Down Supports Patents (Class 296/124)
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Patent number: 11814805Abstract: A boat dock bumper assembly configured for mounting on a boat dock and protecting a boat against damage from impacts with a side surface and a lower surface of the dock. The bumper assembly includes a clamp frame, an upper jaw, and a bumper. The upper jaw is movably coupled to the clamp frame for clamping a boat dock between the upper jaw and a lower jaw of the clamp frame. The bumper is joined to the clamp frame and has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions of the bumper may be integral or separable. The bumper is configured to absorb impacts from collisions between the boat and the dock. A method of protecting a boat against damage from impacts with a side surface and a lower surface of a boat dock using the bumper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Inventor: Thomas R. Martin
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Patent number: 10589606Abstract: A water collecting arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle has a water tray (10) with a water tray base (14) and an encircling water tray wall (16) extending up from the water tray base (14). At least one water outlet (12) is arranged on the water tray base (14). The at least one water outlet (12) has a dam collar (20; 20?; 20?) raised from the water tray base (14) and radially surrounding a water outlet opening (26).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Norbert Schneider, Lena-Marie Mueller
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Patent number: 9694658Abstract: A device for receiving a cover of a convertible motor vehicle includes A device for receiving a cover of a convertible motor vehicle, including a first pivot part and a second pivot part, each being supported on a vehicle body so as to be pivotal between two pivot positions; a floor part fastened on the first pivot part and the second pivot part; and at least one drive device coupling the first and second pivot parts with each other, so that pivot movements of the first pivot part induced by the drive device cause pivot movements of the second pivot part and pivot movements of the second pivot part induced by the drive device cause pivot movements of the first pivot part.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Mario Wachs, Guido Günthner, Klaus Huber
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Patent number: 8960766Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle has a top system (2) that can be stowed in a rear-end stowage compartment (7). The top system (2) is held in the stowage compartment (7) by a support with a hinge element (9) having a horizontally pivotable hinge arm (11) and a top bearing (8) integrated in the hinge arm (11). The hinge arm (11) has a drive device (12) actuable by a roof link (30) of the top system (2) and configured to pivot the hinge arm (11) about a vertical axis (10) from a folded-in rest position (R), in which the hinge arm (11) is oriented transversely in the vehicle (1), into a folded-out bearing position (A), in which the hinge arm (11) extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and in which the top bearing (8) receives a support (14) of a roof element (5) of the top system (2).Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Florian Dahm
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Publication number: 20140339852Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle has a top system (2) that can be stowed in a rear-end stowage compartment (7). The top system (2) is held in the stowage compartment (7) by a support with a hinge element (9) having a horizontally pivotable hinge arm (11) and a top bearing (8) integrated in the hinge arm (11). The hinge arm (11) has a drive device (12) actuable by a roof link (30) of the top system (2) and configured to pivot the hinge arm (11) about a vertical axis (10) from a folded-in rest position (R), in which the hinge arm (11) is oriented transversely in the vehicle (1), into a folded-out bearing position (A), in which the hinge arm (11) extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and in which the top bearing (8) receives a support (14) of a roof element (5) of the top system (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Florian Dahm
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Patent number: 8322777Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a folding roof which can be moved by a top linkage between a closed position in which it can be fixed to a windshield frame and an open position in which it is stowed in a rear side stowage position.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Norbert Habacker
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Patent number: 8075044Abstract: A convertible has a convertible top which can be put away in the rear region of the convertible and, in a fully open position, is received in a convertible top compartment which can be at least partially closed by a convertible top compartment cover. In this case, the put-away convertible top is held down with the aid of the convertible top compartment cover and is fixed in the held-down position by at least one holding-down device which can be placed onto the convertible top and is disposed on the convertible top compartment cover. The holding-down device has a friction-reducing coating facing the convertible top.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Reiner Armbruster, Joachim Knirsch
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Patent number: 7857374Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle having a roof which is provided with lateral roof linkage parts and can be stowed away in the rear of the vehicle. At least one hold-down device acts on the roof linkage parts of the stowed roof and is associated with the body of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Olaf Weismuller, Klaus Russke
