Retracting mechanism for use with both hard and hybrid retractable tops for vehicles

US7377574B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Wilhelm Karmann GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Richter · Haar, DE
• David Connolly · Columbia, US
• Markus Wulf · Wixom, US
• Frank Neubrand · Beverly Hills, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 18, 2005
• Grant date: May 27, 2008
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2025

Classification

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

Abstract

A retractable top for a vehicle includes a front section, a middle section and a rear section. A first embodiment includes rigid front, middle and rear sections. A second embodiment includes rigid front and rear sections and a membranous middle section. A single retracting mechanism design is utilized for both the first and second embodiments, which allows selective movement of the front, middle and rear sections of the top between an open position and a closed position.