U.S. patent number RE38,546 [Application Number 09/597,706] was granted by the patent office on 2004-07-06 for convertible top.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ASC Incorporated. Invention is credited to George A. Corder, Charles C. Turney.
United States Patent |
RE38,546 |
Corder , et al. |
July 6, 2004 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Convertible top
Abstract
A convertible top for an automotive vehicle is provided. This
convertible top is coupled to the vehicle such that it moves
between a raised operative position and a lowered storage position.
When in the raised operative position, the convertible top covers
the passenger compartment of the vehicle. When in the lowered
storage position, the convertible top is stored in the rear seat
area and is covered by a portion of the convertible top itself.
Inventors: |
Corder; George A. (Romulus,
MI), Turney; Charles C. (Toledo, OH) |
Assignee: |
ASC Incorporated (Southgate,
MI)
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Family
ID: |
32600761 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/597,706 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
484472 |
Jun 7, 1995 |
5593202 |
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|
000398 |
Jan 4, 1993 |
5429409 |
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Reissue of: |
781448 |
Jan 10, 1997 |
05810422 |
Sep 22, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/108;
296/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J
7/201 (20130101); B60J 7/146 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60J
7/14 (20060101); B60J 7/12 (20060101); B60J
7/08 (20060101); B60J 007/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;296/107.01,108,107.07,107.08,107.16,107.17,136 |
References Cited
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Other References
Automotive Industries, Feb. 1990, "C&C intrigue", p. 75.* .
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.
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English translation)..
|
Primary Examiner: Pape; Joseph D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harness, Dickey & Pierce,
P.L.C.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/484,472, filed Jun. 7, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,202 which is a
divisional of Ser. No. 08/000,398, filed Jan. 4, 1993, which issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,409.
Claims
We claim:
1. A convertible top for an automotive vehicle having a body
portion, said convertible top comprising a roof for covering a
passenger compartment when in a raised operative position, said
roof being collapsible to a storage position within a storage
compartment forward of a trunk of said automotive vehicle, an
external surface of said roof providing a cover for said storage
compartment when said convertible top is in said storage position,
and a front edge of said roof being disposed immediately behind a
front passenger seat when said roof is in said storage position,
wherein said external surface is substantially flush with an
adjacent portion of said body of said automotive vehicle when said
convertible top is in said storage position.
2. The convertible top of claim 1 further comprising a dome light,
said roof having a rigid panel, said rigid panel being
substantially horizontal when in said raised position, wherein said
roof panel provides structure for attaching said dome light to said
convertible top.
3. The convertible top of claim 1 further comprising at least a
forward portion of said roof having an uncovered and textured
exterior show surface when in said raised position.
4. The convertible top of claim 1 further comprising an overhead
console, and a fabric covered panel providing structure for
attaching said overhead console to said convertible top.
5. The convertible top of claim 1 further comprising a rigid, glass
back light secured to said roof.
6. The convertible top of claim 1 further comprising a rigid and
substantially horizontal roof panel covered by a pliable covering
material.
7. The convertible top of claim 1 wherein at least a substantially
horizontal portion of said roof is made of relatively rigid
plastic.
8. The convertible top of claim 1 further comprising a rigid, glass
back window attached to said roof, said back window being stored
within said storage compartment between said front seat and said
trunk when said roof is collapsed.
9. The convertible top of claim 1 further comprising a pair of
balance links each having a first end pivotably coupled to a front
portion of said roof and having an opposite second end pivotably
coupled to said vehicle.
10. A convertible top for an automotive vehicle, said convertible
top comprising a fabric covered roof for covering portions of a
passenger compartment when in a raised operative position, said
roof being collapsible to a storage position within a storage
compartment between a front seat and a trunk, at least a portion of
said roof providing a cover for said storage compartment when said
convertible top is in said storage position, and a front edge of
said roof disposed immediately behind a front passenger seat when
said roof is in said storage position.
11. The convertible top of claim 10 wherein said portion of said
roof is disposed in a substantially horizontal position with an
exterior surface viewable from outside of said vehicle when said
roof is in said storage position.
12. The convertible top of claim 10 further comprising a rigid,
glass back window attached to said roof, said back window being
stored within said storage compartment between said front seat and
said truck when said roof is collapsed.
13. The convertible top of claim 10 further comprising a pair of
balance links each having a first end pivotably coupled to a front
portion of said roof and having an opposite second end pivotably
coupled to said vehicle.
