Quick release system for a vehicle hard top

A method for removing a cover from a vehicle body, comprising the steps of:

• affixing a mounting bracket to an underside of a flange of a vehicle, the mounting bracket including a locking member;
• urging the locking member linearly to position a first opening of the locking member into alignment with an axis of a locking pin;
• and
• exerting an axial pulling force on a locking pin received through the locking member to withdraw the locking pin from the locking member through the first opening, and through corresponding apertures in a vehicle body and a vehicle cover at a hold down point;
• wherein the locking member includes a biasing mechanism that biases the locking member to a first, locked position with respect to the mounting bracket whereby the locking pin received though the first opening cannot be removed via the axial pulling force exerted on the locking pin;
• wherein the locking member includes an engagement portion accessible to a user and actuatable to move the locking member against the bias of the biasing member to position the first opening of the locking member into alignment with the axis of the locking pin;
• wherein the biasing mechanism includes a first resilient arm extending from a body of the locking member and a second resilient arm extending from the body of the locking member;
• and
• wherein each of the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm is generally V-shaped and includes a first leg member and a second leg member forming a joint therebetween, the first leg member being linear and having a first end connected to the body of the locking member and a second end connected to the second leg member at the joint, the second leg member being linear and having a first end connected to the first leg member at the joint and a second end configured to bear against a rear wall of the mounting bracket, each of the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm further including at least one living hinge formed at the joint between the first leg member and the second leg member;
• wherein the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm form a diamond shape therebetween;
• and
• wherein the second end of the second leg member of each of the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm form a distal-most portion of the locking member opposite the engagement portion.

A quick release system for a vehicle cover, comprising:

• a housing configured for mounting on an underside of a flange of a vehicle;
• a locking member received within the housing, the locking member including a keyhole opening, and engagement portion, and a biasing mechanism;
• a locking pin receivable through the keyhole opening and having an axis;
• wherein the keyhole opening includes a first opening having a first diameter and a second opening in communication with the first opening and having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter;
• wherein the biasing mechanism includes a first resilient arm extending from a body of the locking member and a second resilient arm extending from the body of the locking member;
• and
• wherein each of the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm is generally V-shaped and includes a first leg member and a second leg member forming a joint therebetween, the first leg member being linear and having a first end connected to the body of the locking member and a second end connected to the second leg member at the joint, the second leg member being linear and having a first end connected to the first leg member at the joint and a second end configured to bear against a rear wall of the housing, each of the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm further including at least one living hinge formed at the joint between the first leg member and the second leg member;
• wherein the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm form a diamond shape therebetween;
• wherein the second end of the second leg member of each of the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm form a distal-most portion of the locking member opposite the engagement portion;
• wherein the biasing mechanism biases the locking member to a first, locked position within the housing whereby the axis of the locking pin is generally aligned with a center of the second opening;
• and
• wherein the engagement portion is accessible to a user to move the locking member against the bias of the biasing mechanism to a second, clearance position whereby the axis of the locking pin is generally aligned with a center of the first opening;
• wherein the quick release system further includes a mounting template having a locating member receivable in an aperture in the flange, the mounting template facilitating proper positioning of the housing on the flange.