Convertible top linkage assembly with laterally moving rear quarter windows
AssigneeASC Incorporated
InventorJohn E. Truskolaski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A convertible top linkage assembly incorporating a retractable rear quarter window which is coupled to the linkage assembly by an attachment and a pivot that allow the window to simultaneously pivot and to displace laterally. A displacing mechanism is used to laterally position the window and set it against a corresponding seal as the convertible top linkage assembly is raised and lowered.
Claims27
For a convertible top linkage assembly, improved means for mounting a retractable rear quarter window, comprising:
- (a) support means connected to the linkage assembly for supporting said quarter window so that it will raise and lower simultaneously with said linkage assembly;
- (b) universal pivot means for coupling the quarter window to the support means, said pivot means allowing said rear quarter window to pivot about a substantially vertical axis that rotates about a point in said support means, thereby allowing a lower portion of the rear quarter window to displace laterally to a limited degree with respect to said support means;
- and
- (c) displacing means for laterally displacing a front edge of said rear quarter window outwardly with respect to said support means as the support means is raised and for laterally displacing said front edge of said rear quarter window inwardly with respect to said support means as the support means is lowered.
For a vehicle convertible top that can be raised into a position to cover the interior of said vehicle, and lowered into a collapsed storage position, an improved means for positioning a retractable rear quarter window, comprising:
- (a) linkage assembly that provides a frame for said convertible top and is pivotally connected to said vehicle;
- (b) covering means for covering the exterior of said linkage assembly;
- (c) a retractable support member, that rotates within said linkage assembly in a single plane, for supporting said rear quarter window;
- (d) universal pivot means for coupling the quarter window to the support member, said pivot means allowing said rear quarter window to pivot about a substantially vertical axis that rotates about a point in said support member, thereby allowing a lower portion of the rear quarter window to displace laterally to a limited degree with respect to said support member;
- (e) displacing means for displacing a front edge of said rear quarter window outwardly with respect to said support member as the support member is raised and for displacing said front edge of said rear quarter window inwardly with respect to said support member as the support member is retracted;
- and
- (f) sealing means for sealing said rear quarter window by engagement with the rear quarter window.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.