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Patent number: 7802837Abstract: A vehicle roof has at least two roof segments which, in the closed position of the roof, support a flexible roof skin at least in some regions and can be shifted via at least two pairs of links in a positively controlled manner from a closed position G of the top into a fixed storage position A of the top and vice-versa. One pair of links is thereby drivable by motor in order to move all of the roof parts. In the storage position A of the top, the driven pair of links can be supported by a first vehicle-body-side stop on each side of the vehicle in order to fix all of the roof parts with defined distances being maintained at least between the at least two pairs of links.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche AGInventors: Lars Schulz, Felix Hermann, Dominik Beierl
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Patent number: 7802838Abstract: A soft top for a motor vehicle, lockable on a windshield frame by a latch disposed on a forward soft top section and swivelable to a locked position, the soft top movable to a rearward stowed position once the latch has been swiveled into an unlocked position. A locking mechanism provides a catch hook on the vehicle body swivelable between a releasing position and a blocking position, in which the same engages with a catch hook engaging part that is mounted on the soft top or the vehicle body when the soft top is in the blocked state. The locking mechanism is fitted with a spring device, against the spring force of which the soft top runs into the stowed position, while the catch hook can be swiveled into the released position by means of the locking drive in order to release the locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Webasto AGInventor: Rudolf Dietl
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Patent number: 7784850Abstract: A convertible with a roof, which can be displaced longitudinally in an approximately horizontal position towards the rear of the vehicle, between a closed position, in which the roof is held directly or indirectly against the windshield frame and an intermediate position, in which the fixture between the roof and the windshield frame is released, is provided. The roof, for at least part of the lowering motion, is held in a receiving space of the car body in the rear intermediate position and in the lowered condition it can be displaced longitudinally towards the front of the vehicle. At least one displaceable locking element for the roof can be actuated during the longitudinal displacement of the stowed-away roof.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Heino Feussahrens, Winfried Bunsmann
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Patent number: 7780218Abstract: A locking device (10) for locking a convertible top (18) in its opened position comprises a catch element (14) and an opposing element (16) bringable into engagement therewith for locking, wherein the catch element or the opposing element is attached on the convertible top (18) and the other element of the catch element and the opposing element is borne on a vehicle body side. One element (14, 16) is displaceably borne in a retainer (20) and is biased in a locking direction by a biasing device (22). The retainer (20) is movable together with the biasing device (22) and with the element (14) borne in the retainer as a function of the movement of the convertible top (18) into an active position and into an idle position. In the active position, an engagement between the catch element and the opposing element is possible, which is excluded in the idle position.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Norbert Habacker
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Patent number: 7517000Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet car (1) comprising a roof provided with a flexible cover (3) at least in the rear part thereof, wherein the cover (3) being in a closed position can be tensionally supported with respect to a body (7) with the aid of a tension bow (11). In order to open the roof (2), the tension bow (11) is displaced to the closed position thereof, wherein said bow is arranged on a closed support element (A) of the body (7), first upward (AS) and, when the support element is open, backward (RS) and subsequently to the open position, wherein said tension bow is arranged under the plan of the closed support element (A) being displaced downwards (AV). Said invention provides for a first displacement center (25) for displacing the tension bow (11) upwards and backwards (AS, RS) and a separate second displacement center for displacing said tension bow downward (AV).Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Petra Liedmeyer, Sven Hollenbeck
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Patent number: 7445266Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle (1), with a roof (2), comprising a flexible cover (3), at least in the rear part thereof, whereby the cover (3) may be held in tension against the chassis (7), by means of a tension stay (11) and the tension stay (11) rests on one or several supports (15) in the open position, embodied such that the support(s) (15) are fixed on one or more bracket(s) (14), connected to a roof frame (5), attached below the cover (3), before assembly thereof on the chassis (7).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Petra Liedmeyer, Sven Hollenbeck
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Patent number: 7347481Abstract: A vehicle roof of a convertible with at least one front roof part, a rear roof part that is movable between a closed position over the vehicle interior and an open position in which it is stowed in a rear stowage space, and a rear window which is pivotably supported on the rear roof part. In the open position in the stowage space, the window is raised relative to the rear roof part. For improved actuation of the rear window, a holding mechanism keeps the rear window in its closed position on the rear roof part and when the rear roof part is being stowed, releases the rear window to swing relative to the rear roof part. A support is located in the stowage space and supports the rear window while the rear roof part is lowered into its stowage position.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Open Air Systems GmbHInventors: Thomas Schuett, Fritz Wegener
