Patent ID: 6048021
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A convertible top operating mechanism for a convertible top for an automobile that has a body including a storage well, said top being movable between a raised position and a folded position stored within the well, and has a tonneau cover mounted for movement between a closed position, covering the well in top raised and lowered positions, and an open position enabling the top to be raised and lowered, said top having a pair of spaced articulated side linkages interconnected by a plurality of spaced bows supporting a top cover, each said side linkage including a rear rail pivoted to the body, said plurality of bows including a rear bow pivotally mounted on the rear rails for movement between a lowered position engaging the tonneau cover when the top is raised and a raised position adjacent the rear rail to provide clearance for the tonneau cover to open and enable raising and lowering of the top, the operating mechanism includinga rear bow control pressure linkage interconnecting the rear bow and each rear rail which folds to raise the rear bow and unfolds to initially lower the rear bow and then moves overcenter to lock the rear bow in its lowered position, andoperating means for moving the rear bow, characterized by the operating means comprise a power-operated movable actuating device pivotally interconnecting the automobile body and each bow control pressure linkage for moving the control linkage overcenter to lock and unlock the rear bow, for moving the rear between raised and lowered positions, and for enabling the rear bow to remain adjacent to and move with the rear rail about the rear rail pivot as the top is raised and lowered, further characterized by each rear bow control pressure linkage comprisingan upper control link pivoted to the rear rail anda lower control link pivoted to the rear bow and to the upper control link, and bythe power-operated movable actuating device being a hydraulic cylinder having its one end mounted for movement with the rear rail about the rear rail pivot to the body and its other end pivoted to the upper control link, the cylinder extending, to open and move the rear bow control pressure linkage overcenter after the top is raised, and contracting, to move the rear bow control pressure linkage overcenter and fold it to enable the tonneau cover to open and close as the top is raised and lowered.