraction mechanism. A soft top roof may
also be used with the present device. While the system was
described to include hydraulic actuators, an electric motor or
other suitable power transfer mechanism may alternately be employed
to deploy convertible roof 12. Furthermore, the convertible roof
can alternately be stored in a miscellaneous storage area such as a
trunk of a conventional sedan or coupe rather than in a roof
storage compartment as presently disclosed. Other materials and
dimensions can be substituted for those disclosed. It is intended
by the following claims to cover these and any other departures
from the disclosed embodiments which fall within the true spirit of
this invention.
* * * * *