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Patent number: 7325858Abstract: A folding top assembly includes roof and transmission systems. The roof system includes a main link for rotatably coupling a roof to a vehicle. The main link includes a first end for coupling to the roof and a second end for rotatably coupling to the vehicle such that the main link is rotatable to move the roof between closed and opened positions. The transmission system includes tilting and drive levers. The tilting lever has two arms and a center. The second tilting arm and the first drive lever end are rotatably coupled to one another, the second drive lever end and an extension of the second main link end are rotatably coupled to one another, and the tilting center is rotatable such that the tilting lever, the drive lever, and the main link rotate to move the roof upon the first tilting arm being actuated by the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder, Holger Roder
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Patent number: 7140666Abstract: A latching system for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, front and/or rear convertible roof sections are rigid, hard-top roofs. A further aspect of the present invention system provides a latch which secures a generally rigid tonneau cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignees: ASC Incorporated, Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Markus Wulf, Gary J. Forgue, Stefan Eichhorst, Jens Loemker
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Patent number: 6726270Abstract: Vertically adjustable folding top compartment floor on a vehicle with a folding or convertible top, which floor is connected by way of foldable side walls with the vehicle body. Two side walls arranged on opposite side areas of the convertible top compartment floor are formed by two wall sections, respectively, which are swivellably connected about a hinge axis. One wall section is swivellable about a connection axis linked to the convertible top compartment floor, and the other wall section is swivellable about a supporting axis linked to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AGInventor: Walter Meierhofer
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Patent number: 6702363Abstract: A vehicle with a folding hard roof is provided with a rear passenger space between front and rear seats that is suitably expanded by turning a rear seatback forward down and then moving the rear seatback backward so as to receive the folding hard roof retracted therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Isao Tohda, Haruo Ohe, Kouji Iwasaka
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Publication number: 20030160475Abstract: A vehicle with a folding hard roof is provided with a rear passenger space between front and rear seats that is suitably expanded by turning a rear seatback forward down and then moving the rear seatback backward so as to receive the folding hard roof retracted therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Isao Tohda, Haruo Ohe, Kouji Iwasaka
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Patent number: 6595574Abstract: In a removable vehicle roof including an operating mechanism for moving the roof between a closed position in which the vehicle roof covers an interior vehicle space and a storage position in which the vehicle roof is deposited in a rear storage compartment, the operating mechanism includes operating and coupling arms which are pivotable relative to each other and provided with locking means for locking the vehicle roof in position in the storage compartment and also for rigidly interconnecting the operating and coupling arms when the vehicle roof is in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug- Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Jay Shaw, Peter Nétzel, Thorsten Schumacher
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Publication number: 20030090125Abstract: Vertically adjustable folding top compartment floor on a vehicle with a folding or convertible top, which floor is connected by way of foldable side walls with the vehicle body. Two side walls arranged on opposite side areas of the convertible top compartment floor are formed by two wall sections, respectively, which are swivellably connected about a hinge axis. One wall section is swivellable about a connection axis linked to the convertible top compartment floor, and the other wall section is swivellable about a supporting axis linked to the vehicle body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Walter Meierhofer
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Patent number: 6267433Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a lowerable roof part (12) which can be moved via a lowering mechanism (48) from a raised into a lowered position and which has a closing device (14), with which the lowerable roof part (12) can be locked both in the raised and also in the lowered position, the closing device (14) with the lowerable roof part (12) raised interacting with a first pivot support (11) which is fixed on a stationary roof part (20). The lowerable roof part (12) can be locked securely in the raised and in the lowered position without high construction cost, and which enables universal use is created by the closing device (14) with the lowerable roof part (12) lowered interacting with a second pivot support (62) which is fixed on an element of the lowering mechanism (48).Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bayer, Jürgen Stenvers
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Patent number: 6183030Abstract: A convertible rear structure for a modular vehicle body includes a floor panel, a rear panel projecting upwardly from the floor panel, a front panel projecting upwardly from the floor panel and joining the rear panel to form a trough like region therebetween, and a seat back panel projecting downwardly from the front panel, thereby forming a rear structure that is adapted to receive convertible top componentry prior to joining with the modular vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark Wayne Stender, John Pestenariu
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Patent number: 6033008Abstract: Folding hard top structure for a convertible, said structure comprising substantially rigid roof panel parts (1, 2, 3) which, like the top of a saloon car, cover the passenger compartment of the convertible when the top is in a closed raised position (I) and which can be folded down to a lowered open position (II) leaving at least part of the passenger compartment uncovered, in which, in the raised position (I) of the car top, adjacent roof panel parts comprise a first roof panel part (1) having a first edge (4) and a second roof panel part (2) having a second edge (5) which, in the raised position (I) of the top, is fitted to butt against the first edge (4) of the first roof panel part (1), and which roof panel parts (1, 2) are apart from each other when the top is in the lowered open position (II).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Valmet Automotive OyInventor: Veijo Mattila
