Cars & Concepts, Inc.

Chris P Theodore

Ronald E Watson

A vehicle body hatchback (12) is disclosed as including a hatch (16) that is movable between open and closed positions and has a hatch opening (24) with a soft top convertible closure (26) movable between open and closed positions with respect to the hatch opening (24). The convertible closure (26) includes a frame (28) movable between raised and stored positions and also includes a soft top (30) that is moved between the closed and open positions thereof upon movement of the frame between the raised and stored positions. Frame (28) of the convertible closure (26) preferably includes a main bow (34) having opposite ends (36) pivotally mounted on the hatch and also includes an auxiliary bow (54) having opposite ends (56) pivotally mounted on the main bow. Movement of the frame bows (34,54) between the stored and raised positions moves the soft top (30) between the closed and open positions. In the closed position, the auxiliary bow (54) is movable to an overcenter position that tensions the soft top (30). In the open position, a storage member (64) mounted on the hatch (16) below its opening (24) supports the soft top (30) and a boot (66) covers the stored convertible closure.

Hatchback vehicle body including hatch having opening with soft top

An isolation package (22) provides connection of a transmission shift lever (14) with a shifter operating member (16). A connector (28) of the isolation package (22) has a threaded connection (30,32) with an upper end (18) of the shifter operating member (16) and extends through a hole (34) in the lower end (20) of the lever. Elastomeric material (36,38) is positioned between the lever end (20) and the end (18) of the shifter operating member (16) to provide a vibration isolated connection. The preferred construction of the isolation package (22) includes an elastomeric sleeve (36) and a pair of elastomeric tubes (38) that cooperate with a pair of the connectors (28) to provide the vibration isolated connection. A clamping plate (50) engages the elastomeric sleeve (36) to limit deformation thereof and thereby rigidify the connection.

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Whitmore Lake, MI, United States of America

Chris P Theodore