Bow Spacers Patents (Class 296/127)
  • Patent number: 7802837
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Lars Schulz, Felix Hermann, Dominik Beierl
  • Patent number: 4927202
    Abstract: An attachment to the support structure of a retractable convertible top for a vehicle which prevents the vinyl top material from becoming caught between the cross support bows of the structure. As a result, the storage stack height of the fully retracted roof is reduced. The invention consists of a pair of push-out attachments which are secured to opposite sides of the support structure directly to the cross bow. The push-outs are mounted to the bow using the existing screws of the structure and replace a cardboard spacer found on the structure. The opposite end of the push-out includes a slot which travels along the side power link. As the top is retracted, the push-out engages the vinyl material which tends to fold along with the structure and prevents the material from becoming caught between the bows. Once the top is fully retracted, the stack height is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: C & C Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph M. Wagner