Folding top for a convertible

US5816644A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Wilhelm Karmann GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Karl Rothe · Bramsche, DE
• Joachim Maass · Bissendorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 20, 1996
• Grant date: Oct 6, 1998
• Expiry date: Jun 20, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60J7/1265
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A foldable top for a convertible includes a vehicle body, a windshield frame on the vehicle body, a rear region on the vehicle body disposed rearwardly of the windshield frame, a foldable-rod linkage supportable on the windshield frame, a main power operated device mounted on the vehicle body for moving the foldable-rod linkage between closed and open positions, and a rear roof clamping member at the rear region of the vehicle body. Rail members are pivotably connected to each other and are also pivotably connected to the foldable-rod linkage and to the clamping member. A tensioning linkage is pivotably connected to one of the rail members and pivotably connected to the vehicle body. A drive mechanism mounted on the vehicle body is pivotably connected to the tensioning linkage and is operable to pivot the tensioning linkage which in turn pivots the rail members.