Patent ID: 7021695
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A retractable top system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment and a storage area behind the passenger compartment, the vehicle having a body and a windshield defining the forward end of the passenger compartment, the windshield having a header, the top system having an extended position wherein the top system defines a roof over the passenger compartment and interconnects with the windshield header and a storage position wherein the top system does not cover the passenger compartment and at least a portion of the top system is disposed in the storage area, the top system comprising: a rear window having an upper edge and a pair of side edges, the rear window having a first position wherein the window is supported on the body at the rear of the passenger compartment in a generally vertical position, the rear window being in the first position when the top system is in the extended position; a one piece support frame extending between a forward end and a rearward end, the support frame not folding or collapsing, the forward end of the support frame interconnecting with the windshield header when the top system is in the extended position, the rearward end being pivotally interconnected with the vehicle body at the rear of the passenger compartment, the support frame having an inner surface and an opposed outer surface, the inner surface facing the passenger compartment when the top system is in the extended position, the outer surface being directed downwardly when the top system is in the storage position; and a cover having a forward end and a rearward end, the cover having a closed position wherein the cover closes the storage area and an open position wherein the forward end moves upwardly so as to uncover at least a portion of the storage area, the cover having an inner surface and an opposed outer surface, the inner surface facing the storage area when the cover is in the closed position; a flexible roof membrane having a forward edge proximate the forward end of the support frame, the roof membrane extending rearwardly so as to cover at least the outer surface of the support frame when the top system is in the extended position, the roof membrane further having a pair of rear fin portions, each fin portion extending rearwardly of the rear window adjacent one of the side edges of the rear window when the top system is in the extended position, the fin portions having rearmost edges that are adjacent the outer surface of the cover when the top system is in the extended position and the cover is closed.