Patents Assigned to Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.
-
Patent number: 8025328Abstract: A soft-top convertible roof can extend and retract in a two-phase process. The first phase can correspond to a front portion of the top stack mechanism moving from a first raised position to a second retracted position and can be driven by an actuator which can be disposed in a roof rail forward of a rearmost roof rail. The second phase can correspond to the rear portion of the top stack mechanism moving from a raised position to a stowed position along with the front portion. The rearmost roof rail can remain stationary during the first phase. A connecting link can be connected to at least three roof rails that extend along a side of the vehicle and can be part of two four-bar linkage assemblies. A buggy link mechanism can drive retraction and extension of a backlite frame due to movement of the top stack mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Christopher J. Dilluvio, Bradley R. Garska
-
Patent number: 7938483Abstract: A soft top roof system for an automotive vehicle roof system having a track with a lift ramp, a slider that is moveable along the track, and an arm connected to the slider at a pivot and moveable from a neutral position to a lift position. The system includes at least two cross bow connections located on the arm above the pivot point and a guide located on the arm opposite the at least two cross bow connections, the guide moves along the lift ramp.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Cliff R. Reitzloff, Michael J. Urban, Nilesh Wickham, Dave Slanec
-
Patent number: 7857373Abstract: An automotive vehicle employs a convertible roof system. The convertible roof system can include a roof cover and a top stack mechanism operable between raised and stowed positions. At least one roof bow can move between first and second positions relative to a forwardmost roof rail.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Christopher J. Dilluvio, Bradley R. Garska
-
Patent number: 7780228Abstract: An open air system for an automotive vehicle includes a moveable roof panel and can include a single pair of guide tracks that extends along the vehicle through which the moveable roof member travels. A backlite of the open air system and the roof panel can have a similar transverse contour. A seal member can define a boundary between a dry area and a wet area and the guide tracks can be positioned outside of the seal member in the wet area. A wind deflecting assembly can be included and can have a wind deflector moveable between a retracted position and a raised position and can be automatically actuated by a drive member that drives movement of the roof panel. The open air system can be a modular open air system that can be installed into a vehicle as a modular unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Mostafa Rashidy, George Albert Corder, James William Brinkmeier
-
Patent number: 7708332Abstract: A convertible roof system employs a convertible roof assembly and a cover assembly which operably covers at least a portion of a vehicular area within which the convertible roof is stowed. In a further aspect of the present invention, the cover assembly includes a dual-acting deck lid. Another aspect of the present invention employs a movable main pivot bracket for the convertible roof assembly. Furthermore, an additional aspect of the present invention allows a stowed and collapsed convertible roof assembly to at least partially move with a stowage area cover when the cover is opened to allow rearward access into the stowage area.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Chris P. Theodore, Todd Schartner, Arthur L. MacNee
-
Patent number: 7690716Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, an in-folding convertible roof is employed. A further aspect of the present invention includes at least a partially self-covering convertible roof system which includes at least one side rail that moves in a generally cross-vehicular direction when the roof is raised or lowered.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventor: Christopher J. Dilluvio
-
Publication number: 20100066130Abstract: An open air system for an automotive vehicle includes a moveable roof panel and can include a single pair of guide tracks that extends along the vehicle through which the moveable roof member travels. A backlite of the open air system and the roof panel can have a similar transverse contour. A seal member can define a boundary between a dry area and a wet area and the guide tracks can be positioned outside of the seal member in the wet area. A wind deflecting assembly can be included and can have a wind deflector moveable between a retracted position and a raised position and can be automatically actuated by a drive member that drives movement of the roof panel. The open air system can be a modular open air system that can be installed into a vehicle as a modular unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Mostafa Rashidy, George Albert Corder, James William Brinkmeier
-
Patent number: 7614686Abstract: A structural reinforcement system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, an upper structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction adjacent to a vehicle belt-line. A further aspect of the present invention employs an upper structural beam with a recessed central portion. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: James E. Robertson, Robert G. Storc, Mostafa Rashidy
-
Publication number: 20090224568Abstract: A soft-top convertible roof can extend and retract in a two-phase process. The first phase can correspond to a front portion of the top stack mechanism moving from a first raised position to a second retracted position and can be driven by an actuator which can be disposed in a roof rail forward of a rearmost roof rail. The second phase can correspond to the rear portion of the top stack mechanism moving from a raised position to a stowed position along with the front portion. The rearmost roof rail can remain stationary during the first phase. A connecting link can be connected to at least three roof rails that extend along a side of the vehicle and can be part of two four-bar linkage assemblies. A buggy link mechanism can drive retraction and extension of a backlite frame due to movement of the top stack mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Christopher J. Dilluvio, Bradley R. Garska
