Patent ID: 7762613

Claim:
A motor vehicle comprising: a windshield having header extending along an upper end thereof; a retractable top movable between a closed position extending over a passenger compartment and an open position disposed in a storage compartment behind the passenger compartment, the convertible top having a front end that extends along the header in the closed position; and a latch mechanism releasably engageable with a receiver for locking at least a portion of the top in the closed position, the latch mechanism having: at least one locking member movable between a locked position engaged with the receiver for locking the top in the closed position and an unlocked position allowing movement of the top between closed and open positions; a blocking member movable between an engaged position retaining the locking member in the locked position and a disengaged position spaced apart from the locking member to allow movement of the locking member between the locked and unlocked positions; and a memory metal element having an end coupled to the blocking member, the memory metal element changing in length in response to selective application of energy thereto and causing corresponding actuation of the blocking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.