Single-button actuated self-correcting automatic convertible top
AssigneeASC Incorporated
InventorsJames M. Helms, George A. Alderton, IV
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for lowering and raising an automotive convertible top includes a motor for moving the convertible top, a potentiometer for sensing the position of the convertible top throughout its range of movement, and a controller for actuating the motor in response to the sensed position of the potentiometer.
Claims23
A system for lowering and raising an automotive convertible top, said system comprising:
- motive means connected to said convertible top for moving said convertible top to open and close the convertible top;
- position sensing means connected to said convertible top for sensing the position of said convertible top throughout its range of motion;
- and
- control means, responsive to said position sensing means, for actuating said motive means in response to input from said position sensing means.
A system for retracting and extending an automotive convertible top comprised of a plurality of articulating structural elements over which a cover is supported where the convertible top, when fully retracted, is stored beneath a tonneau cover pivotally attached to the automobile, the system comprising:
- motive means, connected to said articulating structural elements and said tonneau cover, for moving said articulating structural elements and said tonneau cover to retract and extend the convertible top;
- position sensing means, connected to said articulating structural elements and said tonneau cover, for sensing the instantaneous positions of said articulating structural elements and said tonneau cover throughout their range of movement;
- and
- control means, responsive to said position sensing means, for controlling the movements of said motive means based upon said sensed instantaneous positions of said articulating structural elements and said tonneau cover.
A method for retracting and extending an automotive convertible top, the method including:
- sensing a command, issued by an automobile user, to retract or extend the convertible top;
- initiating movement of said convertible top in accordance with said sensed command;
- and
- monitoring the instantaneous position of said convertible top as it moves to ensure said convertible top is moving properly.
A method for retracting and extending an automotive convertible top pivotally attached to the automobile, the method including:
- sensing a command, issued by an automobile user, to retract or extend the convertible top;
- initiating movement of said convertible top in accordance with said sensed command;
- monitoring the instantaneous position of said convertible top as it moves to ensure said convertible top is moving properly;
- and
- initiating remedial movement of said convertible top in the event that said monitored instantaneous positions indicate that said convertible top is not moving properly.
A system for retracting and extending an automotive convertible top where the convertible top, when fully retracted, is stored beneath a tonneau cover pivotally attached to the automobile, the system comprising:
- motive means, connected to said convertible top and said tonneau cover, for moving said convertible top and said tonneau cover to retract and extend the convertible top;
- position sensing means, connected to said convertible top and said tonneau cover, for sensing the instantaneous positions of said convertible top and said tonneau cover;
- and
- control means, responsive to said position sensing means for controlling the movements of said motive means based upon said sensed instantaneous positions of said convertible top and said tonneau cover.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.