-
Patent number: 7559596Abstract: A convertible roof includes a segmented rearmost roof bow that has a length that can change during the retraction and extension process. The rearmost roof bow can be segmented such that the pieces can move relative to one another to shorten a length of the rearmost roof bow when being stowed. When in the fully raised and operative position, the sections of the segmented rearmost roof bow can be aligned and form a roof bow having an operative length. In the retracted state, the sections of the segmented rearmost roof bow can be moved relative to one another such that they are no longer aligned and have a length that is less than the operative length when aligned.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Bradley R. Garska, Christopher J. Dilluvio
-
Patent number: 7527328Abstract: A method of closing a vehicular system having a moveable front bow and a moveable rear bow. The method includes moving the front bow forward, releasing tension from the rear bow, moving the front bow to a closed position, and moving the rear bow to a closed position. In another aspect, a method of minimizing buffeting in a vehicle interior compartment from a sunroof. The method includes moving a first end bow of the sunroof to an open position and moving a second end bow of the sunroof away from a seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Cliff R. Reitzloff, Michael J. Urban, Tim Shoskey, Michael Porter
-
Patent number: 7481486Abstract: A structural seat system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a passenger seat with a recessed configuration. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement and seat system in a convertible roof vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Mostafa Rashidy, George A. Corder, Robert G. Storc, James E. Robertson, George Wolenter
-
Publication number: 20080284200Abstract: An automotive vehicle employs a convertible roof system. The convertible roof system can include a roof cover and a top stack mechanism operable between raised and stowed positions. At least one roof bow can move between first and second positions relative to a forwardmost roof rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Christopher J. Dilluvio, Bradley R. Garska
-
Patent number: 7413240Abstract: A structural reinforcement system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a cross-vehicle reinforcement beam inside another structural member. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Mostafa Rashidy, George Wolenter, Robert G. Storc, James E. Robertson
-
Patent number: 7413242Abstract: A structural seat system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a passenger seat with a recessed configuration. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement and seat system in a convertible roof vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Mostafa Rashidy, George A. Corder, Robert G. Storc, James E. Robertson, George Wolenter
-
Patent number: 7399030Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, an automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of tracks connected to the vehicle, a flexible roof that is coupled to the tracks, one or more movement mechanisms that are integrated in the tracks and connected to the roof, an automatic actuator and a rear header that is connected to the roof and is movable with the roof. Other aspects of the teachings, the rear header may include a stop light that is mounted in the header or it may include a rear windshield wiper system.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Cliff R. Reitzloff, Michael J. Urban
-
Publication number: 20080164726Abstract: A multi-panel sunroof employs at least three movable sunroof panels. In another aspect of the present invention, three sunroof panels are stacked upon each other in one or two different operating positions. A further aspect of the present invention provides for rearward opening movement of a front sunroof panel and forward opening movement of a rear sunroof panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Arthur L. MacNee, Christopher J. Dilluvio
-
Patent number: 7347482Abstract: A tonneau cover system uses a unique and novel way to control the movement of a side cover. The system utilizes a drum that is coupled to the side cover and a cable which is coupled to the drum. Movement of the cable causes the side cover to move between open and closed positions. The cable can be coupled to a retractable roof. Movement of the retractable roof between raised and stowed positions causes the side cover of the tonneau cover system to move between its open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventor: James C Powell
-
Patent number: 7341303Abstract: A joint locking device for a convertible roof system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, an outfolding convertible roof employs a device for deterring member-to-member movement when fully raised. A further aspect of the present invention employs a linearly moving lock for a convertible roof joint, which may be automatically actuated and/or manually actuated. Still another aspect of the present invention provides a joint lock at the A-joint, B-joint, C-joint and/or another joint of the convertible roof top stack mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Arthur L. MacNee, III, Bradley R. Garska, Stephen A. Doncov
-
Patent number: 7320499Abstract: An automotive vehicle system includes a movable member and a belt-driven drive wheel that is operable to engage and disengage with the movable member and cause the movable member to move between positions. A tensioning member is operable to bias a movable roof member into contact with a wheel which is operable to engage with and selectively drive the roof member between positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Arthur L. MacNee, III, Kurt Theisen