Telescopic Patents (Class 296/107.14)
  • Patent number: 7523976
    Abstract: A vehicle, and a support device used in conjunction with a vehicle top enclosure for enclosing a top portion of a vehicle, the support device comprising a front catch positioned forward a steering mechanism of the vehicle and a first arm pivotally connected to the device, the first arm including a telescoping vehicle front connecting portion, the front connecting portion configured to engage the front catch. Further aspects include a tensioner configured with the first arm to engage the catch. A pliable cover may be included to complete the top enclosure and associated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Severson
  • Patent number: 6499793
    Abstract: A folding top for a convertible vehicle including a folding top frame movable between a closed, stretched position and an open, compacted position. The top frame includes two rod linkage systems, each including a first leg and a frame section having a guide rail connected to the first leg and a holding strut movable relative to the guide rail and the first leg during movement of the top frame between the open and closed positions. A flexible skin is retained by the holding strut such that the skin is movable relative to the first leg during movement of the first leg to thereby reduce stresses on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Heselhaus, Uwe Plassmeyer, Udo Rademacher, Carsten Ventker