Aesthetic cover for convertible tops
OwnerMartha H. Lakeinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A decorative cover for a convertible top is clipped onto an existing convertible top to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a convertible top automobile. The leading edge of the decorative cover member is secured to a molded boot that frictionally engages the leading end of the existing convertible top. The molded boot is one continuous part to prevent air from getting into a space between the existing convertible top and the decorative cover member. A plurality of side clips are used to clip the sides of the decorative cover member to the sides of the existing convertible top. The decorative cover member is sewn or adhered to a preselected surface of each of the side clips. The trailing edge of the decorative cover member is clipped to the storage well or other available part of the automobile.
Claims15
A device for enhancing the appearance of a pre-existing convertible top, comprising:
- a flexible cover member having a shape and size that substantially conforms to the shape and size of said pre-existing convertible top;
- a first clip means formed of a flexible and resilient material;
- said first clip means being a molded boot having a middle section of breadth substantially equal to a breadth of said pre-existing convertible top, said middle section overlying a leading edge of said pre-existing convertible top and said molded boot having opposed end sections that overlie and frictionally engage opposing side edges of said pre-existing convertible top;
- a leading edge of said flexible cover member disposed in underlying relation to said middle section of said molded boot, securely sandwiched between said middle section of said molded boot and a leading edge of said pre-existing convertible top;
- a second clip means;
- attaching means for attaching a side edge of said flexible cover member to a preselected surface of said second clip means;
- said second clip means adapted to releasably engage a side edge of said pre-existing convertible top;
- and
- a third clip means for securing a trailing end of said flexible cover member into overlying relation to a trailing end of said pre-existing convertible top;
- whereby said flexible cover member is quickly and easily releasably attachable to said pre-existing convertible top.
A system for covering a pre-existing convertible top with a decorative cover to enhance the decorative appeal of a convertible top automobile, comprising:
- a molded boot having a middle section that overlies and frictionally engages a leading edge of a pre-existing convertible top;
- said molded boot having opposing ends formed integrally with said middle section, said opposing ends overlying and frictionally engaging opposed side edges of said pre-existing convertible top;
- a decorative cover member having substantially the same size and shape of said pre-existing cover, said decorative cover member adapted to overlie said pre-existing convertible top;
- a leading edge of said decorative cover member disposed in underlying relation to said middle section of said molded boot and being sandwiched between said middle section of said molded boot and said leading edge of said pre-existing convertible top;
- a plurality of side clip members adapted to engage opposing side edges of said pre-existing convertible top;
- said decorative cover member being secured at spaced intervals along its opposing side edges to said side clip members;
- and
- an end clip means for securing a trailing edge of said decorative cover member to a pre-existing part of said convertible top automobile.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.