Patent ID: 7287801
Filing Date: 2007-10-30
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. An operating mechanism for a convertible top for an automobile that has a body including a storage well, said top and said well each having a width, said top being movable between a raised position and a folded position stored within the well; said top having pairs of spaced articulated side linkages interconnected by a plurality of transversely extending spaced apart bows supporting a top cover, each said side linkage including a rear rail pivoted to the body, the operating mechanism including: at least one three-dimensional four bar linkage mechanism providing inward and outward movement of said rear rail and said top as said top is folded and raised, the mechanism consisting of: wherein said rear rail is hinged obliquely to said bracket at said upper end, said front articulated support rod is hinged at said upper end to said bracket, and said drag link is hinged at one end to said support rod and attached at the other end to said rear rail via a ball joint.