14. The convertible top of claim 10 further comprising a manually
pivoted latch and latch handle mounted to said roof, said latch
being fastenable to a windshield header of said vehicle.
15. An apparatus for an automotive vehicle having a body, said
apparatus comprising: a trunk compartment; a first compartment of
said body disposed forward of said trunk compartment, a front
passenger seat located within said first compartment; a second
compartment disposed between said trunk compartment and said first
compartment; a fabric covered convertible top movable from a raised
position covering said first compartment to a storage position
longitudinally disposed in said second compartment without
intrusion into said trunk compartment, a first portion of said
convertible top stored in a substantially horizontal plane and
having an external surface, said first portion being externally
visible from outside of said vehicle when said convertible top is
in said storage position, said external surface being substantially
flush with an adjacent portion of said body of said automotive
vehicle when said convertible top is in said storage position; a
back window fastened to a second portion of said convertible top,
said back window being entirely disposed within said second
compartment when said convertible top is in said storage position;
and a pair of balance links each having a first end pivotally
coupled to said first portion of said convertible top and having an
opposite second end pivotally coupled to said vehicle.
16. An automotive vehicle having a convertible top, said vehicle
comprising: a passenger compartment having a seat; a trunk lid
covering a trunk; a storage compartment disposed between said seat
and said trunk; a fabric covered roof for covering portions of said
passenger compartment when in a raised operative position, said
roof being collapsible to a storage position within said storage
compartment; at least a portion of said roof providing a cover for
said storage compartment when said convertible top is in said
storage position; and an external surface of said roof
substantially flush with a substantially horizontal portion of said
trunk lid when said convertible top is in said storage position.
.Iadd.
17. An automotive vehicle having a body with a substantially
horizontal body surface, the vehicle comprising: a front occupant
seat; a convertible roof operably movable between a raised position
and a stowed position, the roof being located entirely rearward of
the front seat when the roof is in its stowed position; fabric; the
roof having an external surface at least partially covered by the
fabric; at least a first portion of the fabric covered roof being
visible from outside the vehicle when in its stowed position; the
roof having a section which is located in a substantially
horizontal orientation and substantially flush with the body
surface when the roof section is in its stowed position; and at
least two pairs of links pivotally coupled to the first portion of
the roof..Iaddend..Iadd.
18. The vehicle of claim 17 wherein the roof includes hard top
front and rear sections, and the roof is stowed outside a trunk
compartment..Iaddend..Iadd.
19. An automotive vehicle comprising: a roof storage area; a
convertible roof operably movable between a raised position and a
stowed position, the roof being located in the storage area when
the roof is in its stowed position; the roof having an external
surface at least partially covered by fabric; at least a portion of
the fabric covered roof being visible from outside the vehicle when
the roof is in its stowed position; the roof having a front section
which is located in a substantially horizontal orientation and
substantially flush with an adjacent body surface when the front
section is in its stowed position; and a trunk compartment
unobstructed by the roof when the roof is in its stowed
position..Iaddend..Iadd.
20. The vehicle of claim 19 wherein the trunk compartment is
located rearward of the roof storage area..Iaddend..Iadd.
21. An automotive vehicle comprising: a roof storage area; a
convertible roof operably movable between a raised position and a
stowed position, the roof being located in the storage area when
the roof is in its stowed position; a pliable covering; a front
roof section of the roof having an external surface at least
partially covered by the pliable covering; at least a majority of
the external surface of the front roof section being visible from
outside the vehicle when in its stowed position; the front roof
section having a substantially horizontal orientation when in its
stowed position, the front roof section being substantially flush
with an adjacent body panel when the front roof section is in its
stowed position; a trunk compartment being unobstructed by the roof
when the roof is in its storage position; and a pliable back window
attached to the roof, the window being substantially hidden from
view in the roof storage area when the roof is located in its
stowed position..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. The vehicle of claim 21 wherein the front roof section is a
hard top roof section further including a substantially rigid panel
covered by the pliable covering..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. An automotive vehicle comprising: a trunk; and a convertible
roof operably movable to a retracted position outside of the trunk;
the roof having a front roof section with an opaque external
surface movably located above front seat occupants when the roof is
in a raised position; at least a majority of the front roof section
being visible from outside the vehicle when the roof is in its
retracted position; the roof having a rear section with a rear edge
which is hidden when the roof is in its retracted position; and the
front roof section being substantially flush with an adjacent
vehicle body surface when the front roof section is in its
retracted position..Iaddend..Iadd.