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Patent number: 5876083Abstract: A top storage well for a convertible motor vehicle, which includes a substantially U-shaped body having vertically extending front and rear walls and a substantially horizontally extending floor, and bellows formed of a water-proof flexible material and connectable with the floor and the rear wall, with a floor section of a transverse body section, which connects two legs of the U-shaped body, and a movable middle wall portion of the rear wall being together raisable upward for increasing and adjoining trunk space, and with the bellows being attached to both small sides of the floor section to the middle wall portion of the rear wall, and to stationary side sections of the body floor.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH & Co., FahrzeugtechnikInventor: Theodor Striegl
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Patent number: 5810413Abstract: Storage device having two storage spaces whose volume can be changed by an adjustable separating wall, particularly on a convertible or the like, is provided. The separating wall has three plate-shaped elements, a center element of which on opposite end areas, in each case swivellably about an axis, being connected with an exterior element which in each case, swivellably about a stationary swivelling axis is fastened on the exterior end area, whereby the elements form a four-bar mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Harald Siring, Jan-Patrick Kokott
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Patent number: 5527081Abstract: A split-installation drainage arrangement for a convertible vehicle topwell assembly adapted for storage of the top in a downwardly folded position. The plastic shell-like topwell includes a floor molded with right and left side water collecting areas each terminating in a drainage recess. A sub-assembly, adapted for transporting water from an associated recess to the exterior of the vehicle, includes a one-piece discharge fitting and a sealing grommet interconnected by a flexible drain tube. The tube has one end attached to an exit spout of the fitting and its other end adapted for insertion in a body panel aperture by means of a snap-in sealing grommet. The sub-assemblies are readily installed in the vehicle body prior to the installation of the topwell. Each fitting has a collar adapted for snap-in mounting in a body support panel oval-shaped aperture.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Jeffrey S. Rausch, Joseph Cottone, Randall C. Querro, Paul C. Pellerito
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Patent number: 5509712Abstract: A topwell assembly for use with a convertible top on an automotive vehicle to store the top in a down position. The topwell assembly is made of molded, rigid unitary shell conforming to an environment of continuous and non-continuous surfaces. The shell has a support surface and a side wall surface projecting from the support surface for supporting the convertible top when the top is in a down, storage position.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Jeffrey S. Rausch, Wayne A. Conti, Jack C. Higdon
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Patent number: 5395152Abstract: Apparatus and method for attaching the rear edge of the fabric top and a sling to the periphery of a convertible top storage well are disclosed. A convertible vehicle has a top storage well located behind the rear seat for receiving the folded top through a top opening. A sling lines the well and is attached to the well periphery at the top opening. The rear edge of the convertible top cover is attached to a tacking strip which has a plurality of spaced holes that receive threaded studs welded to body structure. A plurality of nuts are screwed onto the studs atop the tacking strip to secure the tacking strip to the well walls. Each nut has an enlarged outwardly rounded head and a retention groove. An elongated strip of elastic material sewn to the sling incorporates a plurality of spaced slotted apertures and a central locating aperture.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignees: Wickes Manufacturing Co., Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Steven J. Skornicka, David R. Farkas
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Patent number: 5072987Abstract: A retractable roof is provided for mounting on a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle. The roof comprises a flexible waterproof canopy which is removably supported by a tubular metal frame movably secured to the vehicle. The frame includes a stationary base portion and an overhead portion including a front bow, central bow, and rear bow, all of which can be pivoted from an upright position over the seat of the vehicle to a lowered position parallel to the base portion and behind the seat. The central bow includes telescoping elements which allow it to be shortened when in the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1990Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Inventor: Marshall T. Allen
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Patent number: 5054847Abstract: A roof panel connected to the vehicle body through at least a pair of left-hand and right-hand front pillars and a pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars is provided with a wide open roof panel opening enclosed by a front header, a pair of left-hand and right-hand roof side rails and a rear header. To the pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars and the rear header is fixed a rear window glass panel. In order to close the roof panel opening, there is provided a flexible top foldable or windable.When the roof panel opening is in a closed state, a forward end portion of the flexible top is in abutment with said front header, its left-hand and right-hand side end portions are abutted with the left-hand and right-hand roof side rails, and its rearward end portion is in abutment with the rear header. The flexible top is displaceable along the roof side rails and the rear pillars.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1989Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Seiichi Asoh, Satoshi Kubota, Hitoki Fukuda, Kajuhiro Ushijima, Fumiyuki Murakami, Tomoo Taguchi, Shigefumi Kohno
