Convertible top cover and headliner interconnected by bows
US8465081B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J7/1234
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A convertible top having a cover and a headliner interconnected by transverse bows having fore and aft slots that are connected to either the cover or the headliner by flexible welts. A method of making a convertible top with welts that are assembled to the bows by sliding first and second welts lengthwise into fore and aft slots formed on the bows. The bows are assembled to the top stack after the cover and headliner are attached to the bows. One or more bows may include a central portion and two end portions that are assembled to opposite ends of the central portion in a range of predetermined positions. A method is disclosed for making a bow by extruding the central portion of the bow and molding the right and left end portions of the bow in a thixotropic molding process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.