24. The vehicle of claim 23 wherein the front roof section is a
hard top roof section..Iaddend..Iadd.
25. An automotive vehicle comprising: a body having a substantially
horizontal external body surface; a trunk; a convertible roof
operably movable to a retracted position outside of the trunk, the
roof having a substantially rigid hard top front roof section with
an external surface; and a pliable covering; the external surface
of the front roof section being covered by the pliable covering; at
least a majority of the front roof section being visible from
outside the vehicle when the roof is in its retracted position; and
the front roof section being substantially flush with the
substantially horizontal body surface when the roof is in its
retracted position..Iaddend..Iadd.
26. The vehicle of claim 25 wherein the roof includes a rigid hard
top rear roof section coupled to the front roof
section..Iaddend..Iadd.
27. An automotive vehicle comprising: a trunk; a convertible roof
operably movable to a retracted position outside of the trunk, the
roof having an external surface; and a vinyl covering located on at
least a portion of the external surface of the roof; at least the
vinyl covered portion of the roof being visible from outside the
vehicle when the roof is in its retracted position; the external
surface of the roof being substantially flush with an adjacent body
surface when the roof is in its retracted
position..Iaddend..Iadd.
28. The vehicle of claim 27 wherein the visible portion of the roof
is stowed in a substantially horizontal
orientation..Iaddend..Iadd.
29. An automotive vehicle comprising: (a) a convertible roof
operably movable from a raised position to a retracted position,
the roof including a hard top front section and a hard top rear
section coupled to the front section; (b) a pliable covering
located on an external surface of at least one of the roof
sections; (c) a rigid window attached to one of the roof sections;
(d) the front roof section having a substantially horizontal
orientation and being substantially flush with an adjacent body
surface when the roof is in its retracted
position..Iaddend..Iadd.
30. The vehicle of claim 29 further comprising a trunk and a roof
storage area, the roof being retractable into the roof storage area
without obstructing the trunk..Iaddend..Iadd.
31. The vehicle of claim 29 wherein the pliable covering is
fabric..Iaddend..Iadd.
32. The vehicle of claim 29 wherein the pliable covering is
vinyl..Iaddend..Iadd.
33. An automotive vehicle for use by occupants, the vehicle
comprising: (a) a trunk; (b) a trunk lid moveable to a closed
position to cover the trunk; (c) a convertible roof operably
movable from a raised position to a retracted position without
intrusion into the trunk; (d) the roof having a hard top front roof
section with an external surface and a hard top rear roof section;
(e) the front roof section including a substantially rigid panel
located above the occupants when the roof is in its raised
position; (f) a pliable covering overlying and moving with the
panel; (g) at least a majority of the external surface of the front
roof section being visible from outside the vehicle when the roof
is in its retracted position and the trunk lid is in its closed
position; and (h) the external surface of the front roof section
being substantially flush with at least a majority of the trunk
lid..Iaddend..Iadd.
34. The vehicle of claim 33 further comprising a rigid back window
attached to the roof..Iaddend..Iadd.
35. The vehicle of claim 33 wherein the trunk is located rearward
of the roof when in its retracted position..Iaddend..Iadd.
36. An automotive vehicle having a body, the vehicle comprising:
(a) a passenger compartment having at least one occupant seat; (b)
a trunk; (c) a trunk lid operably covering the trunk when in a
closed position; (d) a retracted roof area; (e) a fabric covered
roof operably covering portions of the passenger compartment when
in a raised operative position, the roof being collapsible to a
stowed position into the retracted roof area, the roof including a
front roof section; (f) at least a portion of the roof providing a
cover for the retracted roof area when the roof is in its stowed
position; (g) the roof having an external surface which is
substantially flush with a substantially horizontal portion of the
trunk lid when the convertible top is in its stowed position, at
least a portion of the external surface being defined by at least
part of the fabric covered roof; (h) a back window coupled to the
roof; (i) an automatically powered actuator operably moving the
roof; and (j) at least a pair of links pivotally coupling each
lateral side of the front roof section to the
body..Iaddend..Iadd.
