Convertible top covering retainer with method for using the same
AssigneeASC Incorporated
InventorLendell E. Cowsert
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A convertible top having improved supporting means (16, 36, 46, 50, 56 and 58) for securing pliable covering (10, 12, and 14) to the linkage assembly. The means for securing the pliable covering (10, 12, and 14) includes one or more grooves (18, 20 and 22) supporting means (16, 36, 46, 50, 56 and 58) and attaching means (24, 26, 28) on the pliable covering (10, 12 and 14) which engages a groove (18, 20 or 22) in the supporting means (16, 36, 46, 50, 56 and 58) to secure the pliable covering (10, 12 and 14) in place. A method of assembly is also disclosed.
Claims26
An apparatus for use with a convertible top linkage assembly of an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a pliable cover;
- a barbed member having a base affixed to said cover by chemical bonding, said barbed member further having at least one barbed portion, said at least one barbed portion having at least one substantially flat surface and an abutting surface which intersect at a substantially acute angle;
- a movable roof bow having an upper portion extending in a cross-car manner with an undercut groove disposed along said bow, said at least one barbed portion insertable within said groove for securing said cover to said bow;
- and
- bottom, upstanding walls and at least one undercut flange defining said groove and substantially surrounding a cross section of said at least one barbed portion, said abutting surface of said at least one barbed portion directly contacting against said undercut flange without said cover being disposed between said at least one barbed portion and said undercut flange.
An apparatus for use with a convertible top linkage assembly of an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a transparent and entirely flexible, plastic window;
- a welt permanently fastened to said window and extending in a longitudinally elongated manner along an edge of said window;
- and
- a movable roof bow having a longitudinally elongated and grooved element disposed along an external surface of said bow, said grooved element being substantially rigid, an enlarged portion of said welt engagable within a groove of said grooved element for securing said edge of said window to said bow.
An apparatus for use with a convertible top linkage assembly of an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a headliner;
- a welt permanently fastened to said headliner and extending in a longitudinally elongated manner along a peripheral edge of said headliner, said welt being defined as a single piece and uniform material part having an enlarged portion and a single integrally formed tail, said tail being fastened to said headliner;
- and
- a movable roof bow having a longitudinally elongated and grooved element disposed along an external surface of said bow, said enlarged portion of said welt engagable within a groove of said grooved element for securing said headliner to said bow.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.