Retractable top quarter window assembly

#This invention relates to retractable hard top vehicle roofs and related vehicle components that facilitate roof retraction and extension.

#Motor vehicles generally are provided with a rigid roof structure completely enclosing the top of the passenger compartment. In some instances a sunroof may be provided at an additional cost to provide some overhead ventilation, however, the size of the vehicle sunroofs is normally very limited. Vehicle roofs with sunroofs do not in any way approach the ventilation, openness and panoramic view that is available with a convertible roof.

#Conventional convertibles have a soft top that is folded into a series of folds that are stretched over three or four convertible top bows when the top is in its extended, or up, position. Convertible soft tops are prone to problems including excessive noise and potential water leakage. Soft tops are also generally less durable than a hard top and may require replacement periodically during the life of the vehicle. Some of the difficulties with the soft top convertibles result from the fact that they are not particularly well suited to winter weather. Cold temperatures, ice and snow that are encountered in winter discourage consumers from selecting convertible style vehicles even though the consumers may want a convertible for summer driving. In winter, water leakage through the convertible roof can make driving unpleasant and cause water damage to the interior of the vehicle. A soft top can make a vehicle difficult to heat due to heat transfer through the convertible top unless it is lined and insulated. If a convertible top is lined and insulated, reduction in noise levels and better heat retention may be achieved but the top becomes more bulky and requires more space within the vehicle for stowage.

#FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the modular concept of the present invention wherein a retractable top, power tonneau, trunk lid and roll bar are assembled to each other and a frame including mounting brackets and installed as a unit simultaneously in a vehicle.

#FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle with a retractable top made in accordance with the present invention in its top up position.

#FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a retractable top made in accordance with the present invention at the beginning of the retraction cycle.

#Referring now to FIG. 1, a retractable top 10 for a vehicle 12 is shown as a modular construction including a frame 14, inner tonneau cover 16 and trunk lid 18 that are installed as a unit in the partially assembled vehicle 12. The frame 14 is secured to the retractable top 10, inner tonneau cover 16 and trunk lid 18 that will be more particularly described below. The trunk lid 18 includes an outer tonneau cover 20 that is assembled to the trunk lid 18 in a sliding relationship similar to the sliding mechanism used for power sunroofs. The front edge of the trunk lid 22 and a rear edge of the inner tonneau 24 define the space covered by the outer tonneau cover 20 when it is extended from the trunk lid 18. Main bracket 26 and right and left wheel housing brackets 28 and 30, respectively, are secured to or are formed as parts of other components of the vehicle such as the floor and wheel housings. Holes 32 are provided for fasteners to be received in for securing the modular assembly to the vehicle 12.

#Referring to FIGS. 2-8, the structure and operation of the retractable roof 10 is described. The retractable top 10 in the illustrated embodiment includes a front roof assembly 36 and a rear roof assembly 38. The front and rear roof assemblies 36 and 38 are interconnected by a hinge pin 40 and hinge flange 42. The hinge pin 40 is associated with the rear roof assembly 38 and the hinge flange 42 extends rearwardly from the rear edge of the front roof assembly 36. The roof linkage generally indicated by reference numeral 44 controls retraction and extension of the retractable top 10. The roof linkage 44 is symmetrical and includes right and left roof linkages on the right and left sides of the vehicle 12. For brevity, only the left side of the roof linkage 44 is shown. However, it should be understood that a right side linkage is also provided as part of the roof linkage 44. The right side roof linkage is substantially identical in all material respects to the left side linkage and its description will not be repeated.

#The roof linkage 44 includes a roof pivot bracket 46 comprising a generally y-shaped member having a track follower member 48 on one part of the roof pivot bracket 46 that is received for sliding movement along the roof guide track 50. A pivot connector 52 is provided on another portion of the roof pivot bracket 46. The pivot connector 52 connects the roof pivot bracket 46 to the rear roof assembly 38. A pivot pin 54 connects another part of the roof pivot bracket 46 to a balance link 56. Balance link 56 interconnects the roof pivot bracket 46 to the front roof assembly 36 at front roof pivot 58. A control link 60 is connected to a body mount pivot 62 and a roof assembly pivot 64.