37. An apparatus for an automotive vehicle having a body, the
apparatus comprising: a trunk compartment; the body having a first
compartment and a second compartment, a front passenger seat
located in the first compartment; a fabric covered convertible top
movable from a raised position covering the first compartment to a
storage position longitudinally disposed in the second compartment
without intrusion into the trunk compartment, a first portion of
the convertible top being stored in a substantially horizontal
plane and having an external surface, at least a portion of the
external surface being part of the fabric covered convertible top,
the first portion being externally visible from outside of the
vehicle when the convertible top is in the storage position, the
external surface being substantially flush with an adjacent portion
of the body of the automotive vehicle when the convertible top is
in the storage position; a back window fastened to a second portion
of the convertible top, the back window being entirely disposed in
the second compartment when the convertible top is in the storage
position; a pair of balance links each having a first end pivotally
coupled to the first portion of the convertible top and having an
opposite second end pivotally coupled to the body; and a pair of
main links pivotally coupling the first portion of the convertible
top to the body..Iaddend..Iadd.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the convertible top includes
hard top roof sections covering the entire first compartment when
in the raised position..Iaddend..Iadd.
39. The apparatus of claim 37 further comprising rear passenger
seats located in the first compartment..Iaddend..Iadd.
40. An automotive vehicle convertible roof comprising: (a) a hard
top front roof section; (b) a hard top rear roof section coupled to
the front roof section; (c) a back window mounted to the rear roof
section; (d) the roof sections being movable between raised and
stowed positions, one of the roof sections serving to cover and
hide the other of the roof sections when both are in their stowed
positions, the roof sections being stowed entirely outside of a
trunk storage area while allowing clear access to the trunk storage
area; and (e) a trunk lid, the front roof section being stowed
substantially flush with the adjacentmost portion of the trunk
lid..Iaddend..Iadd.
41. The roof of claim 40 wherein the front roof section is
opaque..Iaddend..Iadd.
42. The roof of claim 40 wherein at least a majority of the front
roof section is stowed in a substantially horizontal orientation
and an external surface of the front roof section is visible from
outside the vehicle when stowed..Iaddend..Iadd.
43. The roof of claim 40 further comprising a pliable covering
affixed to an external surface of at least the front roof
section..Iaddend..Iadd.
44. The roof of claim 40 wherein an inside surface of the front
roof section faces toward an inside surface of the rear roof
section when the roof sections are in their stowed
positions..Iaddend..Iadd.
45. An automotive vehicle comprising: (a) a hard top front roof
section which is opaque; (b) a second hard top roof section movable
with the front roof section; (c) a trunk storage area; (d) a body
panel; (e) the roof sections being movable between raised and
stowed positions; (f) one of the roof sections operably covering
the other of the roof sections when both are in their stowed
positions; (g) the roof sections being stowed to allow
substantially unobstructed access to a portion of the trunk storage
area; (h) the front roof section being stowed substantially flush
with the body panel; and (i) an inside surface of the front roof
section facing toward an inside surface of the rear roof section
when the roof sections are stowed..Iaddend..Iadd.
46. The automotive vehicle of claim 45 further comprising a pliable
covering mounted to an exterior portion of at least one of the roof
sections..Iaddend..Iadd.
47. The automotive vehicle of claim 45 wherein the body panel is
the substantially horizontal portion of a trunk
lid..Iaddend..Iadd.
48. The automotive vehicle of claim 45 wherein the roof sections
are entirely stowed outside of the trunk storage area..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to convertible tops for automotive
vehicles and, more particularly, to a convertible top that is
stored in the rear passenger compartment of a vehicle.
Quite often, convertible vehicles are designed by adapting stock,
hard top vehicles to accommodate a basic convertible top design.
Accordingly, convertible design often requires extensive
redesigning of stock suspension systems, passenger compartments,
trunk compartments, etc. These design changes often involve
undesirable trade-offs in order to accommodate a convertible top
assembly and a tonneau for storing the convertible top. In fact,
for some vehicles the trade-offs may be too great to permit an
efficient convertible design. For example, with a unibody type
construction, the rear suspension often utilizes struts that extend
upwardly, well into portions of the body traditionally used for a
tonneau space. Hence, when converting a unibody type construction
to a convertible vehicle, it is often necessary to completely
redesign the rear suspension system.
Another disadvantage of converting a stock vehicle to a convertible
vehicle is the loss of trunk and passenger space. Traditional
convertible designs require a dedicated tonneau for storing the
convertible top in its lowered storage position. This tonneau is
usually located between the rear seats and the trunk causing a loss
of storage space and/or passenger space. Such losses are often an
unacceptable trade-off in exchange for the sporty look of a
convertible vehicle, particularly in compact vehicles. Moreover,
the tonneau requires a separate cover or boot to conceal the folded
top in its lowered storage position.
