Patent ID: 8132840
Filing Date: 2012-03-13
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A motor vehicle with a center drive tonneau cover assembly for covering a convertible top in a stored configuration, said motor vehicle comprising: a vehicle body having a passenger compartment and a storage compartment located behind said passenger compartment, said storage compartment dimensioned to store the convertible top in a stored orientation; a tonneau cover pivotally coupled to said vehicle body, said tonneau cover having a closed position extending across said storage compartment and an open position that provides access to said storage compartment for the convertible top; and a linkage system pivotally coupled to said vehicle body and having a center link located generally along a longitudinal center portion of said vehicle body, said linkage system operable to move said tonneau cover between said closed position and said open position, whereby said center link occupies free space between said tonneau cover and the convertible top in the stored configuration within said storage compartment and provides free space between a side portion of the convertible top in the stored configuration and an adjacent portion of a side body panel of said vehicle body.