Top stack mechanism for a convertible roof
AssigneeASC Incorporated
InventorWilliam Sims
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A convertible roof employs a top stack mechanism and a generally rigid roof cover. Furthermore, the frame may be stowed under a rigid roof cover. In another aspect of the present invention, the top stack mechanism employs a rearmost roof bow that is moved from above a roof cover to allow the roof cover to open, and then the entire top stack mechanism retracts into a storage area. A further aspect of the present invention provides a lost motion coupling of the top stack mechanism to the vehicle body. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a fluid powered actuator controls movement of the rearmost roof bow relative to the remainder of the top stack mechanism.
Claims41
A convertible roof system for use in an automotive vehicle, the convertible roof system comprising:
- a top stack mechanism automatically movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, the top stack mechanism including at least a first roof bow, a second roof bow and a linkage;
- a fluid powered actuator operatively interconnecting the second roof bow and the linkage, the fluid powered actuator including a fluid cylinder having opposite ends;
- selectively moving the second roof bow with the fluid powered actuator wherein the second roof bow pivots about a pivot area independent of the first roof bow to bring the second roof bow substantially adjacent the first roof bow;
- and
- a rigid roof storage space cover positionable over the top stack mechanism when the top stack mechanism is in the fully open position;
- both ends of the fluid cylinder moving with the top stack mechanism when the top stack mechanism moves between the fully closed and open positions.
A convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle, the system comprising:
- a top stack assembly movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, the top stack assembly including a balance link, a plurality of roof bows and a plurality of linkages, wherein the roof bows are transversely between and pivotally affixed to the plurality of linkages;
- an automatic actuator operable to drive the linkages between the fully open and the fully closed positions;
- a fixed bracket;
- and
- a projection extending from one of the bracket and the balance link, an elongated slot located on the other of the bracket and the balance link, the projection operably riding within the slot to allow the balance link to be automatically displaced both rotationally and longitudinally;
- the balance link having a first end located below a horizontal plane extending through the projection when the top stack mechanism is in the fully open position.
An automotive vehicle comprising:
- a rigid roof cover;
- a bracket located generally below the roof cover;
- a convertible roof movable between a fully closed position and a stowed position, the convertible roof further comprising a rail;
- an automatic drive system operatively interconnected to the rail to drive the convertible roof between the fully stowed and fully closed positions, and
- a linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally coupled to the rail and the second end being movably coupled to the bracket, the second end of the linkage being displaced both rotationally and longitudinally when moved;
- wherein the convertible roof is angled below the rigid roof cover when the convertible roof is in the stowed position.
A convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle, the system comprising:
- a top stack mechanism, adapted to support a pliable cover, movable between a raised position and a stowed position, the top stack mechanism including side rails;
- a plurality of roof bows spanning between the rails;
- a balance link pivotally coupled to the rails, wherein the balance link allows a portion of at least a front one of the side rails to be stowed at a rearwardly and downwardly projected angle below a horizontal line at an automotive vehicle side belt line;
- a first mechanism operable to automatically move the top stack mechanism between the raised position and the stowed position;
- and
- a fluid powered mechanism energizable to automatically move a first of the roof bows to a position closer to a second of the roof bows without requiring movement of the first roof bow.
A method of operating a convertible roof for an automotive vehicle, the convertible roof including at least a first roof bow, a second roof bow, and a piston mechanism, the method comprising:
- (a) supplying fluid to the piston mechanism;
- (b) moving at least a portion of the second roof bow toward the first roof bow in response to supplying the fluid to the piston mechanism;
- (c) maintaining the first roof bow in a substantially stationary position during step (b);
- and
- (d) locating the entire piston mechanism above a belt line of the vehicle when the convertible roof is in its raised position.
A method of operating a convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle having a belt line, the convertible roof system including a convertible soft top roof, a bracket, and a linkage, the method comprising:
- (a) rotating the linkage relative to the bracket;
- (b) moving the linkage below a horizontal plane substantially defined by the belt line;
- (c) downwardly angling a rearmost section of the roof below the belt line when in a stowed position;
- and
- (d) stowing the entire roof below the horizontal plane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.