In order to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, the
convertible top of the present invention is provided. This
convertible top utilizes a number of unique concepts that not only
reduce the above mentioned negative trade-offs, but also enhance
the sporty look and utility of the convertible vehicle.
Furthermore, the present invention accomplishes this without
modifying the underlying design of the hard top, stock vehicle. For
example, the convertible top of the present invention does not
require a tonneau. Thus, this convertible top can be utilized
without modifying the rear suspension, the rear seats or the trunk
of the vehicle. Rather, the convertible top of the present
invention is collapsed and lowered into a storage position within
the rear passenger compartment. In addition, a portion of the
convertible top serves as an integral cover that conceals the
convertible top within the rear passenger compartment, thereby
giving the vehicle the appearance of a two-seater or roadster.
One embodiment of the convertible top of the present invention
utilizes a plurality of rigid panels that serve this dual purpose
of covering portions of the entire passenger compartment in a
raised operative position, while covering the rear passenger
compartment in a lowered storage position. By using rigid panels,
the show surface of the cover can be matched to the vehicle show
surface to enhance its appearance as a roadster. These rigid panels
also provide the structure necessary for the convertible top to
support components such as dome lights, overhead consoles and/or
sunroofs, and to provide a three-dimensional contour to the
exterior surface of the vehicle.
Additional objects, 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
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible vehicle with the top
in a raised operative position, depicting the convertible top
utilizing a plurality of rigid panels in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating the
convertible top of the present invention being articulated to its
folded storage position with the pliable covering in place;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the
convertible top being articulated to its folded storage position
with the pliable covering removed and the front panel elevated;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating
the convertible top of the present invention in a lowered storage
position with a portion of the convertible top acting as a cover
that conceals the convertible top within the rear passenger
compartment;
FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the central
longitudinal axis of the vehicle illustrating the convertible top
linkage assembly of the present invention in a raised operative
position and further illustrating portions of the vehicle and the
panels, thereby showing the positions of the linkage assembly with
respect thereto;
FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic view of the present invention
illustrating the locations of the panels as shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating the
linkage assembly articulating the panels into a folded position in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic view of the present invention
illustrating the locations of the panels as shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6
illustrating the convertible top linkage assembly of the present
invention in a lowered storage position;
FIG. 7A is a diagrammatic view of the present invention
illustrating the locations of the panels as shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the interior ceiling
portion of the convertible top of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along section 9--9 in FIG.
8, illustrating the stabilizer bar with the front and rear panels
in a raised operative position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, the
preferred embodiment of the convertible top 10 of the present
invention is shown. In this embodiment, the convertible top 10 is
employed by an automotive vehicle 12 having both front 14 and rear
16 passenger compartments. The convertible top 10 is shown in a
raised operative position and is of the type utilizing a linkage
assembly 18 and a pliable cover 20, along with a front rigid panel
22, a rear rigid panel 24 and a back light panel 26. Back light
panel 26 is simply attached to the pliable covering 20 stretched
over the rigid panels 22 and 24. It is not pivotally connected to
the linkage assembly 18. Rather, this panel 26 is held in place by
the tension of the pliable covering 20 and the support of the rear
panel member 24. Thus, the back light 24 can be made of either a
rigid material, such as glass, as shown, or a pliable material (not
shown).
As best illustrated by viewing FIGS. 1 through 4 and 5 through 7
sequentially, as the convertible top 10 is lowered, the linkage
assembly 18 articulates the panels 22, 24 and 26 into a folded
position and lowers them into the rear passenger compartment 16.
The front rigid panel 22, which acts as a cover when lowered, is
articulated to a position over the rear passenger compartment 16,
thereby concealing both the rear passenger compartment 16 and the
convertible top 10 therein. The beauty of this embodiment is that
only minimal changes are necessary to adapt a stock, hardtop
vehicle to accommodate it. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a dedicated
tonneau storage space is unnecessary since the rear passenger
compartment 16 is utilized. With the rear passenger compartment 16
serving as the storage space, the trunk, rear suspension and rear
seats do not have to be modified. Thus, many vehicles once thought
to be impractical as convertible models can now be adapted to the
convertible top of the present invention.
