US 11,407,293 B2 · Interchangeable convertible roof apparatus

Abstract

An interchangeable convertible roof apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a lower roof bow pivot is interchangeable between multiple locations depending on which roof cover configuration is desired during top stack mechanism assembly. A further aspect employs identically same side rails, roof bows and linkages between a fastback convertible roof configuration and a squareback convertible roof configuration, except for a roof bow located above and adjacent to a back window (when in a closed position), such as a four-bow, and optionally a mounting bracket. Still another aspect employs a fastener to allow the same fabric roof cover to be interchanged between differently sized configurations when in its closed position. Moreover, a brace stationarily secures a vehicular roll bar to a top stack mechanism of a convertible roof in a rigidly attached manner.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An automotive vehicle convertible roof apparatus comprising:

(a) at least one flexible fabric roof cover;
(b) a rear window attached to the roof cover;
(c) a top stack mechanism moveable from a closed position to an open position, the top stack mechanism comprising at least one roof bow attached to the roof cover above and adjacent to the rear window as viewed when in the closed position;
(d) a first pivot location and at least a spaced apart second pivot location;
(e) a proximal end portion of the at least one roof bow being rotatably attached to the first pivot location when the at least one roof cover is of a first closed size;
and
(f) the proximal end portion of the at least one roof bow being rotatably attached to the second pivot location when the at least one roof cover is of a second closed size, the second closed size being larger than the first closed size.

4 more elements

An automotive vehicle convertible roof apparatus comprising:

(a) at least one convertible roof;
(b) a rear window attached to the convertible roof;
(c) a top stack mechanism moveable from a closed position to an open position, the top stack mechanism comprising at least one roof bow attached to the convertible roof adjacent to an upper edge of the rear window as viewed when in the closed position;
(d) at least one stationary mounting bracket including a first pivot location and at least a spaced apart second pivot location;
(e) the at least one roof bow being rotatably attached to the first pivot location when the at least one convertible roof is of a first closed size;
and
(f) the at least one roof bow being rotatably attached to the second pivot location when the at least one convertible roof is of a second closed size, the second size being different than the first size;
(g) an actuator affixed to the mounting bracket, the actuator being operable to open and close the top stack mechanism;
(h) an automotive sport utility vehicle including a passenger compartment between side passenger door openings, and a rear compartment with the mounting bracket being stationarily affixed within the rear compartment;
(i) a roll bar secured to the vehicle and spanning above the rear compartment;
and
(j) a brace comprising an upper portion stationarily secured to the roll bar and a lower portion stationarily coupled to at least one of:
the top stack mechanism or the mounting bracket.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Interchangeable convertible roof apparatus

Life of this patent

Interchangeable convertible roof apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18