Folding top for motor vehicles

US5267770A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Mercedes-Benz Group AG · DE

Inventors

• Stefan Orth · Weil der Stadt, DE
• Karl H. Koster · Sandy Springs, US
• Klaus Claar · Sindelfingen, DE
• Jurgen Schrader · Stuttgart, DE
• Walter Cornel · Sindelfingen, DE
• Helmut Rottler · Aidlingen, DE
• Martin Guckel · Bad Liebenzell, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 24, 1992
• Grant date: Dec 7, 1993
• Expiry date: Aug 24, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60J1/1815
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding top for motor vehicles with a dimensionally stable rear window which, when the top is opened, can be folded down from an upright, position of use into a flat position of non-use. The top cover encloses the rear window and is connected along the lower edge side of the rear window and laterally thereto to a material retaining section arranged at the lower termination of the top. The rear window exhibits an axis of articulation extending approximately parallel to the lower edge side of the rear window which is displaced rearwards relative to the material retaining section during movement of the rear window toward a position of non-use. The axis of articulation is arranged to be displaceable to ensure the displaceability of the rear window. In order also to permit appropriate rearward displacement of the rear window with top arrangements in which the lower edge side of the rear window extends at a relatively short distance from the material retaining hoop when the top is closed, the top cover is provided on both sides of the rear window with a fabric zone of variable length, the fabric zones being capable of being drawn apart by the rearward displacem…