Patent ID: 8038200
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: B60J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A convertible vehicle, comprising: a windshield frame; a movable roof with a front end, the roof having a closed position wherein the front end is secured to the windshield frame; at least two movable engagement bodies disposed in the front end of the roof and operable to secure the front end of the movable roof to the windshield frame in the closed position; a pair of force communicators each having an inner end and an outer end, the outer end of one of the force communicators operatively connected to each of the engagement members; a drive disposed in the front end of the roof, the drive having a drive member disposed substantially transversely with respect to the vehicle, the drive member and the force communicators being disposed generally in a first shared plane; a coupling member directly coupled to the drive member and disposed substantially transversely, the coupling member including a toothed rack disposed generally parallel to the drive member, the toothed rack having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom; and a transmission operatively engaging the coupling member and the inner ends of the force communicators, the transmission including at least one gear directly engaged with the teeth of the coupling member, the gear having an axis of rotation that is generally vertical when the roof is in the closed position.