For example, vehicles utilizing a unibody construction or a space
frame construction are generally not cost effective for
conventional convertible top designs due to space requirements for
the rear suspension. However, since the present invention does not
require an additional storage space, these types of vehicles can
now be effectively adapted to this design. Despite the loss of the
rear passenger compartment during operation in the convertible
mode, vehicles can be adapted without completely sacrificing
passenger space and without sacrificing any trunk space or
suspension component space. Moreover, this design still provides
for front and rear passenger seating with the convertible top in a
raised operative position.
In addition to the present invention being readily adaptable to
otherwise unadaptable vehicles, this design provides a number of
other novel features. Most notably, even though the rear passenger
space 16 is lost with the top 10 down, the vehicle 12 is
attractively converted from a traditional "four seater" coupe, as
shown in FIG. 1, to a "two seater" roadster, as shown in FIG. 4.
The rigid front panel 22 is preferably injection molded or blow
molded, however, such panels may be manufactured by other means
such as by stamping or the like. Accordingly, these panels 22 and
24 are readily contoured to provide a smooth continuous exterior
surface for the vehicle 12 in both raised and lowered
positions.
Although a conventional pliable fabric covering can be utilized
without the rigid panels, the rigid panels 22 and 24 allow for a
sculpted effect, yielding a sporty aerodynamic look to the
roadster. Moreover, these rigid panels 22 and 24 provide additional
surface area to support the covering. Therefore, panels more
readily accommodate a pliable covering 20 made from nylon, vinyl or
the like that have show surfaces similar to the body panels of the
vehicle 12. Alternatively, the panels 22 and 24 themselves can
provide a show surface that matches the vehicle body panels,
including a textured surface 28 for interior and/or exterior show
surfaces as shown in FIG. 8.
The rigid panels 22 and 24 also provide structure to the
convertible top 10 not found in conventional tops that utilize a
series of bows and a pliable fabric cover. Besides the ability to
precisely contour the top 10 in three dimensions, this added
structure generally insulates the passenger compartment from both
wind noise and the external environment, while preventing the wear
associated with traditional convertible tops. This structure also
provides rigidity to the convertible top 10, enabling it to support
components such as conventional dome lights 30, overhead console
panels 32, sun roofs 34, and the like, as shown in FIG. 8.
Furthermore, the structure simplifies the attachment of weather
stripping 36 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As can be seen from FIGS. 5 through 7 and 5A through 7A, the
convertible top 10 of the present invention utilizes a unique, yet
uncomplicated, linkage system 18 to articulate the panels 22 and 24
of the preferred embodiment. The front and rear panel members 22
and 24 are coupled to the vehicle 12 by a pair of identical balance
links 38 and main links 40 on both the driver's side and
passenger's side of the vehicle 12. One end of both links 38 and 40
is pivotally coupled to the front panel member 22 at pivot points
42 and 44, while the opposite ends of these links 38 and 40 are
pivotally coupled to the vehicle at pivot points 46 and 48. The
rear panel member 24 is pivotally coupled to intermediate portions
50 and 52 of both the balance links 38 and the main links 40 at
pivot points 54 and 56 via a reinforcing member 58. This
reinforcing member 58 extends transversely across the vehicle 12
and supports the rear panel 24 as shown in FIGS. 5A-7A. Pivot
points 42, 44, 46, 48, 54 and 56 are preferably parallel to one
another and parallel to a horizontal transverse axis of the vehicle
12.
As best illustrated by viewing FIGS. 5 through 7 and 5A through 7A
sequentially, this linkage assembly 18 permits the convertible top
10 to be articulated into a compact, folded storage position. As
the convertible top 10 is pivoted rearward from its raised
operative position, the rear panel 24 folds downwardly away from
the pliable covering 20. Since the covering 20 is affixed to the
front panel 22 and not the rear panel 24, the back light 26
collapses into the rear passenger compartment 16, as shown in FIGS.
2, 6 and 6A. The rear panel member 24, on the other hand, is
precisely articulated into the rear passenger compartment 16. This
articulation is controlled by a camming member 60 attached to the
balance link 38, as shown in FIGS. 5 through 7. Controlling the
articulation of a convertible top through the use of camming
members is more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,852 issued
to Alexander et al. on Nov. 10, 1992.
