US 5,620,226 A · Simplified automated top operator

Abstract

Apparatus for operating a five-bow convertible top includes two multi-purpose hydraulic cylinders which are connected by linkages to the rear rails to operate the top, to operate the rear bow, and to operate the tonneau. The cylinder rods are pivoted to a rear bow control link and to a power link. A gas spring biases the tonneau open, while an intermittent drive connected to the cylinder rods overcomes the biasing device to close the tonneau. During initial extension of the cylinder rods, the control link raises the rear bow; then the tonneau is unlatched and is raised by the intermittent drive. Simultaneously, the power link latches to and drives the rear rail to begin lowering the top. The tonneau then begins to close as the top is further lowered. The tonneau closes when the top is fully lowered. The cylinders are retracted to raise the top. Initially, the tonneau begins opening as the power link rotates the rear rail to begin raising the top. As the top is further raised, the intermittent drive begins to close the tonneau. When the rear rail is fully rotated, and the power link disengages from it, the tonneau is closed. Further retraction of the cylinder rods causes the control link to lower the rear bow onto the tonneau, where it is latched.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A convertible vehicle having a foldable top movable between an extended raised position and folded lowered position in a storage well;

a tonneau movable between positions opening and closing the storage well;
wherein the top comprises spaced articulated side rail structures that are interconnected by spaced transverse bows, including a movable rear bow engageable with the closed tonneau in top raised position;
power means;
and first linkage means connecting the power means to the side rail structures to enable the power means to raise and lower the top, characterized by
second linkage means connecting the power means to the tonneau to enable the power means to open the tonneau to permit top movement between raised and lowered positions and to close the tonneau in top raised and lowered positions, and
third linkage means connecting the power means with the rear bow to enable the power means to raise the rear bow during top raising to provide clearance for movement of the tonneau between open and closed positions, thereby enabling the power means
to raise the rear bow, open the tonneau and begin lowering the top, and close the tonneau as the top is fully lowered to lower the top, and
to open the tonneau and begin raising the top, close the tonneau as the top is fully raised, and lower the rear bow onto the tonneau to raise the top.

5 more elements

A convertible vehicle having a foldable top movable between an extended raised position and folded lowered position in a storage well;

a tonneau movable between positions opening and closing the storage well;
tonneau latches for latching the tonneau to the vehicle;
wherein the top comprises spaced articulated side rail structures, each having a rear rail, the side rail structures being interconnected by a header for attachment to the vehicle windshield and by spaced transverse bows, including a movable rear bow engageable with the closed tonneau in top raised position;
header latches for latching the header to the windshield, a pair of spaced hydraulic cylinders each having an output rod, and a power link connecting each output rod to a side rail structure to enable the cylinders to raise and lower the top, characterized by
biasing means biasing the tonneau open,
an intermittent drive connecting the tonneau with the power means for overcoming the biasing means to close the tonneau upon operation of the power means,
a control link connecting each output rod with the rear bow to enable the cylinders to raise the rear bow during top raising to provide clearance for movement of the tonneau between open and closed positions, and
a controller for operating the latches and cylinders
to open the header and tonneau latches, raise the rear bow, open the tonneau and begin lowering the top, and close the tonneau while fully lowering the top, and closing the tonneau latches to lower the top, and
to open the tonneau latch, open the tonneau and begin raising the top, close the tonneau while fully raising the top, lowering the rear bow onto the tonneau, and closing the header and tonneau latches to raise the top.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Simplified automated top operator

Life of this patent

Simplified automated top operator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19