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Patent number: 5035461Abstract: A vehicle folding top is stowed in an associated generally U-shaped folding-top box when the folding top is opened. The folding-top covering held by a folding-top structure is, during the lowering of the folding top, drawn into the folding-top box while, at the same time, run on a directing edge at the upper margin of a limiting wall of the folding top box. The directing edge extends over a middle wall and over a part length of the side walls of the folding-top box and is softened by rounding edges which merge into the wall surfaces. To allow the folding-top covering to be inserted into the folding-top box with a minimum of wear, an additional directing contour is provided above the box and comprises, at its upper margin, a run-on edge set back relative to the directing edge of the folding-top box and a sliding surface located between the directing edge and the run-on edge.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1990Date of Patent: July 30, 1991Assignee: Daimler-Benz AktiengesellschaftInventor: Gerhard Zweigart
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Patent number: 4969679Abstract: In order to increase the holding capacity of a trunk in the closed position of a top, a top compartment, for accommodating a convertible top, which reaches from above into a partial area of a trunk, at least in sections, is constructed of an elastic flexible material so that the top compartment can be pushed together in vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1989Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Wolfgang Eyb
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Patent number: 4968089Abstract: A roof panel connected to the vehicle body through at least a pair of left-hand and right-hand front pillars and a pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars is provided with a wide open roof aperture enclosed by a front header, a pair of left-hand and right-hand roof side rails and a rear header. To the pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars and the rear header is fixed a rear window glass panel. In order to close the roof aperture, there is provided a flexible top which is foldable in the longitudinal direction of the body. When the roof aperture is in a closed state, a forward end portion of the flexible top is in abutment with said front header, its left-hand and right-hand side end portions are abutted with the left-hand and right-hand roof side rails, and its rearward end portion is in abutment with the rear header.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1989Date of Patent: November 6, 1990Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takeshi Murai, Miyuki Tonegawa
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Patent number: 4950022Abstract: A passenger vehicle is equipped with a hard top that is selectively movable between up and storage modes, being mounted on a pair of transversely alined posts that project upwardly from opposite sides of the vehicle to upper end portions that provide pivots alined on a transverse axis appreciably above the belt line of the vehicle and just forwardly of a fore portion of a closed rear deck. The top is an L-shaped structure having a roof and right and left legs rigid with the roof and mounted on the pivots so that the roof is capable of 180.degree. inversion from an up mode in which roof overlies the passenger compartment to a storage mode in which the roof overlies the rear deck.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1989Date of Patent: August 21, 1990Inventor: Clark C. Pattee
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Patent number: 4846524Abstract: A frame system for a fold down top for vehicles includes first and third generally rectangular-shaped perimeter frame members and a second U-shaped frame member. In the frame system's open position, the first frame member is pivotedly connectable along its transverse lower end portion to the vehicle about a first axis in a generally upright position. The second frame member, parallel to the first frame member, is also pivotedly connected along its transverse midportion about a second axis which is rearwardly positioned from the first axis. The third frame member is horizontally positioned having its forwardly end portion forwardly disposed over the front portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The third frame member is pivotedly connected along its rearwardly end portion to the second frame member about a third axis and also pivotedly connected to the first frame member and about fourth axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1986Date of Patent: July 11, 1989Assignee: Tampa G. Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Curtis E. Gerber
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Patent number: 4712828Abstract: Convertible top apparatus for midengine automobiles, such as the Pontiac Fiero and Toyota MR2, which have a far forwardly extending rear deck lid for accessing the engine, comprises a foldable frame assembly, a pliable top covering for the frame and means for pivotally mounting the frame assembly to the automobile body, for example, after the factory installed hard top is removed, forwardly of the forward end of the rear deck lid. The frame assembly is configured so that rearward portions of the top extend rearwardly over the deck lid when the top is up, portions of the frame assembly stacking on top of forward regions of the rear deck when the top is down. The frame mounting means include mounting brackets fixed to the automobile and hinge members pivotally mounted to the brackets and to which both the deck lid and top frame assembly are connected. The brackets and hinge members are configured so that with the top up, opening the deck lid also pivots up rearward portions of the top.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1985Date of Patent: December 15, 1987Assignee: California Auto TrendsInventor: Leonard N. Albrecht