Patent ID: 6726269
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: B60J,F15B

Abstract:
A top operating mechanism for moving a vehicle convertible top between a lowered position stored in a storage well and a raised position, said storage well having a tonneau movable between open and closed positions, said top comprising a pair of spaced linkages each comprising a plurality of pivotally-interconnected side rails including a rear rail, a plurality of spaced transverse bows, including a rear bow pivotally attached to the rear rails for independent raising and lowering movement relative to the rear rail to enable movement of the tonneau, interconnecting the linkages to support a fabric top, and a power operator connected to each rear rail that is extensible to raise the top and retractable to lower the top, said top operating mechanism characterized bya first hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the top, a second hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the tonneau, a hydraulic power source including a reversible pump, a 2-position, solenoid-operated control valve, a fluid distribution system interconnecting the source, cylinders and valve, including first fluid lines connecting the source with a first end of the top and tonneau cylinders and second fluid lines connecting the valve with the other ends of the top and tonneau cylinders, and third fluid lines including a pilot operated check valve connecting the source to the control valve, and a controller for operating the reversible pump and control valve to selectively extend and retract each of the cylinders to raise and lower the top and raise and lower the tonneau.