Patent · US Expired

Convertible top structure

US4720133A · kind A · utility

54Cited by
11References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 10, 1986
Grant dateJan 19, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 10, 2006

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60J7/1265
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A manually operated convertible top structure for vehicles having a pivotal tonneau mounted rearward of the passenger compartment. The convertible top structure includes a pair of spaced rigid side rails which are interconnected by a plurality of spaced, transversely extending crossbows to form a frame work over which a flexible folding top is disposed. A pair of rear rails extending in a substantially upright orientation are pivotally mounted to the vehicle at one end and are connected by a control linkage to the side rails. The rearmost crossbow is pivotally connected to a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle. The side rails are pivotally connected to the frontmost crossbows for outward lateral movement as the top structure is lowered. An over-center lock formed of first and second links is pivotally connected between the rear rails and the rearmost crossbow for positively locking the rearmost crossbow on the tonneau when the convertible top structure is in its raised position. A locating pin centrally mounted on the rearmost crossbow engages an aperture centrally formed in the tonneau for locating the rearmost crossbow with respect to the tonneau of the vehicle.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.