As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the reinforcing member 58 for the
rear panel member 24 is pivotally coupled to an intermediate
portion 52 of the main link at 56 and to a camming slot 62 defined
by an intermediate portion 50 of the balance link at 54. The
camming slot 62 is shaped such that as the convertible top 10 is
articulated from its raised position to a lowered position, the
rear panel 24 is articulated in a controlled manner. In other
words, as the rear panel 24 pivots about its pivotal coupling 56 to
the main link 10, the pivotal coupling 54 between the rear panel 24
and the camming slot 62 causes the rear panel 24 to follow the path
of the slot 62. Accordingly, the rear panel member 24 is
efficiently articulated within the rear passenger compartment 16 to
a folded position as shown in FIG. 4. A rear quarter window 63,
that is preferably rigidly affixed to the main link 40, is
articulated along with the linkage assembly 18 into the rear
passenger compartment 16.
As best shown in FIGS. 5, 5A, 6 and 6A, the front panel member 22
is pivotally coupled to the distal ends of both the main link 40
and the balance link 38 at 42 and 44. As the convertible top 10 is
urged rearwardly, such that the rear panel member 24 and the back
light 26 drop into the rear passenger compartment 16, the front
panel member 22 moves rearward and downward. When completely
lowered, the front panel 22 is positioned over the rear passenger
compartment 16 and package shelf area, acting as a cover for the
stored convertible top 10. As shown in the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 4, the convertible vehicle 12 is thereby converted from a
four-passenger coupe to a two-passenger roadster.
Note, the convertible top 10 of the present invention also lends
itself to being stored in a traditional, dedicated tonneau space
(not shown). As with the preferred embodiment, a portion of the
convertible top 10 can be utilized as a cover, thereby eliminating
the need for a separate boot or cover (not shown). In either case,
when the convertible top 10 is in its lowered storage position, it
is preferably held in place by adjustable stops 64 and 66. As best
shown in FIG. 7, these adjustable stops 64 and 66 prevent the links
38 and 40 from articulating further in a downward direction.
Thereafter, the convertible top 10 can be secured to the vehicle 12
with conventional latching means (not shown).
In order to stabilize the convertible top 10 as it is articulating
between its raised and lowered positions, a stabilizing member 68
extends between the main links 40, transversely across the vehicle
12. This adds stability to the linkage assembly 18 by ensuring that
all links, on both the passenger side of the vehicle and the
driver's side of the vehicle, articulate together. When in a raised
position, this stabilizer bar 68 is neatly concealed by portions of
both the rear panel 24 and the front panel 22 and may abutt and
support portions of both panels 22 and 24. As best shown in FIGS. 8
and 9, the stabilizer bar 68 is sandwiched between a rearward
portion of the front panel 22 that overlaps a forward portion of
the rear panel 24. Thus, the stabilizer bar 68 is undetectable from
the interior of the vehicle 12.
In operation, the preferred convertible top 10 of the present
invention can be manually or automatically lowered from its raised
operative position as follows. An operator releases the convertible
top 10 from its latched position by grasping the latch handle 70,
shown in FIG. 8, and unlatching it from the header portion 72 of
the windshield. Latch handle 70, located substantially above the
driver's seat, controls a conventional latching mechanism (not
shown). Accordingly, the driver of the vehicle 12 can conveniently
release the latch from either the driver's seat or from outside the
vehicle 12, through the driver's door window. Once unlatched, the
roof is imply urged rearward, causing the panels 22 and 24 to
articulate into a folded position. If the top is manually operated,
as shown in FIG. 8, a gas cylinder 74 can be used to assist the
lowering of the top. Otherwise, a conventional actuator (not shown)
can be used in place of the cylinder 74 to automatically raise and
lower the top. In any event, as the convertible top 10 continues to
be urged rearwardly, the folded convertible top 10 lowers into a
storage position within the rear passenger compartment 16. The
convertible top 10 is completely lowered when the adjustable stops
64 and 66 are engaged.
In short, the convertible top 10 of the present invention provides
the unique ability to function as a convertible top in its raised
operative position and to function as a tonneau cover in its
lowered storage position. Moreover, the preferred embodiment of the
present invention is designed to store in the rear passenger
compartment 16 of a vehicle 12 such that the need for a dedicated
tonneau or storage space can be eliminated. As such, when the
convertible top 10 is in a raised position, this particular vehicle
12 has the appearance of a four-seat coupe. On the other hand, when
the convertible top 10 is in its lowered position, the vehicle 12
has the appearance of a two-door roadster. Accordingly, the present
invention has compensated for a number of disadvantages found in
conventional convertible tops by creating a unique top that
enhances both the looks and utility of the vehicle.
The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will
readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying
drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and
variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
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