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US 2016/0101676 A1Published application
Top Stack Seal with Tensioning Strap
AssigneeMagna Car Top Systems of America, Inc.
InventorsChristopher J. Dilluvio, Wolfgang Richter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A support strap for holding a seal strip of a convertible top against one or more body panels of the vehicle. The seal strip has a body panel engaging portion and an attachment portion. A tensioner is operatively attached to the support strap to reduce the flexibility of the support strap and apply pressure to the seal strip to improve the effectiveness of the seal strip.
Claims20
An apparatus for supporting a seal of a convertible top for a vehicle comprising:
- a support strap having a first end attached to a first top stack part and a second end attached to a second top stack part, wherein the support strap is flexible when the convertible top is retracted, and wherein the support strap is attached to an attachment portion of the seal to hold an engagement portion of the seal against the vehicle when the convertible top is extended;
- and
- a tensioner operatively connected between one of the top stack parts and the support strap to reduce the flexibility of the support strap between the first and second top stack parts when the convertible top is extended.
A convertible top for a vehicle having a body that defines a beltline of the vehicle, the convertible top comprising:
- a top stack linkage including a plurality of bows extending in a transverse direction and a plurality of articulated rails extending in a longitudinal direction that support the bows, wherein the linkage is movable between an extended position and a retracted position;
- a cover supported by the linkage in the extended position and folded by the linkage in the retracted position;
- a supporting strap attached to the top stack linkage;
- a biasing apparatus that selectively tensions the supporting strap by tightening the strap, and
- a seal provided between the supporting strap and the body at the beltline where the cover overlies the body, wherein the supporting strap is tensioned by the biasing apparatus to hold the seal against the body.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.