Multi-position retractable vehicle roof
US5078447A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J7/028
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-position hardtop roof for a vehicle which is retractable between a coupe position enclosing the passenger compartment and a convertible position wherein the roof is stored within the rear deck of the vehicle. The roof is segmented into a front fixed panel incorporating the windshield, an intermediate panel and a rear panel. The intermediate panel of the roof is telescopically retractable onto the rear panel and both movable panels are thereafter retractable into the rear deck of the vehicle. From the coupe position, the intermediate roof segment can be tilted to a second venting position. Further retraction moves the intermediate segment rearwardly onto the rear roof segment to a targa position. Finally, the roof segments may be fully retracted to the convertible position. Two sets of piston/cylinder mechanisms control movement of the intermediate segment and the rear roof segment. The longitudinal retraction and the segmented construction of the roof facilitate retraction even while the vehicle is moving and minimizes the storage space required for the fully retracted roof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.