Source: {"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"}

The invention relates generally to locking devices for vehicle tops and more particularly to a locking device for locking the top to the windshield frame of the vehicle wherein the locking device comprises a locking member arranged at a forward frame section of the top, a mounting provided at the windshield frame, as well as a centering means effective between the top and the windshield frame.
In a known locking mechanism of the general type described above disclosed in German Patent No. 1,915,227, a hook is provided on the underside of the windshield frame. This hook cooperates with a clamping bracket supported on the side of the top and the clamping bracket is attached to a lever that passes through dead center. Furthermore, a centering device is arranged between the windshield frame and the top which fixes the top in the transverse and vertical directions before the top is braced against the windshield frame by means of the clamping bracket and the lever, respectively.
This arrangement has the drawback that the components forming the locking mechanism are located, without a cover, in the region where a driver's and/or passenger's head can impact, thereby increasing the risk of injuries in the occurrence of a vehicle collision. Since the locking device can be operated only manually, and several manipulations are required for the locking and unlocking steps (i.e. suspending and detaching the clamping bracket and tensioning and releasing of the clamping bracket by means of the lever), the operating convenience of this locking mechanism is substantially impaired. Furthermore, considerable force must be expended for locking the top in place since the top is braced, by means of the lever and/or clamping bracket, downwardly and/or forwardly against the windshield frame. During the pivoting of the lever, there is always a danger of pinching the installer's fingers. Moreover, the structure of this locking device requires a large amount of installation space at the windshield frame and at the top, respectively, which makes it difficult to provide unrestricted design possibilities in this region.
It is one object of this invention to provide a locking device between a windshield frame and a forward frame section of the top which affords satisfactory operating convenience.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a locking device exhibiting favorable space-occupying conditions.
An even further object of the present invention is to satisfy the ever-increasing requirements for motor vehicle occupant safety in the passenger compartment.
These and other objects of the present invention are attained by the provision of a locking device for locking the top of the motor vehicle to the windshield frame of the vehicle wherein the locking device comprises a locking member arranged at a forward frame section at the top, a mounting provided at the windshield frame, and centering means effective between the top and windshield frame. The locking member comprises a crank, equipped with a locking pin and connected with an operating unit. The locking pin cooperates with a slotted guide means constituting the mounting in such a manner that the movement of the locking pin within the guide track of the slotted guide means results in a vertical reciprocating motion of the frame section of the top. The device may advantageously be employed for example, in vehicles exhibiting convertible tops.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.