Patent · US Expired

Folding top for a convertible and convertible comprising a folding top

US7500709B2 · kind B2 · utility

25Cited by
8References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 17, 2005
Grant dateMar 10, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 12, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60J1/1823
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A folding top for a convertible vehicle comprises a rigid rear window assembly (24) and a top framework with side frame parts (10, 12, 14, 40) for supporting a roof covering (16), which parts are at least partially retractable into a rear portion (29) of the vehicle. At least a rear area of the roof covering, which is affixed to the rear window (26) and to the rearmost side frame part (40), is made of a flexible material. The rearmost side frame part is connected via a linkage (44, 50, 54, 56) with the rear window assembly such that the distance between the rearmost side frame part and the side edge of the rear window passes through a maximum shortly before reaching the fully closed position of the folding top, whereby the tensioning of the flexible material counteracts against an opening of the folding top.

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